The Retirement Learning Lab

Van Richards, ChFC®, RICP®

Tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused about retirement planning? You're not alone. After 30+ years of helping people navigate retirement, I've seen how the flood of conflicting financial advice paralyzes even the smartest people. Hi, I'm Van Richards, and I created The Retirement Learning Lab to cut through the noise and give you the clarity you deserve. Here's what makes this different: Instead of throwing more complicated strategies at you, I teach you a simple, systematic approach that actually works. My clients go from lying awake at night worrying about money to sleeping peacefully, knowing they're in complete control of their financial future. You'll discover how to: Transform retirement confusion into confident actionMaximize your income while reducing riskAvoid the costly mistakes that become impossible to fix laterCreate a plan so simple you could explain it to a 12-year-old The bottom line: You only get one chance at retirement. Don't leave it to chance. Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, these proven strategies will help you go from financial insecurity to complete control. Ready to stop worrying and start winning? New episodes every week. DISCLOSURE: Listeners must understand that this information is not financial advice; it is financial education. There is no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of any information presented. For more information on the limitations of the information from this YouTube Channel, please refer to the disclosure on the Richards Financial Planning YouTube page at https://richardsfinancialplanning.com/youtube-channel.

  1. 7 Hidden Medicare 2026 Changes That Could Cost You Thousands (December 7th Deadline)

    11/01/2025

    7 Hidden Medicare 2026 Changes That Could Cost You Thousands (December 7th Deadline)

    Send us a text Everyone's talking about Medicare premium increases for 2026. But there are 7 OTHER changes buried in the fine print that could cost you just as much - and almost nobody knows about them.  🚨 URGENT: Open Enrollment ends December 7th - you have just weeks to make changes!  THE 7 HIDDEN CHANGES:  1. Specialist Referral Maze - New approval requirements add 3 weeks before you can even schedule appointments  2. Therapy Cap Reductions - Physical therapy jumping from $20 to $75 per visit after first 12 sessions ($2,100 more if you need 40 sessions)  3. ER Billing Changes - Itemized copays could turn $150 into $275  4. Home Healthcare Cutbacks - Reduced visits and stricter approval requirements  5. DME Restrictions - Limited suppliers, higher costs for wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment  6. Mental Health Limits - Fewer in-network providers, session caps, forced telehealth  7. Preventive Care Redefinition - "Free" mammograms and colonoscopies suddenly costing $300+ if anything is found  🎁 FREE MEDICARE 2026 SURVIVAL GUIDE Download at: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com Includes:  ✅ Complete checklists for all 7 changes  ✅ Doctor verification call scripts  ✅ Cost comparison worksheets  ✅ Week-by-week action timeline  ✅ Questions to ask insurance companies EPISODE  TIMESTAMPS:  0:00 - Introduction  3:06 - Hidden Change #1: Specialist Referrals  6:52 - Hidden Change #2: Therapy Caps  9:13 - Hidden Change #3: ER Billing  11:33 - Hidden Change #4: Home Healthcare  13:43 - Hidden Change #5: DME Costs  15:48 - Hidden Change #6: Mental Health  17:30 - Hidden Change #7: Preventive Care  19:35 - Your 5-Step Action Plan  23:00 - Why You Can't Wait  27:13 - Final Urgency & Next Steps  WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW:  1. Download the FREE guide: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com  2. Block 2 hours this weekend to review your plan  3. Call your doctors next week to verify coverage  4. Compare at least 3 plans  5. Decide by December 1st (don't wait until last minute!)  IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:  I don't sell Medicare plans. I'm a retirement income planner who helps clients understand how healthcare costs impact their overall financial strategy. Everything discussed is purely educational and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice.  FREE RESOURCES:  - Medicare 2026 Survival Guide: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com  - Medicare Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare - Free SHIP Counseling: shiphelp.org  - Medicare Rights Center: 1-800-333-4114  ⏰ December 7th deadline approaching fast. These changes are real, they're happening, and they could cost you thousands. Don't wait until it's too late.  Download the guide today: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com  ---  ABOUT THE HOST: Van Richards, ChFC, RICP, is founder of Richards Financial Planning, LLC in Houston, Texas, specializing in comprehensive retirement income planning.  CONNECT: retirementlearninglab.com | YouTube: Retirement Learning Lab | LinkedIn: Van Richards  #Medicare #RetirementPlanning #Healthcare #OpenEnrollment

