Retirement Income School - Safe Money Solutions to Retire Financially Relaxed

Dr. Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

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. 40. Roth Friendly Annuities: What Retirees Need to Know

    4d ago

    40. Roth Friendly Annuities: What Retirees Need to 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 /////////////// 40. Roth Friendly Annuities: What Retirees Need to Know Many retirees are looking for ways to reduce future tax burdens, lower Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and create more tax-efficient retirement income. One strategy that often comes up is the Roth conversion—but what role can annuities play in that process? In this episode of Retirement Income School™, we break down the concept of Roth Friendly Annuities, how they may support a multi-year Roth conversion strategy, and why some retirees use them as part of a broader retirement income and tax planning approach. You'll learn how certain insurance carriers facilitate Roth conversions, what a mirrored contract is, and key factors to consider before implementing this type of strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: What Is a Roth Friendly Annuity?01:00 – Why Roth Conversions Matter for Retirees02:15 – Understanding Partial Roth Conversions03:15 – Tax Bracket Management Strategies04:30 – Using Tax Brackets to Guide Conversions05:20 – Historical Tax Rates and Future Planning06:15 – Defining a Roth Friendly Annuity07:25 – How Mirrored Roth Contracts Work08:35 – Converting on Your Terms09:20 – Carrier Administration and IRS Reporting10:05 – How Taxes Are Paid During Conversions11:05 – Why Some Retirees Use Annuities for Roth Conversions12:10 – Bonus FIA Strategies Explained13:00 – Growth-Oriented FIA Strategies13:45 – MYGA Strategies for Conservative Investors14:35 – Using Income Riders for Future Tax-Free Income15:40 – Why Carrier Selection Matters16:45 – Roth Friendly Annuity Recap17:40 – Key Takeaways: Solving Tax and Income Challenges18:35 – Schedule Your Retirement Income Q&A Call 📅 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
  2. 39. Why Taxes Become a Retirement Problem | David McKnight - Power of Zero

    Jun 4

    39. Why Taxes Become a Retirement Problem | David McKnight - Power of Zero

    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 /////////////// 39. Why Taxes Become a Retirement Problem | David McKnight - Power of Zero Are taxes the biggest hidden threat to your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Income School, Dr. Amanda interviews bestselling author David McKnight, creator of The Power of Zero and Tax-Free Income for Life. Together they discuss why taxes may become one of the biggest retirement income challenges over the coming decades, especially for retirees with large IRAs, 401(k)s, TSPs, and other tax-deferred accounts. David explains the concept of the "Tax Freight Train," the future impact of rising national debt, Social Security and Medicare funding concerns, Roth conversion strategies, IRMAA planning, tax-free retirement income, and how fixed index annuities can be used to create greater tax flexibility. If you're concerned about future tax rates, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Social Security taxation, Medicare premium increases, or creating tax-efficient retirement income, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. 📕 David McKnight Books The Power of Zero The Guru GapLook Before You LIRP The Volatility Shield The Secret Order of Millionaires🎥 David McKnight Education: Power of Zero PodcastPower of Zero YouTube Channel To learn more about creating a tax-efficient retirement income plan, visit RetirementIncome.School and schedule a Retirement Income Q&A Call. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Meet David McKnight01:00 Why Taxes Are Becoming a Major Retirement Problem03:15 What "The Power of Zero" Means for Retirees05:00 Can High-Net-Worth Individuals Reach the 0% Tax Bracket?06:30 Will Politicians Ever Raise Taxes?08:45 Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Risks11:00 The History and Sustainability of Social Security13:00 Tax Planning, IRMAA, and Retirement Income Strategies14:15 How Roth Conversions Fit into Future Tax Planning16:00 Could Roth IRA Rules Change in the Future?20:00 Taxing the Seed vs. Taxing the Harvest Explained21:30 Using Fixed Index Annuities for Roth Conversions24:00 Piecemeal Internal Roth Conversions (PIRC Strategy)25:30 Additional Benefits of Roth Income in Retirement27:15 Life Insurance Retirement Plans (LIRPs)29:15 Using Cash Value Life Insurance as a Volatility Buffer31:00 Key Retirement Planning Takeaways32:00 Why Acting Before Tax Rates Rise Matters33:30 Avoiding Costly Roth Conversion Mistakes34:00 David's New Book: The Secret Order of Millionaires35:00 Wealth Building Lessons for Younger Generations36:00 Final Thoughts and Closing 📅 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.

    36 min
  3. 38. Why Retirement Feels Riskier Than Investing Ever Did

    May 28

    38. Why Retirement Feels Riskier Than Investing Ever Did

    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 /////////////// 38. Why Retirement Feels Riskier Than Investing Ever Did Why does retirement suddenly feel more stressful than the decades spent building wealth? In this episode of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda Barrientez explains the major shift that happens when you move from accumulation planning into retirement income planning — and why many retirees feel financially uneasy even after saving diligently for decades. You’ll learn why retirement planning is fundamentally different from investment management, the retirement risks many advisors never discuss, and why topics like IRMAA, RMDs, widow’s penalty tax brackets, sequence of returns risk, longevity planning, and tax-efficient income strategies become critically important once retirement begins. Dr. Amanda also shares her personal journey into retirement income planning, why she became passionate about safe money strategies, and how tools like annuities, MYGAs, and whole life insurance can help create more predictable retirement income and protection. If you’ve ever thought: “My advisor helped me grow my money… but never really helped me prepare for retirement,” this lesson is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Retirement Feels Riskier Than Investing 01:08 – Retirement Changes the Rules 02:10 – Accumulation vs Retirement Income Planning 03:20 – Why Retirement Questions Are Different 04:30 – Why Many Retirees Feel Frustrated With Advisors 05:35 – Investment Management vs Retirement Planning 06:55 – IRMAA, RMDs & Widow’s Penalty Explained 07:40 – Why Many Retirees Discover Planning Gaps Too Late 08:05 – Why Market Volatility Feels Different in Retirement 08:50 – Sequence of Returns Risk, Longevity & Inflation 09:45 – Why Large Portfolios Can Still Feel Unsafe 10:05 – Safe Money Strategies & Retirement Protection 10:45 – My Personal Story & Why This Matters to Me 11:35 – Why I Focus on Retirement Income Planning 12:10 – How I Help Retirees Create Protected Income 13:00 – Retirement Income Q&A Call Information 13:35 – Final Thoughts Keywords: retirement planningretirement planning tipsRetirement Planning for BeginnersHow to Retire Earlyretirement savingsBest Retirement Strategy in 2026how much do i need to retireearly retirementretirement fund investmentroth iraroth ira vs 401k401k retirement planningretirement planning at 60passive income for retirementRetirement Psychologyretirement financial adviceretirement riskinvesting vs retirementretirement planning 2026financial freedom retirement 📅 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.

    14 min
  4. 37. A $750K Roth Conversion...That Triggers the IRMAA Trap

    May 14

    37. A $750K Roth Conversion...That Triggers the IRMAA Trap

    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 /////////////// 37. A $750K Roth Conversion..That Triggers the IRMAA Trap Roth conversions sound simple on the surface… but once you factor in taxes and Medicare, they can get complicated fast. In this episode of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda walks through a real $750,000 Roth conversion case study and explains how IRMAA can quietly increase Medicare premiums if conversions aren’t structured carefully. You’ll learn how partial Roth conversions, IRMAA bracket management, timing before RMDs, and Roth-friendly annuities can work together to help retirees reduce taxes, protect wealth, and create a more tax-efficient legacy plan for their children. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The $750K Roth Conversion IRMAA Trap 00:45 – What IRMAA Is & Why It Matters 02:00 – Understanding the IRMAA “Cliff” 03:10 – Sally & Sam Case Study Breakdown 04:30 – Their Goal: Pass $2.5M Tax-Free to Their Kids 05:45 – Why Timing Matters Before RMDs 06:00 – Roth Blueprint Software Walkthrough 07:15 – Using a Fixed Index Annuity in the Strategy 08:00 – Tier 2 IRMAA Conversion Strategy 09:00 – Year-by-Year Conversion Example 10:00 – Guaranteed Growth vs. Market Risk 11:00 – Taxes Paid During the Conversion Process 12:00 – Comparing Tier 2 vs. Faster Conversion Strategies 13:00 – Why Partial Roth Conversions Matter 14:00 – Key Takeaways on IRMAA & Medicare Planning 15:00 – How Annuities Help Offset Roth Conversion Taxes 16:00 – Final 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.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.

    17 min
  5. 36. Roth Conversions: 5 Costly Mistakes Retirees Make

    Apr 30

    36. Roth Conversions: 5 Costly Mistakes Retirees Make

    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 /////////////// 36. Roth Conversions: 5 Costly Mistakes Retirees Make Roth conversions sound simple on the surface… but once you really get into the details, they’re not. After attending Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Workshop, where we covered 50 different Roth conversion considerations, I wanted to simplify the topic for you. In this episode, I break down the 5 costly Roth conversion mistakes retirees make—and how to avoid them. We’ll cover tax bracket surprises, the Roth conversion window between retirement and RMDs, how large IRAs create future tax problems, the widow’s penalty, and what happens to your IRA when heirs inherit it. If you’re in your 60s or early 70s and want to reduce taxes, protect wealth, and create smarter retirement income, this lesson is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Roth conversions sound simple… but they’re not 00:28 Ed Slott workshop: 50 Roth conversion considerations 01:05 Why Roth planning is so complex 01:42 Core principle: Pay taxes at the lowest lifetime rate 02:35 Mistake #1 – Assuming you’ll be in a lower tax bracket later 04:18 Mistake #2 – Missing the Roth conversion window 05:22 Mistake #3 – Ignoring IRA size and future taxes 06:42 Mistake #4 – Not planning for the surviving spouse 08:05 Mistake #5 – Forgetting about your beneficiaries 09:32 Why Roth planning is long-term strategy 10:05 The 3 retirement tax buckets explained 11:00 How annuities help with Roth conversions and tax control 12:08 Using life insurance for tax-free liquidity and legacy 12:55 The goal is not to eliminate taxes—it’s to control them 13:18 Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A Call 📅 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.

