Retirement Starts Today Radio

Nobody likes to think about their own death but to save your loved ones from the headache of trying to navigate your digital accounts without your passwords, you’ll need to set them up for success now. If you don’t take steps to share your accounts after your death, gaining access to your data could be a lengthy and challenging process. I recently found an excellent article from Dalvin Brown at The Wall Street Journal which discusses How to Pass On Your Passwords When You Die. This article gives tips on what to do with our digital lives when we pass away.  Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear a question about Roth conversions and taxes. And if you haven’t done so yet, please take 3 minutes and fill out our 5th Annual Listener Survey to help me improve the show for you. Outline of This Episode [2:52] How to pass on your passwords [7:35] Using a password manager [10:15] Using passkeys makes sharing challenging [13:42] Roth conversions and taxes Resources & People Mentioned How t

 Many of us have financial goals that extend beyond ourselves to include friends and family. Doing so can be an enormous help to those you love, but it is important to consider your own financial well-being in conjunction with that of the ones you want to help. Today, we’ll look at an article that explores how to intentionally offer financial support to your loved ones without deviating from your financial goals. The article that we’ll look at comes from Sophia Bera at GenYPlanning.com and it takes a different approach to a timeless topic. Approaching issues from a different angle can give you a new perspective. In the listener questions segment, we’ll discuss two questions: one about inverse ETFs and another about the specific mechanics of doing a Roth conversion. Make your voice heard by completing our annual listener survey! Outline of This Episode [3:12] Money is a team sport [10:54] Create healthy boundaries [13:24] My thoughts on inverse ETFs in a declining market [16:54] Should Dave rebalance first be

Have you ever tried tax loss harvesting? With the markets down across the board, now is a good time to learn to utilize this tax-saving tool. I found a great article about this from Barrons.com that I share in the retirement headline segment. The article explores the traps that can befall someone trying to use this strategy. Afterward, in the listener questions segment, we’ll dive into the question: do I need life insurance in retirement? You may be surprised to learn that there is no one size fits all answer to this question.  If you have been a long-time listener of Retirement Starts Today, you may remember that I use our annual listener survey to improve the show each year. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Please take a few minutes to fill out this mostly multiple-choice survey so that we can ensure that we are bringing you the most relevant content to help guide you on your retirement journey. Outline of This Episode [2:17] Tax loss harvesting can be more sizzle than steak [3:44] 7 Tips for tax

If you are like many retirees and soon-to-be retirees, you may be rethinking your entire investing strategy. Stocks are down, interest rates are up, and inflation is eating away at your purchasing power.  One listener wonders, with everything going on in the world, should they shift their investments into commodities? In the listener question segment, I discuss what commodities are, how to invest in them, and share my thoughts on whether investing in commodities is a good idea. Before the listener questions, we’ll explore a retirement headline written by Eleanor O’Sullivan at Rethinking65.com which examines what life might look like if more people live to age 114. Join me on this episode of Retirement Starts Today as we explore the effects of technology on longevity and whether you should jump ship from your sinking stock portfolio to invest in commodities. Outline of This Episode [1:32] Planning to live to 114? [3:15] Cell phones improve access and democratize healthcare [7:53] Technology can help in every

Nobody likes to experience the uncertainty that a bear market brings, but it’s an even more challenging experience to weather when you are a recent retiree. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals in a bear market which is why I found an article outlining some lessons that you can remember during a bear market. Listen to this episode to hear some wise words of wisdom that may help you keep your wits about you during this bear market. Stick around until the end to hear my thoughts on tax-loss harvesting.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] 5 lessons to remember in bear markets [9:20] How to use tax-loss harvesting Resources & People Mentioned Five Things to Keep in Mind During Bear Markets by Jack Forehand The Retirement Tax Podcast - Listen to CPA, Steven Jarvis’ answer to the same listener question Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:  http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter:  https://retirementstartst

