
Retirement Answer Man
A top retirement podcast. Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, guides you on how to actually do retirement well financially and personally. This retirement podcast isn't afraid to talk about the softer side of retirement. It will teach you how to retire with confidence. Two-time PLUTUS winner for best retirement podcast / blog and the 2019 winner for best financial planner blog. This retirement podcast covers how to create a paycheck, medicare, healthcare, Social Security, tax management in retirement as well as retirement travel and other non-financial issues you'll need to address to rock retirement. Retirement isn’t an age OR a financial number. It’s finding that balance between living well today and feeling confident about your retirement. It’s about gaining more freedom to pursue the life you want. Join the rock retirement community at www.rogerwhitney.com
Latest episodes

Apr 16, 2025 • 50min
Retirement Basics: Building Energy
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Roger Whitney takes on one of the biggest challenges facing retirees today: how to plan confidently when the markets are anything but steady. He’s joined by Dr. Bobby Dubois for a thoughtful conversation about building the energy and vitality needed for a meaningful retirement. Together, they share simple, practical steps to help listeners take charge of their physical well-being—so they can show up strong, not just today, but for years to come. Plus, listeners will hear an inspiring story of someone making real progress on their retirement journey.SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Retirement planning is about creating a great life.(01:19) Roger celebrates team members Erin and Troy today.(02:08) Roger reflects on the messaging surrounding the current state of the markets.(04:45) What should you do to cope with the turbulent markets and economy?PRACTICAL PLANNING WITH DR. BOBBY(10:16) Today's practical planning is focused on building energy so you can show up for retirement.(11:00) Roger introduces Dr. Bobby Dubois and talks about his podcast, Live Long and Well.(12:10) Dr. Bobby talks about the basics of building energy.(13:30) The power of compounding little consistent habits over time makes a big difference.(15:20) Roger and Dr. Bobby discuss the importance of weight for overall health.(17:55) What basic things can you focus on to help with building energy?(18:05) Dr. Bobby talks about sleep and gives tips on how to improve sleep quality.(22:45) Exercise is important for building energy- focus on cardio, strength, and balance.(35:10) Dr. Bobby talks about optimal weight and two simple yet effective tips to maintain a healthy weight.(40:00) There will be links to specific episodes of Live Long and Well in our newsletter, The Noodle, this week.ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(42:28) Roger reads a note from an anonymous listener about rocking retirement.RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER SURVEY(44:45) Roger shares some results from The Retirement Answer Man listener survey.SMART SPRINT(47:14) In the next seven days, start by putting a few of Dr. Bobby’s ideas into action—get moving and build some momentum around your physical health. Once you’ve got a little rhythm going, shift your focus to tackling the stress that comes with market uncertainty. One step at a time—that’s how we build a more confident retirement. BONUS(48:24) Roger reads an excerpt from his grandfather's WWII journal.REFERENCESLive Long and Well Podcast with Dr. BobbyRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)BOOKS:Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything- BJ Fogg, PHDShow notes created by https://headliner.app

Apr 9, 2025 • 53min
Retirement Basics: Asset Allocation
Dive into the essentials of asset allocation and why focusing on the basics can lead to a successful retirement. Discover the significance of time management in planning, along with insights into diversification and inflation. Engaging listener questions spark discussions on investment account strategies. Plus, enjoy a unique historical perspective from World War II, reminding us of the importance of considering our financial timelines. Embrace these crucial insights to rock your retirement!

Apr 2, 2025 • 36min
Retirement Basics: What Every Spouse Should Know
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we kick off a month-long series on retirement basics, emphasizing the crucial role of partnership in planning for retirement. We discuss why it's vital for both spouses to be actively engaged in financial conversations, ensuring that neither partner feels overwhelmed or excluded. Plus, we hear inspiring stories from a couple of listeners who are thriving in their retirement journeys! Don't miss this episode!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:38) We're starting a month-long series on retirement basics.(00:56) Today we are going to talk about what every spouse should know about their retirement plan.(01:45) It's important for each spouse to delegate responsibilities when planning for retirement.(03:00) Roger talks about the pressure of being the retirement planner in a couple and the risks of being the non-planner. (05:00) Audio clip from our paraplanner Erin about a recent experience volunteering for Tax Aide.(07:40) What spousal participation should there be in retirement planner meetings? And what meetings need to happen?(08:07) Roger goes through the four initial meetings of building a retirement plan of record.(15:19) At least twice a year, the non-planner spouse should participate in a planner meeting to refresh all of these things.(15:30) What should the planner spouse do to help create a productive meeting?(17:45) What are the risks as the financial manager spouse?(19:29) What should non-financial manager spouses do?(22:50) Roger talks about what the non-financial manager spouses should know.(25:30) What should your advisor do if you are working with one?PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT RELATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY(27:50) WEP and GPO changes are causing confusion with Social Security recipients.ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(29:56) Listener shares about the challenges of decumulation and overcoming a lifetime of frugal habits.(32:28) Listener Kathleen talks about dog-sitting in retirement.SMART SPRINT(33:53) In the next seven days, review the time sensitive action items that may apply to you when it comes to the month of April.BONUS(35:19) Roger reads an excerpt from his grandfather's WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)Show notes created by https://headliner.app

