Retirement Starts Today

Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®
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Mar 11, 2024 • 22min

More Than Half of Americans Want to Retire Gradually, Ep #339

We all want to retire, but have you considered how you would like to transition to retirement? This week’s retirement headline article shares some interesting statistics on phased retirements: who is thinking about them, who is utilizing them, and what people think about them. Listen in to learn the findings. Then stick around for our listener question surrounding stock positions, diversification, and taxes.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] Exploring the idea of a phased retirement [7:12] Can a phased retirement allow you to have your cake and eat it too? [11:38] A book update [13:10] Weighing risk vs tax consequences Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network ThinkAdvisor article 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, orSpotify
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Mar 4, 2024 • 17min

The Retirement Crisis That Wasn’t, Ep #338

Once upon a time, there was a prediction that the baby boomer generation would face a retirement crisis. So how did this gloom and doom projection turn into the wealthiest generation in history? Listen in to find out. Make sure to stay tuned for the listener question: What is the best way to fund a large expense without a large tax bill? Outline of This Episode [1:37] The accuracy of predictions [7:26] What is the best way to fund a large expense without a large tax bill Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network City Journal article 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, orSpotify
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Feb 26, 2024 • 23min

Using Guardrails For The 4% Rule, Ep #337

You’ve heard of the 4% rule, and if you’ve listened to this podcast before, you’ve heard of Guyton’s guardrails strategy. But have you ever heard of using them together? Today’s retirement headline explores this idea.  Overall, the article highlights the importance of considering sequence-of-returns risk in retirement planning and adopting flexible strategies, such as guardrails, to ensure financial security throughout retirement. Listen in to learn more about this combination of strategies as well as my opinion on the matter. Then stick around for the listener question segment where Bret and I answer the question: Do I need a will if I want to split my assets evenly between my two children? Outline of This Episode [1:42] Sequence of returns risk is the greatest risk to your retirement [6:48] How you can take the best of both strategies [14:20] Should I have a will to split my assets evenly between my kids? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Financial Advisor Magazine article 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, orSpotify
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Feb 19, 2024 • 20min

The Challenges of Retiring from a High-Powered Job, Ep #336

Is it possible to suddenly step away from a high-powered job and into a life of leisure? This may not be the best idea for your retirement if you work at the executive level.  In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore an article from Harvard Business Review that outlines several pitfalls that could come with retiring from a high-powered job and insights on how to navigate them.  Stick around for the listener question segment to hear the best ways to give money to your adult children while you are still living rather than waiting until you pass away to leave an inheritance.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] Advice for a CEO about to retire [3:36] Areas to think about when making the retirement transition [12:54] Advice on giving money to adult children while you’re still living Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Harvard Business Review article Episode 295 - How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1 Episode 296 - My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff – Lessons in Estate Planning Part 2 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, orSpotify
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Feb 12, 2024 • 23min

5 Expenses Retirees Wish They Spent More Money On, Ep # 335

There are two ways to mess up retirement: run out of money or die with regret. Oftentimes, people in the retirement space only focus on the running out of money part.  In an effort to help you live an even better retirement, today’s retirement headline discusses the regret part. Join me to learn five expenses that retirees wish they had spent more money on so that you can learn from their mistakes. Stick around to hear the answer to our listener question: Is there one person who can help develop a comprehensive retirement plan? Or do you need to have an investment advisor, a financial advisor, a tax advisor, and an estate planning attorney? Find out the answer by pressing play. Outline of This Episode [1:42] The 2 ways to mess up retirement [8:12] Investing in your home [10:00] Helping your children [14:38] Is there one person that can do all my retirement planning? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Yahoo Finance article 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, orSpotify
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Feb 5, 2024 • 18min

2 Social Security Mulligans, Ep # 334

If you want to spend more money in retirement you’ll want to understand how to maximize your Social Security benefits. Many people think that there is no going back once you’ve decided to collect your Social Security benefits. However, today’s retirement headline discusses two options in case you’d like a do-over.  In our listener question segment, one listener asks the best way to pass on their assets to their children. Listen in to hear the answer and scroll to the bottom of the show notes to discover more estate planning resources. Outline of This Episode [2:02] What happens if you change your mind about collecting Social Security? [7:01] When exactly should you start Social Security? [10:50] The best way to pass assets onto your kids Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Retirement Revealed podcast Financial Advisor Magazine article Estate planning episodes 295, 296, 124, 313, 255 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, orSpotify
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Jan 29, 2024 • 21min

Save Money with These Tax Tips, Ep #333

Learn how to maximize tax savings through deductions and investment strategies. Discover the advantages of long-term tax planning in retirement. Find out strategies for determining safe spending levels and the importance of having a retirement income plan.
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Jan 22, 2024 • 18min

A Tax Break Worth the Hassle, Ep # 332

Some tax breaks aren’t worth the hassle of pursuing them, however, today’s example is definitely worth the hassle! If you are charitably minded you’ll want to listen to learn about the advantages of making qualified charitable distributions. Discover how to increase your standard deduction while enjoying charitable tax benefits.  Stick around for the listener question to hear a great way to start practicing spending your money when you have been over-flexing your savings muscle.  Outline of This Episode [2:22] The power of qualified charitable distributions [5:56] How IRMAA thresholds work [7:27] Three key takeaways [12:41] How to convince your spouse that you have enough money to retire Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network 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, orSpotify
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Jan 15, 2024 • 18min

We Need to Talk About Your Retirement Spending, Ep #331

Planning retirement spending is tough to do since there are so many unknowns. Many people tend to take a fear-based approach and rely on the 4% rule. Some even take a step further and spend less of their nest egg. Today’s Retirement Headline urges you to take a different approach. Listen in to hear what the article advises and my thoughts on the matter. Then stick around for the listener question to learn how our national macroeconomic situation affects financial planning. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Rethink underspending in retirement [5:01] My thoughts on the article [10:12] How does our national macroeconomic situation affect financial planning? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network The Morning Star article BOOK - More than Enough by Dave Ramsey BOOK - Die with Zeroby Bill Perkins 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, orSpotify
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Jan 8, 2024 • 16min

I Don’t Want To Be Old When I Am Old, Ep # 330

I don’t know about you, but I want to stay active and healthy for as long as possible. That’s why when I saw this Forbes article I knew I wanted to share it with you.  If you want to learn how to age gracefully and maintain your vitality, you won’t miss this episode. Then, stick around to hear my answer to the question: why do some people have a hard time with retirement? Outline of This Episode [1:24] How to age gracefully and maintain vitality [4:20] Embrace interdependence [9:55] Why do some people have a hard time with retirement? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Forbes article Dexa body scan InBody body scan 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  

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