This week’s Common Sense Investing Show delved into the practical realities of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of clear-eyed math and stress testing your portfolio. Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussed the critical concept of "sequence of returns," explaining how even a single down year can drastically alter retirement outcomes despite strong average returns. The show highlighted the psychological hurdles retirees face, especially the anxiety of living off assets versus a paycheck, and stressed the value of cash flow and secure income sources. Listeners were encouraged to take advantage of resources like portfolio stress tests and Victor’s book, Common Sense Investing Guide to Retirement, to help avoid costly mistakes and ensure both confidence and comfort in retirement.

The team also addressed timely topics such as the end of the Windfall Elimination/Government Pension Offset. Drawing from recent retirement studies, they noted how more people are retiring earlier—sometimes by choice but often due to health or employer changes—and discussed the financial and emotional implications of such transitions. Throughout the episode, Victor and Steve underscored the necessity of having a written, regularly updated retirement plan that factors in taxes, inflation, market volatility, and changing personal circumstances, so listeners can chart a stable and satisfying path toward their retirement dreams.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo tackled some of the biggest financial headlines, including the government shutdown’s end and the historic retirement of the penny. The hosts discussed how these and other economic shifts—like rising insurance costs—affect retirees and their planning. They emphasized the importance of adapting retirement strategies to changing market conditions and the necessity of stress-testing portfolios to ensure resilience in turbulent times.

The show also explored questions from listeners worried about retirement readiness and unforeseen life events. Victor and Steve reminded listeners that retirement planning should go beyond just crunching numbers; it's vital to account for inflation, evolving expenses, and varied scenarios like loss of a spouse or long-term care needs. They recommend running “test drives” of retirement budgets and using comprehensive planning software to visualize future income and costs. Above all, they urged listeners to avoid guesswork: start with sound math, stress-test your plan, and work with trusted professionals to secure a financially confident retirement.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's episode opened with Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussing the generally optimistic outlook among financial advisors despite ongoing concerns like inflation, taxes, and market volatility. The group emphasized the importance of financial planning and preparation, drawing on personal anecdotes and current trends in real estate and home ownership. Victor stressed the value of starting retirement savings early, particularly through 401(k) contributions, and offered practical advice for young savers and those navigating tax implications in home buying. He highlighted the significance of consistently monitoring spending, running the numbers, and regularly reassessing financial plans to bolster confidence in an uncertain economic environment.

The conversation also covered timely topics like Medicare open enrollment, the impact of recent interest rate cuts, and strategies for maximizing retirement income and Social Security benefits. Victor explained the complexities of Medicare and cautioned listeners against delaying enrollment, while also responding to listener questions about working in retirement and mitigating the risks of market downturns as retirement approaches. The show wrapped up with a reminder for regular portfolio "stress testing," diversifying investments to manage risk, and seeking professional financial advice for long-term success.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s CSI Show welcomed listeners with special guests Raymond McClure and Logan Wakamoto, paraplanners at McClure Capital, stepping in for host Victor McClure to join Steve Ringo. The team covered timely topics such as the impact of changing interest rates, recent large-scale layoffs, and market volatility, emphasizing the importance of always having a well-constructed, stress-tested retirement plan. Drawing on a recent Yahoo Finance report, they explored the habits of upper-class retirees, such as proactively managing lifetime tax bills and planning for long-term care. The conversation highlighted that successful retirees don’t just focus on the current year—they plan decades ahead—making the case for diversification, risk profiling, and thoughtful income strategies.

Additionally, the show touched on the dangers of online financial scams, sharing a cautionary story of a client who fell victim to a crypto fraud but found stability thanks to their robust retirement plan. Personal finance discipline, legacy planning, and creating positive cash flow were recurring themes, with real-life anecdotes, including Logan’s experience as a newlywed navigating joint finances.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's show with Victor McClure and Steve Ringo focused on the importance of financial planning in October—the official Financial Planning Month. Victor shared his experiences from recent travels and highlighted how life priorities and financial challenges shift as we age. The team distinguished between general financial planning and the more specialized retirement planning, emphasizing the unique needs of retirees who must navigate market volatility, inflation, and the critical "sequence of returns risk." They stressed that successful retirement isn't just about how much is saved, but about keeping spending in check, anticipating future healthcare costs, and building strong, reliable cash flow.

