Retirement Answer Man

Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, RMA, CPWA®

A top retirement podcast. Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, guides you on how to actually do retirement well financially and personally. This retirement podcast isn't afraid to talk about the softer side of retirement. It will teach you how to retire with confidence. Two-time PLUTUS winner for best retirement podcast / blog and the 2019 winner for best financial planner blog. This retirement podcast covers how to create a paycheck, medicare, healthcare, Social Security, tax management in retirement as well as retirement travel and other non-financial issues you'll need to address to rock retirement. Retirement isn’t an age OR a financial number. It’s finding that balance between living well today and feeling confident about your retirement. It’s about gaining more freedom to pursue the life you want. Join the rock retirement community at www.rogerwhitney.com

  1. Listener Questions: How Do I Create a Diversified Portfolio?

    قبل ٢٣ ساعة

    Listener Questions: How Do I Create a Diversified Portfolio?

    Roger Whitney breaks down how to create a diversified portfolio by explaining the core principles of diversification and asset allocation, then answers listener questions on topics like using allocation funds, shifting from the S&P 500 to total market funds, and strategies like buy, borrow, die. He emphasizes that while diversification reduces unnecessary risk, asset allocation is the most important decision—especially in retirement, where portfolios should be structured into three buckets: contingency, liquidity, and growth—to balance stability, income needs, and long-term growth. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (0:00) Building wealth for retirement and investment strategies. RETIREMENT TOOLKIT (01:27) Basics of asset allocation and diversification.(02:38) Explanation of unsystematic and systematic risks.(06:26) Risk management and modern portfolio theory.(09:08) Key components and decisions in portfolio construction.(13:12) Key takeaways and practical advice.(16:10) Importance of contingency, liquidity, and growth funds. LISTENER QUESTIONS (18:20) T-Bone asks a question about asset allocation funds (26:55) An audio question about portfolio diversification(33:44) Michael asks about the ‘buy, borrow, die’ strategy (39:55) Listener shares a suggestion for what to do with a t-shirt collection ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (40:55) Dennis shares that two years into retirement, he’s happy without a defined “purpose,” pushing back on the idea that retirement needs one.(43:22) Tim and Tammy embrace a flexible “pre-tirement” lifestyle, teaching remotely while traveling, volunteering, and exploring all 63 U.S. national parks. SMART SPRINT (45:22) Review your asset allocation and clearly define your contingency, liquidity, and growth buckets. CONCLUSION (46:09) Roger ends with a heartfelt reflection on loss and gratitude, reminding listeners to cherish meaningful moments. REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

    ٤٨ د
  2. Listener Questions: What Should I Be Doing When I'm Two Years from Retirement?

    ١٥ أبريل

    Listener Questions: What Should I Be Doing When I'm Two Years from Retirement?

    In this episode, Roger Whitney breaks down essential elements you need to consider before and during retirement. From understanding inflation risks to strategic asset reallocation, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and craft a retirement that aligns with your values. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PODCAST (00:00) Introduction and overview of upcoming topics RETIREMENT TOOLKIT (01:49) Why inflation poses a significant risk to retirees(02:32) What is inflation and how is it measured (03:33) Causes of inflation: demand, supply constraints, and rising costs(05:20) Historical inflation rates and what they mean for your planning(06:48) How to choose a realistic inflation assumption in your plan(08:40) Strategies to hedge against inflation ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (12:47) Jim’s story: diversity in retirement activities and the importance of adaptability PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT (16:07) Mike’s question reframed: focus on designing your retirement life first, not account tactics(17:50) Roger reviews Mike’s facts(18:56) The importance of building a feasible plan of record, estimating expenses, and creating a realistic monthly budget for retirement(23:13) Clarifying values and how they shape your retirement goals(25:20) Income side of the plan: social security, pensions, and tax considerations(30:15) Once the plan is feasible, start testing versions of the plan and planning paycheck(31:52)  401(k) and 457 decisions can wait—focus on positioning assets for income first(33:12) Consider building after-tax savings now to increase future optionality LISTENER QUESTIONS (35:50) Listener shares story about roadside cafe(36:20) Michael asks a question about ROTH conversions in a down market(38:50) Steve asks how to better time Roth conversions to avoid triggering IRMAA Medicare surcharges? SMART SPRINT (45:14) Smart Sprint: Before acting, ask yourself “what problem am I actually solving?” ON THE BOOKSHELF (46:25) Roger talks about his love of notebooks and shares book recommendations REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleON THE BOOKSHELF Ugmonk NotebooksTheo of Golden by Allen LeviThe Three Musketeers by Alexandre DumasNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

    ٤٨ د
  3. Listener Questions: Should I Take Social Security Early and Invest It?

