The Real Retirement Podcast

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What are the real financial strategies retirees need to know to make their retirement successful? Join Stephen H. Nelson, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charterholder, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, and President of Birchwood Capit

Stephen H. Nelson, CFA, CFP®


    • May 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 69 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Real Retirement Podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of personal finance and retirement planning. Hosted by Stephen, this podcast offers valuable insights and advice that can help listeners make informed decisions about their financial future. Stephen has a unique ability to condense difficult financial topics into digestible sessions, making it easier for listeners to understand and gain confidence in their own financial knowledge.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Stephen's expertise and ability to explain complicated financial concepts in a way that is easy to understand. Whether he is discussing retirement planning strategies or investment philosophies, Stephen consistently provides clear and concise information that listeners can easily apply to their own lives. His sessions are well-structured and organized, allowing listeners to follow along without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the content is always relevant and up-to-date, ensuring that listeners receive accurate information that reflects the current financial landscape.

    Another standout aspect of The Real Retirement Podcast is Stephen's trustworthiness as a host. He has earned the trust and respect of his audience through his extensive knowledge and experience in personal finance. Listeners can rely on Stephen's advice knowing that he is a trusted expert in the field. This sense of trust creates a comfortable environment for learning and allows listeners to feel confident in implementing his recommendations.

    While there are many great aspects of The Real Retirement Podcast, one potential downside is that the episodes may not be as engaging or entertaining as some other podcasts in the genre. This may be due to the nature of the content, which focuses on educational material rather than entertainment value. However, for those seeking informative and practical advice on retirement planning, this slight lack in entertainment value is easily overlooked.

    In conclusion, The Real Retirement Podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of personal finance and retirement planning. Stephen's ability to explain complex financial topics in a clear and concise manner makes this podcast accessible to all listeners, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience in the field. With his expertise and trustworthiness, Stephen has created a valuable platform that consistently delivers relevant and up-to-date information. Whether you are just starting your retirement planning journey or looking to enhance your financial knowledge, The Real Retirement Podcast is definitely worth adding to your playlist.



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    Latest episodes from The Real Retirement Podcast

    What a Real Retirement Portfolio Looks Like

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 23:12


    Today, let me share what a real retirement portfolio looks like. Yes, actually! This is what I use at my firm for my clients.   Referenced WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/stock-market-craziness-alternative-funds-7df17b9c   Learn more about Birchwood: https://birchwoodcapital.com/

    How to Redeem Your Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 12:13


    If you've saved, invested, and achieved some level of wealth through hard work and luck, you might still feel a bit weird for having more money than most. How should we deal with this?   Read more at: https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/  

    Tiny Habits to Create Lasting Value

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 12:02


    In this month's episode, we discuss how we can actually achieve the goals that we want: saving for retirement college wedding building friendships traveling, being a generous person     Learn more at https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/

    I'll Take My Gov't Pension Now With More Social Security, Please

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 9:12


    Today's episode we chat through the Social Security Fairness Act and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you worked in the private and public sector (teacher, police officer, fire fighter), then perk your ears up. This is HUGE!   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    When To Do a Roth Conversion vs. a Roth IRA Contribution

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 10:57


    Today we discuss Roth Conversions vs. Roth Contributions. You'll be able to tell the difference between the two and when to implement each one.     Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Back-To-Basics: How to Invest | E5

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 4:16


    Last episode in our back-to-basics series.   Today, it's all about how to invest.    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Back-To-Basics: How to Avoid Fee Tragedy | E4

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 13:48


    Back-to-basics serious continues!    Today, it's all about fees. I share a story highlighting the effects of fees on an investment portfolio.

    Back-to-Basics: Why Money Makes Us Anxious | E3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 10:41


    We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this second episode.   Today, we're talking about Why Money Makes Us Anxious   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Back-to-Basics: Saving | E2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2024 13:43


    We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this second episode.    Today, we're talking about "savings."  Where to do it How much to save How to become a saver And how to knock 7 years off your mortgage    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.    

