In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with David Blanchett, Head of Retirement Research at PGIM and one of the most respected voices in financial planning.

From his early start as a certified financial planner at 21 to becoming a go-to name in retirement income research, David has spent his career challenging outdated assumptions and building better models to help people retire smarter.

We get into why most retirement plans are based on flawed assumptions, how retirees actually spend their money (hint: it’s not how models say they do), and why the 4% rule may need a rethink.

We also explore:
📉 The psychological traps that make people underspend in retirement
📊 The emotional attachment to real estate
⏳ Longevity, inflation, and the risk of retiring too early
🤖 Whether robo-advisors will ever fully replace human financial planners
📈 Why working just “one more year” can make a massive difference in retirement success

David also shares his thoughts on the future of retirement, why financial independence might be a better term, and what he sees coming in the next 25 years.

If you're interested in retirement, financial planning, or how to future-proof your financial life, this one’s a must.

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Enjoy the episode!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

David Blanchett: The One Retirement Risk Nobody Talks About