What if the real measure of a successful retirement isn't what you've built, but who you've been, and how your money supports the life you want to be remembered for? In this episode, we discuss: Resume virtues vs. eulogy virtues Why many retirees feel "lost" after achieving everything they worked for How purpose changes the way you think about money, work, and time Using financial planning to create freedom, not pressure Redefining identity, success, and legacy after 50 Today's article is from T...
Jan 16, 2026•26 min•Ep. 544
Today, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Sharon Bergquist to the podcast. Sharon is a board-certified physician, research scientist, founder of Emory Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness, and an internationally recognized leader in lifestyle medicine. She has led or co-led over a dozen clinical trials that have received $61 million in funding to evaluate lifestyle interventions and identify early biomarkers for chronic disease, including ongoing studies for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and cance...
Jan 12, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 543
You saved diligently for decades — so why does giving yourself permission to spend still feel so hard? In this episode, we discuss: Why many retirees underspend despite having a secure financial plan Emotional and psychological barriers to spending How lifelong, "saver" habits impact retirement decisions Low-risk strategies to help build spending confidence Today's article is from the Kitces blog titled, Helping Underspenders And "Savers" Understand They CAN Spend More With 4 Stages Of "Experime...
Jan 09, 2026•36 min•Ep. 542
What can our top five Retire With Purpose Podcast episodes of 2025 teach you about avoiding regrets, spending confidently, and living with purpose as you head into 2026? In this episode, we discuss: The most common retirement regrets How to generate flexible, reliable income in retirement The Surplus Bucket Strategy and why it can help spending confidence How to understand your level of retirement readiness Why delaying joy can come at a higher cost than you think Listen in as Founder and CEO of...
Jan 02, 2026•38 min•Ep. 541
If retirement is supposed to bring freedom, why do so many people still feel unsettled, and what's behind that tension? In this episode, we discuss: Why fear persists even with a strong financial plan Dangers of letting the news cycle shape your outlook Why retirees often search for a "true sage" — and why that search fails The "Yada" reflective framework and techniques for cultivating presence, peace, and self-awareness Today's article is from our very own blog titled, When Knowledge Isn't Enou...
Dec 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 540
Could a counterintuitive tax move today potentially lead to thousands in savings — or an unexpected tax trap tomorrow? In this episode, we discuss: Why some retirees intentionally harvest capital gains How the 0% bracket really works When it may make sense to pay capital gains taxes now How to evaluate tax gain harvesting vs. Roth conversions using long-term projections Key tax-planning windows before Social Security, RMDs, and spousal filing changes Today's article is from the Best Interest blo...
Dec 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 539
What if the biggest obstacle to a joyful retirement isn't your money — but the belief that you never have enough of it? In this episode, we discuss: Why "having enough" is both a financial and emotional question When saving "too well" creates new problems The FIRE movement cautionary tale The role of curiosity, creativity, and craft in a purposeful retirement Today's article is from The Root of All titled, The Joy of Giving Up on "Having Enough" . Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Fi...
Dec 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 538
Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Fritz Gilbert back for his second appearance on the podcast. Fritz is an award-winning blogger and author of The Retirement Manifesto, one of the most influential retirement blogs in the country. He has now been retired for six years, and while many people think the big transition ends the day you leave the workforce, Fritz's journey proves that retirement continues to evolve in meaningful, surprising, and deeply personal ways. Recently, he announced he is stepping...
Dec 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 537
With talk of bubbles, corrections, and overvaluation dominating the headlines, we unpack how you can stay confident, stay invested, and stay sane when markets feel anything but predictable. In this episode, we discuss: Reasons why you might reduce stock exposure Poor (or dangerous) reasons to move to cash The biggest threat to your portfolio Practical investment frameworks to leverage in today's economic climate Today's article is from the Best Interest blog titled, Should Retirees Sell Stocks, ...
Dec 05, 2025•39 min•Ep. 536
Discover why the biggest barrier to deeper relationships after 50 isn't conflict — it's the certainty we cling to without even realizing it. In this episode, we discuss: Why certainty "hardens" as we age How to navigate generational divides How fear shapes our beliefs and actions Viewing values as flexible filters vs. rigid rules Today's article is from our very own blog titled, The "Unforgivable Sin" in the Second Half of Life: When Certainty Replaces Wonder . Listen in as Founder and CEO of Ho...
Nov 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 535
Gold has been surging lately, but is it truly a golden opportunity for retirees, or just another glittering distraction? Join us as we break down what's really driving gold's rise, explore its role as a diversification tool, and reveal what the data says about whether it deserves a spot in your portfolio. In this episode, we discuss: Gold's big run Historical data of gold vs. equity returns Inflation confusion Central banks' role How to diversify and own gold wisely Today's article is from the O...
Nov 21, 2025•28 min•Ep. 534
Could striving for the "perfect" portfolio be holding you back from the fulfilling, financially confident life you've worked so hard for? Join us as we explore why embracing a "good enough" mindset can lead to greater happiness, balance, and confidence in retirement. In this episode, we discuss: The myth of the "perfect" portfolio Satisficers vs. Maximizers The Boglehead Paradox Your life's "cups" of energy Today's article is from the Morningstar titled, The Case for a 'Good Enough' Portfolio . ...
Nov 14, 2025•19 min•Ep. 533
Today, I'm speaking with David McKnight. David is a best-selling author, world-renowned tax strategist, and financial educator who challenges some of the most popular (and misleading) retirement gurus and influencers in the financial advice space. He's also a great friend, and beloved guest on the show and I'm excited to welcome him back for a 3rd time on the podcast. David is well known as the author of The Power of Zero which was made into a full-length documentary film. In his latest book, Th...
Nov 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 532
Discover what new research reveals about how retirees actually spend their money — and why front-loading your retirement income plan could be the key to enjoying your healthiest, most fulfilling years first. In this episode, we discuss: Pitfalls of traditional retirement income plans What to know about the "retirement spending smile" Spending regret factors for retirees Health and longevity perceptions Today's article is from the ThinkAdvisor titled, Most Retirees Want to Front-Load Their Spendi...
Nov 07, 2025•26 min•Ep. 531
What if the key to a fulfilling retirement isn't about relaxation — but about doing the hard things you'd rather avoid? From rewiring your brain to deepening your sense of purpose, discover how challenges — big or small — can restore meaning, resilience, and joy in your next chapter of life. In this episode, we discuss: Why comfort can erode resilience How to leverage "controlled challenges" Ways ancient wisdom encourages (positive) discomfort Freedom vs. discipline in retirement Today's article...
Oct 31, 2025•27 min•Ep. 530
What's really holding you back from taking that next financial step? Join us as we explore how avoidance slowly erodes confidence, why shame and fear create roadblocks, and how to replace procrastination with purposeful progress. In this episode, we discuss: Why avoidance = erosion, not explosion The Hurricane vs. Tornado analogy How to conduct a "Shame Audit" Why small steps can create big financial changes Today's article is from the Money Changes Everything titled, Don't Wait for the Asteroid...
Oct 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 529
The belief that more data equals more control is an illusion. Our obsession with finding the "perfect" financial plan and receiving constant information often leads to anxiety, not peace. Join us as we explore why embracing uncertainty, focusing on what you can control, and leading with purpose can help create true financial (and emotional) freedom. In this episode, we discuss: How to balance control with surrender The pitfalls of too much information Dangers of financial fundamentalism How to g...
Oct 17, 2025•37 min•Ep. 528
Today, I'm speaking with Edward McQuarrie. Ed is the Professor Emeritus at Santa Clara University, where he taught in the marketing department for more than three decades before retiring in 2016. After stepping away from teaching, Ed pursued a new passion in researching financial market history and retirement income planning. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, and Barron's, and he frequently contributes to our Weekend Reading for Retirees series. He was introduce...
Oct 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 527
What if the common advice to wait until age 70 for Social Security isn't always the best move? Could claiming earlier actually give you more freedom and peace of mind in retirement? In this episode, we discuss: Risks of "blanketed" Social Security advice Determining your expected value vs. expected utility Mortality, sequence of returns, and policy risks Pinpointing your "personalized discount rate" Today's article is from the Kitces.com blog titled, Why Delaying Social Security Benefits Isn't A...
Oct 10, 2025•30 min•Ep. 526
Retirement is about more than finances — it's about meaning and growth. Join us as we explore common "belief traps" that can hold you back, how to reframe your story, and expand what's possible in the years ahead. In this episode, we discuss: How the echo chamber and certainty traps limit perspective and growth Why the comfort trap keeps you stuck — and how to break free The danger of the perfection and irrelevance traps in later life A powerful exercise to reframe your time horizon and live wit...
Oct 03, 2025•40 min•Ep. 525
You're told to shift from "growth" to "protection" the moment you retire and leave the workforce. But is it really that simple? Join us as we break down the false dichotomy of pre- vs. post-retirement investing, showing why your strategy should always include a mix of offense and defense. In this episode, we discuss: Your biggest risks in retirement How to leverage all your assets (stocks, bonds, pensions, Social Security, real estate, life insurance, etc. in your income strategy) Forbes writer ...
Sep 26, 2025•23 min•Ep. 524
Many of us spend decades climbing Maslow's pyramid — seeking security, comfort, and experiences — only to realize that the top is where true joy lives. Join us as we explore the "Happiness Hierarchy" and why lasting fulfillment comes not from what you buy or where you travel, but from who you become. In this episode, we discuss: How to shift from "having enough" to "becoming more" Why Maslow's hierarchy is often misunderstood The three levels of happiness Why reflection unlocks the freedom to be...
Sep 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 523
Living longer is one thing. Living well is another. In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Bobby Dubois, we unpack the final three pillars of his blueprint for longevity: mind-body harmony, heat & cold exposure, and social relationships. Dr. Bobby explains why practices like meditation, breathwork, and even walking in nature can calm the brain and lower anxiety. We also explore the science-backed benefits of sauna and cold plunging—and what's hype versus what's real. Finally, we uncover why s...
Sep 15, 2025•41 min•Ep. 522
What can ancient wisdom teach us about modern retirement? From budgeting with freedom to preparing for life's surprises, tackling debt, planning wisely, and redefining generosity in retirement, insights of the past can show how true wealth goes beyond dollars. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of having a budget, even in retirement Emergency fund: How much do you need? Debt and dependence Generosity in retirement: Stewardship, legacy planning, and the "Die with Zero" philosophy Today's...
Sep 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 521
Today, I'm speaking with Dr. Bobby Dubois. Dr. Bobby is a Harvard-educated physician, Board-Certified in Internal Medicine with over 25 years of experience. He's an author, entrepreneur, wellness doctor, and Ironman Triathlete. Most recently, he led a health policy research organization in Washington, D.C. (National Pharmaceutical Council) as its Chief Science Officer and Executive Vice President. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Medical Officer of Cerner Life Sciences and co-founded Proto ...
Sep 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 520
Retirement isn't the end — it's your greatest opening. Join us as we explore how to break free from old stories, embrace wisdom, and turn life's challenges into a legacy of meaning and impact. In this episode, we discuss: Why lifequakes = growth Fluid vs. crystallized intelligence How to redefine success in retirement The role of curiosity and engagement Today's article is from our very own blog post titled, Freedom After 50: Break Free from Your Old Story and Shape the Wisdom That Lasts . Liste...
Sep 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 519
Most financial plans focus on how your investments perform, but what about the risks to your income along the way? Join us as we unpack groundbreaking research that shows why traditional retirement calculators and rules of thumb may be leaving you exposed. In this episode, we discuss: Traditional planning gaps The three types of income risk Risk Capacity vs. Need vs. Attitude Retirement "buffering" The Retirement Red Zone Today's article is from Morningstar, titled The Importance of Incorporatin...
Aug 29, 2025•19 min•Ep. 518
Why do so many retirees struggle to find fulfillment after leaving the workforce, and how do they break free from the traps of status, constant pleasure-seeking, and busywork? Together, we unpack practical strategies for moving beyond milestones to craft a retirement rich in purpose, connection, and legacy. In this episode, we discuss: The "need for next" mindset Five common non-financial retirement traps The "good enough" principle How to avoid pleasure-only living and flow with life's seasons ...
Aug 22, 2025•32 min•Ep. 517
Inflation is unpredictable—and it doesn't care what the experts think. Join us as we explore why traditional forecasting fails, how real assets like real estate and commodities can act as powerful inflation hedges, and whether Bitcoin truly deserves its "digital gold" title. In this episode, we discuss: Consumer vs. professional inflation expectations What it means to leverage "Real Assets" as a hedge Why equities still matter The role of diversification A planning framework to help safeguard ag...
Aug 15, 2025•21 min•Ep. 516
Today's guest is Dr. Daniel Crosby, a leading psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps individuals and organizations understand how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors intersect with the markets—and ultimately, our sense of purpose. He serves as Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions and is the bestselling author of The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning. He's been recognized by AARP and Monster.com as a top financial thinker and is the host of the Sta...
Aug 11, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 515
