Money Matters With Wes Moss

In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Emily Esfahani Smith, she is the author of the book, ”The Power of Meaning”, and she delivered a TED talk called “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy”. Emily introduces her approach to finding meaning in life which she argues is more important than happiness. She suggests everyone examine and strengthen 4 pillars in their life: belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. She also shares how growing up in Sufism impacted her study of this philosophy, the rising tide of despair the world faces today, and how we can all find ways to enjoy a full and meaningful life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast is an incredible labor of love from our team as we strive to help our listeners retire sooner. I'm so grateful to all of you for listening, and I’m excited for our next episode coming out on November 8th with Emily Esfahani Smith. Every day since the pandemic began, I have been on the air, coaching people through the economic roller coaster. During that time, I've also written and published a new book, and I've worked consistently to create the best content possible on this podcast, in my Atlanta Journal-Constitution column, and for my show on WSB radio. While I’ve enjoyed doing all of this, I’ve decided to take my own advice, and starting mid-November I’ll be focusing on some other core pursuits in my life for a bit. I'll be back in the spring of 2022 with some great new episodes for you here. While I might be taking a short break on the current format of the podcast, I don't want you to take a break on working towards your goal of retiring at least one year sooner. So I’m turning over the mic (

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes sits down with Financial Advisor turned Financial Coach, Freelance Writer, and young FIRE Advocate, Katie Oelker. Katie defines and explains what the FIRE movement is along with the varieties that come with it. She also shares her dramatic money story growing up, her retirement and investment goals, her journey as a financial advisor and financial coach, why it’s important to know about our parents' and childrens' finances, and reveals her core pursuits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this episode, Wes shares details from his new book, What The Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. He also explains how he collected his research and studies for the book, why he studies happy and unhappy retirees, and what we can learn from happy retirees. He gives additional insights into the habits of the happiest retirees, how to discover your core pursuits, and shares a personal story about a friend’s emotional struggle without work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While many of us appreciate the call to duty for our nation’s military servicemen and servicewomen, we’re not often aware of the challenges they face financially. As they transition back to civilian life, many encounter challenges with saving, investing, and earning a living. In today’s podcast episode, Wes is joined by Lacey Langford, a former member of the U.S Air Force and Co-host of the Military Money Podcast. Lacey explains the difficulties that military service members face with finances as they transition back into civilian life. She also shares details about her military background, reveals the struggles of being a military spouse, simplifies the military career process and military ranks, breaks down security clearances, shares the importance of taking ownership of your finances, and unveils financial resources for military members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes replays questions from callers on his Money Matters radio show. From the questions asked he discusses how to set up a retirement plan, taking required minimum distributions, and the impact today's political environment has on the stock market. Disclosure: This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will

During this episode, Wes sits down with Joe Saul-Sehy, Creator and Co-Host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. Joe talks through selling his business and transitioning into a new career, his podcast journey and the process of writing his book. He also shares how children can help us learn life lessons, along with discussing the debate for hiring a financial advisor, his insight on income sources, and the pros and cons of retiring early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you take the proper steps, investing can be rewarding and valuable. However, if your only focus is growth, then you could be missing out on a large piece of the equation — income investing. In this podcast episode, Wes unveils the beneficial process of income investing. He also discusses the possibilities of inflation, the many ways to approach investing, the emotional side of investing your retirement money, why he admires income investing, a simple explanation of the income investment process, and steps to take to begin your income investment journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living in luxury comes at a price, and it’s important to be cautious with your finances to avoid unexpected ups and downs; especially living in areas like Los Angeles. In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Bob Wheeler, Certified CPA, CORE Energetic practitioner, Inspirational Speaker, Author, and CFO of the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Bob shares his comedic journey, the financial trends of comics, reveals the spending tendencies of his Los Angeles clients, what it’s like being an LA resident, and touches base on his book The Money Nerve along with the connection between money and emotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes urges listeners to rethink investment percentages for their balanced portfolio. He discusses how the traditional 60/40 portfolio might need to be revisited based on interest rate predictions, the current interest rate environment, the purpose of bonds, and the power of income investing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s for work or pleasure, traveling can be fun and exciting. However, have you ever thought about why you are traveling? During this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Joe Cortez, Editor and Chief of FlyerTalk.com, an online hub for up-to-date travel news and insight. Joe shares how discovering the purpose of your travel can change your outlook on the entire process. He also explains how he started his traveling career, debunks the perks and benefits of flyer status, reveals why determining what you want from your travel is essential, describes how your traveling needs change as you grow older, and unveils his ideal travel destination to retire sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes reveals common investing mistakes to avoid. He also talks through upcoming podcast episodes, explains his experience in the investment industry, discusses stock market trends, reveals the importance of timing for investors, and describes the connection between the percentage of trading days missed versus your rate of return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you could retire anywhere, where would it be? What are the main variables that would help you determine where to go? If you’re pursuing the answers to these questions, this podcast episode can help! This week Wes sits down with the duo, Gilen Chan and Gene Preudhomme, a couple in their fifties and hosts of the weekly podcast, Retire There. They discuss how to find the perfect retirement location, talk through their own podcast process, share retirement location stories from their podcast listeners, reveal where they are in their own lives, debate the difficulties of moving away from family, and uncover where they plan to retire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes shares five reasons retirees are retiring as soon as they can. He also talks through catalysts for retiring, dives into the retirement transition, shares comments from listeners regarding their retirement, reveals financial checkpoints of happy retirees, and provides his advice and insight on retiring happy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building generational wealth is important and can help to set your family and future family up for success. However, what planning is required when it comes to passing down that wealth to your children and their children? In this podcast episode, Wes sits down with Steven Goodman, Author of Business Succession Planning, to discuss leaving wealth to the next generation. Steven also shares the risks of passing down a family business, what to factor in as a parent with a family business, the pitfalls of leaving wealth to multiple children, cashing out on your company, private equity, and his insights on life insurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History continues to repeat itself, especially when it comes to the economy and the stock market. In this podcast episode, Wes shares the power of two stock related averages; the average intra year decline and the average rate of return. He also discusses U.S. stock market predictions from well known investors, how averages tell the real stock market story, scary headlines regarding investing, historical trends, and the importance of understanding these averages to reach your financial goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone seeks a smooth transition into retirement. Although it’s important to have a successful adjustment individually, including your spouse in the transition is also essential. In this episode, Louis H. Primavera, PhD is back to discuss the inclusion of your spouse within the retirement process. He also explains relationship contracts, shares his experiences with marriage counseling clients, reveals the importance of negotiation, stresses the significance of giving 100% on both sides of the relationship, and discusses the marital habits of happy retirees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quitting your job is your choice, and for most, there is a good reason behind doing it. In fact, there is currently a labor shortage in the U.S. because of so many Americans quitting on their own accord. With a large supply of job openings and a short supply of labor, this is the best job economy that our country has seen. Believe it or not, this “I quit” economy can also positively affect your retirement plan. During this podcast episode, Wes dives into the “I quit” job economy. He also shares which industries have a labor shortage, variables that lead to people quitting, why there is a labor shortage, research surrounding the job economy, how this shortage can impact your early retirement, and which industries people are quitting the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wes sits down with Ann Germany, an expert from The Arbor Company. Ann dives into key traits in normal aging versus cognitive decline and how to prepare if your loved one is diagnosed with a cognitive decline-based disease. Ann also shares her experience caring for her mother, four common forms of dementia, red flags of cognitive decline, and actions to take when red flags appear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The happiest retirees practice numerous habits that lead to a fulfilling life. In this episode, Wes continues revealing the do’s and don’ts of the happiest retirees and the advantages of adding those do’s into your own routine. In addition, Wes dives into diet and nutrition, explains why it’s important to possess healthy social connections, provides the benefits of traveling with friends, and outlines his new book What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices