Early Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)

Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA
  • 4.8 (547)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ari Taublieb is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Vice President of Root Financial Partners. Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA specializes in helping people navigate an early retirement. I get it...retirement sounds overwhelming (an early retirement may sound particularly overwhelming)! Does it just feel like there's so much to consider and you just want to make sure you're doing everything you can to set yourself up right? If I may ask...why do YOU want to retire early? Do you want to travel? Have you just had enough of work? Do you want to spend more time with family (or on hobbies you've been putting off)? I created this podcast to help you know when work is now optional because you have a financial strategy that tells you when you can retire. You will learn all the investing tips in this financial podcast to set up the right portfolio for your goals. You may love what you do - and if that's you, great! I'm not saying stop working. But, I am saying, wouldn't it be nice to know when you didn't HAVE to work any more? When you would only go to work because you enjoyed it (crazy concept, I know). This is the ultimate retirement podcast (specifically, early retirement!). Retiring early, also known simply as "financial freedom", is having the ability to do what you care most about, MORE!I don't want you to work unless you ENJOY it (finances aside, for just a moment)! My goal of this podcast is to give you all the tips and strategies so you can retire EARLY. Retirement planning, investing, personal finance, tax strategy, and you'll hear case studies from my clients and exactly how I've helped them navigate the transition into retirement. What are the right investment accounts to have in retirement? I want retirement planning to be simple for you so that you can retire early and maximize your retirement goals. Become a retiree and enjoy everything you've been waiting for your whole life (and start practicing retirement today)! I release new episodes every Monday with all the strategies (you'll learn that I love examples) so you can maximize your return on life (we use money to do this).

  1. 1D AGO

    When Is The Ideal Time To Hire An Advisor?

    Hiring a financial advisor isn’t about credentials alone, it’s about timing. And for many people, getting that timing wrong can cost years of freedom. Ari explores when it doesn’t make sense to hire a financial advisor, when it absolutely does, and why the decision often has less to do with intelligence or interest in finances and more to do with stress, life stage, and opportunity cost. Drawing from personal experience, real client conversations, and a story from his own life, Ari explains why pushing back, asking questions, and trusting your instincts matter just as much as spreadsheets and projections.  The discussion reframes financial advice away from credentials and rules of thumb and toward partnership, value, and peace of mind. Some people genuinely enjoy managing their own finances and are well-equipped to do so — until complexity, time constraints, or major transitions enter the picture. Others reach a point where the cost of doing everything themselves quietly becomes higher than the cost of professional help.  Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, Ari breaks down the signals that matter most: losing sleep, worrying about missed opportunities, navigating retirement timing, tax strategy, healthcare decisions, or coordinating finances with a spouse. The goal isn’t to convince anyone to hire an advisor — it’s to help people make the decision intentionally, with clarity and confidence.  This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered whether they’re doing just fine on their own, or whether having the right partner could help them work less, worry less, and live more. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    16 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    This Is When I Recommend You STOP Saving For Retirement

    Most people think the safest path to retirement is to keep saving more, no matter how close they are to the finish line. But what if there comes a point where saving actually matters less, and investing well, living well, and spending with intention matter more? In this end-of-year episode, Ari shares why many near-retirees may need to rethink their instinct to “just keep saving.” He breaks down the surprising point where portfolio growth outweighs new contributions, why being “qualified-rich and cash-poor” can limit your freedom, and how over-saving can quietly eat into the healthiest, most meaningful years of your life. Through honest stories, real math, and a clear look at how 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts support early retirement, this episode challenges the belief that more saving is always better. If you’re wondering when to stop maxing every account, when to shift dollars into a taxable “superhero” account, or how to balance retirement planning with actually enjoying your life right now, this conversation offers a different way forward — one rooted in confidence, not guilt. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    13 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    The Shocking Statistics Behind When People Collect Social Security

    Choosing when to collect Social Security is one of the most stressful retirement decisions people face, and it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Ari breaks down how most people actually decide when to claim Social Security, why there is no single “best” age, and how to think about the decision without fear or guesswork. Using real data and real-world scenarios, the focus stays on understanding trade-offs rather than chasing a perfect answer.  Listen as Ari explains why some people claim as early as 62, why others wait until full retirement age or later, and how factors like income needs, longevity, and spousal considerations influence the decision. It also highlights why calculators alone often miss what matters most, and why peace of mind plays a bigger role than people expect.  This is for anyone approaching retirement who wants a clearer, calmer way to think about Social Security and make a confident decision that fits their life. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    11 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    Why Risk Tolerance Doesn't Matter (Use THIS Instead)

    Most advisors start with one question: “What’s your risk tolerance?” In retirement, that question might steer you in the wrong direction. In today’s episode, Ari breaks down why traditional risk questionnaires fail, and the better framework that actually protects your lifestyle, your confidence, and the income you need to live well in retirement.  You’ll hear the story of a couple who rated their risk tolerance completely differently… and then changed their answers the moment markets dropped. That moment revealed the real problem: risk tolerance isn’t stable, and it doesn’t tell you what you truly need to know. Instead, Ari walks through a practical, back-of-the-napkin method for building a portfolio that fits your actual life, not a textbook. From identifying how much income you really need… to understanding how many years of “war chest” money can help you ride out downturns… to adjusting your allocation as your lifestyle shifts from go-go years to slower seasons.  If you’ve ever wondered whether your portfolio is too risky, too conservative, or simply too cookie-cutter, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been missing. In this episode: • Why risk tolerance changes with the market — and why that’s a problem. • The question to ask instead of “What’s your risk tolerance?” • How to determine the right mix of equities, bonds, and cash for your lifestyle. • Why retirement is a different game — and why singles, doubles, and consistency beat home runs. • A simple framework to help you optimize without overthinking. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    16 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    How To Decide When To Turn On Social Security

    Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement choices you’ll make, but most people approach it the wrong way. They pick an age early, cling to it for years, and assume the “best” decision never changes. In reality, the right claiming strategy shifts as your life shifts: your spouse’s benefit, your health, your spending, your tax plan, and even how much joy you’re getting out of retirement all matter far more than a hard rule. In this episode, Ari explains why Social Security should never be treated as a one-time, set-it-and-forget-it decision. Through real client stories, a behind-the-scenes look at how Roth conversions, RMDs, and retirement income interact, and a simple framework that fits any household, this conversation reframes the entire question. Sometimes delaying boosts long-term security. Sometimes taking it early frees up your cash flow for meaningful years. And in many cases, the “optimal” age changes as your plan changes. If you’ve been wondering when to claim Social Security, how it fits into Roth IRA conversions, what it means for your surviving spouse, or how to build a flexible retirement income plan, this episode gives you clarity without the jargon and confidence without the fear. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    11 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    How Much Fixed Income Do You Really Need in Retirement?

    Stop letting your birthday decide your bond mix. That “age in bonds” rule feels safe, but it can quietly rob you of growth, freedom, and spending power. In this episode, Ari challenges the traditional 60/40 rule and shows how to build a smarter allocation based on your actual life, not your birth year. Using a real client story—a couple with $2 million in a 401(k), $85K in rental income, and $50K in part-time work—we explore how to balance risk, income, and long-term security without falling into the target-date trap. You’ll hear: Why age-based rules and target-date funds often miss the markHow to define risk as losing purchasing power, not watching prices moveWhen higher equity can safely support early retirement dreamsHow to use part-time work, rental income, and Social Security to reduce bond dependenceTurning volatility into an advantage with Roth conversions and tax-smart rebalancingThe “five-year war chest” method for withdrawals without panic sellingIt’s not about chasing returns, it’s about funding freedom. Learn how to design your portfolio around the life you want, not the rule someone made decades ago. If this conversation helped you rethink your allocation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Ready to build a plan that aligns your investments, taxes, and cash flow? Visit https://www.rootfinancial.com/start-here/ to start your custom plan today. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    16 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    Why Asset LOCATION (NOT "Allocation") Overlooked In Retirement Planning

    Everyone wants better returns. Almost no one talks about where those returns should live. You can own all the right investments and still lose thousands a year if they sit in the wrong place. Asset location is one of those quiet advantages that doesn’t make headlines but changes everything behind the scenes. It’s how you line up your accounts so they work together instead of against each other. The difference isn’t theoretical. It’s real tax savings, smoother withdrawals, and more flexibility when life doesn’t go according to plan. Ari Taublieb, CFP®, shares how investors nearing retirement can rearrange what they already own to keep more of what they’ve earned. It’s not about being clever. It’s about being coordinated — so your Roth, IRA, and brokerage accounts each play their role in funding your next chapter. This is the part of retirement planning most people never see, and that’s why it matters. The right structure doesn’t just build wealth. It buys time, peace, and choice. Listen now to see how small moves today can open more space to live tomorrow. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    17 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    When Saving Becomes a Habit You Can’t Turn Off | Root Talks

    Some retirees have more money than they ever imagined… and still feel guilty buying the $5 M&Ms. This episode is for the lifelong savers who nailed the retirement planning side—maxed out accounts, invested consistently, hit their “number”—but feel stuck when it’s time to actually spend. James and Ari share real client stories of multimillionaires who still walk past convenience to save a few dollars, not because they need to… but because the “always save” habit is so deeply wired in. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why it’s so hard to shift from accumulator to spenderHow a scarcity mindset can follow you into a very comfortable retirementThe “M&M moment” that exposed just how powerful old money habits can beSimple ways to practice guilt-free, intentional spending that aligns with your valuesIf you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it really okay to spend this in retirement?” this conversation will help you see your money as a tool for memories, not just a balance sheet number. - Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial. Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

    16 min
See All (306)

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
547 Ratings

About

Ari Taublieb is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Vice President of Root Financial Partners. Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA specializes in helping people navigate an early retirement. I get it...retirement sounds overwhelming (an early retirement may sound particularly overwhelming)! Does it just feel like there's so much to consider and you just want to make sure you're doing everything you can to set yourself up right? If I may ask...why do YOU want to retire early? Do you want to travel? Have you just had enough of work? Do you want to spend more time with family (or on hobbies you've been putting off)? I created this podcast to help you know when work is now optional because you have a financial strategy that tells you when you can retire. You will learn all the investing tips in this financial podcast to set up the right portfolio for your goals. You may love what you do - and if that's you, great! I'm not saying stop working. But, I am saying, wouldn't it be nice to know when you didn't HAVE to work any more? When you would only go to work because you enjoyed it (crazy concept, I know). This is the ultimate retirement podcast (specifically, early retirement!). Retiring early, also known simply as "financial freedom", is having the ability to do what you care most about, MORE!I don't want you to work unless you ENJOY it (finances aside, for just a moment)! My goal of this podcast is to give you all the tips and strategies so you can retire EARLY. Retirement planning, investing, personal finance, tax strategy, and you'll hear case studies from my clients and exactly how I've helped them navigate the transition into retirement. What are the right investment accounts to have in retirement? I want retirement planning to be simple for you so that you can retire early and maximize your retirement goals. Become a retiree and enjoy everything you've been waiting for your whole life (and start practicing retirement today)! I release new episodes every Monday with all the strategies (you'll learn that I love examples) so you can maximize your return on life (we use money to do this).

Information

You Might Also Like