Retirement Starts Today

Have you ever tried tax loss harvesting? With the markets down across the board, now is a good time to learn to utilize this tax-saving tool. I found a great article about this from Barrons.com that I share in the retirement headline segment. The article explores the traps that can befall someone trying to use this strategy. Afterward, in the listener questions segment, we’ll dive into the question: do I need life insurance in retirement? You may be surprised to learn that there is no one size fits all answer to this question.  If you have been a long-time listener of Retirement Starts Today, you may remember that I use our annual listener survey to improve the show each year. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Please take a few minutes to fill out this mostly multiple-choice survey so that we can ensure that we are bringing you the most relevant content to help guide you on your retirement journey. Outline of This Episode [2:17] Tax loss harvesting can be more sizzle than steak [3:44] 7 Tips for tax loss harvesting [15:29] How much life insurance does Jim need in retirement? Resources & People Mentioned Now’s a Good Time to Focus on Tax-Loss Harvesting. Here Are 7 Tips Dave Ramsey Our annual listener survey Connect with Benjamin Brandt Don’t forget to fill out our annual listener survey: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Survey  Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

If you are like many retirees and soon-to-be retirees, you may be rethinking your entire investing strategy. Stocks are down, interest rates are up, and inflation is eating away at your purchasing power.  One listener wonders, with everything going on in the world, should they shift their investments into commodities? In the listener question segment, I discuss what commodities are, how to invest in them, and share my thoughts on whether investing in commodities is a good idea. Before the listener questions, we’ll explore a retirement headline written by Eleanor O’Sullivan at Rethinking65.com which examines what life might look like if more people live to age 114. Join me on this episode of Retirement Starts Today as we explore the effects of technology on longevity and whether you should jump ship from your sinking stock portfolio to invest in commodities. Outline of This Episode [1:32] Planning to live to 114? [3:15] Cell phones improve access and democratize healthcare [7:53] Technology can help in every aspect of our lives [11:03] Is it time to invest in commodities? [13:08] How to invest in commodities [17:55] My thoughts on investing in commodities Resources & People Mentioned 88 Years Old and Planning on 114 Brite ’22 Conference Greycroft Primetime Partners Apax Partners Sharecare Investopedia on commodities Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Nobody likes to experience the uncertainty that a bear market brings, but it’s an even more challenging experience to weather when you are a recent retiree. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals in a bear market which is why I found an article outlining some lessons that you can remember during a bear market. Listen to this episode to hear some wise words of wisdom that may help you keep your wits about you during this bear market. Stick around until the end to hear my thoughts on tax-loss harvesting.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] 5 lessons to remember in bear markets [9:20] How to use tax-loss harvesting Resources & People Mentioned Five Things to Keep in Mind During Bear Markets by Jack Forehand The Retirement Tax Podcast - Listen to CPA, Steven Jarvis’ answer to the same listener question Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:  http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter:  https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

It’s no secret that we’re living longer than ever. People are living so long that we may soon be seeing 6 generations in a single-family.  With people living such a long time it makes retirement planning even more challenging than ever before. Understanding the 4 stages of retirement can help understand the different approaches to money management in each stage. Listen in to learn the 4 stages of retirement and how they can help you plan your retirement.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] There may soon be 6 generations in a single family [2:52] You may be in the anticipation stage of retirement [4:23] The reinvention stage is perhaps the most challenging stage [6:52] The reflection stage leads to thoughts on legacy [9:49] Renting vs. owning in retirement Resources & People Mentioned Ken Dychtwald Breaks Down the Four Stages of Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Inflation is weighing heavy on the minds of retirees right now, so when I came across this article on WSJ.com from Cristin Lourosa-Ricardo, I knew I had to share it with you. Listen in to try and find the silver lining of inflation.  If you are a financial advisor fan of this show, make sure to stick around until the very end for a special announcement. Outline of This Episode [1:38] How to lessen the impacts of inflation [5:19] Why you should buy the car you're leasing [9:00] Control lifestyle creep [14:34] How to balance a portfolio in this economic climate Resources & People Mentioned 15 Ways Consumers Can Deal with–and Even Benefit from–Rising Inflation Episode 247 - What’s Going on with the Market?! with Joseph Hogue Episode 245 - An Active Retirement Could Cost More Money with Thatcher Taylor Capital City Wealth Management on LinkedIn Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

It’s true, money can’t buy happiness. But does how you choose to spend your money affect your happiness? Today we’ll discuss one article that challenges that old adage. We’ll also discuss a multifaceted question from a listener who just accepted an early retirement package. We’ll help her consider whether to rollover funds into an IRA and figure out what to do with her target-date funds. Listen in to hear the answers to this question and to consider whether money could actually buy happiness. For more information, visit the show notes at https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/money-cant-buy-happiness-or-can-it-ep-148/

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you've probably noticed a bit of an issue with the stock market lately. This can be distressing for any retiree, but when the declines in stock prices are coupled with high inflation and rising interest rates, then you have a triple threat to your retirement plans.  Today we have a special guest joining the show. Joseph Hogue, CFA from the Let's Talk Money!  YouTube channel, is here to help us understand what the heck is going on with the stock market. If you have been trying to figure out what you should be doing with your portfolio you won’t want to miss this interview with Joseph Hogue Outline of This Episode [1:22] What is a CFA? [3:22] What the heck is going on with the stock market? [8:55] Will this be over sooner or later? [10:50] Should we rebalance now? Connect with Joseph Hogue Let's Talk Money! with Joseph Hogue, CFA  MyStockMarketBasics.com Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

We’ve all heard of the 4% rule, but did you know that the creator’s recommendation for it has changed over the years?  I recently discovered an article from ThinkAdvisor.com that included an interview with the father of the 4% rule, Bill Bengen. In the retirement headlines segment, we’ll take a close look at the article and learn directly from Mr. Bengen’s perspective and then I’ll offer my own. Don’t miss out on this glimpse into the mind of the creator of the 4% rule.  Outline of This Episode [2:12] Manage the risk portion of your retirement nest egg actively [7:00] Adjust your withdrawal rates along with inflation [7:47] My thoughts on using the 4% rule [15:03] Is there a way to improve Jim’s retirement plan? Resources & People Mentioned Father of 4% Rule Urges Caution, Cash as Market Risk Rises The American College of Financial Services The Extraordinary Upside Potential Of Sequence Of Return Risk In Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Are you planning on enjoying an active retirement? If so, it may cost you more than you think.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, I interview Thatcher Taylor, the financial advisor behind ProPathFinancial.com. Thatcher and I discuss how to prepare financially and mentally for an active retirement. Outline of This Episode [1:42] How to navigate the balance between [3:18] How plan for a longer retirement [9:00] A phased retirement plan could help you stay active [11:55] Do you have a sense of purpose in retirement? [18:33] Check out Thatcher’s YouTube channel Resources & People Mentioned Dr.Peter Attia Connect with Thatcher Taylor Thatcher Taylor on YouTube ProPathFinancial.com @DadBodFinancial on Instagram Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

If you are looking to ease into retirement by transitioning into a part-time role first, you won’t want to miss this episode of Retirement Starts Today. In the retirement headlines segment, we’ll explore an article by Anne Tergesen at the Wall Street Journal which outlines topics to consider when phasing out your retirement before retiring fully.  Make sure to stick around for the listener questions segment to hear a question from Scott about how to evaluate COLA options on a pension. Press play to start planning your amazing retirement.  Outline of This Episode [1:32] Talk to your employer about how to work fewer hours [3:12] Plan your income [6:34] Social Security considerations [11:51] To take the COLA or non-COLA option on a pension Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - How to Plan for Part-Time Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify