Clearwater Financial Group - Michael Masor Host of Safe Money Radio Houston

10/30/2026

70% of people turning 65 will need long-term care. 👀 It's not the fun part of retirement planning, but it might be the most important. Let's make sure it's handled.

This guide might help.

10/29/2026

🎃 Retirement Planning: Trick or Treat?

The best retirement "treat" isn't candy, it's confidence.

The real trick? Thinking retirement planning ends once you stop working. Retirement often brings new questions about income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy planning.

This Halloween, make sure your retirement plan is filled with more treats than surprises.

🍬 What's one thing you wish you knew before retirement?

10/25/2026

💡 Did You Know?

The average person retiring today may spend $185,500 on healthcare expenses throughout retirement, even with Medicare coverage.

The biggest surprise for many retirees isn't Medicare premiums. It's the deductibles, copays, prescription costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses that can add up over time.

Healthcare planning is retirement planning.

10/23/2026

The cost nobody warns you about in retirement? Care. 🤫 Most people build a retirement plan around travel, hobbies, and time with family. Almost no one plans for the quiet expense that can unravel it all: long-term care. It's not a fun topic. But a plan that ignores it isn't really a plan; it's a hope. The good news? When you address it early, you have options that protect both your savings and the people you love. 👉 Let's talk about how to build care into your plan before it builds itself in for you.

Read what we've learned in 250 years of retirement in America.

10/21/2026

📊 Market ups and downs are a normal part of investing, but they can feel different when you're relying on your portfolio in retirement.

To help prepare for market volatility:

✔️ Know where your income will come from.
✔️ Keep a cash cushion for short-term expenses.
✔️ Consider income sources that aren't tied directly to market performance.

Having a plan in place can make it easier to stay focused on your long-term goals instead of short-term headlines.

10/19/2026

📚 It's National Retirement Security Week!

Retirement planning isn't just about saving money. It's also about understanding the tools and strategies that can help you make the most of what you've earned.

From learning how compound interest works to understanding investment risk, 401(k)s, IRAs, and retirement income planning, financial education can be one of your most valuable assets.

This week, challenge yourself to learn something new about retirement planning. Your future self may thank you for it

10/15/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment opens today and runs through December 7, making it the perfect time to review your healthcare coverage for the year ahead.

📝 As you evaluate your options, ask yourself:

✅ Are my doctors and preferred pharmacy still in-network?
✅ Have my prescription medications changed?
✅ Am I paying for benefits I no longer need?
✅ Have my healthcare needs changed since last year?
✅ Do my expected healthcare costs still fit within my retirement budget?

Taking a few minutes to review your coverage now can help you avoid surprises later and make more informed decisions for the year ahead.

10/12/2026

📢 Social Security's annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement is right around the corner.

Current projections suggest the 2027 COLA could fall between 3.1% and 3.6%, which could mean an extra $60 to $75 per month for the average retiree receiving a $2,000 benefit. If projections hold, it would be the largest increase since 2023.

💡 The key takeaway? Even modest benefit increases can add up over time. That's why it's important to regularly review your retirement income strategy and make sure your spending plan keeps pace with changing costs.

10/09/2026

📅 With the final quarter of the year underway, now is a great time to make sure you're ending the year as strong as you started it.

Year-end planning can help retirees and those nearing retirement stay on track with their financial goals, review their income strategy, and prepare for the year ahead with confidence.

If it's been a while since you've reviewed your strategy, now may be a good time to schedule a conversation with a trusted financial professional.

A little planning today may help set the stage for a smoother tomorrow.

10/06/2026

🍁 Everyone has a favorite thing about fall, but choosing between these seasonal classics isn't always easy!

Whether you're spending the season with family, making memories with the grandkids, or simply enjoying the beauty of autumn, we'd love to hear your picks!

Drop your answers in the comments and tell us your favorite thing about fall. 👇