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On this episode: Is market volatility really the biggest retirement concern, or is there a more important question hiding in plain sight? "Whatever's left, they can have" sounds simple. Why that mindset may create challenges for spouses, children, and heirs. Healthcare costs, spending habits, and other unexpected realities can reshape retirement faster than many people anticipate. A large IRA could create unexpected tax consequences. Discover why timing may matter more than many retirees realize. Most retirees picked guaranteed income over a lump sum. Their answer reveals an intriguing retirement mindset. Advisor fees can add up over time. A closer look may raise questions many investors never think to ask. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Studies show that the happiest decade of our life is our 60s. What should you be doing to make that a reality? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: She bought her dream house on the beach but may have done it the wrong way. Is the greed factor getting you in this stock market? If you delay Social Security and draw off your 401(k), does the math work? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the biggest reason retirees avoid annuities has nothing to do with the product itself? Greg examines why annuities continue setting sales records while remaining one of the most criticized financial tools. He breaks down the differences between annuities, CDs, and market-based investments, explains the role of guarantees and risk management, and shares his perspective on why parts of the financial industry push back against them. Plus, a look at where annuities may fit within a broader retirement strategy. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Micron's earnings sparked excitement, but market volatility remains. Greg explains why retirement planning shouldn't depend on stock picking or chasing the next hot investment. From 401(k)s to advisory accounts, fees can quietly drain retirement assets. Greg breaks down the true cost of financial advice and why value matters. An advisor suggested borrowing instead of spending retirement money. Greg examines the math, tax consequences, and why some retirement advice may not serve clients. Delayed dreams, working too long, tax mistakes, and outdated estate plans. Greg shares lessons retirees wish they had learned sooner. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Most people believe they will be in a lower tax bracket and will get tax refunds in retirement. That may not be true. Is it time to pull back on your market risk when you retire? Financial advisors get paid in many ways. What is right for you? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if everything the financial industry has told you about retirement isn't quite the full story? Headlines insist you need $1.8 million to retire, yet only 3% of retirees actually have that — and 82% say they have enough and are happy. So what's really going on? On this episode, Greg Aler unpacks why the industry leans on fear, inflation talk, and savings targets to keep retirees uncertain and dependent. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Maybe we don’t all need a million dollars to retire. Are we all leaning too much on our 401(k) money? It worked for mom and dad, why won’t it work for me? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Many retirement plans fail in the first 5 years of retirement…why? Is an IRA-to-Roth conversion a good move for you? One article says be careful. How one man had to wait 5 years to settle his father’s estate, only to find out about a big tax surprise. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: The over heated stock market, the war, and inflation: Are these things keeping you from retiring? Have we found the perfect number for your IRA-to-Roth conversion? The purpose for a Will and how you spend your inheritance. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maybe your family is one that doesn’t talk about money. That can come back to haunt you after the passing of a loved one. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: When tech stocks are up 200%, is it real? Whirlpool stopped paying its dividend after 70 years. Does that mean something? Want to know how much you’ll need per month in retirement? The new averages are out. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You may love your job and gladly work 60 hours a week. What challenges does that bring for your retirement? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Some people retire with strong finances but still struggle—because retirement isn’t just about the numbers. Why are annuities suddenly gaining traction among retirees? Retirement withdrawals aren’t always rule-based—how you pull income can be more flexible than you might expect. Family inheritance plans can look simple on paper, but real-life dynamics often make them far more complicated. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever look out the window at work longing to be out there instead of at your desk? Most everybody does, but it takes on a different meaning in your 60s. Greg is joined by Golden Reserve President Phil Huff to discuss when you know it’s time to be done. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Fire Your Financial Advisor: Can you “break the bank” on a retirement whim? Sometimes boring is better with investing. Is Vanguard taking it too far? When the estate had bills, how much do you have to pay? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If your kids are shocked by what’s in your will, the damage may already be done. On this episode of Fire Your Financial Advisor, Greg Aler digs into why inheritances so often spark family conflict and how unclear estate planning can turn grief into litigation. Greg draws from years as an estate attorney to explain common flashpoints—unequal distributions, family businesses, estranged children, and last‑minute changes—and why will contests almost never end well. The conversation focuses on intent, communication, and documentation, highlighting why tough conversations held early can shape very different outcomes later. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Headlines scream disaster—are you letting clickbait steer your retirement plan and risk tolerance? One Medicare premium bump can distract from the bigger IRA tax math—especially for spouses and heirs. A neat rule of thirds sounds simple—until your goals, emotions, and income needs refuse to fit the buckets. DIY investing feels great in your 60s—what happens when paperwork, health, and life events collide in your 70s? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the pros and cons of dipping into your 401(k) to let your Social Security payment grow? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Coming to grips with watching your balance go down in retirement. Should you ever put personal money into a workplace 401(k)? What happens when your advisor invests your money in ways you never asked for? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone loves to hate annuities—yet $464 billion poured into them last year. What do all those retirees know that the loudest critics don’t? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Without all that employer income, why do retirees get into tax troubles? IRAs often look like savings—but they can turn into one of the biggest tax liabilities retirees and their families face. A headline promises to boost your 401(k), but what’s actually being added behind the scenes? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: The fallacy of “When you do better, we do better.” Hidden costs that may surprise you in retirement. Many happy retirees have established this bucket of money. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being debt free is a great goal in retirement. But at what cost? Sometimes paying off that mortgage makes more psychological sense than financial sense. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
70 percent of us will need some kind of care in our elder years. That care could be VERY expensive. Saying, “That will never happen to me” is not a good strategy. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Why retirees keep making the same mistake: Your money keeps growing, but fear holds you back from spending—until you realize the real risk isn’t spending too much, it’s not living enough. The Roth conversion timing trap: Move too slowly and taxes explode later; move too fast and Medicare costs jump—finding the right window can save tens of thousands over retirement. Why fees feel invisible but hit hard: Like Medicare, the more you have, the more you pay—often for the same service—raising the question of what your advisor is really earning each year. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How much do you charge? How do you deal with risk, inflation, taxes, and Social Security? These are all good questions for your financial advisor. We discuss a question that may be a deal breaker. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Fee only, flat fee, one-time fee. What advisor is right for you? You hit your retirement savings goal. Is it time to go to cash? Your savings, your pension, your 401(k), or your house. Which is your biggest retirement asset? It might be something else. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each year around St. Patrick’s Day, McDonalds offers the Shamrock Shake. But it’s only available for a short time. Are there tasks in retirement that have a window of opportunity? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Should you be backing off your risk in this crazy market? Haven’t saved enough? Maybe you can double your savings in retirement. What works better: Paying taxes now on your 401(k) or pay taxes later? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: You buy something and they try to add on and add on. Is your financial advisor doing it too? Your risk profile: Where is your bottom? Or is that even the right question? This could be your biggest hurdle if you retire early. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The financial news throws around terms that are hard to understand. Let’s break it down for you. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Remember the creature feature scary movie when you were a kid? The financial industry is very similar. When you start tapping into your 401(k), Uncle Sam sees you in a whole new way. Many people try to do their own retirement planning. How are they doing five years later? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your RMD math: did you get it right this year? The IRS is watching. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tariffs have caused negative feelings around the world regarding the U.S. Some say if they sold all their US bonds it could sink our stock market. Is that true? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Whether you’ve saved $500k or $5 million, people are asking this same question. Everyone seems to make chili differently. Is it ok to look at your retirement portfolio the same way? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The average retiree spends about 6,000 dollars a month. How do you figure out how much you can spend without the biggest fear of most everyone…running out of money. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: They say you need 1.5 million dollars to retire. We blow up that number with one key factor. What if you hate risk? Can you retire and not use the stock market? Warren Buffet weighs in on your stash of cash. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new study from JP Morgan says people who do this with their investments will spend more, enjoy retirement more, and have less anxiety. We break down what these investors have in common. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: People are staying in their homes longer and that may make them neglect some important planning issues. This DIYer looks back and says here’s what I could have done better. Many people are nervous about this stock market. One analyst believes that’s a good thing. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: One woman writes in talking about her biggest retirement regret. Millions of pre-retirees are moving money from their 401(k)s to their own IRAs. A smart move. Yet many people are stuck on what to do next. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Will 2026 be a better or worse year to retire than last year? There are trillions of dollars in money market funds waiting to be deployed into the market. Will it save us from a downturn? Can you do a Roth conversion without paying taxes? One advisor says he has the secret. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Much like when parents try to put off the "talk" when their kids are younger, they often avoid sharing estate plans when their children are older. Greg Aler explains how clear communication on wills and trusts—especially in blended families—prevents probate battles and protects your legacy with a simple, actionable roadmap. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before making big moves with your 401(k) at retirement, Greg Aler and Phil Huff explain why understanding your goals is more important than defaulting to “safe” investments. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With 4 million people retiring every year, there are bound to be “bad actors” out there in the financial planning world. How do you spot them? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: Why is there a disconnect between what people want and what financial advisors provide? Don’t fall prey to “bad actors” in the financial world. What are the actual steps to dialing back your portfolio risk? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The #1 concern every year among retirees is the fear of running out of money. Some advisors are saying, maybe that’s on us. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode: How will you spend in retirement? Should your kids know the details of your will? Vanguard: Will two wrongs make a right? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even a national group of financial advisors admits the term fiduciary is vague and, in their words, “means nothing.” Greg gives his opinion on the topic and what is more important when searching for retirement assistance. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most people stay with the wrong financial advisor far too long: out of loyalty, inertia, or fear of starting over. But the cost of sticking with the wrong person can be measured in dollars, stress, and lost years you can't get back. 5 Signs You Should Fire Your Financial Advisor1. They always say “ask your CPA” instead of doing proactive tax planning (advisors don't file returns, but tax planning is inseparable from investing and retirement decisions).2. They only talk about investments and ignore taxes, retirement income, insurance, and estate planning.3. You leave meetings confused—jargon and complexity replace clear explanations.4. Your spouse/partner is ignored or left out of meetings and decisions.5. You wouldn't rehire them today if you were starting fresh.A great advisor simplifies your life, coordinates every part of the plan, and speaks plainly. If that's not your experience, it might be time to move on.Ready to explore whether your advisory relationship is truly serving your best interests? Take an objective look at these warning signs and consider what advice your future self would give you today.-Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsementsParticipation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!