Mark Stephen Pooler brings together ten influential authors and thought leaders to explore strategic distribution, storytelling, and turning published works into global platforms.
TELFORD, PA, October 1, 2026
George McReynolds discussing healthcare and long-term care
Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-george-mcreynolds-founder-of-mcreynolds-company-discussing-healthcare-and-long-term-care/
In this episode of Influential Entrepreneurs, Mike Saunders, the Authority Positioning Coach, had the pleasure of welcoming back George McReynolds, the founder of McReynolds & Company. Delved into the critical topic of healthcare and long-term care, particularly focusing on the financial traps that can ensnare those planning for retirement.
Planning Healthcare Costs Before Retirement
Retirement is often viewed as a long-awaited milestone, a time to relax and enjoy life after years of hard work. However, for many, the prospect of retiring early—before the age of 65 when Medicare eligibility begins—can lead to significant financial challenges, particularly regarding healthcare costs. As highlighted in a recent podcast episode featuring George McReynolds, founder of McReynolds & Company, it is crucial to plan for healthcare expenses well before retirement to avoid falling into financial traps that can jeopardize one’s financial security.
Understanding the Healthcare Landscape.
The healthcare landscape in the United States is complex and often daunting for those approaching retirement. For many individuals, especially those in professions such as first responders who may not have paid into Social Security or Medicare, retiring early can lead to a lack of coverage. McReynolds notes that many people mistakenly assume that COBRA, which allows individuals to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance for a limited time, will suffice. However, COBRA coverage is typically limited to 18 months and can be prohibitively expensive, costing individuals 102% of what their employer was previously paying.
This misconception can be particularly detrimental for those who retire at a younger age, such as 50 or 55, leaving them to cover healthcare costs for a decade or more before Medicare kicks in. The financial burden of these expenses can lead to unexpected hardships, including the need to return to work or drastically alter retirement plans.
The Rising Costs of Healthcare
As the population ages, the costs associated with healthcare are only expected to rise. McReynolds points out that approximately 12,000 individuals turn 65 every day, a trend that will continue for several years. This demographic shift means that the demand for healthcare services will increase, leading to higher costs. For instance, Medicare premiums for Part B and Part D saw a 9.7% increase from 2025 to 2026, and this trend of rising costs is likely to persist.
Moreover, individuals need to be aware that healthcare needs change significantly as people age. While younger individuals may primarily face health issues related to accidents, older adults often contend with chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment and care. McReynolds emphasizes that the probability of needing long-term care by age 65 is a staggering 70%. This statistic underscores the importance of planning for healthcare expenses as part of retirement strategy.
The Interplay Between Health and Wealth
The relationship between health and financial stability cannot be overstated. McReynolds asserts that “you cannot keep your health if you can’t keep your wealth,” highlighting the precarious balance many individuals face when medical expenses arise. A staggering 60% of bankruptcies in the United States are linked to medical expenses, often incurred despite having insurance at the time of illness. The loss of employment, which frequently accompanies health crises, can lead to the loss of health insurance, exacerbating the financial strain.
This reality emphasizes the need for proactive planning. Individuals must consider not only their immediate healthcare needs but also the potential long-term implications of aging and health deterioration. This includes exploring options such as long-term care insurance, health savings accounts, and other financial products designed to mitigate healthcare costs in retirement.
George shared: “if they actually retired and didn’t go to work anymore, they didn’t have enough quarters to go into Medicare for Medicare Part A. So, that’s something a lot of times people, when they retire early before Medicare, they think that that COBRA will cover them. But COBRA is only for 18 months. Yep. And it’s very expensive.“
In conclusion, planning for healthcare costs before retirement is not merely a financial consideration; it is a crucial component of ensuring a secure and fulfilling retirement. The complexities of the healthcare system, coupled with the rising costs associated with aging, necessitate careful planning and informed decision-making. As George McReynolds advises, individuals must educate themselves about their healthcare options, consider the long-term implications of their retirement decisions, and seek out professional guidance to navigate the intricacies of healthcare planning. By doing so, they can avoid falling into the traps that many before them have faced, ensuring that their retirement years are not overshadowed by financial burdens related to healthcare.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/RyL_eAoGzDg
About George McReynolds
George McReynolds, CFP® is a veteran wealth manager, tax strategist, and best-selling author who has spent four decades at the intersection of money, taxes, and real-world decision-making.
After leaving public safety in 1985, George entered banking, where his early grounding in tax fundamentals made him a natural fit for working with business owners and affluent borrowers. He became a go-to resource within private banking circles, earning what he describes as a “ringside seat” to how wealthy families actually manage — and mismanage — money.
