Retirement Answer Man

Roger Whitney continues the four-part series on navigating health care before Medicare, focusing this week on controlling costs—both through everyday decisions and by understanding how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy system works now that the expanded credits have expired. He explains the return of the 400% federal poverty level “cliff,” walks through how modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) impacts premiums, shares listener experiences with inflation and subsidy loss, and explores the ethical tension around optimizing for government benefits. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT UNDERSTANDING THE ACA SUBSIDY SCHEME (POST-2025 CHANGES) LISTENER QUESTIONS & OBSERVATIONS SMART SPRINT REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManKaiser Family Foundation (KFF)Healthcare.gov

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00)(00:30)PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT (05:05)(05:28)(12:35)(19:46)(25:20)LISTENER QUESTIONS (28:19)(34:42)(38:45)SMART SPRINT (42:20)REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManKaiser Family Foundation (KFF)Healthcare.gov

Roger Whitney kicks off a month-long series on navigating health care before Medicare, introducing Cerberus—the three-headed dog of Greek mythology—as a framework for understanding the biggest challenges retirees face when leaving employer-sponsored coverage. He breaks down the three heads of Cerberus, answers listener questions about retirement planning, and shares recent book recommendations from himself and the team. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00)(00:30)HEALTH CARE BEFORE MEDICARE: THE THREE HEADS OF CERBERUS (02:20)(03:11)(10:50)(15:13)LISTENER QUESTIONS & OBSERVATIONS (19:20)SMART SPRINT (33:00)WHAT’S ON THE BOOKSHELF (34:14)REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManKaiser Family Foundation (KFF)Healthcare.gov

As the Retirement Plan Live series wraps up, Roger Whitney shares wisdom from retirees further along the path to help Henry and Lucy think beyond the numbers. Listeners in their 50s, 60s, and 70s reflect on purpose, work, health, money, and joy—offering perspective on what really matters when retiring early. Roger closes with his own observations from decades of coaching, a Smart Sprint focused on learning from others, and listener-submitted words for the year. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN The Noodle WISDOM FROM RETIREES FURTHER ALONG ROGER’S OBSERVATIONS SMART SPRINT LISTENER WORDS FOR THE YEAR RESOURCES Sign up for our next webinar!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

As the Retirement Plan Live case study continues, Roger Whitney helps Henry and Lucy move from dreaming to feasibility, organizing the real financial resources available to support an early retirement in their 40s. This episode centers on trade-offs, confidence, and the reality of giving up earned income decades early. Roger and the couple walk through income assumptions, assets, and risk tolerance before closing with listener advice, a Smart Sprint, and words for the year. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIREMENT PLAN LIVE ADVICE FROM A RETIREE SMART SPRINT WORD FOR THE YEAR HealingMinimize REFERENCES Sign up for our next webinar!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

As the Retirement Plan Live case study continues, Roger Whitney helps Henry and Lucy articulate what they want their FIRE retirement to actually look like—starting with values, dreaming without constraint, and then translating that vision into concrete goals. Along the way, Roger shares wisdom from older retirees about purpose, productivity, and flexibility, invites listeners to reflect on their own “magic,” and closes with a Smart Sprint and listener-submitted words for the year. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00)(00:23)(01:00)RETIREMENT PLAN LIVE (03:25)(05:55)(09:29)(11:40)(13:44)(19:47)(23:00)(24:05)(27:55)(35:00)WISDOM FROM RETIREES FURTHER ALONG (41:41)(45:10)SMART SPRINT (48:08)WORD FOR THE YEAR (50:07)CLOSING THOUGHTS (53:17)REFERENCES Sign up for our next webinar!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

As the new year begins, Roger Whitney launches a new Retirement Plan Live case study, introducing Henry and Lucy, a couple in their mid-40s pursuing Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE). Roger revisits the 4% rule as a planning heuristic, explains when it can be helpful, and sets the stage for a live community analysis later this month. The episode closes with a Smart Sprint focused on updating your net worth statement and a listener’s word for 2026. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00)(00:30)RETIREMENT TOOLKIT (01:58)(04:55)(06:38)(11:05)(13:55) RETIREMENT PLAN LIVE (17:41)(20:01)(23:10)(25:30)(28:12)(31:20)32:55(34:15)(38:45)(40:35)(43:57)SMART SPRINT (45:20)WORD OF THE YEAR (47:31)Listen REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManLivewithroger.comThe Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy- Thomas J Stanley, Ph.D.

As the year comes to a close, Roger Whitney reflects on the power of words, walks through an important year-end tax planning reminder for retirees, shares listener stories and perspectives, and invites listeners to choose a guiding word for 2026 as a way to approach retirement with greater intention and clarity. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00)(00:45)RETIREMENT TOOLKIT (03:22)(05:44)RETIREMENT LIFE LAB (13:33)ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (19:33)FOCUSING FORWARD: A WORD FOR 2026 (21:10)(28:40)SMART SPRINT (34:07)CLOSING THOUGHTS (34:55)REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManFinancial Calculators from Dinkytown.net

In this Christmas Eve episode, Roger Whitney explores the basics of charitable giving as part of an intentional retirement plan, with a timely focus on year-end decisions. He explains how charitable deductions work, common planning mistakes to avoid, and why generosity is most effective when paired with a resilient financial plan. Roger also shares a Rocking Retirement in the Wild story from a listener who is actively living a purpose-filled retirement, reflects on the corporate language we can leave behind when we retire, and answers listener questions on retirement readiness, gifting inheritance early, and the risks of relying on high-yield bonds for retirement income. He closes the episode with personal reflections on lessons learned, reminding listeners how to keep retirement simple, resilient, and meaningful while making a positive impact on others. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIREMENT TOOLKIT ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD RETIREMENT LIFE LAB LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT CLOSING THOUGHTS REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

In this episode, Roger Whitney walks listeners through the complexities of inherited IRAs, highlighting the impact of the SECURE Act of 2019 and clarifying the distinctions between eligible and non-eligible designated beneficiaries. He explains how these classifications affect withdrawals and tax planning, making the rules easy to understand. Roger also answers listener questions on topics like retirement team selection and funding health insurance with HSA accounts. Beyond the numbers, he shares practical strategies for creating more meaningful holiday conversations, drawing on real-life examples to show how curiosity and intentionality can help you connect more deeply with the people you care about. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIREMENT TOOLKIT RETIREMENT LIFE LAB LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

In this episode, Roger Whitney, a retirement planner with 30 years of experience, breaks down annual gifting limits and year-end planning. He shares practical strategies for giving that make a real impact and create meaningful experiences for loved ones. Roger also answers listener questions, providing clear guidance to help you navigate your retirement with confidence. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIREMENT TOOLKIT LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT CLOSING THOUGHTS REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

💬 Show Notes In this episode, Roger Whitney kicks off a month-long series on year-end planning for retirement. He shares insights on tax loss harvesting, a technique that can help you minimize capital gains tax. Listen in as Roger explains the basics of capital gains, the importance of proactive planning, and the potential benefits of offsetting gains with losses. Plus, he introduces a smart sprint action item to help you optimize your tax strategy before the year's end! OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN 1984 RETIREMENT TOOLKIT ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT CLOSING THOUGHTS REFERENCES 1984- George OrwellSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

💬 Show Notes In this Thanksgiving Eve episode, Roger Whitney encourages listeners to carry gratitude into everyday life, emphasizing the value of recognizing specific moments and taking “mental snapshots” of what matters. He also addresses common retirement questions, including how to think about traditional versus Roth IRAs and whether to use IRA withdrawals or pursue Roth conversions. It’s a clear, practical discussion to help you reflect and make informed planning decisions. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIREMENT TOOLKIT LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT CLOSING THOUGHTS REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

💬 Show Notes In this episode, Roger Whitney dives into the essentials of required minimum distributions, explaining the age thresholds, how the amounts are calculated using IRS life expectancy tables, and how to manage multiple IRAs and 401(k)s. He also answers listener questions, including whether a flexible premium deferred income annuity might make sense and how to determine how much you can safely give to loved ones or charity now. Packed with practical advice and actionable insights, this episode helps listeners navigate the rules and strategies that can impact their retirement planning. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN THE RETIREMENT TOOLBOX LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT CLOSING THOUGHTS REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManSchwab RMD CalculatorFidelity RMD Calculator

💬 Show Notes In this episode, Roger Whitney explores the psychology of loss aversion and how it affects financial decision-making. He introduces the new Retirement Toolbox segment, offering practical, actionable tools to help you strengthen your retirement plan. We also cover the benefits of Qualified Charitable Distributions and answer listener questions on retirement planning and asset allocation. Don’t miss this insightful discussion designed to help you confidently navigate and optimize your retirement! OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT THE RETIREMENT TOOLBOX LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT CLOSING THOUGHTS REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManThinking, Fast and Slow- Daniel Kahneman

💬 SHOW NOTES In this episode, Roger Whitney explores the art of retirement goal setting with his signature blend of practical advice and thoughtful reflection. He sits down with Cesar Aguirre, who shares how leaving a corporate career led to a purposeful and fulfilling retirement, the evolution of his book, and the importance of aligning goals with personal values rather than just chasing big achievements. Roger also addresses listener questions on planning, discretionary spending, and shifting mindsets around money, offering actionable insights to help create a retirement that’s intentional, joyful, and aligned with personal values. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD WITH CESAR AGUIRRE Retirement with Purpose: The 10 R's for a Joyful Retirement.to LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT BONUS REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManRetirement With Purpose: The 10 R's for a Joyful Retirement: A practical and thoughtful guide to rediscovering yourself and flourishing in the retirement stage.

💬 Show Notes In this episode, Roger Whitney wraps up our four-week series on smarter retirement goal setting. He dives into the ideas of buoyancy and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, showing how they play a role in planning a retirement that actually works for you. Using two relatable avatars – the Grinder and the Dreamer – Roger shares practical, real-world strategies to help navigate the twists and turns of retirement planning. Tune in for insights that will help you make your retirement not just secure, but truly rock! OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT AVATAR CASE STUDY- THE GRINDER AND THE DREAMER LISTENER QUESTIONS AskRoger.me SMART SPRINT REFERENCES Sign up for our next WebinarSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManMaslow's Hierarchy of Needs

💬 Show Notes In this episode, we continue our four-week series on better retirement goal setting with Roger Whitney. This week, we delve into the dynamics of navigating retirement goals as life unfolds and the concept of opportunity cost. In the second half, Roger has enlightening discussion with Dr. Bobby, where he explores the pros and cons of organic food and its relevance to our health and finances. Discover how to align your retirement goals with your evolving self and make informed choices about your lifestyle. Tune in for practical insights that can help you rock your retirement! OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN livewithroger.com PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT CHAT WITH DR. BOBBY SMART SPRINT REFERENCES Live Long and Well with Dr. BobbySign up for our next WebinarSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

In this episode, Roger Whitney continues his four-week series on retirement goal setting, focusing on the importance of building agile retirement goals. He emphasizes creating the right conditions for discovering what you truly want in retirement, rather than fixating on specific desires. Roger shares insights on self-discovery, the anatomy of goals, and the significance of establishing a solid foundation for a fulfilling retirement. Tune in to learn how to navigate your retirement journey with confidence and purpose! OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT RESOURCES Sign up for our next WebinarScarcity Brain: Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough- Michael EasterSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The Noodle FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Follow Us on Facebook!Follow Us on Instagram

💬 Show Notes In this episode, Roger Whitney kicks off a four-week series on retirement goal setting, tackling the paradox of knowing what you want in retirement. He discusses the challenges of articulating desires for a life stage that many have never experienced, emphasizing the importance of not oversimplifying retirement goals. Tune in to explore how to set the right conditions for a fulfilling retirement and avoid the pitfalls of external scripts and societal expectations. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING LISTENER QUESTIONS SMART SPRINT EXTRA REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleFOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Follow Us on Facebook!Follow Us on Instagram