Podcasts about Kiplinger

Risk is almost always something you face when making financial decisions. Investing in the market? Risk. Putting all your money under your mattress? A different kind of risk, but still risk. A recent article from Kiplinger's talks about risk management in different decades of your life, so let's see how much Logan agrees with their recommendations…  Contact Information: Website: https://legacyrootswm.com/ Phone: 888-823-7526

For decades, retirement planning revolves around one primary goal of saving enough money. But as retirement approaches, a different question becomes increasingly important: how much of that money will you actually get to keep? Many retirees discover too late that taxes can significantly impact their retirement income, Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums, and even the legacy they leave behind. In this episode, Scott explains why proactive tax planning deserves a seat at the retirement planning table. Here's what we cover in this episode:

Norman Calvo explains how he found a third act in retirement by going against the norm and choosing adventure instead of a typical retirement. https://youtu.be/81atmTUjBWE One of the questions I ask people as they approach retirement is deceptively simple: What are you retiring to? Most retirement planning conversations focus on finances. That’s understandable. People want to know if they’ve saved enough, whether their investments are positioned correctly, how Social Security fits into the picture, and what taxes might look like in retirement. Those are important questions, and they’re exactly the kinds of issues my team helps clients navigate. But once the financial pieces are in place, another challenge emerges—one that often receives far less attention. What will make retirement meaningful? Norman Calvo and I dug deeper into how he was able to find meaning in retirement after decades as a successful business owner in this week's episode of the Retire Today podcast. Norman discovered an entirely new chapter of life after work. His true retirement story illustrates a lesson I’ve seen repeatedly among retirees: financial independence creates freedom, but it doesn’t automatically create purpose. The Risk Nobody Plans For Most people spend years preparing for the financial risks of retirement. They plan for market volatility.They prepare for inflation.They consider healthcare costs.They evaluate longevity risk. Yet many people never prepare for a different risk altogether: drift. Drift rarely happens intentionally. In fact, most retirees who experience it worked incredibly hard to earn the freedom they now possess. The challenge is that work provides structure. It creates goals, deadlines, responsibilities, relationships, and a sense of progress. For decades, many professionals wake up knowing exactly what needs to be accomplished that day. Then retirement arrives. The calendar empties. The obligations disappear. The structure that guided daily life for years suddenly vanishes. For some retirees, that freedom feels exhilarating. For others, it becomes surprisingly disorienting. Why Purpose Doesn’t Automatically Appear Norman explained how many people gradually lose touch with the activities that once excited them. Careers expand, family responsibilities increase, and life’s demands naturally push hobbies and interests to the side. By the time retirement arrives, some people have forgotten what they enjoyed doing before work consumed most of their attention. As a result, retirement can unintentionally become a period of maintenance rather than growth. Days become predictable. Weeks begin to blend together. And while there’s nothing wrong with relaxation, most people don’t spend decades saving and investing simply to become passive observers in their own lives. The Power of One New Decision Norman’s transformation didn’t begin with a grand retirement vision. It started with a single decision. A coworker encouraged him to train for a half marathon. At the time, he weighed 247 pounds, worked long hours, and had never been a runner. He wasn’t looking for a new identity. He simply agreed to try something different. That one decision led to another. Running led to additional races, including the New York City Marathon. Along the way, he discovered interests and opportunities he never would have anticipated. He joined a choir, performed in cabaret productions, taught English overseas, and even began learning handstands in his seventies. What stands out isn’t the specific activities. It’s the willingness to remain curious. Too often we assume retirement is a time to narrow our world. Norman’s experience suggests the opposite may be true. Retirement can be a time to expand it. Create a Plan for Your Life Throughout our working years, we create plans for almost everything. Businesses have strategic plans.Families have financial plans.Organizations establish goals and objectives. Yet many retirees never develop a plan for how they want to spend the freedom they’ve worked so hard to create. That doesn’t mean every hour needs to be scheduled. It does mean thinking intentionally about questions such as: What experiences would I regret never having? What skills would I like to develop? What interests have I neglected? What challenges would energize me? What relationships deserve more of my attention? These questions may seem less urgent than investment allocation or tax planning, but they often determine whether retirement feels fulfilling. Retirement Is More Than Financial Independence Many successful retirees continue to grow long after they stop working. They volunteer.They mentor.They travel.They learn.They teach.They pursue interests that were postponed for decades. Not because they have to. Because they can. Financial independence gives people options. The real challenge is deciding how to use those options in a way that creates a life that remains engaging and meaningful. The Bottom Line When people think about retirement, they often focus on what they’re leaving behind. Work.Commutes.Deadlines.Stress. But retirement is ultimately less about what you’re leaving and more about what you’re building next. The financial plan creates the opportunity. The life you create afterward is what gives that opportunity meaning. As Norman’s story demonstrates, some of the most rewarding experiences in life may not happen before retirement. They may happen because of it. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Norman Calvo's Substack “Against the Norm” podcast AgainstTheNorm.net  Email Norman Calvo Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Paul and Randy talk Texas baseball, sports gambling, the seemingly inevitable push towards CFP expansion and the unintended Pandora's Box that it might unleash on fan investment in the sport. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

There's some big retirement news out of Washington worth understanding. President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement savings for the tens of millions of Americans whose employers don't offer a plan. Today, Scott breaks down what was signed, what it means in practice, and what questions it raises for your own retirement picture. The retirement coverage gap has been a known problem for a long time. This is one of the more concrete attempts to address it and give workers a real on-ramp to retirement savings. Here's what we cover in this episode:

Joe Schmitz Jr. and Jeremy Keil explore the 2% Club of retirees and the unique challenges that come with significant retirement savings and a pension. https://youtu.be/G04JKpKyLJ0 Most retirement conversations focus on one question: Will I have enough? But there's another retirement challenge that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: What happens when you've done everything right? Joe Schmitz Jr. has been working with a very specific group of retirees he calls the 2% Club. His definition: People who have both: A pension And $1 million or more saved for retirement That combination creates opportunities. But it also creates a different set of retirement decisions. Success Creates Different Problems For decades, these retirees did what they were told: Saved consistently Avoided lifestyle inflation Built meaningful retirement assets Earned pensions Stayed disciplined Now retirement arrives… …and suddenly the challenge isn't accumulating wealth. It's using it wisely. Joe shared one statistic that stood out: “80% of people out there will pay no federal income taxes in retirement… while this 2% club is part of that 20% that will have to pay taxes and typically much more.” That means retirement planning shifts. Less focus on accumulation. More focus on: Taxes Spending Distribution strategy Legacy Purpose Why High-Income Retirees Can Accidentally Become Under-Spenders One of the most interesting parts of this conversation was Joe's concept of the Midwestern Millionaire. His description: Hard-working.Frugal.Disciplined. Excellent savers. Often reluctant spenders. And that creates an unexpected retirement problem. People who spent 40 years training themselves to save don't automatically become comfortable spending. Even when they can afford it. Joe described clients who had millions saved but still struggled emotionally to use their money because restraint had become part of their identity. That's where retirement planning becomes less about spreadsheets and more about permission. The Four Places Your Money Can Go Joe offered a simple framework. Your money ultimately goes somewhere. You can: Spend it Gift it Give it Pay taxes on it That framework creates an important question: If you're not spending your money intentionally… where is it going? That doesn't mean everyone should spend aggressively. But it does mean retirees should think intentionally about: Lifestyle Family impact Charitable goals Taxes Because choosing not to decide is still a decision. Pension Decisions Deserve More Attention Than Most People Give Them Joe also emphasized something I see frequently: People often make pension elections based on coworkers. Someone retires.Takes a lump sum.Everyone follows. But pension elections are often irreversible. Joe's advice was simple: Run the numbers. Questions like these matter: Lump sum or monthly pension? Survivor benefits? Age differences between spouses? Existing assets? Insurance needs? The right answer isn't universal. It's personal. Don't Let Tax Fear Control Retirement For some retirees, fear of crossing an income threshold and triggering Medicare IRMAA surcharges becomes bigger than the actual cost itself. Joe's point wasn't to ignore taxes. It was to understand them. Tax planning matters. But taxes shouldn't become the only goal. Because avoiding taxes at all costs can sometimes prevent people from living the retirement they actually built. The Real Goal One story Joe shared captured this perfectly. A retired couple promised each other they'd spend intentionally during their early retirement years. Two years later… They had spent nothing. Not because they couldn't. Because they hadn't learned how. Eventually they created a spending plan and began enjoying experiences they had delayed for decades. That's the shift retirement requires. You don't stop being disciplined. You simply redirect that discipline. The Bottom Line Retirement success isn't measured by how much money you leave untouched. It's measured by whether your money helps support the life you actually wanted. Because after decades of saving… Retirement planning becomes deciding what your wealth is for. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “How Much Taxes Will Retirees Owe on Their Retirement Income?” – Center for Retirement Research at Boston College Peak Retirement Planning Joe Schmitz Jr. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peakretirementplanninginc.  Articles by Joe Schmitz Jr. on Kiplinger “Joe Knows Retirement” podcast with Joe Schmitz Jr.  Books by Joe Schmitz Jr.  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

You spent decades learning how to save for retirement, but almost nobody teaches you how to actually spend from it. Today, Scott explains why retirement income planning is completely different from simply building a large 401(k), and how to turn retirement savings into a reliable paycheck. He reminds us that the distribution phase of retirement can be just as important as the accumulation phase. Here's what we cover in this episode:

