Retire On Your Best Path with Liz Whitteberry

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” just passed, and it’s packed with opportunities for retirees and pre-retirees who want to make the most of their tax strategy. In this episode, Liz walks through how the new legislation affects income planning, deductions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and more. While some provisions are now labeled “permanent,” Liz reminds us that in the tax world, nothing stays fixed forever. That’s why smart r...

What if your retirement starts sooner than you anticipated? Many Americans think they'll retire at 65 or later, but studies show the average retirement age is actually 62. From layoffs to health issues to caregiving responsibilities, unexpected events can shift your retirement timeline. And with people living longer than ever, your retirement could last 30+ years.

This episode, Liz and Marc break down insights from J.P. Morgan’...

Almost everyone has made financial mistakes, whether it was listening to bad advice, panicking in a downturn, or investing in products that weren’t fully understood. These setbacks can feel overwhelming, but more than likely, you made the best decision you could at the time with the information you had. In this episode, Liz offers a practical, judgment-free guide for how to overcome financial setbacks and move toward retirement wit...

For decades, the 4% rule has been a popular rule of thumb for retirement income planning- withdraw 4% annually from your portfolio, and your money should last 30 years. But now, the original creator of the rule is updating it. What’s changed? And should you change your retirement plan too? 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• The 4% rule is now 4.7%... should you celebrate?
• Having flexibility and guardrails for your in...

How do you decide where to save your next dollar? Are you overlooking the most tax-efficient account available to you? With so many options, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure about what makes the most sense. Not every savings option offers the same benefits, and using the right account at the right time may lead to serious tax advantages and long-term flexibility. 

In today’s episode, Liz breaks down where to consider putting your n...

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance, the ins and outs o...

Can you really retire when the market is down? Do you have enough stability in your portfolio to weather the storm? In this episode, Liz answers that exact question by walking through the practical steps and mindset shifts that make a confident retirement possible- even in uncertain times. With volatility on the rise and recession concerns growing, more soon-to-be retirees are wondering if their timing is off.

Here’s some of what we...

Since the day he took office, President Trump planned to implement tariffs, and he carried that out last week. The immediate market reaction was very negative. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy over the long term?

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

What tariffs are and their historical context

How tariffs can raise prices and affect markets

The psychology behind panic-selling

Smart strategies for ...

We’re in the middle of tax season, and you may have heard that annuities can provide tax benefits. Who is that true for, and are there any side effects? Today, we’re going to clear up some of the confusion around the advantages and disadvantages of annuities. Liz will also provide some tips on what you need to know before considering an annuity. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• What is an annuity?
• The different “fl...

Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025- before the year gets away from you. 

With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your tax bill and boost your savings. In this episode, we’ll break down the key changes and how you can...

Just like the lights on your dashboard can indicate if something is wrong with your car (like low tire pressure or leaking oil), there are indicators in your financial life that might point out that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. In today’s episode, Liz is going to cover 5 areas that you should review. 

Here are the warning signs we discuss in today’s show:

• You have no idea what it costs to fund your lifestyle 
• You...

If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That’s the question Bob, one of our listeners, sent in. He’s got an MBA, knows the markets well, and has always handled his portfolio solo.

So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value? In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professio...

You face risks every day and in every stage of life. But retirees face some unique challenges that are important to talk about and plan for. In today’s episode, Liz and Marc explore the 4 risks unique to retirees, their potential impact on your financial future, and what steps you can take to prepare.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• Accumulation vs. decumulation 
• Why the timing of market returns can impac...

Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• What you’re truly paying for your investments
• The motivations behind the information you hear on TV
• The importance ...

We all know that rebalancing our portfolio is important, but when should we do it? Is it a December tradition- a January jumpstart? Or should it be triggered by your life changes or a change in the economy? 

In this episode, Liz dives into the art of rebalancing. From calendar-based strategies to threshold triggers, life events, and market shifts, Liz breaks down the when, why, and how of keeping your portfolio aligned wit...

Studies show that 70% of families lose their wealth in two generations, and 90% lose it in three. The reasons behind this are varied, but one thing that can help keep a family’s legacy intact is open communication and solid planning. And what better time to start those important conversations than during the holidays?

In today’s episode, Liz and Marc will share some key questions to help you have deeper money discussions w...

Retirement planning raises a lot of important questions. Have you saved enough? When should you begin collecting Social Security? Is long-term care insurance a wise choice? While these are all essential considerations, it’s not uncommon for other important questions to go unasked. 

Liz recently came across a blog post that addresses seven crucial questions frequently missed in retirement planning. Join us for today’s discussion as w...

Did you know this week is National Retirement Security Week? This is a great time to have a conversation about financial wellness. Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement.

In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about areas you should pay attention to at every stage, whether you’re far away fro...

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, future, and financial security.

Stay tuned as Liz breaks down the history of Social Security, the reasons behind these proposal changes, and the potential long-term effects on individuals born af...