    ٨ أبريل

    Listener Questions: Should I Take Social Security Early and Invest It?

    In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney explores the critical decision of when to claim Social Security benefits, weighing the pros and cons of taking them early versus delaying. Through listener questions, he delves into the impact of investment returns, health considerations, and income needs on retirement strategies. Roger also shares inspiring retirement stories and offers practical advice on managing retirement accounts and planning for the future. With insights into the psychological and financial aspects of retirement, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial well-being. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) Introduction: Navigating retirement decisions with confidence ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (00:42) Highlighting stories of unique retirement adventures(01:08) The non-financial benefits of enjoying freedom day-by-day(04:25) Cultural pressure to plan and set goals in retirement(06:19) Retirement dreams: taking the world's longest flight PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT (07:32) Addressing the dilemma: take Social Security early and invest it?(09:22) Key facts impacting Social Security claiming strategy(12:23) Investment return scenarios (14:17) Benefits of not taking SS early: market risk, guaranteed income, simplicity(19:00) Managing uncertainty and balancing investment returns(21:23) Strategies for inherited Roth IRAs and mega backdoor Roth approaches(24:40) Inheritance, aspirational goals, and resilient plans(32:03) How to avoid fees moving 401k SMART SPRINT (36:00) Smart Sprint: Download your most recent Social Security statement  ON THE BOOKSHELF (37:19) Book recommendations from the team REFERENCES Social Security Statement – Create or access your account to view benefitsUnforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences by Phil MarshonHow the Word is Passed by Clint SmithSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

    ٤٢ د
  4. Listener Questions: Should I Move My 401K into an IRA When I Retire?

    ١ أبريل

    Listener Questions: Should I Move My 401K into an IRA When I Retire?

    Explore how meaningful travel experiences, storytelling, and thoughtful planning can enhance your retirement journey. In this episode, Roger answers listener questions on managing retirement accounts, health insurance, financial literacy, and shares inspiring stories and book recommendations. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) Introduction: Rock retirement with community questions and stories ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (01:39) A memorable travel story from Doug in Greece and the value of experiential travel RETIREMENT LIFE LAB (03:50) The significance of experiences over souvenirs for meaningful memories LISTENER QUESTIONS (06:15) Addressing listener questions on managing retirement accounts and consolidating assets(06:43) Handling required minimum distributions and tax considerations for late retirees (Vern's story)(09:23) Reasons to keep or roll over 401(k) assets, including inertia, access, and creditor protection(12:32) Audio question about health insurance and budgeting(18:10) Correcting misconceptions about MAGI and ACA subsidies (Michael’s feedback)(20:08) Insights on the blind spots of retirement planning software and AI’s role in financial planning(23:00) The emerging role of AI as a thinking partner in retirement planning(25:43) Managing required minimum distributions and tax planning for late retirees (Michelle’s situation)(28:08) Using professional help vs. DIY approaches for RMDs and taxes(31:24) Dan’s pursuit of a meaningful second career in financial literacy and how to prepare ON THE BOOKSHELF (35:42) Recommended bookshelf: The Art of Spending Money, Devil in the White City, Inside the Greatest Crash, and Once an Eagle SMART SPRINT (41:37) Smart Sprint: Create an experiential gift to cherish memories with loved onesREFERENCES The Art of Spending Money by Morgan HouselDevil in the White City by Erik LarsonInside the Greatest Crash by Andrew Ross SorkinOnce an Eagle by Anton MyrerAging and Healthcare Planning ResourcesConnect with Roger Whitney: Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

