Retirement Starts Today

How do you stay calm and confident when the markets get messy? In today's Retirement Headlines we go through Cullen Roche's article from Discipline Funds - "Finding Certainty in a Sea of Uncertainty". With tariffs, global uncertainty, and market volatility making headlines again offers nine practical steps to help you stay grounded, focused, and on track with your retirement plan.  The 9 Calming, Confidence-boosting steps the article lays out are: Revisit Your Financial Plan Update Your Estate Plan Consider Tax Loss Harvesting Dollar Cost Average Excess Cash Think in Terms of Time Horizons Stay the Course (If You Can) Talk About It Focus on What You Can Control Go Do "Leg Day" After that, I answer a listener question: “I’ve been paying $1,600 a year for a $500,000 level term life insurance policy, which runs through 2031. I have two financially stable adult children in their 30s, who are the policy’s beneficiaries, and two grandchildren. Should I keep making the premium payments—or let it lapse?”  Resource: Article by Cullen Roche: Finding Certainty in a Sea of Uncertainty Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

One of the biggest and often overlooked risks facing retirees is sequence-of-returns risk. The risk of experiencing investment losses early in retirement can have an impact on the sustainability of savings over the long term.  Morningstar researchers dug into this in their latest State of Retirement Income study. Their findings confirm what many retirement planners already suspect: the first five years of retirement are make-or-break. I'll also answer a listener question: "Are there advantages to moving all your mutual funds into a brokerage firm such as Schwab? " Resource: Morningstar article: How to Avoid Outliving Your Retirement Savings? It’s All in the Sequence Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book - out now!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

It’s no secret that market volatility can feel especially nerve-wracking when you’re no longer earning a paycheck.  But what if I told you that, historically, every single crash has ended the same way—with a recovery? That's what happened after the Covid-19 market crash, the 2021 downturn, and even the Great Depression. We're going to discuss an article titled "What We’ve Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market Crashes" by Emelia Fredlick. The article highlights some of the worst market downturns in history and, more importantly, the lessons they offer for long-term investors like you. Takeaways:  Lesson #1: We Can’t Predict Recovery Times Lesson #2: Every Decade Brings a Market Crash Lesson #3: Staying Invested is the Only Winning Strategy Then I answer question sent in from a listener: "What are some good ways to gift money to my children while I'm still living?" All of this in less than 20 minutes.  Resources: MorningStar article by Emelia Fredlick: What We’ve Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market Crashes Book by Bill Perkins: Die With Zero How many annual exclusions are available? IRS website on Gift Taxes   Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book - out now!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Is your 401(k) prepared for a market crash? With market volatility on the rise, many investors are wondering how to protect their portfolios.  In this episode, I share an article from Go Banking Rates on how to safeguard your retirement savings during turbulent times. I’ll highlight key takeaways from the article, share my own insights on where I agree or disagree, and explain why certain strategies may be more effective than others. After that, I answer a listener’s question about long-term care (LTC) insurance. We’ll explore different types of LTC policies, discuss the ideal time to purchase coverage (such as around age 50), and consider whether self-funding might be a smarter financial strategy. Key takeaways: Diversify, Diversify, Diversify Shift Toward Conservative Investments as You Near Retirement Rebalance Regularly—Not Just After a Crash Consider a 401(k) Rollover for More Flexibility Stay the Course—Don't Panic Sell Resources: Go Banking Rates article: How To Protect Your 401(k) from a Stock Market Crash   Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book - out now!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Most people assume their tax burden lightens in retirement, but what if I told you that some taxes are actually designed to creep up on you year after year—without Congress passing a single new law? In this episode, we expose the sneaky taxes that can quietly erode your retirement income, from Social Security taxation to Medicare IRMAA surcharges. These hidden costs don’t just affect the ultra-wealthy anymore; thanks to outdated rules and inflation, they’re hitting everyday retirees harder than ever. If you're relying on Social Security, investment income, or Medicare in retirement, you may already be on the IRS’s radar—without realizing it. We break down the four biggest tax traps, explain how they’ve changed over time, and why they’re pulling more retirees into the tax net each year. Whether it's the frozen thresholds for Social Security taxes or the stealthy Medicare penalties that kick in just because you had a good income two years ago, these sneaky policies can add up fast. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of how these taxes work, why they exist, and what—if anything—you can do to soften the blow. If avoiding unnecessary taxes in retirement sounds like a smart move, you won’t want to miss this one!  Outline of This Episode (0:00) Sneaky Retirement Taxes (3:20) Sneaky Tax #1: Social Security taxation (how frozen thresholds trap retirees) (5:10) Sneaky Tax #2: Capital loss deduction limit (unchanged since 1978!) (6:55) Sneaky Tax #3: Medicare IRMAA (tracking your income before you even retire) (08:45) Sneaky Tax #4: Net Investment Income Tax (how it quietly pulls in more taxpayers) (09:40) Wrap-up – Why these taxes persist & what you can do about them Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Social Security Administration’s Taxation of Benefits IRS Q&A on Net Investment Income Tax Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book - out now!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Preparing for retirement involves more than just saving money. This discussion highlights five critical challenges retirees face, including financial instability and skyrocketing healthcare costs. Practical solutions like flexible withdrawal plans and tax-efficient options, such as Roth conversions, are shared. The hosts also delve into estate planning essentials to safeguard loved ones. A listener asks about using a MIGA ladder strategy to enhance financial security, providing insights into annuities and their role in a retirement portfolio. Retire with confidence!

Click here to work with us! Most people plan for retirement by focusing on their savings and investment returns—but what if some of the most important decisions happen after you stop working?  In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Keil, also known as Mr. Retirement, to discuss the three biggest mistakes retirees make—mistakes that can cost them financial security, tax savings, and peace of mind.  From misunderstanding the best time to take Social Security to underestimating how long retirement will last, we break down the key oversights that can derail even the best-laid plans. Jeremy and I dive into why retirement age and Social Security claiming don’t have to go hand in hand, how to accurately gauge your longevity to avoid outliving your money, and the crucial difference between optimizing for next month’s income versus planning for a lifetime of financial security.  Whether you’re a few years away from retirement or already in it, this conversation will challenge the way you think about your financial future and equip you with strategies to make smarter decisions.  Outline of This Episode (0:00) Intro (1:19) Mistake #1 – Tying retirement to Social Security (4:05) Mistake #2 – Underestimating longevity (8:41) Planning for an earlier retirement than expected (13:50) Mistake #3 – Optimizing for short-term income over long-term security (19:20) Where to find more from Mr. Retirement Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel Longevity Illustrator Tool Connect with Jeremy Keil Connect with Jeremy Keil AKA Mr Retirement on LinkedIn Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book - out now!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Click here to work with us! Many retirees enter their golden years with the goal of financial security, but what if the biggest risk isn’t running out of money—it’s not spending enough of it? A surprising new study reveals that retirees are withdrawing just 2% a year from their savings—barely half of what’s traditionally considered safe. This cautious approach might seem responsible, but it often leads to unnecessary frugality, missed experiences, and larger-than-expected tax burdens later in life. The hesitation to tap into personal savings, even when there's plenty available, raises an important question: What’s stopping retirees from spending with confidence? Research shows that retirees feel much more comfortable spending guaranteed income from sources like Social Security and pensions while being reluctant to withdraw from their own investments. This behavioral tendency can leave money unspent for decades, only to be forced out later through required minimum distributions (RMDs) that create tax inefficiencies. Meanwhile, large inheritances often arrive too late to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. Rethinking the 2% mindset means understanding what keeps retirees locked into ultra-conservative spending habits and finding ways to turn savings into income that feels reliable. A simple shift—such as automating monthly withdrawals or adjusting expectations around financial security—can open the door to a more fulfilling retirement. The money was saved to be spent, and spending it well can be just as important as saving it wisely. Spending too little can be just as costly as spending too much. With the right approach, retirees can enjoy their wealth now while keeping future financial security intact. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Why Retirees Spend Far Less Than They Could (1:46) The study: Retirees underspending their savings (3:33) Why the 2% problem exists (6:10) The impact of underspending on taxes & an inheritance (8:11) The role of financial planning & behavioral coaching (9:20) Possible solutions: Turning savings into reliable income (11:04) Listener question: A simple withdrawal plan Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network David Blanchett – Head of Retirement Research at PGIM DC Solutions Michael Finke – The American College of Financial Services Die With Zero by Bill Perkins – Book on intentional retirement spending Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book - out now!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today inApple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart    

