Explore every episode of the podcast Retirement Starts Today
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 4 Phases of Retirement (Rebroadcast) | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:20:13 | |
Originally aired April 2024: It may be easy to define success in your working career, but defining success in retirement can be more difficult. What does success look like in retirement? What will you do daily or weekly to get the most out of your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we'll explore a TEDx talk about the 4 phases of retirement that many (but not all) experience. Click play to hear how you can squeeze the most juice out of your retirement. For more information, visit the show notes at https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/the-4-phases-of-retirement-rebroadcast | |||
| Using Guardrails For The 4% Rule [Rebroadcast] | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:23:11 | |
Originally aired February 2024: You've heard of the 4% rule, and if you've listened to this podcast before, you've heard of Guyton's guardrails strategy. But have you ever heard of using them together? Today's retirement headline explores this idea. Overall, the article highlights the importance of considering sequence-of-returns risk in retirement planning and adopting flexible strategies, such as guardrails, to ensure financial security throughout retirement. Listen in to learn more about this combination of strategies as well as my opinion on the matter. Then stick around for the listener question segment where Bret and I answer the question: Do I need a will if I want to split my assets evenly between my two children? Outline of This Episode (02:11) Sequence of returns risk is the greatest risk to your retirement For more information, visit the show notes at https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/using-guardrails-for-the-4-rule-rebroadcast Connect with Benjamin Brandt
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| Retirement Income Worries Often Overblown, Ep 369 | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:22:29 | |
Are you actually prepared for how upcoming tax law changes could impact your retirement? I analyze insights featured on the Nerd's Eye View blog, focusing on key tax strategies for retirees. With the potential 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approaching, potential changes in marginal tax rates, personal exemptions, and deductions could significantly affect tax planning, especially for higher-income earners. Flexibility is super important when preparing for uncertain legislative changes. Roth conversions and gains harvesting are explored as ways to mitigate the potential impact of rising tax rates. By taking action now, retirees can strategically time income recognition and navigate these upcoming shifts in tax policy. We're going to keep this conversation centered around forward-thinking tax planning based on Nerd's Eye View insights, helping retirees and financial advisors remain adaptable and ready for the changes that may come. Understanding these strategies can help you out big time, and lead to smarter decisions as the future tax landscape unfolds. Outline of This Episode
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| What Old Age Might Be Like for Today's 30-Year-Olds, Ep #280 | 23 Jan 2023 | 00:19:00 | |
Have you ever thought about what the future might be like for your children and grandchildren? In this week's retirement headline, we'll explore a Wall Street Journal article called What Old Age Might Be Like for Today's 30-Year-Olds. During the listener questions segment, one listener wonders whether it is possible to have too much Roth money. Finally, stay tuned for the personal development segment where we learn what Jerry is doing to find purpose and stay active in retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| Breaking News - Secure Act 2.0, Ep #279 | 16 Jan 2023 | 00:22:32 | |
Welcome back to Retirement Starts Today Radio! Today we have an extra special episode for two reasons. Today, you'll finally meet our newest advisor, Bret Mulvaney. He joins me today to discuss the most recent legislation regarding tax and retirement planning. This entire episode is dedicated to reviewing the Secure Act 2.0. Listen in to learn what's changing in retirement planning and how the Secure Act 2.0 will change your retirement tax situation. Outline of This Episode
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| Some $$ Now, More $$ Later, Ep #278 | 09 Jan 2023 | 00:27:18 | |
Do you ever wish you could sneak a peek into someone else's retirement financial plan? Our retirement headline this week does just that. The article, Some Now More Later, takes a look into Richard Connor's decision-making process as he examines how best to allocate his retirement funds and how he and his wife decided how to claim their Social Security benefits. After the retirement headlines segment, we'll discuss the best way to rebalance a portfolio in retirement. And lastly, in the personal development segment, you'll hear our first audio submission from Linda on how she made an investment in herself by committing to learning a foreign language in retirement. Don't miss out on this informative episode! Outline of This Episode
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| Social Security Benefits to Run Out Faster Due to Social Security COLA Increase, Ep # 277 | 02 Jan 2023 | 00:21:25 | |
Welcome back to a new year or Retirement Starts Today Radio! Just as you have been envisioning your retirement, I've been envisioning exciting new things for this podcast. This year we are kicking off a couple of new additions to the show that I'm particularly excited about. After the retirement headlines, we'll have our new Lead Financial Advisor, Bret, join us as an occasional co-host for the listener questions segment. In addition to our original segments, you'll hear from listeners like yourself in our new personal development segment. On this episode, you'll hear the latest news on the Social Security front, I'll answer a question about the best investment options for mid-term investments in a retirement portfolio, and one listener, Frank, will describe how he is investing in his health to improve his retirement. Make sure to stick around until the end to hear the latest addition to your second favorite retirement podcast! Outline of This Episode
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| A special year-end message from Ben | 30 Dec 2022 | 00:05:57 | |
Answer four simple questions and schedule an introductory Zoom call: www.retirementstartstoday.com/meeting | |||
| Retirement in 2050. Will Retired Life Be Better in the Future? [Rebroadcast] | 26 Dec 2022 | 00:23:38 | |
2050 seems like a long way away, however, it is closer than we think. In this week's retirement headline, I share an article from Richard Archer at FinanceInsights.net which explores the future of retirement and the impact that technology has had on the past, present, and future of retirement. In the listener questions segment, I help Bruce with a question about using individual bonds vs bond funds in retirement. You only have a couple of weeks left to answer our annual listener survey. It only takes about 3 minutes of your time to state your opinion and make your voice heard! Outline of This Episode
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| Don't Move for Taxes [Rebroadcast] | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:12:36 | |
Are you fed up with paying state income taxes? Before you pack your bags and move to a no income tax state you'll want to listen to this episode. Moving to a different state to save money on taxes could cost more than you think. After listening to the retirement headline, make sure to stick around to hear Doug's question about where to save extra money for retirement–my response may surprise you. Outline of This Episode
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| I'M RETIRING IN 3 WEEKS! Here's What to Do…[Rebroadcast] | 12 Dec 2022 | 00:15:01 | |
Jim is only 3 weeks away from retiring and wants to know my top tips for someone approaching retirement. If you are on the countdown to retirement, make sure to listen to the listener's questions to hear what they are. In the retirement headlines segment, we'll explore the benefits of using a bucket withdrawal strategy for investments. You may be surprised to hear what the actual benefit of using the bucket strategy is. Listen in to hear what the bucket strategy can do for your retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| Go Back to Bed [Rebroadcast] | 05 Dec 2022 | 00:20:08 | |
What does a good night's sleep have to do with retirement planning? Listen to this episode to find out. Today we'll explore an article from Andrea Peterson over at the Wall Street Journal titled, To Get a Better Night's Sleep, First Fix Your Day. After discussing how to apply her advice to retirement, we'll tackle Bill's questions. Since he has a few questions I'm trying something new and answering them in a lightning round style. Stick around until the end to discover if this method worked or if it was a flop. Outline of This Episode
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| Six Month Social Security Mulligan [Rebroadcast] | 28 Nov 2022 | 00:19:12 | |
Deciding whether to delay filing for Social Security is a hefty decision. Waiting to collect Social Security until age 70 will increase your monthly benefit by 32%, but that doesn't mean much if you don't live long enough to reap the rewards of being patient. In today's retirement headlines segment, I'll share an article written by Jeffrey Levine from Kitces.com that discusses a workaround to the seemingly all-or-nothing decision of whether to collect Social Security benefits at full retirement age or to delay filing until age 70. If this decision has been weighing heavily on your mind, you won't want to miss this episode. Outline of This Episode
Jeffrey Levine, the author of Getting Comfortable Delaying Social Security with Six Month Reversible Delays, has a way of explaining complex financial concepts by breaking them into understandable bites. You can follow him on Twitter @CPAPlanner if you are looking for another go-to financial resource. Although today's retirement headline was written for financial advisors, it contains valuable information for the do-it-yourself investor. As a DIY investor, you need to recognize that you are your own financial advisor. Kitces.com offers a wealth of information and is one of my favorite retirement planning resources. Nudging your Social Security claiming decision can lessen the worry of making the wrong choiceThe biggest question that you probably have about Social Security is how big will your benefit be? The answer hinges on two factors: your earnings history and when you choose to take your benefit. By the time you get ready to retire, there isn't anything you can do about your past earnings history, but you can control when you decide to collect your benefit. The longer you wait to collect, the larger your monthly check will be. Each year that you choose to wait your payment will increase by 8%. With lifespans continually increasing it can make a lot of sense to delay filing for Social Security. However, not everyone will live long enough to reap the rewards of delaying their monthly benefit. Many people see the decision to