6 Changes To Social Security Happening in 2026, #292
Retire With Ryan
The landscape of Social Security is changing yet again. As we enter 2026, six big changes will impact both current and future retirees. I break down everything from the new cost of living adjustment (COLA), increases in the earnings test limit, and updated eligibility requirements, all the way to shifts in the full retirement age and the solvency projections for the Social Security Trust Fund. You’ll also hear practical tips on maximizing your Social Security benefits, how to prepare for what’s ahead, and why it’s more important than ever to have a solid retirement plan in place. ...
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Protecting Your Schwab Accounts From A RAT Attack, #291
Retire With Ryan
Have you ever fallen victim to a RAT attack? No, not the furry kind, a Remote Access Trojan attack. I’m discussing how cybercriminals use social engineering to target victims, and the real-world impact these threats can have on your investment accounts and personal information. I reveal the latest tactics scammers use, and, most importantly, offer practical tips to help you recognize warning signs, safeguard your accounts, and minimize your risk, whether you’re an individual managing your retirement nest egg or a business owner overseeing company assets. You will want to hear...
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Can I Contribute to My 401(k) and a Traditional IRA in the Same Tax Year?, #290
Retire With Ryan
A listener recently wrote in with a common and important retirement planning question: If I’m already maxing out my 401(k), can I also contribute to a traditional IRA in the same year? The short answer is yes—but whether it makes sense, and how much benefit you receive, depends on your income, tax situation, and long-term goals. In this episode, I break down how traditional IRA contributions work alongside employer-sponsored retirement plans, when those contributions are deductible, and what options are available if your income is too high for a deduction. We also explore alternative...
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Top 5 Growth ETFs to Own For 2026 and Beyond, #289
Retire With Ryan
Last week, we covered the best investments to preserve your money, but this week we are shifting gears to focus on growth. For retirees, the goal is to have an income that outpaces inflation, and historically, the best way to achieve that is by having 50% to 70% of your portfolio invested in stock funds. In this episode, I break down five specific Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that can help you grow your wealth in 2026. I discuss why I prefer ETFs over mutual funds, specifically focusing on cost, transparency, and liquidity, and provide the exact ticker symbols and expense ratios for the funds...
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7 Best Investment Options To Preserve Your Money in 2026, #288
Retire With Ryan
This episode is your introduction to the world of conservative investing, so it’s perfect for you if you’re looking to preserve your principal and grow your money at a steady pace. I’m walking you through seven standout investment choices for 2026, ranging from high-yield online money market accounts to short-term bond funds, CDs, and Treasury bonds. We’ll discuss how to shop around for the best rates, the importance of keeping up with inflation in retirement, and the benefits and limitations of each strategy. There’s something here for anyone who wants their money to work a little...
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4 Things All Successful Retirees Do, #287
Retire With Ryan
In this episode, I’m helping you kick off 2026 by reflecting on financial habits that pave the way for a successful retirement. As we set our goals for the year ahead, I share the four key traits I’ve observed in successful retirees, drawn from years of experience working with people from all walks of life. You’ll hear practical advice on how to work hard and invest consistently, the importance of living within your means, and ways to avoid common investment pitfalls that can derail your progress. Whether you’re just starting your retirement planning or fine-tuning your financial...
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6 Stock Market Predictions For 2026, #286
Retire With Ryan
As we turn the calendar to 2026, I reveal my forecasts for the stock market, interest rates, and top asset classes, and take a look back at how my 2025 predictions stacked up against reality. From the S&P 500’s rollercoaster performance to the ongoing rivalry between growth and value stocks, and even a showdown between bitcoin and gold, I break down what the numbers were, where I hit the mark, and where I missed. You’ll also hear my insights on international versus U.S. stocks, the outlook for small caps, and what the Federal Reserve might do with interest rates in the year ahead. Get...
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Most Asked Financial Questions of 2025, #285
Retire With Ryan
2025 has been a year of significant highs and lows, a bittersweet time marked by personal loss but also tremendous growth in our community of listeners and clients. As we wrap up the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and, more importantly, to give back by answering the most pressing questions on your minds. In this episode, I’m tackling the top 10 most asked financial questions I received in 2025 from both clients and listeners. From the future solvency of Social Security and the reality of rising inflation to the specifics of Bitcoin and long-term care, we are covering the topics...
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Top 5 Tax Benefits of 529 Plans, #284
Retire With Ryan
529 college savings plans are a favorite tool for families looking to fund education, but recent updates have made them even more compelling. With the passing of the One Big Beautiful Tax Act in 2025, there have been some exciting changes to what you can use 529 funds for, including expanded coverage for K-12 tuition, test fees, vocational programs, and support for learning differences. I also discuss the various tax advantages of contributing to a 529 plan, like state tax deductions, tax-deferred growth, and even the ability to roll leftover funds into a Roth IRA for your child. He offers...
