Retirement Starts Today
Do you want to spend more money in retirement, while paying less taxes? Great news, you're in the right place! I'll also teach you the benefits of retiring TO something, while most retirees only solve half the equation by retiring FROM something. Tune in every Monday morning - hosted by Benjamin Brandt CFP, RICP. Join my "Every Day is Saturday" weekly newsletter for show notes, free book giveaways and other great retirement content: www.retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
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Why are You Still Working?
02/02/2026
Why are You Still Working?
Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP, writes in a Kiplinger article how to walk through several common reasons people keep working — even as retirement comes into view. Rather than looking at money first, the author looks at motivation and breaks it into five broad categories: Category 1: I must keep working Category 2: I probably should keep working Category 3: I want to keep working Category 4: I’m afraid to retire Category 5: I don’t know why I’m still working The author suggests borrowing from a concept by Artiste called "First Principles Thinking". Listen in for the answer. Also, our listener Maria asks about the timing of your first RMD (Required Minimum Distribution): "If we want to skip our 1st RMD and take two the following year, how does that work?" Resource: Article by Andrew Rosen, CFP® in Kiplinger's "" Connect with Benjamin Brandt Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Helping Underspenders And “Savers” Understand They CAN Spend More
01/26/2026
Helping Underspenders And “Savers” Understand They CAN Spend More
Can you relate to this statement: "They’ve done everything right financially… but still can’t bring themselves to spend the money they’ve saved." In today's Retirement Headline, Meghaan Lurtz explains why underspending in retirement is usually rooted in psychology, not math. Lurtz shares several common barriers: Fear of future dependence Doom forecasting And an Identity tied to being a saver Resource: Article by Meghaan Lurtz: "” Listener question: "If I plan to retire at 65 1/2 or 66 and sign up for Medicare before 65 - but not for Parts B and D (because of my employer provided insurance) - will I have to pay a penalty to get Parts B and D (and Supplements) at a later date when I actually retire?" Listen in to learn about creditable coverage and how penalties can stack up on themselves. Connect with Benjamin Brandt Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Americans May Be Claiming Social Security Too Early
01/19/2026
Americans May Be Claiming Social Security Too Early
"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: Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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In the IRMAA Trenches with IRMAA Certified Planner, Paul Morrison
01/12/2026
In the IRMAA Trenches with IRMAA Certified Planner, Paul Morrison
Paul Morrison details how Medicare premiums, including the IRMAA surcharge, are inflating at a rate higher than Social Security COLAs. This disparity is causing concern, as premiums can potentially consume a retiree’s entire Social Security benefit over time, especially for those in higher IRMAA brackets for an extended period. Paul provides concrete examples of how extended periods in higher IRMAA brackets could lead to Medicare premiums exceeding Social Security benefits, forcing retirees to pay out-of-pocket. Resources: Contact Paul Morrison: Website: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Are Super Savers Failing in Retirement? A conversation with Andy Panko
01/05/2026
Are Super Savers Failing in Retirement? A conversation with Andy Panko
A special recording from Andy Panko for his Retirement Planning Education Podcast: We discuss how the financial industry is evolving, the common struggles of “super savers” in retirement, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with life goals, not just spreadsheets. We talk about the role of Monte Carlo simulations, the importance of flexibility in financial plans, and the evolving role of advisors in a changing world. It’s a conversation that encourages you to find joy and flexibility in your retirement journey. Resources: Andy's podcast: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Why Financial Independence is Overrated [Rebroadcast]
12/29/2025
Why Financial Independence is Overrated [Rebroadcast]
Nick Maggiulli’s latest article in Of Dollars & Data challenges one of the core ideas that drives personal finance blogs, podcasts, and even some of our own thinking — the belief that financial independence should be the ultimate goal. We explore the surprising downsides of chasing early retirement, the difference between financial independence and financial freedom, and why something called “Coast FIRE” might be the real goal worth aiming for. I also answer a listener question: What can retirees do to fight back against inflation? One listener asks how to protect their buying power as costs keep rising. We go over several practical, actionable ways to stretch your dollars and build an inflation-resistant retirement. Resource: Article by Nick Maggiulli in Of Dollars & Data: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't [Rebroadcast]
12/22/2025
Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't [Rebroadcast]
New research from David Blanchett, head of retirement research at PGIM, challenges one of the biggest assumptions in retirement planning: that happiness in retirement depends on maintaining a constant—or even increasing—level of spending. ⬇️ Upon entering retirement, households experience a median consumption decline of about 20%. This drop is often viewed as a red flag in traditional financial planning models. However, Blanchett argues that this decline is not necessarily problematic, especially when you look at how financial well-being changes over time. ☎️ Then on our listener question, we hear from a 34-year-old investor who’s been all-in on stocks since taking Dave Ramsey’s advice early in their career. Now, they’re wondering how and when to start easing into a more balanced portfolio with bonds. We’ll talk strategy, psychology, and sprinkle in some data on market highs that might surprise you. Resource: Article by John Manganaro from ThinkAdvisor: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Who Has Actually Saved $1 Million for Retirement? [Rebroadcast]
12/15/2025
Who Has Actually Saved $1 Million for Retirement? [Rebroadcast]
Only 3% of Americans have saved $1 million for retirement. according to 24/7 Wall St. & AOL. I’ll break down what that means—and why your personal number might be more important than any national average. After that, I answer a listener question where we tackle how to cover healthcare costs in early retirement—specifically for a 58-year-old retiree with a non-working spouse and three adult kids under 26 still on the family plan. We’ll explore ACA strategies, income planning, and a clever way to help the kids get their own coverage at a big discount. Resource: AOL article by David Beren: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Five Key Retirement Challenges (and Solutions) [Rebroadcast]
12/08/2025
Five Key Retirement Challenges (and Solutions) [Rebroadcast]
Most people focus on saving for retirement, but what happens when you actually get there? Retirement isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about managing risks that can threaten your financial security and lifestyle. In this episode, we explore Five Key Retirement Challenges (and Solutions), inspired by a Kiplinger’s Personal Finance article by Walt West. From unexpected market downturns to rising healthcare costs, these challenges can catch retirees off guard if they’re not prepared. We break down each challenge—financial instability, healthcare expenses, taxes, inflation, and estate planning oversights—and discuss practical strategies to navigate them. Learn how to structure a flexible withdrawal plan, prepare for long-term care costs, use tax-efficient strategies like Roth conversions, and ensure your estate plan protects your loved ones. Plus, we tackle a listener question about using a MIGA ladder strategy to bridge the gap until Social Security—offering insights into the pros and cons of annuities in a retirement portfolio. If you want to retire with confidence and avoid costly missteps, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're years away from retirement or already in it, understanding these key challenges and their solutions can help you make smarter financial decisions for the road ahead. Resources & People Mentioned Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Retirees Only Spend 2.1% Per Year [Rebroadcast]
12/01/2025
Retirees Only Spend 2.1% Per Year [Rebroadcast]
to work with us! Many retirees enter their golden years with the goal of financial security, but what if the biggest risk isn’t running out of money—it’s not spending enough of it? A surprising new study reveals that retirees are withdrawing just 2% a year from their savings—barely half of what’s traditionally considered safe. This cautious approach might seem responsible, but it often leads to unnecessary frugality, missed experiences, and larger-than-expected tax burdens later in life. The hesitation to tap into personal savings, even when there's plenty available, raises an important question: What’s stopping retirees from spending with confidence? Research shows that retirees feel much more comfortable spending guaranteed income from sources like Social Security and pensions while being reluctant to withdraw from their own investments. This behavioral tendency can leave money unspent for decades, only to be forced out later through required minimum distributions (RMDs) that create tax inefficiencies. Meanwhile, large inheritances often arrive too late to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. Rethinking the 2% mindset means understanding what keeps retirees locked into ultra-conservative spending habits and finding ways to turn savings into income that feels reliable. A simple shift—such as automating monthly withdrawals or adjusting expectations around financial security—can open the door to a more fulfilling retirement. The money was saved to be spent, and spending it well can be just as important as saving it wisely. Spending too little can be just as costly as spending too much. With the right approach, retirees can enjoy their wealth now while keeping future financial security intact. Resources & People Mentioned – Head of Retirement Research at PGIM DC Solutions – The American College of Financial Services – Book on intentional retirement spending Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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How to Spend More (or Less) in Retirement [Rebroadcast]
11/24/2025
How to Spend More (or Less) in Retirement [Rebroadcast]
to work with us! Are you spending too little in retirement, worried you might outlive your savings? Many retirees struggle to strike the right balance, often holding back on enjoying the wealth they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I’ll show you how to overcome those fears and spend with confidence while still planning for the future. What about real estate? Whether you’re thinking about renting instead of owning, leveraging home equity for long-term care, or even investing in rental properties, the right approach can make all the difference. I’ll share practical insights to help you figure out what works best for your lifestyle and financial independence. Retirement is your chance to live on your terms, free of unnecessary stress and worry. By understanding the psychology of spending and making thoughtful decisions about your biggest assets, you can enjoy the freedom and security you’ve earned. Let’s get started. Outline of This Episode [0:00] The Start of 2025 [1:50] Spending Struggles in Retirement [4:40] Connecting with Your Future Self [6:12] Underspending Biases and Longevity Risk [12:01] Real Estate in Retirement [14:10] Renting vs. Owning [16:10] Home Equity for Long-Term Care Resources & People Mentioned : Tips to spend less or more in retirement by Samantha Lamas. : Retirement Starts Today. : Benjamin Brandt’s financial planning firm. Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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2025: The Year of Donor Advised Funds?
11/17/2025
2025: The Year of Donor Advised Funds?
Major charitable-giving changes are set to take effect next year under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As a result, 2025 may be the best—and possibly last—great year to make a big charitable gift and get the full tax benefit in the same year. Listen in to hear the changes that take place in 2026 that could make 2025 the best year to use donor advised funds. In our listener question segment, Christie inquires about buying a home in retirement: "Should we withdraw from investments, or use a mortgage?" Resource: Article by Ben Mattlin in Financial Advisor Magazine: "" Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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This Social Security Strategy Gives Retirees More to Spend
11/10/2025
This Social Security Strategy Gives Retirees More to Spend
A new report says retirees who use a so-called “bridge strategy” can actually spend more and need fewer assets to retire securely. That’s right. By delaying Social Security and using other savings to “bridge the gap,” you could improve your lifetime income, reduce longevity risk, and build more peace of mind into your plan. We will break down the research and find ways to make Social Security work harder for you. After that, I’ll answer a listener question: What’s the difference between a 5 year MYGA and a 5 year SPIA? Resource: Article by John Manganaro on ThinkAdvisor: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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"One free lunch, please." Why Buffered ETFs might not fit the bill.
11/03/2025
"One free lunch, please." Why Buffered ETFs might not fit the bill.
If something promises higher returns, it comes with higher risk — even if that risk isn’t easy to see. And if something promises to protect your downside, it’s usually charging you for it through fees, limited upside, or long-term lockups. Today’s headline from Ben Henry-Moreland fits that idea perfectly. “Why ‘Downside Protection’ ETFs Don’t Protect Portfolios As Well As A Stock-Bond Mix (In The Long Term)”. After that, I’ll answer a listener question about taxes & avoiding underpayment penalties from a surprise inheritance. Should they make an extra quarterly payment to the IRS to avoid penalties, or is there a smarter way to handle it? I’ll explain how the safe-harbor rules work, and why a simple IRA-withholding trick can sometimes do the same job even better. Resource: Article by Ben Henry-Moreland on Kitces.com: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Why Advisors Should Never Recommend Social Security Claiming at 62
10/27/2025
Why Advisors Should Never Recommend Social Security Claiming at 62
A few episodes ago, we covered Derek Tharp’s research suggesting that not everyone should delay until 70 — especially those with shorter life expectancies or limited assets. This week’s headline brings the opposite perspective: Michael Finke argues that for higher-income retirees who expect to live longer, claiming early is almost always a mistake — and that fear-based decisions about Social Security’s solvency can cost retirees hundreds of thousands in lifetime income. Plus, a listener asks about giving with warm hands vs cold hands - which is a euphemism for giving during life vs giving after death. How much can they give without fear of running out of money? Resource: Michael Finke article on ThinkAdvisor: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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It’s so Simple…
10/20/2025
It’s so Simple…
Do lower-cost funds tend to outperform pricier ones over time? Jeffrey Ptak analyzed fifteen years of performance data covering virtually every U.S. mutual fund and ETF. He divided them into five “cost buckets,” from the cheapest 10% all the way up to the most expensive 10%. He then compared each group’s average monthly return against its peers within the same category. The result? A clean, almost perfect staircase of performance. The cheapest funds outperformed the second-cheapest, which outperformed the middle, which beat the expensive ones — and so on — all the way up the ladder. The longer the time horizon, the wider the gap became. That's from Jeffrey's Peak Substack piece “It’s So Simple: Fees Predict Performance", which we go through in this episode. We also answer a listener question from Ray about a 5-year SPIA, continuing the listener question from the previous episode. Resource:Jeffrey Ptak article from Substack: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: *Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Cut Your Retirement Stress in Half (New Vanguard Study)
10/13/2025
Cut Your Retirement Stress in Half (New Vanguard Study)
Vanguard Research put out a paper called "The Emotional and Time Value of Advice” (June 2025). It claims that there are "emotional benefits and time-saving value that paid professional financial advice provides to clients." In other words: The benefit isn't the portfolio or financial advice, but the emotional and time-saving value getting paid professional advice can provide. Then for our listener question: Gary wants to know how his Health Savings Account (HSA) interacts with Medicare. Can you pay Medicare premiums from an HSA at a later date like you can with qualified medical expenses paid out of pocket? Great question! Resource: Vanguard Study: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Delay to 70? Not So Fast - The New Case for Claiming Early
10/06/2025
Delay to 70? Not So Fast - The New Case for Claiming Early
Only about 4% of retirees actually wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, despite the financial benefits of delaying them. This comes from an article by Derek Tharp at Kitces.com titled “The Flaws In Using A 0% Discount Rate To Justify Delaying Social Security”. It takes a hard look at why the common advice to “wait until 70” might not always hold up in the real world. Tharp argues that the assumptions baked into much of the research—especially the idea that a future Social Security dollar is worth the same as a dollar today—can tilt the math toward delay, while ignoring very real risks like mortality, sequence of returns, policy changes, and even health-span. I'll share the points and give my commentary on the topic. Thanks for hitting the Play button! Then in our listener question segment: We’ll talk about whether it ever makes sense to use a SPIA to bridge the gap until Social Security. What are the pros and cons, and would I ever recommend one? Resource: Article from Derek Tharp on Kitces.com: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Roth Conversions after One Big Beautiful Bill
09/29/2025
Roth Conversions after One Big Beautiful Bill
Our retirement headline is from a ThinkAdvisor article titled "Ed Slott: Roth Conversions Are Trickier Under New Tax Law" by Melanie Waddell. “With the extended tax cuts under President Trump’s recently passed tax and spending law, ‘Roth conversions should be accelerated to take advantage of more years of low tax rates,’ according to Ed Slott of Ed Slott & Co. ‘You never want to leave a low tax bracket unfilled,’ he said. ‘Low tax brackets need to be maximized each year, but how much to convert each year can be trickier now since many of the new tax breaks have income caps.’” That’s the crux of it — Roth conversions still make sense, but now they’re bumping up against some new income cliffs. I take the first few minutes to share a few key numbers. Then our listener question is actually one I asked myself after seeing a post about company financials being reported less frequently than quarterly. I go through the pros and cons of making this change. Resources: Article by Melanie Waddell, courtesy of ThinkAdvisor.com: Article on Reuters by Johann M Cherian, Lewis Krauskopf and Douglas Gillison: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Collect Social Security Early & Invest in the Market?
09/22/2025
Collect Social Security Early & Invest in the Market?
Should I collect Social Security early & invest the proceeds into the stock market? This is the age-old question I see on a nearly daily basis in retirement forums. An article from Morningstar - written by Christine Benz and features a conversation with Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin - gives me the basis for sharing six obstacles for claiming instead of waiting. Also, we share a listener question about whether retirees should stick with the traditional 60/40 stock-and-bond portfolio or branch out into alternatives like gold, REITs, or managed futures to help with risk management and withdrawal rate. Resource: Article by Christine Benz featuring Mary Beth Franklin on Morningstar: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Insert Clickbait Title [Here]
09/15/2025
Insert Clickbait Title [Here]
Inflammatory headlines are "Clickbait", and I am not immune to falling for them. "Social Security recipients set to face an $18,000 benefit cut in just seven years" is the most recent culprit in my Google feed - with an image of a Social Security check with a wrecking ball smashing straight through it. The good news is the headline is pretty far from reality for most people, and I explain why. Listen in to understand who might actually be impacted, and why most people actually won't. Source: Article by Emily Peck on Axios: "" Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Retirement Dreams or Retirement Nightmares? Lessons from Today’s Retirees
09/08/2025
Retirement Dreams or Retirement Nightmares? Lessons from Today’s Retirees
"Only 5% of retirees say they’re living the dream and 19% are living the nightmare." says Deb Boyden in an article from Yahoo Finance. Deb provides three lessons to protect your future, which we dig into to see how it applies to your retirement: Lesson 1: You’re Probably Not Saving Enough Lesson 2: Expect the Unexpected Lesson 3: Winging It Won’t Get You There In our Listener Question segment, we talk about the pro rata rule and Roth conversions. It’s one of those areas that seems simple on the surface but trips a lot of people up once you start digging in, so we unpack what the pro rata rule really means and why, in most cases, an extra step at the point of retirement, and a bit of double-checking will keep things as clean and simple as possible. Resource: Article on Yahoo Finance from Deb Boyden: "" Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Why Your Old Spending Habits Won’t Work in Retirement
09/01/2025
Why Your Old Spending Habits Won’t Work in Retirement
If you’ve saved more than a million dollars, that puts you ahead of 90% of your peers. Statistically, that makes you a super saver. But one of the biggest challenges super savers face is this: it’s hard to spend your own money. In this episode, I share one exercise that can help break some of those old habits and open the door to a more fulfilling retirement. A Practical Exercise Think back over the last year or two and pick a trip that you really enjoyed. Itemize all the spending decisions you can remember: Where did you go? How did you get there? How long did you stay? What did you eat? What souvenirs did you buy?
Take each line item and triple it. Then think of two or three ways you could possibly spend that new tripled amount. Listen to the rest of the episode and learn how we can rewire our brains from saving mode to spending mode. Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Don’t Let Your Brain Shrink Your Retirement Benefits
08/25/2025
Don’t Let Your Brain Shrink Your Retirement Benefits
We’re taking another look at one of retirement planning’s sneakiest pitfalls — underestimating your own life expectancy. We explore why smart people make short-sighted Social Security decisions, how psychological biases can distort your thinking, and why planning to live a long time isn’t pessimistic. Then, our listener question covers the nuts and bolts of how to apply for Social Security (online, phone or in-person), a critical heads-up for widows who want to claim survivor benefits without accidentally locking in reduced retirement benefits, and what happens when spousal benefits enter the mix after one spouse files before the other. Resources: The (F)Law of Averages: Article by Rick Kahler of Advisor Perspectives: Applying for Social Security benefits: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Inside the new Tax Rules for Retirees
08/18/2025
Inside the new Tax Rules for Retirees
We’re going inside the new tax rules for retirees. From a brand-new $6,000 deduction for seniors to major changes in how charitable giving is handled, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has reshaped key parts of the retirement tax landscape. We’ll break down what’s changed, what’s just political spin, and what you can do right now to take advantage of these new rules. After that, we answer a listener question: Have you ever wondered what the letters behind a Financial Advisor’s name mean? Resources: John Manganaro article from ThinkAdvisor: Article from Fidelity Charitable: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Why Financial Independence is Overrated
08/11/2025
Why Financial Independence is Overrated
Nick Maggiulli’s latest article in Of Dollars & Data challenges one of the core ideas that drives personal finance blogs, podcasts, and even some of our own thinking — the belief that financial independence should be the ultimate goal. We explore the surprising downsides of chasing early retirement, the difference between financial independence and financial freedom, and why something called “Coast FIRE” might be the real goal worth aiming for. I also answer a listener question: What can retirees do to fight back against inflation? One listener asks how to protect their buying power as costs keep rising. We go over several practical, actionable ways to stretch your dollars and build an inflation-resistant retirement. Resource: Article by Nick Maggiulli in Of Dollars & Data: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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The (F)Law of Averages
08/04/2025
The (F)Law of Averages
The (f)law of averages challenges a dangerous assumption we see far too often in retirement planning: The use of average life expectancy as a reliable planning target. The question is: If you make it to retirement - are you already above average - and if that’s true, how do we use that in our planning? I share six key takeaways from the article: Life expectancy is an average, not a prediction The mode — not the mean — may be more useful for planning Life isn’t neat and tidy Even “complete” life expectancy isn’t safe to use Relying on life expectancy is a planning shortcut — and not a good one The better tool is the survival curve After that, I answer a listener question: Can you really self-insure for long-term care and use the tax code to make your dollars go further? One listener heard about using the medical expense deduction to offset the cost of care — and wants to know which types of care actually qualify. So, what does qualify? Resource: Article by Jeffrey Dellinger in Advisor Perspectives: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Live on $2,972 monthly in an RV
07/28/2025
Live on $2,972 monthly in an RV
Could heaven be an RV in a state park? It is for Marian Barry, who became a traveling nurse after working in hospitals during the pandemic. We share this story from a Business Insider article, pointing out that she lives on $2,972 a month in Social Security and is lovig life. "I literally live in heaven." Key takeaways: Low-cost retirement living Lifestyle vs. possessions Community and mental well-being Flexibility in retirement Pursuit of happiness If any of this interests you - practice it first! Then I share some of my thoughts from our Spring client meetings. I found some common threads from some our clients that seemed the most at peace - even during the reported "market turmoil". Resource: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't
07/21/2025
Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't
New research from David Blanchett, head of retirement research at PGIM, challenges one of the biggest assumptions in retirement planning: that happiness in retirement depends on maintaining a constant—or even increasing—level of spending. ⬇️ Upon entering retirement, households experience a median consumption decline of about 20%. This drop is often viewed as a red flag in traditional financial planning models. However, Blanchett argues that this decline is not necessarily problematic, especially when you look at how financial well-being changes over time. ☎️ Then on our listener question, we hear from a 34-year-old investor who’s been all-in on stocks since taking Dave Ramsey’s advice early in their career. Now, they’re wondering how and when to start easing into a more balanced portfolio with bonds. We’ll talk strategy, psychology, and sprinkle in some data on market highs that might surprise you. Resource: Article by John Manganaro from ThinkAdvisor: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
/episode/index/show/retirementstartstoday/id/37230215
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One Big Beautiful Podcast Episode
07/14/2025
One Big Beautiful Podcast Episode
There is a lot to cover in this episode, including new legislation that could impact your retirement. Plus, 6 More Retirement Financial Myths to Avoid, and a listener with substantial assets who wants to know how to pay for a new car. The OBBB The One Big Beautiful Bill became public law on July 4, 2025. Included are: Lower Tax Brackets Are Now Permanent
Larger Standard Deduction New Senior Bonus Deduction (2025–2028)
Above-the-Line Charitable Deduction (2026–2028)
Expanded SALT Deduction
ACA Subsidy Planning Alert
New Car Deduction
If you’re a client of ours - we’ll go into these changes in detail during our year-end appointments. If you really like the numbers, we’ll do a before & after to calculate your specific tax savings impacted by these changes. Article: 6 More Retirement Financial Myths to Avoid This article by Sheryl Rowling from Morningstar addresses these six myths: You Should Never Make a Big Splurge in Retirement 2. It’s Best to Give to Charity After You Die 3. Spending Less Is Always Better 4. You Must Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retiring 5. Reverse Mortgages Are a Last Resort 6. Your Biggest Financial Risk Is a Market Crash Resource: Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: Subscribe to the newsletter: Work with Benjamin: Follow Retirement Starts Today in:, , , , or Get the book!
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