Podcasts about life planning

In this summer replay, Roger talks with Dr. Daniel Crosby about learning what to ignore in an age of information overload. They explore how to filter financial advice, align decisions with your values, and focus your attention on what truly matters to your finances and your life. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN[00:00] Roger introduces this summer replay with Dr. Daniel Crosby and talks about his upcoming Social Security series. SUMMER REPLAY WITH DR DANIEL CROSBY[02:21] Roger revisits his conversation with Dr. Daniel Crosby about filtering out the noise competing for our attention.[09:18] Daniel explains how our spending can reveal whether our choices truly align with our stated values.[14:03] Roger and Daniel share four questions that can help determine whether information deserves our attention.CLOSING THOUGHTS[31:46] Roger looks ahead to the upcoming five-week Social Security series. REFERENCESThe Soul of Wealth by Dr. Daniel CrosbyDeep Work by Cal NewportThe Rational Optimist by Matt RidleySubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The Noodle

198 Hospice Explained: Eric Horwith on End-of-Life Planning and Navigating Grief Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews Eric Horwith, a social worker and UPMC regional director of business development who focuses on improving timely access to hospice, palliative care, and home health services and teaches at the University of Pittsburgh. Eric shares how his father's unexpected death forced urgent end-of-life decisions without advance planning, reinforcing the need for earlier conversations and legal documents. He describes his mother's peaceful death at 83 and his subsequent intense grief, which led him to write the Amazon-available guide, "Grief Exists Because Love Persists: Navigating Life After Loss," emphasizing grief as individualized and something to move through while honoring a loved one's legacy. Eric outlines his university course covering hospice, palliative care, organ donation, autopsy, cultural considerations, and advance care planning. He advises researching hospice providers, noting hospice is a benefit regardless of ability to pay and highlighting publicly reported quality metrics. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:41 Meet Eric Horwith 02:33 Eric's Story and Calling 04:56 Sudden Loss and Planning Ahead 07:41 Mom's Peaceful Passing 09:23 Why He Wrote the Grief Guide 10:06 Grief Exists Because Love Persists 12:28 Grief Nuggets and Marathon Metaphor 15:37 Honoring Barbara's Legacy 16:42 Teaching Death and Dying 24:07 Hospice Access for Underserved 28:13 Final Takeaways and Goodbye If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

This Summer Replay revisits Roger's 2018 conversation with Gretchen Rubin about the Four Tendencies and how understanding your personality can help you create a retirement plan and daily life that truly fit who you are.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces this Summer Replay conversation with Gretchen Rubin about creating a retirement plan that fits your personality. SUMMER REPLAY: CONVERSATION WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN(01:32) Gretchen explains the Four Tendencies and how each responds to expectations.(08:25) Learn how working with your natural tendency can help you achieve your goals.(09:39) Discover how the Four Tendencies can shape your transition into retirement.(16:53) Understanding the tendencies of your spouse, family members, and coworkers can improve communication and reduce conflict.CLOSING THOUGHTS (19:40) Roger shares his thoughts on relaunching YouTube in a way that fits him and the show. REFERENCESTake Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies QuizThe Four Tendencies by Gretchen RubinSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The Noodle

As part of Roger's summer replay series, he revisits a conversation with Peter Lazaroff about the value of elegant simplicity in retirement investing. They discuss why more sophisticated strategies are not necessarily better, how added complexity can create unexpected risks, and why the money supporting your retirement should remain separate from any “play money” used to explore alternative investments. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:01) Roger introduces the benefits of simplifying your investments rather than continually adding new strategies.RERUN: KEEPING INVESTMENTS SIMPLE WITH PETER LAZAROFF(01:56) Roger and Peter discuss elegant simplicity, private investments, and why adding complexity to your portfolio may create more risk and work without meaningfully improving your retirement.(20:18) As private investments become more widely available, Peter shares a framework for deciding whether an investment truly belongs in your portfolio.(32:02) Roger and Peter discuss when added complexity may serve a purpose and why private investments should not be a core part of the strategy securing your retirement.CLOSING THOUGHTS(40:05) Roger connects elegant simplicity with the 80/20 rule and the theme of the upcoming Rock Retirement Club Roundup.REFERENCESLearn more about Peter LazaroffPre-Order Peter's New Book: The Perfect Portfolio Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals. 

We all know the importance of having a good financial plan in place. But…are we all talking about the same thing? What *is* a financial plan, and how do we know if ours is good or not?  Looking for a financial planner?  → PlanWithJesse.com Jesse explores what financial planning actually is, why it extends far beyond investing, and how to know whether your financial plan is truly working. He begins by defining financial planning as a comprehensive process that aligns every aspect of your financial life—including cash flow, taxes, investments, insurance, retirement, and estate planning—around your unique goals and values. Jesse explains why clear goals, a structured planning process, and an integrated long-term strategy are the foundation of every effective financial plan, illustrating how changes in one area of life inevitably ripple through every other financial decision. Drawing on ideas from the CFP Board, Carl Richards, and George Kinder, he emphasizes that financial planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing, dynamic process that evolves as your goals, finances, and life circumstances change. He concludes by outlining 22 practical signs that a financial plan is succeeding, arguing that true success is measured not only by growing wealth but also by greater clarity, confidence, better decision-making, reduced financial anxiety, stronger family alignment, and the freedom to make important life decisions with purpose rather than emotion. Key Takeaways: • Financial planning is about helping you achieve life goals through coordinated financial decisions, not simply managing investments. • Good financial planning integrates investments, taxes, insurance, cash flow, retirement, and estate planning into one cohesive strategy. • Following a structured planning process leads to better decisions than jumping straight to recommendations. • Couples who share financial goals tend to make better long-term decisions together. • The best financial plans reduce the amount of time and energy you spend worrying about money. • The ultimate measure of financial planning success is greater confidence, clarity, and permission to live your life according to your values—not simply having a larger portfolio. Key Timestamps: (01:24) – What Is Financial Planning? (04:29) – Financial Goals (06:09) – Different Facets of a Good Financial Plan (07:34) – Follow a Process (10:19) – Creating a Strategy (15:11) – Bringing Everything Together (18:18) – Three Questions for Life Planning (22:58) – 22 Ways to Know the Plan Is Working Key Topics Discussed: The Best Interest, Jesse Cramer, Wealth Management Rochester NY, Financial Planning for Families, Fiduciary Financial Advisor, Comprehensive Financial Planning, Retirement Planning Advice, Tax-Efficient Investing, Risk Management for Investors, Generational Wealth Transfer Planning, Financial Strategies for High Earners, Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs, Behavioral Finance Insights, Asset Allocation Strategies, Advanced Estate Planning Techniques Mentions: https://bestinterest.blog/e83/  More of The Best Interest: Check out the Best Interest Blog at https://bestinterest.blog/ Contact me at jesse@bestinterest.blog Need a financial planner?  → PlanWithJesse.com  The Best Interest Podcast is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

1. Why Life Planning Should Come Before Financial Planning Why you need to understand the life you want to create before deciding how your money should support it. Using a lifetime cash flow plan to identify future liabilities and the assets needed to fund them. 2. Looking Beyond Investments to Understand Total Wealth Why traditional financial planning can focus too heavily on regulated investments rather than the full picture of someone's wealth. Looking at property, pensions, savings, investments and future earnings as part of a wider wealth plan. 3. The Overlooked Value of Human Capital Understanding human capital as the skills, property, intellectual property, networks and other assets that can generate earnings. How leveraging human capital can create entrepreneurial opportunities, income and financial capital over time. 4. Taking Back Control Through Financial Agency What Steve means by financial agency and why people should have greater ownership of their financial decisions. How proportional planning can provide expert support during complexity, stress or major life changes without creating permanent dependency. 5. How AI Could Change Financial Planning Why AI is reducing the information gap between financial institutions and consumers. How individuals can use AI as a co-pilot to improve their financial capability and productivity while retaining human judgement. 6. Understanding Fees and Making Better Financial Decisions Why consumers should take a closer look at the charges attached to pensions, investments and financial products. How AI-powered tools could help people identify hidden terms, charges and potential red flags so they can make more informed decisions. 7. The Future of Financial Advice and Wealth Transfer How changing consumer expectations, technology and the Great Wealth Transfer could reshape the traditional financial advice model. Why greater financial capability, combined with professional support when genuinely needed, could give future generations more control over their wealth. Resources: The Academy of Life Planning - Navigate life with confidence WealthBuilders - Build, protect and transfer your wealth WealthBuilders Membership: Free access to guides, webinars, and community Connect with Us: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Next Steps On Your WealthBuilding Journey:   Join the WealthBuilders Facebook Community Schedule a 1:1 call with one of our team Become a member of WealthBuilders If you have been enjoying listening to WealthTalk, please leave us a review!

