As the Fed flirts with rate cuts, many retirees face shrinking savings and money-market yields. In this episode, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) break down DRP’s Cash Plus portfolio—built for 0–5 year dollars that need liquidity and low volatility, yet can aim higher than plain cash. They also cover how AI is changing principal-guaranteed indexes and the timing inside momentum models, plus a simple checklist for a rock-solid retirement plan. What you’ll learn Why falling rates can punish “s...
Aug 22, 2025•56 min
In this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) break down one of the most overlooked threats to retirement success—sequence of returns risk. What happens if you retire right before a market downturn? What if your portfolio strategy doesn’t account for market flatness or volatility? You’ll learn: Why traditional 60/40 portfolios fall short in today’s environment How drawing from laddered principal-guaranteed accounts can help stabilize income What Monte ...
Jul 26, 2025•56 min
Join Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) on this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio as they uncover why your traditional IRA might be a tax “loan” to the IRS—and how smart Roth conversion planning can turn the tables in your favor. From real-world illustrations of IRA tax bills topping $1.4 million to step-by-step guidance on: IRA Inefficiency: How deferral becomes a hefty tax liability for you —and your heirs Roth Conversions: Why paying taxes now can yield tax-free growth and a far l...
Jul 18, 2025•56 min
Join Brian Decker and Arrin Wray as they unpack the three “compounding risks” that can threaten your nest egg—and show you how to turn them into advantages: Why delaying taxes in a traditional IRA could cost you (and your heirs) over $1 million, and how proactive Roth conversions lock in today’s rates. Five proven inflation hedges—from planned cost-of-living adjustments to strategic home-equity moves—to keep your spending power intact. The hidden danger of sequence-of-return risk and why distrib...
Jul 11, 2025•56 min
In Episode 133 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) explore a suite of advanced estate planning strategies designed to help you protect, preserve, and pass on your wealth efficiently: State & Federal Estate Tax Planning: Using AB trusts, portability, and lifetime gifting exemptions to minimize state and federal estate taxes. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs): Prepay potential tax liabilities and avoid fire-sale scenarios by holding life insurance outside...
Jun 20, 2025•56 min
Is the 4% rule still safe in a flat or volatile market? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray explain why traditional income strategies—like the 4% rule or “living off the interest”—may no longer work in today’s retirement landscape. You’ll learn: ✅ How to build a laddered income plan using principal-guaranteed accounts ✅ The critical mistakes retirees make when taking Social Security ✅ Why Roth conversions may save hundreds of thousands in taxes ✅ How Decker Ret...
Jun 13, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) break down the myths and mistakes of traditional retirement strategies—and show you what to do instead. You’ll learn: Why the 4% rule often fails in flat or volatile markets How sequence of return risk can derail your income The three key ways Decker Retirement Planning reduces risk How momentum strategies protect your investments during downturns Why Roth conversions and smart tax placement can save you six figures ...
May 30, 2025•56 min
Think you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire? Think again. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) dismantle the myth and walk you through real-life tax planning strategies that can help you save hundreds of thousands—or even millions—in retirement taxes. From strategic Roth conversions to dynasty trusts, donor-advised funds, real estate tax planning, and more, this is a masterclass in building a smarter, safer financial future. 🎯 Learn how proa...
May 16, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray challenge one of the most commonly used retirement strategies: the 4% rule. They explain how flat or volatile markets can quickly derail portfolios relying on this outdated approach and introduce laddered principal-guaranteed accounts as a safer, more reliable alternative. The duo also unpacks the risks of dividend chasing and indexing in today’s market environment and highlights the need for a mathematically sound, risk-cons...
May 09, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker breaks down how retirees can confidently navigate turbulent markets without sacrificing their retirement goals. Learn the essential strategies that protect your principal, generate reliable income, and minimize taxes—regardless of economic conditions. Brian also dives into real-world examples showing how proper planning can reduce unnecessary fees and risk, all while preserving liquidity and flexibility. If you're within 5–10 years of retir...
May 02, 2025•56 min
In this powerful episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray uncover advanced tax strategies designed to help retirees keep more of what they’ve earned. From Roth conversions that could save you over $1 million in taxes, to estate planning tools that preserve your legacy, this episode is packed with real examples and actionable advice. You'll learn: ✔️ How Roth conversions can reduce future tax liabilities ✔️ The power of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) ✔️ Ways to mi...
Mar 27, 2025•56 min
🎙️ In This Episode: Market volatility is a reality—so how do you protect your retirement savings while still growing your wealth? In Episode 126 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss break down the latest market trends and reveal strategies to help retirees reduce risk while ensuring a stable income. 📉 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ The impact of the S&P 500 crossing its 200-day moving average ✅ The concentration risk of the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks ✅ Why traditional buy-...
Mar 14, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, host Brian Decker and co-host Arrin Wray break down the financial and geopolitical risks that could impact your retirement. From market volatility and inflation to global conflicts and economic uncertainty, we discuss the key challenges retirees face today—and how you can navigate them with confidence. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why traditional stock-and-bond portfolios no longer provide stability in retirement ✅ The dangers of relying on i...
Feb 15, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker of Decker Retirement Planning explores six key pillars essential for a secure and fulfilling retirement. This episode covers: ✅ How to structure a retirement distribution plan for stable income ✅ Tax minimization strategies to keep more of your wealth ✅ Risk-reduction techniques to protect your investments in any market ✅ Optimizing income and portfolio performance ✅ The role of principal-guaranteed accounts and momentum strategies ✅ Estate...
Feb 13, 2025•56 min
Is the government taking away your Social Security benefits? 🤔 In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Mark Knauss break down the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—two rules that reduce Social Security benefits for teachers, government employees, and those with mixed earnings. 🚨 The Social Security Fairness Act could change the rules, but what does that mean for your retirement? Tune in to learn how these policies affect your income an...
Feb 08, 2025•56 min
🎙️ In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker dives into the impact of Trump's tariffs on retirement portfolios. Discover how these tariffs serve as negotiating tools and explore their effects on trade with China, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. 📊 Brian explains his comprehensive three-part approach to retirement planning: cash, safe money, and risk allocations. Learn about effective distribution plans to secure sustainable income and tax strategies like Roth conversions to minimize f...
Jan 18, 2025•56 min
Gain valuable insights into retirement planning with Brian Decker as he reflects on 2024 market trends and shares strategies to navigate the financial landscape of 2025. Discover how Fed rate cuts impact markets, bond fund risks in a low-interest-rate environment, and why small caps and banks stand to benefit. Learn actionable tips on tax minimization, Roth IRA conversions, and portfolio updates to optimize your retirement plan. Brian also addresses geopolitical risks, supply chain challenges, a...
Dec 27, 2024•56 min
Discover how to strengthen your retirement portfolio in challenging market conditions. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker, the owner and founder of Decker Retirement Planning, breaks down why traditional buy-and-hold approaches often fail during prolonged flat or down markets. He introduces a two-sided strategy that blends momentum investing with principal-guaranteed accounts, helping retirees preserve capital, capture growth, and maintain reliable income streams. You’ll als...
Dec 06, 2024•56 min
In this insightful episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker tackles some of the essential retirement planning steps you need to consider in light of recent election results and upcoming year-end deadlines. Key Topics Covered: Impact of the Election on Retirement Planning: Understand how the new administration's policies could affect tax laws and your retirement savings. Brian discusses historical market performances under different presidencies and emphasizes the importance of adjusting y...
Nov 16, 2024•56 min
In this enlightening episode of Safer Retirement Radio, owner and founder Brian Decker and Arrin Wray, our Utah-based planner from Decker Retirement Planning, unveil the essentials of crafting a robust retirement distribution plan. Unlike accumulation plans, a distribution plan is your roadmap to a secure and prosperous retirement. Key Takeaways: Risk Reduction: Learn how to adjust your market exposure as retirement approaches to safeguard your nest egg. Tax Minimization: Discover strategies lik...
