Retirement Income School - Safe Money Solutions to Retire Financially Relaxed

Dr. Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436
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Welcome to Retirement Income School™ podcast — where you'll get the retirement education you wish they had taught in school! This podcast is designed for people nearing retirement or already retired who want clear, trustworthy guidance on how to protect what they’ve built, reduce taxes, and create reliable income they can’t outlive — without speculation or guesswork. Hosted by Dr. Amanda Barrientez, PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, retirement income strategist and founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™, the show blends real-world planning experience with advanced retirement education. Dr. Amanda is a Member of the Ed Slott Elite Advisor Group, an IBC Practitioner, and a Court of the Table producer — credentials that reflect deep specialization in retirement income, tax strategy, and safe-money planning. Each episode breaks down complex retirement topics into plain English and practical strategies, so you can make confident decisions about your money and your future. 𝗜𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: • How to protect your retirement savings from market volatility • The truth about annuities, whole life insurance, and long-term care planning • How to create a guaranteed lifetime income using safe-money strategies • Social Security timing strategies to help maximize lifetime benefits • Smart, legal ways to reduce taxes in retirement • How to plan for legacy, beneficiaries, and estate efficiency • The biggest threats to retirement income — and how to avoid them Subscribe now and start building the retirement you deserve! ////////// 📅 Schedule a 1:1 Retirement Income Consult with Dr. Amanda: https://calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™: www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool  💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint /////////// 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮: Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com Phone: 1-866-444-2997 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/retirementincomeschool 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘇 | 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗣®, 𝗥𝗦𝗦𝗔®, 𝗡𝗣𝗡 #𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟲𝟬𝟰𝟯𝟲: Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage and social security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ------------ DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

  1. 31. Roth vs Whole Life for RMD Planning (Start Before 73!)

    FEB 19

    31. Roth vs Whole Life for RMD Planning (Start Before 73!)

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 31. Roth vs Whole Life for RMD Planning (Start Before 73!) If you're asking at age 73 whether whole life can eliminate your RMDs… you might already be asking too late. In this episode of the Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda tackles one of the smartest — and most misunderstood — retirement planning questions: Can whole life eliminate RMDs like Roth conversions? The answer starts with a critical distinction: Eliminating RMDs is not the same thing as positioning early so RMDs never become overwhelming. You’ll learn why RMD planning is not a 73-year-old problem — it’s a 55-year-old opportunity — and how Roth conversions and whole life insurance serve very different strategic roles in your retirement income plan. This episode will help you understand: • The difference between elimination vs. repositioning strategies • Why timing changes everything • The risks of waiting until RMD age • When Roth conversions make more sense • When whole life may offer unique advantages • How layered planning creates tax, income, and legacy diversification If your IRA is growing faster than your tax strategy… this lesson is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – If You’re 73, You May Already Be Late 01:00 – The Wrong Premise Behind the RMD Question 02:00 – Whole Life vs Roth: Key Distinction 03:30 – Why RMD Planning Starts at 55, Not 73 04:30 – What Happens If You Wait Until 73 05:30 – The 55–65 Planning Advantage 06:45 – Elimination vs Repositioning Strategies 08:00 – Why Whole Life Requires Early Planning 09:00 – What Whole Life Does NOT Do 10:00 – When Roth Makes More Sense 11:00 – When Whole Life Makes More Sense 12:00 – The Layered Strategy: Not Either/Or 13:00 – The Real Question About RMD Planning 14:00 – How to Take Control Early 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comLinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    15 min
  2. 30. Why Retirement Is Emotional — Not Just Financial