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4 Ways To Receive A Tax Deduction For Charitable Contributions in 2025 and 2026, #283
Retire With Ryan
In the season of giving, we’re discussing making charitable contributions in 2025 and 2026. Americans are known for their generous donations to worthy causes, but understanding the best ways to give and maximize your tax benefits is key. This episode covers four effective strategies for making charitable contributions, from utilizing Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from your retirement accounts to cash donations, gifting highly appreciated stock or real estate, and using donor-advised funds. I also break down recent and upcoming tax law changes that impact your ability to itemize...
info_outlineWith the term “financial advisor” being used so broadly these days, it’s harder than ever for retirees and investors to make sense of who’s actually guaranteed to act in their best interest. So let’s talk about the key responsibilities of fiduciaries, explore the differences between fee-only advisors and those who earn commissions, and go through why full disclosure and ongoing advice matter so much in your financial planning relationship.
I share practical tips on how to vet potential advisors, whether you’re unhappy with your current one or searching for the right fit for the first time, and discuss online resources designed to help you find an aligned, trustworthy professional. If you want to make sure your advisor is truly putting your interests first, this episode is for you.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- [00:00] What is a Fiduciary Advisor?
- [04:59] Fiduciary duty in financial advice.
- [10:14] Advisor compensation and fiduciary conflicts.
- [13:16] Financial advisor versus Fiduciary.
- [14:41] Choosing your Fiduciary Advisor.
- [16:22] How to find a potential Fiduciary Advisor.
What Is a Fiduciary and Why Should You Care?
A fiduciary is someone who is legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest. Professions such as attorneys, executors, and corporate officers have fiduciary obligations, but in wealth management and investing, this distinction is particularly critical.
Registered investment advisory firms (RIA) and their representatives are fiduciary advisors, meaning their primary responsibility is you, the client, unlike brokers or insurance agents, whose loyalty is often to their employer. Because anyone can call themselves a “financial advisor,” the consumer’s challenge is identifying who’s truly working for you.
How Fiduciary Financial Advisors Serve You
1. Duty of Care
A fiduciary advisor must always put your interests first, providing recommendations and advice tailored for your benefit. This doesn’t automatically mean recommending the cheapest investment, it means recommending the most appropriate solution, factoring in cost, liquidity, and other key details. If an advisor recommends their own firm’s products, this must be clearly disclosed due to the potential conflict of interest.
2. Duty to Seek Best Execution
When managing your investments, a fiduciary is responsible for choosing brokers and executing trades with your best interest in mind. It’s not just about low commissions; it's about balancing price, research, reliability, and responsiveness.
3. Ongoing Advice and Monitoring
A true fiduciary doesn’t just sell you a product and disappear. They provide continuous advice, meet with you regularly, ideally at least annually or semi-annually, and adjust your strategy as your life and goals change. If you haven’t heard from your advisor in years, they’re likely not fulfilling their obligations.
4. Duty of Loyalty
Advisors must actively avoid or disclose any conflicts of interest. Vague, general disclosures aren’t enough; specifics matter so you can make informed decisions. For example, any financial benefit your advisor receives from recommending a particular fund or insurance policy should be clear and transparent.
How Fiduciary Advisors Get Paid and Why It Matters
Fiduciary RIAs typically avoid commissions and instead rely on three main payment models:
- Hourly Fees: You pay for the advisor’s time, just as you would an attorney.
- Flat Fees: One-time fees for specific services, like a comprehensive financial plan.
- Assets Under Management (AUM): The most common method; you pay a percentage of the assets the advisor manages for you (often around 1% annually).
The aim is to remove any incentive for the advisor to recommend products based on compensation rather than your best interest.
Financial Advisor vs. Fiduciary: Spotting the Difference
Many professionals use the title “financial advisor,” whether they are fiduciaries or not. The real question to ask: Are you a fee-only advisor? Fee-only advisors are paid solely by the fees their clients pay, not commissions or kickbacks from financial products.
To do your own research, use the online tools I recommend to verify credentials, licenses, and complaint histories. Also think about asking your advisor to sign a fiduciary oath, confirming their commitment to act solely in your interest.
A fiduciary promises ongoing advice, transparency, and loyalty, values that matter when your future is at stake. Remember: Ask questions, verify credentials, and always ensure your advisor is truly working in your best interest.
Resources Mentioned
- Retirement Readiness Review
- Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
- Download my entire book for FREE
- BrokerCheck
- IAPD
- findmyfiduciary.com
- Fiduciary Oath
- CFP.net
Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management
www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact