Retire Sooner with Wes Moss

How Much Do You Need To Retire? Break It Down And Fill The Gap Feb 27, 2025

Tackle the million-dollar retirement question: How much is enough? Use Wes’s "Fill the Gap" (FTG) method to simplify retirement math—subtract guaranteed income like Social Security from your monthly spending goal and multiply the shortfall by 25 to calculate target savings. Explore other early retirement strategies, including the debate about lump sum buyouts vs. pensions, and weigh real estate against dividend-yielding ETFs for passive income. Finally, join Wes and Christa for a candid discussion about financial media scare tactics and why staying the course typically beats chasing headlines.

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Millionaire Mindset Unlocked: Hard Work, Thoughtful Investing, and Bogle’s Playbook Might Fast-Track Your Retirement Feb 20, 2025

Probe America’s "mini-millionaires"—how they earn, invest, and build wealth through hard work, not luck. Dive into the potential for owning stocks and buying a home with a focus on financial independence, not flash.

Wes and Christa take listener questions to tackle substantial inheritance management, debate bonds vs. money markets for long-term gains, examine Robo-advisors hoarding cash, and the idea of doubling down on security to thwart hackers.

Wes wraps with John Bogle’s playbook: invest rather than speculate, slash expenses, and don’t let perfectionism ruin a solid financial plan. By taking action and investing with purpose, you may be able to retire sooner than you think.

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Lump Sum Or Pension? Crack the 6% Code + Market Highs & Retirement Power Moves Feb 13, 2025

Should you take a lump sum or pension payout? Use the 6% Test to help you decide. With markets hitting record highs, is it the right time to invest, or should you wait? History suggests some clues that retirement planning should not be left to chance. Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase provide crucial context by answering listener questions about 401(k) target date funds, beta vs. volatility, selling a business for retirement, mega backdoor Roth IRAs, and inherited IRAs.

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5 Powerful Portfolio Diversification Strategies to Reduce Market Anxiety + The Army Of American Productivity Feb 06, 2025

Discover 5 powerful portfolio diversification strategies to help reduce market anxiety and boost financial security. Learn how these strategies can apply to kids, retirees, and folks in between, with actionable ways to set up a custodial Roth IRA for young entrepreneurs, maximize retirement savings, and choose an investment approach that fits your needs.

Find out why kids earning money from small businesses, like selling roadside squash, could qualify for a Roth IRA. Avoid common mistakes like investing in a target date fund too soon. Looking for a fee-only fiduciary? Learn the real costs of hourly financial planning and how some people find trusted guidance.

Thinking of ditching bonds for cash? Wes and Christa explain why bonds have historically outperformed money markets and why a balanced portfolio is key for long-term growth. Plus, dive into the Army of American productivity and how it impacts financial strategies.

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It's Never Too Late To Start Saving For Retirement + Q&A Jan 30, 2025

New changes in Social Security policies, particularly the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), may have significant implications for roughly 3 million Americans. Teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other public-sector workers who previously saw their Social Security benefits slashed may now receive the full benefits they’ve earned. This shift is reshaping retirement planning for many Americans, making it more critical than ever to have a solid financial strategy and for couples to be on the same page to help avoid future stress and regret.

On today’s episode, Wes is joined again by Christa DiBiase, the COO of Clark Howard, Inc. By answering listener questions and sharing informed analysis, Wes points out the essential distinctions between fiduciaries vs. non-fiduciary advisors, reminds listeners about diversifying portfolios into broad market indices to help to minimize risk, and explains how a money market account is typically a higher-yield alternative to a standard low-interest savings account. Finally, he examines the power of starting to save for retirement at any age, even in your 50s, emphasizing that consistent saving and wise investing can lead to more financial flexibility than many might think.

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More Foundational Principles For A Happy Retirement + Listener Questions Jan 23, 2025

Unpack the keys to investing for a happy retirement by highlighting foundational principles like prioritizing stocks to combat inflation and the strategic use of diversified "dry powder" assets for stability. Tackle listener questions, exploring international investments, mortgage payoff strategies, long-term healthcare costs, and tax-efficient withdrawals. On today’s episode, Wes is joined again by Christa DiBiase, the COO of Clark Howard, Inc.

Wes zooms in on the need for patience and persistence in investing, advising against the pitfalls of impulsive decisions and ill-advised “perfection-chasing” behavior. Together, Wes and Christa attempt to equip listeners with strategies to navigate financial challenges, stay resilient, and retire sooner with confidence.

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10 Market Challenges For Investors To Watch In 2025 Jan 16, 2025

On today’s episode, Wes looks at 2024’s obstacles to see what might serve as clues for success in 2025. The resilient U.S. economy closed 2024 with a 25% S&P 500 gain, defying inflation fears, international turmoil, and political upheaval. While consumer spending remains a vital economic driver, boosted by low unemployment and rising wages, renewed productivity fueled by AI and innovation could spark another boom.

With the current bull market still young and some earnings forecasts showing a robust 13% growth, optimism abounds. However, investors should prepare for the possible return of market volatility after two unusually stable years. Bonds are regaining appeal as yields climb, and income strategies like dividends offer a steadying force amid market swings.

Overall, Wes celebrates 2025’s potential for growth but reminds listeners that it will only benefit those disciplined folks who stay invested.

And he takes some listener questions!

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5 Keys To Be a Successful Investor and Listener Q&A Jan 09, 2025

On today's episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, we dive into the essential pillars for seeking to achieve financial freedom and a fulfilling retirement. Wes outlines five key strategies that may contribute to long-term success: prioritizing stocks, embracing massive diversification, practicing patience and longevity, navigating today's investing challenges, and creating a robust financial plan.

Wes is also joined by Christa DiBiase, COO of Clark Howard, Inc., to answer questions from across the country, offering insights on managing high investment fees, planning for retirement without Social Security, and balancing risk in portfolios.

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FOMO Free Investing Dec 12, 2024

We’ve all met that one guy who pontificates endlessly about the “fantastic” investments he’s made that year. He always seems drawn to the hottest and latest trends. You don’t fully believe him, but it still makes you feel a bit of dread at the thought of being left behind.

On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Producer Mallory joins Wes in the studio to explain why a fear of missing out on the FOMO Freddies of the world is typically not worth the energy. Though his bluster may temporarily cloud your judgment, it doesn’t change the reality that consistently and patiently following the five key principles for successful investing can often provide a significant opportunity for you to achieve the financial freedom you seek.

Wes and Mallory discuss the probability of similar long-term returns for different investment styles, such as value, growth, quality, and minimum volatility, when investors incorporate diversification, patience, and discipline into those financial strategies. They underline the importance of understanding your risk tolerance and finding an investment style that fits your temperament so that you can endure for the long haul, no matter how “spectacular” FOMO Freddy claims the current craze to be.