    32 min
  2. Medicare 2026: Critical Changes That Could Cost You Thousands | Your Complete Survival Guide

    10/22/2025

    Medicare 2026: Critical Changes That Could Cost You Thousands | Your Complete Survival Guide

    Send us a text 🚨 URGENT: Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2025! Over 1.2 million Medicare enrollees are losing their plans completely in 2026. Are you one of them? Even if your plan still exists, major changes could cost you thousands of dollars if you don't act now. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ The 5 biggest Medicare changes affecting millions of Americans in 2026 ✅ Why hospital costs are jumping by $155+ per day for some enrollees ✅ How to verify if your doctors will still be covered (most people skip this!) ✅ The truth about disappearing drug plans (22% reduction) and rising deductibles ✅ My proven 4-step action plan to navigate these changes before the deadline ✅ Free resources that provide unbiased help (no sales pitch!) Real example from the episode: One enrollee saw her hospital daily rate jump from $395 to $550, PLUS her monthly premium went from $0 to $48. That's over $500 more per year before she even uses healthcare! Your Action Plan (Don't Wait!): Review your Annual Notice of ChangeVerify your doctors and medications are coveredCompare at least 3 plan optionsGet free help from your state's SHIP program⏰ Deadline: December 7, 2025 - Don't wait until the last week when counselors are overwhelmed! 🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Download the complete Medicare 2026 Survival Guide with checklists, worksheets, and step-by-step instructions at: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Why this matters NOW4:18 - The 5 major changes explained5:17 - Cost increases: Real examples6:23 - Doctor/hospital network changes7:21 - Prescription drug coverage changes9:26 - Extra benefits being eliminated12:01 - 4-step action plan18:14 - Urgent deadline reminder20:08 - How to get the FREE guideDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance. Connect with Van Richards: Website: RetirementLearningLab.comDownload FREE Guide: medicare.retirementlearninglab.comSubscribe for weekly retirement planning tips #Medicare2026 #MedicareChanges #OpenEnrollment #RetirementPlanning #MedicareAdvantage #SeniorCare #HealthcareCosts #Medicare #Retirement #FinancialPlanning Don't let these changes catch you off guard. Listen now and take action before December 7th!

    24 min
  3. "I Just Want to Retire and Do NOTHING" - What God Says to the Exhausted Worker