The conversation turned to the unpredictabilities faced in retirement, such as rising healthcare expenses, long-term care needs, and the psychological impact of market swings once a steady paycheck ends. Victor and Steve addressed frequent listener questions about managing old 401(k)s, the role of professional advisors, and making sure both spouses are prepared for unexpected events. They encouraged listeners not to rely on outdated financial rules, and advised seeking experienced and trustworthy guidance for creating a resilient plan.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing show, Victor McClure and co-host Steve Ringo dove into the fundamentals of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the unexpected and ensuring your savings last. Drawing on decades of experience, Victor encouraged listeners to look beyond flashy sales pitches and bonuses, instead focusing on working with highly-rated financial products and advisors who prioritize clients' best interests.

The team also addressed practical topics such as beneficiary designations, the evolving rules around required minimum distributions (RMDs), and the impact of inflation and healthcare expenses on retirement. Throughout, the advice was clear: focus on generating reliable income, routinely review beneficiaries, plan ahead for life's surprises, and demand comprehensive services from your financial advisor to truly protect yourself and your loved ones in retirement.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo tackled the increasingly critical issue of healthcare costs in retirement. Drawing from new Fidelity research, they discussed how a 65-year-old retiree today faces an estimated large amount in medical expenses over their retirement, with that figure doubling for couples and excluding key out-of-pocket costs like dental, vision, and long-term care. The hosts emphasized the importance of robust savings and proper planning to handle unpredictable expenses and inflation. They highlighted that many retirees fail to anticipate these costs, potentially leaving even diligent savers at risk of being caught off guard.

The show also covered a new Goldman Sachs study illustrating broader financial challenges facing Americans, especially younger generations. With nearly half of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X living paycheck to paycheck and a growing portion of affluent households failing to save, Victor and Steve stressed the dangers of “lifestyle creep” and inadequate preparation. They explained how major life events and debt can derail savings and warned against prioritizing college funding over retirement. The bottom line: achieving a comfortable, stress-free retirement requires disciplined saving, realistic income replacement goals, and the willingness to confront tough choices—possibly with professional guidance—to prepare for both anticipated and unexpected future expenses.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s CSI show kicked off with the team discussing the recent government shutdown and its practical implications for retirees and the broader public. The hosts encouraged listeners not to panic, noting that the stock market typically responds with resilience during shutdowns, and advised against making hasty investment changes based on short-term headlines. Instead, they advocated maintaining a diversified and properly allocated portfolio, highlighting the importance of having separate buckets for growth, income, and reserves to safeguard retirement plans against market volatility and unexpected events.

The show shifted to the topic of "financial malpractice," where Victor outlined common yet costly mistakes made by some advisors, such as discouraging 401(k) contributions or universally recommending Roth conversions. The hosts stressed the importance of individualizing investment strategies and using third-party, professional managers—like Daniel Snover—to optimize risk management and portfolio construction. Daniel explained why traditional 60/40 stock-bond allocations often fail to provide true diversification, advocating instead for strategies that incorporate alternative assets and risk parity methods.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

Victor McClure and his team at McClure Capital tackled timely topics in retirement and investing, starting with a candid discussion of today’s volatile stock market and record-high valuations. Victor highlighted the importance of understanding metrics like the CAPE ratio and the Buffett Indicator, both pointing to an overvalued market. Throughout the show, he emphasized smart asset allocation—urging listeners to rebalance portfolios, avoid emotional decision-making, and think strategically about risk, especially for those near or in retirement. He also introduced innovative managed programs that deliver market returns with reduced risk, and stressed the value of professional, ongoing investment management over set-it-and-forget-it strategies.

The episode also dove into the frequently debated topic of Roth conversions. Victor broke down the math and tax implications and underscored the importance of individualized, stress-tested retirement planning, particularly when considering healthcare costs, long-term care, and end-of-life expenses. Listeners’ questions were answered on topics like retirement savings strategies for those ten years out and funding long-term care, with practical guidance centered on maximizing 401(k) contributions, maintaining liquidity, and preparing for unexpected expenses.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s Common Sense Investing (CSI) radio show focused on the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut and its impact on retirement planning, investments, and overall financial security. Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussed how the Fed’s quarter-point reduction—bringing rates to a 4–4.25% range—may influence CDs, borrowing costs, and annuities, especially for those nearing or in retirement. They emphasized that while rate shifts often trigger headlines and short-term market anxiety, long-term investors should concentrate on locking in favorable rates and ensuring sustainable income streams. Victor shared practical examples about planning for the financial well-being of surviving spouses, underscoring the importance of personal pensions and stress-tested retirement plans regardless of political or market volatility.

The team also dove into behavioral finance, exploring how emotions and biases—like fear, greed, and familiarity—can lead to poor financial choices and overconfidence, particularly after extended bull markets. They cautioned against concentrating too heavily in sectors like technology or real estate, highlighting the cyclical nature of markets and the necessity of diversification. Mental accounting was discussed as a useful tactic when paired with a comprehensive, written retirement plan. Ultimately, the show stressed the value of maintaining a balanced portfolio, managing risk, and continually reassessing one’s financial strategy, with cash flow and income buckets as top priorities.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s episode of the Common Sense Investing Show focused on answering listener questions from the mailbag, covering topics many retirees and soon-to-be retirees face. Victor McClure used his decades of experience to explore the complexities of moving abroad in retirement, explaining that while pensions and Social Security are generally portable, crucial considerations like healthcare access, residency, and everyday conveniences can be much more complicated overseas for those interested in retiring outside of the United States.

The show also tackled practical issues like consolidating multiple retirement accounts after changing jobs, planning for long-term care, and managing inflation risk in retirement. Victor stressed that income—especially reliable, guaranteed income—is the foundation of a happy retirement. He recommended stress-testing your retirement plan, not simply relying on optimistic averages, and considering annuities and other income-producing investments.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure was joined by Steve Ringo and special guest Daniel Snover from PMV Capital for an insightful discussion on managing risk in today’s volatile markets. The team emphasized the importance of attention to detail, both in client service and investment strategy—drawing analogies from military precision and office culture. Victor and Daniel explained why traditional diversification may not be enough, and how their approach blends options to offer better downside protection and risk-adjusted returns, rather than trying to simply "beat the market" through stock-picking or market timing.

Daniel detailed how more sophisticated strategies, including leveraged ETFs and non-correlated asset classes, can help investors match or exceed market returns while significantly reducing risk. The conversation highlighted why professional management and institutional asset managers add value, especially compared to generic approaches like simply holding the S&P 500.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo focused on the importance of year-end financial strategies as we enter the latter half of 2025. The team emphasized stress testing retirement portfolios and urged listeners not to be complacent but to routinely evaluate their plans, particularly looking at asset allocation, tax harvesting, and income strategies ahead of 2026. The discussion highlighted the difference between accumulation and distribution phases, noting that while the stock market excels at growing wealth, retirees need reliable income streams and the right asset mix as they approach retirement.

The show also covered critical end-of-year deadlines, including Medicare’s annual election period, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth conversions, and charitable gifting, all of which must be addressed by December 31st. Victor and Steve stressed the importance of understanding healthcare and state tax implications when relocating in retirement, reminding listeners that costs and coverage can vary greatly depending on location. Audience questions covered topics such as evaluating portfolio performance and considering moves between financial advisors or relocating states.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's episode of the Common Sense Investing Show, hosted by Victor McClure from McClure Capital Wealth Management and co-hosted by Steve Ringo, tackles critical topics surrounding retirement planning. Victor shares his extensive experience in finance to navigate complex subjects such as the impact of fluctuating interest rates, market volatility, and tax changes on retirement plans. Emphasizing the importance of holistic retirement preparation, the discussion stresses the need for strategic financial planning, advocating for gradual expense adjustments rather than assuming economic conditions will remain static.

As the discussion progresses, the show delves into the complexities of selecting the right financial advisor. Victor and Steve emphasize the importance of choosing fiduciaries who are qualified across a range of products, whether they deal with annuities, stocks, or other financial instruments. They highlight the significance of understanding the fees associated with financial products and ensuring value from advisory services. The show concludes by encouraging listeners to be active stewards of their finances, offering insights into achieving financial security through well-planned retirement strategies.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's episode of the Common Sense Investing Show, hosted by Victor McClure and Steve Ringo, focused on navigating the uncertainty surrounding economic conditions and their potential impact on retirement planning. Victor shared insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of having a solid retirement plan, especially given current fluctuations in interest rates. Victor and Steve stressed the need for comprehensive planning to maintain lifestyle and security in retirement, drawing examples from their personal experiences and listener stories.

The discussion also touched on how significant changes in economic indicators like CPI and PPI affect future rate expectations, impacting investment strategies and retirement portfolios. McClure Capital advocates for stress testing retirement plans, much like the rigorous testing of structures, to reveal and address potential financial weaknesses. The show underscored the value of choosing high-rated insurance carriers for annuities, and the importance of continuous updates to beneficiary designations and estate planning. Victor and Steve's warm storytelling and practical advice prompted listeners to consider how inflation and market volatility might influence their retirement, highlighting the benefits of maintaining robust cash flow and diversified investments.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

In this week's episode of the Common Sense Investing radio show, hosts Victor McClure and Steve Ringo go over crucial topics surrounding retirement planning and financial stability. They emphasize the importance of a comprehensive retirement plan to navigate market volatility, taxes, inflation, and unexpected financial burdens. Victor explains the risks associated with relying solely on average returns, highlighting the potential pitfalls of "sequence of returns" – a concept that can dramatically affect retirement savings if not properly accounted for. Through practical examples, Victor illustrates why understanding the math behind investments can prevent retirees from falling into what he describes as a financial vortex or a death spiral.

Additionally, the hosts discuss the impact of lifestyle choices and unexpected expenses, such as college costs for children or caregiving for family members, on long-term financial health. They introduce terms like "financial vortex" and "lifestyle creep," advising listeners to prioritize their own retirement needs and clearly communicate financial boundaries to family. Victor and Steve stress that having a retirement plan is not about simple projections but involves careful calculation of future income, taxes, and potential shortfalls, adjusted regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises. They welcome questions from listeners, demonstrating how personalized advice can lead to a secure and unbothered approach to retirement planning.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

In the latest episode of the Common Sense Investing Show, hosted by Victor McClure and Steve Ringo, the discussion centered around the impact of political tensions on financial planning, particularly amid conflicts between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The hosts delved into the intricacies of interest rate decisions, highlighting the Federal Reserve's role in managing inflation and stabilizing the economy. With detailed analysis, they explored how interest rate fluctuations influence investment opportunities, notably in real estate and fixed income markets, and advised listeners on maintaining a balanced portfolio amid uncertainties. The emphasis was on ensuring that one's retirement plan withstands market volatility without depending on political and economic circumstances.

Alongside, McClure and Ringo answered listener queries, covering topics like long-term care planning, emergency funds, and education savings for grandchildren. The discussion underscored the importance of a robust, stress-tested financial plan that accounts for unexpected life events, including job loss or death of a spouse. Through engaging anecdotes and expert insights, the hosts reinforced the need for prudent financial decisions.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

During this week's edition of the Common Sense Investing (CSI) Show, hosts Victor McClure and Steve Ringo focused on the intricacies of planning for retirement amidst increasing life expectancies. They emphasized the importance of understanding the differences between the accumulation and distribution phases of financial life, particularly highlighting the potential financial challenges that can arise if one's retirement savings are not adequately diversified and protected against market downturns. Victor underscored the necessity of a comprehensive approach that includes proper planning, stress testing of portfolios, and maintaining diversified income streams instead of relying solely on stock investments.

In their discussion, the hosts also tackled the topic of selecting financial products, such as annuities, explaining the significance of choosing high-rated companies to ensure reliability and income stability.  Additionally, they addressed the common misconceptions about Roth conversions and emphasized the critical need for tailored financial strategies that consider one's entire financial picture, including potential long-term care needs and spouse survivability.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's Common Sense Investing Show, hosted by Victor McClure, featured discussions with Steve Ringo and guest Daniel Snover, focusing on today's financial landscape and investment strategies amidst the latest CPI report.. Victor shared his insights on navigating the complexities of financial planning, particularly emphasizing risk management over stock-picking for long-term success. The conversation highlighted how macroeconomic factors like wage growth and inflation are crucial in shaping market dynamics and interest rates. Daniel Snover added his expertise on market trends, debunking the myth of easy returns promised by some investment advertisements and emphasizing the importance of strategic asset allocation to mitigate risks and achieve effective portfolio management.

Additionally, the show addressed common concerns about financial security, including liquidity and Social Security's future. Victor explained how instruments like annuities, bonds, and CDs serve as valuable financial tools, particularly in retirement planning, despite their perceived lack of liquidity. He reassured listeners about the reliability of Social Security, providing historical context and future predictions to alleviate fears of imminent collapse.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

In this week's Common Sense Investing Show with Victor McClure, Victor dedicated the episode to addressing listener inquiries, reflecting his 30-plus years of financial expertise. One prominent topic discussed was the considerations involved in retiring abroad, such as the impact on savings and pensions, healthcare arrangements, and lifestyle adjustments. Victor emphasized the importance of evaluating both pros and cons before making such a significant life decision, sharing insights from his travels and interactions with expats.

Additionally, Victor covered various retirement planning strategies, including the significance of income streams, the potential benefits of annuities in the current economic climate, and the importance of stress-testing financial plans to ensure they can withstand economic fluctuations. The show also highlighted the importance of considering long-term care coverage options, given the rising costs and likelihood of need. Victor pointed out that while traditional policies are available, new alternatives such as annuities with long-term care benefits are worth considering due to their fixed rates and potential for returns. Overall, the episode encouraged thoughtful preparation and consultation with financial advisors to build a resilient strategy for retirement.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/