Retirement Starts Today

It can be easy to forget your age as the birthdays roll around. However, when you’re about to turn 65 you’ll know. Medicare and all of their relevant service providers won’t let you forget. You may feel inundated with the amount of mail, emails, and even phone calls and text messages, but rather than ignoring all the excess information, it’s important to dig in and learn so tha you can make the best decision for your healthcare. To help you avoid potentially expensive and health-altering mistakes, today we’ll review 5 of the biggest Medicare mistakes you can make by reviewing an article by Rick Fine from The Sensible Financial Planning blog. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Sensible Financial Planning blog Medicare Basics: What to Expect as You Approach Age 65 with Danielle Roberts Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

You’ve been accumulating your savings your entire life, but when the time comes to draw down your investments, there are new risks. In this episode, we’ll discuss four risks that come with the decumulation phase of retirement. Press play to learn how to avoid these risks in retirement. Are you looking for a new advisor? One of our listeners is looking for a checklist to help him hire a retirement advisor. While answering that question I went ahead and made my advisor checklist available to all of you to download here. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkQuestions to ask a retirement advisor Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

A lot of us are looking to get in shape in retirement. This is a good thing since part of living an even better retirement is looking after your health and muscle mass. Staying healthier and more active longer will ensure that you are making the most out of your retirement. In addition, maintaining a healthy muscle mass is a huge part of keeping your health as you age. In this episode, we’ll explore a Scientific American article on keeping your muscles strong as you age. Make sure to listen in to discover some tools that I use to track my health and wellness as I enter the second half of my life. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Scientific American articleDexa ScanInBody ScanMy Fitness PalWhoop Band Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Do you have index funds in your portfolio? Chances are you do! Our retirement headline today describes the rise of index funds over active funds and why that’s important. Discover how index funds connect with my investment philosophy by pressing play now. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Morning Star article Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Recent legislation has made everyone’s favorite college savings plan a little more flexible. Funds in a 529 plan aren’t as locked up as they used to be now that your children’s unused college funds can be rolled into a retirement account. In this episode, we’ll discuss an article from the White Coat Investor which explores how the 529 can be rolled into a retirement account. We’ll discover the benefits and drawbacks of using a 529 to save for retirement. Listen in to hear whether the 529 rollover could help you in your retirement. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkThe 529 to Roth IRA Rollover Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, or Spotify

It may be easy to define success in your working career, but defining success in retirement can be more difficult. What does success look like in retirement? What will you do daily or weekly to get the most out of your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a TEDx talk about the 4 phases of retirement that many (but not all) experience. Click play to hear how you can squeeze the most juice out of your retirement. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkThe 4 Phases of Retirement TEDx Talk The 4 Phases of Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Due to last year's poor market returns, you’ve probably seen the headlines that the 60/40 portfolio is dead. But is that really the case? This week’s retirement headline explores the history of this classic retirement investment strategy. After we tackle the headlines, Bret and I team up to consider the best places to move in retirement. Listen in to hear where not to move. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network A Short History of the 60/40 Portfolio Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

There are many ways that could threaten your financial security in retirement. Knowing the common issues can ensure that you don’t fall into the traps. Today’s financial headline comes from Yahoo Finance and is called 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement. Listen in to learn what they are so that you don’t drive yourself into the poorhouse. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network ThinkAdvisor article Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network City Journal article Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Financial Advisor Magazine article Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Harvard Business Review article How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1 My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff – Lessons in Estate Planning Part 2 Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn, Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Yahoo Finance article Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkRetirement Revealed podcastFinancial Advisor Magazine article295296124313255 Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Tax season is here so when I found this article from Morning Star to share some tax tips for you. Your tax bill will be the largest bill you pay in retirement. If you want to reduce it, make sure to press play. Helping clients save money on taxes and avoid common investment mistakes is an important task for financial planners. If you don’t have a financial planner, that means you are your own financial planner, so you’ll want to take good notes. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network We Need to Talk About Your Retirement Spending A Tax Break Worth the HassleThe Retirement Tax Podcast Morningstar Article Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network The Morning Star article More than Enough Die with Zero Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

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 Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkForbes articleDexa body scanInBody body scan Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, or Spotify

As you probably know by now, Bret and I are here to help you spend more money and spend less in taxes so that you can live an even better life in retirement. This week we’re helping you do that by sharing some lessons that we learned from our clients’ fall tax meetings. If you enjoyed our Lessons in Estate Planning episodes last spring, you’ll love hearing what we learned from our clients this fall. Press play to hear what you can learn from our experience with our clients. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1, Ep #295My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff – Lessons in Estate Planning Part 2, Ep # 296 Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Would a 0% tax rate help you live an even better retirement? In this week’s Retirement Headline, we’ll explore a WSJ article titled How You Can Grab a 0% Tax Rate. If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will! Listen in to hear how you can learn to plan so that you can take advantage of a 0% tax rate on capital gains income. This episode originally aired in August 2023.