    10/10/2025

    "I Just Want to Retire and Do NOTHING" - What God Says to the Exhausted Worker

    Send us a text "I just want to retire and do nothing." If you've ever had that thought—if it's the voice in your head as you drag yourself through another exhausting workday—this episode is for you. Maybe you're 58, 62, or 65. You've spent decades in demanding work—manufacturing, nursing, teaching, construction, management. Jobs that took everything from you. You wake up tired. You go to bed tired. Weekends aren't enough to recover. And when people talk about "purposeful retirement" or "finding your next calling," something inside you screams: "I JUST WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE." Here's what you need to know: God hears you. Your exhaustion is real. And wanting rest is not a spiritual failure. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your exhaustion is valid (and not weakness)What happened when the prophet Elijah told God "I've had enough"What God is NOT saying to exhausted workersThe "Bell Lap" principle for finishing your career with dignityWhat you're REALLY longing for when you say "I want to do nothing"Five practical steps for making it to retirement with your soul intactHow to seek support when you have nothing left to giveBONUS: Free Prayer Guide for the Exhausted Worker I've created a 30-minute guided prayer experience using the ancient practice of the Examen, adapted specifically for those exhausted by work. It will help you bring your troubles directly to God and discern His direction for your unique situation. Download FREE: finishwell.faithdrivenfinance.com EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction: "I Just Want to Do Nothing" 1:55 - The Reality of Exhaustion 3:18 - Biblical Examples: Elijah & Job 5:44 - What God Is NOT Saying 6:56 - What God IS Saying (4 Key Messages) 7:02 - Message #1: Come to Me and Rest 8:19 - Message #2: Let's Finish This Chapter Well 8:45 - Van's Running Story: The Bell Lap Principle 11:29 - Message #3: What You're Really Longing For 12:39 - Message #4: Rest Is Coming 13:57 - Pastoral Word: To Those Nearly Broken 17:07 - Five Practical Steps You Can Take Now 20:44 - The Prayer Guide Offer 22:09 - Closing Encouragement KEY SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened"1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah under the broom treeJob 3:1-3 - Job's honest lamentHebrews 12:1 - Running with perseveranceIsaiah 46:4 - God sustains us even to old agePsalm 92:14 - Bearing fruit in old agePhilippians 4:6-7 - Present your requests to GodProverbs 15:22 - Plans succeed with many advisersRESOURCES MENTIONED: FREE Prayer Guide for the Exhausted Worker finishwell.faithdrivenfinance.com 30-minute guided Examen prayer experienceAdapted for workplace exhaustionNo email required - just help when you need itFaith Driven Finance Community facebook.com/faithdrivenfinance Connect with believers navigating similar challengesPractical wisdom and spiritual encouragementContact Van Richards: Email: van@richardsfinancialplanning.com  ABOUT THIS PODCAST: The Retirement Learning Lab helps Christians navigate retirement, finances, and purpose in every season of life—with biblical wisdom and practical guidance. Hosted by Van Richards, ChFC®, RICP®. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE: If this episode encouraged you, please: Subscribe to the Retirement Learning LabLeave a 5-star rating and reviewShare with someone who's barely holding onYour story matters. You're not alone in this struggle. LISTENER QUESTION: Where

    26 min
  4. Running the Full Race: Biblical Wisdom for Social Security & Retirement Decisions

    09/25/2025

    Running the Full Race: Biblical Wisdom for Social Security & Retirement Decisions

    Send us a text  What if the Bible actually mentions retirement, but not the way modern society portrays it? In this episode of the Retirement Learning Lab, Van Richards explores the biblical model for life transitions found in Numbers 8:23-26 and reveals how ancient wisdom can guide modern Social Security decisions. Key Topics Covered: The Hebrew word "yashuv" and what it reveals about God's design for agingWhy biblical retirement means reassignment, not disengagementThe Levite model: shifting from labor to legacy at life's transitionsFour common Christian approaches to retirement planningBiblical principles for timing Social Security claimsHow fear versus faith impacts financial decisionsThe marriage implications of Social Security timingPractical steps for faithful stewardship of God's provisionBiblical Foundation: This episode examines Numbers 8:23-26, 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 15:22, Luke 14:28, and other passages that provide framework for financial stewardship in later life. Free Resources Mentioned: Social Security Discernment Prayer Guide (discernment.faithdrivenfinance.com)Faith Driven Finance Facebook CommunityFree clarity sessions for listenersTarget Audience: Christians approaching retirement, current retirees, and anyone seeking to integrate biblical principles with Social Security decisions. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Contact: van@richardsfinancialplanning.com

    29 min
  5. Small Business Owners: Navigating Social Security and Succession Planning

