Retirement Starts Today

Have you made any changes to your retirement savings due to the poor economy? If you did, you’re not alone.  According to a Financial-Planning.com article, half of America stopped saving for retirement last year. Don’t miss hearing why this is such a bad idea. Stick around for the listener questions segment where Bret and I address one listener’s worry about the upcoming changes to the tax code. Retirement Starts Today is the podcast where you learn how you can spend more money, pay fewer taxes, and live a better life. Outline of This Episode [1:42] 50% of Americans stopped saving last year [6:10] My thoughts [8:46] How prepared should I be for the sunset on tax laws in 2026 Resources & People Mentioned Half of America stopped saving for retirement last year amid soaring inflation The Retirement Tax Podcast Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

You may be excited to jump on the early retirement bandwagon, but before you do, listen to this episode. In our retirement headlines segment, we explore a peer-reviewed article that shows that early retirement can accelerate cognitive decline.  Stay tuned for the listener questions segment to hear how to reimagine your retirement spending mindset by creating a flexible spending plan.  Retirement Starts Today Radio is a way to learn about having more income, paying fewer taxes, and creating an even better retirement, so if that sounds like the life you’re trying to create, press play now.  Outline of This Episode [1:22] Cognitive decline can increase in retirement [3:50] My takeaways from the article [6:52] How can I convince my partner to spend more money in retirement? Resources & People Mentioned Research shows that early retirement can accelerate cognitive decline Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Many DIY investors would like to learn more about the latest changes in financial and tax laws but don’t have the same opportunities to attend professional financial conferences. The good news is that Bret and I do have these opportunities, and we relish sharing our findings.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, Bret shares his insights from his boots-on-the-ground experience at Ed Slott’s recent conference in Las Vegas. If you are curious about the changes surrounding IRAs and other retirement accounts as a result of the Secure Act 2.0, you won’t want to miss Bret’s distillation.  Outline of This Episode [3:22] Private letter rulings are very expensive [6:23] Tax laws are getting more complicated [11:52] Main themes of the conference [17:30] Don’t squander your biggest advantage in retirement Resources & People Mentioned Ed Slott Devin Carroll on YouTube Social Security Intelligence Episode 279 - Secure Act 2.0 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Have you ever used a Monte Carlo analysis to help you plan retirement? If so, the results can seem scary. You may be looking for a 100% likelihood of success so that you can rest easy–after all, you are probably hoping for a 100% successful retirement. However, in this episode of Retirement Starts Today, you’ll learn why a 100% success rate should not be your goal. Listen in to hear why. Outline of This Episode [1:42] Retirement plan uncertainties [8:00] Don’t shoot for 100% success with a Monte Carlo analysis [10:25] How to figure out the cost basis Resources & People Mentioned Monte Carlo Failures Aren’t Plane Crashes Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

We talk about retirement income guardrails a lot on this show, but today we’ll go into greater depth while exploring an article from Kitces.com. This article was written by a mentor of mine and takes an advisor’s perspective on how to discuss spending increases and decreases with clients. These are fantastic conversations to review if you have been implementing or thinking about using the guardrails strategy in your retirement plan. Grab a pen and paper and take some notes to reflect as you listen so that you can keep them handy and run them through your own filter.  Stick around until the end to hear from a listener who is unhappy with their advisor, yet concerned about the tax implications of switching to a new one. Outline of This Episode [2:22] What are guardrails? [10:20] How to have the spending reduction conversation [15:30] What to do if you are unhappy with your financial advisor Resources & People Mentioned Implementing Retirement Income Guardrails to Facilitate Spending Raises and Cuts Dynamic Distribution Rate white paper Jarvis Financial Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Do you want to know how you can fully utilize your biggest advantage over the IRS? Listen to this episode to find out.  Today, we explore a ThinkAdvisor.com article that turns traditional retirement tax thinking on its head. Then, Bret helps me answer a listener's question about opening a Roth IRA when your salary is too high. Bret has a great tip that you may not have thought of before. Finally, you’ll hear from Mike in Tuscon who is engaging in his love of music in retirement. Don’t miss out on this episode to hear how you can plan to improve your retirement. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Delaying taxes in retirement isn’t always the best [5:10] My thoughts [7:42] What about opening a Roth IRA and only making Roth conversions [12:45] How Mike is investing in himself Resources & People Mentioned Delaying Taxes in Retirement Isn’t Always Best, Award-Winning Paper Shows Personal Capital Betterment Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Do you have an HSA? If so, do you simply use it to pay for your medical expenses? Or do you use it as a way to build your wealth? Today we’ll look at an article from Financial Advisor Magazine that will help us identify opportunities for wealth creation. Listen in to learn how to maximize the triple benefit of the humble HSA. Outline of This Episode [1:22] A few tricks to turn the humble HSA into a wealth builder [12:30] What is the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation? Resources & People Mentioned Article - A Few Simple Tricks Turn Humble HSAs into Wealth Builders PBGC.gov Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Do you combine your finances with your partner? If you do, chances are that you might be happier. In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a WSJ article written by Julia Carpenter titled Couples Who Combine Finances Are Happier. So Why Don’t More Do It? In addition to examining the benefits of combining finances, we’ll take a look at the reasons couples choose not to pool their resources. Finally, I’ll share my thoughts on why merging with your spouse's finances could be a boon to your retirement.  Make sure to stick around for the listener question segment. Bret and I discuss whether it is worth self-funding long-term care rather than purchasing long-term care insurance. Listen in to hear discover whether you’re surprised by our response. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Couples who pool their finances are happier [6:30] Do we recommend self-funding long-term care insurance? Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - Couples Who Combine Finances Are Happier. So Why Don’t More Do It? Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Giving advice to your parents can be a challenge both for you and for them. However, there comes a time when the roles reverse and our parents may need to hear our practical advice. If you have been wondering how to go about doing this you’re not alone.  This week we’ll explore a retirement headline from Francine Russo at WSJ titled How to Give Your Parents Advice That They Will Actually Listen To. And to continue with the parent-child relationship theme we’ll answer a listener question about moving to be near the kids and grandkids in retirement. Don’t miss out on this helpful episode. Press play now.  Outline of This Episode [1:12] How to give your parents advice [6:32] On moving to be closer to adult children and grandchildren Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Investing in yourself is a great way to invest in your retirement. You may know Fritz Gilbert from the Retirement Manifesto blog or you may even have read his book, Keys to a Successful Retirement. What you may not know is how he has invested in himself in retirement.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, you’ll hear how Fritz has chosen to invest in his community and himself through a charity that his wife started. Listen in to hear how Fritz's life took off in unexpected directions because he chose to follow his curiosity.  Outline of This Episode [2:22] How Fritz's life has changed in retirement  [5:30] Getting engaged in a charity is a great transition [10:23] How he has invested in his physical health Resources & People Mentioned BOOK - Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley PODCAST - Can Carl Retire? See The Retirement Planning Process In Action FI Chautauqua Ecuador Episode 146 - The Hidden Chances of Retirement with Fritz Gilbert Connect with Fritz Gilbert Freedom for Fido The Retirement Manifesto BOOK - Keys to a Successful Retirement by Fritz Gilbert Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify