Retirement Starts Today

Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®
  • 4.5 (483)
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Do you want to spend more money in retirement, while paying less taxes? Great news, you're in the right place! I'll also teach you the benefits of retiring TO something, while most retirees only solve half the equation by retiring FROM something. Tune in every Monday morning - hosted by Benjamin Brandt CFP, RICP. Join my "Every Day is Saturday" weekly newsletter for show notes, free book giveaways and other great retirement content: www.retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter

  1. 1D AGO

    Helping Underspenders And "Savers" Understand They CAN Spend More

    Can you relate to this statement: "They've done everything right financially… but still can't bring themselves to spend the money they've saved." In today's Retirement Headline, Meghaan Lurtz explains why underspending in retirement is usually rooted in psychology, not math. Lurtz shares several common barriers: Fear of future dependence Doom forecasting And an Identity tied to being a saver Resource: Article by Meghaan Lurtz: "Helping Underspenders And "Savers" Understand They CAN Spend More With 4 Stages Of "Experiments"    Listener question:  "If I plan to retire at 65 1/2 or 66 and sign up for Medicare before 65 - but not for Parts B and D (because of my employer provided insurance) - will I have to pay a penalty to get Parts B and D (and Supplements) at a later date when I actually retire?" Listen in to learn about creditable coverage and how penalties can stack up on themselves.   Connect with Benjamin Brandt Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    20 min

  2. JAN 19

    Americans May Be Claiming Social Security Too Early

    "Just 10% plan to wait until age 70" to claim Social Security in retirement — and it's not because of a knowledge problem.  We discuss this from a new survey that suggests most Americans may be claiming Social Security earlier than is financially optimal because fear is driving the decision. They understand the math—but they're still claiming early. We also answer a listener 2-part question about where to park short-term cash in inflationary times and to actually buy Treasuries. And we wrap up the segment to bring you our newest segment from you, the audience: "Retire to Something". If you'd like to share your story about what you are retiring "to", simply look for the link in the new "This Week in Retirement Newsletter" and fill out the super-quick form.  Connect with Benjamin Brandt Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    22 min

  3. JAN 12

    In the IRMAA Trenches with IRMAA Certified Planner, Paul Morrison

    Paul Morrison details how Medicare premiums, including the IRMAA surcharge, are inflating at a rate higher than Social Security COLAs. This disparity is causing concern, as premiums can potentially consume a retiree's entire Social Security benefit over time, especially for those in higher IRMAA brackets for an extended period. Paul provides concrete examples of how extended periods in higher IRMAA brackets could lead to Medicare premiums exceeding Social Security benefits, forcing retirees to pay out-of-pocket. Resources: Contact Paul Morrison: paul@irmaacertifiedplanner.com Website: irmaacertifiedplanner.com Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    24 min

  4. JAN 5

    Are Super Savers Failing in Retirement? A conversation with Andy Panko

    A special recording from Andy Panko for his Retirement Planning Education Podcast: We discuss how the financial industry is evolving, the common struggles of "super savers" in retirement, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with life goals, not just spreadsheets.  We talk about the role of Monte Carlo simulations, the importance of flexibility in financial plans, and the evolving role of advisors in a changing world. It's a conversation that encourages you to find joy and flexibility in your retirement journey. Resources: Andy's podcast: Retirement Planning Education Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    1h 2m

  5. 12/29/2025

    Why Financial Independence is Overrated [Rebroadcast]

    Nick Maggiulli's latest article in Of Dollars & Data challenges one of the core ideas that drives personal finance blogs, podcasts, and even some of our own thinking — the belief that financial independence should be the ultimate goal. We explore the surprising downsides of chasing early retirement, the difference between financial independence and financial freedom, and why something called "Coast FIRE" might be the real goal worth aiming for. I also answer a listener question: What can retirees do to fight back against inflation? One listener asks how to protect their buying power as costs keep rising. We go over several practical, actionable ways to stretch your dollars and build an inflation-resistant retirement. Resource: Article by Nick Maggiulli in Of Dollars & Data: Why Financial Independence is Overrated Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    19 min

  6. 12/22/2025

    Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't [Rebroadcast]

    New research from David Blanchett, head of retirement research at PGIM, challenges one of the biggest assumptions in retirement planning: that happiness in retirement depends on maintaining a constant—or even increasing—level of spending. ⬇️ Upon entering retirement, households experience a median consumption decline of about 20%. This drop is often viewed as a red flag in traditional financial planning models. However, Blanchett argues that this decline is not necessarily problematic, especially when you look at how financial well-being changes over time. ☎️ Then on our listener question, we hear from a 34-year-old investor who's been all-in on stocks since taking Dave Ramsey's advice early in their career. Now, they're wondering how and when to start easing into a more balanced portfolio with bonds.  We'll talk strategy, psychology, and sprinkle in some data on market highs that might surprise you. Resource: Article by John Manganaro from ThinkAdvisor: Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't: Blanchett Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    16 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Who Has Actually Saved $1 Million for Retirement? [Rebroadcast]

    Only 3% of Americans have saved $1 million for retirement. according to 24/7 Wall St. & AOL. I'll break down what that means—and why your personal number might be more important than any national average. After that, I answer a listener question where we tackle how to cover healthcare costs in early retirement—specifically for a 58-year-old retiree with a non-working spouse and three adult kids under 26 still on the family plan. We'll explore ACA strategies, income planning, and a clever way to help the kids get their own coverage at a big discount. Resource:  AOL article by David Beren: A Look at U.S. Workers Who've Accumulated $1M in Retirement Funds Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    15 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Five Key Retirement Challenges (and Solutions) [Rebroadcast]

    Most people focus on saving for retirement, but what happens when you actually get there? Retirement isn't just about having enough money—it's about managing risks that can threaten your financial security and lifestyle.  In this episode, we explore Five Key Retirement Challenges (and Solutions), inspired by a Kiplinger's Personal Finance article by Walt West. From unexpected market downturns to rising healthcare costs, these challenges can catch retirees off guard if they're not prepared. We break down each challenge—financial instability, healthcare expenses, taxes, inflation, and estate planning oversights—and discuss practical strategies to navigate them. Learn how to structure a flexible withdrawal plan, prepare for long-term care costs, use tax-efficient strategies like Roth conversions, and ensure your estate plan protects your loved ones.  Plus, we tackle a listener question about using a MIGA ladder strategy to bridge the gap until Social Security—offering insights into the pros and cons of annuities in a retirement portfolio. If you want to retire with confidence and avoid costly missteps, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're years away from retirement or already in it, understanding these key challenges and their solutions can help you make smarter financial decisions for the road ahead. Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Kiplinger's Personal Finance "Five Key Retirement Challenges" by Walt West Fidelity's Healthcare in Retirement Report Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book! Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    18 min
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Do you want to spend more money in retirement, while paying less taxes? Great news, you're in the right place! I'll also teach you the benefits of retiring TO something, while most retirees only solve half the equation by retiring FROM something. Tune in every Monday morning - hosted by Benjamin Brandt CFP, RICP. Join my "Every Day is Saturday" weekly newsletter for show notes, free book giveaways and other great retirement content: www.retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter

Information

  • Creator
    Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    385
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Retire-Ready Resources
  • Show Website
    Retirement Starts Today

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