Join us for a special episode as we welcome Christine Benz to discuss her new book, "How to Retire." In a captivating conversation at the Rock Retirement Club, we dive into topics like long-term care, the 4% rule, investing strategies, and simplification. Featuring insights from Fritz Gilbert, a member of the club and contributor to Christine's book, this episode offers a holistic view of retirement planning. Discover how to balance financial and non-financial aspects for a fulfilling retirement...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 568
Welcome to another episode dedicated to enhancing your retirement journey! Today, we wrap up our series on year-end action items with a focus on charitable and family giving. Discover how strategic charitable contributions can optimize your tax plan and learn about family giving opportunities that can make a difference. We also address your questions and share essential updates, including a correction on HSA contribution limits and an exciting upcoming live case study. Plus, get ready for a Dece...
Nov 27, 2024•40 min•Ep. 567
Join us in this insightful episode as we continue our series on year-end action items, focusing on optimizing your retirement planning. Today, we delve into the intricacies of withdrawing assets, discussing everything from flexible spending accounts to inherited IRAs. We also explore the concept of "gear, not stuff" with insights from Michael Easter, and how making thoughtful purchasing decisions can impact your financial health and the environment. Don't miss our deep dive into tax strategies a...
Nov 20, 2024•43 min•Ep. 566
Join us as we dive into year-end financial planning strategies to optimize your retirement plan. This episode unpacks the essentials of contributing to various accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and donor-advised funds before the year ends. We also discuss Roth conversions and answer listener questions about IRMAA brackets and required minimum distributions. Plus, hear a special tribute to veterans, featuring the first mission of Roger’s grandfather, a WWII bomber pilot. Don’t miss th...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 565
Welcome to a transformative episode where we delve into year-end financial strategies to optimize your retirement planning. Join us as we discuss tax-loss harvesting with Erin Coe, a seasoned planner and tax expert. Learn how to strategically sell capital assets at a loss to reduce your tax burden and explore the nuances of capital gains, wash-sale rules, and more. Plus, we answer listener questions about Roth conversions and annuities. Don't miss this insightful guide to maximizing your financi...
Nov 06, 2024•49 min•Ep. 564
Welcome to our latest episode, where we focus on empowering your retirement journey with clarity and energy. Today, we delve into two powerful mental models, Occam's Razor and Hanlon's Razor, to simplify your retirement planning and decision-making processes. We also welcome back Dr. Bobby Dubois in our Rock Life segment, where he shares insights on living longer and more energetically. Don't miss our discussion on practical steps to enhance your life and retirement. PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT (...
Oct 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 563
In this episode, we delve into the concept of the Circle of Competence, a key principle in the mental mindset arsenal. We also feature Karen's inspiring story of transitioning from accumulation to decumulation, redefining her retirement journey. Join us as we explore the importance of deep knowledge versus surface understanding, and how you can apply these insights to your life. Also, don't miss our upcoming live online meetup on November 7, where we'll discuss Roth conversions and introduce the...
Oct 23, 2024•46 min•Ep. 562
Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the concept of 'The Map vs. The Territory' in retirement planning. Discover how mental models can enhance decision-making and lead to a more fulfilling retirement. Our special guest, Dr. Daniel Crosby, discusses his latest book, "The Soul of Wealth," offering profound insights into achieving soulful wealth beyond mere numbers. Learn how to balance maps and reality, and the importance of feedback loops in financial planning. Plus, get practical adv...
Oct 16, 2024•51 min•Ep. 561
Welcome to the second week of our series on improving decision-making skills with mental models to help you rock retirement! This week, we delve into the concept of second order thinking, also known as the law of unintended consequences. Learn how to think beyond immediate outcomes and explore the long-term impacts of your decisions, whether it's buying a new car or helping your child with a down payment. We'll also share insightful stories from RRC retirees who have navigated the transition to ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 560
Welcome to another insightful episode where we kick off a month-long series on improving your decision-making abilities. This week, we delve into the concept of inversion, a powerful mental model that can significantly enhance your retirement planning. Learn how to avoid common unforced errors and make better decisions to ensure a successful retirement. Plus, get answers to listener questions about HSAs, security issues, and investment strategies. Don't miss this episode packed with practical ad...
Oct 02, 2024•54 min•Ep. 559
In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney wraps up his series on the eight pillars of a great retirement plan by diving into the last two non-financial pillars: passion and relationships. Discover how your hobbies, curiosities, and social connections can significantly impact your retirement happiness. Roger also shares personal stories and practical tips on maintaining energy, fostering a growth mindset, and building a fulfilling post-retirement life. Tune in for insights and s...
Sep 25, 2024•39 min•Ep. 558
This week, we continue our journey through the eight pillars of rocking retirement, shifting our focus to the non-financial realm. We delve into the first two non-financial pillars: Energy and Mindset. These pillars are crucial for showing up fully in life and maintaining a growth-oriented perspective. We'll explore how to overcome obstacles like stress, injuries, bad habits, and the impacts of aging, and discuss actionable plans to boost your energy and cultivate a growth mindset. Additionally,...
Sep 18, 2024•41 min•Ep. 557
This month, we're revisiting the eight pillars of rocking retirement. Today, we focus on the second two financial pillars: having a resilient plan of record and optimizing the plan to enhance the journey. Many people are good at setting goals and determining feasibility, but often overlook the importance of resilience in their retirement plan. We delve into how to stress test your plan for various risks like bear markets, health care shocks, and premature death, and how to build redundancies to ...
Sep 11, 2024•46 min•Ep. 556
This September, we're doing something a bit different. We're revisiting the basics with a refresher on the eight pillars of rocking retirement—four financial and four non-financial pillars that form the foundation for a great life. Too often, retirement planning gets bogged down with too many details and the pressure to get everything right. But in my experience, focusing on the most important things gets you 90% of the way there. This month, we’ll air classic episodes to revisit these pillars, ...
Sep 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 555
If you are exploring a unique retirement, it is important to do your research. The best way to research something is to talk to someone who has walked the walk. That’s why, on this episode of Retirement Answer Man, I chat with people who are living their own unique retirements. Press play to hear these unique stories. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [6:02] Identify what type of community has served you well in life STORIES FROM AN EXPAT [8:22] Me...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 554
Have you ever thought about retiring abroad? It seems like a fun adventure, but how do you begin? On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, expat expert, Jane Mepham from Elgon Financial Advisors , joins me to discuss the financial and nonfinancial considerations of moving abroad in retirement. Press play to learn whether retiring abroad would be right for you. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIRING AS AN EXPAT [3:46] What is the attraction of retiring to another country? ...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 553
If you have a special needs child, you know that your retirement plan will need to include plans for their future. How do you create a great retirement while honoring and caring for your child with special needs who will most likely live beyond your years? That’s what we’ll be learning today. In this episode, Matt from Haystack Financial Planning joins me to explore this question. His practice specializes in serving the disabled community and he offers years of experience in this area. Press pla...
Aug 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 552
Military retirees have a unique set of circumstances and opportunities. In this episode, military retiree and retirement planner Scott Sanborn joins me to explore the financial and non-financial aspects that come with a military retirement. Over the next month, we’ll be exploring different ways of retiring. If you have special retirement circumstances, you won’t want to miss this unique retirement series. Stay tuned for episodes on retiring with special needs children, retiring abroad, and retir...
Aug 07, 2024•50 min•Ep. 551
So many retirement questions have no right answers. They’re simply judgment calls. In this episode, we’ll explore whether it makes sense to switch to a Roth 401K. Don’t listen to find out the answer. Listen to learn the process to use to come up with your own answer. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [2:03] Does it make sense to switch to a Roth 401K [13:55] An IRMAA surcharge question [18:18] Can you use the Rule of 55 for a Solo 401K? [20:36] A backdoor Ro...
Jul 31, 2024•38 min•Ep. 550
You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, Taylor Schulte from the Stay Wealthy Podcast joins me to answer your retirement questions. Grab your earbuds and join us for this episode full of your questions. Make sure to listen to the pension or lump sum question to see how Taylor and I arrived at our differing opinions on what this listener should do with his pension. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [2:11] Which inc...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 549
If you’ve ever searched for a financial professional you may have seen an endless string of letters after their names. Trying to figure out the financial advisor alphabet soup is exhausting. One listener threw his hands up and asked me what all those letters mean. On this episode, we’ll explore the meanings behind those designations and discuss what they mean for you. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [5:47] Understanding the financial advisor alphabet soup ...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 548
The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! The Rock Retirement Club has opened its doors once again. Enrollment is open until July 18, so head on over to Rock Retirement Club to sign up today. After you do that, listen to this episode to learn how to protect yourself and your data from scammers. On this episode, Pete, a cybersecurity expert, joins me to discuss ways to secure your personal information. Listen in to hear how you can defend your data. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANS...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 547
The best predictor of happiness and health at age 65 is how many close relationships you have at age 45. To really rock retirement you need to build quality relationships. To do that you need to learn to be a better communicator. On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, Super Communicators author, Charles Duhigg, joins me to discuss how to become a super communicator. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN HOW TO BE A BETTER COMMUNICATOR [5:10] Relationships are key to stave off l...
Jul 03, 2024•55 min•Ep. 546
Every one of us has a different tolerance for risk. We even have different risk tolerances at different points in our lives. In this episode, we’ll learn about Mike and Judy’s comfort level with their investments. Learn how they’ll develop an investment approach that matches their risk tolerance. If you have been enjoying Mike and Judy’s journey crafting their retirement plans, you won’t want to miss their live feasibility test on July 8. Join us on the latest Retirement Plan Live by signing up ...
Jun 26, 2024•38 min•Ep. 545
#544 - Legal Tender: Tallying Their Resources Planning for retirement isn’t about creating a new job for yourself, it’s about using what you have to create a great life. On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, I’ll help Mike and Judy tally up and organize their resources so they can come up with a feasible plan for retirement. Press play to hear how you can follow along and create your own plan of record. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN MIKE AND JUDY’S RESOURCES [3:40] Som...
Jun 19, 2024•58 min•Ep. 544
We all have our own dreams for retirement and today, Mike and Judy share theirs. On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, you’ll hear Mike and Judy describe their ideal retirement, then in the Rock Life segment, Kevin Lyles will lay out the 4 pillars for a balanced life. As a bonus, you’ll hear Mark Ross interview me about my imperfect journey and the purchases we’ve made in Colorado. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN WHAT MIKE AND JUDY WANT IN RETIREMENT [2:42] Their values ...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 543
Would you like to have the confidence to know that it is all going to be okay so that you can walk away from your career? So would Judy! In this episode of Retirement Answer Man, you’ll meet Mike and Judy, an educator and an attorney. They are both facing burnout and ready to throw in the towel, but before they retire, they want to make sure they can swing it. Join us over the next 4 episodes, to learn more about Mike and Judy’s journey to retirement. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT AN...
Jun 05, 2024•51 min•Ep. 542
Have you heard of IRMAA? IRMAA can be an unwelcome surprise if you aren’t expecting her. On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, you’ll hear what to expect from IRMAA and your Medicare costs. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [2:14] Recent feedback [6:57] What IRMAA surcharges are IN THE NEWS [14:55] Structured protection ETF [25:06] What the details show LISTENER QUESTIONS [30:23] Should we keep our life insurance policy? [34:42] Will the lack of ...
May 29, 2024•52 min•Ep. 541
What is your risk tolerance? What does risk tolerance even mean? Why does it matter? We’ll explore these questions as I answer one of our listener’s questions on getting back into the stock market with a low risk tolerance. Listen in to learn why he may not need to follow the traditional way of doing things. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [2:00] How much risk to take in retirement IN THE NEWS [19:10] The AT&T data breach [23:03] What I’m going...
May 22, 2024•39 min•Ep. 540
Have you thought about getting a mortgage for your home in retirement? If so, have you strategized how you would pay it off? In this episode, we explore Scott’s question about pursuing a mortgage and paying it off early. Listen in to learn some different strategies you could use if you plan to get a mortgage on your home in retirement. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [2:08] Should Scott get a mortgage to build his retirement home? LISTENER QUESTION...
May 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 539