    14 min
  6. 35. Are Annuities the New Bonds for Retirees?

    Apr 16

    35. Are Annuities the New Bonds for Retirees?

    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 /////////////// 35. Are Annuities the New Bonds for Retirees? Bonds are supposed to be the safe part of your portfolio… …but what if they’re not? Today, many retirees are discovering that the part of their portfolio they thought was stable can still lose value at exactly the wrong time. So in this lesson, I’m breaking down what retirement research actually says about “safe money”—and why that’s leading some retirees to rethink bonds and consider alternatives like MYGAs and fixed index annuities. We’ll walk through the real risks in retirement, including sequence of returns risk and investor behavior, and then compare how different “safe money” tools actually function inside a portfolio. Because this isn’t just about returns—it’s about predictability, stability, and making sure your money is there when you need it most. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Are bonds really safe? 00:30 – The real question retirement research is solving 01:15 – What the research actually found (Pfau, Milevsky, Mitchell) 02:15 – Why volatility matters more in retirement 03:15 – Behavior: the hidden risk most retirees overlook 04:15 – What actually improves retirement outcomes 05:00 – What “safe money” is supposed to do 05:45 – The reality: why safe money isn’t always safe 06:30 – The traditional 60/40 portfolio explained 07:15 – The assumptions behind bonds 08:00 – Where bonds break down today 09:00 – The real risk to your retirement plan 09:45 – What the research points toward instead 10:30 – Safe money comparison: Bonds vs MYGAs vs FIAs 11:30 – How retirees are rethinking their portfolios 12:15 – Where annuities fit (beyond income) 13:00 – Portfolio shift: 60/40 → Stocks / Annuities / Cash 13:45 – Final takeaway: upgrading your safe money 📅 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.

    12 min
  7. 34. How Much Safe Money Should You Have in Retirement?

    Apr 2

    34. How Much Safe Money Should You Have in Retirement?

    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 /////////////// 34. How Much Safe Money Should You Have in Retirement? How much of your retirement should actually be safe? In this episode of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda breaks down one of the most important — and most misunderstood — questions in retirement planning: “How much should you allocate to safe money strategies like annuities or whole life insurance?” Instead of focusing on percentages first, you’ll learn a more powerful framework — how to determine how much of your income needs to be protected no matter what the market does. This lesson explores the three biggest retirement risks — longevity, market volatility, and sequence of returns — and how they work together to impact your portfolio over time. Using real research and real client examples, you’ll learn how safe money strategies can help create income stability, reduce risk, and give your growth investments time to recover. If you’ve ever wondered whether your retirement plan would hold up during a downturn — this episode is your blueprint. Timestamps 00:00 – Opening question: Would your retirement survive a market drop? 00:45 – The real definition of “safe money” 01:15 – Reframing the question: income protection vs allocation 02:00 – The 3 biggest retirement risks explained 02:45 – Sequence of returns risk (the biggest risk right now) 04:15 – Longevity risk and why it amplifies everything 05:30 – Research: retiree fears and safe withdrawal rates 06:30 – Research: guaranteed income & retirement confidence 07:15 – Income flooring and Wade Pfau’s allocation insights 08:00 – What safe money looks like in real portfolios 09:00 – Why 30–60% safe money is common (by design) 09:45 – The 3-bucket strategy explained 11:00 – Rule of thumb: income floor + safe money allocation 11:45 – What safe money actually does (not about returns) 12:30 – Final takeaway: making your retirement work no matter what 📅 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.

    12 min
  8. 33. Testing the 4% Rule: A $1M Retirement Income Case Study

    Mar 19

    33. Testing the 4% Rule: A $1M Retirement Income Case Study

    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 ///////////////  33. Testing the 4% Rule: A $1M Retirement Income Case Study Most retirees are told they can safely withdraw about 4% from their portfolio each year — but is that really the best way to create retirement income? In this lesson, we test the traditional 4% rule against a guaranteed lifetime income annuity using a $1 million retirement income scenario. You’ll see how two different strategies using the same assets can produce very different income outcomes. We break down how withdrawal strategies work, why they must remain conservative, and how annuities use pooling and mortality credits to potentially create higher, more predictable income. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your savings into reliable income you can’t outlive — this is a must-watch lesson. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Testing the 4% Rule 00:30 – Overview of the Case Study 01:00 – Rethinking Retirement Income 01:30 – The $1M Income Bucket Explained 02:00 – 4% Rule Breakdown ($40K/year) 02:45 – Risks of Portfolio Withdrawals 03:30 – Introducing the Income Annuity Strategy 04:00 – Annuity Case Study Setup (Age 59 → 60) 04:30 – Annuity Income Results ($82K+) 05:30 – Comparing Income Outcomes 06:15 – Why Withdrawals Must Stay Conservative 07:00 – How Annuities Work Differently 07:45 – Mortality Credits Explained 09:00 – More Income from the Same Assets 09:45 – When Annuities Make Sense 10:30 – Turning Assets into Reliable Income 11:30 – How to Get Help / CTA 12:00 – Closing Thoughts 📅 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.

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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.

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