delay taking Social Security until age 70 as an all-or-nothing endeavor, but that is not the case. In fact, as Jeffrey Levine explains, this decision can actually be broken up into a series of 8 smaller decisions. By using the strategy of nudging the decision forward every 6 months, you can break this seemingly all or nothing choice into 8 separate, independent, reversible decisions which will lessen the fear of an all or nothing approach. Challenges to using the every 6-month nudging approachAs with every financial strategy, there are drawbacks to using the nudge approach every 6 months. The most obvious is that if you happen to die during your wait, you won't be able to collect the benefits. The author makes an important side note for married couples to consider this drawback. Listen in to hear what it is. Another downfall is that retroactive applications can reduce your lifelong benefits. Something else to consider is that if you file retroactively, you will receive retroactive benefits in a lump sum which could lead to a spike in your marginal tax rate for the year. Breaking down the decision of when to claim your retirement benefits into many smaller, less drastic decisions can give peace of mind to the decision-maker especially when they understand that the decision is reversible. Resources & People Mentioned
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| The Closest Thing to a Sure Thing, Ep 368 | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:26:42 | |
Are index funds really the "sure thing" in investing, or do our emotions get in the way? To help answer that question, we're going to talk about a Wall Street Journal article by Jason Zweig, which demonstrates the simplicity and challenges that come with investing in index funds. While these funds are designed to replicate the market at a low cost, actual investor behavior is what can lead to underperformance. We'll talk about why sticking to this seemingly easy strategy is harder than it looks and explore how to avoid the "behavior gap" that keeps investors from reaching their full potential. Next, Brett and I team up to tackle a listener question about estate planning. If you've already got a financial plan in place but need help with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, this segment is for you. We break down what estate planning tools you need to protect your family and your assets, and we'll also get deep into when it's time to involve an attorney. Estate planning may not be fun, but having a plan in place can prevent huge headaches down the road. Outline of This Episode
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| Do's and Don'ts for Your 7-Figure Retirement [Rebroadcast] | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:19:00 | |
Do you wish that there was a list of what to do and what not to do in your retirement? I recently discovered an article from MorningStar.com written by Sheryl Rowling titled 8 Financial Do's and Don'ts for the 7-Figure Retirement, and I thought it would be perfect to share with my listeners. You'll learn several tips that you should consider when planning your retirement. After we analyze the article's do's and don'ts, we'll turn to Debbie's question about taking Social Security early in order to protect beneficiaries. Outline of This Episode
Don't retire too early. Retiring too early can be detrimental to both your psyche and your savings. If you have to retire early or sooner than expected, make sure that you retire to something rather than away from something. Creating a purpose in retirement can ensure that you don't get bored. Boredom is a four-letter word in retirement. For every year that you retire early, you have one less year of savings and one more year of spending. Do the math to learn what that could mean for your portfolio. Do watch your taxable income level. This may sound odd, but it often makes sense to pay more taxes now in order to pay significantly less later. Retirement is one time in your life when you have control over the taxes you pay. Implementing careful tax planning strategies can save you over the course of your retirement. Don't take Social Security too early or too late. When to take Social Security is a complex question, and the answers vary depending on the individual. It's usually best to wait until full retirement age to start taking benefits and it's often even better to delay until age 70 especially if you're married. Listen in to hear what I usually recommend to my clients. Do consider Roth conversions. If you have the opportunity to convert your IRA to a Roth you should even though you must pay tax on the amount converted. Remember that since these are after-tax dollars, the income they provide is never taxed. Do consider retirement stages and safe withdrawal rates when determining your budget. Spending more in the early years of retirement makes sense as long as you consider several factors. You'll need to ensure that you have a safety net in place and that you have a plan to reduce your spending over time or whenever the market becomes uncooperative. Don't lock yourself into financial commitments or expensive payments. Long-term expenses like leasing a luxury car can lock you into financial commitments that you can't free yourself from. Becoming the Bank of Mom and Dad can not only ruin your kids' chances of financial independence, but it can also ruin your relationship and your own financial security in retirement. Don't write checks to charity. Instead of writing checks to charity, consider contributing appreciated stocks. This way of charitable giving can save you more in taxes. One way to utilize this strategy is by creating a donor-advised fund (DAF) which could be likened to a charitable IRA. Do consult a financial professional. Obviously, I agree with this tip. Consider consulting a CPA as well as a financial advisor so that you can ensure that you are considering every angle in your retirement plan. Resources & People Mentioned Connect with Benjamin Brandt
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| Special Announcement and What's New for Medicare Open Enrollment, Ep #270 | 14 Nov 2022 | 00:14:36 | |
Have you been wondering how to best prepare for the end of the tax cuts coming up in 2026? One of our listeners is and they would like to know how Roth conversions should factor into planning for the end of those tax cuts. You might be surprised by my response to her question, so don't miss out on the listener questions segment today to hear my answer. If you are Medicare aged you'll want to pay attention to the Retirement Headlines segment today as we discuss Medicare's open enrollment period. You'll learn what changes to pay attention to and why. Make sure to press play to hear what you need to know about Medicare's open enrollment period, how to plan for the tax cut sunset, and a special announcement regarding the show. Outline of This Episode
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| I Bought My House at the Peak, Now I Regret It… Ep #269 | 07 Nov 2022 | 00:15:27 | |
What a difference 18 months makes in the housing market! Many who bought their homes at the peak of the real estate boom are beginning to regret their decision. A recent article from BuzzFeed tells stories of remorse experienced by several homeowners who are now in over their heads. In this episode, we'll explore the homeowners' stories, and compare expert opinions. Finally, I'll close the segment with my own thoughts. Make sure to stick around until the end to hear my observations about clients' spending patterns once they reach retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| 2023 Changes to Social Security Benefits, Ep # 268 | 31 Oct 2022 | 00:17:51 | |
There's big news in the world of retirement. The news is so big that we have 2 articles from mainstream media sources to check out in this week's retirement headlines segment. If you've been wondering how inflation will affect Social Security benefits you won't want to miss out on this episode. Stick around for the listener questions segment to hear how to transition from biweekly paychecks to monthly portfolio withdrawals in retirement. This transition is trickier than you might think, so you won't want to miss my tips for making the adjustment. Outline of This Episode
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| The Father Of 4% Rule Doesn't Buy 3% Alternative, Ep #267 | 24 Oct 2022 | 00:14:33 | |
Have you been wondering if the 4% rule still applies with a bear market and high inflation? Many financial pundits may have you questioning the validity of this so-called retirement rule of thumb. In the retirement headlines segment, I share a recent article from Financial Advisor Magazine that highlights quotes from the creator of the 4% rule, William P. Bengen. After sharing the retirement headline, I'll chime in with my own thoughts on the validity of the rule. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear whether Social Security benefits increase each month that you delay filing until age 70 or each year. Outline of This Episode
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| Dividends for Retirement Income? Read This First, Ep # 266 | 17 Oct 2022 | 00:14:34 | |
Have you ever thought about purchasing stocks for purpose of generating dividend income? If that is part of your retirement plan, then you won't want to miss this episode. Today we're taking a look at a retirement headline from MarketWatch that highlights three considerations to be aware of before jumping into this strategy. Stick around for the listener questions segment to hear the answer to Jerry's question about increasing his retirement spending until it's time to collect Social Security. Outline of This Episode
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| 11% of Retirees Plan to Maximize Social Security, Ep #265 | 10 Oct 2022 | 00:17:06 | |
Why don't more people maximize their Social Security benefits? As a financial advisor, I often wonder at the surprisingly low percentage of people who choose not to optimize their Social Security benefit. Today's retirement headline dives into that question in further detail by analyzing a study with plenty of data. Listen in to learn when many people choose to take Social Security and their reasons for making their decision. Outline of This Episode
If you know someone who could benefit from the information we cover in this show, share it with them. You may end up encouraging them to consider retirement planning in a new way and improving their life. Resources & People Mentioned
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| $2 Million Retirement Plan, Ep #264 | 03 Oct 2022 | 00:17:03 | |
Envisioning what your retirement will look like can often be a challenge, so it may be helpful to hear some examples of people in similar situations. In this week's retirement headlines segment, we'll explore a WSJ article from Veronica Dagher and Anne Tergesen that interviews 4 retirees who saved enough for a comfortable retirement. Listen in to hear how they spend their time and money. Make sure to stick around until the end to hear the answer to Donna's question about changing her husband's variable annuity to a less expensive option. Outline of This Episode
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| Be Your Future Self Now, an Interview with my Coach, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Ep # 263 | 26 Sep 2022 | 00:28:12 | |
When we envision retirement, we think more about the things we'll do to enjoy our time than about the person that we'll become. My guest today encourages us to change that to spend more time thinking about who we want to be in the future. Dr. Benjamin Hardy is an organizational psychologist, speaker, and author, in addition to being my coach. I have been involved in Dr. Hardy's coaching mastermind group for 8 months and I'm excited to extend his teaching to all of you. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear how you can receive a FREE copy of his new book, Be Your Future Self Now. Outline of This Episode
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| Six Things to Consider Before You Move in Retirement, Ep # 262 | 19 Sep 2022 | 00:15:23 | |
Have you been considering a change of scenery in retirement? Before you pack up the house, make sure to listen to today's episode. In the Retirement Headlines segment, we'll check out an article from Harriet Edelson at MarketWatch.com which discusses 6 considerations before moving in retirement. This informative article lists statistics and anecdotal examples that can help you make the relocation decision easier. I was really excited to see today's listener question as I have been researching retirement calculators. Stick around until the end to discover 2 helpful calculators that could help you understand when you have enough to retire. Outline of This Episode
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| Lessons From Another 'Faux-tirement', Ep #367 | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:22:15 | |
How can we better prepare for a successful retirement? We're exploring the lessons from a recent article by Christine Benz of Morningstar, where she reflects on her six-week sabbatical and how "mini-retirements" can help us test the waters before we fully retire. We talk about how the luxury of unscheduled time, balancing purpose, and the importance of finding joy in small moments can shape our ideal retirement experience. I also have a listener-inspired segment on protecting personal data in the age of cyber threats and data breaches. Outline of This Episode
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| The Inflation Reduction Act - What it Means for Retirees, Ep #261 | 12 Sep 2022 | 00:15:37 | |
I'm sure you have heard the news about the recent Inflation Reduction Act, but what will this Act mean to you as a retiree? We'll explore this question by examining an article written by Kelly Anne Smith over at Forbes. If politics isn't your thing, don't worry, it's not mine either. I scour the internet looking for the most neutral, least political articles that I can get my hands on. So, if you are interested in only the facts and how they apply to you, then don't miss out on the retirement headlines segment today to hear what the Inflation Reduction Act could mean for you. In the listener questions segment, I have a 3-part question from a listener survey respondent. I'll answer whether you should convert a 401k or traditional IRA to a Roth IRA first, the pros and cons of converting 401Ks and IRAs, and whether there is any rush to convert 401Ks to Roth IRAs. Outline of This Episode
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| All Things Social Security with Devin Carroll, Ep #260 | 05 Sep 2022 | 00:25:27 | |
The decision of when to take Social Security is one of the biggest that you will face in retirement. Many people turn to Social Security break-even calculators to help them make the decision, but my guest today insists that this shouldn't be your only deciding factor. Social Security expert, Devin Carroll from SocialSecurityIntelligence.com joins me today to discuss all things Social Security. We'll touch on the break-even math, including where it works and where it doesn't, cost of living adjustments, the possibility of the Social Security system going bankrupt, and how Congress could fix the Social Security funding problem. Since Social Security is such an important part of retirement planning you won't want to miss this episode. Outline of This Episode
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| Serena Williams Feels 'No Happiness' Retiring —Will You? Ep # 259 | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:18:25 | |
You may have seen the news about tennis superstar, Serena Williams' upcoming retirement. In a recent interview, Serena expresses her heartache about her decision. In our retirement headlines segment, we'll explore an article from MarketWatch that compares Serena Williams' feelings with those of many retirees upon their decision to retire. Afterward, we'll check out a question from our recent listener survey about whether one listener should move to be closer to family in retirement. This answer to this question is tricky and not the same for everyone, so make sure you stay around until the end to hear my thoughts. Outline of This Episode
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| Planning for a Sabbatical Without Wrecking Your Retirement, Ep #258 | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:18:57 | |
Have you ever considered taking a sabbatical from work? If you did take one, would it ruin your career and financial goals? Most companies in the United States don't offer paid sabbaticals like some in Europe, so doing so would require extensive planning. Jake Northrup at Kitces.com recently wrote an article that could help financial planners and DIYers plan how to take a sabbatical without destroying their financial future. If taking a mini-retirement appeals to you, make sure to listen in to hear how it could affect your financial goals. You'll also discover loads of resources that could help you make the most of your financial planning for such an endeavor. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear my response to whether I think Social Security is doomed. Outline of This Episode
