foster your financial literacy
Listen, watch, and read our most up-to-date content on retirement, investing, the current market, and more.
foster your financial literacy
Listen, watch, and read our most up-to-date content on retirement, investing, the current market, and more.
Podcasts
Youtube Videos
Iran Conflict Retirement Planning: Stock Up for Shortages
If the Iran conflict continues, supply chains and prices could tighten again — and we’ve seen how quickly that escalates. Ashley explains why preparation isn’t panic — it’s part of a resilient retirement plan.
Watch the full video to learn more about how the Iran conflict could impact your retirement--and what you can do about it.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
Chasing Iran Conflict Headlines Puts Your Investments at Risk
When the Iran conflict dominates headlines, the “obvious” trades get crowded fast. But those moves often reverse just as quickly. With oil volatility driving markets, timing becomes even harder. Ashley explains why discipline beats reaction.
Watch the full video to learn more about how the Iran conflict could impact your retirement--and what you can do about it.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
RMDs Creating Tax Problems? How QCDs Can Help
If you’re already giving to charity, there may be a smarter way to do it. Ashley explains how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can satisfy your RMD while reducing — or even eliminating — the taxes on that income. It’s one of the most overlooked strategies in retirement.
👉 Watch the full video above to see if this strategy fits your plan.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
Iran Conflict: Why Cash Matters Right Now
With the Iran conflict driving uncertainty, liquidity becomes a strategy — not a weakness. Rising energy prices can ripple into inflation and job risk. Ashley explains how building cash now gives you flexibility when things tighten.
Watch the full video to learn more about how the Iran conflict could impact your retirement--and what you can do about it.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
What Happens When You Take Your RMD Too Early?
Taking your RMD early in the year — or monthly by default — can quietly reduce your portfolio’s growth. Ashley explains why keeping that money invested longer often works in your favor, especially over time. A small timing decision can make a meaningful difference.
👉 Watch the full video above to optimize how and when you take RMDs.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
Iran Conflict: Your Investments are More Exposed Than You Think
The Iran conflict is a stress test for portfolios — and many aren’t as diversified as they think. With oil shocks feeding inflation and market pressure, concentration risk becomes more dangerous. Ashley shows why “diversified” portfolios can still be heavily exposed
Watch the full video to learn more about how the Iran conflict could impact your retirement--and what you can do about it.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
How Bad RMD Timing Pushes You Into a Higher Tax Bracket #retirement #tax
RMD rules have changed — and timing matters more than most people realize. Ashley explains when required minimum distributions actually start and why they can suddenly push you into a higher tax bracket. If you don’t understand this shift, your tax bill in retirement may surprise you.
👉 Watch the full video above to see how RMD timing impacts your retirement taxes.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
Worst IRA Mistakes to Avoid: Wrong RMD Decisions
Too often people make this simple IRA mistake--and it's not one you're probably expecting to hear.
Once required minimum distributions (RMDs) start, the rules change — and small decisions can have a big impact on your taxes, portfolio longevity, and overall retirement plan. Ashley walks through the most common mistakes she sees retirees make on the back end, and how to avoid them.
This isn’t about complicated strategies. It’s about doing a few things differently — when you take withdrawals, where the money goes, and how to reduce unnecessary taxes — especially if you don’t actually need the income.
If you’ve spent decades building your retirement accounts, this is the phase where execution matters most.
🕒 Chapters
00:00 The problem with RMD decisions in retirement
00:22 When RMDs start (and why it matters)
01:22 Why RMDs can push you into higher tax brackets
02:18 Mistake #1: Ignoring Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
03:07 How QCDs can eliminate taxable RMD income
04:24 Mistake #2: Taking RMDs too early
05:05 Why timing withdrawals affects portfolio growth
06:11 How delaying withdrawals can reduce portfolio strain
06:35 Mistake #3: Letting RMDs sit in cash
07:07 Why unused RMDs lose efficiency
08:16 A better approach: reinvesting in taxable accounts
09:00 Who these strategies apply to (and who they don’t)
09:27 The long-term cost of getting this wrong
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
Iran Conflict Is Exposing a Retirement Risk
The Iran conflict is pushing oil higher — and that’s one of the fastest ways to pressure markets and portfolios. Ashley explains why being heavily invested in stocks near retirement can become a problem fast. Preparing now means adjusting risk before markets force the decision for you.
Watch the full video to discover 6 ways you can prepare your retirement in light of the Iran conflict.
_____________________________
Thanks for watching! Want to hear more? Check out my daily podcast: Retirement Quick Tips wherever you listen to podcasts:
::: Podcast website: https://retirementquicktips.com/
::: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2DI2LSP
::: Spotify - https://bit.ly/3KCQakz
::: iHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/3ViRNc4
Get a daily dose of retirement advice with the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! Each episode is 3-5 minutes long and jam-packed with actionable advice to help you live a financially secure and fulfilled retirement.
_____________________________
Get in touch:
Ashley Micciche, QPFC, CRPC, CeXP
CEO, True North Retirement Advisors
https://www.truenorthretirementadvisors.com
Disclosure: https://truenorthretirementadvisors.com/disclaimer/
Monthly Market Updates
Economic & Market Update | 1st Quarter 2026
1st Quarter 2026 Commentary – he first quarter of 2026 is now in the books, and it was a very eventful one.
Economic & Market Update | 4th Quarter 2025
4th Quarter 2025 Commentary – Optimism over AI was the main driver behind stock market gains, leading the S&P 500 to a 16% return in 2025.
Economic & Market Update | 3rd Quarter 2025
3rd Quarter 2025 Commentary – The U.S. stock market hit new highs in the third quarter of 2025 and grew 8% overall for the quarter. Gains were broad across most sectors of the market,
Economic & Market Update | 2nd Quarter Update 2025
2nd Quarter 2025 Commentary – After a plunge at the beginning of the 2nd quarter following the Liberation Day tariffs, the U.S. stock market finished the quarter with a stunning recovery.
Economic & Market Update | 1st Quarter Update 2025
1st Quarter 2025 Commentary – The S&P 500 struggled to recover after entering correction territory (a decline of 10% or more) in early March and finished down 4.6% for the quarter
Economic & Market Update | 4th Quarter 2024
4th Quarter 2024 Commentary & 2024 Outlook – Stocks rose over 23% in 2024, due to a resilient U.S. economy
Economic & Market Update | 3rd Quarter 2024
2nd Quarter 2024 Commentary – Stocks have been in a new bull market since October 2022 and have risen to all-time highs. During this period, the S&P 500 Index has risen 33% with most of the gains coming from big tech companies.
Economic & Market Update | 2nd Quarter 2024
2nd Quarter 2024 Commentary – Stocks have been in a new bull market since October 2022 and have risen to all-time highs. During this period, the S&P 500 Index has risen 33% with most of the gains coming from big tech companies.
Economic & Market Update | 1st Quarter 2024
1st Quarter 2024 Commentary & 2024 Outlook – Stocks have reached new all-time highs due to lower inflation and an acceleration of earnings. The economy and markets remained incredibly resilient in 2023, which has continued in the first quarter of 2024
Economic & Market Update | 4th Quarter 2023
Several troubling signs point to a recession ahead in the next year. With the Fed near the end of its rate hike cycle, we believe it’s a good time to start locking in attractive yields. Stocks may show further weakness from here, but as opportunities in AI become reality, it could be the green shoot the U.S. economy needs to avoid a serious downturn.
