

Decoding Retirement
Yahoo Finance
Decoding Retirement breaks down the complex and often confusing world of retirement planning to help you make smart, stress-free financial strategies. Host, Robert “Bob” Powell, has no problem telling you what no one tells you about life.. after work. Each episode provides practical and actionable tools to navigate the ever-changing retirement landscape, empowering you with the expertise to secure your financial future confidently. Every Tuesday at 3PM ET on your favorite podcast platform.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2025 • 26min
When banks say no: the financial step families miss
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

Dec 16, 2025 • 26min
What happens to your money if you don't have a plan
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.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 50min
Half of Americans go into holiday debt - here's how to avoid it
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

Dec 2, 2025 • 25min
Why retirees are finally taking crypto seriously
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

Nov 25, 2025 • 25min
The Social Security mistake that costs couples $180k
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.

Nov 18, 2025 • 25min
Why younger caregivers may need to work 7-21 extra years
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.

Nov 11, 2025 • 25min
Why a micro-retirement might be your smartest money move
Has your career given you burnout? Are you wondering when you will be able to focus on the things that matter most to you? On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Bob Powell speaks with author Jillian Johnsrud about her new book "Retire Often," and how taking several 'mini-retirements' throughout the course of your career could improve your life for the better. Jillian discusses the preparations required to 'mini-retire,' and how you can use your time away from work to focus on upskilling, building relationships, and taking care of personal matters. By working on self-care and self-improvement, Jillian suggests that your professional life can also benefit.
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

Nov 4, 2025 • 25min
5 smart money moves to make 5 years before retiring
On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Bob Powell discusses executive retirement with Amy Permenter, executive wealth strategist for Bank of America, revealing the essential steps to take to ensure your golden years are as successful as your working years. Amy speaks about the importance of understanding your company's benefits, navigating identity transition, and preparing for potential out-of-pocket healthcare costs. You don't have to be an executive to benefit from the practical retirement advice on this week's Decoding Retirement.
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

Oct 28, 2025 • 25min
The $3.4B scam epidemic targeting older Americans
Matthew Sommer, Head of the specialist consulting group at Janus Henderson Investors, shines a light on the alarming rise of financial scams targeting seniors. He discusses the reasons behind this vulnerability, including loneliness and health issues. Sommer highlights types of scams such as romance fraud and the risks of cryptocurrency payments. He also introduces the SAFE program from Wayne State University as a vital resource for victims. Tune in to learn red flags and practical steps families can take to protect their loved ones.

Oct 21, 2025 • 45min
The $14,000 mistake retirees make during open enrollment
Marsha Mantel is an insightful Medicare educator and author, while Fred Riccardi leads the Medicare Rights Center. They dive into Medicare's hidden costs and reveal the risks of 'free' Medicare Advantage plans. Discover why switching plans could cost retirees thousands and the importance of carefully comparing Medigap options. The conversation highlights critical enrollment strategies and warns about unnoticed provider network changes. They also stress the need for reliable Medicare resources and proactive consumer behavior.