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| Cities That Will Pay You to Leave Town, Ep #257 | 15 Aug 2022 | 00:19:14 | |
Have you considered moving to a new city in retirement? If you work in the tech industry you may find a city willing to pay you to move there. In today's retirement headline segment, we'll dive into an article written by Christopher Mims at The Wall Street Journal which explores towns that provide incentives to lure highly paid tech workers away from Silicon Valley. Don't miss out on the listener question segment especially if you have or are considering an annuity. I'll explain the various fees, benefits, and drawbacks to these insurance investment products. This is the last week to complete our annual listener survey, so if you haven't filled it out yet, then please do so that you can voice your opinions and help direct the future of this show. Outline of This Episode
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| How to Pass On Your Passwords When You Die, Ep #255 | 01 Aug 2022 | 00:18:53 | |
Nobody likes to think about their own death but to save your loved ones from the headache of trying to navigate your digital accounts without your passwords, you'll need to set them up for success now. If you don't take steps to share your accounts after your death, gaining access to your data could be a lengthy and challenging process. I recently found an excellent article from Dalvin Brown at The Wall Street Journal which discusses How to Pass On Your Passwords When You Die. This article gives tips on what to do with our digital lives when we pass away. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear a question about Roth conversions and taxes. And if you haven't done so yet, please take 3 minutes and fill out our 5th Annual Listener Survey to help me improve the show for you. Outline of This Episode
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| Supporting Loved Ones Without Derailing Your Retirement, Ep # 254 | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:21:20 | |
Many of us have financial goals that extend beyond ourselves to include friends and family. Doing so can be an enormous help to those you love, but it is important to consider your own financial well-being in conjunction with that of the ones you want to help. Today, we'll look at an article that explores how to intentionally offer financial support to your loved ones without deviating from your financial goals. The article that we'll look at comes from Sophia Bera at GenYPlanning.com and it takes a different approach to a timeless topic. Approaching issues from a different angle can give you a new perspective. In the listener questions segment, we'll discuss two questions: one about inverse ETFs and another about the specific mechanics of doing a Roth conversion. Make your voice heard by completing our annual listener survey! Outline of This Episode
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| 7 Tips for Tax Loss Harvesting, Ep # 253 | 18 Jul 2022 | 00:24:46 | |
Have you ever tried tax loss harvesting? With the markets down across the board, now is a good time to learn to utilize this tax-saving tool. I found a great article about this from Barrons.com that I share in the retirement headline segment. The article explores the traps that can befall someone trying to use this strategy. Afterward, in the listener questions segment, we'll dive into the question: do I need life insurance in retirement? You may be surprised to learn that there is no one size fits all answer to this question. If you have been a long-time listener of Retirement Starts Today, you may remember that I use our annual listener survey to improve the show each year. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Please take a few minutes to fill out this mostly multiple-choice survey so that we can ensure that we are bringing you the most relevant content to help guide you on your retirement journey. Outline of This Episode
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| Is it Time to Invest in Commodities? Ep # 252 | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:21:28 | |
If you are like many retirees and soon-to-be retirees, you may be rethinking your entire investing strategy. Stocks are down, interest rates are up, and inflation is eating away at your purchasing power. One listener wonders, with everything going on in the world, should they shift their investments into commodities? In the listener question segment, I discuss what commodities are, how to invest in them, and share my thoughts on whether investing in commodities is a good idea. Before the listener questions, we'll explore a retirement headline written by Eleanor O'Sullivan at Rethinking65.com which examines what life might look like if more people live to age 114. Join me on this episode of Retirement Starts Today as we explore the effects of technology on longevity and whether you should jump ship from your sinking stock portfolio to invest in commodities. Outline of This Episode
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| Five Things to Keep in Mind During Bear Markets, Ep #251 | 04 Jul 2022 | 00:18:15 | |
Nobody likes to experience the uncertainty that a bear market brings, but it's an even more challenging experience to weather when you are a recent retiree. It's easy to lose sight of your goals in a bear market which is why I found an article outlining some lessons that you can remember during a bear market. Listen to this episode to hear some wise words of wisdom that may help you keep your wits about you during this bear market. Stick around until the end to hear my thoughts on tax-loss harvesting. Outline of This Episode
