Ready For Retirement

You’ve worked hard, built wealth, and reached financial security… so why is it still so hard to spend? In this episode, we dive into the unexpected challenge of shifting from a saver’s mindset to actually enjoying your money.From a millionaire couple hesitating over a $5 bag of M&Ms to a husband upset about a bottle of Fiji water—this is more common than you think! Behavioral finance reveals why past money habits stick with us, even when we don’t need them anymore.We’ll break down how to retrain your mindset, align spending with what truly matters, and ensure your wealth enhances your life instead of holding you back. Plus, a practical strategy to help you finally enjoy your money guilt-free!Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here  Timestamps:0:00 - A scarcity mindset story2:36 - Comment that sparked conversation4:12 - Identifying the problem7:00 - A personal story from James10:00 - Practical takeaways12:18 - Make small, aligned shifts16:14 - An example from Ben18:04 - Death is coming19:55 - The wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about time, health, and the life you want to live. Too many people delay retirement, chasing "one more bonus" or "one more year" without considering the bigger picture.In this video, we’ll walk through five key questions that can help you decide. If you answered yes to any of these, retirement might be closer than you think! Watch now to gain clarity on your next steps.Questions answered?1. How do you know if it's the right time to retire?2. What are the risks of delaying retirement for financial reasons?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - Is time passing you by?2:30 - Is your health suffering?3:40 - Want more time for relationships?4:50 - What is your life and health span6:25 - Are you financially ready?7:59 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

In this episode, we're talking about the importance of a strategic withdrawal plan in retirement to keep taxes in check and set you up for long-term financial stability. Ari and I break down why a simple 50/50 split between traditional and Roth accounts isn't enough—you need to plan based on your tax situation and future needs. Using a listener's example, we walk you through how to think about tax brackets, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and when it might make sense to convert funds to a Roth IRA.We also discuss the role of asset location—putting riskier investments in Roth accounts for tax-free growth and stable investments in traditional IRAs for withdrawals. It’s all about balancing tax strategies with your lifestyle goals. At Root, we prioritize your purpose first, and we encourage you to explore our resources, like our podcasts, YouTube channel, and community, to learn more about smart retirement planning.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here  Timestamps:0:00 - The comment that prompted this chat2:39 - Run some projections5:14 - The benefit of Roth7:31 - Asset location and allocation10:07 - Root reserves13:50 - More often than not15:22 - Tax insurance17:17 - Cart before the horse?19:30 - It starts with purpose21:33 - Where to find James and AriCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

James challenges the idea that financial security comes from always having more—more savings, more income, more investments. Studies show that no matter how much people have, they often feel like they need twice as much to feel secure. That mindset can make fulfillment feel just out of reach.Instead, James asks: What’s one thing you could do or buy to make this year special? He shares stories like a couple who used an unexpected windfall to buy a boat—not as an investment, but to create years of unforgettable memories.The takeaway? Money isn’t the goal—it’s the tool that helps you build a life that feels rich in the ways that matter most.Questions answered:1. Why do people always feel like they need more money to feel wealthy?2. How can I use my money to create a more meaningful life?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - A question and some statistics3:07 - Steph's answer6:00 - Other answers8:01 - An exerciseCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha study shows that working with an advisor can boost net returns by around 3% annually through smart investing, tax planning, and behavioral coaching. But the real value? It’s not just about numbers.Ari and James break down how advisors help clients stay level-headed, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident about their future. Research even shows investors with $1.2M+ report greater financial happiness with an advisor by their side.Not everyone needs one, but knowing when professional support can make a real difference? That’s the key.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here  Timestamps:0:00 - Vanguard Advisor Alpha study1:50 - The claim and a story3:56 - Asset allocation7:40 - Cost-effective implementation9:10 - Rebalancing13:38 - Behavioral coaching18:35 - Asset location21:49 - Spending strategy/withdrawal order26:17 - Total return vs income investing27:48 - An advisor can increase your happinessCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

For nearly 50 years after Social Security's inception in 1935, benefits were not subject to federal income taxes. That changed in 1983 when Congress introduced taxation on benefits for higher-income retirees, using a "provisional income" threshold of $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for couples. However, these thresholds were never adjusted for inflation, leading to a significant increase in the number of retirees paying taxes on their benefits—now nearly 50%. President Trump has proposed eliminating federal taxation on Social Security, a move that could benefit retirees financially but would accelerate the depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund, currently projected to run out by 2034. Removing taxes could shift the depletion timeline up by about a year, raising questions about alternative funding solutions. Potential fixes include raising payroll taxes, increasing the wage base, or pushing back the full retirement age. While tax relief sounds appealing, long-term sustainability remains uncertain.Questions answered:1. Why are Social Security benefits taxed, and how did this change over time?2. What would happen if Social Security taxes were eliminated, and how could it impact the program’s future?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - SS payments are taxed?1:25 - Provisional income3:18 - Trump's plans for SS6:17 - The downsides8:06 - The SS Trust Fund9:19 - The challenge11:21 - In the meantimeCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Join the new Root Collective HERE!Retirement isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about making the most of it. That’s why we’re launching a new retirement community designed to go beyond financial planning. Sure, we’ll cover investing, tax strategies, and estate planning, but we’re also creating a space to talk about the things that make retirement fulfilling—connection, travel, health, and purpose.Inside, you’ll be able to engage with like-minded peers, get expert insights, and explore ideas to shape the next chapter of your life. We’ll have guest speakers, live events, and interactive discussions to help you feel confident in your planning and inspired about what’s ahead.Root clients get free access, and for everyone else, it’s $50 per month—early adopters can join for just $20. If you’re looking for more than just financial advice, we’d love for you to be part of it.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here  Timestamps:0:00 - A new retirement community2:56 - Sharing experiences, creating initiatives4:22 - Goal: best possible retirement5:36 - Who is this for?7:07 - Why join?10:17 - Pricing12:13 - The power of communityCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

To maximize your Social Security benefits in retirement, it’s essential to understand five key limits and thresholds:✅ Earnings Limit: If you start Social Security before full retirement age, benefits may be reduced if your wages exceed the annual or monthly earnings limit. Only income earned after starting benefits counts.✅ Social Security Wage Base: This is the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes each year. It impacts both how much you pay into the system and the benefits you may receive.✅ Maximum Benefit: Your benefit amount is based on factors like your lifetime earnings and the age at which you begin collecting benefits. Delaying benefits increases your monthly payments, while starting early reduces them.✅ Provisional Income: This determines how much of your Social Security benefit is taxable. Higher income levels can result in up to 85% of your benefit being taxed at the federal level.✅ Bend Points: These thresholds influence how your lifetime earnings are converted into benefits. Lower earnings are replaced at a higher percentage, meaning early contributions can have a significant impact.Understanding these limits helps you make strategic decisions and optimize your retirement income.Questions answered:1. How can I maximize my Social Security benefits and avoid unnecessary reductions?2. What factors determine how much Social Security I will receive in retirement?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - David's question1:47 - SS earnings limit4:51 - Monthly numbers matter6:04 - SS wage base9:11 - Max SS earning amount11:26 - Provisional income13:32 - SS bend pointsCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Root Financial is redefining what it means to serve clients by putting team culture front and center. In this episode, James and Ari dive into the firm’s bold move to hire a Head of Culture—an uncommon role in financial advising—dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of their advisors. Why? Because when advisors thrive, clients get the personalized attention they deserve.At Root, we’re intentional about avoiding the usual industry traps, like overloading advisors with massive client lists or sales quotas that can compromise service. Instead, we focus on sustainable growth, aligning our goals with yours and using tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to stay on track.With a Net Promoter Score of 91—well above the industry average—we’re proving that building a strong internal culture leads to happier clients and better outcomes.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here  Timestamps:0:00 - Company culture affects clients4:08 - Ari's quick story5:59 - Hiring a Head of Culture10:54 - Advisors have how many clients?14:24 - NPS and retention rate17:28 - OKRs20:57 - What makes Root differentCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5 by former President Joe Biden, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals with non-covered pensions, such as teachers, firefighters, and postal workers. This change significantly increases benefits for affected individuals, in some cases by over $1,000 per month, and applies retroactively to the end of 2023.While the law addresses long-standing concerns about fairness, it also accelerates the depletion of Social Security funds, already projected to face insolvency by the 2030s. This $190 billion expense over the next decade may force future changes, such as tax increases, higher retirement ages, or adjustments to the system. For those impacted by WEP or GPO, the law offers immediate financial relief but highlights the need for broader, sustainable reform to preserve Social Security for all beneficiaries.Questions answered:How does the Social Security Fairness Act impact individuals with non-covered pensions like teachers, firefighters, and postal workers?What are the potential long-term consequences of the Social Security Fairness Act on the Social Security fund's sustainability?  Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - SS Fairness Act -- ex. Maria2:46 - Bend points4:49 - Back to Maria's situation5:54 - Pros and cons7:38 - Bill magnifies SS problemsCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!