Retirement Answer Man

Join Medicare expert Danielle Roberts from Boomer Benefits as she unveils the essentials of navigating Medicare in 2025. Danielle shares crucial updates on Medicare Advantage and Part D changes that could alter your options. She highlights the importance of reviewing these plans annually to ensure you make informed decisions. With personalized assessments in mind, listeners learn to weigh the differences between Medicare Advantage and original Medicare. Plus, hear inspiring stories of retirees embracing life beyond healthcare choices!

Delve into the complexities of accepting free retirement analyses and uncover the hidden costs behind seemingly free offers. Hear a heartfelt story from a listener embracing the excitement of retirement. Learn essential strategies for rolling over 401k accounts and optimizing Social Security benefits. Discover the implications of free services and how they can impact your retirement planning. Tune in for practical tips and insights that empower you to navigate your retirement journey with confidence!

💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Roger explores how naming and recognizing the different phases of life can bring clarity to the retirement journey. A listener’s question about inherited money sparks a conversation about direct indexing—what it is, when it makes sense, and what to watch out for. He also shares how to navigate calm, choppy, and rough waters in retirement planning so listeners can move forward with more confidence and control.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Today we will talk about direct indexing and answer some more of your questions.(01:04) Roger talks about acknowledging and naming things in life.(04:19) There are four levels that Roger wants to acknowledge with clients- calm waters, choppy waters, rough waters, and change of course.ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(08:55) Brian says he focuses on spending time with family in retirement.(09:20) Don says electric bikes are game changers.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(10:30) John asks a question about direct indexing.(13:17) Direct indexing is when you buy the individual stocks of an index in your own account instead of a fund, allowing for tax benefits and customization but with more complexity.(16:32) Should you do this if you are concerned about taxes? What are the benefits? The drawbacks?(20:38) Roger says exchanging traded funds has some advantages over indexing.LISTENER QUESTIONS(21:20) Scott has a follow up question about getting a mortgage in retirement.(28:45) An anonymous listener says it's too late for long term care and wants a recommendation for a low risk investment.(35:40) Our next question comes from John related to being an executor for an estate.(39:17) Dan asks a question about rebalancing.SMART SPRINT(43:46) In the next seven days, take a small step by naming the season of life you’re in—calm, choppy, rough, or changing direction—so you can better focus your energy on where to lean in right now.UP NEXT(44:40) Next week Roger chats with Tanya Nichols on the show and answers some of your questions.REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManFOLLOW US ON SOCIALS!Follow Us on Facebook!Follow Us on Instagram

💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Roger Whitney welcomes elder law expert Kathy McNair to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial topic of elder care, especially for those retiring solo. They explore what elder law really means, how it differs from traditional estate planning, and why having the right legal documents—like healthcare proxies and powers of attorney—is vital for protecting your future and legacy. Alongside practical insights on guardianships and conservatorships, Roger shares a fresh perspective on gratitude and contentment as essential mindsets for a meaningful retirement. Plus, he answers listener questions and wraps up with a special personal announcement.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Today on the show, we are going to start exploring elder care with an expert in the area, Kathy McNair.(01:06) Let’s talk about gratitude and contentment.ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(04:40) Roger and Kimberly are embracing retirement as an opportunity to live fully and give back and reconnect with things that matter most.INTERVIEW WITH KATHY MCNAIR(06:26) Roger introduces Kathy, an elder attorney and founder of seniorsolutionsinfo.com and SoloAllies.com(08:16) Kathy explains elder law and talks about her background.(10:20) What is the difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship? (12:00) Roger says one of his clients has a question about his aging mother and how to approach the situation.(17:26) Is a power of attorney enough when someone is not cognitively capable?(21:33) Kathy talks about starting SoloAllies.com.(25:35) For seniors who are aging without close family, the key is to start building your team while you’re still healthy and capable. (31:30) The hardest role to solve sometimes is the healthcare proxy role.LISTENER QUESTIONS(33:07) Submit questions on AskRoger.me.(35:45) Joe asks a question about the interview with Charles Ellis.(42:30) Joe asks “Can you explain some comments in Charles Ellis book?”(45:00) Brian says he’s thinking of doing an NUA with company stock.SMART SPRINT(49:13) In the next seven days, pick an activity and don’t listen to music or a podcast or anything. Be Present.BONUS(49:00) Roger explains that Agile Retirement Management has merged with Align Financial.REFERENCESSoloAllies.comKathy McNair- SeniorSolutions.comSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManFOLLOW US ON SOCIALS!Follow Us on Facebook!Follow Us on Instagram

💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Roger Whitney returns after a month off, ready to help you rock your retirement! He answers listener questions on a range of topics, including the benefits of choosing between Fidelity and Vanguard, the Rule of 55 for 401(k) withdrawals, and inherited IRA distributions. Roger also chats with  discusses the importance of finding the right retirement coach. Join us for practical advice and insights to help you navigate your retirement journey!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger Whitney answers your retirement questions on today's showROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(01:08) Brian says he and his wife are playing pickleball during retirement.CHAT WITH KEVIN LYLES(03:30) Roger talks to Kevin Lyles about a financial advisor versus a retirement coach(06:29) How does someone determine if they need an advisor or a coach?(10:15) Define what you are looking for before finding a coach.(12:44) A good coach will listen and have good intuition about what is really going on.LISTENER QUESTIONS (14:47) Barb says she was thinking of moving her Fidelity assets to Vanguard.(21:44) Mark has a question about the Rule of 55.(25:53) Craig asks a question about an inherited IRA(27:54) Scott says he has discovered something about TSP withdrawals.(30:53) An audio question about my Switzerland interview with Scott from a few weeks backSMART SPRINT(32:05) In the next seven days, define something you would like to do and find one person who has done this thing.BONUS(35:00) Roger reflects on how he is going to spend the next 5 weeks.REFERENCESThe Retirement Collective- BookThe Retirement Coaches AssociationSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManFOLLOW US ON SOCIALS!Follow Us on Facebook!Follow Us on Instagram

In this episode, Roger Whitney welcomes Michael Easter, New York Times bestselling author of 'The Comfort Crisis' and 'Scarcity Brain.' They delve into the concept of overcoming frugality and the evolutionary mismatches that affect our resource management in retirement. Discover how short-term discomfort can lead to long-term growth, the importance of taking the stairs in life, and the psychological implications of our modern abundance. Tune in for insights that can help you not just survive retirement, but thrive in it!*Episode originally aired March 27, 2024OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN[01:04] Today we have Michael Easter, author of Scarcity Brain, on the show.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT WITH MICHAEL EASTER[02:20] Roger introduces Michael Easter to the show[03:14] The Comfort Crisis falls into the Energy Pillar- building energy so you can show up for your life.[04:30] Roger asks Michael what his objective was in exploring the Comfort Crisis[09:40] Why is it a bad thing to be comfortable?[12:40] How do we start being more uncomfortable?[16:11] The Scarcity Brain falls into the Vision Pillar.[18:00] Why do we have a constant feeling that we don’t have enough?[25:25] Quantifying goals is not always the best thing to do.[29:01] Michael defines what the scarcity loop is.TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT[33:21] In the next seven days, take the stairs! Do something that most people don't do.RESOURCESBOOK - The Comfort Crisis by Michael EasterBOOK - Scarcity Brain by Michael EasterStutzRock Retirement ClubFOLLOW US ON SOCIALSFollow Us on Facebook!Follow Us on Instagram

Dr. Daniel Crosby, Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisory Services, delves into the psychological hurdles retirees face in shifting from saving to spending. He highlights the struggle many experience with frugality and provides practical strategies to embrace spending confidently. The conversation emphasizes the importance of experiences over accumulated wealth, urging listeners to prioritize meaningful moments with loved ones. Discover how to overcome regret aversion and transform your retirement into a fulfilling journey, rather than holding back out of fear.

Discover the vibrant life in a Florida retirement community through Brad's eyes. He shares his journey from Iowa and the thought process behind moving to The Villages. Listeners learn about the energetic lifestyle, rich activities, and strong community ties that define retirement living. Brad offers valuable insights on making the leap to a 55+ community, highlighting both the joys and challenges. This engaging conversation encourages everyone to envision their ideal retirement living arrangements.

In this insightful discussion, Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Nerd at Kitces.com, shares his expertise on retirement planning. He emphasizes the necessity of flexibility in financial strategies, steering away from rigid models. Kitces also explains how to choose a planner that prioritizes your unique goals over mere finances. Plus, he evaluates the risks of having excess wealth as you age and the importance of proper decision-making processes. Tune in for practical tips that can transform your retirement journey!

Christine Benz, a seasoned retirement planning journalist from Morningstar and author of 'How to Retire,' shares her invaluable insights about retirement. She discusses the significance of combining financial and emotional elements in planning. Topics include the complexities of long-term care, the practicalities of the 4% rule, and custom investment strategies. Benz emphasizes the need for simplification and the importance of personal stories in retirement, making it clear that a holistic approach is key to a rewarding retirement experience.