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| Six Lessons From Six Years of Retirement (from Fritz Gilbert's Retirement Manifesto), Ep # 366 | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:18:29 | |
Are you actually prepared to navigate the complexities of retirement? We're exploring Fritz Gilbert's Six Lessons From Six Years of Retirement, shared from his blog The Retirement Manifesto. One by one, we'll walk through these lessons, keeping in mind that retirement is an evolving journey, not a static experience. For those who still need to optimize their post-work life, these lessons will show you a roadmap. We then talk about a listener question about portfolio management—whether to prioritize Roth conversions or refilling cash buckets when your investments outperform expectations. We get deep into the importance of tax diversification and flexibility in retirement, especially why having options—whether it's a Roth, brokerage, or IRA—is absolutely crucial when facing financial uncertainties. If you're preparing for or already navigating retirement, today is an excellent lesson from the 'upperclassmen'—those a few years ahead of us in the retirement game. Resources & People Mentioned
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| The 4 Stages of Retirement, Ep # 250 | 27 Jun 2022 | 00:15:25 | |
It's no secret that we're living longer than ever. People are living so long that we may soon be seeing 6 generations in a single-family. With people living such a long time it makes retirement planning even more challenging than ever before. Understanding the 4 stages of retirement can help understand the different approaches to money management in each stage. Listen in to learn the 4 stages of retirement and how they can help you plan your retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| 15 Ways Consumers Can Deal With (and Even Benefit From) Rising Inflation, Ep #249 | 20 Jun 2022 | 00:23:45 | |
Inflation is weighing heavy on the minds of retirees right now, so when I came across this article on WSJ.com from Cristin Lourosa-Ricardo, I knew I had to share it with you. Listen in to try and find the silver lining of inflation. If you are a financial advisor fan of this show, make sure to stick around until the very end for a special announcement. Outline of This Episode
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| Money Can't Buy Happiness - Or Can It? [Rebroadcast] | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:16:38 | |
It's true, money can't buy happiness. But does how you choose to spend your money affect your happiness? Today we'll discuss one article that challenges that old adage. We'll also discuss a multifaceted question from a listener who just accepted an early retirement package. We'll help her consider whether to rollover funds into an IRA and figure out what to do with her target-date funds. Listen in to hear the answers to this question and to consider whether money could actually buy happiness. For more information, visit the show notes at https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/money-cant-buy-happiness-or-can-it-ep-148/ | |||
| What's Going on with the Market?! An Interview with Joseph Hogue, Ep # 247 | 06 Jun 2022 | 00:18:45 | |
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably noticed a bit of an issue with the stock market lately. This can be distressing for any retiree, but when the declines in stock prices are coupled with high inflation and rising interest rates, then you have a triple threat to your retirement plans. Today we have a special guest joining the show. Joseph Hogue, CFA from the Let's Talk Money! YouTube channel, is here to help us understand what the heck is going on with the stock market. If you have been trying to figure out what you should be doing with your portfolio you won't want to miss this interview with Joseph Hogue Outline of This Episode
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| Father of 4% Rule Urges Caution, Ep #246 | 30 May 2022 | 00:23:29 | |
We've all heard of the 4% rule, but did you know that the creator's recommendation for it has changed over the years? I recently discovered an article from ThinkAdvisor.com that included an interview with the father of the 4% rule, Bill Bengen. In the retirement headlines segment, we'll take a close look at the article and learn directly from Mr. Bengen's perspective and then I'll offer my own. Don't miss out on this glimpse into the mind of the creator of the 4% rule. Outline of This Episode
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| An Active Retirement Could Cost More Money with Thatcher Taylor, Ep #245 | 23 May 2022 | 00:21:15 | |
Are you planning on enjoying an active retirement? If so, it may cost you more than you think. On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, I interview Thatcher Taylor, the financial advisor behind ProPathFinancial.com. Thatcher and I discuss how to prepare financially and mentally for an active retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| How to Plan for Part-Time Retirement, Ep # 243 | 09 May 2022 | 00:18:05 | |
If you are looking to ease into retirement by transitioning into a part-time role first, you won't want to miss this episode of Retirement Starts Today. In the retirement headlines segment, we'll explore an article by Anne Tergesen at the Wall Street Journal which outlines topics to consider when phasing out your retirement before retiring fully. Make sure to stick around for the listener questions segment to hear a question from Scott about how to evaluate COLA options on a pension. Press play to start planning your amazing retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| The New IRS 10-year RMD Rule Isn't What We Thought It Was, Ep #242 | 02 May 2022 | 00:24:10 | |