In 1994, after discovering The Great Boom Ahead by Harry Dent, George returned to school to earn his Certified Financial Planner designation. Around the same time, he opened a tax preparation practice and worked inside a high-volume tax firm preparing blue-collar returns under intense time pressure. Then followed a CPA firm serving business owners and high-net-worth families. That experience gave him an unusually broad view of the tax system — from the simplest returns to the most complex.
After passing the CFP® board exam, George was recruited to a prestigious investment firm on Philadelphia’s Main Line. Soon after, he launched a comprehensive financial planning program inside the credit union of a major pharmaceutical company, where he helped more than a thousand pharma employees and retirees navigate retirement, taxes, stock compensation, and benefit decisions.
In 2001, George published his first book, Prosperity by Design, and became an independent advisor. Since then, he has authored or contributed to multiple books, including The Longevity Trap, Defuse the Tax Bomb, Uncle Joe’s Gems, The Pension Shield Option, Stop, DROP and Roll, Retire Abundantly, and Expert Stories and he wrote the foreword to The New Holistic Retirement, and 9 Money Mistakes Doctors Make.
George has spoken internationally at venues including Oxford University, the Royal Society of Medicine, the London Stock Exchange, the Harvard Club of Boston, and the FBI National Academy Association. He has been featured in CNN, the Financial Times, Yahoo! Finance, Business Insider, and Philadelphia Life magazine.
Defuse the Tax Bomb distills the framework George developed after watching too many successful families lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to taxes they never saw coming — not because they made bad decisions, but because no one showed them how the system actually works over time.
Learn more: https://www.mcwealth.com/
Or buy the book at: https://justabundance.com/
Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC
Recent News & Interviews:
George McReynolds discussed The Longevity Trap https://authoritypresswire.com/george-mcreynolds-founder-of-mcreynolds-company-interviewed-on-the-influential-entrepreneurs-podcast-discussing-the-longevity-trap/
VAIR welcomes Dr. Douglas J. Rowles, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and naturopathic doctor, as a new resource for VAIR+ members. Members can submit health and wellness questions through a dedicated form, and Dr. Rowles will address selected questions in video response sessions covering topics such as joint health, injury prevention, recovery and staying active. This new benefit expands VAIR’s commitment to supporting the whole player.
ROSEVILLE, CA September 30, 2026
Terry Wheeler discussing the investment blind spot
Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-terry-wheeler-founder-ceo-of-we-alliance-wealth-advisors-discussing-the-investment-blind-spot/
In this episode of Influential Entrepreneurs, Terry Wheeler, founder and CEO of WE Alliance Wealth Advisors, discusses the investment blind spot. Terry shares his journey into the investment industry, starting from his childhood love for Monopoly, which inspired his career as a financial advisor. Highlights the importance of integrated planning in financial management, encompassing tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and asset protection. Terry emphasizes that understanding and identifying investment blind spots is crucial for achieving financial success. Tune in to learn how to navigate these challenges and enhance your investment strategies.
Adjusting Strategy from Growth to Defense: Navigating the Investment Blind Spot
In personal finance and investing, one of the most critical transitions an individual faces is shifting from accumulating wealth to preserving it. This transition, often overlooked, is akin to moving from a high-speed race to a cautious but strategic journey. As Terry Wheeler, founder and CEO of WE Alliance Wealth Advisors, aptly points out, understanding this shift is essential to avoid what he terms the “investment blind spot.” This episode explores the need to shift investment strategies from a growth-oriented approach to a defensive posture as individuals approach retirement.
The Growth Phase: Accumulation and Risk
For decades, individuals work tirelessly to build their financial futures, often focusing primarily on growth. In their 30s and 40s, investors are typically encouraged to take higher risks in pursuit of higher returns. This period often involves aggressive investments in stocks, mutual funds, and other growth-oriented vehicles. The rationale is simple: the longer the investment horizon, the more time there is to recover from market downturns. During this accumulation phase, the objective is clear: to amass a sizeable portfolio that will support a comfortable retirement.
However, this growth phase has its challenges. Investors often become enamored with the idea of “beating the market,” leading to emotional decision-making and a lack of comprehensive financial planning. This is where the investment blind spot emerges—an inability to see beyond immediate gains and understand the long-term implications of their investment choices.
