The Sage Investor

Retirement planning has its own language, but what if understanding a few key terms could completely change your financial future? In this episode of The Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser continues breaking down the retirement jargon that often leaves people feeling overwhelmed. From rollovers and transfers to tax diversification, Roth accounts, distribution planning, and sequence of returns risk, Larry explains what these terms a...

Ever feel like retirement planning has its own language and everyone else got the dictionary except you? In this episode of The Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser breaks down some of the most common retirement planning terms that often leave people confused. From RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) and sequence of returns risk to diversification, Roth conversions, replacement rates, and IRMAA surcharges, Larry explains what these...

Does achieving the American Dream really require a $5 million price tag, or is retirement more attainable than many people think? In this episode of The Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser examines the growing cost of retirement and why headlines about million-dollar retirement goals don't tell the whole story. Larry discusses the difference between retiring comfortably and staying comfortably retired, the role of Social Security an...

The hardest family money conversations often aren't about money at all, they're about love, independence, aging, and uncertainty. In this episode of The Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser discusses how families can approach difficult conversations about inheritance, long-term care, caregiving, and financial planning before a crisis forces decisions to be made. Larry shares why many parents avoid these discussions, the emotional cha...

What happens to your retirement plan if retirement arrives earlier than expected…and not by choice? In this episode, Larry Kiser discusses the financial decisions that can follow a job loss later in your career. From managing old 401(k) accounts and avoiding costly withdrawal mistakes to maintaining liquidity and exploring Roth conversion opportunities during lower-income years, Larry explains how a difficult transition can ...

What if some of the biggest retirement opportunities come with an expiration date? In this episode, Larry Kiser explores key retirement planning windows that can have a lasting impact on your financial future. From catch-up contributions at age 50 and rollover opportunities after 59½, to Social Security timing, Roth conversions, and required minimum distributions, Larry discusses why timing matters. He also shares insights on why w...

Living longer is one thing, but making your money last just as long is a whole different challenge. In this episode, Larry Kiser explores what’s truly within your control when it comes to retirement planning, from spending habits and saving strategies to navigating market cycles and tax exposure. Using practical analogies and real-world scenarios, the conversation highlights why flexibility, discipline, and thoughtful decisio...

What if one health event could rewrite your entire retirement plan overnight? In this episode, Larry Kiser tackles the often-avoided topic of long-term care and why planning for it matters more than most people realize. With the majority of retirees likely to need some form of care, and only a small percentage prepared, the conversation explores the emotional, financial, and logistical realities families face. Larry breaks down the...

What if your retirement turns out to be less “double‑stuffed” than you expected? In this episode of The Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser unpacks the gap between expectation and reality in retirement planning—using a surprising Oreo analogy to bring it to life. He explores common disconnects around Social Security, investment strategy, healthcare costs, and inflation, and why assumptions can lead to disappointmen...

Are you getting tired of work—or is retirement quietly calling your name? In this episode of The Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser discusses the subtle, real-life signs that you may be closer to retirement than you think. From tech fatigue and Sunday dread to shifting priorities and growing curiosity about life beyond work, he unpacks the emotional and financial signals that often show up first. The conversation also highlig...

Inflation shows up quietly—until one grocery run makes it impossible to ignore. In this episode of the Sage Investor Podcast, Larry Kiser unpacks what inflation really means for everyday spending and long‑term retirement decisions. The conversation explores how purchasing power changes over time, why emotion can derail even solid plans, and how history offers perspective during economic uncertainty. Larry discusses balancing ...

Tax season has a way of sneaking up—and for retirees, small missteps can have lasting consequences. In this episode of the Sage Investor Podcast, host Larry Kiser breaks down why tax preparation and tax planning are not the same thing, and why waiting until April can limit your options. Larry shares real‑world stories, common mistakes retirees make, and how coordination between a financial planner and a CPA can change outcome...

Annuities are everywhere, yet most people aren’t sure what they actually do—or why they spark so much confusion. In this episode, Larry Kiser breaks down why annuities have earned a mixed reputation and what’s often missing from the conversation. He explains the core differences between fixed, indexed, and variable annuities, along with the critical distinction between income and accumulation strategies. You&rsquo...

The most dangerous part of retirement isn’t getting there—it’s what happens after you arrive. Using vivid parallels from Olympic downhill skiing and climbing Mount Everest, this episode explores why the “descent” into retirement requires just as much planning as the climb. Larry Kiser explains how market volatility, spending hesitation, and misplaced conservatism can quietly derail even well‑funded ret...

What if the choices you think are saving you money are actually costing you the most? In this episode, Larry Kiser breaks down the surprising concept of “spaving” — spending disguised as saving — and how it can quietly undermine even the most careful retirement plans. From emotional decision‑making to refinancing traps, 401(k) withdrawals, and the power of sticking to financial principles, Larry explains why...

What if your entire retirement plan rested on just one income source--would it hold up when life changes? In this episode, Larry Kiser breaks down why modern retirement requires more than the traditional “three‑legged stool” and how today’s retirees must build diversified income streams to stay steady through market swings, Social Security uncertainty, and the loss of traditional pensions. Larry explains how to ev...

Did you know most financial New Year’s resolutions don’t last past the first week of January? In this episode of the Sage Investor Podcast, certified financial planner Larry Kiser digs into why financial goals often fail—and how to break the cycle. He discusses practical steps for starting retirement planning from scratch, the emotional traps that derail financial plans, and how to balance technology like AI with ...

What if the biggest obstacle to your financial future is simply not asking the right questions? In this episode of the Sage Investor Podcast, host and certified financial planner Larry Kiser breaks down the myths and fears that keep women—and many men—from meeting with a financial advisor. Discover why financial planning doesn’t have to be intimidating, how to spot red flags, and the essential questions to ask bef...

Did you know there are over 500 ways to claim Social Security—and your choice could shape your retirement income for decades? In this episode, Larry Kiser of Sage Wealth Design unpacks the maze of Social Security strategies, spousal benefits, and the evolving role of pensions. Learn why personal savings matter more than ever, how to navigate changing rules, and why every retirement plan needs a tailored approach. Whether you&...