Podcasts about social security

Ever made a money move that felt right then immediately wondered if you just emotionally invested in a bad idea? We've all done it. Some of us have receipts. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug tackle one of the trickiest parts of personal finance: knowing when to trust your gut and when your gut needs to sit down and let the math speak. Because here's the thing. Most Stackers aren't struggling because they don't know what a Roth IRA is. You're struggling because real life decisions don't happen in a spreadsheet. They happen in the middle of a busy Tuesday, with a dozen tabs open in your brain and a million little "what ifs" fighting for attention. So the guys dig into how intuition works (and when it betrays you), and why data is powerful until you start using it to talk yourself into doing something dumb with extra steps. You'll also hear how the best financial plans aren't built on perfect predictions but on repeatable decisions. Plus the episode veers into some surprisingly useful territory with Costco membership strategy, the hidden psychology of "good deals," and how advisors use tools to help optimize Social Security choices without making you feel like you need a PhD in government paperwork. What You'll Learn: How to tell the difference between good intuition and financial anxiety in a trench coat Why data can be a superpower or a weapon you use against yourself The role of AI and research in decision making and what it means for everyday people How OG thinks about sticking to a plan when emotions get loud Why "a deal" can be a budget win or a trap door What a Costco membership is really doing to your spending habits The Social Security optimization tools advisors use and why timing decisions matter This Episode Is For You If: You've made emotional money decisions you later regretted You either overthink every financial choice or jump too fast without enough info You're not sure when to trust your instincts versus when to run the numbers You want to make confident decisions without needing perfect information You're tired of second guessing yourself every time money is involved Questions to Think About: When was the last time your gut feeling saved you financially or cost you money? Are you more likely to overthink decisions with too much research or jump too fast without enough? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because finding your balance between intuition and data might be the unlock you need. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/should-you-trust-your-gut-or-data-1795 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For single retirees, Social Security isn't just another filing decision. It's the foundation of the entire retirement income plan. In this episode, we explain why claiming decisions matter more when there's no spouse, no survivor benefit, and no backup income stream. We walk through the four filters we use with single clients, including prior marriages, life expectancy, retirement income needs, and the tradeoffs between delaying Social Security and drawing from investment assets. We also discuss the emotional side of these decisions—fear of running out of money, fear of dying too early, and the pressure of making irreversible choices alone. This episode isn't about finding the "perfect" strategy. It's about building a plan you can stick with, even when markets and assumptions don't cooperate. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Are you anxious about an abrupt transition to retirement? In this episode of Retirement Answers, I share the concept of phased retirement, where you can gradually reduce work hours or stress levels instead of stopping work entirely. I explain the financial and emotional benefits, offering practical advice for a smoother, more comfortable path to retirement.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Trump trolls the climate people, temps are going down and there incredible amount of snow. China pushes forward with Silk road. Canada/China try to go around Trump’s tariff system and he warns Carney to stop. The people have been dependent on the government and its because of the [CB]. The [CB]/China are trying to stop Trump’s tariffs. Countries want their gold back. The [DS] is taking the information war and now moving to a physical war. The war is between the American people and the criminal syndicate. The [DS] want Trump to use the insurrection act during the midterms, this way they can use the narrative that he is going to stop the elections. Hold the line, the people are waking up. Trump’s counterinsurgency is getting bigger. Trump will not act until he has the leverage, buckle up its going to get bumpy.   Economy https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2015283109235732576?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");   https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/2014838127677030845?s=20  work, I lose my food stamps, I lose my health insurance and we’re only getting $100 back on taxes. Huh? This is why people don’t want to work because why am I working my butt off and losing all that stuff and still living paycheck to paycheck when I was living paycheck to paycheck before, but I at least had food stamps and health insurance and got $7,000 back. Yeah, how’s that math mathing?”  Repatriate The Gold’: German Economists Urge Withdrawal From US Vaults Shift in relations and unpredictability of Donald Trump make it ‘risky to store so much gold in the US', say experts  Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros' worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump. Germany holds the world's second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York. Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany's federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.  “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.” Source: zerohedge.com Trump Suggests He Can Send $2,000 Tariff Rebate Checks Without Congress  Bessent has also suggested the $2,000 benefit might not take the form of direct cash disbursements.  the Treasury secretary said while he had not yet finalized details with Trump, the “dividend could come in lots of forms,” such as through tax reductions already under consideration—including exemptions for tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits, among other deductions. Source: zerohedge.com Political/Rights Anti-ICE Singer Bad Bunny Reportedly Planning to Wear a Dress at Super Bowl Halftime Show to ‘Honor Queer Icons'  Bad Bunny, the anti-Trump, anti-ICE, Puerto Rican rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is reportedly planning to wear a dress to “honor queer icons” during his Super Bowl halftime performance. The artist has a history of wearing skirts, dresses, and other bizarre costumes. According to a Radar Online report, Ocasio will wear the dress at the NFL's biggest game of the year to “honor Puerto Rican queer icons and generations of drag, resistance and cultural rebellion.” The report states: Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/2014745821682483678?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2014735703490334753?s=20 DOGE  dramatic, final, and beautiful conclusion. I would also like to thank President Xi, of China, for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal. He could have gone the other way, but didn't, and is appreciated for his decision. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP Geopolitical https://twitter.com/KurtSchlichter/status/2015086947782525422?s=20    War/Peace   DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/TheChiefNerd/status/2014517087830491440?s=20 [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/gatewaypundit/status/2015410989953433956?s=20    BREAKING: Magistrate Judge Orders Release of Minnesota Church Protestor William Kelly All three Minnesota church protestors have now been released from federal custody. Nekima Levy-Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, and William Kelly, A federal magistrate judge on Friday ordered the release of William Kelly, the far-left agitator who stormed a St. Paul church and harassed parishioners on Sunday. William Kelly was arrested and charged with conspiracy to deprive rights, a federal crime, and violating the FACE Act 18 USC 248 for his involvement in the St. Paul church riots. Kelly was wearing his signature “F*ck Trump” beanie when he was taken into custody. On Friday, Magistrate Shannon Elkins said there was no basis for pretrial detention.   Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/AAGDhillon/status/2015140496344314364?s=20  https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/2014479574847967639?s=20    https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2015219042441699797?s=20 https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2015263298669707666?s=20   to protect people of color. Renee Good was shot dead two weeks earlier after accelerating her SUV toward a federal agent. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2015259764800770348?s=20   were merely carrying for self-protection he wouldn’t have had that many rounds on him – it is clear he was prepared to kill as many officers as possible. He didn’t bring his permit or ID (it is illegal to carry in MN without both).   https://twitter.com/redsteeze/status/2015275183591010331?s=20 https://twitter.com/joeybeastmarket/status/2015154134849028324?s=20  his gun. Leftists cannot comprehend agency and therefore believe instead that he literally spawned on the sidewalk and through a series of fascist coincidences he was executed for exercising his constitutional right to do whatever he wants without consequences   1. Pretti engaged in obstructive behavior. 2. Pretti committed a felony assault against a federal officer while armed. 3. Pretti resisted arrest while armed. 4. The fact that Pretti had a gun was revealed to all Officers there. So a person for whom there was PC he had committed a violent felony, was resisting arrest, and was armed with a firearm were among the totality of circumstances known to the Officer at the time he used deadly force. Use of deadly force policy does not require the Officers to wait until they are attacked. https://twitter.com/prayingmedic/status/2015144823909728529?s=20 and assumes the suspect is going to begin shooting, so the cop kills him.   Great State of Minnesota? We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats' Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what you're witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2015288336189952066?s=20     https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/2015273624174023098?s=20   was found in possession of a bag containing several similar devices. The subject was arrested. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2015293685336846546?s=20   https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2015217649442013493?s=20   , which has become popular for the far-left in organizing violence due to its reach with mainstream liberals. Wagner has branded himself on the neck with the gang tattoo of the Antifa “Iron Front” logo, similar to how neo-Nazis brand themselves with fascist symbols. https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/2015223657593716965?s=20 https://twitter.com/GoldenAgeTimes2/status/2015181318053581196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2015181318053581196%7Ctwgr%5Ec578672a0fd7f78278c6fea2c4ab03241a2a7051%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Ftexas-democrat-senate-frontrunner-jasmine-crockett-says-ice%2F   blanche ability to do so.”  or several signals. Let's start with a screen recording of all members of the south side group to start.  to distract the public. Same Deep State playbook. https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2015365238862786572?s=20   https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2015245963648962850?s=20     https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2015259080470802833?s=20 Neon vests for all feds immediately.

