White Coat Investor Podcast

WCI #454: The Numbers and Psychology of Retirement Spending with Christine Benz

15 snips
Jan 15, 2026
Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar and author, delves into the psychology and numbers behind retirement spending. She discusses the importance of giving retirees 'permission to spend' and highlights the gender disparities in finance. Christine emphasizes flexible withdrawal strategies and the significance of combining portfolio income with Social Security or rental income. She also warns about risks like inflation and recommends following key women in finance to expand knowledge. This conversation is rich with insights for anyone planning their financial future.
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INSIGHT

Psychology Blocks Retirement Spending

  • Retirement spending often fails because retirees can't give themselves permission to spend after decades of saving.
  • Christine Benz says psychology and the word 'spending' make retirees reluctant to draw on their portfolio.
ANECDOTE

Bogle Visit Shaped Her Career

  • Christine Benz recounts being inspired by Jack Bogle's visits to Morningstar early in her career.
  • That experience shaped her commitment to financial education and the Bogle Center.
INSIGHT

Avoid Optimization Trap

  • Bogleheads risk over-optimizing allocations and losing sight of broader life priorities.
  • Christine Benz urges satisficing with simple index funds and focusing on non-financial planning aspects.
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