If you have received an inherited IRA or think you will in the future you won't want to miss this episode. In the retirement headlines segment, we'll take a look at the proposed changes in regulations regarding inherited RMDs based on the Secure Act of 2020. In the listener questions segment, we'll hear from Jim who has a question about rebalancing retirement income buckets. Make sure to stick around until the end so that you understand the best way to manage your buckets in retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| Future You is Happier than Current You, Ep #241 | 25 Apr 2022 | 00:15:36 | |
How much thought have you given to your future self? This week's retirement headline explores the concept of nurturing your future self now so that you can increase your health, happiness, and financial security. Over in our listener questions segment, I'll answer a question from an anonymous listener about increasing their spending in retirement. They are looking for advice on whether they can afford to substantially increase their spending this year. Listen in to hear the Retirement Starts Today version of Suze Orman's "Can I Afford It." Outline of This Episode
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| The Reverse Bucket List, Ep #240 | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:18:16 | |
If you are heading into retirement you probably have a bucket list that you want to work on. While just about everyone has heard of a bucket list, not many are familiar with the concept of reverse bucket lists. On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we'll explore this concept by referring to an article from Jeff Stein at Inc.com. You'll learn how a reverse bucket list could help you manage your wants versus your needs. Stick around for the listener questions segment to hear which assets to look at when doing a Roth conversion. You'll also hear a question from Paul about the logistics of retirement withdrawals. Outline of This Episode
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| Freedom or Free-fall (Tom's Story), Ep 365 | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:17:55 | |
Retirement is not just a transition from work to leisure. It's a continuous journey of self-discovery. We explore the story of Tom, who reflects on the emotional and financial challenges he faced after leaving a successful career. From adjusting to a fixed income to finding new ways to matter outside of his career, Tom's experiences give us valuable lessons for those nearing retirement. In light of Tom's story, we talk more about Roth conversions and the evolving rules surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). We'll tell you how to manage Roth conversions, even after reaching RMD age, and the importance of tax planning as part of a truly comprehensive retirement strategy. Learn how to make smarter financial decisions as you prepare for (or continue through your continuous journey of) retirement. Outline of This Episode
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| Part-Time Retirement Programs Are on the Rise, Ep #239 | 11 Apr 2022 | 00:17:38 | |
Do you wish you could have more freedom at work yet still earn a paycheck? Remote work and flexible scheduling may help you ease into retirement rather than plunging in all at once. In our retirement headline segment today, we'll explore an article from the Wall Street Journal that discusses a new phenomenon that is a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, I'll answer Frank's question about using the bucket time segmentation strategy in retirement. Listen in to hear details about what those buckets might look like and how to time withdrawals from each bucket. Outline of This Episode
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| Get the Freeloaders Offloaded with Bobbi Rebell, Ep #237 | 28 Mar 2022 | 00:27:13 | |
When people begin retirement planning they usually have 3 main questions. We cover the questions about what to do about healthcare before Medicare and should I pay off my house regularly on this show. However, the third question, what do I do if I still have kids at home, is not one we regularly address. That is why I'm excited to have Bobbi Rebell, author of the new book, Launching Financial Grown Ups on the show today. Bobbi is here to discuss the growing phenomenon of adult kids living with their parents and how that can impact your retirement plan. You won't want to miss this episode if your kids are not completely launched. Listen in to hear Bobbi's fantastic advice for creating an exit strategy to get your children off the payroll. Outline of This Episode
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| Don't Even THINK About Delaying Retirement, Ep #236 | 21 Mar 2022 | 00:20:18 | |
Have you been hesitant to retire this year because of all that is going on in the world? On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we'll explore a retirement headline from Maurie Backman at The Motley Fool called 3 Reasons Why 2022 May Be a Bad Year to Retire, but then you'll hear my rebuttal to each of her 3 arguments. If you have been on the fence about whether you should take the plunge and retire now, you won't want to miss this episode. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear an anonymous question about how to be certain that you won't owe interest and penalties on a Roth conversion. Outline of This Episode
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