Psychologist and educator Fitzhugh Dodson once wrote, “Without goals and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” Goals matter, but they accomplish little without a thoughtful plan. And for Christians, that plan should involve more than increasing net worth, reaching retirement, or achieving financial independence. It should help us consider how God may be inviting us to use our time, abilities, and resources for His purposes. Ron Anderson, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® and Founder of Plan A Wealth Management in Lincoln, Nebraska, has spent more than 30 years helping people plan their financial futures. Increasingly, however, his work has also focused on something broader: life planning. What Is Life Planning? Traditional financial planning often begins with practical questions: How much should I save? When can I retire? How should I invest? What lifestyle can I afford? Life planning goes beneath those questions to address the deeper motivations behind them. Why do you want to succeed? What contribution do you hope to make? How will you use your time if you reach your financial goals? What unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities has God entrusted to you? “You need to know what your financial goals are,” Anderson explains, “but you also need to ask why you want to be successful. If you are financially on track, what will you do with your time and your life to make the contribution God has placed you here to make?” Life planning does not replace financial planning. It gives financial planning a greater purpose. Begin With the Deeper “Why” Financial decisions are often only the visible part of a much larger picture. Financial teacher Ron Blue has compared this to an iceberg. The decisions above the waterline—saving, spending, investing, and giving—represent only a small portion of our financial lives. Beneath the surface are our beliefs, priorities, values, fears, and faith. That is why a meaningful plan must begin with more than numbers. It requires honest reflection: What do I believe God has entrusted to me? What relationships and responsibilities deserve my attention? What needs or opportunities has God placed before me? What would faithfulness look like in this season? How might my financial choices help me become more available to serve? These questions may not produce immediate or easy answers. But asking them can help us move from simply accumulating resources to managing them with intention. Creating the Freedom to Say Yes A financial planner can play an important role in life planning by helping someone establish a reasonable lifestyle, prepare for future needs, and create financial margin. That margin can provide the freedom to respond when God redirects our plans. “If God nudges your heart to do something different with your time, energy, or occupation,” Anderson says, “you want to have the flexibility to say, ‘Yes, Lord, I will follow,' rather than, ‘I cannot afford to do that.'” This is one reason defining “enough” can be so important. Without a clear sense of enough, lifestyle expenses can continue rising alongside income. More money leads to more spending, which can make us increasingly dependent on maintaining a certain salary or standard of living. A reasonable lifestyle is not about deprivation. It is about creating the capacity to give generously, pursue meaningful work, care for others, and remain responsive to God's direction. The Value of Wise Counsel Life planning can be difficult to do alone. Our thoughts may feel clear internally but become more complicated when we attempt to put them into words. A trusted financial advisor, pastor, mentor, or mature friend can provide a place to process those questions honestly. Talking through your goals can reveal inconsistencies, clarify priorities, and expose assumptions you may not have recognized. Wise counsel can also challenge you when your financial plan and your stated values do not align. The goal is not for someone else to determine God's will for your life. Rather, wise counsel can help you think carefully, pray faithfully, and make decisions with greater clarity. What Scripture Says About Planning Your Life Ephesians 5:15–17 offers an important foundation for life planning: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Scripture calls us to live intentionally. Our time is limited, and wisdom requires that we pay attention to how we use it. Understanding what the Lord desires involves spending time in His Word, seeking Him in prayer, listening to wise counsel, and honestly examining the opportunities and responsibilities He has placed before us. Life planning should therefore be approached with humility. We make plans, but we acknowledge that God directs our steps. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” The goal is not to create a perfect roadmap for the rest of our lives. It is to become more attentive and available to follow wherever God leads. When Financial Planning Serves a Greater Purpose Anderson has seen clients use life planning to pursue opportunities far beyond a traditional retirement plan. One couple gave a significant financial gift and later traveled overseas, where they helped translate the Bible while supporting their own ministry work. After returning to the United States, they purchased a property in Colorado where people serving in ministry could find much-needed rest. Their financial resources became tools for service, hospitality, and generosity. Not every life plan will involve moving overseas or beginning a ministry. Faithfulness may mean caring for aging parents, mentoring younger believers, volunteering in the community, supporting a local church, spending more time with family, or becoming more generous. The specific expression will differ from person to person. The important question is whether our plans are preparing us merely to become more comfortable—or helping us become more faithful. Planning for a Life of Faithful Stewardship Financial planning asks, “Will I have enough?” Life planning adds another question: “What will I do with what God provides?” Money is not the final destination. It is one of many resources God entrusts to us, along with our time, relationships, experiences, and abilities. A wise plan prepares for future needs, establishes healthy financial boundaries, and creates room for generosity. But most importantly, it helps us remain ready to respond when God presents an opportunity to serve. To learn more about Ron Anderson and Plan A Wealth Management, visit PlanAWM.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 75 and legally blind. After helping my daughter with a loan and a car, I expect to have about $5,000 a month available once the car is paid off in seven months. I'm uncomfortable with investing and would rather put that money into savings. Is that a wise approach? I have about $50,000 in consolidated student loans at 6% interest. Is it true that the remaining balance could be forgiven after 20 years? I also give generously to ministries and missionaries. Should I reduce my giving temporarily to pay down the debt faster? I have an indexed annuity with seven years remaining, and I'm charged a liquidity rider fee on each monthly withdrawal. What is that charge, and is there any way to avoid it? A collector is contacting me about a medical bill from 13 to 15 years ago, but they haven't provided documentation, and the hospital says I owe nothing. How long can someone legally pursue an old medical debt, and could they garnish my Social Security benefits? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Plan A Wealth Management AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Psychologist and educator Fitzhugh Dodson wrote, “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” Of course, goals are only helpful if you have a plan to achieve them. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Anderson discuss life planning. Learn what it is, how to do it, and why it’s important to every aspect of life, including your finances. Then, it’s on to calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live, biblical wisdom for your financial journey. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August is encore month on the Retirement Answer Man podcast, giving Roger an opportunity to step back, reflect, and revisit some of the show's most impactful conversations. This week, he replays his discussion with Tanya Nichols on retiring single—a topic that remains just as relevant today. Together, they explore the unique planning considerations for single retirees, including building a trusted support network, preparing for future care, creating a personal board of directors, balancing flexibility with financial security, and thinking intentionally about legacy. Roger closes the episode by sharing why he's spending August slowing down, revisiting favorite books, and using writing to gain greater clarity and conviction.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger explains why August will feature encore episodes, shares his desire to slow down and reflect, and introduces this week's replay with Tanya Nichols on retiring single.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT FEATURING TANYA NICHOLS(02:18) Roger and Tanya discuss the unique planning considerations for single retirees, including future care planning, building a trusted support network, creating a personal board of directors, managing a household alone, balancing flexibility with financial security, and rethinking legacy.CLOSING THOUGHTs(22:47) Roger reflects on why he's spending August revisiting favorite books and encourages listeners to embrace writing and reflection as tools for reconnecting with their own convictions.REFERENCESRetire AgileThe Gospel of Wealth by Andrew Carnegie Mark Troutman's Money Mind Podcast Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

What if budgeting wasn't about restriction, but about giving every dollar a purpose? This week, Roger sits down with Jesse Mecham, founder of YNAB (You Need A Budget), to discuss the power of intentionality with money. Together, they explore how asking one simple question, "What is this money for?" can reduce financial stress, improve decision-making, and help align your spending with the life you want to create. Roger also answers listener questions on rebalancing retirement portfolios, qualified dividends, supporting adult children, calculating net worth, and whether financial planners have financial planners of their own.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces this week's conversation on intentionality with money, previews his interview with Jesse Mecham, and shares updates on the August replay schedule and upcoming Social Security series.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT FEATURING JESSE MECHAM(03:06) Roger sits down with Jesse Mecham, founder of YNAB, to discuss how approaching money with intention instead of restriction can reduce financial worry and help you align your spending with what matters most. LISTENER QUESTIONS(38:47) Christine asks about rebalancing her retirement portfolio.(43:00) Peter asks about qualified and ordinary dividends.(47:28) Paul asks about supporting adult children financially.(56:05) Ron asks whether future taxes should be considered when calculating net worth (58:38) Lisa wonders whether financial planners have financial planners of their own.SMART SPRINT(01:01:55) Reflect on how intentional you are with your money and consider reading Jesse Mecham's book, Never Worry About Money Again, to help align your spending with the life you want to create.CLOSING THOUGHT(01:03:23) Roger reflects on the summer goals he set earlier in the year and encourages you to revisit your own intentions before the season ends. REFERENCESNever Worry About Money Again by Jesse MechamYNAB (You Need A Budget)Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

How do you know when it's worth optimizing your retirement plan and when it's better to keep things simple? This week, Roger answers a listener question by exploring Aristotle's concept of the "golden mean," arguing that the best retirement decisions are rarely found at either extreme. He explains why financial optimization should be measured by the life it enables rather than the dollars it saves and introduces the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) as a practical framework for evaluating trade-offs. Roger also answers listener questions about stepped-up cost basis after the death of a spouse, whether dividends can be used to fund an income floor, and when bonds versus CDs make sense in today's interest rate environment.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces today's discussion on balancing financial optimization with simplicity, previews upcoming episodes, and shares updates on the August replay schedule and September Social Security series.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(02:31) Finding your "golden mean" between optimizing your retirement plan and keeping it simpleWhy retirement planning often overemphasizes financial optimizationThe difference between optimizing for money and optimizing for lifeHow Aristotle's concept of the golden mean applies to retirement decisionsUsing the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) to make better decisionsRecognizing personal biases before making financial decisionsEvaluating trade-offs and second-order consequences before pursuing tax strategies, Roth conversions, and other optimization opportunitiesLISTENER QUESTIONS(36:35) Roger answers a listener's question about home cost basis. (41:02) Can dividend income be used to fill the gap in my retirement income floor?(44:55) Are bonds still a good conservative investment, or should I use CDs instead?SMART SPRINT(49:55) Practice using the OODA framework on a small, everyday decision this week to determine whether optimizing is truly worth the extra time and effort.CLOSING THOUGHTS(51:24) Roger reflects on how building a resilient retirement plan isn't just about protecting against uncertainty—it also gives you the confidence to lean into life and enjoy retirement more fullyREFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

This week Roger explains why rebalancing is one of the most important disciplines in retirement planning. In the Retirement Toolkit, he explores the difference between a traditional investment allocation and a retirement allocation, explaining how to organize your assets to support both your current lifestyle and your future needs. Along the way, he answers listener questions about speculative investments, the retirement red zone, the Rule of 55, and managing retirement cash reserves.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger explains why portfolios naturally drift over time and why rebalancing helps keep your retirement plan aligned with your long-term goals.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(02:45) Roger explains how to rebalance a retirement portfolio, introduces his retirement allocation strategy, and shares practical tips for keeping your investments aligned with the life you want to live.LISTENER QUESTIONS(34:50) BB asks whether a high-risk AI cryptocurrency investment belongs in a retirement portfolio. Roger discusses separating speculative investments from retirement assets and investing with intention.(39:30) Jim asks how the retirement red zone changes for people who retire early. Roger explains sequence of returns risk and why its impact depends on factors like retirement age and overall funding.(44:16) Jamie asks how the Rule of 55 applies to her 401(k). Roger explains why eligibility depends on the employer's retirement plan and recommends checking with the plan administrator.(46:53) Pat asks how to replenish a retirement money market account each year. Roger discusses coordinating withdrawals with tax planning and maintaining flexibility in retirement income.SMART SPRINT(50:10) Roger encourages listeners to identify their target retirement allocation by defining how much they want in their contingency fund, income reserve, and long-term growth portfolio.ON THE BOOKSHELF (51:28) Nicole recommends Undistracted by Bob Goff, and Mark recommends Living Life in Crescendo by Stephen R. Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller. Roger shares his thoughts on lifelong growth and purpose in retirement. REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleUndistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy. by Bob GoffLiving Life In Crescendo by Stephen R. CoveyNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Pastors can do “good hard” ministry without destroying their soul or family. In this episode, Lance Witt shares his story of leaving Saddleback Church after hitting a breaking point when an unsustainable pace and growing tension at home revealed that working harder could no longer produce health. What followed was a renewed calling: to help leaders pursue a different way of life—one marked by health, humility, and deeper dependence on Jesus.Lance unpacks the hidden drivers of burnout, including approval addiction, people-pleasing, and a faulty theology of availability that keeps leaders overextended. He offers a clear distinction between “good hard” ministry and the kind that quietly depletes your soul, along with practical rhythms that restore health like Sabbath, boundaries, daily time with Jesus, and honest feedback. The conversation will challenge leaders to embrace limits as a gift, cultivate a healthy ambition, and build a culture where both they and their teams can grow without burning out.About Lance: Lance Witt has been leading churches and organizations for 40+ years.  He was the lead pastor for 3 different churches and then spent 7 years as an executive and teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in Southern California. In 2007, Lance launched a ministry called Replenish, which is dedicated to “Helping people live and lead from a healthy soul.”  Over the last 15 years Lance has encouraged, challenged and equipped thousands of leaders through speaking, personal coaching, LifePlanning, and writing books. Lance's books include…Replenish… a resource for pastors and ministry leaders on doing ministry without losing your soul.High Impact Teams… a resource to catalyze teams to increased health and high-performanceYour ONE Life… this newest book releases in 2021 and is focused on helping people own, live and love their one and only life.Lance and his best friend, Connie, have been married for 45 years.  They have two grown children and 4 beautiful granddaughters. Their entire family lives in Castle Rock, Colorado.Show Notes: https://95network.org/95podcast-346-summary-healthy-holy-and-humble-soul-care-rhythms-for-pastors-with-lance-witt-95-podcast-346/Support the show

This week Roger talks about one of the biggest challenges retirees face today: information overload. He explains why more information doesn't always lead to better decisions and why building a great retirement starts with focusing on what matters most to you. In the Retirement Toolkit, Roger unpacks stepped-up cost basis, covering how it works, when it matters, and how it can become a valuable estate planning tool. Along the way, he answers listener questions on retirement income strategies, cash reserves, government retirement accounts, and how to create a retirement plan that's both practical and personal. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger discusses how information overload can make retirement planning feel overwhelming and explains why simplifying your focus leads to better decisions.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(08:20) Roger breaks down stepped-up cost basis, explaining how inherited assets receive a new tax basis at death, which assets qualify, how the rules differ for spouses, and how this strategy fits into estate and retirement planning.LISTENER QUESTIONS(21:20) Mike asks whether adding a whole life insurance policy is an effective retirement income strategy. Roger explains why it's important to build a retirement plan first before evaluating insurance products and discusses situations where whole life may or may not make sense.(32:00) Allison asks about the federal TSP's pro-rata withdrawal rules and whether rolling funds to an IRA would make a bucket strategy easier to implement.(34:13) Steven asks how much cash to have available before retirement. Roger shares his approach for building a five-year spending reserve while balancing flexibility and sequence-of-returns risk.(39:56) Tom asks whether to model retirement spending using flat nominal dollars or adjust for inflation and the retirement spending smile. Roger explains why retirement plans should reflect personal spending goals rather than population averages.SMART SPRINT(47:00) Roger encourages listeners to filter information through their own priorities, remembering that general advice is only valuable if it applies to their unique situation.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

​In this Swift chat conversation, Marie Swift sits down with Frank Corrado, a fiduciary financial advisor whose career has spanned public accounting, two decades at JP Morgan, over 20 years running his own independent RIA, and founder of Pivot Point, which partners with financial advisors and their clients as a "Chief Behavioral Officer" to help people move from insight to action at life's pivotal decision-making moments. Corrado shares the pivot points that shaped his path, from leaving Wall Street after 9/11 to earning his CFP, becoming a Registered Life Planner through the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, and now pursuing the Certification Financial Transitionist through the Financial Transitionist Institute. Corrado highlights his new white paper, The Strategic Power of Humanization in Modern Wealth Management, which makes the case that the advisory profession is shifting from product and service-centric models toward a deeply human-centered practice. The conversation digs into the difference between personalization and humanization, why "soft skills" are in fact core skills, and how AI can free advisors to spend more time being guides rather than mechanics – without ever replacing genuine empathy and listening. He also touches on the benefits of being a member of the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners (ACP) and how that methodology and community of like-minded financial planning and wealth management professionals has been an important part of his success.   Whether you're a financial advisor looking to deepen client relationships, build enterprise value, or simply rethink your value proposition in the age of AI, this conversation offers a thoughtful, experience-tested perspective on what it really means to put people first.   Connect with Frank Corrado on LinkedIn or learn more at www.GoPivotPoint.com.

This week Roger explores the idea of "digging where your feet are" and how focusing on what you can do today can reduce anxiety about the future and regret about the past. In the Retirement Toolkit, he explains the basics of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), including when they begin, which accounts they affect, how they're calculated, and strategies for managing them through retirement. Listener questions cover Roth conversions, 401(k) rollovers, donor-advised funds versus direct charitable giving, and healthcare costs before Medicare. Roger closes the episode with a Fourth of July story about unexpected kindness from strangers in rural Texas.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces the idea of "dig where your feet are" and explains why focusing on today's actions leads to better retirement planning than living in the future or the past.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(04:06) Roger breaks down Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), explaining what they are, when they begin, which retirement accounts are affected, how they're calculated, and strategies for minimizing their long-term tax impact.LISTENER QUESTIONS(17:10) Michael asks whether Roth conversions are worthwhile with only a short window between retirement and the start of Required Minimum Distributions.(23:10) Lynn asks how to minimize market risk when rolling a 401(k) into an IRA and worries about being out of the market during the transfer.(28:19) Sandy shares concerns about donor-advised funds and encourages earlier conversations around charitable giving. Roger discusses both the advantages and criticisms of donor-advised funds.(32:52) John shares concerns about healthcare costs before Medicare. Roger discusses replacing vague fears with concrete planning and evaluating the trade-offs of retiring early.SMART SPRINT(38:01) Roger's challenge this week: estimate your future Required Minimum Distribution using an online calculator to better understand how RMDs may affect your retirement income and taxes.CLOSING THOUGHTS (38:54) Roger shares a Fourth of July story about his daughter receiving help from several strangers after experiencing car trouble in rural West Texas, reflecting on kindness, generosity, and the spirit of America.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleCharles Schwab Required Minimum Distribution CalculatorNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

In this episode, Angela discusses the concept of 'preventative financial care' to avoid common financial pitfalls. She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help early, rather than waiting until a crisis occurs. The episode outlines eight key life planning issues that serve as a baseline for proactive financial management. Key Takeaways

This week Roger breaks down IRMAA Medicare surcharges and why retirees should understand them without letting them dominate retirement planning decisions. He explains how the income thresholds work, common planning mistakes to avoid, and what happens if you cross into a higher premium bracket. Listener questions cover gifting strategies with adult children, Social Security claiming options for spouses, health insurance before Medicare, long-term care planning, combining finances later in life, and the tax treatment of gifts. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces IRMAA Medicare surcharges and explains why understanding them can help avoid surprises and unforced planning mistakes.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(01:28) Roger breaks down IRMAA Medicare surcharges, explaining when they apply, why they matter, and how retirees can avoid being caught off guard by higher Medicare premiums. LISTENER QUESTIONS(15:11) John asks whether purpose-driven gifts to adult children impose the giver's values and how to balance generosity with expectations.(26:50) Joe asks how Social Security spousal benefits work when one spouse delays claiming until age 70.(31:50) Paul asks whether it's possible to wait until getting sick before enrolling in Affordable Care Act coverage.(33:41) Paul asks about using a Roth IRA as a self-funded long-term care reserve instead of purchasing long-term care insurance.(38:53) Suzanne asks for advice on combining finances in a later-life marriage between two retired widows.(45:43) Dave asks whether recipients of financial gifts owe taxes on the money they receive.SMART SPRINT(47:21) Roger's challenge this week: take a break from planning and simply enjoy life.ON THE BOOKSHELF(47:46) Kevin Lyles reviews The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age by Dr. Tommy Wood.REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleON THE BOOKSHELFThe Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age by Tommy WoodNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.  