Jesse Cramer and Jeremy Keil detail 7 real world lessons learned from working with hundreds of retirees. There's a big difference between studying retirement… …and actually sitting across the table from retirees for years. This week I sat down with Jesse Cramer and instead of doing a typical “Retire Today” interview, we decided to compare notes from working with hundreds of retirement clients and shared the lessons that rarely show up in textbooks or headlines. Experiences often speak louder than theory, so let's dive into the 7 main lessons. Lesson #1: Most Retirees Don't Have a “Purpose Crisis” If you spend time searching YouTube or Amazon for retirement advice, you'll likely come across the “retirement purpose crisis.” In our real-world experience working with retiree, this doesn't seem to show up the way financial media suggests. Yes, some retirees need time to adjust. But most aren't spiraling into an identity crisis after leaving work. Why? Because many workers weren't necessarily emotionally attached to the structure of their jobs—they were looking forward to having control of their time again. A lot of retirees quickly find purpose in: Family Grandkids Community Travel Hobbies Freedom itself The bigger adjustment often isn't purpose. It's learning how to structure time differently. Lesson #2: Most People Start Planning Too Late One of the clearest themes in the conversation was timing. Many people first show up to retirement planning webinars only months before retirement—or even after they've already retired. That creates problems. Important decisions around: Social Security Investments Pensions Healthcare Spending levels Taxes …all work better when there's time to think through options. Jesse's recommendation was simple: Start seriously planning at least 12 months before retirement—and ideally earlier. Not because every detail must be finalized years in advance, but because retirement works best when decisions are intentional instead of rushed. Lesson #3: Couples Need to Get on the Same Page Retirement isn't an individual decision when you're married. But many couples approach it that way. We find it is common for spouses to have completely different views on: Retirement timing Spending Investment risk Social Security Lifestyle expectations Sometimes one spouse wants maximum security. The other wants maximum freedom. And if those conversations don't happen early, conflict can show up later. I've seen couples who struggle with spending expectations and pension decisions because both people weren't fully involved in the planning process. The takeaway was clear: Retirement planning works better when both spouses understand the plan—even if only one person enjoys the financial details. Lesson #4: Social Security Can Be Flexible One of Jesse's most interesting ideas was describing Social Security as a “pressure release valve.” Instead of viewing Social Security as a rigid decision with one perfect claiming age, retirees can think about it more dynamically. For example: Delay benefits while markets are strong But turn benefits on earlier if market declines create stress on the portfolio That flexibility can help reduce sequence of returns risk—the danger of withdrawing heavily from investments during a market downturn early in retirement. The key insight? Retirement planning isn't static. Good plans adapt. Lesson #5: Too Much Stability Can Become a Risk Many retirees focus heavily on avoiding losses. That's understandable. But Jesse shared a cautionary example of a retiree with roughly 90% of investable assets in annuity products because she wanted maximum stability. The problem? Over-emphasizing one risk can create others. Oftentimes retirees “over-index” against market risk while unintentionally increasing: Inflation risk Liquidity risk Longevity risk Safety itself can become risky if growth disappears entirely. Lesson #6: One Big Mistake Can Change Retirement Forever I once had a client who wanted 10% retirement income and concentrated his entire portfolio into one high-dividend bank stock. Within days: The dividend disappeared The stock collapsed Half the retirement savings vanished It was a reminder that retirement success often comes less from finding perfect strategies… …and more from avoiding catastrophic mistakes. As Jesse referenced through Charlie Munger's thinking:Sometimes the smartest retirement planning question is: “What should I absolutely avoid doing?” Lesson #7: Retirees Often Need Permission to Spend This may have been the most emotional lesson in the episode. Many retirees struggle to switch from saver to spender—even when the math clearly says they can afford it. I once worked with a widow with more than $1 million saved who refused to withdraw money to visit her grandchildren because emotionally she couldn't bring herself to spend her savings. That's where framing matters. As Jesse summarized:You're not changing identities from “saver” to “spender.” You've always been a retirement planner. Earlier in life, prudent planning meant saving. Now, prudent planning may mean spending intentionally on things that matter. The Bottom Line Retirement planning isn't just math. It's behavior.It's psychology.It's communication.It's flexibility. And many of the most important lessons aren't learned from spreadsheets. They're learned from real retirees living real lives. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps BestInterest.blog  Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors – Jesse Cramer's podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Your Retirement Sketchbook: This $10B Money Manager Shares Timeless AdviceGuest Jamie P. Hopkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors and Chief Wealth Officer of WSFSWebsite:https://www.bmt.com/$9.7 B AUM$83B AUAJamie's Book Your Retirement Sketchbook https://www.amazon.com/s?k=your+retirement+sketchbook&adgrpid=189089282849&hvadid=779538706971&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9012420&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=9417797168261476935--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9417797168261476935&hvtargid=kwd-2438321451310&hydadcr=22566_13730726_8131&mcid=95ac021b6cc2339c840c1c1b5258a34f&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_8genc50o2l_eJamie's BioJamie P. Hopkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors and Chief Wealth Officer of WSFS. Jamie is a graduate of Temple University School of Law, where he received his LL.M., and Villanova University School of Law, where he earned his juris doctorate and his MBA.A Wall Street Journal bestselling author, educator and executive speaker, Jamie serves on numerous advisory boards around the financial services industry and formerly as a national trustee member of NAIFA.Jamie is also the founder and president of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit FinServ Foundation and was named as a top 10 Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisor for 2023.Jamie's new bestselling book is Your Retirement Sketchbook, designed to make retirement planning simple. Jamie has written for MarketWatch, InvestmentNews, ThinkAdvisor, Forbes and Kiplinger.

What actually separates people who build lasting wealth from everyone else? Not the tips. Not the apps. The habits. Joe put the question to a panel of financial planners, coaches, and bloggers -- and turned it into a game. Seven habits, three rounds, two points up for grabs. Monica Scudieri, who paid off $257,000 in debt and reached financial independence in 10 years, joined OG and Jesse Cramer to find out how well the conventional wisdom matches what actually works.What You'll Walk Away WithThe seven millionaire habits Kiplinger identified -- and which ones the panel nailed, missed, and argued aboutWhy continuously educating yourself about money remains one of the highest-leverage habits at any income levelThe networking truth wealthy people understand that most people don't -- and why "who not how" changes everything about how you approach your career and financesMonica's story: how she turned a divorce, $257,000 in debt, and three rounds of unemployment into financial independence in a decadeWhy living below your means isn't about deprivation -- it's about creating the margin that makes every other habit possibleThe pay yourself first argument that actually holds up when your budget is genuinely tightWhy OG thinks waking up early is the worst advice in personal finance -- and what he thinks actually matters insteadThe book recommendations that shaped each panelist's financial philosophy -- including a deep dive on why passive investing still winsWhy diversifying your income streams landed on the millionaire habits list -- and what that looks like in practiceThe complete list of seven habits, revealed at the end -- including the two the panel never guessedWhy This Matters NowMillionaire habits get discussed constantly and followed inconsistently. The gap isn't usually knowledge -- it's the unsexy reality that these habits have to run in the background for years before the results become visible. This roundtable is worth listening to not because the list is surprising, but because the people talking about it have actually lived it.From the BasementJoe, OG, Jesse Cramer, and Monica Scudieri from Grab Your Slice play two rounds of the millionaire habits game while the year-long trivia competition quietly shifts -- Monica guesses closest on a 1940 McDonald's complete meal price and earns Paula Pant's first point in a while. OG extends his lead. Jesse goes 0 for the day and seems fine about it. Doug intervenes on the trivia question to add a milkshake, which turns out to be decisive.Resources MentionedGrab Your Slice of Financial Independence by Monica Scudieri -- available wherever books are soldMonica Scudieri financial coaching -- schedule a free 30-minute call at grabyourslice.comPersonal Finance for Long-Term Investors -- Jesse Cramer's podcast, wherever you listen; upcoming two-part series on the 14 risks retirees faceAutomatic Wealth by Michael Masterson -- recommended by Monica as her foundational bookA Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel -- recommended by JesseThe War of Art by Steven Pressfield and Essentialism by Greg McKeown -- recommended by OGThe Truth About Money by Ric Edelman -- recommended by JoeNetworking With the Affluent by Dr. Thomas Stanley -- referenced in discussionStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementStacking Benjamins "Benjamins After Dark" Meetups -- stackingbenjamins.com/BADSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With nearly 40 years in tax and wealth management, Mark Miller helps business owners, executives, and high-net-worth individuals build, protect, and sustain their wealth. As a best-selling author, his book Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty reveals the investment and tax strategies used by Fortune 500 firms and the Hilton family. Featured in over 200 major publications, including Kiplinger's, The New York Times, and Money Magazine, Mark has also appeared as a financial expert on Fox News and national media. Recognized as a Presidential Businessman of the Year, he received a personal commendation from President George W. Bush. Miller is the Managing Director of the Hilton Family office and CEO of Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors, partnered with J. Bradley Hilton, the grandson of the legendary Hotelier Conrad Hilton. Via their Hilton TruWealth Portfolios™, Mark empowers clients with Smart Money level wealth-building strategies, ensuring financial security and lasting legacies. Hilton's mission is to help clients invest and grow wealth like an American Dynasty.

Episode Summary In this thought-provoking episode, Spencer Shaw and Kim Butler unpack a growing financial concern highlighted by a recent Kiplinger article: why even high-net-worth individuals with millions saved still don't feel confident about retirement. The conversation explores how inflation, increased longevity, rising living costs, and outdated retirement assumptions are creating anxiety for wealthy Americans. Kim challenges the traditional concept of retirement itself, arguing that humans are designed to continue serving, solving problems, and creating value throughout life rather than simply "stopping work" at a socially constructed retirement age. The episode dives into practical retirement planning strategies, including cash flow bridges, required minimum distributions (RMDs), stock market withdrawal timing, and the role of whole life insurance in long-term tax planning. More importantly, the discussion reframes retirement from an end goal into an evolving lifestyle centered around purpose, flexibility, and intentional financial management. This episode is both philosophical and tactical — blending mindset shifts with actionable financial concepts for individuals navigating retirement uncertainty in an inflationary world. Links & Resources Mentioned For resources and additional information of this episode go toEmpower Your Finances With Our Prosperity Podcast Empowering Parents, Nurturing Futures - Prosperity Parents Kim D. H. Butler Rich but Restless: Why Your $5M Portfolio Isn't Buying Retirement Confidence Keywords retirement planning, inflation, financial freedom, Kim Butler, Spencer Shaw, Prosperity Thinkers, wealth management, retirement confidence, RMDs, required minimum distributions, whole life insurance, financial education, cash flow bridge, high net worth, longevity planning, retirement anxiety, tax strategy, financial mindset, Kiplinger, wealth preservation Episode Highlights 00:00–00:00:39 – Spencer introduces the Kiplinger article discussing why even wealthy individuals feel unprepared for retirement. 00:00:39–00:02:03 – Kim explains how inflation dramatically changes retirement expense projections over time. 00:02:03–00:03:16 – Discussion about longevity, technology, and why future living expenses may continue increasing. 00:03:16–00:04:26 – Spencer outlines how older generations failed to anticipate modern inflation and extended lifespans. 00:04:26–00:05:19 – Kim argues that the traditional concept of retirement is fundamentally flawed. 00:05:19–00:06:06 – The conversation explores how purpose, work, and solving problems contribute to fulfillment later in life. 00:06:11–00:07:14 – Spencer shares a story about a retired man in Mexico who became deeply bored despite financial freedom. 00:07:42–00:08:27 – Discussion begins around retirement withdrawal strategies and written financial plans. 00:08:27–00:10:11 – Kim explains the "cash flow bridge" strategy for avoiding withdrawals during stock market downturns. 00:10:11–00:11:00 – Kim introduces the "Pay Down Permission" report and explains how it supports retirement cash flow planning. 00:11:02–00:11:46 – Spencer raises concerns about Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age requirements. 00:11:46–00:13:18 – Kim explains why many retirees should withdraw more than just their RMDs. 00:13:18–00:13:55 – Discussion about reducing future tax burdens through strategic wealth repositioning and whole life insurance. 00:13:55–00:14:41 – Spencer closes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the full financial picture and seeking education.

Jeremy Keil walks through three critical questions future retirees can answer before their paycheck stops Most people spend decades preparing for retirement by focusing on one number: How much have I saved? But retirement isn't really about the size of your portfolio. It's about whether you can turn that portfolio into reliable income that supports the life you want. That transition—from saving money to living on it—is where retirement planning becomes real. And if you're retiring within the next 12 months, there are three questions you can answer before your paycheck stops. Question #1: How Much Monthly Income Do I Actually Need? Unfortunately, this is where many people start with the wrong approach. Most retirees try building a budget from scratch. They estimate utilities, groceries, gas, dining out, subscriptions, and dozens of other categories. The problem? Those budgets are almost always wrong. They tend to assume: Nothing unexpected happens You never spend impulsively You never travel more than expected You never have major one-time expenses Instead of trying to build a perfect budget from zero, Jeremy recommends a simpler and often more accurate approach: Look at what already happened. Specifically:What actually went into your checking account over the last 12–24 months? Because in most households, what goes into checking eventually gets spent. That “take-home pay” becomes a much better starting point for estimating retirement income needs. But there are a few important adjustments. Don't Forget These Costs Your paycheck today already has several things removed before it hits your checking account: Taxes Health insurance Retirement savings contributions Once you retire: You may stop saving for retirement Your health insurance costs may change Your tax situation will likely change That means your gross salary is not the same as your retirement income need. Many find it valuable to separate out: Mortgage costs Annual expenses (property taxes, insurance, vacations) Large one-time expenses Pre-65 vs. post-65 healthcare costs Retirement spending isn't just monthly bills. It's the full picture. Question #2: When Should I Take Social Security? Most people already have an answer to this question before they ever run the numbers. And often, that decision is emotional. Maybe a parent died young. Maybe a friend claimed at 62. Maybe someone simply wants to “get their money.” But what if you about Social Security differently? Not as an investment. As insurance. The official name of the program is Old-age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. That framing matters. Social Security exists to help: If you live longer than expected If one spouse dies earlier than expected If inflation remains high If markets struggle during retirement In other words, Social Security is there to protect against things not going according to plan. That's why filing decisions shouldn't be based only on “break-even” calculators. The better question is:What role does Social Security play in protecting your retirement? Question #3: How Should I Adjust My Investments Before Retirement? One of the biggest mistakes retirees make is treating retirement like a light switch. They assume:Growth before retirement.Income after retirement. But markets don't work on your timeline. Jeremy shared a powerful example from 2020:People planning to retire within a year stayed fully invested in stocks because markets had been performing well. Then COVID hit. Markets dropped sharply, and many panicked—selling near the bottom because they suddenly realized they needed that money soon. The issue wasn't just the market drop. It was that their investments weren't aligned with their time horizon. Your Investments Should Be Ready Early Get your investments ready to retire three years before retirement. Why? Because roughly half of retirees stop working earlier than expected. If your investments are prepared ahead of time: Market volatility becomes less stressful You have short-term money available if needed You're less likely to panic during downturns You gain flexibility if retirement comes sooner than planned But there's balance here too. Retirement doesn't mean abandoning long-term growth entirely. If retirement could last 25–30 years, some money still needs long-term growth potential. The key is having: Short-term money for near-term needs Long-term money for future growth Not all one or all the other. The Bottom Line Retirement isn't just about stopping work. It's about replacing a paycheck with a plan. And before your paycheck disappears, you should know: What your lifestyle actually costs What role Social Security plays in your plan Whether your investments are prepared for retirement realities Because when those three pieces work together, retirement becomes much more than a date on the calendar. It becomes sustainable. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Retiring in the Next 12 Months? Answer These 3 Questions Before Your Paycheck Stops” – by Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger Magazine 5StepRetirementplan.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Author, podcaster and financial advisor Tyson Ray explains the importance of knowing your financial advisor's succession plan and what happens to you when they retire. “If something happens to you, what happens to me?” It's a simple question. But it's one most people don't ask. When you hire a financial advisor, you're not just hiring a strategy. You're hiring a relationship. Someone who understands your goals, your family, your history, and your financial life. But what happens when that person is no longer there? This week on the “Retire Today” podcast I sat down with Tyson Ray and we explored a topic that doesn't get enough attention: advisor succession planning—and why it matters for your retirement. The Reality Most Clients Don't Think About At some point, every advisor will step away from their business. It might be planned. It might be unexpected. But it will happen. As Tyson pointed out, a large portion of the financial advisory industry is approaching retirement at the same time. That means many clients will experience a transition—whether they're prepared for it or not. The problem isn't that advisors retire. The problem is how that transition is handled. When the Client Isn't the Priority Tyson shared a concern that drove him to write his book: In many succession plans, the client isn't the focus. Firms are bought and sold. Advisors retire. Businesses merge. And in the process, decisions are often driven by valuation, growth, or internal strategy. But those decisions can create unintended consequences. In some cases, clients are simply informed after the fact:Your advisor is gone. Here's your new one. That kind of transition can feel abrupt—and it raises an important question: Was this designed with your best interest in mind? Why Succession Is a Fiduciary Responsibility One of the most important ideas Tyson introduced is this: Succession planning isn't optional. It's a fiduciary responsibility. A fiduciary is someone who puts the client's interests first. And that responsibility doesn't stop with investment recommendations or financial planning. It extends to what happens when the advisor is no longer there. “You've entrusted your life savings… to an advisor,” Tyson said. That level of trust deserves a plan. Not just for today—but for the future. The Right Way to Think About Transition So what does a good succession plan look like? It starts with intention. Tyson framed it this way: “How can I do this in such a way that… 5 to 10 years after I've made this transition… they thank me for it?” That's a powerful standard. Because it shifts the focus from:What's best for the business? To:What's best for the client? A thoughtful transition should: Be communicated clearly Introduce new advisors before the change happens Maintain continuity in philosophy and service And ultimately leave the client better off Why This Matters More in Retirement This topic becomes even more important in retirement. As Tyson pointed out, the older you get, the harder it becomes to make changes—especially when it comes to trusted relationships. Switching advisors at age 45 is one thing. Switching at 75 is something else entirely. That's why having a plan—and understanding that plan—is so important. The “Caretaker” Model One approach Tyson described is building a team around the client. Instead of replacing the advisor entirely, firms can introduce additional team members—often younger advisors—who become part of the relationship over time. These team members act as an extension of the original advisor, not a replacement. That way, if something changes, the client isn't starting over. They already know the people who will continue serving them. What You Should Ask Your Advisor If you take one action from this conversation, let it be this: Ask your advisor a simple question: “If something happens to you, what happens to me?” The answer should be clear. And if it's not, that's a signal. Because a good advisor isn't just planning your retirement. They're planning for what happens if they're no longer there to guide it. The Bottom Line Succession planning isn't just a business decision. It's a client decision. It affects your experience, your confidence, and your financial future. The best advisors don't just serve you today. They make sure you're taken care of tomorrow, too. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Tyson Ray on LinkedIn “Total Succession” by Tyson Ray “Total Succession Show” podcast Form Wealth Advisors Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

This is Part 2 of our Hidden Risks series, and we're shifting focus to one of the biggest long-term threats to your retirement: taxes. Some risks don't hit all at once, they slowly wear down your plan over time. Scott breaks down how tax decisions shape your income, flexibility, and long-term outcomes. If Part 1 was about protecting your plan, this one is about keeping more of what you've built. Here's what we cover in this episode:

What's the best financial advice you've ever received? Not the trendiest tip or the hottest stock pick; what's the wisdom that actually holds up over a lifetime? That's exactly the question Diane Harris, Deputy Editor of Kiplinger, put to 35 of the most trusted voices in personal finance…and the answers are as practical as they are profound. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "spend less than you make" is still the foundation of everything, and what Jean says happens when you don't Peter Lynch's "elevator pitch" test for any stock you own (and why most people fail it) Teresa Ghilarducci's one-date-a-year rule for protecting yourself from panic-selling Why Christine Benz says paying off your mortgage early makes sense, even if the math says otherwise Diane's number one personal finance tip she learned from taking care of her mother Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul is going solo and empties his notebook on the Texas Spring game (err, event). Have a listen and find out what he thinks about the various position groups, the transfers, and some young up and comers. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Talking NFL Draft. More specifically, where did the 2026 Longhorns get drafted, what's the fit, what does the 2027 Draft look like, how Texas could have as many as 4 1st rounders next year, and what does the NFL Draft tell us more broadly about the future of CFB. Facts, trends, and analysis incoming. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Jeremy Keil explains how 5 smart moves could impact your ability to claim $180,000 or more as a couple in Social Security. If you’re about to file for Social Security, there's a real possibility you could be leaving a significant amount of money on the table. This isn't a small decision. For many retirees, Social Security ends up being one of the largest income sources they'll ever rely on. And unlike many other financial decisions, this one is mostly permanent. Once you file, there are very limited opportunities to undo it. That's why getting it right before you file matters so much. In this episode, I walk an article I recently wrote for Kiplinger magazine five key moves to help you make a more informed decision. Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think Many people think of Social Security as a simple choice: Pick an age. Pick a number. File when it feels right. But in reality, your Social Security decision can impact: Your lifetime income Your tax situation Your investment strategy And even your spouse's financial future Research completed by Larry Kotlikoff shows that the average couple can miss out on over $180,000 in lifetime Social Security income simply by choosing the wrong time to claim. And for higher earners, the total value of Social Security over a lifetime can reach into the seven figures. This is not a decision to make casually. Move #1: Verify Your Earnings Record Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If there are errors in your record—even just a couple of missing years—it can reduce your benefit for the rest of your life. That's why your first step should be logging into SSA.gov and reviewing your earnings history carefully. If something is missing or incorrect, it's your responsibility to correct it. Even small errors can create a permanent reduction in income. Move #2: Use the Retirement Calculator (Not Just the Statement) Your Social Security statement is helpful—but it's based on assumptions. Specifically, it assumes you'll continue earning income at your current level all the way until full retirement age. If you plan to retire earlier, those estimates can be significantly overstated. Instead, use the retirement calculator to input your actual plan. Adjust your future earnings based on when you expect to stop working. That will give you a much more accurate estimate of your benefit. Move #3: Know What You've Already Earned Many people don't realize how much of their Social Security benefit they've already built. By setting future earnings to zero in the calculator, you can estimate your “vested” benefit—what you would receive based only on your past work. This can be eye-opening. Some people discover they've already earned most of their benefit, and working additional years doesn't significantly increase it. Others realize they still have meaningful gaps that could impact their future income. Either way, this step helps you make decisions based on facts instead of assumptions. Move #4: Understand Your Longevity Your Social Security decision is essentially a timing decision based on how long you expect to live. Yet most people guess. Instead of guessing, take a few minutes to use a longevity calculator and understand your probabilities. If you're married, this becomes even more important. The key question isn't just how long you might live individually—but how long at least one of you is likely to live. That joint life expectancy plays a major role in determining the value of delaying benefits. Move #5: Solve the Right Problem This is where many people go wrong. They treat Social Security like an investment decision—focusing on break-even points or rate of return. But Social Security isn't an investment. It's insurance. Its purpose is to provide income in later years, support a surviving spouse, and protect against the risk of living longer than expected. When you shift your thinking from “How do I maximize returns?” to “What role does this play in my plan?” the decision becomes much clearer. The Bottom Line Social Security is one of the few decisions in retirement that is both highly impactful and largely irreversible. That combination makes preparation critical. Before you file, take the time to: Verify your data Use accurate projections Understand what you've already earned Consider your longevity And frame the decision correctly Because when you get Social Security right, it strengthens every other part of your retirement plan. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Claiming Social Security Soon? 5 Smart Moves to Make Before You File” by Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger Magazine “How Much Lifetime Social Security Benefits Are Americans Leaving On the Table?” – Larry Kotlikoff, David Altig & Victor Yifan Ye Social Security Administration website LongevityIllustrator.org “Social Security and Work: How Much Can You Make in 2026?” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “Can Americans Really Rely on Social Security? With Chris Orestis” – Retire Today Podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Welcome to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast for 5 Steps to Solo Travel. The FAQ is: What is going on with the number of cars on the road these days? Is traffic increasing, and why? Answer: Americans are sitting in traffic longer than ever. Last year, commuters lost an average of 63 hours, or almost 8 workdays, stuck in traffic, according to a Texas A&M study reported by Kiplinger. It is a 16% increase in national congestion costs from 2099 to 2024. Truck congestion rose 19%. A shift in traffic patterns has contributed to overall increased traffic times. Delays are no longer just during weekday rush hours. Traffic congestion is spreading to midday, midweek, and even weekends, due in part to hybrid work schedules.   60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today, Confidence Challenge, is to find your way through traffic congestion.   If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves into alternatives to traffic congestion and how to pick places to visit off-season or in shoulder season, while moving through the 5 steps to solo travel, from easy to more challenging, with foreign language communication tips. You can find the series at the link in the description.   See Book A for addressing this concern about traffic and congestion while traveling. Find it on the website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon—it's a several-part series.   Today's destination is Athens, Greece. Part 1 of 2 My missteps: Getting lost in Athens The hostel manager pointed outside. "Don't go that way when you leave," and I did not ask. I did get lost a few times, though, finding my way back. I may have walked that way by accident. I found the metro station, which served the modern, faster blue line. I changed lines at Monastiraki and arrived at Omonia Square, but I got a bit lost. The neighborhood was quite confusing and not very safe, with only small markets around. I felt scared at times. It was 9:15 PM and dark when I finally reached the hostel, but no one was at the reception. I bought some yogurt and a banana for my trip.  AI may have been used to select some of the suggestions for this episode. Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube In the news

This is Part 1 of our Hidden Risks series, where we're looking at the issues that can quietly derail a retirement plan if they're not addressed. Most people focus on investments, but that's only part of the picture. In this episode, Scott walks through the risks that don't show up on a statement but can still have a major impact. It's all about making sure your plan is built for real life, not just market performance. Here's what we cover in this episode: ⚠️ Beyond Markets: Real risks go beyond investment performance

Chris Orestis, founder & president of Retirement Genius, answers the question: “Is Social Security going bankrupt?”  “If we don't address the financial shortfall… it would trigger an immediate 20% or greater benefit cut.” That statement tends to stop people in their tracks. It also fuels one of the most common fears I hear from clients: “Is Social Security going to run out?” In this conversation with Chris Orestis, we tackled that question head-on—and the answer is more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Social Security Isn't Going Broke—But That Doesn't Mean You Can Ignore It One of the biggest misconceptions is that Social Security will simply disappear. That's not what's happening. As Chris explained, the issue isn't that the entire system goes bankrupt. The concern is that the trust fund portion of Social Security funding could become insolvent within the next decade if no action is taken. And if that happens? Benefits could be reduced by roughly 20% across the board. That's a meaningful change—but it's very different from “gone.” Understanding that distinction is critical, because fear often leads to poor decisions. Why This Problem Exists At its core, Social Security is a math problem. Today's system relies heavily on current workers funding current retirees. It takes roughly three workers paying into the system for every one person receiving benefits. As the population ages and workforce dynamics shift, that balance is being strained. Fewer workers per retiree means less funding relative to the benefits being paid out. That's what creates the pressure on the system. Why This Won't Be Ignored While the math is straightforward, the solution is not. Chris described Social Security as the “third rail” of politics—something policymakers are reluctant to touch. But there's an important reality here: The impact of doing nothing would be too large to ignore. A sudden 20%+ reduction in benefits wouldn't just affect retirees. It would ripple through the entire economy. That's why, historically, these issues get addressed—often later than ideal, but before catastrophic outcomes occur. What Changes Could Look Like Fixing the system will likely require a combination of adjustments. As Chris outlined, those could include: Increasing payroll taxes Adjusting retirement age eligibility Modifying how benefits are calculated Changing how income is taxed within the system In other words, it won't be one lever. It will be several. And importantly, those changes are unlikely to impact people who are already very close to retirement in the same way they might affect younger generations. Don't Make Fear-Based Decisions One of the most important takeaways from this conversation is what not to do. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in people claiming Social Security at age 62—not because it's the optimal strategy, but because they're afraid the system won't be there later. That's a dangerous mindset. As Chris made clear, Social Security is not disappearing. And making a permanent decision based on fear can significantly reduce your lifetime income. In many cases, waiting increases your benefit substantially—sometimes close to doubling between age 62 and 70. That's not a decision you want to rush. What You Should Be Thinking About Instead Rather than reacting to headlines or political noise, the better approach is to focus on what you can control. If you're within 3–5 years of claiming Social Security, the system is likely to look very similar to what it does today. If you're further out, it's reasonable to assume that changes could happen—but those changes will likely be phased in over time. In the Retire Today framework, Social Security falls under the MAKE step—your income. But that decision connects to everything else: Your SPEND plan Your tax strategy (KEEP) Your investment approach (INVEST) And what you ultimately LEAVE behind That's why it's so important to get it right. The Bottom Line Social Security isn't going away. But it isn't standing still either. Don't make a permanent mistake with your Social Security decisions because of fear or insufficient information. Because when it comes to retirement, clarity beats reaction every time. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Can Americans Really Rely on Social Security? With Chris Orestis – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel  Chris Orestis on LinkedIn RetirementGenius.com  Chris Orestis Website “The Retirement Genius” podcast with Chris Orestis www.longevityillustrator.org  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Why is it so hard to spend the money you spent a lifetime saving? This is a question from Janet Bodnar in a Kiplinger article. She admits that one of her guilty pleasures in retirement is treating herself to a casual lunch while she's out running errands. Why does she feel so guilty? Christine Benz from Morningstar is quoted in the article, which we discuss at length in this episode. Then a listener asks a question I think a lot of you are wondering: "How am I supposed to figure out what I want to do in retirement when I can barely find time to do laundry while I'm still working?" Great question! And in our "Retire To Something" segment, Lois from the Southeast turned a lifelong love of animals into a retirement packed with purpose — volunteering at a zoo, working part-time at an aquarium, and spending half the year with manatees! Resource: Article by Janet Bodnar in Kiplinger: Stop Sweating the Small Stuff When You Spend Your Retirement Money
   Connect with Benjamin Brandt: Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, let's talk about the five keys or rather, “five D's” of retirement planning…   Contact Information: Website: https://insightfolios.com/ Phone: 704-529-9500

Kansas City is about to take center stage as it hosts one of the biggest global events with the World Cup, and that spotlight brings a surge of opportunity. Homeowners are asking a simple but powerful question: can you rent out your home during the event and keep the income tax-free? It all points back to a little-known strategy called the Augusta Rule, a tax provision that sounds almost too good to be true, but isn't as simple as it seems. In this episode, Scott breaks down what the Augusta Rule actually is, where it came from, and how it applies to real-world situations like the World Cup. Here's what we cover in this episode: ⚽ Major events create real financial opportunities

Dr. Wade Pfau explains four ways to beat sequence of return risk and turn your retirement savings into retirement income. For most of your working life, retirement planning feels relatively straightforward. You save. You invest. You grow your portfolio. But as Dr. Wade Pfau explains, retirement doesn't just flip that process in reverse. It changes the entire equation. Pre-retirement, you're adding money into your portfolio. Market downturns can actually help because you're buying more shares at lower prices. In retirement, the opposite is true. “When you’re taking a distribution from your assets and the markets are down… you have to sell more shares,” Dr. Pfau explains, “and that creates dynamics that can dig a hole for the portfolio.” That shift—from accumulation to distribution—is what makes retirement income planning fundamentally different. The Risks Change in Retirement One of the biggest insights from the conversation is that retirement introduces a new set of risks that don't show up the same way while you're working. Dr. Pfau highlights three major ones: Longevity risk — living longer than your money lasts Market risk — especially when withdrawing from investments Spending shocks — unexpected expenses that show up year after year Retirees often experience about 10% of their spending as unexpected each year. In other words, surprises aren't rare. They're part of the plan. And that means your retirement strategy needs to account for them. Sequence of Returns Risk: The Hidden Danger One of the most important—and least understood—risks in retirement is sequence of returns risk. This is the idea that when market returns happen matters just as much as how much you earn overall. Dr. Pfau explains it this way: If markets perform poorly early in retirement, your portfolio can be permanently damaged—even if returns are strong later. “If markets do poorly early on… you start to dig a hole from your portfolio,” he says. In fact, he estimates that for a 30-year retirement, the first 10 years of returns can determine about 80% of the outcome. That's a completely different way of thinking about risk. It's not just about average returns anymore. It's about timing. Why There's No “One Right Way” With all these risks, many retirees want a simple answer: What's the best strategy? But Dr. Pfau pushes back on that idea. “There's not going to be the case that there's just one optimal approach,” he explains. “You've got to find the approach that's right for you.” That's where his concept of retirement income styles comes in. Some people prefer: Flexibility and market growth Predictable income and stability Time-segmented (bucket) approaches Guardrails and risk boundaries Most retirees, in reality, use a combination of these approaches—whether they realize it or not. If you have Social Security, investments, and a savings account, you're already using multiple strategies at once. The goal isn't to pick one. It's to align your approach with what you're trying to accomplish. The Real Question: What Are You Solving For? One of the most important questions I ask clients is simple: What are you solving for? Are you trying to: Maximize income today? Protect against running out of money? Maintain flexibility? Leave a legacy? Interestingly, retirees often say they want to enjoy their money—but their behavior suggests something different. Dr. Pfau notes that many retirees continue to grow their assets instead of spending them, even when they have the ability to enjoy more of their retirement. That disconnect can lead to a retirement that looks successful on paper—but doesn't feel that way in real life. Why Traditional Investing Falls Short Another key insight comes from the origin of modern investing theory itself. Wade points out that Modern Portfolio Theory was designed for institutions—not retirees. When its creator, Harry Markowitz, later considered how it applies to households, he realized the problem is much more complex. Households don't just grow assets. They have to fund spending—over an unknown time horizon. That's a completely different challenge. Building a Real Retirement Plan So where do you start? Dr. Pfau's framework begins with two critical steps: Understand your retirement income style Understand your risk exposure From there, you can begin building a plan that aligns your income, investments, taxes, and goals. But that brings us to step zero of the 5 step retirement plan: Know your longevity. Because how long your retirement lasts—and how you feel about that uncertainty—affects every decision that follows. The Bottom Line Retirement isn't just about having enough money. It's about turning that money into income—while managing risks that didn't exist before. That's why retirement income planning is more complex than saving for retirement. And it's why the best plans aren't built around a single strategy. They're built around you. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Dr. Wade Pfau on LinkedIn Dr. Wade Pfau's Website Buy Dr. Wade Pfau's book “Retirement Planning Guidebook” “The Lifetime Sequence of Returns: A Retirement Planning Conundrum” by Dr. Wade Pfau “Safey-First Retirement Planning with Wade Pfau” Retire Today Episode 141 with Dr. Wade Pfau Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Schloss is heading into a maroon, rural hornet's nest with the Texas baseball team this weekend while the unabashed Kool Aid drinking continues for Texas Football. We think we know where the Horns are strong, but where are they potentially weak? Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Don and Tom tear into Kiplinger's roundup of “best money advice,” separating the genuinely useful from the obvious, the flawed, and the downright silly. They agree that core principles like living below your means, automating investing, and seeking qualified fiduciary advice still reign supreme, while pushing back on oversimplified takes about debt, life decisions, and self-auditing. The conversation reinforces a familiar truth: personal finance isn't about clever hacks—it's about consistent behavior, smart systems, and avoiding the many ways people sabotage themselves. Listener questions cover fund-of-funds expense ratios (no stacking), high-yield savings tradeoffs, and the real cost of chasing slightly better interest rates.0:05 Chasing the “best money advice of all time” (and where it definitely isn't)1:44 Kiplinger roundup sparks review of popular financial advice3:10 Dave Ramsey basics—simple, correct, and incomplete4:29 The myth of easy money and cultural obsession with getting rich quick5:18 Getting help from professionals (and why most aren't actually professionals)6:07 “Good vs. bad debt” debate and the problem with vague advice7:32 Aligning money with values… or just saying something that sounds nice7:39 “Marry wisely” as financial advice (yes, really)9:02 Automating finances as one of the most effective strategies10:40 Why friends and family are often terrible sources of financial advice10:53 Should life decisions be based on money? (spoiler: they usually are)12:33 Self-audits vs. professional guidance—can you really judge yourself?13:42 The foundational rule: spend less than you make14:31 Most people don't know what they actually spend15:00 Listener question: AVGE / AVGV expense ratios—no fee stacking17:50 PI Bank high-yield savings—rate vs. usability tradeoffs19:25 Wire transfer fees and when higher yields actually matter21:31 Practical ways to manage savings movement costs22:17 Don's Financial FYSICS book—pricing, Kindle version, and Amazon quirksQuestions? Comments? Click!

Chris Orestis, founder & president of Retirement Genius, explains how to make more informed Social Security decisions.  Social Security is one of the most important decisions in retirement. And yet, many people approach it the same way they approach a casual conversation—based on opinions, assumptions, and what someone else did. As Chris Orestis put it, people are often making decisions based on “the myths of Social Security, not the math.” That's where things start to go wrong. Because Social Security isn't just another income source. For many retirees, it becomes a foundational piece of their financial security. In fact, Chris pointed out that for a large percentage of retirees, Social Security can represent more than half of their income. When a decision carries that much weight, guessing isn't a strategy. Why Social Security Feels So Confusing Part of the challenge is complexity. Many people aren't clear on the differences between Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Others assume that because they've “paid into the system,” everything will work itself out when they need it. That assumption can be costly. Chris highlighted a broader issue: people often spend more time researching a car purchase than they do understanding the benefits that may fund decades of their retirement. That gap in understanding creates a ripple effect of poor decisions. The Decision That Locks Everything In Unlike many financial decisions, Social Security isn't easily reversible. Once you claim, you are largely locked into that decision. There is a limited “do-over” window early on, but beyond that, your choice determines your monthly benefit for life. That makes timing critical. You can claim as early as 62, but that locks in a lower lifetime benefit. Waiting until full retirement age—or even age 70—can significantly increase your monthly income. So how do you decide? It Starts with Life Expectancy Both Chris and Jeremy emphasized that the most important factor in deciding when to claim Social Security is life expectancy. You're essentially making a bet: Claim early → you're betting you won't live as long Delay benefits → you're betting you will But here's where many people go wrong. They guess. Chris pointed out that people tend to underestimate how long they'll live and overestimate how long their money will last. That combination can lead to decisions that reduce long-term income at exactly the time it's needed most. Instead of guessing, there are tools available—like longevity calculators—that can give you a more realistic estimate based on your situation. Know Your Numbers Before You Decide The second major mistake is not knowing your actual Social Security benefit. Your benefit is based on your earnings history. And the estimates provided assume you continue working until full retirement age. If you plan to retire earlier, those estimates may be overstated. That's why it's essential to go directly to SSA.gov, review your earnings history, and run projections based on your actual plan. Without that step, you're making decisions without accurate data. Coordination Changes Everything The third—and often overlooked—piece is coordination. Social Security doesn't exist in isolation. It interacts with: Other income (which can affect taxation) Earned income (which can reduce benefits before full retirement age) Medicare premiums (which are deducted directly from your benefit) For example, many people hear that “85% of Social Security is taxed” and assume that means an 85% tax rate. In reality, it means up to 85% of the benefit may be taxable, depending on your overall income. That distinction matters. Because the real outcome depends on how Social Security fits into your broader income plan. The Real Goal: Stop Guessing If there's one takeaway from this conversation, it's this: You don't have to guess. There are tools, data, and professionals available to help you make an informed decision. As Chris said, if you go into this blindly when those resources exist, “that's your bad.” In the Retire Today framework, Social Security falls under the MAKE step—creating reliable income. But how you claim it affects everything else: What you SPEND How much you KEEP after taxes How you INVEST your remaining assets What you ultimately LEAVE behind Social Security isn't just a checkbox. It's a decision that shapes your entire retirement. And it's one worth getting right. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Chris Orestis on LinkedIn RetirementGenius.com  Chris Orestis Website “The Retirement Genius” podcast with Chris Orestis www.longevityillustrator.org  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

A Kiplinger study of 1,000+ everyday millionaires found four traits that kept showing up. None of them involve a big salary, a hot stock tip, or a lucky break. This week Len Penzo, OG, and Joe dig into what those habits actually look like in practice, how to train yourself to spend with intention, and how to find a financial advisor who does what you actually need. In this episode: The "Midwest millionaire" traits anyone can adopt, why becoming a great saver can make you a terrible spender, the monthly money habit that takes 20 minutes and changes everything, and exactly what to say when you're interviewing financial advisors. Biggest takeaways: Frugality without intention is just suffering. The millionaires in this study were the last to spend on themselves and the first to give generously to others. Not cheap. Intentional. Set a money goal big enough to compete with impulse spending. Once you have a real why, "I deserve this" stops winning. When looking for a financial advisor, lead with exactly what you want in the first five minutes. A real professional will tell you if it's not their specialty. Resources mentioned: Len Penzo's blog and book True Money Stories at lenpenso.com The Stacking Benjamins scorecard: stackingbenjamins.com/scorecard The Vault (budget and net worth tracker): stackingbenjamins.com/vault FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-live-like-a-midwestern-millionaire-1825 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Kiplinger study of 1,000+ everyday millionaires found four traits that kept showing up. None of them involve a big salary, a hot stock tip, or a lucky break. This week Len Penzo, OG, and Joe dig into what those habits actually look like in practice, how to train yourself to spend with intention, and how to find a financial advisor who does what you actually need.In this episode:The "Midwest millionaire" traits anyone can adopt, why becoming a great saver can make you a terrible spender, the monthly money habit that takes 20 minutes and changes everything, and exactly what to say when you're interviewing financial advisors.Biggest takeaways:Frugality without intention is just suffering. The millionaires in this study were the last to spend on themselves and the first to give generously to others. Not cheap. Intentional.Set a money goal big enough to compete with impulse spending. Once you have a real why, "I deserve this" stops winning.When looking for a financial advisor, lead with exactly what you want in the first five minutes. A real professional will tell you if it's not their specialty.Resources mentioned:Len Penzo's blog and book True Money Stories at lenpenzo.com The Stacking Benjamins scorecard: stackingbenjamins.com/scorecard The Vault (budget and net worth tracker): stackingbenjamins.com/vaultFULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-live-like-a-midwestern-millionaire-1825Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode opens with a blistering takedown of sensationalized financial media, using a Kiplinger income piece as the latest example of how risky, high-fee junk bond products get dressed up as safe income solutions for yield-hungry investors. Don and Tom explain why bonds are supposed to provide stability, not speculative upside, and why chasing eye-popping payouts usually means swallowing hidden risk, ugly expenses, and stock-like volatility. They then pivot to listener questions on building a teen's Roth IRA, whether Avantis or Dimensional funds make more sense than Vanguard for a small/value tilt, and why their website still shows mutual funds more prominently than ETFs, before wrapping with some loose studio banter and a reminder to send questions through TalkingRealMoney.com. 0:04 Rant on terrible financial advice and declining media trust 0:24 Criticism of Kiplinger and “investment porn” content 1:08 Concerns about newsletter-driven incentives 2:35 Warning against using short-term returns 4:13 Breakdown of Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund and unrealistic yield claims 5:08 Junk bond exposure and credit risk explained 6:18 Expense shock: 0.03% vs 3.38% 7:18 High yields = high risk reality 8:01 “Safe income” claim debunked 8:57 Collapse risk in downturns 9:37 Core principle: risk and return are linked 10:38 Fed/yield curve speculation criticism 10:56 Purpose of bonds: stability vs yield 11:27 Bonds as capital preservation, not return drivers 12:05 Example of high-cost junk bond ETF 12:12 Fewer trustworthy financial sources 13:16 Stop consuming financial media noise 13:38 Do something better with your time 14:32 Listener: teen Roth IRA strategy 16:33 Recommendation: AVGV single-fund approach 17:40 Fund-of-funds diversification explained 18:38 Listener: Vanguard vs Dimensional Fund Advisors / Avantis 19:45 Case for small/value tilt 21:59 Listener: ETF vs mutual fund inconsistency 24:12 Simple portfolio: DFAW / AVGE + BND 25:11 Studio banter and mic technique Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?This episode opens with a blistering takedown of sensationalized financial media, using a Kiplinger income piece as the latest example of how risky, high-fee junk bond products get dressed up as safe income solutions for yield-hungry investors. Don and Tom explain why bonds are supposed to provide stability, not speculative upside, and why chasing eye-popping payouts usually means swallowing hidden risk, ugly expenses, and stock-like volatility. They then pivot to listener questions on building a teen's Roth IRA, whether Avantis or Dimensional funds make more sense than Vanguard for a small/value tilt, and why their website still shows mutual funds more prominently than ETFs, before wrapping with some loose studio banter and a reminder to send questions through TalkingRealMoney.com.0:04 Rant on terrible financial advice and declining media trust0:24 Criticism of Kiplinger and “investment porn” content1:08 Concerns about newsletter-driven incentives2:35 Warning against using short-term returns4:13 Breakdown of Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund and unrealistic yield claims5:08 Junk bond exposure and credit risk explained6:18 Expense shock: 0.03% vs 3.38%7:18 High yields = high risk reality8:01 “Safe income” claim debunked8:57 Collapse risk in downturns9:37 Core principle: risk and return are linked10:38 Fed/yield curve speculation criticism10:56 Purpose of bonds: stability vs yield11:27 Bonds as capital preservation, not return drivers12:05 Example of high-cost junk bond ETF12:12 Fewer trustworthy financial sources13:16 Stop consuming financial media noise13:38 Do something better with your time14:32 Listener: teen Roth IRA strategy16:33 Recommendation: AVGV single-fund approach17:40 Fund-of-funds diversification explained18:38 Listener: Vanguard vs Dimensional Fund Advisors / Avantis19:45 Case for small/value tilt21:59 Listener: ETF vs mutual fund inconsistency24:12 Simple portfolio: DFAW / AVGE + BND25:11 Studio banter and mic techniqueLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Randy talk Texas hoops, the miracle UCONN-Duke ending, the Longhorn baseball team crushing Oklahoma in a series sweep, the 17th Men's Swimming and Diving Title in Texas history, and much, much more. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.

Brigadier General Michael Meese details the critical decisions military families must make before retirement. Transitioning into retirement is a major life change for anyone. But for military families, that transition isn't just about leaving a job. It's about moving from one entire system of life into another. As Brigadier General Michael Meese explained, this shift requires more than just paperwork. It requires understanding your benefits, your options, and your goals—before the transition begins. “Understanding all of the military benefits and the circumstance that you’re in… and then aligning that with the goals that you might have” is essential to getting this right. That alignment is where good planning begins. Why Military Transitions Are Different Most civilian career changes are relatively straightforward. You move from one company to another, often with similar systems, benefits, and expectations. But transitioning out of the military is fundamentally different. You're not just changing jobs. You're shifting from a structured environment—with defined benefits, systems, and support—into a civilian world where many of those decisions are now your responsibility. That's why preparation matters so much. This isn't something you want to figure out for the first time when someone puts paperwork in front of you. You want to understand your options before that moment arrives. The Decisions That Matter Most There are several things that all former service members and their families need to evaluate before jumping into retirement. The Survivor Benefit Plan One of the most important decisions is whether to elect the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). This plan provides ongoing income to a surviving spouse, but it comes with trade-offs. While this benefit is valuable, it doesn't fully replace income: The maximum your survivor can get is a 55% payout once you're gone. How confident are you that your survivor's bills will drop by more than 45% when you're gone? That means SBP should be viewed as part of a broader plan—not the entire solution. Coordinating SBP with Social Security, savings, and other assets is essential to ensuring a surviving spouse is truly protected. Life Insurance Decisions Another key transition happens with life insurance. Many service members are covered under SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) while on active duty. After leaving the military, they may transition to VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance). But that transition often comes with higher costs. The key insight is that timing matters. If you're in good health, you may be able to secure more affordable coverage through private insurance—but that process takes time and underwriting. That's why planning ahead is critical. You don't want to wait until after separation to explore your options. Don't Overlook Your TSP The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is another major asset for many service members. One of its biggest advantages is cost. It offers low expenses and access to unique investment options like the G Fund, which provides a stable return without the same price volatility as traditional bonds. That makes it a valuable component of a retirement strategy—even after leaving the military. The key decision isn't simply whether to keep money in the TSP or move it elsewhere. It's understanding how it fits into your overall plan. Advocate for Yourself Another important topic in the conversation was VA disability benefits. These benefits are designed to compensate service members for conditions developed during their time in the military. But receiving them requires active participation. This is a moment where service members need to shift their mindset: You've taken care of everybody else. It's time to make sure you get that disability determination. This isn't about taking advantage of the system. It's about receiving the benefits you've earned. Preparation Is the Advantage One of the most powerful insights from the episode came from a military principle itself. Preparation. When I was in ROTC training, a significant portion of time was spent preparing and rehearsing before any action took place. That same mindset applies to retirement. You don't want to improvise your transition. You want to prepare for it. Because when you understand your benefits, align them with your goals, and make decisions ahead of time, you reduce the chances of regret. And that's the goal. Not just to retire—but to transition with confidence into the next chapter of life. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Brigadier General Michael Meese on LinkedIn Retirement Transition Timeline – Armed Forces Mutual Armed Forces Mutual Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Nobody likes tax season. But for new retirees, it can come with a few unwelcome surprises. The rules have changed, the income sources have shifted, and strategies that made sense during your working years may no longer apply. Today, we're looking at some of the biggest tax mistakes retirees make, as discussed in a recent Kiplinger article, and whether these match what we see in the real world.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Paul is joined by a ball-knowing Purdue grad to give a deep rundown on the Boilermaker roster, talk about matchups, and why this Purdue offense is so good. Where can Texas exploit them and how will the black and gold return the favor? Then it's a larger discussion on the new world of SEC and Big 10 hoops dominance, the death of Cinderella, and we talk trash about Indiana's feeble STEM programs!The Elite 8 is on the line. Get informed!Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.

Jeremy Keil explains how putting your cash in the wrong spot could prevent you from earning thousands in interest during your retirement. Many retirees spend a lot of time thinking about how to get better returns on their investments. But very few spend time thinking about the return on their cash. That's a problem. Because for many retirees, cash isn't a small side account. It can be a meaningful portion of their overall financial picture—and if it's sitting in the wrong place, it may be quietly costing thousands of dollars each year. The average new retiree may have around $100,000 sitting in bank accounts, often earning around 0.4%, while higher-yield options closer to 3%+ are available. That difference can mean roughly $3,000 per year in missed interest. And it happens more often than you might think. Why Cash Gets Ignored There are a few common reasons retirees leave cash sitting in low-interest accounts. First, it's easy. Many people have used the same bank for years. There's a sense of familiarity and convenience. Moving money feels like work. Second, there's a perception of safety. Cash in a local bank feels secure. And while safety is important, many retirees don't realize that other options—like high-yield savings accounts—can offer similar protections when properly insured. Third, there's inertia. Cash tends to become an afterthought. Investors focus on stocks, bonds, and market performance, while cash quietly sits in the background. But ignoring cash doesn't make it harmless. In some cases, doing nothing is actually the riskier move. What Retirees Actually Want from Cash When I ask retirees what they want from their cash, the answers are surprisingly consistent. They want it to be: Available Safe Easy Those are reasonable goals. But what if you can achieve all three and earn more interest at the same time? The idea that higher interest automatically means higher risk isn't always true—especially when comparing FDIC-insured accounts or certain money market options. Rethinking “Just in Case” One of the most common reasons people hold large amounts of cash is “just in case.” That makes sense. But it's worth examining how often that “just in case” actually happens. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, about 10% of annual expenses tend to be unexpected—things like medical costs, home repairs, or other surprises. That's exactly why cash matters. But it also raises a question: If you're holding significantly more than what you typically need for unexpected expenses, could some of that money be working harder for you in the meantime? Cash doesn't have to sit idle to be available. The Real Risk of Doing Nothing There's a common belief that staying put is the conservative choice. But that's not always true. I once met with an investor who described herself as conservative, but in reality, she was heavily exposed to stock market risk without realizing it.  She didn't want to make a change to her investment strategy because she'd been doing it the same way for so long, the change felt risky. When her investments tanked by 90% later on, the desire to “conservatively” keep things the same ended up being the very reason why her losses were so dramatic. The lesson applies to cash as well. Sometimes, not making a change feels safe—but it can lead to outcomes that are far from conservative. If your cash is earning near-zero returns while inflation is around 3%, you're effectively losing purchasing power each year. That's a quiet risk, but a real one. Simple Ways to Improve Your Cash Strategy Improving your cash return doesn't require a complex overhaul. There are a few straightforward places to start: High-yield savings accountsOften available online, these can offer significantly higher interest rates than traditional banks. Sources to find these accounts include Bankrate.com and DepositAccounts.com.  MaxMyInterest.com I recently was joined by Gary Zimmerman, president of MaxMyInterest, on the “Retire Today” podcast–make sure you listen to that episode to learn more about how this system works as a cash growth strategy. Money market funds in brokerage accountsMany brokerage accounts offer options that pay higher interest—but the default cash setting may not. Cash Is a Tool, Not an Afterthought Cash plays an important role in retirement. It provides stability. It covers short-term needs. It gives you confidence that money will be there when you need it. But cash should be treated as a tool, not an afterthought. Used well, it supports your income plan and helps you stay flexible. Ignored, it can quietly drag down your overall financial picture. If you haven't reviewed where your cash is sitting lately, now might be a good time. Because sometimes the easiest improvement in your retirement plan isn't found in the stock market. It's sitting in your savings account. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “How Much Are Emergency Expenses for Retirees and Are They Prepared?” – Center for Retirement Research at Boston College “Here's How to Earn a Fistful of Interest on Your Cash in 2026” – Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger.com  “Growing Your Cash as a Retirement Asset with Gary Zimmerman” – Retire Today Podcast on the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel “The average amount in U.S. savings accounts–how does your cash stack up?” – Bankrate.com  Compare high yield savings account options: Bankrate.com, DepositAccounts.com MaxMyInterest.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Author Ethan Lohr shares how the four buckets retirement income strategy helps retirees behavior-proof their retirement. Many retirees face one similar problem that they struggle to name: the emotional shift from saving money to spending it. Retirement typically means going from “decades of saving to decades of retirement where you're spending,” and that transition creates real anxiety for people who want their money to last. Ethan Lohr's answer is not just a better spreadsheet. It's a “behavior-proof approach to reliable retirement income,” designed to help retirees make sound decisions even when fear, uncertainty, or market volatility show up.  Retirement isn't just a financial transition. It's a psychological one.  That mindset shift—from accumulation to distribution—creates anxiety for many retirees. So while the biggest risk retirees often fear is a market drop, oftentimes the greater risk is a struggle to change your behavior. The Real Risk in Retirement Markets fall. Headlines scream. Fear creeps in. Suddenly people make decisions they wouldn't normally make—selling investments, abandoning a plan, or withdrawing too little money because they're afraid to spend. That's why Ethan calls his framework a “behavior-proof approach to reliable retirement income.” The goal isn't just building a portfolio that works mathematically. The goal is building a system that still works when emotions show up. Because they always do. The Four Buckets of Retirement Income To help retirees think through their income strategy, Ethan uses a four-bucket framework. Most people are familiar with the idea of dividing money by time horizon. But Ethan's approach focuses more on the source of income rather than just the timing. The four buckets include: 1. Cash ReservesShort-term funds designed to cover near-term spending and provide stability during market fluctuations. 2. Earned IncomeSome retirees continue to work part-time, consult, or pursue a business venture. This income can reduce pressure on investment withdrawals. 3. Secure IncomeReliable income streams such as Social Security, pensions, or annuity payments. Ethan makes an interesting observation about this category. Many people say they dislike annuities, yet they happily accept Social Security each month. “Virtually every American has an annuity right now called Social Security,” he noted. 4. Growth and Legacy InvestmentsLong-term investments designed for growth, flexibility, and potentially leaving assets to heirs. The goal isn't to split assets evenly among these buckets. Instead, the framework helps retirees understand where their income will come from and whether their plan aligns with their comfort level. Why Frameworks Matter One of the most helpful parts of Ethan's approach is that it provides structure. Without structure, retirement decisions can feel overwhelming. Every market move, every headline, every conversation with a friend can trigger doubt. A framework helps retirees answer a simple question: Where is my income coming from? Once that question is clear, the rest of the planning process becomes easier. The Spending Gap Another interesting challenge Ethan discussed is what advisors often call the retirement spending gap. When retirees are surveyed, most say they want their money to help them live the life they want. But when you look at their actual withdrawals, many spend far less than they could comfortably afford. They say they want to enjoy retirement. But their behavior suggests they're afraid to. Ethan describes the solution as helping retirees “live fully.” In other words, the goal of retirement planning isn't just preserving wealth. It's helping people feel confident enough to actually use it. Retirement Is About More Than Math Retirement planning often focuses on investment returns, withdrawal rates, and tax strategies. Those are important. But they aren't the whole story. Retirement also involves psychology, identity, and the emotional shift from saving to spending. A plan that only works on paper isn't enough. The best retirement plans are designed to work with human behavior—not against it. That's what makes them truly durable. And that's what makes them behavior-proof. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Lohr & Company The Four Buckets “The Four Buckets: A Behavior-Proof Approach to Reliable Retirement Income” by Ethan Lohr  Ethan Lohr on LinkedIn Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Randy and Paul offer some Spring thoughts, ponder what RB coaches actually do, sweat out the final innings of the Game 1 choke vs Ole Miss, ponder the resurgence of the Veer N shoot in the SEC, debate Grass vs Turf, and much, much more. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh kicks things off with a behind-the-scenes look at a whirlwind week in journalism and media. She shares highlights from her recent interview with Senator Cory Booker about his bold new “Keep Your Pay Act” proposal, which would eliminate federal income tax on the first $75,000 of income, and discusses what that could mean for working Americans. She also reflects on being featured in Kiplinger's latest issue on the best financial advice experts have ever received, sharing a career lesson that shaped her own path: learning to earn money not just from what you do, but from what you know. Plus, Farnoosh announces her upcoming free webinar on March 26 about how to land a big book deal (register using the link).Then, a quick breakdown of the latest money headlines that matter for your wallet: mortgage rates climbing back above 6% and what that means for today's “frozen” housing market, the widening K-shaped economy separating households that are thriving from those struggling with rising costs, and early signs that the once-hot job market may be cooling—along with why now is a good time for a financial check-up.In the mailbag, Farnoosh tackles listener questions including: • Should high earners prioritize Roth 401(k) contributions or diversify across other retirement strategies? • What to watch out for when a financial advisor pushes variable universal life insurance instead of traditional investing. • Creative ways families are making childcare and daycare costs more manageable. • How a teenager's part-time income and assets can affect FAFSA eligibility and college financial aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Keil explains 3 smart ways to help your kids with money while avoiding IRS paperwork Early in the year, I received an email from a couple asking a question I hear all the time: “What's the maximum we can give our kids?” That question usually shows up in December. Parents are trying to get a last-minute gift in before the year ends, and the conversation quickly becomes about tax limits. But that's the wrong starting point. If you're thinking about giving money to your kids, the first question shouldn't be “How much can I give?” The better question is “What problem am I trying to solve?” Many financial mistakes don't come from bad intentions. They come from rushed decisions. And when it comes to family money, rushed decisions can create tax surprises—or even family tension. If 2026 is the year you're considering helping your kids financially, the smartest move is to think it through early. Why Giving Money Isn't Always the Solution Financial gifts don't always produce the results we hope for. In fact, research highlighted in The Millionaire Next Door suggests that frequent financial gifts can sometimes create the opposite of what parents want. Instead of building independence, they can unintentionally create dependency. That doesn't mean giving money is wrong. It simply means the purpose behind the gift matters. Once you understand the purpose, the decision becomes much clearer. Over the years, I've noticed that most thoughtful financial gifts fall into three categories. 1. Timing Sometimes parents simply want their children to enjoy the money earlier. Many retirees know they'll likely leave assets to their children someday. Instead of waiting until inheritance years down the road, they prefer to give some of that money earlier in life. When kids are in their 30s or 40s, the financial impact of extra money can be significant. It may help them buy a home, invest earlier, or reduce financial stress during busy family years. There's also something meaningful about watching your kids benefit from the gift while you're still around to see it. Some people call this “giving with a warm hand instead of a cold hand.” 2. Relief Sometimes money can relieve a specific burden. Maybe a child is changing careers and needs additional training. Maybe there's a medical situation that insurance doesn't fully cover. Maybe they're dealing with a difficult life transition and just need a little financial breathing room. In those situations, the goal isn't simply giving money. The goal is removing a barrier so your child can move forward. That's a very different type of gift than simply writing a check because it's December and the tax calendar says you can. 3. Experience The third category is the one I see most often. Parents want to create experiences with their kids and grandkids. That might mean taking the entire family on a trip. Renting a large vacation home for a week together. Booking a cruise where everyone can spend time together. These moments often become some of the most meaningful uses of money in retirement. You're not just transferring wealth. You're creating memories. The Tax Rules (Yes, They Matter) Of course, taxes still play a role. For 2026, the annual gift tax exclusion allows you to give $19,000 per person per year without triggering any IRS reporting requirements. But remember: the tax impact often comes before the gift happens. If the money comes from a traditional IRA withdrawal, that withdrawal is taxable income. If it comes from selling appreciated investments, capital gains taxes may apply. In other words, giving $57,000 to three kids might require withdrawing significantly more money depending on where those funds come from. That's why focusing only on the IRS limit can miss the bigger financial picture. Share the “Why” Here's one final idea I encourage families to consider. When you give money, share the reason behind it. Explain why you're making the gift. Is it about helping them move forward in life?Is it about reducing stress during a tough moment?Is it about creating family memories? When children understand the meaning behind the money, they're far more likely to appreciate the intention behind the gift. And often, that meaning is far more valuable than the dollars themselves. Start the Conversation Early If you're considering helping your kids financially this year, don't wait until December. Start the conversation now. Ask yourself what you're really trying to accomplish. Because when giving money aligns with your intentions—not just tax rules—it can strengthen families, create meaningful experiences, and turn financial gifts into something much more valuable. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Read Jeremy's article in Kiplinger magazine: “How to Give Your Kids Cash Gifts Without Triggering IRS Paperwork”  What is the IRS Gift Tax Limit for 2026? – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel – https://youtu.be/nGeT9SUd3qI  Should You Give Away Your Money in Retirement? – Retire Today Episode 270 Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

The retirement mindset mentor George Jerjian explains how a second chance at life inspires him to help coach people into retirement. When George Jerjian was 52 years old, he was diagnosed with a bone tumor and given six months to live. For three weeks, he believed that was it. Then he was told he belonged to what he calls “the 2% club.” The cancer hadn't spread. He would live. That experience didn't just save his life. It reframed it. “Too often we just drift,” George said. “Even in retirement, we drift.” That word — drift — captures something many retirees feel but rarely articulate. For decades, retirement is the goal. You save. You invest. You plan. You finally reach the day when work stops. But then what? The Retirement Mirage George calls it the “retirement mirage.” Culturally, we've been sold an image: golf, travel, grandchildren, freedom from responsibility. And for a season, those things can be wonderful. But George challenges that assumption directly: “If you retire at 65, you could last till 90 and beyond these days… but what people don't realize is that no matter how much money they've saved, longevity has kind of wrecked the retirement equation.” Retirement used to be short. Now it can last 20, 25, even 30 years. That's not a vacation. That's a life stage. In the Retire Today framework, we talk about SPEND, MAKE, KEEP, INVEST, and LEAVE. But underneath all five steps is identity. Who are you when the title on your business card disappears? George put his experience plainly: “When you retire, who am I now? I'm a nobody. I'm useless.” That identity vacuum is where drifting begins. From Bucket List to Purpose George doesn't dismiss the bucket list. He just reframes it. “Don't delay that. Get on to that. Do the stuff you want to do. Because once you're satiated, you'll start looking for something more meaningful to do.” Travel. Play golf. Visit family. Do the things you've postponed. But don't confuse activity with purpose. Retirement, he argues, is a rite of passage. A hero's journey. He references Joseph Campbell's idea that “the cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” In other words, the discomfort you avoid may contain the growth you need. That's why one of the first exercises George gives clients is confronting mortality: “On your deathbed, what is it you haven't yet done that you always wanted to do?” It's uncomfortable. But clarity often lives on the other side of discomfort. The D.A.R.E. Method To guide retirees through this transition, George created the D.A.R.E. method: Discover – Understand what retirement truly is (and what it isn't).Assimilate – Learn how your mind works. Shift from a fixed mindset (“I can't do this”) to a growth mindset (“I can't do this yet”).Rewire – Build new habits through repetition. The subconscious mind thrives on stability and patterns.Expand – Step into growth rather than contraction. That last one is particularly interesting. Traditionally, retirement advice has focused on shrinking. Reduce risk. Cut expenses. Preserve capital. Prepare for decline. George pushes back: “With 20 years to go, this is not the time to settle in safe investments… your life has to match your investments.” He isn't dismissing prudent planning. But he is challenging the mindset of slow fade. Retirement, in his view, is not about “drifting into oblivion.” It's about repurposing. Joy vs. Happiness Another distinction George made is between happiness and joy. “Happiness is ephemeral… it comes and goes. But joy is something you can still have even if you're going through challenging times.” Retirement won't remove hardship. Health issues, family stress, and loss still occur. But joy — rooted in gratitude and meaning — can persist. “If you're not thankful, you're not thinking,” he said, connecting gratitude to awareness. Gratitude expands possibility. Resentment contracts it. From Retirement to Repurpose Perhaps the most powerful shift in the conversation came near the end: Move from the retirement mirage → to retirement meaning → to retirement repurpose. Financial planning gives you options. But mindset determines whether you use them well. You can save diligently and still drift. Or you can treat retirement as what it truly is: not an ending, but a new beginning. And that beginning requires courage. Because if you don't choose who you'll become in retirement, drift may choose for you. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps GeorgeJerjian.com George Jerjian on LinkedIn George Jerjian on FacebookGeorge Jerjian on Instagram George Jerjian on Twitter/X George Jerjian on YouTube Books by George Jerjian Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Paul and Randy break down some early Longhorn NFL combine performances, talk about the great start to Texas baseball and why Jonah Williams is hitting in the 5 hole, talk a little Spring game football and a lot more. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.

Questions? Comments?Don and Tom examine Kiplinger's list of top retirement side gigs and separate practical ideas from pipe dreams, questioning whether executive coaching, IT consulting, online reselling, and landlord life truly offer “passive” or realistic income. They highlight more viable options like tutoring, handyman work, and tour guiding while emphasizing purpose over paycheck. Listener questions cover the risks of private credit and alternative investments, plus smart strategies for consolidating multiple 401(k) accounts without triggering unintended tax consequences.0:04 Old guys still podcasting intro1:38 Kiplinger's retiree side-gig list3:26 Executive coaching reality check4:40 AI and tech consulting skepticism6:32 Consulting and client ego problems7:53 AI vs. content writers9:06 Bookkeeping for small businesses9:29 Online selling isn't easy money11:19 Tutoring as a steady option12:17 Handyman work pays well13:44 Tour guide opportunities14:17 Landlord myth of “passive” income16:00 Where to find side gigs16:47 Bridge jobs for healthcare17:08 Purpose-driven retirement19:14 Private credit and alternative risks23:46 Consolidating multiple 401(k)sLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don and Tom examine Kiplinger's list of top retirement side gigs and separate practical ideas from pipe dreams, questioning whether executive coaching, IT consulting, online reselling, and landlord life truly offer “passive” or realistic income. They highlight more viable options like tutoring, handyman work, and tour guiding while emphasizing purpose over paycheck. Listener questions cover the risks of private credit and alternative investments, plus smart strategies for consolidating multiple 401(k) accounts without triggering unintended tax consequences. 0:04 Old guys still podcasting intro 1:38 Kiplinger's retiree side-gig list 3:26 Executive coaching reality check 4:40 AI and tech consulting skepticism 6:32 Consulting and client ego problems 7:53 AI vs. content writers 9:06 Bookkeeping for small businesses 9:29 Online selling isn't easy money 11:19 Tutoring as a steady option 12:17 Handyman work pays well 13:44 Tour guide opportunities 14:17 Landlord myth of “passive” income 16:00 Where to find side gigs 16:47 Bridge jobs for healthcare 17:08 Purpose-driven retirement 19:14 Private credit and alternative risks 23:46 Consolidating multiple 401(k)s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's Mascoe's super power? How many Geffrards comprise a Coburn? Why would our new speedy LB Biles have been a playmaking strong safety back in 1995? Paul breaks down the defensive and special teams additions to the roster post-portal. Texas added some key pieces, as well as some projects and depth additions. How have the dynamics of the Longhorn defense shifted with these new athletes? The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.

Randy and Paul cover the gamut from the inevitability of the 24 team expansion, the cheating Maple Monkey curling team, Texas baseball's strong start and excellent pitching potential, Sean Miller's growth into the hoops job, Finnish snipers, and the potential implications of Joey Aguilar's eligibility case. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.