    ٤٣ د
  5. Why Even the Best Retirement Calculator is Wrong

    ٢٥ مارس

    Why Even the Best Retirement Calculator is Wrong

    Roger Whitney explores why retirement planning software—especially Monte Carlo simulations—can give a false sense of confidence if misunderstood. He explains what these tools actually measure, the hidden assumptions behind them, and why retirement is a complex problem that requires judgment, flexibility, and resilience—not just a high “success rate.” Roger shares how to properly interpret results, avoid common traps, and use software as a guide rather than a decision-maker so you can build a retirement plan that supports a great life. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence to lean in and rock it.(00:30) Roger introduces the episode topic—why your retirement calculator’s success rate can be misleading. PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT (02:50) Roger explains his perspective as a long-time practitioner and outlines his experience using Monte Carlo-based retirement tools.(05:05) Complicated vs. complex problems: why retirement can’t be “solved” like a math equation and must instead be managed over time.(09:30) Concerns about overreliance on software—from advisors scaling businesses to individuals misinterpreting results.(11:30) What retirement software actually measures.(13:25) What software does NOT measure.(14:18) Best uses of planning software.(17:40) What software should NOT be used for.(19:40) Key dangers of using retirement software.(23:00) Feasibility vs. resilience: why a plan that “works” on paper may still be fragile in real life.(24:20) The real risk:Overspending early and jeopardizing later yearsUnderspending and missing out on life(26:20) The massive number of assumptions behind every plan—and how small changes can dramatically alter outcomes over time.(38:20) How to interpret results properly.(40:55) Looking beyond the number: evaluating the distribution of outcomes and plan sensitivity.(44:43) Understanding failures:Timing (early vs. late failures)Severity (minor shortfall vs. major gap)(48:27) Best practices:Hold success rates lightlyKeep plans simpleRegularly review assumptionsAvoid over-planning and constant tweakingDefine what success actually means for your lifeSMART SPRINT (56:04) Schedule time to review the assumptions in your retirement planning software—focus on understanding the inputs rather than optimizing the output. CLOSING THOUGHTS (56:50) Roger shares an update on the merger of his firm with Tanya Nichols’ firm and the creation of a new company, Retire Agile. REFERENCES livewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on March 28!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The Noodle

    ١ س
  6. Retirement Talk with Dr. Wade Pfau

    ١٨ مارس

    Retirement Talk with Dr. Wade Pfau

    💬 Show Notes Wade Pfau, author of The Retirement Planning Guidebook and creator of the Retirement Income Style Awareness (RISA®) assessment joins Roger for a wide-ranging conversation on the big questions of retirement income planning. Wade breaks down why the RISA is a better fit for retirement than a traditional risk tolerance questionnaire, how to think about real estate and reverse mortgages as retirement tools, and what the research actually says about annuities — including when to buy, whether to add inflation protection, and how fixed index annuities with living benefits really work. This podcast is a replay of a recent Rock Retirement Club meetup where members were able to join live and ask questions. Outline Of This Episode Of The Retirement Answer Man (00:00) Roger previews the episode and invites listeners to register for Noodle Live — a Saturday morning Zoom on March 28 at livewithroger.comCONVERSATION WITH DR. WADE PFAU (02:00) Roger introduces Wade Pfau, author of The Retirement Planning Guidebook (04:15) RISA vs. risk tolerance questionnaires(10:45) How to use The Retirement Planning Guidebook(12:00) AI in retirement research(14:30) RRC Member Question: How does real estate fit into retirement planning?(17:00) Reverse mortgages as a retirement tool — usage trends, how the HECM line of credit works, upfront cost hurdles, and why adoption remains low(21:30) RRC Member Question: What is an effective marginal tax rate (EMR) and how does it affect Roth conversion strategy? (25:00) Navigating ACA subsidy cliffs before Medicare(28:00) RRC Member Question: Fixed vs. inflation-adjusted annuities(33:00) Annuity timing(37:00) RRC Member Question: Should we explore intentionally breaking the ACA cliff every few years?(48:00) Fixed index annuities with living benefits vs. income annuities(53:00) RRC Member Question: Is there an optimal age window for buying an annuity if it's a "nice to have" rather than a must?(57:00) Interpreting retirement planning softwareSMART SPRINT (59:00) Pick up the latest edition of The Retirement Planning Guidebook. Use it as an approachable reference guide, or read it straight through if you're really into retirement planning.REFERENCES livewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on March 28!The Retirement Planning Guidebook, 3rd Edition — Wade Pfau / retirementresearcher.comTake the RISA® assessment.Submit a Question for Roger.Sign up for The Noodle.