The Transition Phase: Recognizing the Need for Change
As individuals approach retirement, typically in their 50s and 60s, their financial planning landscape must evolve. The focus shifts from growth to growth with defense, necessitating a reevaluation of investment strategies. This transition is crucial for several reasons:
Longevity Risk: With increasing life expectancies, retirees must ensure that their savings last for potentially three decades or more. The traditional 60-40 stock-bond portfolio may no longer suffice if withdrawal strategies are not carefully considered. As Wheeler points out, withdrawing 5% annually from a portfolio can lead to a precarious financial future, with barely a 50-50 chance of lasting through 30 years of retirement.
Market Volatility: The stock market is inherently unpredictable, and retirees are particularly vulnerable to downturns. A significant market crash can drastically reduce a portfolio’s value, making it imperative for retirees to adopt a defensive strategy that prioritizes capital preservation.
Psychological Factors: Fear of outliving one’s savings can create significant stress and anxiety for retirees. By implementing a defensive strategy, individuals can reduce these fears and gain peace of mind, allowing them to enjoy retirement without constant worry about financial instability.
The Defensive Strategy: A New Approach
Transitioning to a defensive investment strategy involves several key adjustments:
Asset Allocation: As individuals near retirement, they should reevaluate their asset allocation. This may involve shifting a portion of the portfolio into more conservative investments, such as growth vehicles with defense, bonds or other income-generating assets, that provide stability and reduce risk.
Risk Management: Implementing risk management strategies, such as diversification, a strategy that periodically locks in gains, and systematic thoughtful withdrawal plans, can help protect against market downturns. Wheeler emphasizes the importance of “adding defense” to a portfolio, which involves strategically locking in gains in growth positions at favorable market conditions and systematic reinvestment strategies that allow you to limit losses and to buy the dips without attempting to time the market.
Focus on Income Generation: In retirement, the focus should shift from growth to income generation. This may involve investing in dividend-paying stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or annuities that provide a steady income stream, helping ensure financial stability throughout retirement.
Integrated Planning: As Wheeler highlights, integrated planning is crucial. Financial advisors must consider all aspects of a client’s financial life, including tax implications, estate planning, and healthcare costs, to create a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the retiree’s goals and risk tolerance.
The journey from growth to defense in investment strategy is a pivotal phase in an individual’s financial life. By recognizing the investment blind spot and making the necessary adjustments, retirees can secure their financial futures and enjoy their retirement years without the burden of financial anxiety. As Terry Wheeler illustrates, the key lies in integrating defensive strategies that prioritize capital preservation, income generation, and a holistic approach to financial planning. Ultimately, this strategic shift not only protects wealth but also improves retirees’ quality of life, allowing them to embrace their golden years with confidence and peace of mind.
Terry shared: “People look at retirement and they often fear outliving their money. And they should if they’re not doing it right. If they’re doing it right, they don’t have to fear this. But the typical 60-40 stock-bond portfolio, if you’re withdrawing wrong, you’ve got just barely over a 50-50 chance of surviving 30 years of retirement if you’re taking out 5% a year. That’s simply not acceptable and retirees should create a plan to live and not a plan that you must die for to succeed”
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/4aM_GoUOD5U
About Terry Wheeler
WE Alliance Wealth Advisors and Strategic Wealth Legal Advisors are both founded on the belief that an integrated Family Office style approach to wealth planning is the best way to protect and maximize the wealth client families work so hard to accumulate. Combine powerful proactive tax strategies, a powerful system of investing called Defined Outcome Investing, and a Family Centered approach to estate planning to deliver uncommon results while reducing risk for each client family. Founder Terry Wheeler’s book “Laugh When the Market Crashes” is a must read book outlining this investment approach.
The firm and its founder traces its roots back over 35 years with its origins beginning at Dean Witter Reynolds. In the 1990s the founder added a law degree focused on tax and estate planning advocacy. The integrated wealth, tax, and estate planning approach now truly sets them apart in a crowded financial planning space.
Learn more:
WE Alliance Wealth Advisors: http://www.weriaadvisors.com
Strategic Wealth Legal Advisors: http://www.strategicwealthlegal.com
SWAG Consulting Services: http://www.swagconsultingservices.com
Laugh When the Market Crashes: http://www.laughwhenthemarketcrashes.com
Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by WE Alliance Wealth Advisors, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated.
All investments involve risk; please consult with a financial advisor prior to investing.
Veterinarian and small-animal rehabilitation expert Dr. Tom Walsh is celebrating the release of his new book, Good Dogs, Broken System: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Rebuilding Trust Through the Coerenza Approach, with a special limited-time Amazon Flash Sale.
The International Remote Viewing Association’s 2026 Annual Conference comes to Dayton, Ohio, October 1–4. Former military remote viewers, researchers and practitioners will explore remote viewing’s history, current research and practical applications through presentations, panels and interactive experiences. Newcomers are welcome. Attend in person or online. Register at https://www.irva.org/irva-conference.
In Episode 32 of his daily broadcast, “The Morning Endurance Call,”
the business continuity expert argues that strong sales and outward
stability can mask structural weaknesses that only a disruption exposes.
Columbia, SC. (September 24, 2026) – Retire Rich in the New Economy: The Complete Woman’s Guide to Retiring Well and Building Wealth That Lasts Generations, co-authored by Taylor Gripentrog, Ben Green, and Kendra Murphy, achieved multiple category distinctions on Amazon on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The book’s rankings coincide with the authors’ recent interview on Influential Entrepreneurs®, where they discussed why retirement planning for women must account for adequate income, longevity, stock & bond market volatility, and health care costs.
Amazon Ranking Highlights. As of September 22, 2026, Retire Rich in the New Economy was listed as the #1 Best Seller in Inflation, the #2 Best Seller in Financial Risk Management, and the #2 Best Seller in Personal Taxes. It also earned #1 Hot New Release placements in Financial Risk Management, Inflation, and Personal Taxes. Amazon category rankings are time-sensitive and reflect the book’s reported placement on that date.
The book presents a woman-centered perspective on retirement readiness, recognizing that many women may live longer, step away from the workforce for caregiving, experience shifts in household income, or eventually make financial decisions independently. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all formula, the authors emphasize building a plan around the individual’s income needs, goals, health care needs, and desired lifestyle.
During the Influential Entrepreneurs® conversation hosted by Mike Saunders, Ben Green was joined by Taylor Gripentrog and Kendra Murphy to examine these issues in practical terms. They discussed the importance of evaluating career trajectory, sources of retirement income, long-term care considerations, and the life events that can reshape a household’s financial outlook. The interview also introduced the authors’ 240 Paycheck Plan, a framework intended to help people evaluate how retirement resources may be converted into income to support a lifestyle over time.
Green said, “Too many women were coming to us with 401(k)s and IRAs, but no real ‘paycheck’ plan for retirement, and no fiduciary team to help with what comes next: when to claim Social Security, which Medicare plan to choose, how to cover health care costs, and how to build an estate plan.
Amazon recognition extends the conversation surrounding the book’s core message: retirement planning should begin with the person, not simply the account. For women balancing personal goals, family responsibilities, and the economic realities of a longer retirement, the authors advocate for a plan that is clear, individualized, and built to evolve with life.
Listen to the interview: Interview with Ben Green, Taylor Gripentrog, and Kendra Murphy on Influential Entrepreneurs®
View the book on Amazon: Retire Rich in the New Economy
About Ben Green
Ben Green is a Certified Financial Fiduciary and Co-Founder of Ready2Retire, a fiduciary retirement planning firm serving people 55-75 years old who want to retire with confidence. A native of Columbia, SC, he has more than 25 years of experience and has worked in economic development and consulting, including service as a Business Recruiter & Strategist for the State of South Carolina. He is also President and COO of Insurance Advantage, an employee benefits agency he co-founded more than 16 years ago.
Learn more: www.ready2retire.net
About Taylor Gripentrog
Taylor Gripentrog is a retirement and insurance specialist who combines the analytical rigor of a data scientist with genuine human empathy. Raised between the United States, Ireland, and Puerto Rico, Taylor began her career working with business startups and a venture capital fund before entering the financial services industry. She brings a broad, international perspective to every client conversation, translating complex topics into clear, practical guidance while listening closely to what clients say. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, with a double major in International Business and Operations & Supply Chain, and a minor in Spanish. Beyond financial services, Taylor is the founder of Vitality Way, a technology company applying AI-driven diagnostics to improve the mental health of veterans. She is also a minister and speaker, focusing on financial literacy for women, and women’s empowerment.
About Kendra Rhodes Murphy
Kendra Rhodes Murphy is a Financial Consultant who helps individuals and small businesses build sustainable wealth through personalized, holistic strategies. With six years of financial-services experience, she focuses on helping clients understand their finances, eliminate debt, protect their progress, and pursue financial freedom and generational wealth. Kendra holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Certificate of Data Analytics from Suffolk University. Her approach blends financial education, analytical rigor, curiosity, and empathy to create strategies built around each client’s unique life and goals.
Founder of Annah Elizabeth, LLC and creator of The Five Facets® Philosophy recognized in international awards program honoring women in business worldwide
CAREGD introduces a new coalition-based model that brings institutions, trusted communities and human connection together around the people they already serve, with America Checks In serving as CAREGD’s flagship national movement.