    FEB 5

    30. Why Retirement Is Emotional — Not Just Financial

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 30. Why Retirement Is Emotional — Not Just Financial  In this special lesson of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda shares a more personal side of her journey and explains why retirement planning is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet. From being a single-mom in grad school with financial stress, to helping her mom navigate retirement after losing her father, Dr. Amanda reveals how those experiences shaped her inspiration for retirement income planning and safe money strategies. You’ll learn why even retirees with millions saved often feel anxious, what truly creates peace of mind in retirement, and why guaranteed income can change how retirement feels. This episode connects real-life experience with powerful research showing that retirement confidence is built on certainty, income, and trust — not just asset size. If you’ve ever wondered why retirement still feels stressful even when “the math works,” this lesson is for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Why this lesson is different & welcome to Retirement Income School™ 01:00 – Dr. Amanda’s personal backstory and why security matters 02:15 – From food stamps to financial planning: why income became the focus 03:30 – Why “retire financially relaxed” is the real goal 05:15 – Common fears retirees experience (even with large portfolios) 06:30 – The real problem: lack of certainty, not lack of assets 08:10 – Why retirees struggle with spending and decumulation 09:30 – Why annuities and pensions change retirement behavior 10:15 – BlackRock research on guaranteed lifetime incomeBlackRock Article Link 12:00 – Market volatility, sequence of returns, and retirement stress 13:45 – Longevity risk and why income matters more as we age 15:30 – How guaranteed income reduces fear, stress, and bad decisions 17:00 – The real goals of retirement income planning 18:15 – Retirement planning as a relationship, not a transaction 19:15 – Why Retirement Income School™ exists 20:00 – Invitation to book a Retirement Income Q&A Call 20:45 – Final thoughts & subscribe reminder 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comLinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    20 min
  3. 29. Roth Conversion Blueprint for an $850K TSP (Live Demo)

    JAN 22

    29. Roth Conversion Blueprint for an $850K TSP (Live Demo)

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 29. Roth Conversion Blueprint for an $850K TSP (Live Demo) If you’re a federal employee or retiree with a sizable Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), this episode is designed to help you understand how TSP taxes actually work in retirement. The TSP is excellent at helping you save during your working years, but it doesn’t help you decide when and how that money gets taxed once you retire. That’s where many people get surprised. In this lesson, I’ll walk you through TSP 101, explain where tax challenges tend to show up in retirement, and then take you through a live demo showing how a Roth conversion plan may be structured for an $850,000 TSP using the Roth Blueprint™. This is an educational walkthrough designed to help you understand the process, considerations, and trade-offs involved in Roth conversion planning — not a one-size-fits-all solution. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why TSP taxes surprise retirees 01:00 – What the TSP is designed to do (accumulation vs planning) 01:45 – The three retirement phases: accumulation, tax planning, distribution 02:45 – Why large TSP balances create challenges in retirement 03:30 – RMDs, IRMAA, and the survivor tax issue 04:10 – 2026 update: Roth conversions inside the TSP 05:00 – Why Roth conversion planning is often done outside the TSP 05:50 – Why Roth-friendly annuities are used in this example 07:10 – Case study: Sam & Sally Sample (profile overview) 08:40 – Conversion goals and planning considerations 10:50 – Live Roth Blueprint™ software walkthrough begins 12:40 – Paying conversion taxes externally vs internally 15:30 – Comparing outcomes: bonus vs non-bonus annuity strategies 18:30 – Why Roth conversion planning is highly individualized 19:45 – Key educational takeaways 20:30 – How to get your own Roth conversion analysis 21:00 – Final thoughts & disclaimer 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comLinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    21 min
  4. 28. Ed Slott on Roth Conversions, IRAs & RMDs | Retirement Savings Time Bomb