    Back-to-Basics: Wealth & Budgeting | E1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 16:07


    Today we're kicking off our back to basics series. Where I'm going through different personal finance topics. Things like: net worth, budgeting, debt, savings, and investing.  You might think that you're beyond these and maybe so, but in putting this together even I found some great reminders about the basics. So let this be a reinforcement of what you believe or an opportunity to share it with someone else. Maybe a son, daughter, grandkid or family friend.  Today, we're talking about wealth, budgets and spending plans.    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    How To Earn Tax-Free Income

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 10:07


    Today we discuss how to earn tax-free income from your bond and money market funds. You may be familiar with Treasury or Municipal bonds, but you might not be getting the tax credit that you are owed. This is especially important in places like California!   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    What Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 15:37


    Today, we discuss the main issues you need to have nailed down before you retire. Cash Flow Healthcare Investment issues Tax issues Long-term planning issue    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Is My Money Safe at my Brokerage Firm/Custodian?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 15:11


    On today's episode, we're talking about what happens to your investments if a brokerage firm like Charles Schwab or Fidelity failed? Is there something we need to do in case this should happen? What protections are in place to help me not lose my money?   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    How to Read Financial News

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 9:02


    Today, I share how we currently absorb financial news is detrimental to our long-term strategies. And I offer a better way!   Resources: JP Morgan: Guide to the Markets JP Morgan: Long-term Capital Market Assumptions How to read financial news - Robert Martorana, CFA

    [Replay] Preparing the Family for the Assets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 9:45


    If you've done a good job preparing the assets for the family (completed an estate plan), how's it going preparing the family for the assets? We'll discuss a huge unstoppable hurdle that's coming for us all as we age. And we'll lay out 2 easy steps to get started with answering this question. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings

    [Replay] Are You a Real Investor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 14:36


    If we are going to have a chance at building wealth and making our money last through retirement, then we'd darn well better know what it means to actually be an investor. How most people define what an investor is could put your retirement in jeopardy. After this episode, you'll know how to be real investors because that's what will put you in the best position to achieve your retirement goals. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Tax Moves to Consider Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 16:32


    We discuss an article from the WSJ about tax moves retirees need to consider now before 2026.    

    Should I Own Individual Bonds or Bond Funds?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 13:21


    Today we'll be discussing the differences between owning individual bonds or a bond fund. Is one better than the other?  

    How Much Can I Gift?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 10:37


    Today we'll be discussing gifting.  How much can you gift? Will it be taxable? Will it affect my IRMAA premiums?    To learn more, head on over to birchwoodcapital.com. 

    Should You Pay Tax Estimates?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 16:12


    On today's episode, we discuss tax estimates. Should you pay them? When do you pay them? How much should you pay?   Learn more at birchwoodcapital.com

    What a Meeting With an Advisor Looks Like

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 13:23


    On this episode, I share how I structure my client and guest meetings. If you've never worked with an advisor before, this might alleviate some hesitation due to wondering what actually takes place in a meeting.

    The Roth IRA 5-Year Rules You Need to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 20:41


    Today, I'll be sharing with you the Roth IRA 5-Year Rules. Yes, there's 2 of them. One for contributions and one for conversions. As you approach retirement you need to make sure you are not running afoul of these rules or else your earnings could be taxable along with a 10% penalty. That completely washes out the benefits of doing a Roth IRA in the first place! Making this episode made me realize how confusing this part of Roth's can be. Now at least you'll know to watch out!   Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com   Sources: Two 5-Year Rules for Roth IRAs

    How to Become a Millionaire - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 14:48


    2 Part of the series on one of my favorite books: The Millionaire Next Door. Today it's all about how millionaires: Buy cars  Help their children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own Part 1 covers: Building wealth. See episode 36 Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 47

    How to Become a Millionaire - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 18:10


    Over the next two episodes, we're talking about one of my favorite books: The Millionaire Next Door If you've ever wondered - how do people become wealthy? Or how do I become a millionaire? And... After I am wealthy how do I help my children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own? Part 1 covers: Building wealth Check out Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 47  

    The Problem with ESG Funds

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 9:24


    Today, I'm going to share with you the problems of ESG - or Environmental , Social, & Governance funds. The case for ESG makes sense: we want to put our money into companies that share our values. The issue is this: Wall Street likes to say that you can do this AND earn a good return or even a higher return! I review 3 problems with ESG investing and some ideas for what we can do.  Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com

    The Case for Funding a Roth IRA Over a Traditional IRA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2023 14:31


    Today, I give an argument for contributing to a Roth IRA vs. a Traditional IRA.   Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com

    An Investing Lesson from Beethoven + Listener Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2023 8:51


    Today, we learn a lesson from musical composer: Beethoven. And we're answering listener questions! "If one has surplus income, is it advisable to put that towards paying down a mortgage to increase home equity, or rather just invest it instead and keep your mortgage as is?" Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapital.com Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com/

    Can You Save Too Much in a Pre-tax IRA/401k?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 21:08


    Today, we answer the question: should you ever stop saving for retirement in your traditional IRA or traditional 401k? And we're answering listener questions!  Can combining investments with your spouse increase your returns? What are the pros/cons of contributing beyond your employer's match in your 401k versus putting the excess in a taxable account?   Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapital.com Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ 

    How Qualified Charitable Distributions Can Save You Taxes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 11:52


    Today, we're talking about how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD's) can save you taxes. Also, I'll share the proper mechanics of doing one so you don't get double taxed!

    Should You Pay Off Your House When You Retire?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 9:16


    Today, we'll be working to answer this question. I provide a way to frame it which may make the solution a no-brainer and provide pros and cons for paying/not paying off your home

    'Is This It?' When Retirement Isn't Satisfying

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 19:27


    Today's episode, we're talking about what travel bucket lists and Silicon Valley Bank has to do with creating satisfying retirements.  To learn more, head over to: https://birchwoodcapital.com/  Show notes: Shred the bucket list ‘Is this it?' When Success isn't satisfying A son's story about his father's retirement

    How to Determine How Much Life Insurance You Need

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2023 10:28


    Today, we'll determine how much life insurance you need and only slightly make fun of whole-life policies.   Show notes: https://clark.com/insurance/life-insurance/term-life-insurance-how-to-buy/  https://www.policygenius.com/    

    How to Maximize FDIC Insurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2023 12:30


    Today we're talking about FDIC insurance. What it covers and how much of it you can actually get at your current bank beyond $250K. You might be surprised!    

    I'm Growing in My Career: How Much Should I Be Saving for Retirement?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 12:55


    Today, if you're growing in your career and wondering how much you should be saving for retirement. This episode is for you. I walk you through 2 ways on how to determine if you're saving enough.   Show notes: JP Morgan Guide to Retirement

    How to Properly Take Advantage of Roth Conversions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 9:43


    If you have a traditional retirement account, you have a built-in tax liability to the government. Essentially, the government "owns" a piece of that account. As the account grows, so too does this liability to Uncle Sam. What if there was a way to reduce Uncle Sam's take? There absolutely is.  Today, we're talking about how to properly take advantage of a Roth conversion.      For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com.

    Should I Buy a Second Home in Retirement or Prior to Retiring?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 11:35


    If you're planning on buying a second home, we'll be talking about if you should buy it before you retire or after you retire?

    The New 60/40 Portfolio? Are Long-Term Care Policies Worth It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 14:33


    On today's episode, I offer my thoughts on a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about re-allocating portfolios from the traditional 60% stocks 40% bond portfolios to a more bond-heavy weighting. If bonds are yielding much higher returns how should we adjust our portfolios? ALSO: Are Long-Term Care policies worth it? And when should I get one?

    The Day You Became a Better Investor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2023 6:12


    Today is the day you became a better investor.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com. 

    How to Properly Do a Backdoor Roth IRA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2023 14:21


    Today's episode focuses on doing a Backdoor Roth IRA the CORRECT way. There are many hazards in this quest to overcome the income limitations of a normal Roth IRA contribution. For you higher earners, this is an episode for you. I'll walk you through the steps so you don't make a big mistake.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Howard Marks Memos: '01-'05

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 22:42


    What I'm learning from Howard Marks Memos: '01-'05. My hope is this episode is a resource for you to develop your own competence with retirement, investing and taxes.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    How Do I Know if I Have Enough for Retirement?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 16:20


    On today's episode, I help you determine if you can afford to live off of your savings and be financially independent. Easy enough! Joking aside, this is one of the burning questions in the back of most people's minds. Hopefully this episode either relieves some stress or gets you to kick it into gear!   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

    Howard Marks Memos: '96-'00

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 37:08


    What I'm learning from Howard Marks Memos: '96-'00.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 

    Should I Help My Adult Child with a Home Purchase?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 12:15


    On today's episode, we discuss if you should help your children with a home purchase and what things you need to know before you do.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 

    Howard Marks Memos: '90-'95

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2022 30:42


    What I'm learning from Howard Marks Memos: '09-'95.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 

    How Will Inflation Affect My Retirement?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2022 11:33


    On today's episode we'll be talking about how inflation will affect your retirement and what we can do about them We'll also discuss what the biggest risks to any portfolio are. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.    Further Reading: Why are my inflation hedges not working? Don't buy your advisor a house!

    How to Properly Implement a Donor Advised Fund

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 9:39


    On today's episode, we discuss the amazing tax and gifting benefits of using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).   Many people have not heard of this incredible strategy. A DAF opens the door to avoiding capital gains (yes, that's not a typo), increasing your charitable contributions without costing you more out of pocket, taking advantage of itemizing your deductions and getting credit for your donations - among much more.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.    Show Notes:   Further Reading: Don't buy your advisor a house! Did you know a traditional advisor could cost you $1.8 million in fees? Q2 2022 Market Overview Will Inflation Ruin My Retirement?

    How to Get Back into the Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 12:09


    On today's episode, we'll talk about how to invest a large chunk of money. I'll walk you through what your options are and explain how I approach this situation at Birchwood.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings   Show Notes: Every Step of the Birchwood Investment Process How to invest a lump sum of money Even God Couldn't Beat Dollar-Cost Averaging Why Buying the Dip is a Terrible Investment Strategy

    Your Guide Through Social Security

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 15:43


    On today's episode, we do an in-depth guide through Social Security. We discuss the rules surrounding Social Security, the monthly worker and spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and we talk about delaying Social Security or not.   We also discuss the solvency of the system. Will it survive?   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings   Show Notes: Summary of provisions for solvency problem "Social Security: The Inside Story" - Andy Landis

    Why Invest When I Feel Like the Market Will Collapse?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 12:00


    On today's episode, we discuss this question: Why would I invest in the market when I feel like the market will collapse or we'll have a recession? We confront the behavioral biases that interfere with our ability to invest for the long-term. We explain Birchwood's principles of investing, and why one would continue to invest even in this market. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings   Show Notes: Meet Bob: The world's worst market timer (A Wealth of Common Sense) Could the stock market crash for real? Here's how to prepare (Kiplinger)

    Preparing the Family for the Assets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 9:28


    If you've done a good job preparing the assets for the family (completed an estate plan), how's it going preparing the family for the assets? We'll discuss a huge unstoppable hurdle that's coming for us all as we age. And we'll lay out 2 easy steps to get started with answering this question. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings

    What Is Your Enough?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022 8:47


    On today's episode, we're talking about limits on ourselves. If you want to maximize your retirement, that includes maximizing your joy in life. Turns out that putting limitations on ourselves can actually produce more joy. Find out how to start.   For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings   Show Notes: 60% of Americans can't cover a $1,000 expense The Overspent American

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