Click here to work with us! For decades, you've been focused on saving—watching your retirement accounts grow, sticking to a budget, and making smart financial decisions to ensure a secure future. But now that the time has come to actually enjoy your hard-earned money, spending it feels... unsettling.  You’re not alone. Many retirees struggle with the mental shift from accumulation to decumulation, even when their financial plans show they have more than enough. The fear of running out, coupled with conflicting financial advice, makes it tough to confidently transition into this new phase of life. Today we explore strategies for overcoming the retirement spending fear, based on an insightful Forbes article by Tim Maurer. We’ll break down his three-step approach: phasing into retirement instead of stopping abruptly, redefining "work" to maintain purpose and fulfillment, and structuring an investment portfolio designed specifically for retirement withdrawals. Plus, we’ll tackle a listener question about Social Security spousal benefits and the implications of early filing. By the end of the episode, you'll gain a clearer understanding of how to embrace your retirement, spend with confidence, and fully enjoy the wealth you’ve built.  Outline of This Episode (0:00) The fear of spending in retirement (1:19) The “Retirement Cycle of Fear” (3:13) Step 1: Phase into retirement gradually (5:15) Step 2: Keep working, but redefine it (7:20) Step 3: Build a portfolio for spending (10:14) Listener Q – Social Security & spouses (14:30) Final thoughts (how to thrive in retirement) Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Tim Maurer’s Forbes article – Overcoming the fear of spending in retirement. Daniel Crosby’s The Soul of Wealth – A deep dive into money and psychology. Connect with Benjamin Brandt Become a Client: www.retirementstartstoday.com/start 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

Click here to work with us! A lot of retirees assume their tax situation gets simpler once they stop working, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of ways high-net-worth retirees end up paying more than they need to—sometimes without even realizing it.  Maybe it’s interest and dividend income getting taxed at higher rates, or IRA withdrawals happening earlier than necessary. Maybe it’s something as simple as missing the right way to report charitable giving. These things add up, and over time, they can quietly eat away at retirement savings. Some of the biggest inefficiencies show up on tax returns in ways people don’t always expect. Social Security benefits taken too soon, mutual funds kicking off surprise capital gains, or estimated tax payments falling short and triggering penalties—it all matters.  There are ways to structure income, investments, and withdrawals to keep more of what’s earned, but they take a little planning. The goal isn’t just to minimize taxes for the sake of it, but to make sure every dollar is working as efficiently as possible. Most of these inefficiencies can be fixed with a few small adjustments. Some require a different way of thinking about income in retirement, others just mean taking advantage of tax rules that are already there. Either way, it’s worth a closer look. A little awareness now can mean thousands saved over the years.  Outline of This Episode (0:00) Inefficiencies on Rich Retirees' Tax Returns (4:07) Top tax inefficiencies: Interest, dividends, and premature IRA withdrawals (6:52) Charitable distributions, Social Security timing, and phantom capital gains (9:33) Capital gains, charitable intent, and avoiding underpayment penalties (12:24) Listener question: Travel spending habits of wealthy retirees (19:05) Listener question: Callable CDs and interest rate risk (21:16) Closing thoughts and practical takeaways Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Kiplinger’s Article TurboTax Safe Harbor Guide Fidelity Charitable Connect with Benjamin Brandt Become a Client: www.retirementstartstoday.com/start 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