The Retirement Key

A single retirement withdrawal could trigger a costly chain reaction. In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich explains how required minimum distributions (RMDs) can affect taxes, Social Security taxation, and Medicare premiums. He also discusses proactive strategies such as Roth conversions and qualified charitable distributions, along with practical retirement planning “grab bars” that can ...

Could retiring earlier than you thought be more about planning than hitting a magic number? This episode explores what it really takes to retire before traditional retirement age. Ryan Oliver discusses key factors including lifestyle expenses, income sources, healthcare costs, portfolio withdrawals, and common misconceptions about early retirement. He also explains why retirement readiness looks different for everyone and how part-...

Could the investments you consider safest be creating risks you don’t see? In this episode, Abe Abich explores retirement risks that extend beyond market volatility, including inflation, longevity, cash holdings, and bond-related challenges. He explains why preserving purchasing power, maintaining growth potential, and balancing income needs are important considerations for retirees. Abe also discusses the difference between ...

Could a 20% market loss, rising taxes, or a lack of planning put your retirement at risk? From this past weekend's radio show, Abe Abich discusses why limiting large losses, creating retirement income strategies, and addressing potential tax challenges are key considerations for retirees. He shares examples involving widowed investors, account consolidation, Roth conversion planning, and concerns surrounding the growing national de...

Could one retirement decision today create challenges years down the road? In this episode of the Retirement Key Podcast, Justin Doback explores five common retirement regrets and the planning considerations behind them. Topics include Social Security claiming strategies, creating a retirement income plan, balancing investment risk, addressing future tax exposure, and keeping estate planning documents current. Justin also discusses...

Could holding too much cash in retirement create risks you don’t see coming? In this episode, Ryan Oliver discusses why cash may feel safe during uncertain markets but can present challenges when it becomes a long-term strategy. He explains the effects of inflation, opportunity cost, taxes, and retirement income planning, along with the role cash can play as an emergency reserve and volatility buffer. Learn how retirees can t...

Could the biggest retirement investment mistake happen after you've already saved enough? In this episode, Abe Abich explains how retirement planning shifts from focusing primarily on growth to balancing income, protection, and risk management. He discusses common investor mistakes, the importance of diversification, and why sequence of returns risk can have a significant impact during the early years of retirement. Abe also outlin...

Could a market downturn in the early years of retirement have a bigger impact than you realize? From this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich discusses sequence of returns risk, why the timing of withdrawals matters in retirement, and strategies retirees may consider to manage market volatility. He also explores the role of human guidance in financial decision-making, healthcare and long-term care planning considerations, an...

What if some of the most common retirement rules are no longer built for today’s retirees? In this episode, Abe Abich examines five long-standing retirement guidelines and why they may deserve a second look. Topics include the 4% rule, relying on home equity, paying off a mortgage before retirement, market recovery assumptions, and shifting entirely into conservative investments. The conversation explores how longer lifespans...

Are you treating retirement like your working years when the rules have already changed? From this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich explains why investors approaching retirement may need to shift from a growth-focused mindset to a strategy centered on income, risk management, and distribution planning. He discusses buying market dips, avoiding concentration risk, organizing assets into purpose-driven buckets, and creating...

Are you overlooking retirement planning opportunities simply because it’s not the end of the year? On this episode, Abe Abich discusses why a mid-year financial checkup can be an important part of staying on track. He covers retirement contribution limits, managing excess cash, reviewing spending and income plans, evaluating tax opportunities, checking Social Security records, and updating beneficiary and estate planning docu...

What if the keys to a stronger retirement plan have nothing to do with chasing the latest investment trend? From this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich explains why retirement fundamentals still matter most. He discusses the five pillars of retirement planning, turning savings into income, overcoming the fear of spending in retirement, planning for healthcare and unexpected expenses, and revisiting common retirement rules ...

Could a former spouse’s Social Security record impact your retirement income options? In this episode, Abe Abich discusses Social Security benefits for divorced individuals, including who may qualify, key eligibility requirements, how claiming benefits affects an ex-spouse, and what happens if an ex-spouse has not yet filed. He also explores survivor benefits and common misconceptions that can lead people to overlook availabl...

Could your retirement plan be taking more risk or creating more taxes than you realize? From this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich discusses why investors nearing retirement should be cautiously optimistic during market highs, the importance of a mid-year financial review, and how retirement planning differs from the accumulation years. He also explains common 401(k) misconceptions, withdrawal strategies, tax consideratio...

Could the biggest retirement mistake be feeling like you need to do something? In this episode, Justin Dobak explores the “do something reflex” and why market headlines, volatility, and uncertainty can push retirees toward costly decisions. Learn how emotional reactions, moving to cash, and constant portfolio tinkering can impact a long-term strategy, and why sticking to a well-designed plan may be more important than c...

Could claiming Social Security at the wrong time cost you more than you realize? On this episode, Abe Abich answers five of the most common questions about Social Security spousal benefits, including who qualifies, how much a spouse may receive, how working can affect benefits, whether delaying increases payments, and what happens when a spouse passes away. Abe also explains key timing considerations and common misconceptions that ...

Could a tax surprise be waiting for you in retirement? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich explains why tax planning shouldn’t begin and end on April 15th. He discusses common reasons retirees may owe more in taxes than expected, including Social Security taxation, required minimum distributions, and inherited IRAs. Abe also explores buffered ETFs and structured notes, highlighting how some in...

Why do smart retirees make costly financial decisions when stress takes over? Ryan Oliver explores the emotional side of retirement, from market volatility and identity shifts to the urge to tinker with a long-term plan during uncertain times. He discusses common mistakes retirees make under pressure, why the early years of retirement can be especially challenging, and the value of having guardrails in place before stress arrives. ...

Should retirees chase the next big IPO, or stay focused on the plan they've spent decades building? In this episode from this past weekend's radio show, Abe Abich discusses the excitement around high-profile investments like SpaceX, the risks of chasing market trends, and why a personalized retirement strategy matters. He also explores the "one more year" retirement mindset, retirement income planning, and the importance of tax div...