The Retirement Bullpen with Richard Warner

Are the classic retirement rules still relevant, or is it time to toss them out like an old kitchen sponge? In this episode, Richard Warner breaks down five of the most common retirement strategies—from the 4% rule to the “magic number” myth—and reveals why one-size-fits-all advice often falls short. They explore how personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and evolving financial realities shape retirement pl...

What if the biggest fear in retirement isn’t running out of money, but spending it? In this episode, Richard Warner uncovers “plutophobia”—the fear of money—and explores how it shapes the choices and anxieties of retirees. From the mental shift of leaving a steady paycheck to the challenge of planning for decades of healthcare costs, he discusses why even those with plenty saved can feel uncertain. Dis...

Are hidden fees quietly draining your retirement savings? In this episode, Richard Warner exposes the investment products that often underperform—like variable annuities, whole life insurance, and target date funds—and explains why some popular choices may be costing more than you realize. Learn how fees, lack of diversification, and misunderstood options can erode your nest egg, and discover smarter strategies for prot...

Medicare Open Enrollment is here—and this year, there’s a twist that could hit your wallet hard. Some Medicare Part D premiums are set to spike by as much as $50 a month. What’s behind these sharp increases? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen, Richard Warner breaks down the key drivers, from rising drug costs to policy changes like the Inflation Reduction Act. We’ll explore why sticking with your curr...

Ever wondered how life insurance can be more than just a safety net? In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted world of life insurance, exploring its role in retirement planning, legacy building, and long-term care. Join us as we unravel the complexities and debunk common misconceptions, ensuring you're well-informed for your financial future.

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Ever wondered why retirement planning is as unique as your fingerprint? Join us as we unravel the complexities of qualified and non-qualified investments, and discover how to tailor your financial strategy to your personal needs. From Roth IRAs to 401(k)s, we break down the jargon and provide insights to help you navigate your retirement journey.

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Richard Warner of Warner Financial Solutions discusses some odd-ball requests that celebrities made in their wills and notes some of the biggest mistakes he has seen people make. Richard emphasizes the importance of designating the correct beneficiaries for different accounts and how having a set plan post-mortem gives someone much more control of their legacy and makes things easier on their h...

Richard Warner of Warner Financial Solutions relates washing one’s hands after going to the bathroom to how someone should not leave their retirement plan on autopilot. Richard explains how even new cars need maintenance and retirement plans that may have worked well 20 years or even five years ago need check-ups to see if they will last past someone’s death. Richard says that peopl...

Richard Warner talks about a recent study of 1,000 Americans that showed nearly two-thirds of them fearing going broke more than dying. Richard shares how that has been his experience when he talks to different people and why having a plan can help people cope. Richard explains how people often have more assets than they realize and that even if they don’t, proper planning can go a long w...

Richard Warner discusses pranks, including a famous one pulled on QB Shedeur Sanders, and then transition to how susceptible people can be to scams. Richard explains how one scammer posed as a U.S. Marshal and took someone he knew for a lot of money. Richard shares things to look out for and the likely official ways that entities will communicate with people. Richard also shares how an advisor ...

Richard Warner talks about how annuities have gotten a bad name and how different kinds of annuities have become a lot more beneficial in recent years. Richard also explains how qualified and non-qualified money fit into different annuities and how people need to make plans with this in mind, so their tax burden is not too high. And Richard discusses his favorite MLB relievers over time.

Richard Warner discusses the different facets of tax strategizing. Richard explains how tax prep season may be in the first of the year, but that setting up strategies that increase tax efficiency should be on people’s minds all the time. Richard also shares the pitfalls of waiting to get tax-compliant until late in the year and how the future generation can be left with a “tax bomb...

Richard Warner talks about a touchy subject: legacy planning. Richard shares four things people need to consider when trying to have things told their way, post-mortem: misjudging how much money they will have left, updating their beneficiaries, the tax consequences to their beneficiaries, and where they want to place charitable donations. Richard unpacks each subject and discusses how a financ...

Richard Warner discusses Gene Hackman’s and his wife’s deaths and how those are reminders of the importance of long-term care. Richard discusses the importance of setting up check-ins with people and getting a plan in place before one’s health fails. Then Richard shares what qualifies as long-term care, the trickiness of long-term care insurance, and ways to pay for long-term ...

Richard Warner gives the ins and outs on Roth IRAs. Richard defines what they are, whether or not they have contribution limits, and why paying taxes now is better than in the future. Richard explains how conversions to Roths from 401(k)s or IRAs work and the importance of having an advisor to walk someone through what can be a tricky process. Richard also warns about penalties if someone takes...

Richard Warner discusses RMDs and explains what they are, the types of accounts to which they apply, the ages retirees have to take them, and how much money people have to withdraw. Richard also shares how some people have no idea that they eventually have to withdraw from certain retirement accounts and that they have to pay taxes. Richard also talks about how the baseball team he coaches prac...

Richard Warner discusses budgeting for the lifestyle one seeks in their retirement years. Richard lays out the importance of planning for a long term relationship both with an advisor and one’s own plan, so all factors in planning get checked on constantly. Richard talks about factors that people should consider, including their levels of activity and travel and a few things that people often forget in this discussion. Richar...

Richard Warner discusses the complicated topic of planning a healthcare budget in retirement. Richard discusses how Warner Financial Solutions is unique in its attention to healthcare planning. He explains the different options to consider, the high cost of long term care, and how Medicare premiums can vary. Richard also talks about the importance of having an experienced survivor help navigate this, because each person’s nee...

Richard Warner talks about conversations on budgeting that Richard says most people wish they could avoid. Richard explains how most people have a good feel for the money they need, but cannot grasp the science of arriving at the exact numbers. He explains the rule of thumb that he and the Warner Financial Solutions team use in budgeting and the unexpected cost decreases that retirement brings. But Richard also breaks down the cost...