Even as the ICE thugs roil the nation, Republicans never rest on their efforts to undermine Social Security and Medicare despite the massive popularity of those programs. Alex Lawson of Social Security Works joins Thom for a behind-the-scenes update.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two American citizens have been killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in less than three weeks. On January 24, 2026, ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot ten times..mostly in the back...after trying to help a woman who had been shoved to the ground by ICE agents. Video shows he was disarmed before he was killed. Within hours, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called him a "domestic terrorist." Hours after his death, Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz with a chilling demand: hand over your state's voter rolls, or the federal agents stay. In this episode, Robin connects the dots between the ICE occupation of Minneapolis, the expansion to Maine, and the Trump administration's nationwide campaign to seize voter data from 24 states. What emerges is a terrifying picture: immigration enforcement as political weapon, federal agents as a goon squad punishing dissent, and a roadmap to consolidated authoritarian power.The execution of Alex Pretti: What the videos show vs. what DHS claimsWitness affidavits: Shot in the back, after being disarmedKristi Noem and Stephen Miller's "domestic terrorist" liePam Bondi's extortion letter: Voter rolls for peaceWhy Minnesota? Why Maine? The pattern of targeting Democratic statesThe DOJ's lawsuit against 24 states for voter dataDOGE's secret agreement to share Social Security data with election deniersWhere this is heading: Escalation, Insurrection Act, rigged midtermsThe witness who is terrified ICE is coming for herWhere is the Democratic Party?Connect With UsInstagram: @wesawthedevilpodcastTwitter/X: @wesawthedevilFacebook: @wesawthedevilPatreon: patreon.com/wesawthedevilSupport the Show If this episode resonated with you, please:Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple PodcastsShare this episode with someone who needs to hear itSupport us on Patreon for bonus content and early accessKeywords Alex Pretti, Minneapolis shooting, ICE, Border Patrol, immigration enforcement, Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, Tim Walz, Minnesota, voter rolls, voter suppression, DOJ lawsuit, federal agents, police brutality, state violence, Trump administration, authoritarianism, fascism, democracy, civil rights, political commentary, news analysis, current events, January 2026, Operation Metro Surge, Maine ICE raids, Janet Mills, sanctuary cities, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, execution, American citizen, registered nurse, protest, political podcast, progressive podcast, true crime adjacent, government accountability, DOGE, voter data, election integrity, Insurrection Act, national guard, political violence, Stephen Miller, Minneapolis ICE, federal occupation, immigration policy, human rightsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/we-saw-the-devil-crime-political-analysis--4433638/support.Website: http://www.wesawthedevil.comPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/wesawthedevilDiscord: https://discord.gg/X2qYXdB4Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WeSawtheDevilInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/wesawthedevilpodcast.

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor benefits and the earnings test, share a listener PSA on Social Security timing and IRMAA, then cover ERISA protections for retirement rollovers and a PSA from Greg on lifetime unlimited long-term care policies.(9:45) Georgette asks whether she must still take her husband's required minimum distributions if he passes during his RMD year and how Social Security survivor benefits work, including whether she should claim a widow's benefit or wait to take her own.(50:45) A listener asks how the Social Security earnings test applies when someone retires before full retirement age and applies midyear, and how to avoid missing a month of income due to the timing of benefit payments.(55:00) The guys share a PSA about applying for Social Security and receiving benefits within days, which caused an unexpected IRMAA impact.(1:00:35) Jim and Chris discuss whether rolling Roth and pre-tax 401(k) assets into IRAs results in losing ERISA protections, or if separate rollover IRAs are needed to preserve those protections.(1:15:15) Greg, from our office, shares a PSA clarifying that some lifetime unlimited long-term care policies still exist. The post Social Security, ERISA, LTC: Q&A #2604 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Kara and Scott the wins and losses at Davos, DOGE's mishandling Social Security data, Netflix's all-cash Warner Bros offer, and the FCC targeting late-night hosts with new equal time requirements. Plus, ICE agents continue to clash with protesters in Minnesota, and the so-called wine moms of Minneapolis are fighting back. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcastofficial⁠⁠. Follow us on Bluesky at ⁠⁠@pivotpod.bsky.social⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcast⁠⁠. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WMAL GUEST: ABE ABICH (Founder/CEO of Abich Financial Services) on navigating retirement hurdles in 2026, including elevated prices, Social Security uncertainty, and a record wave of retiring Baby Boomers. WEBSITE: Abich Financial Services SOCIAL MEDIA: @AbeAbich Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, January 23, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's Metropolitan Police Service (Met) is now “actively looking” into fresh allegations that Prince Andrew allegedly used a taxpayer-funded police bodyguard to obtain the U.S. Social Security number and date of birth of his accuser, Virginia Giuffre — apparently to dig up “dirt” on her. These new allegations arise from leaked emails and Giuffre's recently published posthumous memoir, and they have reignited calls for a full criminal inquiry in the UK after previous investigations by the Met opted not to open one. Sources suggest that if evidence is found that the royal improperly sought to direct or influence police resources, then the offence of misconduct in public office could be in play.Meanwhile, in the United States and in political circles, pressure is building for action — though no formal prosecution has yet been confirmed. U.S. lawmakers such as Nancy Mace have publicly demanded that any potential crimes by Prince Andrew on U.S. soil be pursued, and parliamentarians in the UK are calling for a mechanism to strip him of titles and privileges as accountability ramps up. The combination of renewed documentary claims, political uproar, and active investigation means that this may no longer be purely a reputational or civil matter — the threshold for possible criminal exposure appears to be closer than at any time in recent years.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein? | The Independent

Top Stories for January 22nd Publish Date: January 22nd PRE-ROLL: Gwinnett County Public Schools From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, January 22nd and Happy birthday to Sam Cooke I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. A winter storm is coming, but its impact remains unclear Jeff Foxworthy to tape comedy special at Gwinnett's Gas South Theater Struggling Georgia timber industry could receive big tax break Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 1: A winter storm is coming, but its impact remains unclear Gwinnett County, keep your eyes on the skies this weekend—forecasters are still piecing together just how hard Georgia will get hit by the winter storm barreling across the East Coast. Here’s what we know: a storm is coming. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City confirmed Tuesday night that north Georgia is in its path. “Significant impacts from ice and snow are anticipated,” they said. But the details? Still fuzzy. How far south will it reach? How much snow, ice, or that dreaded wintry mix? Timing? All TBD. Earlier Tuesday, forecasters weren’t even sure if the storm would touch Georgia. By nightfall, they were calling for an 80% chance of winter weather in the north Georgia mountains, tapering to 50% in middle Georgia. FOX 5 meteorologist Jonathan Stacey explained it’s all about Arctic air slamming into Gulf moisture. North Georgia? Likely stuck on the messy line between snow and ice. And with the ground already frozen from days of cold, conditions could get ugly fast. STORY 2: Jeff Foxworthy to tape comedy special at Gwinnett's Gas South Theater Jeff Foxworthy—Grammy nominee, comedy legend, and Atlanta’s own—is coming home to tape a live comedy special, and it’s happening right here in Gwinnett. Two nights only: April 15 and 16 at Gas South Theater. These shows? They’re gonna be up close and personal, packed with brand-new material. Tickets? Artist pre-sale started Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. (use code “JEFF”). General sales kick off Friday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. at GasSouthDistrict.com. Foxworthy isn’t just the king of redneck jokes (though, let’s be honest, they’re iconic). His humor dives into family life, human quirks, and the everyday absurdities we all know too well—think Mark Twain, but with a Southern drawl. With the best-selling comedy album of all time, 26 books, and a spot in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, he’s a comedy powerhouse. His latest special, The Good Old Days, is streaming now on Netflix, and his SiriusXM channel, Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup, keeps the laughs rolling. STORY 3: Struggling Georgia timber industry could receive big tax break Georgia lawmakers are pushing to end sales taxes on timber—a lifeline for an industry that’s been hit hard by mill closures and devastating storms. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration says the bipartisan effort is about protecting rural Georgia’s backbone. “Timber is a cornerstone of our state’s economy,” he said. “But between sawmill closures and Hurricane Helene’s destruction, timber farmers are struggling. This tax cut could help save livelihoods.” Georgia’s forestry industry, once the nation’s largest, has taken a beating. Hurricane Helene alone wiped out 1.5 million acres in 2024, costing $1.28 billion. Mill closures in Savannah, Riceboro, and Cedar Springs haven’t helped. The proposed tax cut would cost the state $18 million annually, but local governments would be reimbursed. Clint Mueller of the Association County Commissions of Georgia says counties reliant on timber need this industry to survive. If two-thirds of the legislature approves, voters will decide in November. Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget proposal includes $14 million to boost timber tech in industries like auto manufacturing. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Kia Mall of Georgia - GCPL Passport STORY 4: Norcross man arrested after disturbance at Social Security Office Gwinnett County Police arrested a Norcross man last week after back-to-back disturbances at two different locations. It started on Jan. 14 at the Social Security office on Shackleford Road. Witnesses told police that 65-year-old Robert Burke was yelling, making threats, and hurling insults—right in front of kids, no less. Employees said this wasn’t his first outburst there. Someone even had video, which helped officers identify him. But by the time they arrived? Burke was gone. An arrest warrant for disorderly conduct was issued, and, well, it didn’t take long to find him. The very next day, Jan. 15, police were called to a Courtyard Marriott in Duluth for—you guessed it—another disturbance involving Burke. No one was hurt in either incident, but the investigation’s still ongoing. STORY 5: Millender's three-point play in final seconds lifts No. 21 Georgia past Missouri 74-72 Marcus “Smurf” Millender stole the show Tuesday night, dropping 18 points and sealing No. 21 Georgia’s 74-72 win over Missouri with a clutch three-point play in the final 5.5 seconds. Missouri thought they had it when Jacob Crews nailed a wild, off-balance three with 21 seconds left, putting them up 72-71. But Millender—just 5-foot-11 and coming off the bench, as always—drove hard to the rim, took the hit, and somehow got the layup to fall. Oh, and he sank the free throw too. Crews had one last shot at the buzzer, but his deep three clanged off. Georgia, who usually lights up the scoreboard (96 points per game!), struggled offensively, shooting just 36.9%. Jeremiah Wilkinson added 14 points, and Kannon Catchings chipped in 12. Up next: Georgia heads to Texas on Saturday, while Missouri hosts Oklahoma. BRAVES: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones are headed to Cooperstown, two center fielders who dominated their eras with a mix of power, speed, and jaw-dropping defense. Born just a day apart in April 1977, they’ll now share the stage at the Hall of Fame induction on July 26. Beltrán, in his fourth year on the ballot, finally crossed the 75% threshold, earning 84.2% of the vote. Jones, in his ninth year, got 78.4%. Both had to climb uphill—Beltrán’s path clouded by the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, Jones’ by a slow start in Hall voting (just 7.3% in 2018). Beltrán, a nine-time All-Star, hit .279 with 435 homers and 1,587 RBIs over 20 seasons. He was a postseason monster, batting .307 with 16 homers in 65 playoff games. “The Mets are a big part of my identity,” he said, though his career spanned stints with Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, and others. Jones, meanwhile, was a defensive wizard, winning 10 Gold Gloves and smashing 434 homers. He’s now the sixth Braves legend from their 1990s dynasty to make the Hall, joining Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, and McGriff. We’ll be right back. Break 3: EAGLE THEATRE And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill Team GCPS News Podcast, Current Events, Top Headlines, Breaking News, Podcast News, Trending, Local News, Daily, News, Podcast, Interviews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medicare can be confusing when phone calls, mailers, and pop-up offers ramp up. In this episode, Ken Moraif and Medicare specialist Lynn Timm explain practical ways to protect yourself: how unsolicited plan “switch” calls happen, why beneficiary forms and provider networks matter, how Part D changes can affect prescriptions, and why your safest move is working with a trusted, licensed professional who knows your needs and doctors.We cover common missteps that lead to higher premiums, lost drug coverage, or out-of-network surprises and simple steps to check your current plan before you accept any offer over the phone.If this helped, tap Like and Subscribe for more retiree-friendly guidance on Medicare, Social Security, investing, and planning.00:00 – Introduction: How to Avoid Becoming a Medicare Victim01:20 – The Medicare Scam Problem: TV Ads, Phone Calls, and Confusion03:05 – Real-Life Example: How Medicare Plans Get Changed Without Consent05:10 – How Marketers Target Seniors Turning 6506:45 – Illegal & Misleading Practices: What Medicare Will Never Do08:20 – How to Protect Yourself: What to Do (and What Not to Do)10:45 – Key Takeaways + Preview of Part Two on Rising Medicare PremiumsRPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Today's Headlines: President Donald Trump remains in Davos, where he delivered an 80-minute speech packed with familiar grievances, questionable claims — including that “Canada lives because of the United States” — and repeatedly mixed up Iceland and Greenland. For now, he's pulled back threats of military action and additional tariffs on Europe, claiming instead that he's reached a vague “framework” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte over Greenland, which he described as an “infinite deal,” without offering details. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with Trump to discuss U.S. security guarantees and post-ceasefire reconstruction, while Trump's unofficial envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with a Putin-linked negotiator in Davos and are headed to Moscow for more talks. Back in the U.S., tensions are escalating in Minnesota. Alongside 1,500 troops already on standby, the Pentagon has placed roughly 300 additional soldiers at Fort Bragg on notice in case Trump invokes the Insurrection Act amid ongoing Minneapolis protests. In Congress, the House Oversight Committee voted to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt over their refusal to testify about Jeffrey Epstein, while declining to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for failing to release the Epstein files. Ghislaine Maxwell is scheduled to give a virtual deposition on February 9. Meanwhile, the administration admitted in court that Elon Musk's DOGE-linked team improperly accessed and shared Americans' Social Security data, and a federal judge ordered the FBI to temporarily stop searching devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson and return them pending further review. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Reuters: Trump backs down on Greenland tariffs, says deal framework reached Politico: Trump and Zelenskyy to meet Thursday at Davos MSNOW: Pentagon orders more active-duty soldiers to ready for possible Minneapolis deployment PBS News: WATCH: House Oversight advances resolution on holding Clintons in contempt The Guardian: Doge improperly shared sensitive social security data, DoJ court filing reveals | Trump administration WaPo: Judge blocks government from searching data seized from Post reporter Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: Can a spouse claim spousal benefits while delaying the start of their own benefit ( 10:40 )What's the best way to view your accounts in terms of how much of them are actually yours after accounting for eventual taxes you have to pay on them ( 14:08 )Can a minor be named as the beneficiary of a retirement account ( 23:28 )His thoughts on dividend stocks and funds ( 26:55 )Follow up thoughts about combining retirement account, in response to a previous listener question ( 34:43 )Considerations and gotchas around changing state tax domicile ( 39:30 )10 cognitive biases in investing, and which three I see the most in my practice ( 46:48 )Considering the present value of expected future Social Security payments when determining asset allocation ( 54:25 )Additional thoughts about the 4% rule and whether you can increase your distribution if your portfolio value increases ( 1:01:40 )To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.comLinks in this episode:NASDAQ's summary of 10 cognitive biases in investing - here Retirement Planning Education podcast episode - #002 - What's the 4% RuleMy company newsletter - Retirement Planning InsightsFacebook group - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Taxes in Retirement)YouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.com