Time is the one asset you can’t replace—and it shapes every retirement decision. JoePat Roop reflects on Father’s Day, legacy, and the real meaning behind retirement planning. The discussion connects financial preparation with life priorities, highlighting how income planning supports the moments that matter most. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a simple quote about wasting time sparks a deeper conversation about why retirement isn't meant to be endlessly optimized. In the Retirement Toolbox, we compare mutual funds and ETFs, exploring their differences in costs, trading, and tax efficiency. Listener questions cover Roth conversion assumptions, choosing between a pension and lump sum, whether the Shiller PE ratio can predict market crashes, and how to think about portfolio risk without falling into the trap of over-optimization.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) The episode opens with a reflection on the value of wasting time and why not every moment in retirement needs to be optimized or productive.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(04:06) In today's Retirement Toolkit, Roger breaks down the differences between mutual funds and ETFs, focusing on how structure, trading mechanics, costs, and tax efficiency can impact which vehicle is best suited for different types of accounts and investing strategies. LISTENER QUESTIONS(26:08) A listener asks whether future tax brackets should be adjusted when modeling Roth conversions and why long-term tax projections have significant limitations.(32:40) The pros and cons of keeping a pension versus taking a lump sum are examined, along with a framework for comparing guaranteed income to investment alternatives.(44:54) The Shiller PE ratio is put under the microscope as the conversation explores whether market valuations can reliably predict future crashes or returns.(59:58) Portfolio risk, AI, and the dangers of over-optimization are discussed, with an emphasis on building a strategy that aligns with both goals and temperament.SMART SPRINT(1:00:43) This week's challenge is simple: intentionally waste some time and enjoy activities that have no agenda or productivity goal.DECLUTTERING DEBRIEF(1:01:53) A listener shares the reminder that "the thing is not the memory" and why letting go of possessions doesn't mean letting go of meaningful experiences.ON THE BOOKSHELF(1:02:24) A listener recommendation of Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson as well as Roger's recommendation of The Match, a nonfiction story about a legendary 1956 golf match and the players involved. REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleON THE BOOKSHELFSnow Crash by Neal Stephenson The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever by Mark Frost Note: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals. 

Roger Whitney explores the relationship between cost and value in retirement planning, focusing on how to better understand the fees associated with financial advice, investments, and insurance products. Using a listener question about an annuity recommendation as a starting point, he explains why investors need clarity around what they are paying so they can determine whether they are receiving enough value in return. Roger also answers listener questions about transitioning into retirement, creating an income strategy before Social Security begins, and shares more decluttering wins from the community.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces the idea that understanding value requires first understanding price, and explains why investment and advisory fees can often feel difficult to identify.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(02:49) Roger explores the relationship between price and value in financial planning, using a listener question about annuities to explain how advisor fees, investment expenses, and compensation structures work. He encourages listeners to understand what they are paying in dollar terms so they can determine whether the value they receive aligns with the cost. LISTENER QUESTIONS(26:23) A listener asks for guidance on navigating the emotional transition during the final year before retirement and how to "land the plane" well.(33:00) Roger shares listener feedback from his healthcare episode.(33:40) Roger addresses a question about whether paying for family vacations should count toward annual gifting limits. (35:08) Molly asks how to structure retirement withdrawals before claiming Social Security, and Roger shares his approach to creating an income reserve.SMART SPRINT(37:41) Take 20–30 minutes this week to identify the fees associated with your investments or financial advice and convert them into dollar amounts so you can better evaluate the value you receive.DECLUTTERING DEBRIEF(38:55) Roger shares listener success stories inspired by the decluttering series.REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Send us Fan MailMoney touches nearly every aspect of our lives, yet many of us were never taught how to relate to it.Financial well-being is much more than figures in your bank account. It's about knowing what's important to you and aligning your finances with your values. In this conversation, we explore the connection between money and well-being, the importance of trust and rapport with a financial advisor, and why life planning is the key to freedom, at any age and stage.Today's guest, Phil Weiss, is the founder of Apprise Wealth Management, a seasoned financial professional with more than 25 years of experience in personal finance and investment management. What makes Phil's work particularly meaningful is the personal experience that shaped his mission. He witnessed firsthand how a lack of financial preparedness can add stress to already challenging life circumstances.Today, Phil is focusing on helping women facing new beginnings build financial confidence by empowering them with the knowledge and resources they need to start life after divorce, widowhood, or retirement.Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to become more intentional with your resources, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to be financially well.CONNECT WITH PHIL:Website: https://apprisewealth.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-weiss Download my FREE eBook: A Weekend of Feeling GreatSchedule a FREE Discovery call Sign up for my free weekly newsletter: HEREBuy my book Living Your Best Life in CollegeTake the 2-minute Wellness QuizIf you enjoyed this episode, please FOLLOW, RATE, REVIEW & SHARE!! Rates and reviews help the message get to more people! Thanks!Good is What Makes You Feel Well is Mamma Terra's PodcastCONNECT WITH MAMMA TERRA HEALTH COACHING:Instagram: @mammaterrahcFacebook: MammaTerra.HCLinkedIn: Anna ResendeIntro Music "Levitar" credits to Ricardo Ulpiano, Thiago Peixoto, Marcelo Luciano Menino, and Anderson Rodrigo de Oliveira.Podcast art credits to Caroline Kohls Thanks for tuning in!

Roger Whitney explores the idea that retirement always involves both excitement and uncertainty. While people spend years gathering information, running projections, and refining plans, there comes a point when no amount of additional analysis can eliminate risk. Through a conversation with Dr. Jordan Grumet, Roger discusses why retirement ultimately requires a leap of faith, how fear of running out of money can overshadow the risk of missing life, and practical ways to build confidence in spending and living intentionally. The episode also features listener reflections on decluttering, strategies for letting go of physical and financial clutter, and a Rockin' Retirement in the Wild story from Scott, who recently retired and embraced a long-awaited trip to Maui.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger reflects on the “sweet and sour” nature of retirement and introduces the concept of taking a leap of faith.(01:56) Roger welcomes listeners, previews his conversation with Dr. Jordan Grumet, and invites listeners to the upcoming Noodle Live event.ROCKIN' RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(04:01) Scott shares a retirement story from Maui, including a chance encounter with Roger's realtor and reflections on taking the leap into retirement at age 57.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT WITH DR. JORDON GRUMET(05:47) Roger and Dr. Jordan Grumet discuss why confidence can be one of the biggest challenges in retirement, even for those who have prepared well financially. (13:00) The conversation explores the tension between protecting financial security and fully embracing life's opportunities.(22:18) ) A discussion on longevity assumptions, retirement planning conservatism, and why many retirees may overestimate the likelihood of running out of money. (27:04) Practical strategies for building spending confidence, including the “fun bucket” approach. (35:24) Additional tactics for creating confidence, including prefunding near-term spending and focusing on purpose rather than optimization. (42:12) How values-driven planning can help retirees intentionally use money to support the life they want to create. (47:49) Key takeaways on abundance, mindset, and taking meaningful action despite uncertainty.SMART SPRINT(49:55) Identify one decision you've been researching, planning, or delaying. Ask yourself whether additional information will truly change the outcome, or if it's time to take a small leap of faith and move forward.DECLUTTERING DEBRIEF(51:06) Roger reflects on listener feedback from the decluttering series and shares a few practical insights and resources from the community. REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleDr. Jordan Grumet / Earn & Invest PodcastNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Retirement planning is not about retirement.That's the provocation David opens with — and he means it. This episode isn't another checklist. It's a ground-up rethink of what the 5-to-10-year sprint before retirement actually demands: emotionally, philosophically, and financially.Starting with a question no financial podcast has the nerve to ask — is retirement even a biblical concept? — David works through everything from the psychology of stopping work to the hard mechanics of income portfolios, tax strategy, and the risks that blow up otherwise solid plans.If you've been coasting toward retirement on autopilot, this episode is the alarm clock.In This Episode0:00 — Cold OpenWhy the conventional framing of retirement is wrong, and what this episode is actually going to cover.~3:00 — Is Retirement Even a Biblical Concept?The word never appears in Scripture. The one exception in Numbers 8, what the parables actually teach about accumulation, and why the biblical model looks more like a pivot than a finish line.~9:00 — The Behavioral Trap: What Will You Actually Do?The identity crisis nobody warns you about, retirement depression, underspending vs. overspending, and five questions worth sitting with before you make any financial decisions.~15:00 — The Purpose Problem: Should You Even Fully Retire?The happiest retirees David has seen, the financial benefits of partial work, and why "retire to something" beats "retire from something" every time.~20:00 — Business Owner or Employee: The Decisions Are DifferentW-2 employees: catch-up contributions, pension options, the healthcare gap before Medicare, Social Security timing. Business owners: exit planning, retirement plan vehicles, tax-efficient value extraction, and the concentration risk problem.~26:00 — Accumulation vs. Distribution PortfoliosWhy the portfolio that built your wealth can destroy your retirement. Sequence of returns risk explained plainly — same average return, completely different outcomes.~29:00 — The Bucket StrategyThree buckets, three time horizons, one framework that eliminates panic selling. How Bucket One is your shock absorber and why Bucket Three can still be aggressive.~32:00 — Roth vs. Pre-Tax: The Great DebateIt's almost always "and," not "or." Tax diversification, the Roth conversion window, and why business owners have unique opportunities here.~35:00 — The Risks Nobody Wants to Talk AboutLongevity risk (you live longer than your money does) and long-term care (70% of retirees will need it). What hybrid products exist now and why waiting to have this conversation is itself a costly decision.~38:00 — Spend on Experiences While You Can + Legacy PlanningThe go-go, slow-go, no-go framework. Why retirees wait too long. Legacy basics: beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, donor-advised funds, and the "talk while you can" imperative.Key Takeaways

