Retirement Starts Today Radio

By now, we’ve all heard of AI, but many people still have mixed feelings about this revolutionary tool. Since I’ve been using it in my life on a daily basis, I have been wanting to share how you all can use AI to help with retirement planning.  When I came across this article from Business Insider, I knew I found my opportunity. Even if you’ve never used AI before, you’ll want to listen in to hear how you can use this versatile tool to help you plan your retirement.  Outline of This Episode [1:52] How AI is changing the way we work [4:04] Comparing AI advice with a human financial advisor [6:34] How I would use AI in retirement planning [16:22] How to set up an AI prompt Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Business Insider article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retireme

Many factors should come into play when deciding when to take your Social Security benefit but doomsday headlines shouldn’t be one of them. On this episode, you’ll hear how Social Security’s biggest myth is costing retirees a lot of money.  Don’t get caught unaware! Make sure to stick around until the end to hear about a jury duty scam that even I had never heard of.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] Social Security’s biggest myth [8:35] My thoughts [11:09] Why buy bonds if they always go down in value? [18:27] The jury duty scam Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Episode 142 - Are You a Prudent Pessimist? The Jury Duty Scam CNBC article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on

The 4% rule is the “golden rule” of retirement planning. Everyone is familiar with it and it’s easy to work out for some quick, back-of-the-napkin math.  Since it is so easy to calculate and implement, many use it as their retirement withdrawal rule. However, this approach may be overly conservative. While using a significantly higher withdrawal rate may go too far, the 4% rule may be too cautious.  Listen in to hear the limitations of sticking with this overly simplistic rule of thumb. Outline of This Episode [2:02] Is the 4% rule too safe? [10:50] Does it make sense to spend more in the early years while awaiting full retirement age? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Think Advisor article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementInc

Did you know that you can buy gold at your local Costco? However, just because it’s easy to buy doesn't mean it’s easy to sell.  In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’re exploring gold and its role in your retirement portfolio. To do that, we’ll take a look at a retirement headline from WSJ and i’ll share my thoughts on the latest gold rush. Make sure to stick around until the end for Kevin’s question about the key difference between accumulation and decumulation. Outline of This Episode [1:12] Gold and groceries [5:08] My thoughts on buying gold [11:03] Accumulation vs. decumulation Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network WSJ article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today

Risk is what is left over after you think you’ve thought of everything. – Carl Richards Getting to financial independence is job #1, but staying financially independent comes a close second.  To do so you’ll need to be aware of the risks that could empty your accounts. Being vigilant of these risks and having a plan to work through or avoid them could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Listen in to hear how you can save your financial independence. Outline of This Episode [1:22] 3 big risks to look out for in retirement [5:01] Long-term care [13:55] Getting scared out of the market [20:12] Getting scammed Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Start

There are two ways you can ruin your retirement: running out of money and dying with regret.  If you are listening to this podcast, chances are, you’ve been a diligent saver and probably aren’t in danger of the first one.  That’s why, today, we’re exploring an article from the White Coat Investor on ways to spend more money.  Don’t risk ending your days with regret. Listen in to find out how you can enjoy all that you have worked for. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Two ways to ruin retirement [5:13] Strategies for spending more money [12:47] How to spend your HSA Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network BOOK - Die with Zero by Bill Perkins 8 Ways to Spend More Money Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Re

It can be easy to forget your age as the birthdays roll around. However, when you’re about to turn 65 you’ll know. Medicare and all of their relevant service providers won’t let you forget.  You may feel inundated with the amount of mail, emails, and even phone calls and text messages, but rather than ignoring all the excess information, it’s important to dig in and learn so tha you can make the best decision for your healthcare.  To help you avoid potentially expensive and health-altering mistakes, today we’ll review 5 of the biggest Medicare mistakes you can make by reviewing an article by Rick Fine from The Sensible Financial Planning blog. Outline of This Episode [1:36] The 5 biggest Medicare mistakes [14:05] A rule of 55 question Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Sensible Financial Planning blog Medicare Basics: What to Expect as You Approach Age 65 with Danielle Roberts Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/

You’ve been accumulating your savings your entire life, but when the time comes to draw down your investments, there are new risks. In this episode, we’ll discuss four risks that come with the decumulation phase of retirement.  Press play to learn how to avoid these risks in retirement.  Are you looking for a new advisor? One of our listeners is looking for a checklist to help him hire a retirement advisor. While answering that question I went ahead and made my advisor checklist available to all of you to download here. Outline of This Episode [1:47] Understand effective strategies for the decumulation phase [11:20] Do I have a checklist to use to hire a retirement advisor?  Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Questions to ask a retirement advisor Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deepe

A lot of us are looking to get in shape in retirement. This is a good thing since part of living an even better retirement is looking after your health and muscle mass. Staying healthier and more active longer will ensure that you are making the most out of your retirement. In addition, maintaining a healthy muscle mass is a huge part of keeping your health as you age. In this episode, we’ll explore a Scientific American article on keeping your muscles strong as you age. Make sure to listen in to discover some tools that I use to track my health and wellness as I enter the second half of my life. Outline of This Episode [1:12] Keeping up your muscles [5:23] What I’m doing to stay healthy [10:01] How can two opposite approaches achieve the same goal? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Scientific American article Dexa Scan InBody Scan My Fitness Pal Whoop Band Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitte

Do you have index funds in your portfolio? Chances are you do!  Our retirement headline today describes the rise of index funds over active funds and why that’s important. Discover how index funds connect with my investment philosophy by pressing play now.  Outline of This Episode [1:22] Index funds have grown exponentially over the years [2:23] What are index funds [5:58] How index funds fit into my investment philosophy [10:04] Will my estimated Social Security benefit decrease if I retire before full retirement age? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Morning Star article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpo

Recent legislation has made everyone’s favorite college savings plan a little more flexible. Funds in a 529 plan aren’t as locked up as they used to be now that your children’s unused college funds can be rolled into a retirement account. In this episode, we’ll discuss an article from the White Coat Investor which explores how the 529 can be rolled into a retirement account. We’ll discover the benefits and drawbacks of using a 529 to save for retirement. Listen in to hear whether the 529 rollover could help you in your retirement.  Outline of This Episode [2:12] Using unused 529 funds [9:30] Utilizing spend-down strategies Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network The 529 to Roth IRA Rollover Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.Un

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 squeeze the most juice out of your retirement. Outline of This Episode [1:52] How to squeeze the most juice out of retirement [11:18] Help with spending more in retirement Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network The 4 Phases of Retirement TEDx Talk The 4 Phases of Retirement by Fritz Gilbert Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.Univers

Due to last year's poor market returns, you’ve probably seen the headlines that the 60/40 portfolio is dead. But is that really the case?  This week’s retirement headline explores the history of this classic retirement investment strategy. After we tackle the headlines, Bret and I team up to consider the best places to move in retirement. Listen in to hear where not to move.  Outline of This Episode [1:52] A history of the 60/40 portfolio [8:09] Why I like 60/40 [15:10] Where should retirees consider moving to for a great retirement? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network A Short History of the 60/40 Portfolio Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneI

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.  Outline of This Episode [1:22] 8 ways to become poor in retirement [10:58] How can we determine the biases in an advisor Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

We all want to retire, but have you considered how you would like to transition to retirement? This week’s retirement headline article shares some interesting statistics on phased retirements: who is thinking about them, who is utilizing them, and what people think about them. Listen in to learn the findings. Then stick around for our listener question surrounding stock positions, diversification, and taxes.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] Exploring the idea of a phased retirement [7:12] Can a phased retirement allow you to have your cake and eat it too? [11:38] A book update [13:10] Weighing risk vs tax consequences Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network ThinkAdvisor article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Sub

Once upon a time, there was a prediction that the baby boomer generation would face a retirement crisis. So how did this gloom and doom projection turn into the wealthiest generation in history? Listen in to find out. Make sure to stay tuned for the listener question: What is the best way to fund a large expense without a large tax bill? Outline of This Episode [1:37] The accuracy of predictions [7:26] What is the best way to fund a large expense without a large tax bill Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network City Journal article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

You’ve heard of the 4% rule, and if you’ve listened to this podcast before, you’ve heard of Guyton’s guardrails strategy. But have you ever heard of using them together? Today’s retirement headline explores this idea.  Overall, the article highlights the importance of considering sequence-of-returns risk in retirement planning and adopting flexible strategies, such as guardrails, to ensure financial security throughout retirement. Listen in to learn more about this combination of strategies as well as my opinion on the matter. Then stick around for the listener question segment where Bret and I answer the question: Do I need a will if I want to split my assets evenly between my two children? Outline of This Episode [1:42] Sequence of returns risk is the greatest risk to your retirement [6:48] How you can take the best of both strategies [14:20] Should I have a will to split my assets evenly between my kids? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Financial Advisor Magazine article

Is it possible to suddenly step away from a high-powered job and into a life of leisure? This may not be the best idea for your retirement if you work at the executive level.  In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore an article from Harvard Business Review that outlines several pitfalls that could come with retiring from a high-powered job and insights on how to navigate them.  Stick around for the listener question segment to hear the best ways to give money to your adult children while you are still living rather than waiting until you pass away to leave an inheritance.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] Advice for a CEO about to retire [3:36] Areas to think about when making the retirement transition [12:54] Advice on giving money to adult children while you’re still living Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Harvard Business Review article Episode 295 - How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1 Episode 296 - My Kids Don’t Want My S

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. Stick around to hear the answer to our listener question: Is there one person who can help develop a comprehensive retirement plan? Or do you need to have an investment advisor, a financial advisor, a tax advisor, and an estate planning attorney? Find out the answer by pressing play. Outline of This Episode [1:42] The 2 ways to mess up retirement [8:12] Investing in your home [10:00] Helping your children [14:38] Is there one person that can do all my retirement planning? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Yahoo Finance article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Too

If you want to spend more money in retirement you’ll want to understand how to maximize your Social Security benefits. Many people think that there is no going back once you’ve decided to collect your Social Security benefits. However, today’s retirement headline discusses two options in case you’d like a do-over.  In our listener question segment, one listener asks the best way to pass on their assets to their children. Listen in to hear the answer and scroll to the bottom of the show notes to discover more estate planning resources. Outline of This Episode [2:02] What happens if you change your mind about collecting Social Security? [7:01] When exactly should you start Social Security? [10:50] The best way to pass assets onto your kids Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Retirement Revealed podcast Financial Advisor Magazine article Estate planning episodes 295, 296, 124, 313, 255 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com