Retirement Starts Today Radio

It’s no secret that market volatility can feel especially nerve-wracking when you’re no longer earning a paycheck. 

But what if I told you that, historically, every single crash has ended the same way—with a recovery?

That's what happened after the Covid-19 market crash, the 2021 downturn, and even the Great Depression.

We're going to discuss an article titled "What We’ve Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market Crashes" by Emelia Fr...

Is your 401(k) prepared for a market crash? With market volatility on the rise, many investors are wondering how to protect their portfolios. 

In this episode, I share an article from Go Banking Rates on how to safeguard your retirement savings during turbulent times. I’ll highlight key takeaways from the article, share my own insights on where I agree or disagree, and explain why certain strategies may be more effective than other...

Most people assume their tax burden lightens in retirement, but what if I told you that some taxes are actually designed to creep up on you year after year—without Congress passing a single new law? In this episode, we expose the sneaky taxes that can quietly erode your retirement income, from Social Security taxation to Medicare IRMAA surcharges. These hidden costs don’t just affect the ultra-wealthy anymore; thanks to outdated ru...

Most people focus on saving for retirement, but what happens when you actually get there? Retirement isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about managing risks that can threaten your financial security and lifestyle. 

In this episode, we explore Five Key Retirement Challenges (and Solutions), inspired by a Kiplinger’s Personal Finance article by Walt West. From unexpected market downturns to rising hea...

Click here to work with us!

Most people plan for retirement by focusing on their savings and investment returns—but what if some of the most important decisions happen after you stop working? 

In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Keil, also known as Mr. Retirement, to discuss the three biggest mistakes retirees make—mistakes that can cost them financial security, tax savings, and peace of mind. 

From misunderstanding the best ti...

Click here to work with us!

Many retirees enter their golden years with the goal of financial security, but what if the biggest risk isn’t running out of money—it’s not spending enough of it? A surprising new study reveals that retirees are withdrawing just 2% a year from their savings—barely half of what’s traditionally considered safe.

This cautious approach might seem responsible, but it often leads to unnecessary frugality, mis...

Click here to work with us!

For decades, you've been focused on saving—watching your retirement accounts grow, sticking to a budget, and making smart financial decisions to ensure a secure future. But now that the time has come to actually enjoy your hard-earned money, spending it feels... unsettling. 

You’re not alone. Many retirees struggle with the mental shift from accumulation to decumulation, even when their financial plans s...

Click here to work with us!

A lot of retirees assume their tax situation gets simpler once they stop working, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of ways high-net-worth retirees end up paying more than they need to—sometimes without even realizing it. 

Maybe it’s interest and dividend income getting taxed at higher rates, or IRA withdrawals happening earlier than necessary. Maybe it’s something as simple as missing the...

Click here to work with us!

Most people plan for retirement by focusing on their finances—building up a nest egg, securing passive income, and minimizing taxes. But what if that’s only part of the equation? Many retirees find themselves financially secure yet feeling unexpectedly lost, disengaged, or even unhappy. The truth is, money alone doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling retirement.

Dr. Daniel Crosby explains how work naturally prov...

Click here to work with us!

Many people fear running out of money in retirement, assuming they'll struggle financially once they stop working. But a recent Gallup poll shows 80% of retirees have enough to live comfortably, despite concerns about Social Security, longevity risk, and pension declines.

Why the difference between expectation and reality? Many retirees find their expenses drop, Medicare covers more than expected, and So...

Listen in to this BONUS episode as Canadian CFP and host of the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast, Joe Curry, interviews me (Benjamin) about:

• The non-financial aspects of retirement planning
• Shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset
• Retiring to something rather than from something
• and embracing creativity to design a fulfilling post-career life

Key insights include overcoming spending anxiety, identifyin...

Click here to work with us!

Employee benefits are one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning. We often check a few boxes during open enrollment and move on—but are we truly maximizing what’s available to us? 

This week, we sit down with Joe Saul-Sehy, host of Stacking Benjamins, to uncover the hidden value in workplace benefits. From disability insurance pitfalls to term vs. whole life insurance, Joe walks us through ...

Click here to work with us!

What if you could turn those green numbers in your investment account into retirement income while paying as little in taxes as possible? That’s exactly what we’re covering today with Peter Lazaroff, Chief Investment Officer at PlanCorp. We’re tackling the challenge many of us face: managing deferred gains in our portfolios and figuring out the smartest ways to reduce the tax hit as we transition to reti...

Click here to work with us!

Can you be fired after announcing your retirement? It's a question that raises eyebrows and stirs concern for anyone nearing the end of their career. A recent article highlights the legal and financial implications of being terminated after sharing retirement plans, and it’s a scenario more common than you might think.

Employers often operate under at-will employment laws, giving them broad rights to ter...

Click here to work with us!

Are you spending too little in retirement, worried you might outlive your savings? Many retirees struggle to strike the right balance, often holding back on enjoying the wealth they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I’ll show you how to overcome those fears and spend with confidence while still planning for the future.

What about real estate? Whether you’re thinking about renting instead of owning, leveragi...

What does it mean to live a life of purpose? I talk with Jordan Grumet, aka Doc G, host of the Earn & Invest podcast, about how his work as a hospice doctor shaped his understanding of purpose and regret. His new book, “The Purpose Code,” offers insights on how to live with intention and meaning.

We talk about the difference between "Big P" and "Little P" purpose and why focusing on grand goals often leads to frustration. Jordan sh...

Originally aired February 2024:

There are two ways to mess up retirement: run out of money or die with regret. Oftentimes, people in the retirement space only focus on the running out of money part.

In an effort to help you live an even better retirement, today’s retirement headline discusses the regret part. Join me to learn five expenses that retirees wish they had spent more money on so that you can learn from their mistakes.

St...

Originally aired March 2024:

There are many ways that could threaten your financial security in retirement. Knowing the common issues can ensure that you don’t fall into the traps.

Today’s financial headline comes from Yahoo Finance and is called 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement. Listen in to learn what they are so that you don’t drive yourself into the poorhouse.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://...

Originally aired April 2024:

It may be easy to define success in your working career, but defining success in retirement can be more difficult. What does success look like in retirement? What will you do daily or weekly to get the most out of your retirement?

In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a TEDx talk about the 4 phases of retirement that many (but not all) experience. Click play to hear how you can squee...