SoundPath Through Retirement

This conversation explores the impact of artificial intelligence on retirement planning, discussing its advantages and limitations. The hosts emphasize the importance of human oversight in financial decisions, debunk common retirement myths, and provide strategies for creating reliable income streams in retirement. They also address real-life scenarios from listeners, highlighting the need for personalized financial planning.

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) extension on retirement tax planning. They emphasize the importance of proactive tax strategies for pre-retirees, including Roth conversions and understanding Medicare surcharges. The conversation also covers charitable remainder trusts as a means to reduce taxes while leaving a legacy. Finally, the hosts address listener questions about retirem...

In this episode of SoundPath to Retirement, the hosts discuss various investment strategies for retirement, emphasizing the importance of balancing safety and growth. They explore the implications of market downturns, the signs that may indicate readiness for early retirement, and address listener questions regarding financial concerns such as debt management, healthcare costs, and tax strategies. The conversation highlights the ne...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the various financial pitfalls that Baby Boomers face as they approach retirement. They explore common mistakes such as overestimating Social Security benefits, underestimating healthcare costs, and the importance of early retirement contributions. The conversation also delves into the risks associated with market volatility, the significance of the first year of retirement, and the often-overlook...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, the hosts delve into the concept of financial independence, emphasizing that it is not merely about wealth accumulation but about having the freedom to make choices aligned with one's values. They discuss practical steps to achieve financial independence, the importance of understanding retirement savings trends, and the significance of financial literacy in planning for retirement. The ...

In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of retirement as a time for changing rhythms rather than slowing down. They discuss the importance of balancing time and money, the wisdom of Jimmy Buffett and Warren Buffett, and the five essential steps for effective retirement planning. The conversation also addresses common questions about timing key retirement decisions, such as when to take Social Security and when to downsize a ...

This conversation explores the evolving concept of retirement, emphasizing the importance of relationships, financial planning for longevity, and the need to avoid emotional decision-making in investments. The hosts discuss how retirement is no longer just about stopping work but rather about finding new purposes and activities. They highlight the significance of structured income planning, the impact of social connections on well-...

This conversation delves into the concept of 'stealth wealth' and the mindset of financially savvy retirees who prioritize frugality and intentionality over flashy displays of wealth. The discussion covers various themes including social pressures that influence spending habits, the psychology behind impulse buying, emotional spending in retirement, and the importance of having a solid financial plan. The speakers emphasize the nee...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the various challenges retirees face today, including inflation, healthcare costs, and the complexities of social security. They emphasize the importance of having a comprehensive retirement plan that accounts for these factors and provides a structured approach to income generation. The discussion also covers the significance of understanding market risks and the need for tailored investment...

In this episode of SoundPath to Retirement, the hosts discuss the multifaceted nature of legacy beyond just financial wealth, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in wealth transfer, the implications of estate and inheritance taxes, and the role of charitable giving. They explore effective strategies for structuring retirement income, managing sequence of return risk, and planning for unexpected life events, including long-term...

This conversation explores the intricate relationship between money habits and retirement success, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's money personality. It delves into the financial disagreements that often arise in retirement, particularly among couples, and offers insights into effective communication strategies. The discussion also highlights the significance of tax strategies in retirement planning, addressing co...

In this episode of SoundPath to Retirement, Ben and Matt discuss the multifaceted nature of legacy beyond just financial wealth, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in wealth transfer, the implications of estate and inheritance taxes, and the role of charitable giving. They explore effective strategies for structuring retirement income, managing sequence of return risk, and planning for unexpected life events, including long-t...

In the world of vinyl, Side A usually features the hits—the chart-toppers, the tracks
everyone remembers. Retirement has its own Side A: the first 10 to 15 years when
retirees are still healthy, independent, and ready to live boldly. But just like a record, you
can’t just drop the needle and hope for the best. This phase requires intentional
planning to enjoy the tempo without burning through your resources ...

This conversation delves into the complexities of estate planning, highlighting common pitfalls and the importance of proactive planning. The hosts discuss the emotional and financial implications of losing a spouse, the significance of updating beneficiary designations, and the impact of taxes on estate planning. They also explore alternative investment strategies and the nuances of social security decisions for couples with age g...

In this episode of SoundPath to Retirement, hosts Gary Nolan, Ben Koval, and Matt Lieberger discuss the complexities of retirement planning, emphasizing that a substantial 401k balance does not guarantee financial security. They explore the importance of customized retirement plans tailored to individual needs, the role of social security, and the emotional aspects of transitioning into retirement. The conversation also covers inve...

In this episode of SoundPath Retirement, the hosts discuss the increasing trend of older couples entering new relationships and the financial implications that come with it. They explore the importance of financial planning for these couples, especially regarding adult children and estate planning. The conversation also covers retirement account strategies, unconventional retirement plans, and answers listener questions about socia...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, the hosts discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing Generation X as they approach retirement. They explore the importance of tax efficiency, the need for a clear vision of what retirement looks like, and the impact of health on retirement timing. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of keeping money moving to combat inflation and ensure financial stability. Listener que...

Let’s rewind to 1995 for a second: Friends was on TV, Alanis Morissette was
questioning irony, and gas was $1.15 a gallon. Back then, a million bucks felt like more
than enough to coast through retirement, bonds gave you real yield, and the 4%
withdrawal rule was gospel.
But fast-forward 30 years and—spoiler alert—those assumptions don’t hold up. Markets
have changed, interest rates have chang...

Think about that old annuity you bought years ago—back when interest rates were
scraping the floor and “modern features” were just marketing buzzwords. A lot has
changed since then. Rates have jumped dramatically since early 2022, meaning new
contracts—whether fixed, multi‑year guaranteed annuities, or even fixed indexed
annuities—could offer payouts far richer than what you locked in. On t...