    ١ س ١ د
  7. Healthcare Before Medicare: Retiree Feedback

    ١١ مارس

    Healthcare Before Medicare: Retiree Feedback

    Roger Whitney dives into practical strategies for navigating health care before Medicare, sharing insights from retirees, survey results, and listener questions. Together they explore real-world solutions for coverage gaps, timing withdrawals, and managing medical expenses in early retirement. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement but have confidence in your financial and life decisions.(00:40) Roger introduces the focus: pre-Medicare health care, survey insights, and practical strategies.LISTENER EXPERIENCES AND STRATEGIES (03:00) Roger shares experiences and questions from listeners navigating pre-Medicare coverage. They discuss timing COBRA versus ACA transitions, evaluating company retiree plans, managing risk when uninsured, and creative strategies like catastrophic insurance, health-sharing plans, and part-time work benefits. Listeners also explore using HSAs and inherited IRAs to manage costs and maximize subsidies, providing a broad view of practical approaches for early retirees.ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD (32:50) Jennifer retires at 59½, discovers watercolor painting, fitness classes, and increased spending patterns in early retirementSURVEY INSIGHTS (37:08) Roger summarizes key takeaways from over 400 survey respondents.SMART SPRINT (48:19) Action step: identify your “homies” for retirement planning. Notice how your closest relationships influence your retirement experience and take one step this week to strengthen those connections.REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

    ٥٠ د
  8. How to Feel Loved with Dr. Harry Reis

    ٤ مارس

    How to Feel Loved with Dr. Harry Reis

    Roger Whitney shifts from financial planning to the non-financial pillar of relationships, sharing a live conversation with Harry Reis about how to feel more loved and connected in retirement. Together they explore the science behind belonging and loneliness, introduce practical mindsets for deepening relationships, answer listener questions, and close with the team’s latest book recommendations. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement but have the confidence and clarity to lean in and rock it.(00:27) Roger outlines the month ahead: a focus on relationships, an upcoming financial deep dive with Wade Pfau, wisdom from retirees navigating health care before Medicare, a candid discussion on retirement calculators, and a live Noodle hangout.CONVERSATION WITH HARRY REISS (02:00) Roger introduces Harry Reis, co-author (with Sonja Lyubomirsky) of How to Feel Loved, for a conversation recorded live in the Rock Retirement Club.(05:17) Roger asks Harry what led him down the path to study relationships and partner with Sonja Lyubomirsky for the book.(15:00) Harry talks about the loneliness epidemic and the effects of not feeling loved.(17:45) Roger and Harry talk about the obstacles and myths of being loved. (23:15) Harry introduces the sea-saw framework for relationships.(27:00) Harry shares practical mindsets for strengthening connection, including listening to learn, radical curiosity, multiplicity, and mutual vulnerability.(43:30) Roger reflects on why this is important.LISTENER QUESTIONS (45:00) Listeners share questions about one-sided conversations, vulnerability, and love languages, leading to practical discussion about compatibility, communication, and choosing people willing to “play seesaw.”WHAT’S ON THE BOOKSHELF? (58:00) The team shares recent reads.SMART SPRINT (1:05:55) Consider one relationship you want to deepen. Practice listening to learn this week. Ask one more follow-up question than you normally would and notice what happens.REFERENCES Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManHow to Feel Loved  by Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis

    ١ س ٨ د
٤٫٦
من ٥
‫١٬٢٠٧ من التقييمات‬

حول

A top retirement podcast. Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, guides you on how to actually do retirement well financially and personally. This retirement podcast isn't afraid to talk about the softer side of retirement. It will teach you how to retire with confidence. Two-time PLUTUS winner for best retirement podcast / blog and the 2019 winner for best financial planner blog. This retirement podcast covers how to create a paycheck, medicare, healthcare, Social Security, tax management in retirement as well as retirement travel and other non-financial issues you'll need to address to rock retirement. Retirement isn’t an age OR a financial number. It’s finding that balance between living well today and feeling confident about your retirement. It’s about gaining more freedom to pursue the life you want. Join the rock retirement community at www.rogerwhitney.com

قد يعجبك أيضًا