David Bach joins Steve Chen to discuss the evolution of The Automatic Millionaire and his newest idea, the IRA Flat Tax, which aims to rethink how Americans use their retirement savings. Bach explains that decades of automation have helped millions accumulate wealth, but most retirees now delay spending their money until required minimum distributions, leaving trillions of dollars idle. He proposes a limited window allowing early retirement withdrawals at a flat tax rate to encourage spending, improve retiree quality of life, and stimulate the economy. The conversation also explores the difficulty of shifting from saving to spending, the importance of enjoying wealth while health allows, and how AI is reshaping financial planning without replacing the need for human guidance, reinforcing Bach's long-held belief that money is ultimately a tool to support a better life.

Most people are taught to buy term insurance and invest the rest—but what if that advice is based on a massive misunderstanding of how life insurance actually works? In this episode, we break down why dividend-paying whole life insurance is fundamentally misclassified, how insurance companies really make money, and why Nelson Nash believed banking, not investing, was the missing piece. In WTB Episode 253, we continue our deep dive into Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash, focusing on mortality tables, underwriting, modified endowment contracts (MECs), and why whole life insurance behaves more like a banking system than an insurance product. We explore: Why term insurance is incredibly profitable for insurance companies How underwriting selects for people who actually live longer Why retirement at 65 was built on a flawed assumption How MEC rules really work (and why they're not the end of the world) Why universal life, variable life, and indexed UL fail long-term How to properly structure a whole life policy for Infinite Banking If you've ever been told "whole life is bad," this episode explains where that belief came from—and why it persists. Key Takeaways: Death is not an if—it's a when, and insurance should be structured accordingly Term insurance is statistically designed not to pay out Responsible, underwritten individuals live longer—and insurers know it Whole life insurance is misclassified, leading to bad financial decisions Infinite Banking works best when cash value is prioritized over death benefit MEC policies aren't catastrophic—but understanding the rules matters Chapters: (00:00) – Why the insurance industry misunderstands its own products (05:50) – Mortality tables, underwriting, and who actually lives longer (10:52) – Retirement at 65 and the Social Security fallacy (18:03) – MEC rules, overfunding, and policy design explained (31:27) – Why universal, variable, and indexed life insurance fail (39:21) – Why Infinite Banking is caught, not taught

How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonRetiring at 60 sounds like the dream — but one common mistake can quietly destroy your retirement plan for life.In this video, I break down the biggest regret I see early retirees make, and it has nothing to do with market crashes or running out of money. It's about rushing into the wrong income decisions too early, triggering permanent penalties, reduced benefits, and massive tax consequences.Here's what you'll learn in this video:Why tapping retirement accounts before age 59½ can cost you 35–45% instantlyHow claiming Social Security at 62 permanently reduces your income for lifeThe hidden Medicare gap that blindsides early retirees between 60 and 65Why rushing income decisions forces retirees back to workHow a bridge strategy lets you retire early without penalties or regretThe powerful Roth conversion window most early retirees missI also explain how a patient, structured retirement strategy can help you:Avoid early withdrawal penaltiesMaximize Social Security benefitsControl healthcare costs before MedicareReduce lifetime taxesRetire early — and stay retiredIf you're within 5–7 years of retirement, or thinking about retiring around age 60, this video could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In the second hour, we are joined by Jim Santelle, Host of Amicus: A Law Review and we're talking about the opening statements before The US Supreme Court regarding the president's power to fire federal employees. A former DOGE employee has admitted to using private Social Security information for their own benefit and the latest chapter for a controversial US Attorney. Then we speak with our Sports Guru, Paul Noonan about big news from The Brewers, as well as The Packers. And we wrap it all up with a little piece of advice from Greg, to you and this is for those who seek ads for "discount" weight loss drugs. As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way! Guests: Jim Santelle, Paul Noonan

Social Security is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — components of retirement planning. In this episode, host Phil Bender is joined by Thomas Drapala, Registered Director of Strategic Partnerships at Social Security Analysts (RSSA), to unpack the myths, misconceptions, and costly assumptions that lead many Americans to leave meaningful benefits unclaimed.Phil and Tom discuss why Social Security decisions are often mishandled, why the benefit still matters for affluent and high-net-worth clients, and how advisors can use clarity in this area to build trust and confidence. They also cut through fear-based headlines to explain the realities surrounding Social Security's long-term outlook and what advisors should understand before guiding clients through claiming decisions.This conversation is a must-listen for advisors who want to deepen planning value, serve as stronger advocates, and lead with confidence in one of retirement's most impactful decisions.Episode HighlightsCommon Social Security myths and why they persistCostly assumptions clients and advisors often makeWhy Social Security matters even for high-net-worth householdsSeparating headlines from reality on Social Security's futureHow RSSA certification strengthens advisor leadership and trustConnect with usSeaCaptainPerformance.com Instagram link FB link Connect with Phil LinkedInConnect with RSSARSSA Certification Program Connect with ThomasLinkedInNow Available! The Sea Captain Way for Financial AdvisorsThe Voyage: The Adventure of Your Lifetime

