The Florida Retirement Podcast

Annuities spark strong opinions—but are they misunderstood, misused, or simply poorly explained?
In this episode of Florida Retirement, financial advisor Murrell Winter breaks down what annuities actually are, why they’ve earned such a polarizing reputation, and how they can fit alongside other retirement tools. The conversation covers different annuity types, common red flags, liquidity concerns, fees, and the impor...

Most couples spend less than 30 minutes a week in real conversation—so when do they actually talk about retirement?

In this episode of Florida Retirement, financial advisor Murrell Winter explores why open money conversations between spouses matter more than ever. He discusses aligning risk tolerance, shared retirement goals, income planning, taxes, long‑term care, and how couples with very different visions for retirement ca...

Inflation is showing up everywhere—but the real impact often shows up long after retirement begins. In this episode of The Florida Retirement Podcast, Murrell Winter breaks down what inflation is, why it happens, and why it poses one of the biggest risks to retirees living on fixed income. The conversation explores how rising costs quietly erode purchasing power, why cash can lose value over time, and how inflation compounds ...

Tax season can feel overwhelming for retirees—especially when missed details lead to costly surprises. In this episode of The Florida Retirement Podcast, Murrell Winter breaks down what retirees should focus on during tax season, from gathering the right forms to understanding required minimum distributions and estimated tax payments. The discussion covers how different income sources are reported, why long‑term tax planning ...

If you’re a Florida public employee, the decisions you make before retirement can carry six‑ or seven‑figure consequences. In this episode of the Florida Retirement Podcast, Murrell Winter breaks down how the DROP program and the Florida Retirement System intersect with income planning, health care costs, taxes, and long‑term stability. The discussion highlights common missteps, recent program changes, and considerations that...

Warren Buffett may be stepping back, but his investing mindset feels more relevant than ever. In this episode of the Florida Retirement Podcast, Murrell Winter explores what decades of disciplined investing reveal about time, temperament, and long-term thinking. The conversation breaks down why patience can outweigh prediction, how diversification supports staying retired, and why emotional reactions often derail otherwise solid pl...

What if the cash you trust most is slowly working against you? In this episode of the Florida Retirement Podcast, financial advisor Murrell Winter breaks down the hidden risks of dead money—cash sitting in banks, low‑yield accounts, or underperforming assets that lose purchasing power to inflation. Using real‑world examples and even lessons from financial history, Murrell explains how inflation quietly erodes wealth and why h...

How do you make smart financial moves when interest rates are shifting, inflation looms, and retirement is closer than ever? In this episode, financial advisor Murrell Winter takes a wide‑angle look at what retirees and pre‑retirees should be thinking about as 2026 begins. The conversation covers falling interest rates, inflation’s impact on purchasing power, income planning for the peak‑65 retirement wave, and the role of di...

Scrolling before bed can age your brain—and ignoring financial bad habits can age your retirement plan. In this episode, financial advisor Murrell Winter reveals the common money missteps that quietly sabotage your nest egg, from delaying savings and missing employer matches to borrowing from retirement accounts and underestimating expenses. Discover why budgeting, diversifying your accounts, and planning for the unexpected a...

As the days get shorter and the year winds down, it’s not just your home that needs a seasonal checkup—your finances do too. In this episode, financial advisor Murrell Winter breaks down the essential end-of-year financial checklist, from maximizing retirement contributions and Roth conversions to using up FSA funds and making strategic charitable donations. Discover practical ways to reduce your tax bill, set meaningfu...

Is Gen X really facing a retirement crisis, or is there a smarter way forward? In this episode, financial advisor Murrell Winter of Swan Retirement Strategies unpacks the real challenges Gen Xers face—from chasing the elusive $1.6 million goal to fears of outliving savings and the reality of working in retirement. Discover why one-size-fits-all advice falls short, how simple tools like balance sheets and budgets can change yo...

What happens when decades of federal service meet the maze of retirement planning? In this episode of the Florida Retirement Podcast, host Murrell Winter breaks down the unique challenges and opportunities facing federal employees as they transition into retirement. From understanding pensions, TSPs, and survivor benefits to avoiding common tax pitfalls and probate headaches, Murrell shares practical strategies to turn confusion in...

What if legacy planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy? In this episode, financial advisor Murrell Winter reveals why everyone should think about their legacy—no matter their net worth. Discover the emotional and practical sides of passing on wealth, the surprising statistics about generational inheritance, and how simple conversations and the right documents can shape your family’s future. Real stories, actiona...

What happens when the million-dollar contracts and viral brand deals suddenly stop? Financial advisor Murrell Winter reveals the biggest financial blind spots facing influencers and athletes, from tax troubles to the dangers of living for today. Discover why a long-term plan, protecting your principal, and paying your future self, first, matters more than flashy spending. Real stories, practical advice, and mindset shifts for anyon...

What do a retired CIA agent and a logistics executive have in common? They both turned to a powerful tax-focused retirement planning tool developed by a PhD from MIT. In this episode of The Florida Retirement Podcast, Murrell Winter explore how this software helps retirees reduce taxes, optimize income, and plan legacies with clarity and confidence. Learn how simplicity, smart distribution strategies, and long-term tax plannin...

What if your financial advisor panicked and sold everything at the bottom of the market? In this episode of The Florida Retirement Podcast, Kacey and Murrell Winter explore MarketGuard—a rules-based investment strategy designed to reduce emotional decision-making and tailor portfolios to individual risk tolerance. Learn how this approach uses algorithms and CFA oversight to navigate volatility, minimize fees, and offer f...

What happens when retirees want to give while they’re still around to see the impact? In this episode, Kacey and Murrell explore the growing trend of grandparents gifting money directly to grandkids—and the smart ways to do it. They also break down how to make the most of a Roth IRA despite its limits, and why waiting on the Fed might not be a retirement strategy. From tax-smart giving to long-term planning, this episod...

What if your retirement plan includes going back to work? In this episode, Kacey and Murrell break down why advice like “cut spending” or “get a part-time job” might signal poor planning—not smart strategy. They also dive into the real factors behind when to claim Social Security, how to manage risk beyond the stock market, and why your retirement “speed” matters more than you think. Whethe...

On this episode of the Florida Retirement Podcast, Murrell discusses the challenges of retirement planning amidst economic uncertainty, the significance of Roth conversions and tax strategies, and the potential financial risks in retirement portfolios. They emphasize the importance of tailored financial advice and proactive planning to ensure a secure retirement.

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