Episode 23: Retirement Red Zone

You can’t “cram” for retirement. That’s not a plan—that’s a Hail Mary with a flat football.
In this video, I (Nick St. George, CFP®) lay out a clear, yard-by-yard blueprint from 20 years out to 24 months before retirement—so you’re not guessing at the goal line.

What you’ll learn

How to set your savings rate, kill high-interest debt, and build smart tax buckets (pre-tax, Roth, brokerage)

When to use Roth strategies, avoid concentration risk, and optimize benefits (HSA, ESPP, deferred comp)

How to defend against sequence-of-returns risk and start income design early (pensions, RSUs, options)

Why Social Security timing (62 vs. FRA vs. 70) is a math problem, not a vibe

The 5-to-2-year “two-minute drill”: targeted Roth conversions, Medicare/IRMAA planning, mock paychecks

The final 24-month checklist: cash reserves, withdrawal guardrails, paperwork order—so Day One feels boring (which is beautiful)