Retire With Style

In this episode of Retire with Style, Dr. Wade Pfau and Dr. Alex Murguia explore the evolving world of alternative investments and their potential role in retirement planning. They discuss the concept of "Winning the Loser’s Game"—emphasizing the value of steady, disciplined strategies over high-risk maneuvers—and examine how alternatives like cryptocurrencies, private equity, and hedge funds may fit into a well-structured retirement portfolio. The conversation covers what it means to be an accredited investor, common misconceptions about alternative assets, and the importance of liquidity and regulatory oversight. They also touch on how current market dynamics are making these investments more accessible to individuals. Plus, they answer a listener question about spousal benefits under Social Security, offering practical guidance for those planning around them. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Alternative investments can enhance portfolio diversification. The concept of 'Winning the Loser's Game' applies to investing strategies. Community engagement can be fostered through shared interests like pickleball. Understanding the role of alternative investments is crucial for informed decision-making. Not all alternatives are suitable for every investor's portfolio. The definition of alternatives is broad and includes various asset classes. Investors should be cautious of the hype surrounding alternatives. Higher returns are often touted as a benefit of alternative investments. Inflation hedging is a key reason for considering alternatives. Access to alternative investments is becoming more democratized. Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, are seen as alternatives to traditional assets. The future of investing is evolving, with more access for household investors. Accredited investor status is crucial for accessing certain investment opportunities. Many misconceptions exist about the risk and accessibility of alternative investments. Liquidity versus illiquidity is a key consideration in alternative investments. Market dynamics are changing, making alternatives more relevant now. Technological innovations are democratizing access to alternative investments. Investors should assess their portfolios for potential returns in alternatives. Regulatory oversight is important for ensuring the safety of investments. Understanding Social Security benefits is essential for retirement planning.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alternative Investments 02:57 The Concept of Winning the Loser's Game 06:09 Engaging the Community with Pickleball 08:58 Understanding Alternative Investments 12:05 Defining Alternatives in Investing 15:03 The Appeal of Alternative Investments 19:33 Exploring Cryptocurrencies and Their Unique Position 22:01 The Evolution of Alternative Investments for Household Investors 24:40 Understanding Accredited Investor Status and Its Implications 31:07 Debunking Myths About Alternative Investments 41:07 Why Now is the Time to Consider Alternatives 45:17 Listener Question: Social Security Spousal Benefits   Links The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/ This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau tackle a range of financial planning questions in a lively Q&A session. They explore Social Security strategies, the role of single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) in retirement income, and investment approaches for managing required minimum distributions (RMDs). The discussion also covers the pros and cons of bond ladders versus Treasury bonds, along with how Roth conversions can affect adjusted gross income and Medicare premiums. Throughout the conversation, Alex and Wade highlight how thoughtful, strategic planning can help retirees maximize their income and minimize their tax burden. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Delaying social security can lead to increased spending throughout retirement. A social security delay bridge can mitigate sequence of returns risk. Single premium immediate annuities provide longevity protection and mortality credits. Investing RMDs for beneficiaries can allow for more aggressive strategies. Roth conversions impact adjusted gross income and potential IRMA surcharges. Tax-efficient planning can help manage future tax liabilities. Bond ladders are useful for meeting specific spending needs in retirement. Treasury bonds can be a simpler alternative to bond ladders. Understanding the nuances of annuities is crucial for retirement planning. Engaging with audience questions enhances the relevance of financial discussions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pickleball Paddle Reveal 04:30 Diving into Financial Planning Questions 05:44 Social Security Strategies and Their Impact 11:10 Building a Social Security Delay Bridge 16:11 Exploring Single Premium Immediate Annuities 22:45 Investment Strategies for RMDs 24:40 Bond Ladders vs. Treasury Bonds 26:59 Understanding Roth Conversions and IRMA   Links Our new Retire With Style podcast website is officially LIVE! Submit questions for future episodes, learn more about us and our affiliates, and more to come! Visit RetireWithStyle.com to check it out now!  Visit our YouTube channel and watch this episode and see the new custom limited edition Retire With Style Pickleball Paddles! Follow the instructions in the comments of that video to enter for your chance to win of your very own: https://www.youtube.com/@retirewithstylepodcast The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/ This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

Explore the intriguing link between wealth and happiness as experts discuss the importance of aligning spending with personal values. Discover how experiences and relationships contribute more to fulfillment than material possessions. Joins the conversation on the evolving nature of values and the psychological complexities of retirement planning. Learn about the critical role of delayed gratification in achieving financial success and the meaning beyond mere wealth in creating a purpose-driven life.

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia sit down with Dr. Daniel Crosby, a leading voice in behavioral finance, to unpack the psychological side of investing in today’s volatile markets. Together, they examine how market swings and media noise shape investor behavior—and why having a thoughtful media diet and disciplined decision-making framework is more important than ever. This conversation lays the foundation for next week’s episode, where the discussion will shift toward deeper questions of wealth and meaning. Listen now to learn more! Takeaways Market volatility can trigger anxiety—even among professionals. It’s normal to feel fear during downturns, but those emotions don’t have to drive your decisions. Limiting exposure to financial news may help you stay focused and make better choices. Recognizing the incentives behind financial media can help you consume it more critically. More information isn’t always better—clarity often comes from less, not more. Patience matters. Reminding yourself that “this too shall pass” can be grounding. Uncertainty often causes more stress than bad news itself. Taking time to reflect before acting can lead to better financial outcomes. We tend to give others better advice than we give ourselves—pause and consider what you’d tell a friend. Automation and structured plans are powerful tools to reduce emotional decision-making. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Finance and Market Volatility 02:56 Understanding Market Reactions and Investor Psychology 06:01 The Impact of Media on Financial Decision Making 08:47 Navigating Uncertainty in Financial Markets 12:05 The Importance of Patience and Discipline in Investing 15:03 Frameworks for Better Financial Decision Making 17:55 Conclusion and Transition to The Soul of Wealth Links Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6pMFE_-u0YM The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/ This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia dive into the current market landscape and what it means for retirement planning. They highlight the importance of staying grounded during periods of volatility and how emotions can cloud financial judgment. Alex introduces the RAIN model—a practical framework to recognize and manage emotional responses—to help investors approach market uncertainty with mindfulness. Together, Wade and Alex unpack how psychological biases influence decision-making and why having a flexible, well-structured plan is key to weathering financial storms. The conversation also explores strategies for resetting your financial plan in response to market changes, including flexible spending approaches, safe withdrawal rates, and considerations around delaying Social Security. The takeaway? Long-term goals matter most—and with the right mindset and plan, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence.   Takeaways Markets are currently down, prompting a need for better financial decisions. Emotional responses to market volatility can lead to poor decision-making. The RAIN model helps in recognizing and managing emotions during uncertainty. It's important to allow feelings of anxiety without acting on them. Investors should investigate their thoughts and biases during market downturns. Non-identification with emotions can lead to better decision-making. Market downturns can be beneficial for savers looking to buy at a discount. Resetting financial strategies is crucial during times of uncertainty. Long-term investment strategies should be prioritized over short-term reactions. Understanding one's retirement income style can impact decision-making during volatility. Maintaining flexibility in retirement spending is crucial. Market volatility can impact retirees differently based on their strategies. A diversified portfolio can help withstand market fluctuations. It's important to adapt your retirement strategy to your personal style. Delaying social security can lead to better long-term financial outcomes. Behavioral biases can hinder effective investing decisions. A financial plan provides a framework for making objective decisions. Backcasting helps in setting realistic financial goals. Understanding your future self can guide current financial decisions. Rules-based decision-making can mitigate emotional responses during market downturns.   Chapters 00:00 Market Volatility and Its Implications 05:02 Understanding Emotional Responses to Market Changes 19:06 The RAIN Model: A Framework for Decision Making 22:54 Resetting Financial Strategies During Uncertainty 23:48 Navigating Market Volatility in Retirement 27:06 Preparing for Financial Decisions in Uncertain Times 28:30 Understanding Safe Withdrawal Rates 29:49 Addressing Behavioral Biases in Investing 32:41 The Importance of Financial Planning 39:16 Strategies for Delaying Social Security   Links To continue today's conversation.. Join Retirement Researcher THIS Thursday 4/10/25 at 1PM ET for a timely webinar, hosted by Alex Murguia, Ph.D. called, "Making Smarter Financial Decisions in Volatile Markets". Register now at risaprofile.com/podcast    If you haven't already, visit risaprofile.com/style to discover your Retirement Income Style by taking our RISA® questionnaire for free!   The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/     This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips    

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss the complexities of market volatility, its implications for investors, and the current economic landscape. They discuss the nature of volatility, the significance of the VIX as a measure of market fear, and the emotional toll of daily market fluctuations. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs and inflation on the economy, emphasizing the importance of understanding these factors for long-term investment strategies. Alex and Wade discuss the current state of the market, focusing on the impact of the technology sector, government spending, and economic volatility. They explore historical market risks, investment strategies for navigating uncertainty, and the importance of controlling investment factors. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-thought-out investment strategy that aligns with individual preferences and the realities of market fluctuations. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Market volatility is a significant concern for long-term investors. Understanding the VIX can help investors gauge market sentiment. Tariffs can have complex effects on the economy and consumers. Investors in the distribution phase are more vulnerable to market downturns. The emotional impact of market volatility can affect decision-making. It's essential to focus on long-term investment strategies rather than daily changes. Economic growth and inflation are interconnected factors influencing market conditions. Understanding market dynamics can help investors make informed decisions. The technology sector is currently a significant drag on the market. Government spending cuts can lead to increased economic volatility. Historical data shows that missing key market days can negatively impact returns. Diversification can mitigate losses in a globally diversified portfolio. Investment strategies should align with personal comfort levels and financial goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Market Volatility 04:20 Understanding Market Volatility 10:06 The VIX: Fear Index Explained 11:57 Market Movements and Emotional Responses 16:21 Current Market Conditions and Influences 25:11 Inflation and Its Impact on the Economy 27:28 Market Trends and Technology Sector Impact 29:55 Government Spending and Economic Volatility 32:34 Historical Market Risks and Uncertainties 35:05 Investment Strategies for Market Volatility 41:21 Decision-Making in Uncertain Markets 46:07 Controlling Investment Factors   Links Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6nCikqRDcTw  Missed the webinar? Sign up now to get access to the replay of the Retirement Researcher webinar called, "Understanding Market Volatility and What It Means For You": https://retirementresearcher.com/rws-market-volatility-replay Missed the webinar? Sign up now to get access to the replay of the Retirement Researcher webinar called, "Understanding Market Volatility and What It Means For You": https://retirementresearcher.com/rws-market-volatility-replay The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/ This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”  

Nate Conrad, an expert in retirement income from Lifex Funds at Stone Ridge, shares insights on bond laddering as a strategic approach for retirees. He explains how bond ladders provide predictable income compared to traditional bond funds, aligning investments with spending goals. The conversation also highlights the flexibility of Lifex ETFs, which facilitate monthly distributions tailored to retirees' needs. Additionally, Nate discusses income strategies, tax implications, and managing surplus wealth, offering practical advice for enhancing financial security in retirement.

Welcome Back! In this episode, Alex, Wade and Brian dive into the complexities of financial planning, focusing on return assumptions, the importance of a living financial plan, and the methodologies behind capital market assumptions. They discuss the balance between spending and saving in retirement, the relevance of the 4% rule, and practical recommendations for effective financial planning. The conversation emphasizes the need for stress testing and understanding the underlying assumptions in financial models to ensure realistic and effective planning. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Return assumptions can be based on historical or expected returns. The financial plan should be treated as a living document that evolves over time. Methodologies for capital market assumptions can vary significantly between firms. The 4% rule is less relevant in modern financial planning than it used to be. Stress testing financial plans helps to understand potential outcomes and risks. Communication with clients about their financial goals is essential. Understanding the math behind financial planning is as important as the goals themselves. Advisors should guide clients in making informed decisions about spending and saving. Chapters 00:00 Historical vs. Expected Returns in Planning 04:14 Building Capital Market Assumptions 07:15 Balancing Lifestyle and Financial Planning 11:01 Understanding Spending Behavior in Retirement 13:36 The Relevance of the 4% Rule 17:26 Practical Recommendations for Financial Planning   Links Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R1dNHo3BDNA?si=RiNVF21TG9Zh4Npf The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/ This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

In this episode, Alex and Wade are joined by Brian Bass from McLean Asset Management to discuss the complexities of financial planning assumptions, particularly focusing on Monte Carlo simulations and their implications for success rates in retirement planning. They discuss how different advisors may present varying success rates based on their underlying assumptions, emphasizing the importance of understanding them for consumers. Key topics include the significance of capital market assumptions, the magnitude of failure in financial plans, and the necessity for transparency and communication between advisors and clients. The conversation aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to critically evaluate financial plans and ask the right questions when consulting with advisors. Listen now to learn more! Takeaways Consumers often lack awareness of the assumptions behind financial plans. Monte Carlo simulations are a common tool in financial planning. Success rates can be misleading without understanding underlying assumptions. Small changes in return assumptions can significantly impact success rates. Transparency in financial planning is crucial for informed decision-making. Clients should ask advisors about the inputs used in their financial plans. Different advisors may use varying assumptions leading to different outcomes. Understanding capital market assumptions is key to evaluating financial plans. Effective communication of financial concepts is essential for client understanding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning Assumptions 02:18 Understanding Monte Carlo Simulations 04:16 The Importance of Assumptions in Financial Planning 06:21 Defining Success Rates in Financial Plans 09:32 Magnitude of Failure vs. Success Rates 10:39 Capital Market Assumptions Explained 14:32 The Role of Returns and Volatility 15:19 Communicating Complex Concepts to Clients 18:29 The Impact of Long-Term Care on Financial Plans 21:33 Key Questions for Consumers to Ask Advisors 23:24 The Sensitivity of Return Assumptions   Links Have a question about your financial plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with Jason Rizkallah from McLean Asset Management: https://calendly.com/jason-rizkallah/mclean-asset-management-introduction-call Did you miss the Challenge? Join the Waitlist to be the first one notified when registration is open for the next session of the Retirement Income Challenge: risaprofile.com/podcast  Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7Cn0DUxIpvs The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/ This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips  

Dive into the conversation about the funded ratio, a vital tool for assessing if your assets can cover retirement liabilities. Discover how it stacks up against Monte Carlo simulations, highlighting its intuitive nature. Learn about present value calculations crucial for understanding future income. The hosts discuss variable spending strategies and tax implications, making complex retirement topics digestible. They also tackle listener questions on Roth conversions, advocating for a simplified approach to ensure retirement readiness.