Decoding Retirement

Americans who are veterans or currently serve in the military often have to deal with a patchwork of complicated programs to ensure their promised benefits are accounted for. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Dan Kunze, veteran and host of the "Warrior Money" podcast, about how to navigate the complex world of military benefits with an eye towards retirement. Dan reveals how to optimize income sources throughout your retirement, the invisible issues that can arise with age, and how to transition into the civilian workforce. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell and produced by Dennis Golin. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big updates to tax laws are coming this year, affecting everything from deductions to funding for retirement accounts. With so many variables to consider, many prospective retirees are seeking professional guidance from financial professionals- but are they picking the right planners and asking the right questions? On this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Michael Doshier, Senior Vice President at LPL Financial, to talk about what financial advisors must do to stay prepared for the coming year. Michael discusses the disconnect between wealth and retirement planning, understanding behavioral risk, and why Roth accounts are so valuable to retirees. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell and produced by Dennis Golin. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features Dave Goodsell, Executive Director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, who dives deep into the challenges many face with retirement planning. He reveals a staggering $450,000 shortfall many Americans contend with and addresses the importance of systematic planning. Dave discusses the high costs of healthcare and the need for catch-up strategies through tax-advantaged accounts. He emphasizes starting early, using employer matches, and practical planning habits to ensure financial stability during retirement.

Chris Wilson, a tax professional and H&R Block franchisee, dives into the complexities of the racial wealth gap in America. He highlights strategies to promote financial literacy and the pitfalls of annuities for long-term retirees. Investment clubs are touted as a way to build confidence in investing, while the S&P 500 is recommended for simple, effective portfolio management. Wilson also explains the benefits of Opportunity Zones and outlines actionable steps for building generational wealth, such as early investments and smart mortgage strategies.

Becoming a caregiver for a loved one is often a difficult journey, giving up time and money to provide assistance to someone who can no longer manage their own affairs. Bills, paperwork, and medical visits can quickly pile up, leaving the caretaker saddled with difficult work that could take a toll on their mental and physical health. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Beth Pinsker, financial columnist for MarketWatch and the author of “My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving,” about her personal experience as a caregiver for her mom. Beth reveals the essential legal documents to have prepared in advance, coping with the stress of caregiving, and spotting the warning signs that your loved one may need additional help. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making a plan for what happens to your assets when you're gone may seem uncomfortable, but it can spare your loved ones a huge amount of money and conflict. On this week's episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Colleen Carcone, director of wealth planning strategies at TIAA, about the essential steps you must take before creating an estate plan. Colleen discusses important documents, beneficiary designations, and the pros and cons of probate. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Harris Poll on holiday shopping, compiled by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), paints a picture of Americans teetering on a financial tightrope. Rising prices are especially being felt by retirees on fixed incomes looking to maximize their dollars as they purchase gifts for their loved ones this holiday season. On this special episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Dan Snyder and Cary Sinnett from the AICPA about what retirees can do to mitigate the high cost of goods while ensuring their financial futures stay on firm ground. Dan and Cary discuss the benefits of limiting holiday spending to a certain percentage of your income, avoiding the credit card 'debt trap,' and tips to ensure you stay within a favorable tax bracket. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cryptocurrency is gaining ground as an increasingly important asset across the world of finance, but does it hold promise as a way for retirees to grow their nest eggs? This week on Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Coinbase's chief security officer Philip Martin about the promise and perils of crypto. Martin discusses how to determine if a crypto platform is trustworthy, the basics of blockchain technology, and what red flags to look out for in transactions involving cryptocurrency. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join financial planner Jeremy Keil, author of 'Retire Today', as he navigates the intricacies of pre-retirement planning. He highlights the importance of emotional and financial readiness, recommending trial runs to test your retirement lifestyle. Discover how to leverage Social Security as a form of lifetime insurance and learn about optimizing benefits for couples. Jeremy also dives into the significance of longevity in planning and shares strategies like Roth conversions to minimize taxes. Prepare for the unexpected with insights on legacy risks and long-term care.

John McHugh, an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and expert on family caregiving, discusses the urgent caregiving crisis as America's aging population grows. He highlights that nearly half of U.S. states face critical caregiving risks, emphasizing the need for family planning and local community support. John explains how Medicaid cuts are pressuring family caregivers and shares insights on retirement savings setbacks for younger caregivers. With practical resources and optimism for policy changes, he urges listeners to stay informed and prepared.