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 [2:12] The number of American retirees is outpacing the number of workers [3:52] There are really only two ways to solve this problem [10:15] My thoughts on claiming Social Security [11:40] The best investment options for short and intermediate-term [17:39] Frank is proud of exercising every day in retirement Resources & People Mentioned Investment News article Episode 99 - What Can a Mullet Teach us About Portfolio Distribution?  Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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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 [2:02] Will retired life be better in the future? [6:40] Technology can help retirees stay independent longer [11:08] Individual bonds or bond funds in retirement? [17:40] Using the portfolio immunization strategy Resources & People Mentioned Annual Listener Survey Retirement in 2050. Will Retired Life Be Better in the Future? Bond mutual funds article from Schwab Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] Don’t move to save on income tax [6:33] Should I invest additional money in my tax-deferred 457B account? Resources & People Mentioned Why Moving to a State with Low Income Taxes Could Cost You Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] Do bucket withdrawal strategies work well in retirement? [6:35] 3 Practical tips for someone retiring in 3-5 weeks Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - Do ‘Bucket’ Investment Strategies Make Sense in Retirement? BOOK - Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Future Self video Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] Findings from pandemic related sleep problems [6:45] How journaling can help you sleep better [11:00] When should Bill take Social Security? [11:55] Should he take the lump sum or the lifetime annuity? Resources & People Mentioned To Get a Better Night’s Sleep, First Fix Your Day by Andrea Peterson Oura Ring Whoop Strap Sound Retirement Radio with Jason Parker Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] If you are a do it yourself investor you are your own financial advisor [5:30] Retroactive payments are granted as a lump sum payment [7:03] Use the nudge strategy [9:00] Drawbacks to the 6-month nudge strategy [12:48] Using QLACs and MYGAs to enhance a bucket strategy DIY investors need plenty of tools in their retirement planning toolbox 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 choice The 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 approach As 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 Getting Comfortable Delaying Social Security with Six Month Reversible Delays Kitces.com Jeff Levine on Twitter @CPAPlanner Connect with our Sponsor Boomer Benefits Boomer Benefits Facebook Page Boomer Benefits YouTube Channel Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:42] 8 Financial Do's and Don'ts for the 7-Figure Retirement [4:11] Boredom is a 4 letter word in retirement [6:25] Don’t take Social Security too late [10:19] Don’t write checks to charity [12:07] Consult a financial professional [13:45] Should Debbie take Social Security early? 8 Financial tips for a successful retirement 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 Boomer Benefits 8 Financial Do's and Don'ts for the 7-Figure Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [3:02] What’s new for Medicare open enrollment [8:52] How to prepare for the 2026 tax code changes Resources & People Mentioned What’s New for Open Enrollment from Investment News Retirement Repair Shop podcast with Mary Beth Franklin Medicare series with Danielle Roberts - Episodes 163, 164, 165, 166 Boomer Benefits on YouTube Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] Many who have bought a house in the past 2 years now regret it [5:39] Advice from different financial advisors [9:02] My takeaways [11:33] My interesting observations about clients’ spending patterns Resources & People Mentioned BuzzFeed article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [2:02] The average Social Security beneficiary will increase by $140 per month [4:52] What is COLA? [9:20] Will you get the increase if you delay filing for Social Security? [10:21] How to manage a monthly payday [13:54] How to get extra credit from your portfolio Resources & People Mentioned Social Security Benefits to Increase 8.7% in 2023 from ABC News Social Security Announces Biggest Benefit Hike Since 1981 from CBS News  Inflation Reduction Act on CBS news Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:52] William Bengen doesn’t believe that it is necessary to adjust spending to 3% [5:24] Where the 4% rule is helpful [9:20] Do Social Security benefits increase each month you delay filing until age 70, or each year? Resources & People Mentioned The Father Of ‘4% Rule' Doesn't Buy 3% Alternative Delayed Social Security Planner Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasa Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter

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 [1:22] 3 tips for buying stocks to produce dividends in retirement [5:01] Use a Swiss Army Knife portfolio [7:25] On increasing retirement spending before Social Security Resources & People Mentioned The Nerd’s Eye View blog @DerekTharp on Twitter Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:42] When people plan to take Social Security and why [7:26] 55% didn‘t think they would be able to replace three-quarters of their last paycheck amount in retirement income [10:40] How should a new retiree fill their cash reserve bucket when stocks and bonds are down? 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 The Prudennt Pessimist episode Just 11% of Near-Retirees Plan to Delay Social Security Benefits Until 70 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , TuneIn , Podbean , Player FM , iHeart , or Spotify

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 [2:02] What a $2 million retirement looks like in America [12:45] How to move a variable annuity to a less expensive option Resources & People Mentioned Here’s What a $2 Million Retirement Looks Like in America Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , TuneIn , Podbean , Player FM , iHeart , or Spotify

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 [2:49] What are the benefits of learning about who we’ll become in the future? [5:02] How to assess the softer goals [8:20] How to future set your goals when your life expectancy is shorter  [17:48] How to balance our future self with the present [25:52] Retirement Starts Today Super Book Giveaway details Resources & People Mentioned BOOK - Thou Shalt Prosper by Daniel Lapin Dan Sullivan BOOK - Die with Zero by Bill Perkins Connect with Dr. Ben Hardy BenjaminHardy.com BOOK - Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy BOOK - Personality Isn’t Permanent by Dr. Benjamin Hardy BOOK - The Gap and the Gain by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan BOOK - Who Not How by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , TuneIn , Podbean , Player FM , iHeart , or Spotify

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 [1:22] Why people choose to move in retirement [3:43] 6 things to think about before moving in retirement [11:06] Recommendations for public websites to understand whether you are close to your retirement goals Resources & People Mentioned MarketWatch article Fidelity Retirement Income Calculator Vanguard Retirement Income Calculator Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , TuneIn , Podbean , Player FM , iHeart , or Spotify

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 [3:02] What the Inflation Reduction Act means for you [11:32] On converting to Roth IRAs from 401K or IRA Resources & People Mentioned Forbes article - The Inflation Reduction Act Is Now Law—Here’s What It Means For You PODCAST - The Retirement Tax Podcast with Benjamin Brandt and Steven Jarvis BOOK - Be Your Future Self Now by Benjamin Hardy BOOK - Raise Your Healthy Deserve Level by Gary Kadi Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , TuneIn , Podbean , Player FM , iHeart , or Spotify

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 [1:22] The break-even calculator has been used for years to help people decide when they should file [5:36] An example of how the break-even calculator could work [8:02] Why very few people wait until 70 to file [8:50] What’s next for the cost of living adjustment [12:42] Will Social Security go bankrupt? [16:08] How could the government fix Social Security problems? Resources & People Mentioned Rachel Greszler Connect with Devin Carroll Devin’s Social Security calculators SocialSecurityIntelligence.com Devin’s YouTube channel Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:32] Serena Williams feels no happiness upon retirement [7:45] My thoughts on combatting depression in retirement [10:04] What are the benefits and pitfalls of moving closer to the children in retirement? Resources & People Mentioned Market Watch article on Serena Williams’ retirement Vogue article Study on the prevalence of depression in retirement The benefits of volunteering Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [2:22] The idea of traditional retirement is being challenged [6:02] An example of how one couple planned their sabbatical [9:20] How taking time off could affect your long-term goals  [13:26] Will Social Security be eliminated by the Supreme Court? [17:04] How to secure your benefit against possible reductions in Social Security Resources & People Mentioned Kitces article on Sabbatical Financial Planning Kitces article on 3 types of retirement Kitces article on the FIRE movement Indeed article on employee burnout World Economic Forum on Sweden’s sabbatical policy Research on the Great Resignation Reuter’s labor article Interactive planning tools Finding your tax equilibrium Harvesting capital gains Marketwatch article on Social Security BOOK - The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss Episode 142 - Are You a Prudent Pessimist? Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] Some towns are offering moving incentives to remote tech workers  [5:14] How could this improve your retirement? [6:34] How variable annuity fees are calculated [8:40] Annuities can provide many options [12:56] My thoughts on annuities [16:30] Don’t forget to fill out our annual listener survey Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - 71 Cities and Towns Are Paying Tech Workers to Abandon Silicon Valley Annuity.org article Investopedia on annuities Capital One article on market risk BOOK - Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy BOOK - Raise Your Healthy Deserve Level by Gary Kadi Annual Listener Survey Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [2:52] How to pass on your passwords [7:35] Using a password manager [10:15] Using passkeys makes sharing challenging [13:42] Roth conversions and taxes Resources & People Mentioned How to Pass On Your Passwords When You Die 1Password LastPass Google Inactive Account Manager 5th Annual Listener Survey Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

 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 [3:12] Money is a team sport [10:54] Create healthy boundaries [13:24] My thoughts on inverse ETFs in a declining market [16:54] Should Dave rebalance first before making a Roth conversion? Resources & People Mentioned How to Financially Support Your Loved Ones without Derailing Your Plan Fill out our annual listener survey! Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [2:17] Tax loss harvesting can be more sizzle than steak [3:44] 7 Tips for tax loss harvesting [15:29] How much life insurance does Jim need in retirement? Resources & People Mentioned Now’s a Good Time to Focus on Tax-Loss Harvesting. Here Are 7 Tips Dave Ramsey Our annual listener survey Connect with Benjamin Brandt Don’t forget to fill out our annual listener survey: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Survey  Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:32] Planning to live to 114? [3:15] Cell phones improve access and democratize healthcare [7:53] Technology can help in every aspect of our lives [11:03] Is it time to invest in commodities? [13:08] How to invest in commodities [17:55] My thoughts on investing in commodities Resources & People Mentioned 88 Years Old and Planning on 114 Brite ’22 Conference Greycroft Primetime Partners Apax Partners Sharecare Investopedia on commodities Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:42] 5 lessons to remember in bear markets [9:20] How to use tax-loss harvesting Resources & People Mentioned Five Things to Keep in Mind During Bear Markets by Jack Forehand The Retirement Tax Podcast - Listen to CPA, Steven Jarvis’ answer to the same listener question Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:  http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter:  https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:42] There may soon be 6 generations in a single family [2:52] You may be in the anticipation stage of retirement [4:23] The reinvention stage is perhaps the most challenging stage [6:52] The reflection stage leads to thoughts on legacy [9:49] Renting vs. owning in retirement Resources & People Mentioned Ken Dychtwald Breaks Down the Four Stages of Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:38] How to lessen the impacts of inflation [5:19] Why you should buy the car you're leasing [9:00] Control lifestyle creep [14:34] How to balance a portfolio in this economic climate Resources & People Mentioned 15 Ways Consumers Can Deal with–and Even Benefit from–Rising Inflation Episode 247 - What’s Going on with the Market?! with Joseph Hogue Episode 245 - An Active Retirement Could Cost More Money with Thatcher Taylor Capital City Wealth Management on LinkedIn Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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/

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 [1:22] What is a CFA? [3:22] What the heck is going on with the stock market? [8:55] Will this be over sooner or later? [10:50] Should we rebalance now? Connect with Joseph Hogue Let's Talk Money! with Joseph Hogue, CFA  MyStockMarketBasics.com Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [2:12] Manage the risk portion of your retirement nest egg actively [7:00] Adjust your withdrawal rates along with inflation [7:47] My thoughts on using the 4% rule [15:03] Is there a way to improve Jim’s retirement plan? Resources & People Mentioned Father of 4% Rule Urges Caution, Cash as Market Risk Rises The American College of Financial Services The Extraordinary Upside Potential Of Sequence Of Return Risk In Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:42] How to navigate the balance between [3:18] How plan for a longer retirement [9:00] A phased retirement plan could help you stay active [11:55] Do you have a sense of purpose in retirement? [18:33] Check out Thatcher’s YouTube channel Resources & People Mentioned Dr.Peter Attia Connect with Thatcher Taylor Thatcher Taylor on YouTube ProPathFinancial.com @DadBodFinancial on Instagram Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:32] Talk to your employer about how to work fewer hours [3:12] Plan your income [6:34] Social Security considerations [11:51] To take the COLA or non-COLA option on a pension Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - How to Plan for Part-Time Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:32] The IRS interpretation isn’t what we thought it would be [7:36] An example to illustrate an inheritance scenario  [10:45] What can we learn from this new rule? [14:25] Should you have 5 years of income or 25% of your portfolio value in bucket #1? [17:18] Should you rebalance when stocks and bonds are down? [18:56] Do Vanguard total bond funds qualify for bucket #1 or #2? [22:03] Should you maintain a small list of funds in a portfolio? Resources & People Mentioned Episode 239 - Part-Time Retirement Programs Are on the Rise Investment News article by Ed Slott Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:58] Thinking about your future self can help you build a happier life [7:52] Who is your future self 10 years after retirement? [11:00] Should this listener spend the money that he didn’t spend in the past 3 years? Resources & People Mentioned How Thinking About 'Future You' Can Build a Happier Life Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s 30 Day Future Self Course BOOK - Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:42] Using reverse bucket lists to prioritize [5:20] What assets to use at when looking at Roth conversions [9:48] The logistics of retirement withdrawals  [12:48] Make sure the money comes out of the right accounts Resources & People Mentioned Inc.com article Podcast - Optimism with Simon Sinek and Arthur Brooks An online risk tolerance questionnaire Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart

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 [1:32] How should the increase in mortgage interest rates change your retirement plans? [3:21] Part-time retirement programs are on the rise [7:40] Obstacles to phased retirements [8:25] My thoughts on phased retirement [9:54] How to determine when your long-term retirement savings bucket is up or down Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - Part-Time Retirement Programs Are on the Rise Episode 238 - I’m Retiring in 3 Weeks! Here’s What to Do… Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [1:22] What to do if we have kids at home when facing retirement? [7:20] What can we do to prepare our kids for an exit strategy? [10:53] How to deal with our children’s financial mistakes [19:07] Don’t rob kids of the ability to think things through Resources & People Mentioned Lemonade Insurance BOOK - Think Like a Bread Winner by Jennifer Barrett Connect with Bobbi Rebell BobbiRebell.com BOOK - Launching Financial Grown-Ups by Bobbi Rebell Check out GrownUpGear.com for some Grown-Up merch @BobbiRebell on Twitter @BobbiRebell1 on Instagram Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

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 [2:11] Pitfall #1 - The pandemic is still raging [5:00] Pitfall #2 - Inflation is rampant [8:15] Pitfall #3 - Stability is important [12:23] An underpayment penalty question Resources & People Mentioned The Motley Fool - 3 Reasons Why 2022 May Be a Bad Year to Retire Taxes in Retirement Facebook group Underpayment of Estimated Tax on the IRS website Estimated Taxes on TurboTax’s website Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

With the news that January’s inflation rate was a staggering 7.5%--the highest level in 40 years–everyone has inflation on their minds lately. Many retirees are reassessing how they can protect their nest eggs.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a WSJ headline, “There’s No Perfect Way to Inflation-Proof Your Investments,” by Anne Tergesen. If you have been wondering how you can best use your investments to hedge against inflation in retirement, don’t miss out on this episode to hear the pros and cons of several different options. Make sure to listen to the end to hear how long you might have to hold on to gold so that it keeps pace with inflation. (Spoiler alert–it’s a lot longer than you think!)  Outline of This Episode [1:22] Inflation is on the mind of every retiree in 2022 [3:57] I bonds are the belle of the ball [6:14] The pros and cons of TIPS [7:23] The pros and cons of stocks, commodities, and real estate [10:06] The pros and cons of buying gold [11:29] How to pay taxes on Roth conversions Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - There’s No Perfect Way to Inflation-Proof Your Investments Taxes in Retirement Facebook Group Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Many people begin retirement with the question: what’s next? That question can plant the idea of starting a second chapter whether it be a new business, a side hustle, a passion project, or a consulting business. The question then becomes, how to get started?  