12 Insightful (and Unbelievable!) Statistics About Markets & Investing
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
Release Date: 12/19/2024
Why 37% of Retirees Have Regrets (And How to Avoid Them)
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
"I planned for 30 years of expenses—but zero years of purpose." This was a recent client's confession, and she's not alone. In fact, nearly 40% of retirees say they wish they had waited longer to retire (and it's not about money). In this episode, I'm revealing why even the most financially prepared retirees fall into identity crises and regret. I'm also sharing my 5-step "Bridge Strategy" to help you retire with clarity and purpose, not just a seven-figure portfolio. If you're planning FOR retirement but haven't considered what you're retiring TO, this episode is for you. ***...
info_outline
The Hidden Risk of "High-Yield" Cash in Retirement
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
"Cash is king" has guided investors since the 1987 market crash. But what if this so-called "king" is actually putting your retirement plan at risk? Millions of retirees are lured by today's enticing cash yields, confusing safety nets for sound investment strategies. In this episode, I'm revealing why cash (even at 4-5%) is a deceptive long-term investment. I'm also sharing details about a critical investment performance metric to help you make more informed portfolio decisions. If you're wondering how to balance safety and growth in today's uncertain market, this episode is for you. ***...
info_outline
7 Pitfalls to Avoid If You Want to Stay Retired
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
You’ve finally made it to retirement! But what if some of the choices you’re making right now are quietly pulling you back to work? Every year, countless retirees are forced back into the workplace. Not because they were reckless, but because they followed advice that sounded smart and safe. In this episode, I'm sharing 7 of the most common retirement pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. I'm also sharing our Total Retirement System™—a comprehensive framework to ensure you retire once and never look back. If you're approaching retirement (or already there) and want...
info_outline
How to Spend More, Stress Less, and Retire Sooner
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
"I'll just work a few more years." It's the retirement safety net millions of Americans often count on. In large part because the financial industry has convinced everyone that retiring later is the most sensible backup plan if your savings fall short. But what if this common advice is actually setting you up for one of the most costly mistakes of your life? In this episode, I'm sharing why the real danger may not be running out of money in retirement, but rather working too long. I’m also sharing why choosing the right withdrawal strategy may help you retire sooner AND give you more...
info_outline
How Tariffs Actually Work (And Why They're Shaking the Market)
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
Today I'm diving into the tariff-induced market mania that has been dominating every news headline. Specifically, I'm joined by Cullen Roche, monetary economics expert and founder of Discipline Funds, to discuss three important things: ► How tariffs actually work and why economists across the political spectrum overwhelmingly agree they are bad ► What the recent tariff proposal means for the economy (and American consumers) ► What yesterday’s "90-day pause" means for the markets going forward We also discuss how retirement investors should approach their portfolios during this period...
info_outline
ESG Investing: The Hidden Costs, Real Impact, and How to Avoid the Hype
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
ESG investing is exploding in popularity—but it's also a giant, confusing mess. Over $35 trillion in global assets now follow ESG guidelines. 🤯 But despite the rapid growth, most retirement investors still don't fully understand ESG investing... ...or how to spot legitimate ESG strategies from clever marketing hype. To help break through the confusion, Liz Simmie joins me to discuss: ➤ What ESG investing is and how it differs from Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) ➤ How retirement savers should evaluate ESG funds, particularly in terms of cost and performance ➤ The #1 data point...
info_outline
3 Ways to Boost Retirement Income
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
Morningstar recently published its annual "State of Retirement Income" research report. This year’s report finds the highest 30-year safe withdrawal rate for retirees is... 3.7% 🤯 In this episode, you'll learn: ► How researchers arrive at different recommended withdrawal rates ► Why popular withdrawal strategies are (likely) too conservative ► 3 proven strategies for boosting retirement income And since there is no one-size-fits-all, you'll also learn the pros and cons of each retirement income strategy discussed! *** 2025 TAX CHEATSHEET Subscribe to the As a thank you, ...
info_outline
The Biggest Retirement Investment Risk: How to Protect Your Portfolio
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
Today I'm discussing the biggest retirement investment risk. As Morgan Housel put it, "It's the hardest risk for people to understand... ...and it's the only one that really matters." In this episode, you'll learn: ► What the three sides of risk are ► Why tail risk is all that matters ► How to mitigate this risk in your retirement plan You'll also learn why most investors should (probably) stay away from investment products promising you lots of upside with limited downside. *** 2025 TAX CHEATSHEET Subscribe to the As a thank you, you'll receive my recently...
info_outline
3 Ways to Reduce Medicare IRMAA (Now and in the Future!)
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
Worried about Medicare IRMAA eating into your retirement savings? Whether you're 10+ years away from Medicare or already enrolled, this episode will help you navigate this pesky surcharge and protect your retirement savings. Key topics covered: ► Updated 2025 IRMAA brackets ► Answers to common planning questions ► 3 strategies to minimize (or avoid) IRMAA You'll also learn how to project future IRMAA brackets for better planning. If you want a clear roadmap for making informed decisions about your future healthcare costs, you'll enjoy today's episode. *** RETIREMENT...
info_outline
2025 Market Outlook: Planning for Uncertainty
Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
Markets tend to operate in cycles—yesterday's winners often become tomorrow's losers (and vice versa). The most unloved asset classes can quietly become the best performers, while the most popular ones frequently disappoint. Yet, many investors fall into the trap of assuming recent trends will continue indefinitely. But markets don’t work that way. No asset class outperforms or underperforms forever. To help you avoid falling into this trap (and make more informed portfolio decisions), I’m sharing key takeaways from Vanguard's 2025 Market & Economic Report in this...
info_outlineGrab your Tax Planning Cheatsheet (updated for 2025!) by clicking here.
The 2-page PDF guide includes every important number you'll need for your retirement & tax planning next year.
Updated federal income tax brackets, AMT annual limits, standard deductions, Social Security taxation summary, estate and gift tax annual limits…and more.
***
In our final episode of the year, I'm taking a break from the usual nerdy retirement planning talk to share twelve (12) insightful, fun, and humourous investing statistics.
These stats cover topics such as:
➤ The McRib Effect: Can a fast-food favorite influence markets?
➤ Shiller P/E Ratio History: What does this popular valuation signal suggest for the market's future?
➤ Netflix Drawdowns: A stock’s wild history of recovery.
➤ Berkshire Hathaway: A long-term (unbelievable) investment story unfolds.
➤ Pet Spending: A surprising shift in American priorities.
Whether you’re a market enthusiast or just here for the entertaining stories, you’ll love this lighthearted yet insightful end-of-year episode.
Thank YOU for making this year so special by tuning in and engaging with the show.
Enjoy the holidays, reflect on the year behind us, and prepare to dive into 2025 with fresh market insights and retirement planning strategies.
Here’s to "staying wealthy" next year and beyond! 🎉
***
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!