    09/13/2025

    Small Business Owners: Navigating Social Security and Succession Planning

    Send us a text If you're a small business owner, your retirement planning is nothing like your employees'. Your business isn't just your job - it's your biggest asset and your retirement plan all rolled into one. This creates a perfect storm of challenges that most owners never see coming. In this episode, Van Richards breaks down the critical intersection between Social Security strategy and business succession planning. You'll discover why these two elements must be coordinated from the start, and how failing to plan them together can cost you thousands in retirement benefits. Key Topics Covered: The Social Security trap that catches most business owners (and how to fix it if you have 5-10 years left)Why paying yourself a low salary for tax purposes might be destroying your Social Security benefitsThe dangerous "consultation trap" that can get your benefits stopped entirelyThree strategic approaches that actually work for business ownersHow the 2025 tax law changes affect your business exit strategyThe four-part succession framework that connects to your Social Security timingWhy only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generationThe five biggest mistakes business owners make when coordinating these strategiesReal-World Examples: Meet Sarah, who owns a successful accounting firm but has been paying herself only $40,000/year while her business generates six figures. Learn how this common tax strategy is quietly destroying her Social Security benefits - and what she can do about it. Who This Episode Is For: Small business owners in their 50s and 60s planning retirementAnyone considering claiming Social Security before full retirement ageBusiness owners struggling with succession planningSelf-employed individuals worried about retirement incomeFinancial advisors working with business owner clientsKey Takeaway: Your Social Security claiming strategy and business succession plan are completely interconnected. You cannot plan one without considering the other. The good news? With proper planning and professional guidance, you can optimize both. Important Note: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for your specific situation. About the Host: Van Richards helps business owners navigate the complex intersection of Social Security optimization and business succession planning through the Retirement Learning Lab. Follow Van: YouTube: RetirementLearingLab.comLinkedIn Van Richards, ChFC​®, RICP® | LinkedIn

    24 min
  6. 08/25/2025

    Working and Earning While Collecting Social Security: 4 Shocking Facts About 2025 Rules

    Send us a text Are you working while collecting Social Security? You might be making costly mistakes without even knowing it. In this essential episode of the Retirement Learning Lab, Van Richards breaks down the four most shocking facts about Social Security earnings limits that could save you thousands of dollars. What you'll discover: 🔍 The biggest misconception: Withheld benefits aren't lost forever - they're actually credited back to you at full retirement age as a permanent benefit increase 💑 Marriage surprise: Your spouse's income doesn't count against your earnings limit (each person is evaluated individually) 📅 Hidden flexibility: The monthly earnings test option that can save mid-year retirees who've already exceeded annual limits 💰 Income that doesn't count: Investment income, pensions, IRA withdrawals, dividends, and capital gains won't trigger the earnings test Critical 2025 numbers you need to know: Under full retirement age all year: $23,400 annual limitReaching full retirement age in 2025: $62,160 annual limitMonthly limits: $1,950 and $5,180 respectivelyVan also covers the crucial difference between earnings limits and tax rules, why you should report your earnings proactively to Social Security, and special considerations for self-employed individuals. Important note: This episode focuses solely on benefit payment rules, not taxation - which is an entirely different topic. Whether you're 62 and considering when to claim Social Security, already collecting benefits, or thinking about returning to work in retirement, this episode provides the clarity you need to make confident decisions about your retirement income strategy. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Tags: social security, retirement planning, earnings limits, working in retirement, social security benefits, full retirement age, earnings test, retirement income, 2025 social security rules, van richards, retirement learning lab, financial education, social security strategy, retirement advice, personal finance

    20 min
  7. Should Private Equity Be in Your 401(k)? The Wall Street Pitch That Could Destroy Your Retirement

    08/18/2025

    Should Private Equity Be in Your 401(k)? The Wall Street Pitch That Could Destroy Your Retirement

    Send us a text Wall Street's latest pitch sounds appealing: add private equity to your 401(k) for higher returns. But is this innovation or manipulation? In this episode, Van Richards breaks down the aggressive push by major investment firms to add private equity to target-date funds, promising 0.5-2% higher returns. But when you run the actual numbers, a very different picture emerges. 🎯 What You'll Discover: The Reality Check Framework: Real Costs - Why "2 and 20" fees could crush your retirement savingsExpected Returns - The math Wall Street doesn't want you to seeActual Risks - How liquidity restrictions could trap your moneyKey Revelations: To get a 1% return boost, you need 25% of your money in private equityFor 2% boost, you need 50% allocation - far higher than advertisedThe "liquidity sleeve" means you pay premium fees on cash holdingsRecent data shows private equity underperformed the stock marketWho's Really Behind This Push: With $12 trillion in 401(k) assets and private equity struggling to raise capital, some experts call this a "bailout" disguised as innovation. Better Path Forward: Three simple principles to protect your retirement without unnecessary complexity and fees. This Episode is Perfect for: 401(k) participants, plan sponsors, financial advisors, and anyone concerned about retirement security. Resources mentioned: State Street Target Retirement Index Plus strategyEmpower's collective investment trust offeringsPerformance data: Private equity vs. S&P 500 (2022-2024)Subscribe to Retirement Learning Lab for weekly insights on protecting and growing your retirement savings. Disclaimer: This content is educational and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance.