Gabe Nelson, the host of the Solopreneur Money podcast, is here to discuss how you can start a business in retirement. In this episode, you’ll learn tips on how to get started, how to decide what to charge, how long it should take to become profitable, and so much more.  Outline of This Episode [1:58] What are some tips for someone that wants to start a business in retirement? [5:28] How to keep track of expenses [7:00] At what point does the business have to become profitable? [11:30] How to move from employee to employer [14:00] The kinds of clients that Gabe works with [16:42] Gabe never plans on retiring Resources & People Mentioned QuickBooks Connect with Gabe Nelson SolopreneurMoney.com BOOK - The Solopreneur’s Money Manifesto by Gabe Nelson Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Tax season is here. This yearly duty is something that a good portion of citizens put off until the last minute, with some even requesting an extension to file later. However, today I have 8 reasons for you to consider filing your taxes early. Listen in to discover why you might want to bite the bullet and file your tax return early this year. Outline of This Episode [1:12] 8 reasons to file your 2021 tax return early [4:18] Why you should try to get as small a refund as possible in retirement [8:09] Should Marion invest 25% of her portfolio in a fixed annuity over 10 years? This is a great list to encourage people to get started on their taxes. I’ve had my thoughts on tax planning for a while now that I’m cohosting the Retirement Tax Podcast with Steven Jarvis. Check it out if you are interested in tax planning strategies in retirement.  Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Tax podcast with Steven Jarvis and Benjamin Brandt Retirement Tax Services from Steven Jarvis 8 reasons to file your 2021 tax return early by Kay Bell Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

You may be worried about money in retirement, but are you worried that you won’t spend enough of it? Today’s retirement headline comes from Neil Templin over at Barrons.com and it examines how people’s core spending and saving habits from their working years continue in their retirement years.  Listen to this episode to hear the author’s suggestion for how to rectify this issue and whether or not I agree with him.  Outline of This Episode [1:22] Retirees aren’t spending enough [5:30] Create a retirement paycheck [7:20] My thoughts on the article [10:00] join the newsletter [11:07] How to invest for retirement with limited assets Retirees aren’t spending enough Why do people continue to save in retirement when they are expected to be spending? Retirees Aren’t Spending Enough of Their Nest Eggs, Here’s Why, an article written by Neil Templin, examines the reasons why some people don’t plan to spend down their assets in retirement. These retirees' portfolios remain the same or sometimes even grow at a time of life when they should be diminishing. The author looks into why this phenomenon is happening. Reasons for reluctant spending in retirement One study even revealed that ¾ of participants had seen their assets remain the same or grow in retirement. There are numerous reasons why this could happen.  The robust stock market over the past ten years could contribute to a steady or growing portfolio. However, even with strong returns, some people may not feel comfortable enough to loosen their purse strings and spend their savings in retirement. Templin lists these reasons for reluctant spending habits in retirement: Fear of running out of money paired with uncertain longevity  Worry about future medical expenses  Concern over rising long term care costs Learning from a parent’s retirement experience Spending habits from working years continue through retirement  Not wanting to be a burden on their children It is difficult to change the core values that people have about spending. Saving is a habit developed over time and retirees are discovering that they can’t simply flick a switch and turn it off.  A solution to reluctant retirement spending  The author next examines research on retirees with pensions. The research showed that those who received more than half of their income in regular payments spent much more in retirement than those who received less than half of their income regularly.  The article concludes that creating a pension-style income or regular paycheck by using annuities could be a solution for retirees who are reluctant to spend in retirement.  An alternative to purchasing annuities in retirement My concern with purchasing annuities to solve this problem is that this solution eliminates the freedom to choose. With a flexible spending strategy, retirees can spend confidently. They understand that when the market doesn’t behave ideally that there is always a plan b to fall back on. This flexible spending strategy relies on education and knowledge to give retirees the peace of mind they need to spend confidently. Listen in to hear how Guyton’s Guardrails could inspire confidence in your retirement spending strategy.  Resources & People Mentioned Retirees Aren’t Spending Enough of Their Nest Eggs, Here’s Why Join the Every Day Is Saturday newsletter! Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

 Do you know where you’ll live when you retire? Deciding where to live in retirement is one of the biggest retirement decisions that you’ll make. There are so many factors to consider that it can be overwhelming with the myriad choices.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a headline from J.D. Roth at GetRichSlowly.org that reveals a new tool from The New York Times which helps people find places to live that suit their lifestyles.  You’ll also hear the answer to Frank’s question about the inflexibility of safe withdrawal rules for those who choose to delay taking Social Security. If you have been considering moving in retirement, don’t miss out on this episode to discover how this fun tool could help you narrow down your choices.  Outline of This Episode [1:22] A useful tool to help you choose a place to live [4:03] My thoughts on purchasing a second home in retirement [7:01] On taking larger withdrawals in your 60s to delay taking Social Security [11:14] How I use Guyton’s Guardrails to set up safe withdrawal rates This useful tool can help you choose a place to live in retirement Today’s retirement headline, A Useful New Tool to Help You Pick a Place to Live, comes from J.D. Roth’s blog GetRichSlowly.org. In the article, the author explores a new interactive tool from The New York Times that could help you decide where to live based on your lifestyle choices.  The interactive quiz uses 35 different factors which can help you narrow down the 17,000 cities and towns across the country they have to choose from. These factors include choices like population density, climate, racial diversity, political affiliation, the average cost of living, and many more. Users can even emphasize which qualities matter most to them. After exploring a few options, users can compare their favorite choices in an easy-to-read table. Although the tool, isn’t the end all be all in deciding where to live, it may be able to accurately narrow down some areas for you to consider.  Since the tool comes from the New York Times, it is behind a paywall you may be blocked if you have already read your free articles for the month. If you haven’t, spend some time exploring the variables to see which places look good to you.  You may not qualify for a mortgage Many retirees choose to buy a second home in retirement, and I work with several clients that have considered this option. When purchasing a home in retirement, it is important to remember a few rules.  Oftentimes, people don’t realize that after leaving their career behind it can be very challenging to get a mortgage. Since qualifying for a mortgage depends on income rather than assets, many recent retirees discover that they may not qualify for a mortgage even when they have the assets to purchase the home outright. One way to prevent this issue is by massaging your portfolio income to a level that the bank would approve to secure the loan. After closing on the mortgage, then you can reset your portfolio withdrawals back to normal. Don’t be afraid to rent If you are considering purchasing a second home or moving to a new area in retirement, don’t be afraid to rent first. By renting for several months in the city you would like to move to, you’ll be able to explore the town and understand where the desirable (and undesirable) areas are. Renting first could save you from a mistake that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Learn more about moving in retirement and how using Guyton’s Guardrails could help you set up flexible, safe withdrawal rates in retirement on this episode of Retirement Starts Today. Resources & People Mentioned New York Times interactive tool GetRichSlowly.org Guyton’s Guardrails Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Is saving for the future preventing you from enjoying your present life? This may be an unpopular opinion for a financial podcast, but it is important to ask difficult questions to experience growth. If over-saving is preventing you from enjoying your present life, then you need to make changes.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll examine an article by Darius Foroux that asks, Are You Saving Too Much Money? After the retirement headlines segment, I’ll answer a question from CJ about using a donor-advised fund to offset the last year of high income before retirement. Get ready to ask challenge yourself and explore your financial decisions as you press play.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] Saving too much money for your future could prevent you from enjoying your present life [4:32] How to know when you’re saving too much? [6:53] Does it make sense to create a donor-advised fund to get a tax deduction? [10:22] What other deductions could you take advantage of? Saving too much for the future could prevent you from enjoying the present Today is the most important day that you have to live. If you are saving too much money you may not be able to enjoy today to its fullest. There are people that save up to 70% of their income while planning an early retirement, but this type of habitual frugality can get in the way of enjoying life in the present. Although saving a high percentage of your salary could give you confidence about your future, it can be difficult to unwind that practiced frugality to truly enjoy life.  How to know if you are saving too much If you’re constantly asking yourself on a daily basis how much things cost, you might be saving too much. Try not to calculate your spending down to the penny. Instead, be more conscious of how you spend your money. The is a balance between spending your entire paycheck and over saving is fluid and complex, so it is important to analyze your situation to understand the best saving situation for you. There are several factors to consider when analyzing your savings patterns: How old are you?  What do you value in life?  What type of lifestyle do you want?  Do you have a career you enjoy?  Where do you live?  What are the odds you can do your work until you’re old?  Do you have a support system?  Understanding the answers to these questions can help you recognize whether you are saving too much.  How to balance saving for the future while maximizing today So, how do we balance living in the present and making the most of our lives today while, at the same time, being responsible stewards for our future selves? A good place to start is by coming up with a financial strategy that incorporates your values. Once you do that, you can use the free tools available on the internet to help you determine how much you need to save.  Self-reflection is important to understand whether you are truly living your best life now or if you are waiting for some arbitrary future date to pursue happiness. Are you living your best life now? If not, what are you waiting for? Resources & People Mentioned Boomer Benefits Are You Saving Too Much Money by Darius Foroux BOOK - Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin Fidelity Charitable Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Tax scams are as old as taxes themselves, so are you doing everything you can do to avoid them? In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore what the IRS labels, ‘the dirty dozen’ tax scams. You’ll learn who is targeted by the various scams and then you’ll discover what you should do to protect yourself from scammers. Make sure to stick around until the end of this episode to hear what you should avoid doing so that you don’t fall prey to tax scammers.  Outline of This Episode [1:24] The IRS has issued a warning to taxpayers [6:10] Protection for taxpayers [9:00] Dave wonders whether he should build his home with cash or use a mortgage Watch out for the ‘dirty dozen’ Every year the IRS publishes its list of the 'dirty dozen’ tax scams that citizens should be on the lookout for. This year’s list comes directly from the IRS website in an article called Americans Urged to Watch Out for Tax Scams During the Pandemic. The article breaks up the 12 types of schemes into 4 categories based on who carries them out or whom they affect.  The scams can be described as pandemic-related scams, personal information cons, ruses that focus on unsuspecting victims like seniors and immigrants, and schemes that persuade taxpayers into performing unscrupulous actions. The IRS urges everyone to stay aware of scams and scammers, especially during tax season. Economic impact payment theft This first category of the dirty dozen is related to the pandemic-related stimulus payments from the government which are still under threat from identity thieves.  Look for these warning signs to spot identity theft scams. Any text messages, random incoming phone calls, or emails inquiring about bank account information or requesting recipients to click a link should be considered suspicious and deleted without opening. Remember that the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by phone, email, text, or social media asking for a Social Security number or other personal or financial information related to economic impact payments.  Be alert to mailbox theft by checking your mail frequently and reporting suspected mail losses to the post office. It is also important to remember that IRS.gov is the agency’s official website for payments, refunds, or other tax information.  Unemployment fraud leading to inaccurate taxpayer 1099-Gs Stay vigilant about receiving receipts of unemployment benefits that you did not actually receive since this could be a sign of identity theft. This is yet another way that identity thieves try to steal stimulus payments. Taxpayers should look out for a form called 1099-G which reports unemployment compensation that they did not receive.  If you do receive this form, the IRS urges you to contact the appropriate state agency for a corrected form. If a corrected form cannot be obtained in time for taxpayers to file a timely tax return, they should complete their return claiming only the unemployment compensation and other income they actually received.  How you can protect yourself This year the IRS made its IP PIN program available to all taxpayers. In the past, this program was only available to victims of identity theft. The IP PIN will help prevent fraudulent filings from identity thieves by serving as a key to unlock a taxpayer’s tax account. In addition to the IP PIN, the IRS is further working to reduce fraud by strengthening tax software password protocols, asking for driver's license numbers as a way to prove identity, limiting the number of tax refunds going to bank accounts, and making personal information from tax transcripts.  It is important to stay one step ahead of scammers so that you can protect yourself from fraud. Remember that the IRS will never ask you for your personal information via phone, text, or email.  Resources & People Mentioned Americans Urged to Watch Out for Tax Scams During the Pandemic Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Do you have gold as a part of your investment portfolio? Several years ago there were loads of infomercials about investing in gold, but after today’s retirement headline you may want to think twice about complicated investment strategies. Don’t miss out on this real-world cautionary tale which provides an example of how and why owners of IRAs with assets invested in nontraditional means need to follow strict guidelines. Press play to listen. Outline of This Episode [2:32] Don’t make this $300,000 tax mistake [5:25] You don’t have to invest your IRAs in stocks and bonds [12:40] You don’t need complexity to have great retirement investments [13:50] When the first RMD is taken from an IRA is the money considered earned income? [16:08] Does the custodian of an IRA pay taxes directly before distribution of the money? Are you signed up for the Every Day Is Saturday newsletter? If you have been wondering how you can submit your own listener question, make sure to head on over to my website RetirementStartsTodayRadio.com and simply click the ask a question button. Another way to submit a question is by responding to my weekly Every Day Is Saturday newsletter which is delivered every Thursday morning. By joining the newsletter not only will you be reminded that in retirement every day is Saturday (even Thursday mornings), you’ll also get links to articles and resources that were mentioned on the show.  Why one couple owes the IRS $300,000 for storing gold in their home How’s this for a headline? A Couple Stored a Gold IRA at Home. They Owe the IRS More Than $300,000. Today’s retirement headline was written by Laura Sanders at WSJ. The article discusses a scheme that was promoted years back when ads extolled the benefits of using IRA assets to buy silver and gold coins to store at home or in a safe deposit box. However, the IRS has made it clear that there are strict rules that must be adhered to regarding IRA investments, and the couple failed to follow those rules. You don’t have to invest your IRAs in stocks and bonds Many people don’t realize that retirement investment accounts don’t have to invest the assets in typical securities like stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. The law actually gives retirement plan investors many options on how they invest funds, as long as it’s not in collectibles such as artwork. Retirement accounts can hold investments in real estate, litigation funding, deeds of trust, and even cryptocurrency. One thing to watch out for with these kinds of alternatives is if your investment asset isn't liquid you could be in for some trouble around the time of your 72nd birthday when RMDs start. Make sure to follow the rules The article emphasizes that savers who have decided to invest in alternative assets must follow strict rules so that they are not considered self-dealing. Investors who do not follow the rules closely are risking financial catastrophe. Listen in and click through to the article to hear the details of the case so that you can understand how to avoid this type of costly situation. Resources & People Mentioned A Couple Stored a Gold IRA at Home. They Owe the IRS More Than $300,000 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify