The American Dream Reset: Retirement Costs, Inflation, and Savings Strategies

Curious how today’s costs, inflation trends, and shifting expectations are shaping the American Dream? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on the Retire Sooner Podcast as they provide context on financial headlines, explore common planning questions, and share research-informed insights for your retirement journey.

• Explore the discussion around what it may take to reach the American Dream and whether a $5 million lifetime target is a realistic benchmark.

• Review how inflation has historically influenced the stock market and why the concept of a “Goldilocks zone” may be relevant for long-term investors.

• Compare how inflation can affect different categories of stocks, including dividend-paying and growth-oriented companies.

• Discuss what pursuing a CFP designation or considering a late-stage career shift into financial planning might involve.

• Consider how high-yield bond ETFs are typically viewed in the marketplace and why “junk bonds” continue to spark debate among investors.

• Examine different ways couples might think about retirement savings benchmarks—whether by age-based charts or total household goals.

• Illustrate the role of compound growth in both saving and investing when working toward retirement readiness.

• Highlight factors to weigh when assessing whether to maintain or drop life insurance as retirement approaches, including debt, dependents, and overall assets.

• Outline new Secure 2.0 provisions that allow certain 529 plan funds to be redirected to Roth IRAs for children.

• Showcase how automation and behavioral systems can encourage consistent savings habits across different income levels and career stages.

Every financial situation is unique, but gaining context can help make more informed choices. Listen now and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for ongoing conversations that keep you engaged with today’s retirement and financial planning landscape.

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