    18 min
  8. NVIDIA Analysis: $4 Trillion Market Cap & China Reversal

    08/11/2025

    NVIDIA Analysis: $4 Trillion Market Cap & China Reversal

    Send us a text What company made more profits in one quarter than McDonald's, Nike, and Netflix combined in an entire year? NVIDIA. And that's just the beginning of this incredible story. In this comprehensive episode, I break down NVIDIA's historic $4 trillion market cap milestone and the shocking China policy reversal that added $30 billion to their revenue projections overnight. What You'll Learn: How NVIDIA's Q1 2024 profits ($143.88 billion) dwarf major corporationsThe China H20 chip ban reversal and its massive implicationsMy SEC framework analysis: Stability, Earnings, CompetitivenessWhy NVIDIA's CUDA platform creates "digital handcuffs" for developersThe iPhone vs Android analogy that explains NVIDIA's competitive moatWarren Buffett's 24-26% portfolio rule and why it mattersCurrent valuation concerns ($178 vs $170 fair value)Portfolio strategy for both current holders and potential buyersKey Developments Covered: Morningstar's "pleasingly surprised" $30B revenue upgradeAI market expansion from $500B to $563B by 2028Sovereign AI trend creating billions in new opportunitiesBlackwell platform recovery and margin expectationsGeopolitical risks that could reverse gains quicklyInvestment Framework: Stability, Earnings, and Competitiveness (SEC) Using my SEC analysis method, I evaluate NVIDIA's financial stability ($53B cash, minimal debt), explosive earnings growth (114% revenue increase), and widening competitive moat through CUDA ecosystem lock-in. Bottom Line: Great company, but now overvalued. Smart position sizing and patience may be rewarded. Perfect for: Tech investors, AI enthusiasts, retirement planners, and anyone trying to understand one of the market's most important companies. Episode Length: 21 minutes of deep analysis and actionable insights Disclaimer: Educational content only. I own NVIDIA stock. Not investment advice. Consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance. Connect with me: YouTube: Retirement Learning Lab, From Retirement Insecurity to Complete ControlLinkedIn: Van Richards, ChFC, RICP, Van Richards, ChFC​®, RICP® | LinkedInFull video analysis available on YouTube, https://youtu.be/Y7OPRV9QMfQ

    24 min

About

Tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused about retirement planning? You're not alone. After 30+ years of helping people navigate retirement, I've seen how the flood of conflicting financial advice paralyzes even the smartest people. Hi, I'm Van Richards, and I created The Retirement Learning Lab to cut through the noise and give you the clarity you deserve. Here's what makes this different: Instead of throwing more complicated strategies at you, I teach you a simple, systematic approach that actually works. My clients go from lying awake at night worrying about money to sleeping peacefully, knowing they're in complete control of their financial future. You'll discover how to: Transform retirement confusion into confident actionMaximize your income while reducing riskAvoid the costly mistakes that become impossible to fix laterCreate a plan so simple you could explain it to a 12-year-old The bottom line: You only get one chance at retirement. Don't leave it to chance. Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, these proven strategies will help you go from financial insecurity to complete control. Ready to stop worrying and start winning? New episodes every week. DISCLOSURE: Listeners must understand that this information is not financial advice; it is financial education. There is no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of any information presented. For more information on the limitations of the information from this YouTube Channel, please refer to the disclosure on the Richards Financial Planning YouTube page at https://richardsfinancialplanning.com/youtube-channel.