EPISODES
Why Income Beats a Big Number: Planning Your Paycheck for Life
A million dollars might sound like the goal… but in retirement, it's not about the number—it’s about the income. On this episode of Money Matters with Mike, host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into why an income strategy matters more than a big pile of cash,...
How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan This Summer: 5 Smart Moves to Make Now
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about starting life on your terms. But without the right plan, retirement can become a different kind of stress. In this episode of Money Matters with Mike, host Mike Zaino and producer Matt McClure walk you through a...
Financial Fundamentals: 9 Ways to Retire Comfortably—No Matter What You’ve Saved
On this week’s episode of Money Matters with Mike, Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure go back to basics and unpack the essential strategies to help you retire confidently—no matter how much you’ve saved so far. 📈 Learn how to:✅ Maximize your Social Security benefits✅...
The Truth About Annuities: Not Your Grandpa’s Retirement Tool
This week on Money Matters with Mike, we’re unpacking the truth about annuities—and why they’ve stood the test of time from Jane Austen to Julius Caesar to today’s retirees. Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into how annuities work, what makes a good one (and a...
From Saving to Spending: How to Master the Decumulation Phase
Your investment strategy should match your age — and your goals. In this episode, Mike and Matt talk about how to transition from saving to spending in retirement, why decumulation is often misunderstood, and how to catch up even if you started late. Plus: the...
Is Your Retirement Built on Income—or Just a Number?
In this episode of Money Matters with Mike, host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into why retirement isn’t about hitting a magic number — it’s about reliable income. Learn how to transform your portfolio into a personal pension, how to align your investments...
Can You Afford to Retire Today? Income, Taxes & the Real Retirement Test
On this episode of Money Matters with Mike, host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure reveal the truth about retirement—it’s not about your age, it’s about your income. Learn how to assess your financial landscape, prevent the dreaded “retirement tax bomb,” and build a...
Retirement Gameplan: Control, Growth, and Guaranteed Income
Concerned about market volatility and your retirement future? In this episode of Money Matters with Mike, financial pro Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure explore how to protect your retirement savings while still enjoying potential growth. Discover how to take...
Checklist for Confident Retirement: Income, Taxes, Healthcare & More
On this episode of Money Matters with Mike, host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure reveal a step-by-step checklist for a secure retirement. From income planning and Social Security strategies to healthcare coverage and tax-saving tips, they cover everything you need...
Tariff Tantrum: How to Stay Calm and Protect Your Nest Egg
Tariffs. Inflation. Market volatility. Retirees and pre-retirees are feeling the pressure—but there’s a smarter way to respond. On this episode of Money Matters with Mike, host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure break down what’s happening in the markets and how...