It’s no secret that we’re living longer than ever. People are living so long that we may soon be seeing 6 generations in a single-family.  With people living such a long time it makes retirement planning even more challenging than ever before. Understanding the 4 stages of retirement can help understand the different approaches to money management in each stage. Listen in to learn the 4 stages of retirement and how they can help you plan your retirement.  Outline of This Episode [1:42] There may soon be 6 generations in a single family [2:52] You may be in the anticipation stage of retirement [4:23] The reinvention stage is perhaps the most challenging stage [6:52] The reflection stage leads to thoughts on legacy [9:49] Renting vs. owning in retirement Resources & People Mentioned Ken Dychtwald Breaks Down the Four Stages of Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to

Inflation is weighing heavy on the minds of retirees right now, so when I came across this article on WSJ.com from Cristin Lourosa-Ricardo, I knew I had to share it with you. Listen in to try and find the silver lining of inflation.  If you are a financial advisor fan of this show, make sure to stick around until the very end for a special announcement. Outline of This Episode [1:38] How to lessen the impacts of inflation [5:19] Why you should buy the car you're leasing [9:00] Control lifestyle creep [14:34] How to balance a portfolio in this economic climate Resources & People Mentioned 15 Ways Consumers Can Deal with–and Even Benefit from–Rising Inflation Episode 247 - What’s Going on with the Market?! with Joseph Hogue Episode 245 - An Active Retirement Could Cost More Money with Thatcher Taylor Capital City Wealth Management on LinkedIn Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscrib

It’s true, money can’t buy happiness. But does how you choose to spend your money affect your happiness? Today we’ll discuss one article that challenges that old adage. We’ll also discuss a multifaceted question from a listener who just accepted an early retirement package. We’ll help her consider whether to rollover funds into an IRA and figure out what to do with her target-date funds. Listen in to hear the answers to this question and to consider whether money could actually buy happiness. For more information, visit the show notes at https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/money-cant-buy-happiness-or-can-it-ep-148/

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you've probably noticed a bit of an issue with the stock market lately. This can be distressing for any retiree, but when the declines in stock prices are coupled with high inflation and rising interest rates, then you have a triple threat to your retirement plans.  Today we have a special guest joining the show. Joseph Hogue, CFA from the Let's Talk Money!  YouTube channel, is here to help us understand what the heck is going on with the stock market. If you have been trying to figure out what you should be doing with your portfolio you won’t want to miss this interview with Joseph Hogue Outline of This Episode [1:22] What is a CFA? [3:22] What the heck is going on with the stock market? [8:55] Will this be over sooner or later? [10:50] Should we rebalance now? Connect with Joseph Hogue Let's Talk Money! with Joseph Hogue, CFA  MyStockMarketBasics.com Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Tw

We’ve all heard of the 4% rule, but did you know that the creator’s recommendation for it has changed over the years?  I recently discovered an article from ThinkAdvisor.com that included an interview with the father of the 4% rule, Bill Bengen. In the retirement headlines segment, we’ll take a close look at the article and learn directly from Mr. Bengen’s perspective and then I’ll offer my own. Don’t miss out on this glimpse into the mind of the creator of the 4% rule.  Outline of This Episode [2:12] Manage the risk portion of your retirement nest egg actively [7:00] Adjust your withdrawal rates along with inflation [7:47] My thoughts on using the 4% rule [15:03] Is there a way to improve Jim’s retirement plan? Resources & People Mentioned Father of 4% Rule Urges Caution, Cash as Market Risk Rises The American College of Financial Services The Extraordinary Upside Potential Of Sequence Of Return Risk In Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstoda

Are you planning on enjoying an active retirement? If so, it may cost you more than you think.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, I interview Thatcher Taylor, the financial advisor behind ProPathFinancial.com. Thatcher and I discuss how to prepare financially and mentally for an active retirement. Outline of This Episode [1:42] How to navigate the balance between [3:18] How plan for a longer retirement [9:00] A phased retirement plan could help you stay active [11:55] Do you have a sense of purpose in retirement? [18:33] Check out Thatcher’s YouTube channel Resources & People Mentioned Dr.Peter Attia Connect with Thatcher Taylor Thatcher Taylor on YouTube ProPathFinancial.com @DadBodFinancial on Instagram Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcast

If you are looking to ease into retirement by transitioning into a part-time role first, you won’t want to miss this episode of Retirement Starts Today. In the retirement headlines segment, we’ll explore an article by Anne Tergesen at the Wall Street Journal which outlines topics to consider when phasing out your retirement before retiring fully.  Make sure to stick around for the listener questions segment to hear a question from Scott about how to evaluate COLA options on a pension. Press play to start planning your amazing retirement.  Outline of This Episode [1:32] Talk to your employer about how to work fewer hours [3:12] Plan your income [6:34] Social Security considerations [11:51] To take the COLA or non-COLA option on a pension Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - How to Plan for Part-Time Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap Subscribe to the newsletter: https

If you have received an inherited IRA or think you will in the future you won’t want to miss this episode. In the retirement headlines segment, we’ll take a look at the proposed changes in regulations regarding inherited RMDs based on the Secure Act of 2020. In the listener questions segment, we’ll hear from Jim who has a question about rebalancing retirement income buckets. Make sure to stick around until the end so that you understand the best way to manage your buckets in retirement.  Outline of This Episode [1:32] The IRS interpretation isn’t what we thought it would be [7:36] An example to illustrate an inheritance scenario  [10:45] What can we learn from this new rule? [14:25] Should you have 5 years of income or 25% of your portfolio value in bucket #1? [17:18] Should you rebalance when stocks and bonds are down? [18:56] Do Vanguard total bond funds qualify for bucket #1 or #2? [22:03] Should you maintain a small list of funds in a portfolio? Resources & People Mentioned Episode 239 - Part-Time

How much thought have you given to your future self? This week’s retirement headline explores the concept of nurturing your future self now so that you can increase your health, happiness, and financial security. Over in our listener questions segment, I’ll answer a question from an anonymous listener about increasing their spending in retirement. They are looking for advice on whether they can afford to substantially increase their spending this year. Listen in to hear the Retirement Starts Today version of Suze Orman’s “Can I Afford It.” Outline of This Episode [1:58] Thinking about your future self can help you build a happier life [7:52] Who is your future self 10 years after retirement? [11:00] Should this listener spend the money that he didn’t spend in the past 3 years? Resources & People Mentioned How Thinking About 'Future You' Can Build a Happier Life Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s 30 Day Future Self Course BOOK - Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Reti

If you are heading into retirement you probably have a bucket list that you want to work on. While just about everyone has heard of a bucket list, not many are familiar with the concept of reverse bucket lists.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore this concept by referring to an article from Jeff Stein at Inc.com. You’ll learn how a reverse bucket list could help you manage your wants versus your needs.  Stick around for the listener questions segment to hear which assets to look at when doing a Roth conversion. You’ll also hear a question from Paul about the logistics of retirement withdrawals. Outline of This Episode [1:42] Using reverse bucket lists to prioritize [5:20] What assets to use at when looking at Roth conversions [9:48] The logistics of retirement withdrawals  [12:48] Make sure the money comes out of the right accounts Resources & People Mentioned Inc.com article Podcast - Optimism with Simon Sinek and Arthur Brooks An online risk tolerance questionnaire Connect wit

Do you wish you could have more freedom at work yet still earn a paycheck? Remote work and flexible scheduling may help you ease into retirement rather than plunging in all at once. In our retirement headline segment today, we’ll explore an article from the Wall Street Journal that discusses a new phenomenon that is a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, I’ll answer Frank’s question about using the bucket time segmentation strategy in retirement. Listen in to hear details about what those buckets might look like and how to time withdrawals from each bucket.  Outline of This Episode [1:32] How should the increase in mortgage interest rates change your retirement plans? [3:21] Part-time retirement programs are on the rise [7:40] Obstacles to phased retirements [8:25] My thoughts on phased retirement [9:54] How to determine when your long-term retirement savings bucket is up or down Resources & People Mentioned WSJ article - Part-Time Retirement Programs Are on the Rise Episode 238 - I’m

When people begin retirement planning they usually have 3 main questions. We cover the questions about what to do about healthcare before Medicare and should I pay off my house regularly on this show. However, the third question, what do I do if I still have kids at home, is not one we regularly address. That is why I’m excited to have Bobbi Rebell, author of the new book, Launching Financial Grown Ups on the show today. Bobbi is here to discuss the growing phenomenon of adult kids living with their parents and how that can impact your retirement plan. You won’t want to miss this episode if your kids are not completely launched. Listen in to hear Bobbi’s fantastic advice for creating an exit strategy to get your children off the payroll. Outline of This Episode [1:22] What to do if we have kids at home when facing retirement? [7:20] What can we do to prepare our kids for an exit strategy? [10:53] How to deal with our children’s financial mistakes [19:07] Don’t rob kids of the ability to think things through

Have you been hesitant to retire this year because of all that is going on in the world? On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a retirement headline from Maurie Backman at The Motley Fool called 3 Reasons Why 2022 May Be a Bad Year to Retire, but then you’ll hear my rebuttal to each of her 3 arguments.  If you have been on the fence about whether you should take the plunge and retire now, you won’t want to miss this episode. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear an anonymous question about how to be certain that you won’t owe interest and penalties on a Roth conversion.  Outline of This Episode [2:11] Pitfall #1 - The pandemic is still raging [5:00] Pitfall #2 - Inflation is rampant [8:15] Pitfall #3 - Stability is important [12:23] An underpayment penalty question Resources & People Mentioned The Motley Fool - 3 Reasons Why 2022 May Be a Bad Year to Retire Taxes in Retirement Facebook group Underpayment of Estimated Tax on the IRS website Estimated Taxes on

With the news that January’s inflation rate was a staggering 7.5%--the highest level in 40 years–everyone has inflation on their minds lately. Many retirees are reassessing how they can protect their nest eggs.  On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a WSJ headline, “There’s No Perfect Way to Inflation-Proof Your Investments,” by Anne Tergesen. If you have been wondering how you can best use your investments to hedge against inflation in retirement, don’t miss out on this episode to hear the pros and cons of several different options. Make sure to listen to the end to hear how long you might have to hold on to gold so that it keeps pace with inflation. (Spoiler alert–it’s a lot longer than you think!)  Outline of This Episode [1:22] Inflation is on the mind of every retiree in 2022 [3:57] I bonds are the belle of the ball [6:14] The pros and cons of TIPS [7:23] The pros and cons of stocks, commodities, and real estate [10:06] The pros and cons of buying gold [11:29] How to pay taxes on Rot

Many people begin retirement with the question: what’s next? That question can plant the idea of starting a second chapter whether it be a new business, a side hustle, a passion project, or a consulting business. The question then becomes, how to get started?  Gabe Nelson, the host of the Solopreneur Money podcast, is here to discuss how you can start a business in retirement. In this episode, you’ll learn tips on how to get started, how to decide what to charge, how long it should take to become profitable, and so much more.  Outline of This Episode [1:58] What are some tips for someone that wants to start a business in retirement? [5:28] How to keep track of expenses [7:00] At what point does the business have to become profitable? [11:30] How to move from employee to employer [14:00] The kinds of clients that Gabe works with [16:42] Gabe never plans on retiring Resources & People Mentioned QuickBooks Connect with Gabe Nelson SolopreneurMoney.com BOOK - The Solopreneur’s Money Manifesto by Gabe Nel