    JAN 8

    28. Ed Slott on Roth Conversions, IRAs & RMDs | Retirement Savings Time Bomb

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 28. Ed Slott on Roth Conversions, IRAs & RMDs | Retirement Savings Time Bomb 📕 LINK TO ED SLOTT'S BOOKThe Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder: How to Avoid Unnecessary Tax Landmines, Defuse the Latest Threats to Your Retirement Savings, and Ignite Your Financial Freedom In this lesson from the Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda welcomes one of the most respected voices in retirement tax planning — Ed Slott, CPA, author of The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder and founder of the Ed Slott IRA Elite Advisor Group, of which Dr. Amanda is a proud member. Together, they break down the critical retirement tax traps that catch most retirees off guard — including why the Retirement Savings Time Bomb is ticking louder, how smart Roth conversions can dramatically reduce future tax bills, the RMD chain reaction that can push retirees into higher brackets, and the costly Widow’s Penalty that can blindside surviving spouses. They also explore how safe-money tools — such as annuities, whole life insurance, and Roth-friendly strategies — help people protect their wealth, create guaranteed lifetime income, and make their money last.This is one of the most important “classes” you’ll ever take on how to keep more of the money you’ve saved for retirement. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome + Why Ed Slott’s expertise matters01:00 — Breaking down the Retirement Savings Time Bomb03:00 — Why future taxes may rise (and backdoor tax increases)04:30 — How Roth conversions protect retirees from tax uncertainty06:30 — Delayed gratification: The tax strategy mindset09:00 — Real stories of retirees shocked by high taxes10:30 — The real difference between tax prep vs. tax planning12:00 — How high historical tax rates shape today’s decisions13:30 — Understanding how RMDs and Widow’s Penalty combine16:00 — Why your 60s are the “sweet spot” for Roth conversions18:00 — Government Plan vs. Your Plan for RMDs19:30 — Using annuities as a Roth-conversion safe-money bucket21:00 — Ed’s personal family story on guaranteed income23:00 — How annuities create peace of mind in retirement25:00 — The risk of sequence-of-returns and retirees running out of time26:30 — The ONLY thing better than guaranteed income for life27:00 — Why Ed uses annuities inside his own Roth IRA29:00 — Tax-free legacy planning under the 10-year rule31:00 — The Widow’s Penalty explained: a tax chain reaction34:00 — Why proactive planning affects spouses, heirs & lifestyle35:30 — The mindset behind wealth protection36:00 — Why most advisors never mention RMD tax traps37:00 — Why taking more than the RMD may be smart39:00 — The greatest retirement lesson Ed wishes everyone knew41:00 — The importance of Roth contributions for younger savers42:00 — Why people who own life insurance always wish they had more43:00 — Closing thoughts + How to get help with your retirement plan 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    44 min
  5. 27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions Explained

    12/03/2025

    27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions Explained

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// Links to the TOP 3 EPISODES of the year:🎙️16. Roth Conversion Deadline: Why 2025–2028 Could Save You Thousands 🎥 Roth Conversion Deadline: Why 2025–2028 Could Save You Thousands🎙️19. Roth Conversion Case Study for IRA Millionaires🎥  IRA Millionaire? Watch This Live Roth Conversion Walkthrough 🎙️12. Annuities Explained: Rates, Fees & Why More Retirees Are Saying Yes🎥 Annuities: Scam or Solution? 27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions ExplainedBefore you buy an annuity in 2026, watch this lesson. I’m answering the seven most common annuity questions I received all year — and most people get at least three of them wrong. We’re covering fees, caps, bonuses, LTC riders, Roth-friendly carriers, and how annuity timelines actually work when you’re funding with cash, IRAs, 401(k)s, or TSPs. I also recap the three most-watched Retirement Income School™ videos of 2025 — including Roth conversion strategies and the “Scam or Solution?” annuity breakdown — and I want to thank you for helping the channel hit 5,000 subscribers in under a year. This is the final full-length lesson of 2025, and I’ll be back in 2026 with brand new lessons to help you protect your money, generate guaranteed income, and retire financially relaxed. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Why this episode matters before you buy an annuity in 2026 00:27 — Welcome to Retirement Income School™ + milestone: 5,000 subscribers 00:56 — Top 3 most-watched videos of 2025 (Roth deadlines, IRA millionaires, annuity myths) 02:10 — Q1: How do annuity fees actually work? (FIA, MYGA, income riders, variable annuities) 04:45 — Q2: What makes a carrier “Roth-friendly” for partial conversions? 07:00 — Q3: Do I have to move my entire IRA into an annuity? Why partial transfers & ladders work 08:25 — Q4: How long does an annuity contract take to start? (Cash vs IRA/401k/TSP timelines) 11:50 — Q5: How do cap rates & participation rates work on annuities? (Bonus tradeoffs explained) 14:55 — Q6: How does the long-term care rider work in an annuity? (Penalty-free access & income doubler) 16:40 — Q7: How does the annuity death benefit work? (FIA, MYGA, income riders, probate avoidance) 18:45 — Why annuities are misunderstood & how to vet your advisor 19:40 — How to get personalized help with your retirement income strategy 20:15 — Final lesson of 2025 + what’s coming in 2026 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    21 min
  6. 26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know

    11/19/2025

    26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know In today’s episode of the Retirement Income School™, I’m sharing the three biggest rules I learned at Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group training — using Ed’s exact quotes and simple, practical steps you can use to reduce your lifetime tax bill. I just returned from a multi-day intensive workshop with financial planners, CPAs, estate attorneys, and insurance professionals like me — all focused on helping YOU avoid the biggest retirement tax traps. You’ll learn: Why delaying taxes can cost you more later Why your IRA is really an IOU to the IRS And why long-term planning is the key to avoiding RMD surprises, IRMAA surcharges, the widow’s penalty, and inherited IRA taxes Plus, exciting news: Ed Slott himself will be joining us early next year for a conversation you won’t want to miss! If you want to retire financially relaxed with a plan that protects your wealth and creates predictable, guaranteed income, this episode is for you.📕 Link to Ed Slott's Book: The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder 00:00 — Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Training Recap | Why Dr. Amanda attends this high-level tax workshop 01:15 — What You’ll Learn Today | Ed Slott’s 3 core rules for lowering lifetime retirement taxes 02:00 — Retirement Tax Strategy: Pay at the Lowest Rates | Why delaying taxes can cost you more later 03:00 — Roth Conversion Timing in Your 60s | Using low-tax years to reduce future RMDs 04:30 — RMD Planning in Your 70s | How forced withdrawals increase your tax bill 05:00 — Annuities for Roth Conversions | How to convert safely using Roth-friendly annuity contracts 06:00 — IRA Tax Truth: “Your IRA Is an IOU to the IRS” | Understanding how much of your IRA is really yours 06:45 — Hidden Tax Triggers: IRMAA, Social Security Taxation, Widow’s Penalty | The chain reaction retirees miss 07:30 — Reducing Your IOU | Moving money from tax later to tax never with Roth conversions + QCDs 08:00 — Long-Term Retirement Tax Planning | Why year-by-year decisions create 30-year tax problems 09:00 — Multi-Year Planning Across Your 40s–80s | Mapping RMDs, Medicare, survivor income, and inheritance taxes 10:30 — Recap of Ed Slott’s 3 Rules | Pay early, understand your IOU, and plan long-term 11:00 — Work With Dr. Amanda | How to schedule a Retirement Income Q&A Call 12:00 — Final Thoughts | Learn safe money strategies so you can retire financially relaxed 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    12 min
  7. 25. $500K Annuity Showdown: MYGA vs FIA for Retirement Income

