

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

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.
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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.
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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.

Oct 17, 2025 • 24min
The costly Medicare Part D Mistake 95% of people make
Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan could be the single biggest factor in helping you save thousands on your prescriptions each year. In this Decoding Retirement episode, Bob Powell and guest Katy Votava break down how to find the best drug coverage for 2026 - from understanding the different tiers to decoding copays and co-insurance. Learn why the cheapest plan isn’t always the best deal - and how one simple review could save you big at the pharmacy.
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 16, 2025 • 23min
Medicare Advantage exposed: what’s changing in 2026
Medicare Advantage is more popular than ever, but also more confusing. More than 34 million Americans are enrolled in these Part C plans, yet many don’t understand how they differ from Original Medicare or what hidden costs to watch for. On day four of our Medicare Annual Enrollment series, host Bob Powell and guest Jae Oh break down how Advantage works, what’s changing in 2026, and how to avoid costly mistakes. This episode is your step-by-step guide to choosing the right plan before December 7th.
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 15, 2025 • 25min
Don’t pick a Medicare plan until you use this tool
Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel like solving a puzzle, but there’s one tool that can make it much easier. In this episode of Decoding Retirement, Bob Powell and Senior Vice President at KFF Tricia Neuman discuss down how to use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans, uncover hidden costs, and avoid costly mistakes. The Plan Finder helps you find the best value for prescriptions, doctors, and pharmacies. This episode gives retirees a simple roadmap to make smarter Medicare choices this enrollment season.
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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Oct 14, 2025 • 25min
Should you keep or switch your Medicare plan?
This is your step-by-step guide to deciding whether to keep, switch, or completely change your Medicare coverage. Decoding Retirement host, Robert “Bob” Powell and Medicare expert Marcia Mantell break down how to use Medicare.gov to compare plans, avoid costly Medigap mistakes, and spot red flags like rising copays or shrinking provider networks. This checklist-driven episode gives retirees the clarity and confidence to choose wisely for 2026.
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 13, 2025 • 24min
The one Medicare letter you can’t afford to ignore
Think you can skip your Medicare paperwork? Think again. The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) could save you - or cost you - thousands of dollars. In this special episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert “Bob” Powell breaks down the must-read sections of your ANOC. Bob and Medicare Rights Center president Fred Riccardi reveal why ignoring this document is risky, how to spot red flags that mean it’s time to switch plans, and where to find free, unbiased help before Medicare open enrollment ends.
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 7, 2025 • 25min
Why Gen X faces the hardest retirement yet
Generation X has long been regarded as scrappy and resourceful, having come of age during a period of significant societal and economic shifts. Now, as the oldest cohort of Gen X'ers begin to enter their golden years, they're finding that retirement may be more than they bargained for. On this week's Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Kerry Hannon, Yahoo Finance columnist and the author of "Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future," about what Gen X can do to prepare for the road ahead. Kerry discusses how extending your career could bring much-needed financial relief, making the most of retirement accounts, and how Gen X business owners should approach selling their businesses.
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