Mar 26, 2025 • 46min
Is My Retirement Safe? Navigating Financial Security in Uncertain Times
Dive into navigating retirement during uncertain times with practical steps to build financial security. Explore the emotional influences of greed and fear in decision-making and learn how to stay proactive amidst political and economic changes. Discover strategies to manage risks, reassess spending, and maintain confidence as you prepare for the future. Personal stories and poignant insights highlight the complexities of retirement planning, urging listeners to take charge of their financial destinies.

Mar 19, 2025 • 45min
Curiosity: The Key to a Happy Retirement
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we explore the importance of cultivating curiosity as a part of the non-financial pillar of retirement planning- mindset. Join us as we discuss how curiosity can enhance your mindset and well-being in retirement, along with practical tools to foster this trait. We also address listener questions about retirement strategies amidst economic uncertainty. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with actionable advice!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(01:11) Today, we're going to answer some listener questions related to building a retirement plan and focus on one of the nonfinancial pillars- mindset.(02:10) Roger says he has been doing financial planning for over 35 years and noticed that it seems that the happiest and well adjusted people have a healthy sense of curiosity.(02:55) What is curiosity?(04:50) It is easy as we age to naturally fall into indifference, apathy, and close-mindedness.(06:06) Curiosity drives learning, learning creates cognitive resilience, and cognitive resilience enables further curiosity. (07:05) Let's look at some examples of curiosity and recommend some books.(10:17) How do you build curiosity? LISTENER QUESTIONS(19:19) Drew asks a question about gifting.(21:51) Tom asks about permissible investments in ROTH IRAS.(26:55) The next question comes from John related to building a retirement allocation for retirement using the pie cake.(32:16) Mary asks about putting money in an HSA or money market account.(37:22) Our next email is from Nick related to target date portfolios for retirementSMART SPRINT(43:05) In the next seven days, work on cultivating curiosity.BONUS(43:57) Roger reads from his grandfather's WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)Books“Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!”: Adventures of a Curious Character- Richard FeynmanHow to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day- Michael GelbThe Gifts of Imperfection- Brene BrownBlogRajib Roy- The History of my Future! (First Draft!)Show notes created by https://headliner.app

Mar 12, 2025 • 43min
How to Set Up Your Paycheck in Retirement
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we explore the essential steps to setting up your retirement paycheck to ensure financial stability and confidence in your retirement years. Join us as we discuss the importance of tracking your cash flow, identifying spending trends, and creating a structured paycheck system that mimics the rhythm of a traditional paycheck. We also dive into listener questions about MYGAs, private equity, and inheritance planning, providing valuable insights to help you navigate your retirement journey.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not go bankrupt in retirement!(00:25) Today we'll talk about how to set up your paycheck ahead of retirement(01:16) Sign up for my weekly newsletter- The Noodle.(01:44) In retirement, you lose the natural pulse of income coming into your checking account so it is important to have a system setup.(03:05) What is the intent in setting up a paycheck in retirement?(07:35) Roger talks about a default paycheck structure and how to set it up.(12:30) What should you do about extraordinary expenditures? (13:14) How should you have your pretax account set up for a retirement paycheck?(17:45) Setting up a retirement paycheck helps identify trends in spending or saving.(19:22) There will be an explainer video exclusive in our weekly newsletter- The NoodleLISTENER QUESTIONS(20:00) I got an email from Bill, a demographer, giving me more insight about the question- “how long should we plan to live?”(24:00) Adam sent in a question about MYGAs- Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities.(28:43) John sends feedback on our private equity episode.(30:32) David asks how to factor a substantial inheritance into his retirement plan.SMART SPRINT(39:35) In the next seven days, look at your payroll system and how you construct it.BONUS(40:25) Roger reads an excerpt from his grandfather’s WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)The Retirement Answer Man Free Worksheet LibraryShow notes created by https://headliner.app