Nov 09, 2024•56 min
In Episode 117 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and new advisor Mark Knauss, CFP(R) dive deep into effective retirement planning strategies. Together, they tackle the critical transition from accumulation to distribution, emphasizing the risks of outdated strategies like traditional asset allocation pie charts and bond funds, especially in today’s rising interest rate environment. Learn why laddered principal-guaranteed accounts and a risk bucket for growth are essential components for a ...
Nov 02, 2024•56 min
In Episode 116 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker dives into effective retirement planning strategies to navigate market volatility, rising interest rates, and election uncertainty. He highlight the risks associated with bond funds, which have seen a 35% decline in value over the past four years, and introduce laddered portfolios and principal-guaranteed accounts as safer alternatives. Learn why balancing 75% of assets in guaranteed accounts with 25% in growth-focused assets can provide sta...
Nov 02, 2024•56 min
In Episode 115 of Safer Retirement Radio, hosts Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) explore the do's and don’ts of retirement planning. They discuss the limitations of traditional strategies like the 60/40 portfolio, the impact of market volatility on retirement income, and the importance of adapting investment strategies as you near retirement. The episode also looks at Roth conversions, tax planning, and managing risk through diversified portfolios. 📌 Key Topics Covered: -Adjusting investmen...
Sep 19, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray of Decker Retirement Planning explore the critical differences between retirement planning during the accumulation phase versus the distribution phase. They explore strategies to navigate market volatility, maximize tax-advantaged accounts, and create an income distribution plan to help ensure a secure and fulfilling retirement. From managing sequence of return risk to optimizing Roth conversions, this episode is packed with ...
Sep 14, 2024•56 min
In Episode 113, Brian Decker, Owner and Founder of Decker Retirement Planning, and Arrin Wray, one of our planners, explore the critical importance of financial safety in retirement. They discuss how their strategies, including principal guaranteed accounts and momentum-based models, have protected clients' income during major market downturns like the 2000 tech bubble and the 2008 financial crisis. Learn why traditional retirement strategies may fall short and how to secure your financial futur...
Aug 31, 2024•56 min
In Episode 112, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) reveal retirement strategies that are not only built to grow with the market but also protect your investments during downturns. Discover how to move beyond basic market timing with strategies like momentum investing that adapt to changing market conditions, helping ensure your retirement plan is resilient and secure. Learn the importance of a robust distribution plan, risk management, and tax strategies. Listen now to get help safeguarding yo...
Aug 24, 2024•56 min
Welcome to Episode 111 of Safer Retirement Radio! Join Brian Decker and guest planner Brad Geddes from Decker Retirement Planning as they delve into effective strategies for a successful retirement transition. In this episode, we cover: Retirement Transition and Investment Strategies: Why strategies that worked during the accumulation phase may not be effective in the distribution phase. Income Planning: The importance of income planning over relying on bond funds, and how principal-protected in...
Jul 20, 2024•56 min
Welcome to Episode 110 of Safer Retirement Radio! Join Brian Decker and guest planner Arrin Wray from Decker Retirement Planning as they share three essential strategies to help you maximize your retirement. In this episode, we cover: Use an Income Plan, Not a Pie Chart: Understand why a pie chart investment strategy may not work for retirement and the importance of having a structured income plan. Draw Income from Principal Protected Sources: Learn the benefits of a laddered principal guarantee...
Jul 13, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker, owner and founder of Decker Retirement Planning, discusses the importance of working with a fiduciary and dives deep into essential tax strategies for retirees. Learn strategies to help ensure your retirement savings last, and discover various tools and strategies that can help protect your financial future. Listen now and gain insights on: The role of a fiduciary in retirement planning Key tax strategies for high net worth and average inv...
Jun 14, 2024•56 min
Join Brian Decker and Arrin Wray on this episode of Safer Retirement Radio as they discuss retirement planning strategies. Learn from retirement planning experts about the transition from accumulation (growing assets) to distribution (turning the assets into an income stream), effective investment strategies, risk management, and how to secure a comfortable retirement. Highlights: -Differences between financial accumulation and distribution phases -Creating detailed income projections -Risk mana...
Jun 07, 2024•56 min
