The Aul Financial Hour

What happens when the fear of running out of money collides with the realities of retirement? On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down the psychology of risk, why many retirees hesitate to spend their savings, and how tools like safer assets, income planning, and tax‑smart strategies can bring clarity. From de‑risking after age 50 to navigating RMDs, gifting, and combating “plutophobia,” Steve shares insights to help list...

A surprising retirement ranking sparks a deeper look into the real issues shaping your financial future. Steve Aul breaks down the truth about relocating in retirement, the often‑misunderstood world of annuities, and why long‑term care planning matters more than most families realize. From common myths—like Medicare being “free”—to real stories of caregiving and the hidden costs behind it, this episode bring...

Unexpected retirement realities spark a candid conversation about long‑term care, annuities, and the true cost of financial confidence. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down four common strategies for covering long‑term care, why many families feel unprepared, and how modern annuities have evolved beyond old misconceptions. From personal stories to practical planning insights, you’ll hear how income stability, legacy conside...

Are you ready for the retirement roller coaster? Discover how taxes, market swings, and emotional decisions can make or break your financial future. Steve Aul breaks down the complexities of IRAs, Roths, annuities, and Social Security, revealing strategies to minimize taxes and create reliable income. Learn why rebalancing your portfolio and removing emotion from investing are crucial for lasting success. Whether you’re neari...

Are Gen Xers facing a retirement crisis they never saw coming? This episode dives into the unique financial challenges confronting Gen X—insufficient savings, market volatility fears, and the decline of pensions. Steve Aul explores how shifting strategies, understanding taxes, and building guaranteed income streams can help secure your future. Plus, discover why financial independence matters for everyone, and how the right t...

Are you ready to discover the hidden math behind retirement spending—and why guaranteed income changes everything? This episode explores how pension-like sources impact lifestyle, strategies for replacing your paycheck, and the crucial decisions around Social Security and Roth conversions. Learn why optimizing your income plan and understanding tax implications can make or break your retirement journey. Real stories and actio...

Is timing your Social Security the secret to maximizing your retirement income, or could it backfire? This episode dives into the complexities of choosing when to claim Social Security, balancing 401k drawdowns, and navigating market risks. Hear real stories, expert advice, and practical strategies for building a retirement plan that fits your unique financial puzzle—without falling for common mistakes or one-size-fits-all so...

What do baseball’s biggest contracts have in common with your retirement plan? Discover how Shohei Ohtani’s salary strategies can inspire smarter decisions for your financial future. This episode dives into pension vs. lump sum choices, de-risking investments after 50, and the hidden tax “time bomb” in your retirement accounts. Learn practical ways to protect your income, manage longevity risk, and avoid cos...

Is your retirement strategy missing a crucial piece? This episode dives into the real impact of Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment, rising Medicare premiums, and the gold rush frenzy. Discover why optimizing Social Security, rebalancing your portfolio, and making smart pension choices matter more than ever. Host Steve Aul breaks down the risks and rewards of lump sums versus monthly checks, and how to protect your fi...

Are your retirement strategies stuck in the dial-up era? This episode of the Aul Financial Hour Podcast dives into year-end financial moves, tax-saving tactics, and the hidden risks of outdated income plans. Steve Aul shares real stories—from tax time bombs to the importance of beneficiary designations—and reveals why involving both spouses in planning is crucial. Plus, discover how technology and changing laws impact y...

Are you just two bad days away from retirement? Discover why financial planning is more than chasing a magic number, and how your lifestyle—not your savings—determines your future. Steve Aul breaks down common myths, shares real-life stories, and explains why a custom plan matters more than market noise. Tune in for practical insights that help you answer the only questions that count: “When can I retire?” a...

Are you ready for retirement’s biggest surprises? Discover why your spending may spike in your first years out of the workforce, and how to protect your lifestyle with smart income strategies. Steve Aul breaks down the impact of falling interest rates, the pitfalls of “lazy money,” and the real risks of overexposure to tech stocks. Tune in for actionable insights on annuities, pensions, and building a resilient re...

Are you worried it’ll take a miracle to retire? This episode Steve Aul dives into the real questions Americans face: Will I run out of money? When can I retire? Steve breaks down why your retirement success isn’t just about the size of your nest egg, but how you plan for income, taxes, and Medicare. Discover practical strategies to replace your paycheck, avoid common pitfalls, and build confidence for your financial fut...

Are you unknowingly setting up a tax time bomb for your heirs? In this episode, Steve Aul unpacks the hidden pitfalls of IRA conversions, reveals how to optimize guaranteed retirement income, and challenges conventional financial wisdom. Discover why a balanced approach to taxes, income planning, and financial independence—especially for women—can make all the difference in your retirement journey. Tune in for practical...

Is your retirement plan built to weather any market storm? On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down the risks of relying on high returns, the complexities of annuities, and the looming impact of the great wealth transfer. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, protect your income, and make smart decisions about inherited IRAs and Roth conversions. Whether you’re nearing retirement or planning for your family’s future, this e...

What does Warren Buffett’s $344 billion cash stash mean for your retirement strategy? On this episode, Steve Aul explores how to reduce emotional investing, plan for lifetime tax efficiency, and navigate interest rate shifts. From fixed index annuities to personally funded pensions, Steve breaks down tools to secure predictable income and preserve wealth. Plus, hear why retirement is more than numbers—it’s about m...

Think you need $1.8 million to retire? Think again. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down the myths around retirement savings and explores practical strategies to replace your paycheck in retirement. From annuities to market timing missteps, Steve shares real stories and insights to help listeners navigate financial planning with confidence. Plus, a deep dive into MarketGuard’s unemotional investment approach and the truth a...

What if your retirement income could actually encourage you to spend more confidently? In this episode, Steve Aul breaks down how pension-like income impacts spending habits and explores strategies to replace your paycheck in retirement. From Roth conversions and Social Security optimization to tax-efficient estate planning, Steve shares practical insights to help you navigate financial decisions with clarity. Plus, a nostalgic det...

Is the market too hot to handle—or just due for a healthy reset? In this episode, Steve Aul breaks down what record market highs mean for your retirement strategy. From the risks of sequence of returns to the myths around million-dollar nest eggs, Steve explains why income planning and lifestyle matter more than big numbers. Plus, hear why relying on influencers or default 401(k) settings could derail your future. It’s ...