Federal retirement planning shouldn't start when you're filling out the retirement packet — by then, you're making lifetime decisions under a deadline. Planning early gives you time to align your benefits with your goals.Learn how to complete your federal retirement paperwork accurately, understand benefit elections, TSP options, survivor benefits, and the retirement submission process before you're up against the clock.We offer you a FREE 15-minute call to ask questions and start understanding whether you have a real retirement plan or just the idea of one. Schedule here: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtubeAre You “Shutdown-Proof” for Retirement?, find out here: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8bNewsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterSocials:Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancialLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026Today, a Trump appointed judge strikes “US Attorney” from Lindsey Halligan's title; DOJ prosecutors subpoena more Minnesota officials in an ongoing criminal investigation for impeding ICE as a pretext to invoke the Insurrection Act; Judge Kacsmaryk compares drag to blackface and allows college campus drag ban in Texas; Congress releases its massive funding bill ahead of a looming shutdown; the stock market takes a dive after Trump announced EU tariffs; the DOJ concedes DOGE misused Social Security data; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rips Trump during his Davos speech; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Beans Talkhttps://youtu.be/NUZ1aRHU-Sg Thank You, IQBARText DAILYBEANS to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Thank You, COYUCHIGet 15% off your first order when you visit Coyuchi.com/dailybeans The LatestWhat to know about the Insurrection Act | AG & Steve VladeckStoriesProsecutors Subpoena Minnesota Democrats as Part of Federal Inquiry | The New York TimesJudge Kacsmaryk Compares Drag To Blackface, Allows College Campus Drag Ban In Texas | Erin In The MorningCanadian PM Rips Trump's Greenland Push: 'We Are in the Midst of a Rupture' | Rolling StoneTrump administration concedes DOGE team may have misused Social Security data | POLITICODemocrats Successfully Strip All Anti-Trans Riders From Final Appropriations Bills | Erin In The MorningCongress releases massive funding bill ahead of shutdown deadline as ICE clash looms | NBC NewsJudge bans Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan from 'masquerading' as top federal prosecutor | NBC News Good TroubleICEOUT.ORG - “People over papers”ICEOUT's objective is to collect community-submitted information about possible ICE activity down to the street level to help inform the public and raise awareness. All reports are reviewed and categorized by a moderator team before appearing on the map. The website is available in 11 different languages.iceout.org to view the map. iceout.org/location/report to submit a report. →Tell Congress Ice out Now - Take Action Now | Indivisible→Urge American Ballet Theatre to cancel upcoming Kennedy Center performances→Ways to Support MN's Immigrant Communities Amid ICE Activity - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine→Congress: Divest From ICE and CBP | ACLU→ICE List→2026 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From! | Erin in the Morning Good NewsThe Wilds in Ohio37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Nominees→Go To Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans to Share YoursSubscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTubeOur Donation LinksPathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736Allison is donating $20K to It Gets Better and inviting you to help match her donations. Your support makes this work possible, Daily Beans fam. Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans FundraiserJoin Dana and The Daily Beans and support on Giving Tuesday with a MATCHED Donation http://onecau.se/_ekes71More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate

DOGE staff face scrutiny over possible Hatch Act violations. GitLab fixes a serious 2FA bypass. North Korean hackers target macOS developers through Visual Studio Code. Researchers say the VoidLink malware may be largely AI-built. MITRE rolls out a new embedded systems threat matrix. Oracle drops a massive patch update. Minnesota DHS reports a breach affecting 300,000 people. Germany looks to Israel for cyber defense lessons. A major illicit marketplace goes dark. Our guest is Ashley Jess, Senior Intelligence Analyst from Intel 471, with a “crash course” on underground cyber markets. And auditors emerge as an unlikely line of cyber defense. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we have Ashley Jess, Senior Intelligence Analyst from Intel 471, sharing a “crash course” on how underground cyber markets and emerging trends. Selected Reading Trump administration concedes DOGE team may have misused Social Security data (POLITICO) GitLab warns of high-severity 2FA bypass, denial-of-service flaws (Bleeping Computer) North Korean Hackers Target macOS Developers via Malicious VS Code Projects (SecurityWeek) Voidlink Linux Malware Was Built Using an AI Agent, Researchers Reveal (Infosecurity Magazine) MITRE Launches New Security Framework for Embedded Systems (SecurityWeek) Oracle's First 2026 CPU Delivers 337 New Security Patches (SecurityWeek) Minnesota Agency Notifies 304,000 of Vendor Breach (GovInfo Security) Germany and Israel Pledge Cybersecurity Alliance (BankInfo Security) $12B Scam Market Tudou Guarantee Shuts Down (GovInfo Security) Research reveals a surprising line of defence against cyber attacks: accountants (The Conversation) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Retirement Plan Live case study continues, Roger Whitney helps Henry and Lucy move from dreaming to feasibility, organizing the real financial resources available to support an early retirement in their 40s. This episode centers on trade-offs, confidence, and the reality of giving up earned income decades early. Roger and the couple walk through income assumptions, assets, and risk tolerance before closing with listener advice, a Smart Sprint, and words for the year.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but to have the confidence and comfort to lean in and rock retirement.(00:27) Roger introduces Week 3 of the Retirement Plan Live case study with Henry and Lucy.(02:15) What are Henry and Lucy giving up to retire early?RETIREMENT PLAN LIVE(05:00) Roger asks Henry and Lucy if they pick a word of the year.(06:05) Henry and Lucy reflect on why retiring even one year earlier feels uncomfortable without proof.(10:50) Review of Social Security assumptions and why it's excluded from their base plan.(14:13) Confirmation that the plan assumes no earned income after retirement.(20:40) Overview of after-tax assets, cash buckets, and sinking funds.(26:20) Review of retirement accounts, savings rates, and long-term strategy.(31:30) Home equity, college savings, and inheritance assumptions.(33:40) Clarifying the goal for the after-tax bridge bucket.ADVICE FROM A RETIREE(38:39) Listener Bonnie shares an alternative approach using sabbaticals and flexible work.(41:10) Roger reflects on optionality, skill relevance, and maintaining professional networks.SMART SPRINT(42:30) Roger encourages listeners to organize or update their net worth statement.WORD FOR THE YEAR(43:40) Listener Alex shares his word for the year: Healing.(45:10) Listener Valerie shares her word for the year: Minimize.REFERENCESSign up for our next webinar!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Global markets fell sharply after Trump threatened 10% tariffs on imports from Denmark and seven other European countries if they refuse to support his effort to acquire Greenland; Trump said he was confident the U.S. would acquire Greenland and declined to set any limits on his approach, saying "You'll find out"; Trump, in a text message to the Norwegian prime minister, wrote that losing the Nobel Peace Prize made him feel less obligated to “think purely of Peace”; federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and at least three other Democratic officials; the Justice Department said it discovered evidence suggesting members of DOGE improperly accessed and shared Social Security data with a political advocacy group seeking to overturn election results in certain states; and 58% of Americans call the first year of his second term a failure. Read more: Day 1827: "The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control." Subscribe: Get the Daily Update in your inbox for free Feedback? Let us know what you think

Upcoming Event + What's NewBefore jumping into today's questions—there are some good ones—I want to share a quick note.I'll be at the Annual RetireMeet on March 7 in Bellevue at the Maidenbauer Building. I'll be there all day at the booth and will be discussing the inside story on diversification, including new thinking on rebalancing that I believe you'll find useful.Christine Benz — Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar How to retire successfully, with practical, research-backed retirement planning guidance.Tom and Don — longtime members of the Truth Tellers Club Retirement evolution and income planning, including sustainable withdrawal strategies and real-world retirement insights.A speaker from Dimensional Fund Advisors The psychology of investing and how investor behavior affects long-term results.Kevin Peterson — insurance expert who helped us select new coverage this year Getting the most from Medicare and making smart coverage decisions.An estate planning attorney Building an effective estate plan, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary strategies.Joe Saul-Sehy, co-host of Stacking Benjamins Common mistakes that make retirement miserable—and how to avoid them.The event is available in person and online. In-person attendees receive lunch. Online attendees pay a small fee that supports nonprofits focused on financial education.I also spent time this week with Daryl Balls, working on updates to the quilt charts and new tables. We're excited to share those soon, along with the next Boot Camp series, starting later this month.Questions of the DayHow can I avoid getting scammed by a bad financial advisor? 04:03How can my parents decide when to start Social Security? 07:08How do I identify my target asset allocation if I am 41 and plan to retire at 65, taking Social Security at 70 and with a pension? 08:47Can you help me build a sample asset allocation? 11:46What should I learn first to understand asset allocation? 14:10How do target date funds fit into asset allocation? 17:42How does VTSAX fit into this strategy? 17:04My 401(k) only offers Vanguard Total Market, Mid-Cap Index, and Small-Cap Index. Can I build a good portfolio? 20:40If I'm contributing monthly, should I rebalance using contributions or make separate trades? 27:59I have a closed 401(k) with a target date 2050 fund. Is that a good core holding? 28:50A Final ThoughtI recently spoke with an investor who realized they didn't need to draw from their investments at all, thanks to Social Security and a pension—even with nearly $2 million invested.When you don't need the money, you get to choose your medicine—aggressive or conservative.We're excited about the upcoming Boot Camp, new tables, and educational tools. If we can do a better job teaching, our hope is that you'll do a better job investing—for yourselves and for those who count on you. Links Mentioned in This EpisodeInvestor EducationGet Smart or Get Screwed Truth Tellers – Social SecuritySocial Security Made Simple by Mike PiperMike Piper – Oblivious Investor When to Take Social Security: Pros & Cons – Jim Dahle (White Coat Investor)https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/when-to-take-social-security-a-pro-con/Asset Allocation & Target Date FundsTwo Funds for Life – Chris PedersenSound Investing Portfolio Series (Boot Camp – prior year)Ultimate Buy & Hold StrategyFine-Tuning Your Asset AllocationEventAnnual RetireMeet – Bellevue (March 7)Research & ToolsQuilt Charts and Tables (Paul Merriman / Daryl Balls)

