Chapter 1 - Why You Need a Functional Retirement Advisor

Retirement Success - Second Edition

Retirement Success - Second Edition
Chapter 1 - Why You Need a Functional Retirement Advisor
Dec 13, 2025 Episode 1
Joseph Falbo, Certified Financial Planner


It's No Longer Your Parents' Or Grandparents' Retirement

Are you making the mistake of planning for the retirement using a rear view mirror?

Most people don't know what they don't know about retirement.  The old rules no longer apply.  Longer lifespans, rising costs, market volatility, healthcare expenses, and tax inefficiencies have created a new set of challenges - ones that previous generations could afford to ignore, but today's retirees can't.

Whether you are five years from retirement or already retired, this book will help you understand what's at stake, avoid major pitfalls, and find the right advisor to guide you.

Joseph Falbo Jr., CFP®, a financial advisor with over 30 years of experience, reveals how to find a trustworthy, empathetic advisor who prioritizes planning over products - in other words, a fully Functional Retirement Advisor (FRA).

Inside, you'll discover how to:

  • AVOID the biggest financial missteps that derail retirement. (Many people don't realize the risks until it's too late.)
  • UNDERSTAND the one investing discipline every legitimate FRA practices. (Hint: It's not picking stocks)
  • DEFINE your retirement vision - so you can tie your money to the the life you want to live.
  • CALCULATE your retirement number - so you know exactly what it take to retire comfortably and stay retired.
  • ASK the one financial advisor question almost no one every thinks to ask - but absolutely should.  (This could change everything.)
  • BLOCK OUT the constant financial media noise designed to trigger fear and panic - so you make smart decisions based on strategy, not headlines. 

Through relevant teachings, personal anecdotes, powerful analogies, and real-life stories, "Retirement Success: Hiring Your Functional Retirement Advisor"  is the ultimate guide fo those approaching or already in a 21st century retirement.

Because hope is not a strategy - and the right advisor can make all the difference. 

Episode Artwork Chapter 1 - Why You Need a Functional Retirement Advisor 37:53 Episode Artwork Chapter 2 - The Fiduciary Rule: What It Means To You 13:58 Episode Artwork Chapter 3 - Retirement In The 21st Century: What's Changed? 5:42 Episode Artwork Chapter 4: Procrastination: The Silent Retirement Killer 6:44 Episode Artwork Chapter 5: The Wrong Kind of Advice Can Cost You Millions 5:25 Episode Artwork Chapter 6: How Financial News Can Lead You Astray 8:30 Episode Artwork Chapter 7: Why Financial Education is Failing Americans 8:01 Episode Artwork Chapter 8: The Five Criteria for a Functional Retirement Advisor 12:07 Episode Artwork Chapter 9: Trust & Confidence: The Foundation of a Strong Advisory Relationship 10:11 Episode Artwork Chapter 10: Empathy & Understanding: Why Qualitative Data Matters 6:59 Episode Artwork Chapter 11: How Much Experience is Enough? 8:30 Episode Artwork Chapter 12: Your Advisor's Financial Stability 7:16 Episode Artwork Chapter 13: Decoding Financial Credentials: What Really Matters 6:38 Episode Artwork Chapter 14: Behavioral Investing: The Key To Long-Term Success 19:28 Episode Artwork Chapter 15: Bear Markets: Staying Invested Through Uncertainty 15:14 Episode Artwork Chapter 16: Markets Work - If You Let Them 11:51 Episode Artwork Chapter 17: Determining Your Number 6:08 Episode Artwork Chapter 18: The Bottom Line: Tying It All Together 15:42