The Aul Financial Hour

Are today’s market headlines driving smart decisions or fueling FOMO? Steve Aul breaks down how investors can separate noise from reality, drawing lessons from former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan’s famous “FedSpeak.” The conversation explores higher interest rates, retirement planning, market risk, the 60/40 portfolio, and the dangers of chasing hot investments. Steve also discusses why a personalized retirement...

What’s the bigger retirement risk: a market downturn or running out of income? Steve Aul breaks down key retirement questions, including how to replace a paycheck after leaving work, strategies for creating reliable income, and why Roth accounts and Roth conversions are gaining attention across generations. He also discusses retirement readiness, the emotional side of leaving the workforce, and the challenges of navigating ma...

A simple retirement strategy could trigger unexpected taxes if you miss one critical rule. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down the realities of backdoor Roth conversions, including the often-overlooked pro rata rule that can create costly tax consequences. He also discusses whether claiming Social Security early and investing the benefits makes sense, how to optimize Social Security decisions for couples, and why longevity, infl...

Could election-year uncertainty and market volatility tempt investors into costly mistakes? Steve Aul discusses why midterm election cycles often create market turbulence, strategies for protecting gains after strong market performance, and how different annuity options may fit specific retirement income needs. He also explains ways to manage concentrated stock positions, avoid fear-driven investing, and reduce risk when too much w...

Are you saving so much for the future that you’re missing your life today? This episode explores the idea behind “Die With Zero,” highlighting how retirees often prioritize leaving money behind over creating meaningful experiences. Steve Aul discusses balancing wealth with memories, the hidden tax traps of retirement withdrawals like phantom income and IRMAA, and how complex tax rules can quietly erode savings. Th...

Retirement can feel like a race—but without an income plan, it’s easy to lose your pace. This episode explores how aligning your lifestyle with reliable income streams helps reduce uncertainty in the first years of retirement. Steve Aul discusses covering income gaps, balancing withdrawal strategies, and evaluating tools like annuities based on individual needs. The conversation also highlights common pre-retirement mis...

What is doing nothing really costing you right now? With market uncertainty, rising costs, and election concerns, many investors feel stuck—but inactivity can carry its own risks. Steve Aul breaks down key decisions around income replacement, managing gains, understanding fees, and navigating Roth IRA choices. He also highlights how tax planning, investment costs, and legacy strategies factor into a broader retirement plan. I...

Is $5,300 a month really enough to fund the retirement lifestyle you want? Steve Aul breaks down why average spending estimates are only a starting point and how real retirement planning hinges on your personal lifestyle, income gaps, and long-term goals. From creating a “personally funded pension” to rethinking the role of 401(k)s, bonds, and traditional strategies, this episode explores practical ways to align income ...

What looks like a steady retirement income can quickly turn into a tax headache if you don’t understand how it’s structured. This episode breaks down how annuities are taxed, the differences between pre-tax and after-tax income streams, and why asset placement matters. Steve Aul also challenges outdated financial “rules of thumb,” examines the risk of relying too heavily on cash, and explores strategies for ...

What happens to your income—and your taxes—when the paycheck stops in retirement? This episode breaks down how annuities are taxed, why account type matters, and how income streams can help close retirement gaps. Steve Aul explains the impact of pre-tax vs. after-tax dollars, challenges outdated financial rules, and highlights risks of relying too heavily on cash. The conversation also explores tax surprises when sellin...

Annuities might be the most misunderstood word in retirement planning—and that misunderstanding could be costly. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down why annuities get such a bad reputation, how today’s versions differ from the past, and where they may—or may not—fit into a retirement strategy. The conversation also covers managing emotions near retirement, protecting income during market volatility, and h...

When markets swing and inflation lingers, why do even well‑prepared retirees still feel uneasy? On this episode, Steve Aul discusses how emotional reactions can derail retirement decisions during periods of volatility. The conversation explores common missteps driven by fear, how inflation and healthcare costs factor into long‑term planning, and why understanding risk, income needs, and portfolio alignment matters as retirement app...

Inflation quietly reshapes retirement long before most people notice the damage. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down why inflation, taxes, and overlooked planning gaps pose real challenges for retirees. The conversation explores how rising costs erode purchasing power over time, common DIY retirement mistakes, and the disconnect between income, expenses, and long-term lifestyle expectations. Steve also touches on required minimu...

What happens if the market drops just as you start pulling income from your portfolio? On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down sequence of returns risk and why investing for retirement looks very different from investing during your working years. Steve explains the importance of portfolio diversification, regular risk reviews, and understanding how taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and annuities fit into retirement planning. The co...

Annuities aren’t the problem—misunderstanding them is. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down why annuities feel confusing, what most people get wrong before they buy, and how different products serve very different purposes. The conversation expands into long‑term tax strategy, income planning, and why retirement isn’t just about April 15 or claiming Social Security as soon as you can. If you’ve ever wonder...

Gen X is closer to retirement than many realize—and the doubts are getting louder. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down why Gen X savers feel behind, how market crashes shaped their mindset, and what really matters when replacing a paycheck in retirement. The conversation spans tax complexity, guaranteed income, spending anxiety, and why confidence—not just account balance—drives retirement comfort. The show als...

Market drops feel random—until you zoom out and see the pattern. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down why corrections and bear markets are part of the investing landscape and why fear often does more damage than volatility. The conversation explores risk versus reward, ways people think about protecting retirement assets, and how income, taxes, and annuities fit into replacing a paycheck. Steve also challenges long‑held &ld...

Market headlines are loud—but what actually matters when volatility, Social Security questions, and retirement decisions collide? On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down how geopolitical tension can ripple through markets, why Social Security’s future is back in focus, and what it means for retirement income planning. The conversation explores diversification, managing risk after long bull markets, tax considerations ins...

Market swings, million‑dollar milestones, and one decision you only get to make once—this episode covers why timing matters more than headlines. Steve Aul breaks down recent market volatility, and the emotional traps investors fall into, then shifts to the hidden risks of being a “paper millionaire” when taxes turn wealth into income. The conversation also dives into business exit planning and the real-world trade...