The Retirement Learning Lab
Tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused about retirement planning?
You're not alone. After 30+ years of helping people navigate retirement, I've seen how the flood of conflicting financial advice paralyzes even the smartest people.
Hi, I'm Van Richards, and I created The Retirement Learning Lab to cut through the noise and give you the clarity you deserve.
Here's what makes this different: Instead of throwing more complicated strategies at you, I teach you a simple, systematic approach that actually works. My clients go from lying awake at night worrying about money to sleeping peacefully, knowing they're in complete control of their financial future.
You'll discover how to:
- Transform retirement confusion into confident action
- Maximize your income while reducing risk
- Avoid the costly mistakes that become impossible to fix later
- Create a plan so simple you could explain it to a 12-year-old
The bottom line: You only get one chance at retirement. Don't leave it to chance.
Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, these proven strategies will help you go from financial insecurity to complete control.
Ready to stop worrying and start winning? New episodes every week.
DISCLOSURE: Listeners must understand that this information is not financial advice; it is financial education. There is no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of any information presented. For more information on the limitations of the information from this YouTube Channel, please refer to the disclosure on the Richards Financial Planning YouTube page at https://richardsfinancialplanning.com/youtube-channel.
The Retirement Learning Lab
Small Business Owners: Navigating Social Security and Succession Planning
If you're a small business owner, your retirement planning is nothing like your employees'. Your business isn't just your job - it's your biggest asset and your retirement plan all rolled into one. This creates a perfect storm of challenges that most owners never see coming.
In this episode, Van Richards breaks down the critical intersection between Social Security strategy and business succession planning. You'll discover why these two elements must be coordinated from the start, and how failing to plan them together can cost you thousands in retirement benefits.
Key Topics Covered:
- The Social Security trap that catches most business owners (and how to fix it if you have 5-10 years left)
- Why paying yourself a low salary for tax purposes might be destroying your Social Security benefits
- The dangerous "consultation trap" that can get your benefits stopped entirely
- Three strategic approaches that actually work for business owners
- How the 2025 tax law changes affect your business exit strategy
- The four-part succession framework that connects to your Social Security timing
- Why only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation
- The five biggest mistakes business owners make when coordinating these strategies
Real-World Examples: Meet Sarah, who owns a successful accounting firm but has been paying herself only $40,000/year while her business generates six figures. Learn how this common tax strategy is quietly destroying her Social Security benefits - and what she can do about it.
Who This Episode Is For:
- Small business owners in their 50s and 60s planning retirement
- Anyone considering claiming Social Security before full retirement age
- Business owners struggling with succession planning
- Self-employed individuals worried about retirement income
- Financial advisors working with business owner clients
Key Takeaway: Your Social Security claiming strategy and business succession plan are completely interconnected. You cannot plan one without considering the other. The good news? With proper planning and professional guidance, you can optimize both.
Important Note: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for your specific situation.
About the Host: Van Richards helps business owners navigate the complex intersection of Social Security optimization and business succession planning through the Retirement Learning Lab.
Follow Van:
- YouTube: RetirementLearingLab.com
- LinkedIn Van Richards, ChFC®, RICP® | LinkedIn