The Retirement Navigator

Kwame Kuadey
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Retirement Navigator is the podcast for adults 55 and above who are ready to make their next chapter their best one. Hosted by Kwame Kuadey — co-founder of Benefits Insider and Adjunct Professor of Finance at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School — each episode delivers the clarity and guidance you need to navigate retirement with confidence. We cover Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, purpose, finances, community, and everything that makes for a retirement well lived. Because a 60-year-old today may have 35 years ahead of them — and that kind of chapter deserves more than guesswork. No panic. No politics. Just clarity. New episodes every week. Subscribe and never miss a step.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 4: A Practical Guide to Senior Living Options, Costs, and Care Planning for Families

    Choosing the right care for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to senior living. Many families don’t start planning until a crisis happens, which can lead to rushed decisions and added stress. In this episode, a senior living expert with over 20 years of experience explains the different types of care available, from independent living to memory care, and how to recognize when extra support may be needed. You’ll also learn how costs work, what financial resources may help, and why early conversations can make all the difference. If you or a loved one are living on a fixed income or planning for future care, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you make informed, confident decisions—without pressure or confusion. Key Topics Covered - How to recognize early signs that extra care or support may be needed - The different types of senior living options and what each provides - Understanding Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and why they matter for safety - When aging at home is realistic—and when it may no longer be sustainable - Real-world costs of assisted living, memory care, and in-home care - Ways to pay for care, including retirement income, savings, and senior benefits - Why early planning helps avoid crisis decisions and reduces family stress - The importance of power of attorney and having legal plans in place Who This Episode Is For - Adults age 55+ planning for future care needs - Seniors living on a fixed income or managing retirement income - Family caregivers supporting aging parents or loved ones - Anyone wanting to better understand senior benefits, care options, and costs Why This Matters Now With longer life expectancies and rising cost of living, many retirees may spend 20–30 years in retirement. Planning ahead for care—whether at home or in a community—can help protect your finances, maintain independence longer, and reduce stress for both you and your family. Connect with Niki Gewirtz Niki on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-gewirtz-1a5b5a5/ A Place for Mom (free senior living advisory service) Website  - https://www.aplaceformom.com/ Follow The Retirement Navigator on social media: https://linktr.ee/retirementnavigator If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations about retirement.  You can also share this episode with a friend or family member who may be starting this journey—it could help them feel more prepared and supported. Support the show

    41 min

  2. FEB 24

    Episode 3: Social Security Divorce Benefits: How Seniors Can Claim What They’re Entitled To

    Did you know that if you’re divorced, you may be eligible for up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits? Many leave money on the table simply because they misunderstand the rules. In this episode, Kwame Kuadey breaks down exactly how divorce affects Social Security and what you need to know to claim your benefits confidently. We’ll cover eligibility rules, common mistakes, and claiming strategies so you can maximize your retirement income. Kwame also explains why your ex-spouse cannot block your benefits, how remarriage affects your options, and what to watch out for if you were previously denied due to a public pension. Whether you’re planning your retirement or managing fixed income, this episode provides clear, practical guidance to help you access the Social Security benefits you’ve earned. Key Topics Covered Eligibility requirements for claiming Social Security based on an ex-spouse’s recordHow divorce length, age, and remarriage affect your benefitsCalculating your potential payout and timing your claimCommon mistakes that reduce benefits, including claiming too early or missing important documentsDifferences between spousal, divorce, and survivor benefitsUpdates on the Social Security Fairness Act and public pension rulesEssential documents and information needed to file successfully Who This Episode Is For People aged 55+ or anyone approaching retirementDivorced individuals seeking clarity on Social Security benefitsPeople living on a fixed income who want to maximize retirement incomeAnyone who wants a simple, trustworthy guide to navigating government programs like Social Security Why This Matters Now Many are unaware of recent changes to Social Security and public pension rules. Understanding your eligibility now can help ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to and plan for a secure retirement. Resources Mentioned Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.govDaily 3 Newsletter – Practical updates for seniors on retirement and benefits: https://benefitsinsider.co If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing to The Retirement Navigator Podcast for more clear, calm guidance on Social Security, Medicare, and senior benefits. Share this episode with friends or family who may benefit, and join our community for ongoing tips to protect and maximize your retirement income. Support the show

    22 min

  3. FEB 12

    Episode 2: The Philosophy of the Second Act: 5 Principles for Living Well in Retirement

    Many retirees did everything “right” - worked for decades, saved consistently, and planned carefully - yet retirement still feels different than expected. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How am I supposed to live now?” this episode is for you. In this relaunch of the Retirement Navigator podcast, Kwame introduces a new direction focused not just on Social Security updates, Medicare, or retirement income planning - but on the deeper question of how to live with meaning, dignity, and forward motion after work ends. He shares five guiding principles for what he calls the “Second Act” of life - practical, steady reminders designed to support seniors living on fixed income, navigating senior benefits, and adjusting to the emotional and practical realities of retirement.    In this episode, you’ll discover:  Why retirement is not a withdrawal from lifeThe idea that “You are not done yet” - your life still carries weight and purposeWhy health is your first currency, and how Medicare and senior benefits support itHow to rebuild purpose after leaving a long careerWhy community is essential - not weakness, but strategyWhat “forward motion” really means (small daily actions that matter)How retirement income, Social Security, and health all connect to independence This show is for you if you are:   Adults 55+ adjusting to retirement Seniors living on Social Security or fixed income Anyone feeling uncertain, smaller, or slower in this stage of life Retirees who prepared financially but still feel something is missingOlder adults looking for meaning beyond numbers and benefits Why This Matters Now  With rising cost of living, ongoing Social Security discussions, and constant news about Medicare and government programs, it’s easy for retirement conversations to focus only on finances. But financial stability alone does not answer the deeper question many seniors face: How do I live well now? This episode shifts the conversation from just retirement income planning to living deliberately, even when retirement looks different than expected. Resources Mentioned   Senior First Community  Chapter Medicare  If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing to the Retirement Navigator podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.  You’re also invited to share your thoughts - what does your “Second Act” look like right now? And if you know another retiree who may need encouragement, feel free to share this episode with them.  You are not done yet - and you don’t have to navigate retirement alone.     Support the show

    19 min

  4. 08/30/2025

    Episode 1: Welcome to The Retirement Navigator: Retirement Advice for Real People with Real Budgets

    Are you tired of retirement advice that assumes you're wealthy? Welcome to The Retirement Navigator, the podcast for hardworking Americans who need practical retirement guidance—whether you're starting with $500 or $500,000 saved. I'm Kwame Kuadey, creator of Benefits Insider, where I've helped over 250,000 people maximize their Social Security and Medicare benefits. While other retirement experts chase wealthy clients, I help real people with real budgets retire with dignity. In this introductory episode, you'll discover: Why most retirement advice doesn't apply to middle-class AmericansThe harsh reality facing 60% of retirees (and what to do about it)How to maximize Social Security, Medicare, and government benefits you've earnedWhat to expect from this podcast and how it's different from everything else out thereThis show is for you if: You're ages 50+ and approaching or in retirementYour household income is $40,000-$80,000 annuallyYou have modest retirement savings (or are starting from scratch)You need Social Security and Medicare to work for you, not against youYou're looking for practical strategies, not theoretical investment adviceComing up next week: The biggest Social Security mistake I see people make—and the simple fix that could add $30,000 to your lifetime benefits. Got questions? Email me at hello@benefitsinsider.co - your question might become a future episode! You've worked hard your whole life. You deserve a secure retirement, and I'm here to help you navigate the path forward. Hit subscribe and let's build your retirement confidence together. Support the show

    5 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Retirement Navigator is the podcast for adults 55 and above who are ready to make their next chapter their best one. Hosted by Kwame Kuadey — co-founder of Benefits Insider and Adjunct Professor of Finance at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School — each episode delivers the clarity and guidance you need to navigate retirement with confidence. We cover Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, purpose, finances, community, and everything that makes for a retirement well lived. Because a 60-year-old today may have 35 years ahead of them — and that kind of chapter deserves more than guesswork. No panic. No politics. Just clarity. New episodes every week. Subscribe and never miss a step.

Information

  • Creator
    Kwame Kuadey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Retirement Navigator
  • Show Website
    The Retirement Navigator