    11/05/2025

    25. $500K Annuity Showdown: MYGA vs FIA for Retirement Income

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 25. Live Annuity Comparison: MYGA vs FIA with Income Rider for Retirement Income If you had $500,000 to put into an annuity for retirement income, would you choose a guaranteed 5.5% rate for 10 years — or a guaranteed paycheck for life? In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda walks you through a live side-by-side comparison between a MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) and a Fixed Indexed Annuity with an income rider. You’ll see how each one performs for a 65-year-old couple, what kind of income each produces, and which approach might fit your retirement income plan best. Learn how both protect your principal, how they differ in fees, liquidity, and payout structure — and why the right choice depends on your personal income goals. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: $500K Annuity Comparison Setup 01:00 – What a MYGA Is and How It Works 02:00 – Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) with Income Rider Explained 03:00 – Feature Comparison: Growth Type, Fees, Liquidity, Income 06:00 – Case Study Setup: 65-Year-Old Couple, $500K Investment 08:00 – FIA Income Example – $39,097 Lifetime Income 10:00 – MIGA Income Example – $27,500 Interest-Only Income 12:00 – Understanding Principal Protection & Ratings 15:00 – Key Differences Between MYGA and FIA Strategies 16:30 – How to Combine or Ladder Annuities for Flexibility 18:00 – Recap: Which One Fits Your Plan? 19:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

    19 min
  8. 24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities

    10/22/2025

    24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about annuities — that they all come with high fees. She breaks down the four main types of annuities — SPIAs, DIAs, MYGAs, and FIAs — and explains which ones truly have fees (and why). You’ll learn how to spot hidden costs, understand what you’re actually paying for, and discover why some of the best income strategies for retirees come with no fees at all. By the end, you’ll know how to confidently evaluate annuities, compare options side by side, and understand exactly how each type fits into your retirement plan. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: “Do all annuities have high fees?” 01:00 – The four main annuity types explained 02:00 – Why SPIAs, DIAs, and MYGAs have no ongoing fees 03:00 – How FIAs work and when an income rider adds value 05:00 – Why variable annuities carry the highest fees (and the biggest risks) 07:00 – Inside an FIA with income rider: how fees are calculated 08:00 – Comparing SPIA/DIA vs. FIA with income rider 10:00 – The benefits and tradeoffs of guaranteed lifetime income 12:00 – Understanding MYGAs and tax-deferred safe growth 13:00 – Variable annuity layers of fees (M&E, subaccounts, riders) 17:00 – Hidden costs and compounding fee impact 18:30 – Recap: which annuities charge fees — and which don’t 20:00 – How to evaluate annuities and ask the right questions 21:00 – Key takeaways and next steps for your retirement plan 🔗 Show Links 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

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About

Welcome to Retirement Income School™ podcast — where you'll get the retirement education you wish they had taught in school! This podcast is designed for people nearing retirement or already retired who want clear, trustworthy guidance on how to protect what they’ve built, reduce taxes, and create reliable income they can’t outlive — without speculation or guesswork. Hosted by Dr. Amanda Barrientez, PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, retirement income strategist and founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™, the show blends real-world planning experience with advanced retirement education. Dr. Amanda is a Member of the Ed Slott Elite Advisor Group, an IBC Practitioner, and a Court of the Table producer — credentials that reflect deep specialization in retirement income, tax strategy, and safe-money planning. Each episode breaks down complex retirement topics into plain English and practical strategies, so you can make confident decisions about your money and your future. 𝗜𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: • How to protect your retirement savings from market volatility • The truth about annuities, whole life insurance, and long-term care planning • How to create a guaranteed lifetime income using safe-money strategies • Social Security timing strategies to help maximize lifetime benefits • Smart, legal ways to reduce taxes in retirement • How to plan for legacy, beneficiaries, and estate efficiency • The biggest threats to retirement income — and how to avoid them Subscribe now and start building the retirement you deserve! ////////// 📅 Schedule a 1:1 Retirement Income Consult with Dr. Amanda: https://calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™: www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool  💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint /////////// 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮: Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com Phone: 1-866-444-2997 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/retirementincomeschool 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘇 | 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗣®, 𝗥𝗦𝗦𝗔®, 𝗡𝗣𝗡 #𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟲𝟬𝟰𝟯𝟲: Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage and social security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ------------ DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

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