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Most people don't have a money problem — they have a thinking problem.In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with economist Laurence Kotlikoff – Boston University professor and creator of MaxiFi financial planning –  to unpack the biggest lie we tell ourselves about our financial lives: that we don't need to look… and it'll all work out.Laurence explains why so many of us avoid our numbers (fear, superstition, math phobia), why much of Wall Street's “standard advice” conflicts with real economics, and why personal finance is far more complicated than people realize — from taxes and inflation to Social Security's 22,000-page rulebook. We talk through what it actually takes to answer the simplest question that drives everything: How much can I safely spend — and keep spending — without running out?We also zoom out to the macro questions people feel every day: whether Social Security could be cut, whether AI has created a market bubble, how panic can move markets even when fundamentals don't, what housing really means as an inflation hedge, and why inflation hurts households so differently depending on how their income and assets are structured.This conversation is a reminder that “having your finances straight” isn't about luck, hype, or perfect timing — it's about getting clear, making sustainable decisions, and using the right tools to avoid leaving massive money on the table.In this episode you'll learn:- The biggest lie people tell themselves about money — and why it's so common- Why personal finance isn't “simple math” (and why most people freeze anyway)- How to think about spending safely if you live to 100- What a 23% Social Security benefit cut could mean — and how to plan around it- Why many households make the wrong Social Security decision and lose big- Whether AI stocks are overvalued — and how bubbles (and panic) form- How the market can drop hard even without “fundamental” reasons- When buying a home makes sense vs. renting — and what people miss- Why inflation burns some people and spares others (and how to protect yourself)- The “common denominator” of people who actually stay financially secureLike this episode? Leave a review here:https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominatorChapters:00:00 The Biggest Lie We Tell Ourselves About Money02:23 Welcome + Why We Avoid Our Finances05:10 Why Financial Planning Is So Complicated07:34 Math Phobia, Behavioral Avoidance, and Real Solutions11:23 Social Security “Running Out” + Planning for Benefit Cuts14:54 AI, Market Valuations, and Bubble Risk19:50 Panic, Multiple Equilibria, and Why Markets Crash22:06 Real Estate: When to Buy and How to Think About Risk25:22 Housing as an Inflation Hedge27:26 Money Supply, Inflation, and What People Feel Day-to-Day32:13 America's Debt, Fiscal Solvency, and Unfunded Liabilities34:44 Practical Solutions + “You're Hired” Reforms41:50 The Common Denominator of Financial Stability44:11 Final Takeaways + Where to Find LaurenceFollow Laurence:Website: Kotlikoff.netNewsletter: https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/ MaxiFi: https://www.maxifi.com/ Book: Money Magic https://www.amazon.com/Money-Magic-Economists-Secrets-Better/dp/0316541958 

-Greenland, Canada prepare for U.S. invasion -MAHA freaks roll out "Drink Milk" campaign, while measles spreads unchecked -Shock admissions about DOGE misuse of Social Security data -Momentum builds for Minnesota General Strike to force ICE out

The UK's Metropolitan Police Service (Met) is now “actively looking” into fresh allegations that Prince Andrew allegedly used a taxpayer-funded police bodyguard to obtain the U.S. Social Security number and date of birth of his accuser, Virginia Giuffre — apparently to dig up “dirt” on her. These new allegations arise from leaked emails and Giuffre's recently published posthumous memoir, and they have reignited calls for a full criminal inquiry in the UK after previous investigations by the Met opted not to open one. Sources suggest that if evidence is found that the royal improperly sought to direct or influence police resources, then the offence of misconduct in public office could be in play.Meanwhile, in the United States and in political circles, pressure is building for action — though no formal prosecution has yet been confirmed. U.S. lawmakers such as Nancy Mace have publicly demanded that any potential crimes by Prince Andrew on U.S. soil be pursued, and parliamentarians in the UK are calling for a mechanism to strip him of titles and privileges as accountability ramps up. The combination of renewed documentary claims, political uproar, and active investigation means that this may no longer be purely a reputational or civil matter — the threshold for possible criminal exposure appears to be closer than at any time in recent years.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein? | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The years between your last paycheck and your first Social Security or RMD can be the most valuable tax planning window of your life. We call it the Golden Window, and it's when your income is low, your tax brackets are flexible, and your choices can reshape your entire retirement. In this conversation I lay out the strategy that helped one couple save $180,000 in lifetime taxes without sacrificing lifestyle or taking more risk.We unpack how to use low-income years to your advantage: converting pre-tax IRAs to Roth at favorable rates, harvesting long-term capital gains at 0% in some cases, and rebalancing or simplifying portfolios with minimal tax impact. Why delaying Social Security and pensions can open room to “fill” the 12% or 22% bracket with Roth conversions today to avoid 24% to 32% later. You'll learn how proactive moves now can shrink future RMDs, reduce IRMAA surcharges on Medicare premiums, and lower the portion of Social Security that gets taxed.You'll also hear a step-by-step case study of Mark and Linda, both retired at 62 with most of their savings in IRAs. By living from cash and brokerage for five years and converting $60,000 to $100,000 annually before age 67, they moved $380,000 into Roth accounts, cut projected RMDs from $78,000 to $32,000, avoided IRMAA, and kept more of every benefit. Common pitfalls to avoid—claiming Social Security too early, turning on pensions immediately, skipping conversions, and ignoring bracket math—and a clear framework to plan year by year.If you're looking to build a smarter retirement tax plan and stop tipping the IRS, this breakdown gives you the blueprint. Subscribe, share with someone planning to retire soon, and leave a review with the question you want answered next.

Audio Quality Notice: Please note that this episode contains some technical audio issues affecting portions of the recording. While we've made every effort to improve the sound quality, some disruptions may remain. For clarity, full transcripts and closed captions are available and linked here for your reference. https://retirewithstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-212-There-Is-No-Best-Retirement-Plan-How-to-Choose-What-Actually-Works.pdf In this episode of Retire With Style, Alex and Wade kick off a new arc focused on the fully revised Third Edition of the Retirement Planning Guidebook. The conversation walks through the foundational ideas behind the book, beginning with retirement income styles and why there is no single “best” strategy for everyone. Wade explains the importance of aligning retirement income decisions with personal preferences, comfort with risk, and behavioral realities rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. The discussion then expands into efficiency-focused retirement planning, highlighting practical ways retirees can improve outcomes through Social Security claiming decisions, tax planning, and organization for incapacity and estate planning. The episode concludes with a framework for understanding the three major risks retirees face: longevity risk, market risk, and spending shocks, as well as why planning becomes especially critical during the transition into retirement.   Takeaways Retirement income planning does not have a single correct answer; multiple viable strategies exist, and the best choice depends on personal preferences and behavior. Understanding your retirement income style helps prioritize which strategies, tools, and chapters of the planning process deserve the most focus. Retirement efficiency means getting more after-tax spending power or legacy from the same set of assets, often by making better decisions rather than taking more risk. Social Security claiming decisions remain one of the most impactful and accessible efficiency opportunities for many retirees. Strategic tax planning, including Roth conversions, can create immediate and long-term benefits without requiring market forecasts. Organizing documents for incapacity and estate planning is a major but often overlooked source of efficiency with both financial and psychological benefits. Retirees face three primary categories of risk: longevity risk, market risk amplified by withdrawals, and unpredictable spending shocks. The years leading up to and immediately following retirement are a fragile transition period where early planning creates significantly more flexibility and better outcomes.   Chapters 00:00 – Retirement Planning Guidebook Series Introduction 05:35 – What's New in the Fully Revised 3rd Edition 06:36 – Why Retirement Income Styles Come First 08:11 – Is There a “Best” Retirement Income Strategy? 10:33 – Investing vs. Annuities: Where Each Fits 11:18 – Addressing Bias in Retirement Planning Advice 14:29 – Getting a Second Opinion on Retirement Strategies 17:14 – Risk Premium vs. Risk Pooling Explained 19:22 – What Retirement Planning Efficiency Really Means 21:32 – Social Security Claiming as a Planning Lever 23:22 – Roth Conversions and Tax Planning in Retirement 24:57 – Estate and Incapacity Planning Mistakes to Avoid 26:45 – The 3 Biggest Risks in Retirement 29:22 – Why Retirement Risk Is Different Than Accumulation 31:41 – The Fragile Retirement Transition Period 33:20 – Why Planning Early Improves Retirement Outcomes   Links

There are a lot of things that changed with the #onebigbeautifulbill act, and there's a lot of complexity to it. In this episode of #MoneyGuidewithMarySterk, we're going to bring some clarity to to it, take it piece by piece, and talk about the senior deduction.Feat Kelsey Bankey & Jordan IrelandSubscribe to the #MoneyGuidewithMarySterk on apple podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3x65ejdm #forbes #financialplanner #wealthmanagement #sterkfinancialservicesSchedule an appointment with one of our advisors today! https://www.sterkfinancialservices.com/p/contactSubscribe to the “Money Guide with Mary Sterk” podcast on Apple Podcasts. Schedule an appointment with one of our advisors today!Follow us on FacebookFollow us on LinkedinSubscribe on YoutubeFollow us on Twitter

The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that two DOGE employees communicated with a political group seeking to overturn election results, with one signing a Voter Data Agreement days after a federal judge blocked their access to Social Security records. We break down the DOJ disclosure, the Cloudflare data sharing problem, and why the whistleblower who warned about this lost his job.

This episode is a wild ride. We're talkin' about everything from a dude gettin' arrested for yellin' at the Social Security office to a white supremacist gettin' his ass kicked by a crowd in Minneapolis. We also dive into the world of Tyler Perry, where he's buildin' a studio to train young black creators, but some folks are callin' him out for some shady allegations. And, of course, we're talkin' about the importance of community and how it can affect our worldview. It's a real conversation, folks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is Trump's second term going? One year into President Trump's second term, how much of the "America First" agenda has been realized? From securing the border to strengthening the U.S. economy, the administration's bold promises are being put to the test. FOX News Contributor and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove joins the Rundown to analyze the biggest successes of the past year. We dive into the looming challenges for 2026, including the legal battles over new tariffs, the national affordability concerns, and the rising anti-ICE protests across American cities.  Americans are expected to start feeling the effects of President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law last summer, as a series of tax changes officially kick in. The legislation includes new relief aimed at the middle class and working Americans, from higher standard deductions to first-ever tax breaks on auto loan interest, Social Security income, tips, and overtime pay. FOX Business' Gerri Willis joins the Rundown to explain how these updates, along with an extension of earlier tax cuts, could drive consumer spending and shape the broader economic outlook. Plus, commentary by Jimmy Failla, host of "FOX Across America" and "FOX News Saturday Night." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lucky Lou is 48, burned out and wants to punch at 50. How should he bridge the gap before pensions and Social Security? Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA walk through the Rule of 55, 72(t)s, and the psychological reality of spending down a taxable account, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 565. Alexei and Anna are high earners in their mid-20s who want to save aggressively and keep taxes low. Which retirement accounts should they prioritize, and can they afford a downpayment on a house? Jay and Gloria are wrestling with the classic question of whether to save to Roth or traditional 401(k), especially since their state doesn't tax retirement income. Is taking the deduction now and backdooring Roths the smarter move? Plus, Sleepless in Seattle wants to know, can her 28-year-old daughter afford to buy a condo in a high-cost housing market? Finally,  Jennifer in Texas wonders how to invest and withdraw an inherited IRA over the 10-year rule with the least tax damage. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-565 (full show notes & episode transcript) The Last 5 Years Before Retirement Will Decide Your Lifestyle - Here's How - YMYW TV Guides:  Growing Your Wealth Tax-Free Retirement One Big Beautiful Bill Act Blogs:  A Market of Stocks Why AI May Not Be a Bubble Should You Own Gold Instead of Stocks? Financial Blueprint (self-guided) Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional) REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis DOWNLOAD more free guides READ financial blogs WATCH educational videos SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter   Connect With Us: YouTube: Subscribe and join the conversation in the comments Podcast apps: subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite Apple Podcasts: leave your honest reviews and ratings   Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast 01:04 - Can I Retire at 50 with $5M and Bridge the Gap to Pensions and Social Security? (Lucky Lou) 10:51 - Which Retirement Accounts Should Young High Earners Max First? Can We Afford a House Downpayment? (Alexei & Anna, Cincinnati) 17:57 - Save to Roth 401(k) or Traditional If Our State Doesn't Tax Retirement Income? (Jay & Gloria, People's Republic of IL) 28:21 - Should a 28-Year-Old Buy a Home in an Expensive Market? (Sleepless in Seattle) 37:15 - How to Invest for Most Growth and Least Tax on an Inherited IRA? (Jennifer, TX) 41:04 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

Patriots, the proof is undeniable—America's greatest comeback is in full force! @intheMatrixxx and @shadygrooove explode into Trump's Golden Year: More Done in 1 Than Most in 8, hammering home the historic facts straight from President Trump's massive achievement book and live presser. Border crossings down over 93%, zero illegals admitted for 8 straight months, millions self-deporting, tens of thousands of violent criminals removed—including gang members, traffickers, and predators—with ICE heroes deserving massive amplification and thanks for their dangerous work. Economy roaring with $18 trillion in new investments, trade deficit slashed 77% with zero inflation, stock market smashing records, real incomes surging, and the One Big Beautiful Bill delivering no tax on tips, overtime, Social Security, plus huge deductions for American-made cars. Peace through strength ended or de-escalated 8 major conflicts, drug prices crushed 1,200–1,400%, gasoline at $1.99–$2.50, DEI and woke insanity banned government-wide, violent crime plummeting, and hostages rescued without ransom. The show calls out Flynn's blackpilling network drawing attention for spreading distrust instead of celebrating wins, slams Dan Lemon for normalizing pedos, and blasts the DST gaggle on the tarmac last night. We all bleed the red blood of 2 patriots—the truth can't be argued directly. The truth is learned, never told—the constitution is your weapon—tune in at noon-0-five Eastern LIVE to stand with Trump! This Episode's Links: Trump's Golden Year: More Done in 1 Than Most in 8: https://mgshow.link/8012 X (Twitter) Posts/Shares: Share MG Live on X https://x.com/inthematrixxx/status/2013658988903305488 MG Show X post MLK AI Speech: https://x.com/intheMatrixxx/status/2013634506155082131 Usha Vance (SLOTUS) announcement ("Our family is growing!"): https://x.com/SLOTUS/status/2013712959608946721 Other Resources/Tools: Trump Accounts Gov (for $1,000 per American child born 2025-2028): https://trumpaccounts.gov/ (Shared by MGShow admin in response to PaulaAmerica) Suno Song: "Eve of Rebirth [of America]" (by FaithfulMagaSentinel, based on Clay Higgins' statement): https://suno.com/s/aobbGs35VeRxq5TA Rep. Clay Higgins post (shared by wetyeti in reference to FaithfulMagaSentinel's song): https://x.com/RepClayHiggins/status/2013424070142910836 + MG Show 2026: America First MAGA Podcast & Conservative Talk Show Tune in weekdays at 12pm ET / 9am PT for the MG Show Season 8, hosted by @InTheMatrixxx and @Shadygrooove. Get unfiltered truth on Trump policies, border security, economic nationalism, and exposing globalist psyops. Catch live episodes or on-demand replays on Rumble at https://rumble.com/mgshow, or stream via your favorite podcast app for the best MAGA news in 2026. As President Trump's America First agenda strengthens the Republic in 2026, the MG Show delivers patriotic insights critiquing establishment politics and left-wing ideologies while championing sovereignty and traditional values. + Where to Watch & Listen to MG Show 2026 - Live Streams: Join the action on https://rumble.com/mgshow for premium America First content, including exclusive episodes on Trump wins like inflation drops and border awards. - Radio: Tune into Red State Talk Radio at https://mgshow.link/redstate for conservative talk radio focused on MAGA victories. - X Live: Watch on X at https://x.com/inthematrixxx for real-time discussions on pro-Trump initiatives. - Podcasts: Search "MG Show" on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, and Amazon Music for on-demand episodes covering 2026 conservative news, Trump pardons, and psyop exposures. - YouTube: Full episodes available on MG Show (intheMatrixxx) at https://youtube.com/c/inthematrixxx and ShadyGrooove at https://www.youtube.com/c/TruthForFreedom. --- - Lemurian Shores (with Lucentia) (~432 Hz) by Spheriá | https://soundcloud.com/spheriamusic (Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) - MG Show Anthem: Check out the patriotic track at https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=qdJ0VxqqtmwCbaQL&v=SyfI8_fnCAs&feature=youtu.be for chills-inducing America First vibes.

How to calculate your "break even" point when deciding when to take your benefit.

Susan is 65, recently widowed, and has saved $2.1 million for retirement.On paper, she's more than fine… but emotionally, she doesn't feel fine.After watching her husband pass away, Susan is ready to retire five years earlier than planned so she can enjoy her “go-go years” while she still has her health.But she's terrified of one thing:

As we step into a new year, now is the perfect time to start fresh-and that includes safeguarding yourself against tax identity theft. Everyone is at risk of falling victim to tax identity theft, and thousands of Americans are impacted by this crime each year. Fraudsters often target taxpayers early in the year, hoping to take advantage of the busy tax season preparations.  Links: Get started on this year's taxes, consider filing through IRS Free File Guided Tax Software IRS tips for finding a trustworthy tax professional Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   According to the IRS, tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number (SSN), to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. A successful scammer can create an online return using your SSN, even if they don't spell your name right. Once the fraudulent account is established, they can not only use it to file taxes on your behalf and receive your refund but also to receive future payments from the federal government. The criminals are adept at using accounts that funnel money into prepaid debit cards so that it is untraceable and unrecoverable.  Here are five tips to help you avoid becoming the next victim and help protect yourself against tax-related identity theft.  Secure Your Personal Information.  Keep your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN) in a secure location. When asked for these numbers, be skeptical and verify that it is a legitimate need. Additionally, keep your home computer security software up to date, and run regular software updates on your connected devices, including the seemingly less risky ones like smartwatches.  File Your Taxes Early and Securely.  The sooner you submit your tax return, the harder it is for fraudsters to submit a fake one in your name. As soon as you have the necessary documentation, go ahead and take care of this right away. Always file taxes through a reputable service and use a secure internet connection if filing online; avoid transmitting such sensitive information through public Wi-Fi. You may consider filing through IRS Free File Guided Tax Software. If you feel more comfortable relying on a professional to prepare your tax return, choose your tax preparer with care.  Monitor Your Financial Statements, Mail, and Email.  Regularly check account statements for any unusual activity. Your first sign of tax identity theft this season will usually be a letter from the IRS after filing your return, informing you that one has already been filed using your SSN. Year-round, expected payments that are not received are another sign to watch for. Also be mindful of any tax reporting documents from employers you have never worked with. Rather than ignoring them, follow up to ensure someone else hasn't stolen your identity and taken a job using your information.  Communicate with Caution.  Beware of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information, and verify the source before you respond. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, including your taxpayer Identity Protection PIN, nor will they ever threaten lawsuits or arrest.  Create an Online Account at the IRS Website.  Visit the IRS online account website (www.irs.gov) to create your account now and monitor it regularly. While a lot of personal information is required to create the account, once you have done so, you can monitor your tax activity throughout the year, including if a return has been filed in your name. Through your online IRS account, you can then request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Once established, the PIN must be included on your federal tax return in order for it to be processed as valid.  Remember, even with all these precautions, tax-related identity theft can still happen. That's why Triangle Credit Union offers Fully Managed Identity Theft Recovery services for Better Checking account holders. If you suspect your identity has been compromised or you suspect identity theft for any reason, Identity Theft Recovery Advocates will help you recover and mitigate any damage. Learn more about Better Checking at trianglecu.org or click the link in the show notes.   If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.   Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   Have a great day! 

Being a Millionaire Ain’t What It Used to Be Episode 367 – It wasn't that long ago that Regis Philbin drew massive viewers with his TV program Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Never mind the fact that the top prize was $1 million before taxes, which is considerably less than $1 million after taxes. But in today's economy, being a millionaire does not necessarily project the same status it once did. Or does it? More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 367 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual's SML Planning Minute. In today's episode, being a millionaire ain’t what it used to be. It wasn't that long ago that Regis Philbin drew massive viewers with his TV program Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Never mind the fact that the top prize was $1 million before taxes, which is considerably less than $1 million after taxes. And while it's much more noticeable today, even during Y2K, being a millionaire did not give the same status that it once did. Yet it's an achievement many of us are shooting for. According to a new study, almost half of all workers (48 percent) have set $1 million as their retirement benchmark. That number was only 37 percent in 2024. But people aren't necessarily optimistic about reaching that milestone. In fact, a mere 27 percent actually expect to get there.[1] Another recent study provides more information on this. An analysis of government survey data done by Bloomberg indicates that there are more than 24 million millionaire households, or almost one in five. But a lot of that wealth is sealed into 401(k)s, IRAs and home equity, none of which is easily accessible. This is especially true for households in the lower end of the millionaire spectrum, with a net worth between $1 million and $2 million, which on average, have 66 percent of their wealth locked into these types of assets.[2] It’s important not to minimize what so many people have accomplished. $1 million is a great emotional milestone. And it's still a lot of money. The median household net worth is considerably less: about $193,000.[3] But nowadays, you might not be able to live off $1 million. It could end up lasting you a long time, but it all depends on where you live (which you can control), your health and longevity (which you might not be able to control), and how much you spend on things like housing, health care and other expenses. Every situation is different, of course. The cost of living varies widely throughout the United States. According to research by Forbes magazine, the average cost of living, defined as “housing costs, transportation, health care, food and income taxes,” is the highest in Hawaii at $55,491. Mississippi comes in the lowest with an average of $32,336. Of course, this is just for the essentials. The figures don't include entertainment, travel or anything else.[4] When it comes to longevity, average life expectancy has some quirks to it. For one thing, each year you age, your remaining life expectancy goes down, but not by a full year. This is a statistical oddity due to the fact that you're still here, but a few of your peers are not. For example, if you are a male age 60, your remaining life expectancy is 23.3 years, or to age 83.3. But if you make it to age 65, your new life expectancy is 19.3 years, or to age 84.3.[5] There are gender differences as well. For people age 65, females, on average, outlive males by approximately 2.7 years.[6] These are all just averages, of course. But the resulting life expectancies are often longer than people might anticipate. Here's another unique statistic: For a married couple age 60, there is approximately a 60 percent chance that at least one of the two will live past age 90.[7] That may or may not be you, but the longer you expect to live, the more concerned you will be about whether your $1 million is enough. How long will it last, and will you still be around when it runs out? Here are three hypotheticals compiled by SmartAsset. In the first one, assume you start with $1 million and get a 6 percent return. Also assume you are in a 24 percent tax bracket and you spend $5,000 per month. In that scenario, your $1 million should last you 30 years. But in the second scenario, assuming your return goes down to 5 percent, the well would run dry in 26 years. In the third scenario, your return goes up to 7 percent. But your tax bracket is also higher: 32 percent, and your withdrawal goes up to $6,000 per month. With those assumptions, your savings would only last 23 years.[8] Keep in mind that these examples do not include other sources of income such as Social Security. The maximum amount of Social Security you can collect is $5,181[9] per month before tax and Medicare charges, but that assumes you paid in the maximum and collect at age 70, which less than 10 percent of people do.[10] The average benefit is approximately $1,959 per month.[11] But when it comes to retirement income, the one huge advantage Social Security has is that it is indexed for inflation, although the Cost of Living Adjustment (or COLA) increases don't always keep up. So, how much you can accumulate for retirement is important, but it's not everything. Perhaps some of us are focusing on the wrong thing. Maybe it's just as important to have an income plan as it is to have an accumulation plan.[12] In other words, no matter how much you save, it's still only the first half of the journey. [1] Randall, Steve. “Nearly half of workers peg retirement target at $1M as anxiety climbs.” Investmentnews.com. https://www.investmentnews.com/retirement-planning/nearly-half-of-workers-peg-retirement-target-at-1m-as-anxiety-climbs/263546 (accessed December 15, 2025). [2] Steverman, Ben, Tartar, Andre and Davidson, Stephanie. “America Is Minting Lots Of Cash-Strapped Millionaires.” Fa-mag.com. https://www.fa-mag.com/news/america-is-minting-lots-of-cash-strapped-millionaires-84395.html (accessed December 12, 2025). [3] Kane, Libby. “The net worth it takes at every age to be richer than most people you know.” Businessinsider.com https://www.businessinsider.com/net-worth-data-american-wealth-age-2025-4 (accessed December 12, 2025). [4] Rothstein, Robin. “Examining The Cost Of Living By State.” Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/cost-of-living-by-state/ (accessed December 15, 2025). [5] Social Security Administration. “Retirement & Survivors Benefits: Life Expectancy Calculator.” Ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/population/longevity.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [6] The Global Statistics. “Life Expectancy by Age in the US 2025 | Stats & Facts.” Theglobalstatistics.com. https://www.theglobalstatistics.com/life-expectancy-by-age/ (accessed December 15, 2025). [7] Social Security Administration. “Longevity Visualizer.” SSA.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/tools/longevity-visualizer/index.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [8] Smartasset.com. “Is $1M Enough to Retire Comfortably in 2025? Replace Guesswork With a Fiduciary-Built Plan.” Insights.smartasset.com. https://insights.smartasset.com/sem/how-long-will-1m-last-in-retirement?utm (accessed December 15, 2025). [9] Social Security Administration. “Worker with steady earnings at the maximum level since age 22.” Ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/examplemax.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [10] Royal, James. “What age do most Americans take Social Security?” Bankrate.com. https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/when-do-most-americans-take-social-security/ (accessed December 15, 2025). [11] Horton, Cassidy. “What's the average Social Security check in Dec. 2025?” Aol.com. https://www.aol.com/finance/retirement-planning/article/average-social-security-benefit-payment-december-2025-195039610.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [12] LaPonsie, Maryalene. “Can You Retire on $1 Million? Here’s How Far It Will Go in 2025.” USNews.com. https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/can-you-retire-on-one-million (accessed December 15, 2025). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual's legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you've enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we'll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person's needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

Most Americans believe Social Security will take care of them in retirement. That belief could cost them everything. Social Security is projected to face serious shortfalls by 2032, and Congress is already discussing changes that could mean lower benefits, higher taxes, and delayed retirement ages. In this video, you'll discover: Why Social Security was never meant to fully fund your retirement The real changes Congress is likely to push through How benefits have already lost buying power Why counting on the government is a dangerous retirement strategy What smart retirees are doing right now to protect themselves If you're relying on Social Security for your future, this video is a wake-up call.

THE TOWNSEND PLAN AND THE BREAK WITH FATHER COUGHLIN Colleague David Pietrusza. Francis Townsend proposes a popular plan to give the elderly $200 a month, pressuring Roosevelt—who disliked the "dole"—to introduce Social Security. Meanwhile, the radio priest Father Coughlin turns against FDR after feeling brushed off by the administration. Coughlin joins forces with Townsend and Gerald L.K. Smith to form a third-party challenge. A tense six-hour meeting at Hyde Park between Roosevelt and Coughlin, arranged by Joseph Kennedy, fails to repair the relationship. Consequently, Coughlin uses his massive radio platform to wage war against the President during the election season. NUMBER 31936 HUNGARY

Discover how much money you need to retire. Calculate with your potential Social Security benefits to determine your retirement income.  Are you on track for financial freedom...or not? Financial freedom is a combination of money, compounding and time (my McT Formula). How well you invest can make the biggest difference to your financial freedom and lifestyle. If you invested well for the long-term, what a difference it would make because the difference between investing $100k and earning 5 percent or 10 percent on your money over 30 years, is the difference between it growing to $432,194 or $1,744,940, an increase of over $1.3 million dollars. Your compounding rate, and how well you invest, matters!  INVESTING IS WHAT THE BE WEALTHY & SMART VIP EXPERIENCE IS ALL ABOUT - Invest in digital assets and stock ETFs for potential high compounding rates - Receive an Asset Allocation model with ticker symbols and what % to invest -Monthly LIVE investment webinars with Linda 10 months per year, with Q & A -Private VIP Facebook group with daily community interaction -Weekly investment commentary -Extra educational wealth classes available -Pay once, have lifetime access! NO recurring membership fees. -US and foreign investors are welcome -No minimum $ amount to invest -Tech Team available for digital assets (for hire per hour) For a limited time, enjoy a 50% savings on my private investing group, the Be Wealthy & Smart VIP Experience. Pay once and enjoy lifetime access without any recurring fees. Enter "SAVE50" to save 50%here: http://tinyurl.com/InvestingVIP Or set up a complimentary conversation to answer your questions about the Be Wealthy & Smart VIP Experience. Request an appointment to talk with Linda here: https://tinyurl.com/TalkWithLinda (yes, you talk to Linda!). SUBSCRIBE TO BE WEALTHY & SMART Click Here to Subscribe Via iTunes Click Here to Subscribe Via Stitcher on an Android Device Click Here to Subscribe Via RSS Feed LINDA'S WEALTH BOOKS 1. Get my book, "3 Steps to Quantum Wealth: The Wealth Heiress' Guide to Financial Freedom by Investing in Cryptocurrencies". 2. Get my book, "You're Already a Wealth Heiress, Now Think and Act Like One: 6 Practical Steps to Make It a Reality Now!" Men love it too! After all, you are Wealth Heirs. :) International buyers (if you live outside of the US) get my book here. WANT MORE FROM LINDA? Check out her programs. Join her on Instagram. WEALTH LIBRARY OF PODCASTS Listen to the full wealth library of podcasts from the beginning.  SPECIAL DEALS #Ad Apply for a Gemini credit card and get FREE XRP back (or any crypto you choose) when you use the card. Charge $3000 in first 90 days and earn $200 in crypto rewards when you use this link to apply and are approved: https://tinyurl.com/geminixrp This is a credit card, NOT a debit card. There are great rewards. Set your choice to EARN FREE XRP! #Ad Protect yourself online with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Get 3 MONTHS FREE when you sign up for a NORD VPN plan here.  #Ad To safely and securely store crypto, I recommend using a Tangem wallet. Get a 10% discount when you purchase here. #Ad If you are looking to simplify your crypto tax reporting, use Koinly. It is highly recommended and so easy for tax reporting. You can save $20, click here. Be Wealthy & Smart,™ is a personal finance show with self-made millionaire Linda P. Jones, America's Wealth Mentor.™ Learn simple steps that make a big difference to your financial freedom.  (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. There is no additional cost to you.)  

Most retirement advice is designed for married couples. But planning for retirement when you're single comes with a very different set of risks and decisions. In this first episode of a five-part series, we explain why retirement planning changes when there's no spouse to share income, benefits, caregiving, or decision-making. We define what "single" really means in retirement, explore the lack of financial and personal backup, and outline how this affects Social Security, taxes, investment risk, long-term care, and estate planning. This episode isn't about tactics. It's about mindset. When you're planning alone, the goal isn't perfection. It's resilience. In Part 2, we begin with Social Security, the foundation for many single retirees. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

"Just 10% plan to wait until age 70" to claim Social Security in retirement — and it's not because of a knowledge problem.  We discuss this from a new survey that suggests most Americans may be claiming Social Security earlier than is financially optimal because fear is driving the decision. They understand the math—but they're still claiming early. We also answer a listener 2-part question about where to park short-term cash in inflationary times and to actually buy Treasuries. And we wrap up the segment to bring you our newest segment from you, the audience: "Retire to Something". If you'd like to share your story about what you are retiring "to", simply look for the link in the new "This Week in Retirement Newsletter" and fill out the super-quick form.  Connect with Benjamin Brandt Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement  

We live in a culture that stretches us to the very limits of our time, energy, and finances. Every hour gets booked, every dollar gets assigned, and before we know it, we're operating without room to breathe. Scripture calls that lack of space folly—and the presence of space wisdom. Today, we're talking about margin and why it's essential to biblical stewardship.Margin is the space between our limits and our load—the distance between what we could do and what we actually do. Proverbs 21:20 tells us, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” Wise people don't consume everything they have. They create space. They build reserves. They plan ahead. The foolish run to the edges, spending and consuming as fast as resources arrive.One of Scripture's most beautiful pictures of margin appears in the story of Ruth. In Leviticus 23:22, God instructs His people not to harvest their fields all the way to the edges. They were to leave grain for the poor, the widow, and the foreigner. Boaz obeyed that command. He refused to maximize every inch of profit, and because of that simple act of obedience, Ruth and Naomi survived. Margin became the soil for redemption—leading to the lineage of King David, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ. Margin makes room for God to work.Think of a beautifully designed page. The words never run from edge to edge. The white space allows the page to breathe. Without it, the text would feel overwhelming. Our lives are the same. When we fill every minute of our schedules and every dollar of our budgets, life becomes chaotic. We lose clarity, rest, and the ability to respond to God's promptings.Financially, the absence of margin makes even small disruptions feel like emergencies. A car repair or medical bill can suddenly derail us. But margin absorbs shocks. It quiets anxiety. And it lays the groundwork for stewardship.Margin produces at least three spiritual benefits:Space for Rest. When we're not bound to every dollar, we can Sabbath—enjoying God's presence without pressure.Space for Faith. When we don't consume everything, we confess that God—not our paycheck—is our provider.Space for Generosity. Living at the edge leaves no room to say yes when God nudges us to give. Margin fuels ministry.Ultimately, margin is a spiritual discipline. It isn't just about saving money—it's about creating space for God's pace, God's provision, and God's purposes. The first step is simple to name and difficult to practice: spend less than you earn. Say no to good things so you can say yes to better things. Margin doesn't appear on its own—it's created through intentional choices.Boaz never imagined that leaving grain behind would shape the family line of the Messiah. But God often uses margin to accomplish eternal things.————————————————————————————————If you want to go deeper in learning how our stewardship makes room for God's work in our lives, our own Rob West wrote about this theme in his new 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure. It will be released next month. You can preorder or place bulk orders at FaithFi.com/Shop, and a digital version will be available soon in the FaithFi App for FaithFi Partners. I'd love for you to experience it.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I received a notice from my bank regarding an arbitration provision and class action waiver—specifically, a notice about resolving disputes through individual arbitration. I don't understand what that means or what happens if I opt out. I'm confused and unsure what to do.I'm a truck driver, and I'm 62. I've got a few years before retirement, and I'm starting to have a little extra money in my paycheck. I'd like to invest some of it, but I'm unsure about the current market conditions. I'm also curious about crypto and Bitcoin, and wanted to hear your take.I'm trying to organize several things I've inherited—stock, savings, an IRA, an annuity, a CD, an insurance inheritance, and a house. I'm almost 72, and my dad is 100 and still living, so I need to plan for possibly 30 more years. I work part-time and receive Social Security, and my husband, who is bed-bound, also receives Social Security. Overall, our income is about $9,000 per month, which we don't need right now. I want to know how to organize all of this wisely and plan for the long term.I have two adult children in their late 30s who still have a lot of student loan debt. I'd like to help pay it off, but most of my money is in retirement accounts—401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA. Is there any way to use that money without a big tax hit? Is there any option to reduce their debt through repayment programs? One child has federal loans, and the other is in forbearance, with interest accruing. I'd really like to see them free from this debt, but I'm not sure how to approach it.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday 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.

The largest expense for most companies is labor, so how a company chooses, manages, and pays its workforce can be a crucial consideration when evaluating it as an investment. Robert Brokamp discusses factors to consider with Dr. Ben Zweig, the CEO of Revelio Labs and the author “Job Architecture: Building a Language for Workforce Intelligence.”Also in this episode: -The S&P 500 has been an outstanding buy-and-hold investment, partially because the index is always changing-The Social Security trust fund will likely be depleted by 2032, so the U.S. senators who will be elected or re-elected this year will have a say in any potential solutions-The prices of many essential expenses are growing at rate above overall inflation while wage and job growth may be weakening-A study finds the optimal sitting-standing ratio to make you more comfortable and productive at work Host: Robert BrokampGuest: Ben ZweigEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We're committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices 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 3425: Darrow Kirkpatrick explores the unpredictable nature of retirement planning, revealing how small shifts in key variables like inflation, investment returns, and living expenses can dramatically alter your financial future. Rather than chasing precision, he advocates using retirement models as directional tools, emphasizing flexibility, thoughtful scenario comparison, and quality of life over rigid calculations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/dealing-with-uncertainty-in-retirement-calculations/ Quotes to ponder: "A retirement model is a compass, not a map. It can tell you where you're going, but not if and when you'll arrive!" "The difference in ending net worth between our best and worst case scenarios at age 95 is well more than one million dollars." "Most of the difference between the best and worst case scenarios is accounted for by investment returns, Social Security, and living expenses." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices