Early Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)

More Americans than ever before are retiring early due to seven key factors reshaping our approach to work and retirement planning. • COVID-19 accelerated early retirements with 2.6 million more people retiring during the pandemic than expected • Average retirement age dropped from 64 in 2019 to 62 in 2022, one of the sharpest declines in decades • The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has grown by 300% in searches between 2018-2023 • Strong market performance created record numbers of 401(k) millionaires • Remote work flexibility enables 40% of workers to retire 2-5 years earlier than previously planned • 68% of Americans have reprioritized work-life balance with 47% willing to accept lower income for more freedom • Health concerns prompted 25% of early retirees to leave the workforce sooner than expected If you want help with your early retirement, reach out to Root Financial Partners at rootfinancialpartners.com or consider the Early Retirement Academy to access planning tools and resources. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence. “Early Retirement – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions. Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Tax strategy is the most overlooked aspect of financial planning, yet it could save you thousands over your lifetime by minimizing your total tax burden rather than just focusing on this year's bill. • Roth conversions let you pay taxes at potentially lower rates now to avoid higher taxes later in life • Asset location matters – keep growth investments in Roth accounts and more conservative assets in brokerage accounts • Health insurance premium planning can drastically reduce your healthcare costs through ACA subsidies • Capital gains harvesting allows married couples to realize up to $96,700 in gains tax-free each year • The standard deduction adds another $30,000 of tax-free money, meaning you could potentially generate $126,700 with zero tax liability If this was helpful, please reach out at ari@rootfinancialpartners.com. If you'd like a custom strategy, you can apply to work with Root Financial Partners. For those 5-10 years from retirement, check out the Early Retirement Academy for software, courses and tools to help you prepare. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence. “Early Retirement – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions. Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

What actually happens when you work with a financial advisor? At Root Financial, we've built a carefully structured team model to ensure every client gets consistent, exceptional service regardless of which advisor they're paired with. Unlike products (think identical Honda Civics or iPhones at any retailer), financial advice is inherently personal and can vary dramatically between advisors. We've solved this challenge by creating a four-person service team for every client: a Client Service Associate handling operations, an Associate Financial Advisor supporting and learning, a Lead Financial Advisor delivering personalized recommendations, and a Senior Financial Advisor providing advanced expertise while coaching the team. This structure isn't just organizational—it's the foundation of our entire client experience. When Associate Advisors take detailed notes, for example, it allows Lead Advisors to be fully present in conversations rather than documenting. As one team member put it: "Taking notes allows me to be fully present in that conversation." Rather than simply hiring "free agent" advisors with varying approaches, we've developed our own farm system. We carefully select talented professionals with the right character and potential, then develop them through our comprehensive training programs. Each advisor progresses through clearly defined levels with specific requirements—time in role, licensing, CFP designation, and successful completion of Root's investment and planning curricula. The goal? Creating advisors who've "learned the rules like a pro so they can break them like an artist." This Picasso-inspired philosophy means our team masters the fundamentals, then adapts them creatively to help clients optimize not just for wealth, but for a life well-lived. This behind-the-scenes structure might seem technical, but it's precisely what allows us to deliver consistent excellence. When you work with Root, you're not just getting one advisor—you're getting an entire team crafted to ensure your experience reflects our core belief: money should be a tool for getting the most out of life. Want to discover if our approach aligns with your needs? Visit rootfinancial.com and click "see if we're a fit" to start the conversation. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence. “Early Retirement – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions. Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Retirement anxiety is normal and healthy, even for people with solid financial plans—it shows you're taking your future seriously and want to make thoughtful decisions about your life transition. • Understanding why retirement worry is natural despite having financial security • How joining a retirement community can provide perspective and reduce anxiety • Balancing financial needs with personal purpose and meaningful activities • Learning to differentiate between necessary caution and excessive worry • Finding comfort in flexibility and dynamic planning during market changes • Recognizing that uncertainty is normal in major life transitions • Defining your personal measures of retirement success rather than comparing to others • Taking action by exploring new ideas from peers rather than just passively consuming content Join our free retirement planning community to connect with others navigating the same challenges and discover new strategies to improve your retirement confidence. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence. “Early Retirement – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions. Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Healthcare costs shouldn't stop you from retiring early, especially when strategic planning can reduce those expenses from $1,000+ to as little as $50 per month. We explore how proper account structure and withdrawal strategies can save you tens of thousands in healthcare premiums during the critical pre-Medicare years. • "Superhero accounts" (brokerage/taxable accounts) offer tremendous flexibility for controlling taxable income • Capital gains from brokerage accounts are taxed more favorably than IRA withdrawals • Strategic income planning can qualify you for ACA subsidies, potentially saving $70,000+ over five years • Tax gain harvesting at 0% capital gains rate provides additional opportunities • Balance healthcare optimization with other goals like Roth conversions • Most valuable for those within 5 years of retirement Submit your questions at earlyretirementpodcast.com. I respond to everyone, and if your question would benefit many, I'll make an episode about it. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

You've run the numbers. You have enough saved. Your spreadsheet says you can retire comfortably. So why can't you pull the trigger and leave your high-stress, high-paying job behind? This struggle represents one of retirement planning's most challenging psychological hurdles. After spending decades accumulating wealth and building a career identity, many successful professionals find themselves paralyzed when the time comes to actually step away—even when financially prepared to do so. Our conversation explores this common predicament through the lens of a Root Collective member who knows they're financially ready but can't seem to make the leap. We dive into how our brains process major life transitions, why we tend to see future versions of ourselves as different people, and how this affects our decision-making. Just as starting preschool, college, or a new job feels intimidating, retirement represents a significant unknown that naturally triggers hesitation. The discussion moves beyond simple financial calculations to examine what we're really sacrificing by postponing retirement. While the opportunity cost of leaving unvested compensation on the table is obvious, the opportunity cost of continuing in a high-stress position—measured in health, time, relationships, and experiences—remains harder to quantify but potentially more valuable. We share perspectives from community members who've successfully made this transition, including practical advice on how to structure your finances and mindset for a fulfilling post-career life. Connect with our Root Collective community to learn from others navigating similar transitions and discover resources to help make your own retirement decision with confidence. What would your 85-year-old self advise you to do today? Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

We explore how much safe money you should maintain throughout retirement for financial security and peace of mind without sacrificing long-term growth potential. Instead of using cookie-cutter rules, we break down a personalized approach to balancing safety and growth in your retirement portfolio. • Start with your annual spending needs to calculate your safe money base • A good starting point is having 5 years of living expenses in safe assets • Your safe money requirements should decrease as guaranteed income sources (Social Security, pensions) begin • The 60/40 portfolio rule doesn't work for everyone - your allocation should reflect your specific situation • As your portfolio grows, the percentage allocated to safe money typically decreases • Too much safe money risks losing purchasing power to inflation over time • Consider your emotional "sleep number" - how much safe money you need to feel secure • Factor in upcoming expenses like healthcare, travel, and home renovations • Cookie-cutter planning fails because everyone's situation is unique and dynamic Submit your financial questions at earlyretirementpodcast.com for a chance to have them answered in a future episode. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Dreaming big and being intentional about planning for retirement can be the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving in your post-work years. • Retire TO something, not just FROM something • Test-drive your retirement dreams before committing fully, like renting in a new state before buying • Be honest about how retirement will change your spending habits and social dynamics • The first few years of retirement are critical – don't be too frugal when you have health and energy • Spend generously on things you truly value and remain frugal on things you don't care about • Put your retirement dreams into financial planning software to see if they're achievable • Consider what would feel worse – spending too much or having regrets at 85 about not spending enough • Dream big and think intentionally about what will make retirement fulfilling Before executing any strategy discussed in this episode, please consult with your financial advisor, tax preparer, or estate attorney. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Submit questions at earlyretirementpodcast.com for consideration in future episodes. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

James and Ari tackle a great question from the Root Collective: How do you keep things fun when markets—or life—get tough? They break down why “fun” isn’t just about ping pong tables and perks—it’s about being prepared, building trust, and maintaining strong relationships before challenges arise. James shares a personal story from the early Covid days, highlighting how mindset and self-care helped him show up for clients. The takeaway? A great advisor isn’t just there for the good times—they’re prepared to guide you through the tough ones, too. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Financial literacy starts at home, but teaching kids can be challenging when they develop an abundance mindset and spend everything they make. We explore effective strategies for engaging young people with money concepts by connecting to their existing interests rather than lecturing them about financial terms. • Growing up around money doesn't automatically create financial literacy • Sharing personal stories of financial mindsets—from abundance to scarcity • Making financial concepts relevant by starting with what kids already care about • Demonstrating compound interest visually as "free time" gained by investing early • Finding personal motivation in finance that resonates • Creating games and experiences that make financial literacy engaging for young minds • Connecting investment growth to ownership of companies kids recognize If you have strategies that worked with your children or teenagers, please share them in the YouTube comments or join our free Root Collective community where we discuss topics like this one. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Fear of retirement often arises from the head trash that clouds decision-making and prevents individuals from taking action. Understanding the valid concerns behind this fear is essential to dispel myths that delay retirement readiness. - Explaining the concept of head trash and its impact on retirement decisions - Real-life case study illustrating financial planning for early retirement - Practical strategies to overcome retirement anxiety and promote sound decision-making If you’d like to dive deeper into your retirement plans or have specific questions, reach out through our website! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

This episode focuses on effectively managing significant one-off financial expenses in retirement and the best strategies for portfolio withdrawals. We explore different sources of withdrawals, tax considerations, and how to balance immediate needs with long-term financial security. • The impact of one-time expenses on portfolio sustainability • Analyzing options: taxable accounts, tax-deferred accounts, and Roth IRAs • The importance of understanding tax implications in retirement planning Join our community at the Root Collective! It’s free and filled with resources to help you navigate your financial journey. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

The podcast explores the complexities of the scarcity mindset in individuals, specifically highlighting the challenges associated with spending even after achieving financial security. Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, we dissect how ingrained beliefs affect spending decisions. • Introduction of the scarcity mindset and its impact on financial behavior • Personal stories illustrating the transition from saver to spender • Discussion of psychological factors influencing spending anxiety • Client success story showcasing the paradox of wealth and spending fear • Practical strategies to enjoy spending without guilt • Encouragement to reassess personal values and money relationships Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Understanding how we select financial advisors is crucial for clients and prospective clients. This episode takes you behind the scenes of Root Financial, highlighting our unique approach to hiring and training advisors to ensure consistent client experiences. • Discusses the importance of advisor alignment with client goals • Explores the internal training program, Root University • Addresses the cultural fit in hiring and selecting advisors • Highlights the investment in advisor satisfaction and success • Brings up the key differences between Root Financial and other firms If you're interested in seeing how we help our clients at Root Financial get the most out of life with their money, be sure to visit us at www.rootfinancialpartners.com. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

A clear understanding of how to select the right financial advisor can simplify your journey toward financial success. We discuss five essential questions that are key to uncovering an advisor's capabilities and compatibility with your needs, ensuring that you are well-informed before making a decision. • Importance of asking if the advisor is a CFP • Assessing whether the advisor works with clients like you • Understanding their tax planning role and approach • Evaluating the advisor's commitment to accountability through holistic planning • Clarifying how the advisor is compensated and structure of fees If you found value in our discussion, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

This episode guides listeners through the process of selecting the ideal state for retirement, weighing financial incentives against personal happiness. The discussion centers on Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and North Carolina, examining the pros and cons of each state, as well as critical financial considerations for future retirees. • Evaluating Florida's no-income tax benefits • Understanding Arizona's climate challenges • Highlighting Tennessee's low-cost living and unique culture • Discussing North Carolina's strategic tax treatment of retirement income • Importance of community, healthcare facilities, and amenities in relocation • Encouraging listeners to balance personal happiness with financial concerns Text us your thoughts on the show! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Join the new Root Collective HERE! (COMMUNITY) Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

The episode sheds light on the importance of personalized retirement planning, especially for those with guaranteed income sources like pensions. Listeners learn how risk tolerance, investment allocations, and tax strategies should align with their unique financial situations for optimal retirement success. • Emphasizing the role of guaranteed income sources in investment strategies • The importance of personalized financial planning over cookie-cutter strategies • Understanding how risk tolerance changes during retirement • Demonstrating asset allocation strategies based on income needs • The value of proactive tax planning and Roth conversions • Addressing the need for cohesive financial guidance among different advisors Text us your thoughts on the show! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Join the new Root Collective HERE! (COMMUNITY) Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

This episode explores essential strategies for effective retirement withdrawals, emphasizing the importance of minimizing tax liabilities while maximizing fund growth. Listeners gain valuable insights into withdrawal frameworks, tax implications, and the role of technology in planning for a secure retirement. • Understanding income and tax strategies while working in retirement • Examining a real-life case study on withdrawal methods • Importance of software tools in financial planning • Different accounts require distinct strategies for withdrawals • Implications of Required Minimum Distributions • Strategies to enhance wealth through intentional withdrawals • The role of part-time income in retirement planning • Tailoring withdrawal strategies based on individual goals • The significance of legacy goals in financial planning • Call for listeners to engage and share their feedback Text us your thoughts on the show! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Join the new Root Collective HERE! (COMMUNITY) Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

The episode explores the intersection of financial decisions and emotional well-being through personal stories. It addresses the dilemma between paying off a mortgage and investing extra capital while emphasizing the importance of confidence in navigating retirement planning. • The dentist's journey inspires a discussion on the importance of financial planning • A couple contemplates balancing mortgage payoff versus investment strategies • The psychological impact of debt vs. investment returns is examined • Sequence of return risk and market volatility influence their decisions • Emotional security plays a crucial role in financial planning strategies • Personal anecdotes illustrate the significance of aligning financial choices with core values • Confidence in financial decisions leads to a more fulfilling retirement experience Text us your thoughts on the show! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Join the new Root Collective HERE! (COMMUNITY) Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Root Financial is redefining what it means to serve clients by putting team culture front and center. In this episode, James and Ari dive into the firm’s bold move to hire a Head of Culture—an uncommon role in financial advising—dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of their advisors. Why? Because when advisors thrive, clients get the personalized attention they deserve. At Root, we’re intentional about avoiding the usual industry traps, like overloading advisors with massive client lists or sales quotas that can compromise service. Instead, we focus on sustainable growth, aligning our goals with yours and using tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to stay on track. With a Net Promoter Score of 91—well above the industry average—we’re proving that building a strong internal culture leads to happier clients and better outcomes. ⏱Timestamps:⏱ 0:00 - Company culture affects clients 4:08 - Ari's quick story 5:59 - Hiring a Head of Culture 10:54 - Advisors have how many clients? 14:24 - NPS and retention rate 17:28 - OKRs 20:57 - What makes Root different Text us your thoughts on the show! Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.