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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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 , joins me to discuss the financial and nonfinancial considerations of...

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...

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...

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...

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]...

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...

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...

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...

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...

#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 ...

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]...