In this episode, retirement expert Roger Whitney and Marie Kondo consultant Dr. Lindsey Hardegree explore the transformative power of decluttering. They discuss how clearing physical and emotional clutter can pave the way for a joyful and intentional retirement. Lindsey shares practical strategies from the Konmari method, focusing on identifying what truly sparks joy and letting go of the rest. This conversation is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their life and embrace a clutter-free future. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger previews the episode, announces the June 18 Noodle Live event, and introduces the final installment of the decluttering series.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT WITH LINDSEY HARDEGREE(03:15) Roger frames retirement as a major life transition and explains how clutter extends beyond possessions into finances, commitments, and relationships.(06:40) Lindsey introduces the KonMari framework and explains why the first step is creating a clear vision for your ideal life before getting rid of anything.(09:14) Lindsey shares common scenarios that prompt people to seek out an organizer.(12:18) Roger and Lindsey discuss practical ways to define what you want your environment and future life to feel like.(15:31) Lindsey explains emotional attachment, sunk costs, and why gratitude can help people let go of possessions tied to previous seasons of life.(18:12) Why decluttering by category—not room—creates better long-term results and why sentimental items should come last.(25:00) Club members discuss challenges involving spouses, differing organizing styles, and when outside help may be more effective than family support.(30:53) Lindsey addresses difficult situations involving aging parents, inherited belongings, and navigating sentimental attachment during life transitions.(33:01) The discussion shifts toward handling deeply personal and sentimental items, including family keepsakes, clothing, photos, and children's memorabilia.(50:41) Lindsey explains why organization systems should fit the person using them and how overly rigid systems can create frustration instead of simplicity.(55:21) Resources and advice for finding professional organizers and deciding when support may be helpful.SMART SPRINT(59:27) Pick one very small category of personal items—pens, office supplies, coffee mugs, hair clips, or something similar—and spend time decluttering only that category. Focus on building momentum and decision-making reps rather than trying to organize everything at once.REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleMarie Kondo's Konmari MethodKonmari Certified OrganizersNational Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO)Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie KondoNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

The hardest part of military service can start after the last day in uniform. Retired Army Colonel David Howe joins us to talk about leadership under real pressure, the shock of losing structure and community, and why so many veterans struggle with identity, direction, and isolation when they come home. We get honest about the gap between how civilians imagine the military and what service members actually carry, especially when the mission ends but the weight does not.From there, we go deep on a surprisingly simple tool with massive upside: a written life plan. David breaks down why companies obsess over strategic planning while individuals rarely write down goals for their health, family, career, finances, and purpose. We talk about the research he shares, the discipline it takes to review and revise your plan, and how building accountability around you can turn good intentions into real progress. If you care about veteran transition, employee engagement, or building a healthier workplace culture, this part will hit home.We also unpack David's partnership with Ken Rusk, author of Blue Collar Cash, and the work they do through the Comfort, Peace, and Freedom Foundation. That includes practical guidance on choosing college or skilled trades with clear eyes, plus the difference between their self-paced course and hands-on workshops that can help teams align personal goals with corporate goals. The conversation closes with a direct, urgent message for anyone who is struggling: you are not alone, and help is closer than you think.Listen, share this with someone who needs it, and if you found value here, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.Join the What if it Did Work movement on FacebookGet the Book!www.omarmedrano.comwww.calendly.com/omarmedrano/15min

Roger Whitney continues the decluttering series by focusing on the hidden challenges that keep people stuck. Rather than treating decluttering as a massive life overhaul, he explains how perfectionism, emotional attachment, deferred decisions, and fear of change can quietly create friction across our belongings, finances, and relationships. The episode also tackles listener questions on market uncertainty, international investing, gray divorce, healthcare options like MediShare versus ACA plans, and longevity planning. It closes with an inspiring Rockin' Retirement in the Wild update from Beth, who shares how intentionally redesigning her life after burnout created a simpler and more fulfilling retirement.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger previews the episode, shares details about the upcoming Noodle Live event, and outlines the next phase of the decluttering series.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(02:18) Roger introduces one of the biggest challenges of decluttering: making the process feel too overwhelming and believing it has to be done perfectly. (04:20) Roger explains why clutter often persists because it lacks urgency and people wait for a triggering event before taking action.(06:57) He explores the emotional and practical obstacles tied to physical possessions, including memories, unfinished projects, family heirlooms, and sunk costs.(10:34) Roger breaks down financial clutter and why accounts, relationships, taxes, and uncertainty can make simplification feel risky.(11:52) He discusses relationship clutter, including obligations, organizations, unhealthy dynamics, and the fear of disappointing others.(14:20) How do we overcome these challenges?LISTENER QUESTIONS(15:17) Roger answers a question about whether global sentiment toward U.S. leadership should impact international versus domestic investment allocation decisions.(24:43) A listener facing gray divorce asks for guidance, leading Roger to discuss grief, rebuilding identity, and creating a new vision for retirement.(29:05) Roger shares his experience using MediShare and discusses important healthcare considerations before choosing alternatives to ACA coverage.(33:13) Roger responds to listener feedback on longevity planning and balancing the risk of overspending versus running out of money.ROCKIN' RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(35:24) Beth shares an update on her retirement transformation after leaving a stressful healthcare career and intentionally creating a simpler life centered around flexibility, joy, and financial sustainability.SMART SPRINT(42:17) Identify the challenges you may face in decluttering your things, finances, or relationships and jot down one possible strategy to overcome each obstacle.REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben HoegerIn this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we talk with Ben Hoeger, financial advisor and Director of Private Wealth Management at the Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird Private Wealth Management. Ben provides practical advice on navigating the often intimidating world of financial planning, especially during turbulent economic times.We begin by celebrating Ben's team's recent recognition by Forbes and Shook Research as a best-in-state wealth management team—a testament to their teamwork and dedication. Ben shares some of his own journey into this field, shaped by his education at Otterbein and early career experiences that focused not just on investments, but on supporting people through life's twists and turns.Ben explains the key questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor, emphasizing the importance of understanding an advisor's process, communication style, and compensation. More critically, he highlights the personal side of financial planning: finding a relationship rooted in trust and genuine interest in your life, not just your money.We walk through what it's like to become a new client—starting with conversations around personal values and goals long before crunching numbers. Ben underlines how effective financial planning is built on clarity around what matters most to you, so decisions during life's expected and unexpected changes always circle back to those core values.Our conversation covers techniques for balancing savings for near-term needs, emergencies, and longer-term goals, using a “bucket” approach to risk and time horizons. We also round out the discussion by addressing how tools like artificial intelligence fit into the advisor-client relationship, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable.Ben introduces the Life Planning Initiative at his firm, which supports clients' broader well-being—not just their balance sheets—and leaves us with wise advice: align your financial strategy with your values for a more fulfilling journey ahead.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Moments00:00 Discovering a passion for finance06:40 Choosing the right team expertise08:58 Building lasting client relationships11:01 Discussing financial advisor background checks15:15 Discussing personal financial motivations19:25 Importance of financial goals23:22 Using the bucketing approach24:39 Discussing investment risk strategies27:45 Aligning risk tolerance with guidance31:56 AI and Social Security advice35:03 Finding purpose beyond retirement38:04 Aligning investments with personal valuesFAQ1. What should I ask a financial advisor in my first meeting?According to Ben Hoeger at 06:06, you should ask about their process, the type of clients they typically serve, how and how often they communicate, their investment philosophy, and critically, how they get paid. It's also important to ensure their approach aligns with your needs and that you feel comfortable and can trust them.2. How do I start working with a financial advisor?Ben Hoeger explains at 12:51 that the process usually starts with an introductory conversation focused on getting to know each other and discussing your motivations for seeking financial advice, rather than diving into numbers right away. The next steps typically involve discussing your values, vision, and goals before moving on to financial details.5. How do I check a financial advisor's background or credentials?At 11:01, Ben Hoeger recommends reviewing a financial advisor's "U4" report, which documents their work history, licenses, and any complaints. This is an essential part of doing your due diligence before entrusting someone with your finances.We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett JohnsonMentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.

summary Jayla and Shaye explore the humorous side of how we romanticize and delude ourselves with trends, supplements, and life expectations, reflecting on personal experiences and societal influences. keywords self-delusion, trends, wellness, supplements, life expectations, humor, personal growth, societal influence key topics Self-delusion and societal trends Humorous reflection on wellness and beauty trends Impact of social media on self-perception guest name  Titles Are We Delusional or Romanticizing Our Lives? The Funny Side of Wellness Trends and Self-Delusion sound bites "We are fully participating in the protein trend." "I've bought into every supplement, every trend." "We're romanticizing our lives in our 20s." Chapters 00:00 Empower Fest Launch and Updates 02:55 Delusions vs. Romanticizing Life 05:32 Health Trends and Supplements 08:26 Reflections on Youthful Delusions 11:33 Life Changes and Realizations 14:11 Nostalgic Beauty Trends 17:07 Embracing Delusion in Life Planning

Roger Whitney continues the decluttering series by exploring the opportunities that come from simplifying your life, finances, and relationships. He explains how reducing complexity can create more mental space, clarity, and confidence in retirement while also making it easier to focus on what matters most. Along the way, Roger dives into the origins and limitations of risk tolerance questionnaires, discusses how retirees can structure portfolios around purpose rather than arbitrary scores, and answers listener questions on donor-advised funds and Social Security survivor benefits. The episode wraps with practical reflections on decluttering digital inputs and defining your personal motivation for simplifying your life.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger explains how decluttering helps reclaim your attention in a world competing for your focus.(01:37) Roger previews week two of the decluttering series and introduces the themes of opportunity, risk tolerance, and listener questions.ROCKIN' RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(02:07) Rick shares how he's enjoyed five years of retirement without feeling pressure to chase a larger “purpose,” instead embracing freedom, reading, and travel after leaving behind a stressful corporate career.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(03:30) Roger responds to a listener's question about how risk tolerance should fit into a three-bucket retirement strategy. (11:15) He outlines why retirement planning should focus on building allocations from the ground up based on purpose and time horizon.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(18:03) Roger explores the opportunities created by decluttering your things, including reducing overwhelm, maintenance, and future burdens on loved ones.(20:53) He discusses how simplifying finances can increase clarity, reduce anxiety, and create greater confidence in retirement.(24:25) Roger explains how decluttering relationships and obligations can create space for more intentional connections.(25:33) He highlights the importance of reducing digital and news clutter to protect your attention and mental bandwidth.LISTENER QUESTIONS(28:28) Roger explains how donor-advised funds can help simplify a cluttered brokerage account while improving tax efficiency for charitable giving.(33:00) He answers a widower's question about Social Security survivor benefits, timing strategies, and earnings test considerations.SMART SPRINT(36:00) Write down four or five benefits you hope to gain from decluttering your things, finances, relationships, or digital life to help stay motivated through the process.CLOSING THOUGHTS(38:20) Roger congratulates our podcast editor, Graham, on graduating from Baylor University.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Learn about an end-of-life planner that helps people share joy and love as they prepare for their later days. My guest Sherry Richert Belul is the founder of Simply Celebrate and author of The Love List of a Lifetime. She helps people discover creative, heartfelt ways to celebrate life, deepen connection, and express love–while also… Continue reading Ep. 546 The Love List of a Lifetime: Uplifting End-of-Life Planning with Sherry Richert Belul

Retirement is supposed to feel like freedom… until caregiving enters the picture. Raymond Lavine is a caregiving planning advocate who helps families prepare for long-term care realities before a crisis hits. He's the host of the podcast Planning with Purpose: The Caregiver's Blueprint and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Empathy and Understanding in Business.Raymond shares how his parents' experiences shaped his work, why even affluent families can get squeezed by care costs, and what changes—logistically, emotionally, and financially—when one person needs ongoing support. You'll also hear practical ways to reduce stress even if you're not ready to buy a plan today: decluttering, home modifications, organizing documents, and building habits that make aging at home safer.Key Topics: Why families delay long-term care planning until a crisisHow caregiving reshapes retirement for everyone involvedThe hidden logistics: meds, appointments, finances, bathing, transfers, and constant worryWhy “having enough money” still doesn't mean care won't disrupt your lifePlanning choices: where you want care, who will manage it, and how you'll payUsing care support to stay social, travel, and avoid getting “stuck”What people underestimate most: caregiving is “invisible” until it's notSimple stress-reducers: declutter, improve lighting, add grab bars, swap knobs for leversKeep documents and passwords in one place (digital + paper)Thoughts to ponder If caregiving started tomorrow, what would change first in your life?Who would coordinate care in your family—and do they know that?What would you want to protect most: dignity, independence, relationships, finances?What's one small home change you could make this month to reduce risk?Action steps (try this in 7 days)1) Answer the “3 Care Questions.”Where would I want care?Who would manage it?How would we pay?2) Create a “one place” folder.Health card/insurance info, key contacts, legal documents, medication list, passwords (securely stored).3) Do one safety upgrade.Add a grab bar, improve lighting, remove a rug, or swap a doorknob for a lever.Connect with Raymond:Website: https://lavineltcins.com

Roger Whitney kicks off a new series on decluttering for retirement, explaining how the accumulation of “stuff”—from physical belongings to financial accounts to relationships—can unconsciously shape our decisions and limit our ability to envision a fulfilling next chapter. He reframes retirement as a rare opportunity to reset your identity, let go of what no longer serves you, and intentionally design a life aligned with who you want to become.  The episode wraps with listener questions across a variety of retirement planning topics, including follow-ups on last week's discussion around longevity. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger introduces retirement as a “refresh” moment and explains why decluttering is essential to stepping into a new identity. (01:11) Roger outlines the month-long decluttering series and introduces the three key domains: things, money, and relationships.ROCKIN' RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(3:43) Will realized that selling his BMW wasn't about the car, but about letting go of a past version of himself and it inspired him to keep decluttering. PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(05:13) Roger defines the core problem of clutter, explaining how accumulated decisions create overwhelm and limit future possibilities.(07:42) Roger explores physical clutter and how decades of possessions tied to past life stages can prevent you from envisioning a new lifestyle.(13:32) He breaks down financial clutter, including scattered accounts and legacy investments, and why simplification becomes critical in retirement.(17:26) Roger discusses relationship and obligation clutter, emphasizing the need to be intentional about who and what you invest your time in.LISTENER QUESTIONS(22:20) A widow shares her experience navigating longevity risk and loss, prompting a discussion on planning flexibility, spending, and building a support network.(29:33) Roger responds to a listener's approach to modeling longevity scenarios and explains how to use projections to inform better life decisions rather than just optimize numbers.(35:30) He evaluates whether an annuity recommendation actually solves a meaningful problem or simply adds complexity.(41:30) Roger discusses the trade-offs between saving more versus using existing cash, highlighting flexibility and optionality in retirement planning.SMART SPRINT(46:07) Spend time this week identifying areas of clutter in your things, money, and relationships and simply observe what may no longer be serving you.CLOSING THOUGHTS(47:20) Roger reflects on listener feedback and The Noodle Live.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals. 

Roger Whitney explores one of the most overlooked variables in retirement planning: longevity, and how assuming you'll live too long can quietly force you to save more, spend less, and potentially miss out on life. Through a conversation with Dr. Bobby Du Bois, he challenges default planning assumptions, walks through the real trade-offs, and introduces a practical way to think about lifespan so you can better align your money with how you actually want to live.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence to lean in and rock it.(01:13) Roger introduces the idea that we plan heavily for running out of money but rarely consider the probability of running out of life.(02:04) Roger recognizes everyone who reached out about Sherlock's passing and plays an audio message from a listener.ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(03:50) Jerry shares how returning to backpacking in retirement helped him reconnect with friends and stay physically and mentally engaged.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT WITH DR. BOBBY(05:50) Roger and Dr. Bobby explore why longevity assumptions are often flawed and how they directly impact how much money you think you need.(23:54) The conversation shifts to the limits of predicting lifespan and the emotional and behavioral implications of trying to do so.(29:55) Real-life examples illustrate how longevity assumptions influence major life decisions like when to retire and how to spend your time.ROGER'S LONGEVITY FRAMEWORK(35:25) Roger introduces a practical approach to making more thoughtful longevity assumptions without overcomplicating the process.SMART SPRINT(53:10) Use a simple longevity calculator to form a baseline assumption and decide how conservative you want to be in your planning.ON THE BOOKSHELF(54:35) Roger shares what the team is reading.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleActuaries Longevity IllustratorHumans vs Retirement podcast with Dan HaylettBOOKSThe Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Note: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

On today's episode, Lee Weinstein talks to Liz and Leah about how to think about creating an Intentional Life Plan. It starts with some digging. Ask yourself the big questions. Get yourself some craft paper + sticky notes. Go! See more on the process in Lee + Melinda's Workbook here. Look at a Life Plan here. More on Lee here.Also on this week's episode, we put out a LIZNESS SCHOOL CASTING CALL. Lizness School is looking for listeners who are working on a SIDE QUEST.We want to talk to you about it. It can be anything that is engaging you - creative project, community effort, long term plan, one-off adventure. Solo or group. You name it. What is your quest? Tell us about it! Email us at liznessschool@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @liznessschool. Voice Memos encouraged! .Sponsor:Welcome to our new sponsor Stanford Federal Credit Union. To use their $625 New Member offer, go to sfcu.org/liznessHOMEWORK: Step One: Uncover Your Life Wishes!Have a conversation about some of Lee's preliminary questions to kick off your own Intentional Life Planning.Lee also recommends you check out Bruce Feiler's book Life Is In The Transitions: Mastering Change At Any Age. If you are new to Lizness School, we suggest you listen to Season 1 to hear all about Liz's year as a Stanford Fellow. Everything from Neuroscience and Chinese History to Pickleball! Plus a great community experience with her fellow DCI Fellows.Season 2 is about how she puts her lessons to work in the wild with the help of her millennial mentor Leah Sutherland.To listen to Liz +. Leah's recap of Lizness School Season 1, go to our FINALE here.For more on Liz Dolan, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Liz's work in podcasting, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Satellite Sisters⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Lizness School on all podcasting platforms including ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify.⁠⁠⁠⁠On Instagram, follow the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/liznessschool/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow Liz at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/satellitesisterliz/⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow Producer and Millennial Mentor Leah Sutherland @leahhsutherlandd on Instagram and Leah Sutherland on LinkedIn. To email Lizness School with your own voice memos/questions/thoughts/suggestions for Liz or Leah, use ⁠⁠⁠⁠liznessschool@gmail.comThe Distinguished Careers Institute is a unique program for late career people. Fellows are graduate students at Stanford University, able to take classes in any area. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Complete information here.⁠⁠⁠⁠Email the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠liznessschool@gmail.com ⁠See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roger Whitney breaks down how to create a diversified portfolio by explaining the core principles of diversification and asset allocation, then answers listener questions on topics like using allocation funds, shifting from the S&P 500 to total market funds, and strategies like buy, borrow, die. He emphasizes that while diversification reduces unnecessary risk, asset allocation is the most important decision—especially in retirement, where portfolios should be structured into three buckets: contingency, liquidity, and growth—to balance stability, income needs, and long-term growth.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(0:00) Building wealth for retirement and investment strategies.RETIREMENT TOOLKIT(01:27) Basics of asset allocation and diversification.(02:38) Explanation of unsystematic and systematic risks.(06:26) Risk management and modern portfolio theory.(09:08) Key components and decisions in portfolio construction.(13:12) Key takeaways and practical advice.(16:10) Importance of contingency, liquidity, and growth funds.LISTENER QUESTIONS(18:20) T-Bone asks a question about asset allocation funds (26:55) An audio question about portfolio diversification(33:44) Michael asks about the ‘buy, borrow, die' strategy (39:55) Listener shares a suggestion for what to do with a t-shirt collectionROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(40:55) Dennis shares that two years into retirement, he's happy without a defined “purpose,” pushing back on the idea that retirement needs one.(43:22) Tim and Tammy embrace a flexible “pre-tirement” lifestyle, teaching remotely while traveling, volunteering, and exploring all 63 U.S. national parks.SMART SPRINT(45:22) Review your asset allocation and clearly define your contingency, liquidity, and growth buckets.CONCLUSION(46:09) Roger ends with a heartfelt reflection on loss and gratitude, reminding listeners to cherish meaningful moments.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3369: Ryan Frederick explores the powerful illusion of “feeling younger” and how it supports vitality while quietly distorting long-term decision-making. He reveals why aligning your mindset with your real age, especially in areas like health, housing, and finances, is essential to designing a stronger second half of life. This perspective challenges you to preserve optimism without sacrificing realism. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.here.life/blog/think-young-plan-old Quotes to ponder: "The better you feel, the easier it is to forget how old you actually are." "Feeling younger should expand your imagination, not distort your math." "You can hold two truths at once: You are more capable than prior generations were at your age. You are also older than you feel." Episode references: MIDUS (Midlife in the U.S.): https://midus.wisc.edu/ Becca Levy Aging Research: https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/becca_levy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3369: Ryan Frederick explores the powerful illusion of “feeling younger” and how it supports vitality while quietly distorting long-term decision-making. He reveals why aligning your mindset with your real age, especially in areas like health, housing, and finances, is essential to designing a stronger second half of life. This perspective challenges you to preserve optimism without sacrificing realism. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.here.life/blog/think-young-plan-old Quotes to ponder: "The better you feel, the easier it is to forget how old you actually are." "Feeling younger should expand your imagination, not distort your math." "You can hold two truths at once: You are more capable than prior generations were at your age. You are also older than you feel." Episode references: MIDUS (Midlife in the U.S.): https://midus.wisc.edu/ Becca Levy Aging Research: https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/becca_levy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Roger Whitney breaks down essential elements you need to consider before and during retirement. From understanding inflation risks to strategic asset reallocation, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and craft a retirement that aligns with your values.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PODCAST(00:00) Introduction and overview of upcoming topicsRETIREMENT TOOLKIT(01:49) Why inflation poses a significant risk to retirees(02:32) What is inflation and how is it measured (03:33) Causes of inflation: demand, supply constraints, and rising costs(05:20) Historical inflation rates and what they mean for your planning(06:48) How to choose a realistic inflation assumption in your plan(08:40) Strategies to hedge against inflationROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(12:47) Jim's story: diversity in retirement activities and the importance of adaptabilityPRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(16:07) Mike's question reframed: focus on designing your retirement life first, not account tactics(17:50) Roger reviews Mike's facts(18:56) The importance of building a feasible plan of record, estimating expenses, and creating a realistic monthly budget for retirement(23:13) Clarifying values and how they shape your retirement goals(25:20) Income side of the plan: social security, pensions, and tax considerations(30:15) Once the plan is feasible, start testing versions of the plan and planning paycheck(31:52)  401(k) and 457 decisions can wait—focus on positioning assets for income first(33:12) Consider building after-tax savings now to increase future optionalityLISTENER QUESTIONS(35:50) Listener shares story about roadside cafe(36:20) Michael asks a question about ROTH conversions in a down market(38:50) Steve asks how to better time Roth conversions to avoid triggering IRMAA Medicare surcharges?SMART SPRINT(45:14) Smart Sprint: Before acting, ask yourself “what problem am I actually solving?”ON THE BOOKSHELF(46:25) Roger talks about his love of notebooks and shares book recommendationsREFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleON THE BOOKSHELFUgmonk NotebooksTheo of Golden by Allen LeviThe Three Musketeers by Alexandre DumasNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney explores the critical decision of when to claim Social Security benefits, weighing the pros and cons of taking them early versus delaying. Through listener questions, he delves into the impact of investment returns, health considerations, and income needs on retirement strategies. Roger also shares inspiring retirement stories and offers practical advice on managing retirement accounts and planning for the future. With insights into the psychological and financial aspects of retirement, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial well-being.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Introduction: Navigating retirement decisions with confidenceROCKIN' RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(00:42) Highlighting stories of unique retirement adventures(01:08) The non-financial benefits of enjoying freedom day-by-day(04:25) Cultural pressure to plan and set goals in retirement(06:19) Retirement dreams: taking the world's longest flightPRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(07:32) Addressing the dilemma: take Social Security early and invest it?(09:22) Key facts impacting Social Security claiming strategy(12:23) Investment return scenarios (14:17) Benefits of not taking SS early: market risk, guaranteed income, simplicity(19:00) Managing uncertainty and balancing investment returns(21:23) Strategies for inherited Roth IRAs and mega backdoor Roth approaches(24:40) Inheritance, aspirational goals, and resilient plans(32:03) How to avoid fees moving 401kSMART SPRINT(36:00) Smart Sprint: Download your most recent Social Security statement ON THE BOOKSHELF(37:19) Book recommendations from the teamREFERENCESSocial Security Statement – Create or access your account to view benefitsUnforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences by Phil MarshonHow the Word is Passed by Clint SmithSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Learn about a software resource that helps people navigate estate planning and settlement and find greater peace at the end of life. My guest Dan Stickel is the Founder and CEO of EstateExec, a cloud-based software solution estate administration and settlement. If you’ve ever served as the executor for an estate you know how challenging… Continue reading Ep. 542 Estate Transition: An Important Part of End-of-Life Planning with Dan Stickel

Explore how meaningful travel experiences, storytelling, and thoughtful planning can enhance your retirement journey. In this episode, Roger answers listener questions on managing retirement accounts, health insurance, financial literacy, and shares inspiring stories and book recommendations.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Introduction: Rock retirement with community questions and storiesROCKIN' RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(01:39) A memorable travel story from Doug in Greece and the value of experiential travelRETIREMENT LIFE LAB(03:50) The significance of experiences over souvenirs for meaningful memoriesLISTENER QUESTIONS(06:15) Addressing listener questions on managing retirement accounts and consolidating assets(06:43) Handling required minimum distributions and tax considerations for late retirees (Vern's story)(09:23) Reasons to keep or roll over 401(k) assets, including inertia, access, and creditor protection(12:32) Audio question about health insurance and budgeting(18:10) Correcting misconceptions about MAGI and ACA subsidies (Michael's feedback)(20:08) Insights on the blind spots of retirement planning software and AI's role in financial planning(23:00) The emerging role of AI as a thinking partner in retirement planning(25:43) Managing required minimum distributions and tax planning for late retirees (Michelle's situation)(28:08) Using professional help vs. DIY approaches for RMDs and taxes(31:24) Dan's pursuit of a meaningful second career in financial literacy and how to prepareON THE BOOKSHELF(35:42) Recommended bookshelf: The Art of Spending Money, Devil in the White City, Inside the Greatest Crash, and Once an EagleSMART SPRINT(41:37) Smart Sprint: Create an experiential gift to cherish memories with loved onesREFERENCESThe Art of Spending Money by Morgan HouselDevil in the White City by Erik LarsonInside the Greatest Crash by Andrew Ross SorkinOnce an Eagle by Anton MyrerAging and Healthcare Planning ResourcesConnect with Roger Whitney:Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful talk he gave for Keller Williams titled How to Build a Great Life.Doug walks through the principles that have shaped his own journey—from a difficult upbringing to leading a nonprofit, raising a family, and developing leaders—and challenges listeners to stop simply “accepting” life and start intentionally building one that truly matters.This episode goes beyond career success and focuses on what it really means to win in life: strong relationships, purpose, growth, and intentional leadership. Doug provides practical frameworks and actionable steps to help you clarify your vision, grow daily, build meaningful connections, and become the leader you're capable of being.If you've ever felt like you're just going through the motions or unsure how to reach your full potential, this episode will challenge you to take ownership and start building a life you're proud of.Doug Smith – Host, L3 Leadership PodcastWhat You'll Learn Why most people accept life instead of leading it The difference between success vs. a great life How to create a life plan that actually works The “dream big + pay the price” framework  How to become the obvious choice in your career  The power of mentorship (and how to get it) A simple system to handle failure: Admit it. Quit it. Forget it. Why teachability is your ultimate competitive advantage 

Roger Whitney explores why retirement planning software—especially Monte Carlo simulations—can give a false sense of confidence if misunderstood. He explains what these tools actually measure, the hidden assumptions behind them, and why retirement is a complex problem that requires judgment, flexibility, and resilience—not just a high “success rate.” Roger shares how to properly interpret results, avoid common traps, and use software as a guide rather than a decision-maker so you can build a retirement plan that supports a great life.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence to lean in and rock it.(00:30) Roger introduces the episode topic—why your retirement calculator's success rate can be misleading.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(02:50) Roger explains his perspective as a long-time practitioner and outlines his experience using Monte Carlo-based retirement tools.(05:05) Complicated vs. complex problems: why retirement can't be “solved” like a math equation and must instead be managed over time.(09:30) Concerns about overreliance on software—from advisors scaling businesses to individuals misinterpreting results.(11:30) What retirement software actually measures.(13:25) What software does NOT measure.(14:18) Best uses of planning software.(17:40) What software should NOT be used for.(19:40) Key dangers of using retirement software.(23:00) Feasibility vs. resilience: why a plan that “works” on paper may still be fragile in real life.(24:20) The real risk:Overspending early and jeopardizing later yearsUnderspending and missing out on life(26:20) The massive number of assumptions behind every plan—and how small changes can dramatically alter outcomes over time.(38:20) How to interpret results properly.(40:55) Looking beyond the number: evaluating the distribution of outcomes and plan sensitivity.(44:43) Understanding failures:Timing (early vs. late failures)Severity (minor shortfall vs. major gap)(48:27) Best practices:Hold success rates lightlyKeep plans simpleRegularly review assumptionsAvoid over-planning and constant tweakingDefine what success actually means for your lifeSMART SPRINT(56:04) Schedule time to review the assumptions in your retirement planning software—focus on understanding the inputs rather than optimizing the output.CLOSING THOUGHTS(56:50) Roger shares an update on the merger of his firm with Tanya Nichols' firm and the creation of a new company, Retire Agile.REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on March 28!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The Noodle

Our guest on the podcast today is Bill Yount. Bill is a practicing emergency physician. He's also co-host of a podcast called Catching Up to Fi, where he and Jackie Cummings Koski discuss pursuing financial independence later in life. Bill received his bachelor's degree from Duke University, his doctor of medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Northwestern University. Episode Highlights 00:00:00 From a Scarcity Mindset to the Hedonic Treadmill 00:10:04 The Wake-Up Call: Burnout, Lawsuits, and Turning 50 00:11:05 Finding FIRE Late: Catching Up to Financial Independence 00:13:44 Budgeting, Downsizing, and Boosting Savings Rates 00:20:56 Landmarks on the Way to Financial Independence 00:25:50 Life Planning, Risk Parity, and Calibrating Safe Withdrawals 00:34:51 Achieving FI and Knowing When It's Time to Retire 00:43:44 Building Generational Wealth, Giving Early, and Advice to Late Starters More From Morningstar My Baptism by FIRE: Lessons on Financial Independence The Best Retirement Strategies for Leaving Money Behind Cliff Asness: ‘The Problem Was Never Beta. The Problem Was Paying Alpha Fees for Beta' If you have a comment or a guest idea, please email us at TheLongView@Morningstar.com. Follow Christine Benz (@christine_benz) and Ben Johnson (@MstarBenJohnson) on X, and Christine Benz, Amy Arnott, and Ben Johnson on LinkedIn. Visit Morningstar.com for new research and insights from Christine, Ben, and Amy. Subscribe to Christine's weekly newsletter, Improving Your Finances. If you want more Morningstar podcasts, check out The Morning Filter and Investing Insights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roger Whitney dives into practical strategies for navigating health care before Medicare, sharing insights from retirees, survey results, and listener questions. Together they explore real-world solutions for coverage gaps, timing withdrawals, and managing medical expenses in early retirement.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement but have confidence in your financial and life decisions.(00:40) Roger introduces the focus: pre-Medicare health care, survey insights, and practical strategies.LISTENER EXPERIENCES AND STRATEGIES(03:00) Roger shares experiences and questions from listeners navigating pre-Medicare coverage. They discuss timing COBRA versus ACA transitions, evaluating company retiree plans, managing risk when uninsured, and creative strategies like catastrophic insurance, health-sharing plans, and part-time work benefits. Listeners also explore using HSAs and inherited IRAs to manage costs and maximize subsidies, providing a broad view of practical approaches for early retirees.ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(32:50) Jennifer retires at 59½, discovers watercolor painting, fitness classes, and increased spending patterns in early retirementSURVEY INSIGHTS(37:08) Roger summarizes key takeaways from over 400 survey respondents.SMART SPRINT(48:19) Action step: identify your “homies” for retirement planning. Notice how your closest relationships influence your retirement experience and take one step this week to strengthen those connections.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

Roger Whitney shifts from financial planning to the non-financial pillar of relationships, sharing a live conversation with Harry Reis about how to feel more loved and connected in retirement. Together they explore the science behind belonging and loneliness, introduce practical mindsets for deepening relationships, answer listener questions, and close with the team's latest book recommendations.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement but have the confidence and clarity to lean in and rock it.(00:27) Roger outlines the month ahead: a focus on relationships, an upcoming financial deep dive with Wade Pfau, wisdom from retirees navigating health care before Medicare, a candid discussion on retirement calculators, and a live Noodle hangout.CONVERSATION WITH HARRY REISS(02:00) Roger introduces Harry Reis, co-author (with Sonja Lyubomirsky) of How to Feel Loved, for a conversation recorded live in the Rock Retirement Club.(05:17) Roger asks Harry what led him down the path to study relationships and partner with Sonja Lyubomirsky for the book.(15:00) Harry talks about the loneliness epidemic and the effects of not feeling loved.(17:45) Roger and Harry talk about the obstacles and myths of being loved. (23:15) Harry introduces the sea-saw framework for relationships.(27:00) Harry shares practical mindsets for strengthening connection, including listening to learn, radical curiosity, multiplicity, and mutual vulnerability.(43:30) Roger reflects on why this is important.LISTENER QUESTIONS(45:00) Listeners share questions about one-sided conversations, vulnerability, and love languages, leading to practical discussion about compatibility, communication, and choosing people willing to “play seesaw.”WHAT'S ON THE BOOKSHELF?(58:00) The team shares recent reads.SMART SPRINT(1:05:55) Consider one relationship you want to deepen. Practice listening to learn this week. Ask one more follow-up question than you normally would and notice what happens.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManHow to Feel Loved  by Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis

Roger Whitney wraps up the four-part series on navigating health care before Medicare by introducing a practical decision-making framework using the OODA Loop—observe, orient, decide, act—to help you avoid unforced errors and make a confident judgment call. He walks through organizing your retirement cash flow, estimating MAGI and ACA subsidy eligibility, evaluating COBRA, ACA, and private coverage options, and weighing tax optimization against simplicity and continuity of care. He's joined by Taylor Schulte of Define Financial to discuss how professionals navigate Roth conversions, Social Security timing, ACA cliffs, and the trade-offs between optimizing for subsidies versus long-term tax planning.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence to lean in and rock it.(00:30) Roger introduces the final week of the health care before Medicare series and previews upcoming episodes with Harry Reese (co-author of How to Feel Loved) and retirement researcher Wade Pfau.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(02:30) Roger reviews the three “heads” that must be managed before Medicare- cost, continuity of care, and complexity.(03:30) Roger talks about avoiding unforced errors that could cost you money, disrupt care, or create unnecessary stress.(05:18) Roger introduces the OODA Loop—observe, orient, decide, act—as a practical way to think step by step about health coverage choices. (05:52) Observe: Build a 5-year retirement income and spending plan, estimate taxes and MAGI, identify where you fall relative to the ACA subsidy cliff, and review withdrawal sources (taxable, pre-tax, Roth) along with future RMD implications.(14:21) Orient: Clarify what matters most to help you make a decision.(20:00) Decide & Act: Choose a direction, document your reasoning, update your plan of record, and implement the distribution strategy that supports your choice.CONVERSATION WITH TAYLOR SCHULTE(22:25) Roger introduces Taylor Schulte from Define Financial(23:15) Why health care before Medicare shouldn't automatically delay retirement and how assumptions often go untested.(26:50) Evaluating alternatives beyond ACA, including COBRA as a short-term bridge and private plans.(31:50) The tension between Roth conversions and ACA subsidies, and how Social Security timing affects MAGI.(34:20) Avoiding the “optimization trap”: sometimes paying more for simplicity still results in a resilient retirement plan.(36:40) The key takeaway is that there's no perfect answer—retirees should explore options, make informed decisions without fear, and use healthcare planning as a tool rather than a barrier or excuse to delay retirement.SMART SPRINT(43:35) Set a reminder to review your health care strategy using a structured approach—especially if retirement or Medicare enrollment is approaching. The goal is to be intentional, not reactive.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManKaiser Family Foundation (KFF)Healthcare.govDefine Financial- Taylor SchulteStay Wealthy Retirement Show- Taylor Schulte (podcast)