Mar 5, 2025 • 33min
What Life Expectancy Should I Use in My Retirement Plan?
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Roger Whitney tackles the critical question of life expectancy in retirement planning. With statistics from the CDC, he guides listeners through the complexities of determining how long they should plan for their retirement. Roger addresses the cognitive bias known as the "curse of knowledge," providing clarity on how to approach life expectancy assumptions. He also shares insights on the importance of using personalized data rather than general averages, and discusses practical tools for assessing longevity. Tune in for valuable advice that can help you plan confidently for your future!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) What life expectancy should you use in your retirement plan?(00:39) We have a change happening to our Six Shot Saturday email.(02:18) Roger discusses the concept of ‘The Curse of Knowledge.’(03:38) Listener, D.S., sends in a question about life expectancy in retirement.(05:58) Roger discusses how to interpret the data from the Social Security Administration life expectancy calculator.(9:30) Roger uses age 92 for a male and 94 for a female for a base assumption in retirement planning.LISTENER QUESTIONS(11:26) Thrift savings plans will allow Roth conversion starting in 2026.(12:13) Karen asks about the pie-cake and the purpose of a 6 month emergency fund.(15:35) Karen asks a second question about suggestions for saving vehicles that are not US treasury bonds.(17:27) Evan asks “How does a pension figure into a net worth statement?”(22:00) Gene asks how to look at the total allocation of your retirement portfolio.(25:00) Roger reads feedback from listener Scott about last week’s episode.ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (27:01) Scott has been helping federal employees think through their retirement plans.SMART SPRINT(30:42) In the next seven days, revisit the age you are going to use in your retirement plan.BONUS(31:12) Roger reads an entry from his grandfather’s WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)The Retirement Answer Man Free Worksheet LibrarySocial Security Life Expectancy CalculatorThe Retirement Researcher Show notes created by https://headliner.app

9 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 45min
Should I Have Private Equity in My Portfolio?
Peter Lazaroff, Chief Investment Officer at PlanCorp and author of "Making Money Simple", joins to discuss the complexities of adding private equity to retirement portfolios. They explore essential factors like having a solid financial plan and clear retirement goals. Peter explains what private equity is and highlights its potential risks and costs. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful evaluation, cautioning against following trendy investments that may not suit individual strategies. Tune in for a clearer understanding of these investment dynamics!

Feb 19, 2025 • 41min
Retirement Plan Live Debrief with Tanya Nichols
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we explore the essential questions of retirement planning with financial expert Roger Whitney and guest Tanya Nichols from Align Financial. They dissect the case studies of Laura and Nick, highlighting their unique approaches to retirement and how their lifestyles influence their financial decisions. Tune in for insights on spending, confidence in planning, and the importance of resilience in your retirement strategy!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Stage one of retirement planning involves answering the central questions(00:54) Today, Roger chats with Tanya Nichols about the Retirement Plan Live case studies.DEBRIEF WITH TANYA NICHOLS(02:40) Roger introduces Tanya Nichols with Align Financial.(03:28) Roger and Tanya discuss Laura’s RPL plan.(05:25) What risks are associated with having a lean spending plan?(08:35) Once people realize they can achieve something, they pause and evaluate reality.(09:58) Roger asks Tanya how she determines how hard to push clients when they're afraid of the next step.(12:10) Tanya and Roger discuss Nick’s RPL plan.(14:50) If you have a plan that is feasible and resilient, you will likely have an inheritance even if it isn't planned for.(17:00) Roger talks about the importance of a resilient plan.(21:18) Roger and Tanya compare/contrast Nick and Laura’s plans(23:10) Roger asks Tanya how she incorporates current world events into retirement and life choices.LISTENER QUESTIONS(25:06) John asks a question about best utilizing extra income.(29:38) Edward asks a question about diversification versus safety.SMART SPRINT(38:21) In the next seven days, I encourage you to start organizing your tax documents and get them to your CPA as early as possible.BONUS(39:34) Next installment of Roger’s grandfather’s WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManThe Retirement Answer Man Free Worksheet LibrarySign up for 6-Shot Saturday!Retirement Plan Live ReplayAlign FinancialShow notes created by https://headliner.app

Feb 12, 2025 • 48min
Take Action Now for a Resilient Retirement
Nicole Mills, the architect behind the Six Shot Saturday newsletter, brings her expertise to a vibrant discussion about resilient retirement planning. She and Roger Whitney tackle the essence of prioritizing personal goals in retirement, emphasizing that planning is a means to enhance life's joys. They delve into crafting robust strategies amid market volatility, the importance of a contingency fund, and upcoming changes to Six Shot Saturday. Listeners also gain insights on effective withdrawal strategies and the significance of engaging proactive financial advisors.
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