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Riding The Age Wave with Maddy Dychtwald Dec 05, 2024

Most people have a vague idea of what it takes to stay healthy as we age—some combination of cutting out the delicious, irresponsible activities while adding in more nutritious, boring ones. While it never seemed overly complicated, it also didn’t sound very fun. Today’s guest flipped that script. According to Maddy Dychtwald, a healthy mindset can lower stress, which can actually make it easier and more enjoyable to exercise and socialize. In other words, you don’t have to white knuckle the tedious tasks. You might even look forward to them!

For nearly 40 years, Maddy has been exploring all aspects of the Age Wave, and she’s contributed to researching how an aging population can have profound business, social, healthcare, financial, workforce, and cultural implications. She’s a national best-selling author, including her latest, Ageless Aging, an acclaimed public speaker, and an overall thought leader on longevity, aging, and the new retirement. Her insights and research have been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Newsweek, Time, Fox Business News, CNBC, and NPR.

For years, a common belief was that genetics predetermined much of our destiny, but Maddy says that may not be true. New research suggests that up to 90% of our health and well-being is related to our lifestyle and environment.

I grilled her on the questions people want answers to. Are trends like intermittent fasting dubious, or can they help? Is walking 30 minutes per day enough, or do you need to add strength training? What’s the latest you should eat before bedtime? Can adopting a pet add purpose to your life? Are men or women more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s?

Maddy’s answers and wisdom shed so much light on what people can do to stack their heart and brain health to increase both the span and quality of life in later years. We all want to live longer, better lives. Maddy might be able to help us enjoy the process along the way.

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What Makes A Good Life? Nov 21, 2024

Everyone wants a good life, but what does that mean, and how can you make it happen? On today’s show, Wes combines analysis from a neuroscientist, a bank CEO, and two very different retirees to find the overlapping characteristics of each.

According to Dr. Wendy Suzuki, professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University, the unifying theme is some sort of fulfillment. In a discussion with Annabel Spring, CEO of HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth, the two explored how 11,000 bankers defined well-being. Some of the answers may surprise you.

According to two retirees to whom Wes recently spoke, retirement can look very different for each person. One felt retirement was everything he’d ever dreamed it could be and recommended people do it sooner, whereas the other thought it was overrated and missed working. Examining their feelings through the prism of Dr. Suzuki’s outlook, Wes determines that both are correct and gives specific reasons why that revelation is more uplifting than many might think.

From life mapping to learning how to sail, Wes identifies what people seem to need from a happy retirement and how the timing and execution might be unique for each. By self-examining what makes a great day, you can take the first step toward finding your own purpose-filled retirement and ultimately put in the work it takes to get there.

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How To Squeeze The Most Juice Out Of Retirement With Dr. Riley Moynes Nov 14, 2024

I was recently at my son’s football games when one of the other dads walked over. He looked about 45 and said he was starting to think about the future. It’s a typical age for that concern to creep in, especially once a person feels financially secure. Now that you can take your foot off the gas a little bit, where should you steer the vehicle?

Dr. Riley Moynes is a doctor of figuring out what to do next. Specifically, he has a PhD in Education, but his journey extends beyond academics. In addition to his 20-year career as an educator, he ran a successful wealth management firm and authored several books, including the popular financial planning guide “The Money Coach.”

I wanted to have him on the show because of his TED talk about the 4 phases of retirement. With millions of views, it’s clear his words struck a chord with so many people desperate for tips on what to expect and how to navigate this portion of their lives.

In our conversation, he walked me through all four phases, where major pitfalls often occur, and how they might be avoided. Whether you’re thinking about today, tomorrow, or the next day, Dr. Riley Moynes can help you figure out how to squeeze the most juice out of your retirement so you and your family can live happy, purpose-filled lives.

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Retire Without Regrets: A Harvard Business Review Longitudinal Study Nov 07, 2024

Our Retire Sooner Team has been researching, studying, and writing about happy retirements for years, so there aren’t many aspects we haven’t considered. But every once in a while, a new study grabs our attention. The latest, Retire Without Regrets, from the Harvard Business Review, used a longitudinal study to examine the gap between retirement expectations and real-world applications.

Using life-mapping exercises to compare expectations with actual experiences, it identified four essential qualities for a happy retiree. The “Four A’s”: Alignment (personal values), Awareness (self-knowledge), Agency (active goal pursuit), and Adaptability (flexibility to handle change).

Consider your own personalized retirement roadmap, and see if the “Four A’s” unlock the proactive planning and adaptability skills that might help you live a regret-free retirement life.

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Revolutionize Your Retirement with Dr. Dorian Mintzer Oct 31, 2024

The transition from one goal to another is often more challenging than either of the goals themselves. Once you get going, momentum can do a lot of the work, but turning the ship around or veering in a different direction takes planning, effort, discipline, and patience.

If that sounds daunting, don’t worry. Today’s guest can help.

Dr. Dorian Mintzer specializes in life transitions, helping both individuals and couples prepare for fulfilling retirements by exploring the non-financial aspects. She encourages people to examine past experiences to manage future expectations so they can fully understand how to adapt and foster continuous personal development.

As co-author of The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle, she advocates for 10 must-have conversations between partners as they share the journey into retirement. Her array of personal and professional experiences as a therapist, coach, and teacher affords her a unique perspective to help folks not only navigate the second half of life but fully revolutionize their retirement!

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5 Reasons I'm Bullish On The United States Oct 24, 2024

Only 36% of voters still believe the American Dream is attainable, according to a 2023 Wall Street Journal/NORC survey. This figure is decidedly lower than other pollster findings in similar surveys. Those revealed that 48% of voters in 2016 and 53% in 2012 felt reasonably assured of their opportunities for a prosperous future.

In other words, more than half of Americans felt optimistic in 2012, and only slightly more than one-third do now.

Americans are consistently barraged with negative headlines and stressful news updates, from supersized natural disasters to political unrest to foreign wars. Despite the challenges, there is still plenty of evidence to justify a bullish attitude about the United States and the potential to reach the American Dream of financial prosperity. Five specific categories come to mind: education, demographics, geography/agriculture, energy, and the U.S. Constitution.

The road to a happy retirement can be lined with hazards, but the strength of the United States was never based on smooth and gentle tidings. It’s a comprehensive coalition that can put aside differences to forge ahead together, no matter what. Take a moment to look around. The uplifting signs of The Army of American Productivity are evident. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. By working together to shape an even more united set of fifty states, there’s no reason America’s best days aren’t still ahead.

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Thriving Beyond 50 With Will Harlow Oct 17, 2024

Think about the day you drove your favorite car off the dealer’s lot. The engine was purring, the paint job was shining, and it ran like a dream. But as time passed, little things started to go wrong. A scratch here. An odd noise there. You took it to the shop for repairs, but eventually, you had to buy a new one.

The same thing happens to our bodies. Unfortunately, we can’t just buy new ones when something breaks down, but today’s guest wants to help us keep the ride smoother and longer.

Will Harlow authored the word-of-mouth bestseller Thriving Beyond Fifty and founded HT Physio, a Physiotherapy Clinic specializing in helping health-conscious, active people over fifty regain mobility and avoid surgery.

We dug into the profound benefits of strength training at any age, the impact of regular exercise on conditions like arthritis, and the truth behind commonly marketed supplements. We explored his own transition from professional sports physiotherapy to a more refined aim of enhancing health span and lifespan.

Whether you’re looking to stay fit into your golden years or seeking practical tips on managing pain and improving joint health, this is the episode. I can’t promise immortality for you or your favorite car, but with the right maintenance, your retirement just might be the joy ride you deserve.

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3 Lessons For Investors: What Would John Bogle Do? Oct 10, 2024

Warren Buffett once said, “If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands-down choice should be Jack Bogle.” By creating index investing, the Vanguard Group founder helped to provide investors with a streamlined and low-cost way to buy broader market-tracking mutual funds.

Though he died in 2019, his lessons continue to light the path toward a financially secure and happy retirement. Reviewing them is a healthy exercise for all those trying to make their hard-earned savings outpace inflation over time.

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Decoding Market Psychology with Dr. Daniel Crosby Oct 03, 2024

Investing for the future can be daunting. And while many of us assume the key is mastering the market’s financial aspects, a persuasive argument says the behavioral side is perhaps even more critical. How we think about money can significantly impact our journey to financial freedom in retirement. But where exactly is that intersection of mind and markets?

Dr. Daniel Crosby is the Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions and a leading voice in decoding market psychology. His books always seem to hit the NY Times Bestseller list or win some kind of investment award, but the truth is that his PhD isn’t in finance or economics but rather in Clinical Psychology.

By applying his research and analysis to everything from financial product design to security selection, he helps others grasp economic behaviorism so they can reap the long-term benefits of making healthy, self-aware decisions.

That sounds pretty compelling to me.

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How the Fed's Rate Cut Could Impact Income Investors + A Deep Dive into Income Investing Strategy Sep 26, 2024

How will the recent Federal Reserve rate cut impact your retirement income? Are your investments at risk or ready to benefit? In today’s episode of Retire Sooner, Wes Moss breaks down the 0.5% interest rate cut announced on September 18th and what it could mean for income investors.

Plus, we revisit our popular episode, “Income Investing: The Process, The Approach, and The Reward,” where Wes dives deep into the fundamentals of income investing. From understanding the emotional side of investing your retirement money to the diverse ways to approach investing, this episode covers it all. Whether you’re just starting your income investment journey or looking for a refresher, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss this crucial discussion! Listen now and let us know your thoughts by leaving a review. Your feedback helps us create the content you care about most!

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Caring For Caretakers with Elizabeth Miller Sep 19, 2024

More than one in five Americans serve as caretakers for an elderly parent or aging relative. How will we know what to do if and when that time comes? Is there someone we can ask? On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes sits down with author and Certified Caregiving Consultant Elizabeth Miller.

Elizabeth’s experiences caring for her aging parents and a brother with a developmental disability while simultaneously raising children and working full-time inspired her to create Happy Health Caregiver LLC, in 2015. As host of the Happy Healthy Caregiver Podcast on The Whole Care Network and author of the Just for You Daily Self-Care Journal, she helps educate others about the big picture, the fine print, and the importance of creating self-care boundaries to ensure everyone, including you, can remain as healthy as possible.

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Defending Core Investment Principles Sep 12, 2024

In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes takes aim at a recent Wall Street Journal article claiming the 60/40 portfolio and 4% retirement withdrawal rate could lead to ‘catastrophic’ outcomes. Wes concedes the author’s point about market unpredictability but rebuts such a gloomy hypothetical. He points to the potentially destructive consequences such an outlook can have on those fighting for retirement security and uses market history to illustrate examples of these time-honored strategies bouncing back from difficult periods.

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The Secret to Happy Aging With Alan Castel Sep 05, 2024

Have you ever met a 75-year-old who seems 40? How about a 30-year-old who seems 50? Why do some folks seem to age like a fine wine while others settle like a lukewarm wine cooler?

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes sits down with Dr. Alan Castel to delve into how we might be able to improve our own aging process. A Professor in UCLA’s Psychology Department, he studies learning, memory, and aging and is particularly interested in how younger and older adults can selectively remember important information.

If you can recall your son’s assist-to-turnover ratio from last year’s lacrosse season but not the name of the neighbor you’ve been waving to for the past 10 years, find out what kind of retrieval practices might enhance your memory. And if you’ve focused extensively on retirement’s financial implications but neglected the psychological side, Dr. Castel’s lessons might be what you need to increase socialization and harness the knowledge of those who have been in similar situations.

Father Time is undefeated, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. Take the steps necessary to increase your odds of getting better with age, and let today’s episode be the first step.

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Foundational Investment Principles of the Retire Sooner Community Aug 29, 2024

Americans have faced immense financial challenges in the past two-plus decades. The Dotcom Bubble sent stock prices down nearly 50% between 2000 and 2002, the Great Recession and Housing Crisis of 2007-2009 cratered stocks more than 55%, and theCOVID-19 Pandemic and shutdowns sent stocks tumbling 30% in a month’s span and led to massive inflation and high interest rates thereafter. In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes admits that a sensible retirement strategy while accounting for unknown future world events can feel overwhelming. However, he believes utilizing the foundational principles of the Retire Sooner community can help increase your probability of achieving the financial freedom that many happy retirees enjoy.

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Retire Sooner Pajama Party Aug 22, 2024

A fulfilling job is great, but being able to do it in your pajamas? Now, we’re talking. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Kerry Hannon, author of “Great Pajama Jobs: Your Complete Guide To Working From Home.” Between that and the dozen other books she’s published, Kerry is a renowned professional on careers, entrepreneurship, and financial planning for older adults.

The smoother your transition into retirement, the sooner you can find the happiness and fulfillment you deserve. Kerry points out three crucial themes to help you get there. From starting a micro-business to using your retirement savings as continuous income to navigating the inter-generational workplace dynamics, Kerry reveals how remote work is completely reshaping opportunities for older workers.

It’s a Retire Sooner Pajama party; you don’t want to miss it.

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How To Handle A Market Selloff Aug 15, 2024

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes examines the recent market crash and analyzes how the Fed’s decisions may have helped lower inflation but negatively affected the housing market and unemployment rate.

Wes acknowledges that the specific challenges can differ for each market downturn but reassures listeners that productive reactions often follow evergreen principles. He then discusses the importance of having enough dry powder for periods of sluggish portfolio earnings. Finally, he digs into the potential stock growth for future retirees willing to practice patience and discipline. What’s a great way to plan for outpacing inflation without extending beyond your risk tolerance? Listen and find out.

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The Scientific Significance Of Fun With Mike Rucker Aug 08, 2024

It’s been said that loneliness is worse for our health than smoking cigarettes. Take a second to inhale that scary thought. In contrast, pro-social behavior triggers the release of oxytocin in our body. That’s the love hormone, and it’s crucial for happiness.

We’ve all had that nagging feeling that we need to spend more leisure time with friends and family. But some of the options out there aren’t realistic. People with careers and families don’t have time for group yoga sessions or all-day escape room parties. In other words, we know what we need to do to be happy but don’t know how to make it happen.

Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit.

Mike uses his “Rucker PLAY Model” to rank fun activities according to their level of challenge. The answers and timetables may be different for everyone, but embracing the overall need for joy and togetherness can help us avoid the unhealthy distractions that come along with isolation.

The reality of modern life is that we don’t have as much free time as we might want, but with a bit of self-empathy and Mike’s creative outlook, we can find ways to dial up the fun meter and increase our happiness.

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Revisiting How To Stay A Millionaire, And Other Lessons from The Millionaire Next Door Aug 01, 2024

In today’s episode, Wes points out that the population of mini-millionaires is growing and that society’s perception of them isn’t always very accurate. Producer Mallory Boggs joins to discuss this latest variant of what authors Thomas Stanley and Bill Danko originally coined, The Millionaire Next Door. They elaborate on five habits that this cohort tends to follow. And Wes points out that although investing is often a critical step to becoming a millionaire, it’s perhaps even more essential in the pursuit of staying a millionaire.

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Parkour and Pickleball: Tips on Active Aging with Erin Eleuterio Jul 25, 2024

In this actionable episode of Retire Sooner, Wes Moss sits down with Erin Eleuterio to explore the importance of physical activity for older adults. Erin shares her unique techniques, like parkour-based fall resiliency training, to help people in their 70s and 80s stay strong and recover from falls. They discuss the benefits of programs such as SilverSneakers, which offers resources for seniors to stay fit. Erin emphasizes the joy and social aspects of movement, rather than just focusing on exercise. She also talks about the growing trend of older adults taking up new activities, like weightlifting and even low-flying trapeze, challenging stereotypes about aging. With practical tips and inspiring stories, this episode highlights how staying active can lead to a healthier, happier retirement.

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Revisiting Three Investing Keys to Help Retirees Sleep Well at Night Jul 18, 2024

On today’s episode, we ponder the question, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer might surprise listeners, and Wes borrows the words of best-selling author Morgan Housel to help discuss the positive and negative psychological effects money can have on retirees. Wes then uses his own “Bucket System” analogy to explain income investing and how three keys can help folks sleep well at night.

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Spending Our Anxieties: The Motivations Of Financial Decision-Making With Christine Moriarty Jul 11, 2024

Morgan Housel’s eye-opening book amplified the idea that the intersection of psychology and money is bigger and more bustling than most of us know. Today’s guest, Christine Moriarty, has dedicated her life to finding harmony between the two.

Christine isn’t the typical CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Despite her finance degree and MBA in Entrepreneurship, she was never even remotely interested in finances. She was always more interested in the people behind them.

Money is just an object. Yet, it has the power to trigger our deepest fears and anxieties. Her mission, as the founder of MoneyPeace, is to help individuals recognize and overcome these emotional barriers, empowering them to achieve peace and prosperity in their financial and personal lives.

She also discusses money and memory and wants to help families plan for the implications the aging process can have on financial situations.

Having worked with thousands of people and shared her insights with publications such as USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Fidelity Focus Magazine, and more, she has often been referred to by her clients as “the cash counselor” or “financial therapist.”

Whether between a husband and wife, a mother and a son, two friends, or even a personal connection with money, relationships can be fraught and complicated. Listening to Christine can help us see the approach needed to improve that dynamic and positively impact our overall quality of life.

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5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Retiring Early Jun 27, 2024

Despite the continued popularity of retiring at 65, many folks are drawn to the allure of an early exit. The promise of more time for family, travel, and core pursuits can be hard to resist—the very mission of this podcast is to help people retire sooner than they ever thought possible.

But as wonderful as an early retirement can be if you can afford it, there are potential hazards for people who don’t take the time to plan. On today’s episode, Wes dives into five common missteps that risk sabotaging the happiness you’ve worked so hard to achieve. With diligent and strategic planning, you can run down the list and make sure all of your ducks are in a row before making your decision.

The right lifestyle and money habits can help you prepare for a secure future so that you can decide the right time to make that future your present.

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From Rejection To Financial Freedom: The Minority Mindset With Jaspreet Singh Jun 20, 2024

Jaspreet Singh’s parents gave him two choices: become a doctor or be a failure. Understandably, he chose medicine, but deep down, he knew it was for all the wrong reasons.

People like Jaspreet are born entrepreneurs. They just see the world a little bit differently. He inherently knew he could be happier and make more money doing something else, and he tried just about everything.

From drumming to an event planning company to law school to real estate, one thing became clear—he needed more funding. So, he came up with a unique idea: a water-resistant athletic sock. He used this innovative product to raise the capital he needed. When a marketing scam lost him thousands of dollars, he started an educational social media page called The Minority Mindset to help other outside-the-box thinkers avoid making the same mistakes.

To his surprise, the YouTube Channel hit 100,000 subscribers, so he put the sock back in the drawer and dedicated himself to making financial education fun and accessible. Today, The Minority Mindset has nearly 2 million subscribers and multiple offshoots, including Briefs Media and the Market Insiders investing education app.

Jaspreet’s brand has helped countless people free themselves from debt and start investing. His story reminds us that, though we all make mistakes, with the right mindset and strategies, we can create our own path to financial success.

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You May Be Able To Retire One (Or Five) Years Sooner Jun 13, 2024

According to a National Institute on Retirement Security report, 79% of Americans agree that there is a retirement crisis. It also revealed that over half of Americans are concerned they won’t be able to achieve financial security.

Retirement insecurity may be a daunting reality, but on today’s episode Wes sets some theoretical parameters to illustrate potential scenarios and how they might positively affect the future. Planning for retirement can be challenging, but Wes points out that with self-discipline, some savings, and time, happiness and financial freedom may be within reach sooner than you think.

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How To Stay Young As We Age with Doctor Dawn Carr Jun 06, 2024

We all know that older person who just seems so young. How do they pull it off? Did they hit the genetic jackpot? Or do their lifestyle habits act as a fountain of youth?

Doctor Dawn Carr has answers. With a PhD in Sociology and Gerontology, she directs the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University and is a former researcher at the Stanford Center on Longevity.

What I loved about Dawn was that, unlike so many in her field, she has concrete solutions to many of life’s challenges. She doesn’t just identify the problems or hand out vague suggestions. She has a litmus test for determining a person’s social health. How many close friends should we have? How cognitively complex should our daily activities be? Can more sleep help prevent mental decline? Answering her specific questions can help us determine how to maximize the vibrancy of youth while we age.

No one has a magic wand. We’re all getting older. But listening to Dawn Carr might help you enjoy the process.

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Investing At Market All-Time Highs May 30, 2024

According to a recent Schroders study, just 4% of current retirees say they are “living the dream,” while another 4% report they are “living a nightmare.” On today’s show, Wes lists some primary concerns, including inflation and unpredictable market fluctuations. He then relates it to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, each hitting all-time highs in May 2024, and how market history can possibly serve as a guide for long-term investing. Producer Mallory also stops by to compare and contrast her mom’s happy retiree core pursuits with her dad’s desire to keep working. Wes builds on this by describing a postcard he received from some happy retirees who are currently spending six months at sea.

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The Millionaire Mission with Brian Preston May 23, 2024

You work hard for your money. But what if your money could work even harder for you? Brian Preston says there’s a way to make that happen. It’s called taking control of your financial freedom, and in his new book “Millionaire Mission,” he makes the case that it’s simpler than you think.

I’ve known Brian for a long time. His podcast, “The Money Guy Show,” is incredibly popular. Sure, he’s got a bunch of impressive initials after his name, but what makes Brian so fascinating is how he lives his message. His wealth didn’t come from anything flashy. He built it through saving and investing as a business owner.

Brian’s high school economics teacher told the class that if they invested just $100 per month, one day, they’d be millionaires. Brian was listening. While others were daydreaming about a new truck or the big game, his passion for personal finance was ignited. I’m guessing that didn’t make him the most popular kid in school, but much like compounding interest, it sure paid off later.

Navigating life’s obstacles as we plan for retirement can feel like a riddle wrapped in an enigma. But Brian’s message can demystify the process and show you the way to build transformative wealth with the tools you already have available.

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A 6% Withdrawal Rate: Crazy or Possible? May 16, 2024

Running out of money may be retirement’s most frightening concern, so it’s not surprising that people want to know how much of their nest egg they can safely spend. The 4% rule, identified by William Bengen, states that retirees who draw down 4% of their portfolio in the first year of retirement, adjusting every year for inflation, will likely see their money outlive them, assuming the portfolio has a 50-75% allocation to stocks. But what about people who want or need to spend more than that? Is 6% too high?

On today’s episode, Wes breaks down the pros and cons and estimates the probability of success for a 6% withdrawal rate rather than 4%. With careful consideration and planning, he looks for a way to help listeners max out spending without running out of money.

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Finding Hope with Chan Hellman May 09, 2024

Chan Hellman was nearly suicidal until someone in his life gave him hope. Now, he works to spread it to others. As the founding Director of The Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma, his research is focused on hope as a psychological strength for children, adults, and families experiencing trauma and adversity.

Chan believes one key is to start small. If your goal is to get healthy, that doesn’t have to mean a gold medal in the Olympics. Just go buy some running shoes.

His research shows there is no such thing as too much hope. Even when the chances are slim, there are usually pathways to get where you want to go.

In today’s episode, Chan teaches us how to find hope and implement it in our lives. He says imagination is the instrument of hope. We don’t have to summit the mountain in one day, but if we can imagine our future selves reaching wherever it is we want to go, it generates the willpower and motivation it takes to get there.

And if none of that hooks you, he even uses the Marvel movies as an example. If he can find hope for Iron Man, I know he can find it for you and me!

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Answering Your Top Retirement Questions: Part 2 May 02, 2024

On today’s episode, Wes welcomes Producer Mallory to the studio to tackle more questions from the hypothetical Retire Sooner conference. They analyze options for when to take Social Security, examine the idea of downsizing or relocating in retirement, review three habits that many happy retirees seem to incorporate into their lives, and discuss which tax considerations retirees might want to keep in mind when planning for the future.

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Tweaking Your Anxiety Settings with Dr. John Delony Apr 25, 2024

We live in a 21st-century world, and our brains haven’t quite caught up. They’re designed to look out for the Saber-toothed tiger, not a million dings and beeps from smartphones. It’s no surprise that anxiety is a massive problem in modern-day life.

But Dr. John Delony says anxiety isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just an alarm system to keep us safe, and we can learn to tweak the settings.

John is a two-time bestselling author, holds two PhDs, spent over twenty years working in crisis response, and now hosts The Dr. John Delony Show on Dave Ramsey’s network.

John says that despite the good intentions of innovation, we’ve designed a world we just weren’t meant to live in. Trucks do the heavy lifting, air conditioners keep us cool, and algorithms decide what we experience. Our ancestors had to adjust to life’s challenges, and that’s what kept them healthy and connected. It’s easier to become overweight when you don’t have to move. And it’s harder to form a community when you can sit inside alone all day.

Many of us are less happy and more anxious, and John knows how to help change that. He helps people navigate tough decisions, improve their relationships, and accept that they are worthy of happiness. I know I could use some of that. And I’m pretty sure you could, too.

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Retire Sooner Conference Part One: Are You Pushing A Mower Or Riding A John Deere Lawn Tractor? Apr 18, 2024

On today's episode, Wes is joined by Producer Mallory Boggs. They brainstorm the idea of holding a “Retire Sooner Conference” and answer some of the questions the attendees might ask the panel.

Using his retirement calculator, Wes explores what constitutes a solid retirement plan and how much inflation needs to be considered. Then, combining his Retire Sooner Team’s research with analysis from The Ramsey Network’sDr. John Delony about the burden of debt, Wes answers whether people should or should not pay off their mortgage at retirement age. Next, he runs through how people can plan for their savings to last the duration of retirement, emphasizing how critical it is to become a tomorrow investor. Finally, he suggests that saving alone is like pushing a manual mower, while investing is like riding a John Deere Lawn Tractor. Which one would you rather use to get the job done?

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Financial Freedom For Expats with Edd and Cynthia Staton Apr 11, 2024

Edd and Cynthia Staton’s retirement plans were on track. Then, the 2008 Financial Crisis hit. Their careers disappeared, their home lost its value, and their savings plummeted. Realizing recovery was unlikely, they needed to come up with a Plan B.

And boy, did they ever.

In 2010, they moved to Cuenca, Ecuador. Don’t worry, they didn’t know where that was, either. But now they love it! They live in a 3,000-square-foot penthouse apartment, have a housekeeper, eat out frequently, never worry about health care costs, and walk to their favorite yoga studio.

And they aren’t the only ones. According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees drawing Social Security outside of the U.S. surged 40% between 2007 and 2017.

Edd and Cynthia are now seen as expat experts in retirement, traveling, and health and wellness. They’ve authored three Amazon #1 best-selling books, are regularly featured in major media, and run their own online program called Retirement Reimagined!

They believe the key to finding retirement happiness is not having to worry about money. As that becomes more challenging in the U.S., they may be saying hello to a lot more expat neighbors.

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The Dog Chasing Tail Investment Strategy Apr 04, 2024

On today’s show, Wes is joined by Producer Mallory to elaborate on the pitfalls of fleeing the market during turbulent times. They comment on the shell shock of the Covid-19 lockdowns back in 2020 and how tempting it was for fearful investors to yank their money out of the market. Wes empathizes with the temptation but explains that letting the dog chase the tail rather than trusting in a balanced, diversified portfolio can have disastrous ramifications. Wes reveals that time in the market typically beats timing the market, and participation usually trumps perfection.

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How To Strengthen The Aging Brain with Dr. Nicole Byers Mar 28, 2024

We all know aging comes with cognitive challenges, but how early do they start? Sometimes, I forget my email password or where I put my car keys. Should I be worried? Dr. Nicole Byers came by to give us some fascinating answers, including the magical age when it can be beneficial to consume MORE calories.

With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a dissertation focused on the aging brain, she’s written extensively about brain health for Psychology Today.

A neuropsychologist, TEDx speaker, and CEO of Rocky Mountain Neurosciences in Calgary, Canada, her passion is helping women in leadership rewire the unhelpful brain defaults that keep them stuck so they can take significant steps in their careers without getting in their own way or burning out.

We all want to know how to keep our brains healthy for as long as possible. Who better to ask than someone who has dedicated her life to the topic? Stick around for some pearls of wisdom from Dr. Nicole Byers.

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My Favorite Lessons From The Psychology Of Money: Part Two Mar 21, 2024

In part two of Wes’ favorite takeaways from Morgan Housel’s bestselling book, The Psychology of Money, he teams up with Producer Mallory to discuss the power of tail events, the misconception of money and respect, the illusion of wealth, the simple act of saving, how reasonable is greater than rational, expecting the unexpected, leaving room for error, financial bubbles, the seduction of pessimism, the lure of appealing fiction, and money confessions. They wrap it all into a profound exploration of how our behaviors, beliefs, and backgrounds shape financial decisions and ultimately move us toward a more thoughtful, contented, and independent life.

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12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age with Chip Conley Mar 14, 2024

You can’t say the word “midlife” without imagining a crisis. An aging bald guy who cheats on his wife and buys a sports car to fill the void. But Chip Conley says we’re looking at it all wrong. The midlife age range has been unfairly branded, and he’s on a mission to change it. He co-founded MEA, the Modern Elder Academy, in 2018. The world's first ‘midlife wisdom school’ has a campus in Baja, California, and a new one is opening in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They help folks navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

They have teachers you’d recognize, like Dan Buettner of Blue Zones fame—a favorite of ours on the Retire Sooner podcast. As if that weren’t enough, Chip is a New York Times bestselling author, the former Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy at Airbnb, and a 2023 TED talk speaker.

He wants to help people understand the upside of this often misunderstood life stage. I think he makes a pretty compelling case.

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Lessons From The Psychology Of Money: Part One Mar 07, 2024

On today’s episode, Wes is joined by producer Mallory for part one of their discussion about the biggest takeaways from Morgan Housel’s bestselling book The Psychology of Money. They cover concepts such as the influence of personal history, the freedom money can offer, luck and risk, knowing how much is enough, the power of compounding, getting wealthy vs. staying wealthy, and unexpected outcomes.

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TED Talks and Infectious Generosity With Chris Anderson Feb 29, 2024

On today’s episode, Wes explains the generosity component of the Retire Sooner podcast and welcomes Chris Anderson to the show. Chris is the curator of TED, a nonprofit media organization that leverages the power of ideas to make a better future, perhaps more well-known for its TED Talks Series. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller TED Talks and has overseen the introduction of TEDx, TED-Ed, TED Fellows, and the Audacious Project, a new form of collaborative philanthropy.

Chris describes his new book, Infectious Generosity, as his way of fighting against the increasingly divided world and how the internet and social media platforms have contributed to it. He makes his case for shifting the conversation from a negative outlook to one that dreams about positive possibilities. He wants people to look for and amplify the good in online interactions. Wes then describes how Chris’s lessons can help give people an enduring sense of gratitude and guidance in finding outlets for it.

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Three Investing Keys to Help Retirees Sleep Well at Night Feb 22, 2024

On today’s episode, we ponder the question, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer might surprise listeners, and Wes borrows the words of best-selling author Morgan Housel to help discuss the positive and negative psychological effects money can have on retirees. Wes then uses his own “Bucket System” analogy to explain income investing and how three keys can help folks sleep well at night.

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Reinventing Yourself In Retirement With Steve Tarr Feb 15, 2024

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with Steve Tarr, a Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to discuss how difficult the retirement transition can be for busy and successful people. Using the SOAR Program as a guide, they analyze the positive effects of discovering new pathways to meaning, community, and purpose and how they can lead to retirement happiness.

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What Retirees Need To Know About A New Bull Market And The Hidden Strength Dividends Feb 08, 2024

Capital Investments Advisors Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to discuss the excitement around the market finally recouping its 2022 losses and forging into bull market territory. Then, they delve into the hidden market strength of dividends and what retirees need to know about the opportunities they can provide.

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Navigating the ABCs and D of Medicare with Mary Beth Franklin Feb 01, 2024

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes welcomes back Mary Beth Franklin. This time, she takes on the herculean task of simplifying Medicare. They get into the differences between Medicare A, B, C, D, Advantage Plans, Gap Plans, and Supplemental Coverage. Mary Beth lays out which options might suit which people, depending on their lifestyles. She flags when it could be ideal to pay for the more expensive plan and when the cheaper selection could suffice. She gets into the weeds on age, tax requirements, and how to avoid penalties. She tells Wes what Medicare looks like for American citizens living abroad, sets the record straight on Medicare vs. Medicaid, and explains why paying FICA payroll taxes all those years doesn’t make your retirement coverage free. As always, Mary Beth keeps Wes on his toes. Listen and find out why.

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Will Nick Saban Be A Happy Retiree? Jan 25, 2024

On today’s episode of Retire Sooner, Wes welcomes Happiest Retirees podcast host Ryan Doolittle to discuss college football legend Nick Saban’s recent retirement. They delve into his famous coaching process, looking for helpful financial and life-planning tips. Using Saban’s specific principles, they lay out the case for focusing on the process rather than the outcome to achieve a happy retirement. What are Coach Saban’s own chances for a happy retirement? Listen and find out.

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How Retirees Can Optimize Their Social Security Benefits with Mary Beth Franklin Jan 18, 2024

Social Security can be an essential stream of income for retirees on a fixed income. Unfortunately, the seemingly endless rules and regulations can overwhelm even the most informed applicants. In today’s Retire Sooner episode, Social Security ace Mary Beth Franklin joins Wes to bring listeners the most up-to-date information and context about avoiding pitfalls and maximizing benefits.

In a dynamic conversation, Wes channels the questions of many Americans. He even puts Mary on the hot seat about whether or not Social Security funds will last for future generations. You may be surprised by her opinion.

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2024 Outlook: A Whole New World Jan 11, 2024

In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes is joined by Capital Investment Advisors Co-Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller. They discuss the possibility of 2024 ushering in “A Whole New World” for markets, investors, and retirees.

They reiterate that purchasing power is a perennial goal for the happy retiree. Inflation lay nearly dormant from 2009 to 2020 as if it were a prehistoric beast frozen deep inside an Arctic glacier. Unfortunately, the government’s post-pandemic monetary tidal wave reawakened it. Because of that, folks may need to adjust in 2024 to stay ahead of the curve.

Wes and Connor run through recent and long-term history and search for the clues that could determine what’s to come in the year ahead.

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Dave Ramsey Says You Can Withdraw 8% From Your Retirement Portfolio Jan 04, 2024

Anyone in the Retire Sooner family knows how passionate Wes is about the 4 Percent Rule—William Bengen’s rule of thumb that originally discovered retirees who draw down 4 percent of their portfolio in the first year of retirement and then adjust this amount yearly for inflation would likely see their money outlive them, assuming a 50 to 75 percent allocation in stocks.

On today’s episode, Wes discusses Dave Ramsey’s recent controversial statements about doubling the number to 8 percent. You read that correctly—8 percent! Wes runs Ramsey’s claims against data from Robert Shiller, an economist at the Yale School of Management, and attempts to set the record straight on how much people can safely expect to spend during retirement.

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Happy Holidays From The Retire Sooner Team Dec 21, 2023

Happy holidays to my favorite happy retirees and aspiring retirees! The Retire Sooner Team is taking a little time off to step away from the office and connect with friends and family. We'll be back with a new season in January with more fun episodes that I hope will help push you to retire that much sooner and happier.

If you have any ideas on topics you'd like for us to cover in the near year, please let us know! Visit the Contact page on RetireSoonerTeam.com. Those messages come straight to me and the Retire Sooner Team. We'd love to hear from you!

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A Gold Medal for Positivity with Scott Hamilton Dec 14, 2023

Arguably the most recognized male figure skater in the world, Scott Hamilton has won seventy titles, awards, and honors, including an Emmy nomination, induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. He later became a fan-favorite analyst/commentator, performer, producer, and best-selling author. He even shared the big screen with Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler in the classic comedy Blades of Glory.

As fierce as the competition was in the skating rink, he’s experienced even more challenges off the ice. Scott lost his mother to cancer and survived four separate rounds of it in his own life. Now, he makes sure his actions are meaningful physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Otherwise, he says, it’s as unbalanced as sitting in a three-legged chair.

Now married with four children, Scott is an activist, having launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). He also founded several education and survivorship programs, events, and galas designed to fund research into cancer treatments that spare patients harm.

Scott believes in the adage that courage is fear that’s said its prayers. We tend to think bad things only happen to other people, but once we accept reality, we can take responsibility for our own longevity and get to work changing our lives for the better.

Scott believes the only true disability in life is a bad attitude. And now, the man famous for his backflips is fully committed to moving forward.

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How To Stay A Millionaire, And Other Lessons from The Millionaire Next Door Dec 07, 2023

In today’s episode, Wes points out that the population of mini-millionaires is growing and that society’s perception of them isn’t always very accurate. Producer Mallory Boggs joins to discuss this latest variant of what authors Thomas Stanley and Bill Danko originally coined, The Millionaire Next Door. They elaborate on five habits that this cohort tends to follow. And Wes points out that although investing is often a critical step to becoming a millionaire, it’s perhaps even more essential in the pursuit of staying a millionaire.

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Protecting Your Finances with Amy Nofziger Nov 30, 2023

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with a woman who has dedicated her life to finding ways to protect retirement assets.

As the director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, Amy Nofziger has nearly two decades of experience in fraud prevention and victim support. A certified fraud examiner, she’s worked with the Wall Street Journal, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and Dr. Phil, among others, to shed light on consumer exploitation.

The heinous nature of fraudsters is matched only by their cunning methods. Amy’s seen everything from business impersonators to LinkedIn scams to Crypto gift cards. There was even a guy named the Tinder Swindler who used romance to con unsuspecting women.

Amy says fraud happens to people of all ages, but because older folks tend to have more money, they are bigger targets. $8.8 billion was reported lost last year, and due to underreporting, that number might be ten to twenty times higher. Sadly, most people never see their money again.

Our best weapon to protect our finances is awareness. Learn from Amy so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Revisiting One Trick To Change Your Relationship With Money From Ken Honda Nov 23, 2023

Is your relationship with money holding you back from finding financial success? Many of us have a rocky relationship with money, but if we looked at our capital from a different perspective, this could possibly change our outlook and relationship with money.

To aid us in improving our connection with our funds and uncover the trick we need to change our relationship with money, Wes sits down with Ken Honda, a worldwide, well-known author whose books have sold more than 8 million copies, including his latest book called Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money. Ken shares how the Japanese look at retirement, explains happy money versus unhappy money, and talks about fairness when it comes to how much money you possess. He also reveals two ways to find peace and happiness with money, how appreciating your funds can help you appreciate other things in your life, and defines invisible and visible assets. To wrap up the episode Ken and Wes touch on teaching children about money, happy money for senior citizens compared to children, and a problem he sees with poverty.

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The Age Wave with Ken Dychtwald Nov 16, 2023

When Betty White died in 2021, we were somehow surprised. Even at 99-years-old, it felt like she was gone too soon. Smokey Robinson just released a new album at 83 years of age. Martha Stewart posed in a bathing suit on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 81.

How we think about aging is much different than it used to be, and Ken Dychtwald is one of the foremost authorities on these changing perceptions. For more than 45 years, he’s been an original thinker on the lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic, and workforce implications of the age wave.

In today’s episode, he tells us that older adults no longer have to put up with being called “golden agers” because they’re too busy leading vibrant, productive lives beyond traditional retirement. As shown by the growing unretirement trend across the country, happy retirees don’t necessarily stop working. They just start saying “no” to the things they never liked in the first place.

With a mindset of 'usefulness' over 'youthfulness,' Ken Dychtwald encourages older individuals to balance work and personal pursuits. He wants them to focus on the significance of life's moments and connections and reimagine retirement as a dynamic stage of life.

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Revisiting Five Financial Secrets Of The Happiest Retirees Nov 09, 2023

Although numerous habits make up the structure of a happy retiree, financial habits play a large part in creating the fulfilling retirement you’ve always dreamed of and being able to fund your additional interests.

In this episode, Wes breaks down the five financial secrets of the happiest retirees based on research from his latest book, What The Happiest Retirees Know, and reveals how these patterns are fundamental to building wealth and living a comfortable retirement.

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Unretirement, Purpose, and a Paycheck—How Older Workers Can Create a Stronger and More Vibrant Economy with Chris Farrell Nov 02, 2023

The term “Unretirement” is popping up more and more these days, and Chris Farrell literally wrote the book on it. After years of studying and reporting on the economy for PBS Next Avenue and Bloomberg Businessweek, Chris’ latest book, Purpose and Paycheck, further drives home the point that, at our core, humans have a deep need to be useful.

A leading voice of the Unretirement movement, Chris joins Wes to share his thoughts on why so many Baby Boomers have decided to embrace the Unretirement lifestyle on their terms. He describes the creative attempts people are using to leverage career experience as a way of carving new paths. If you think of yourself as someone who might want to unretire, today’s episode is for you.

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Life Catalysts Along Your Retirement Journey Oct 26, 2023

Change is a natural part of life. The more we lean in to that change, the better we can plan for and adjust to its consequences. On today’s episode, Wes points out some of the common catalysts for that change, and how we can ultimately make them work for our own retirement happiness.

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The Shred Method with Adam Carroll: Part 2 Oct 19, 2023

How do banks calculate the amount due on your monthly mortgage payment? Here’s a hint: it’s not based on an intrinsic desire to benefit you. Banks are in business to make money; you are their compound interest vehicle. In part two of our interview with Adam Carroll, he tells Wes about the Shred Method: a step-by-step guide to optimize your income, eliminate debt, and build real wealth and home equity in a much faster way than the typical 30-year mortgage. He also shares tips for building massive, passive, and permanent income in the pursuit of retiring sooner.

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Wes Answers Listener Questions Oct 12, 2023

On today’s show, Wes takes some time to answer listener questions. He covers the different phases of retirement, the pros and cons of keeping more than one property at a time, and why some folks have been apprehensive about the recent bond market. If you have a question for Wes, call 800-805-6301 to leave a voicemail or head to our Facebook group and write a comment.

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A Monopoly on Financial Literacy with Adam Carroll: Part 1 Oct 05, 2023

Imagine playing Monopoly with actual money. Adam Carroll put $10,000 cash on the board and made his kids roll the dice. He wanted them to learn money's true value before entering the real world. From virtual tokens to Apple Pay to mom and dad’s wallet, kids aren’t often exposed to the concept that there is a literal price to pay for the goods and services we need and desire. On today’s episode he’ll explain that and his methodology for paying college tuition without incurring massive debt.

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Unretirement—Three Reasons Retirees Are Returning To Work Sep 28, 2023

Today, Wes wades into the concept of Unretirement. Multiple studies suggest that some Americans return to work six months or a year after retiring. There are several reasons for the trend. Wes explains the potential motivations and lists essential factors folks need to consider when making this decision. Whether you’re looking for a renewed sense of purpose or a change to your financial situation, you don’t want to miss this episode.

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The Happiest Retirees with Ryan Doolittle Sep 21, 2023

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with Ryan Doolittle, host of the Retire Sooner Team’s brand new podcast: Happiest Retirees. Ryan tells Wes that he originally came up with the idea as a way to talk less about philosophy and more about the actual people on the ground, living happy lives in retirement. How did they discover the core pursuits that gave them purpose and passion and how did they make them a reality? By going straight to the source, Ryan hopes the show will shine a light on the road map and provide inspiration for others looking to find happiness.

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Good Returns Come to Those Who Wait Sep 14, 2023

On today’s show, Wes talks about what Warren Buffett called the “rising tide.” Wes feels the bad news about higher interest rates is good news for income investors. By combining the rising stock dividends, the concept of yield at cost over time, and higher interest rates paying more income, Wes has seen the typically diversified growth/income portfolio looking more robust than it has in a long time.

The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any company. The listener should not assume that an investment in the securities identified was or will be profitable.

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Revisiting The Unvarnished Truth Of What Humans Really Want With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Sep 07, 2023

What does your digital footprint say about what you want?

Data scientist, author of best-seller "Everybody Lies," and speaker Seth Stephens-Davidowitz sits down with Wes Moss to talk about how data can reveal societal and personal trends in desires, psychology, wealth building, and more. This includes when you become a sports fan, who you seek out for romantic partners and how you present yourself to them, and what activities are ranked as the happiest to do. Seth explains how he went from just reviewing data to using it to make his life decisions, and gives examples of how listening to his own data has made a difference for him. As for what data he encourages retirees to pay attention to, listen in to learn!

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Why We Believe The 4 Percent Rule Is Here To Stay Aug 31, 2023

Suze Orman recently called the 4 Percent Rule “very dangerous” and said, “It doesn’t work anymore.” In today’s episode, Wes joins forces with Connor Miller, Co-Chief Investment Officer for Capital Investment Advisors, to fight against those statements. Using market history, they defend the legitimacy of what they feel has been a solid retirement strategy since William Bengen discovered it in the mid-1990s. Giving specific examples, they lay out the case for this dynamic, flexible rule of thumb as a roadmap for a happy retirement.

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Revisiting The Art of Slowing Down Your Life with Carl Honore Aug 24, 2023

We’re revisiting a listener favorite this week that was originally released in March of 2022. The Retire Sooner Team believes this message from Carl Honore about slowing down is more relevant than ever.

Our world is built on speed. From our lives to the stock market, even retirement, we aim to tackle every task as quickly as possible; but when is it time to reduce speed and pump the brakes? While our first instinct is to hurry, as humans, we must remind ourselves that being slow is not about doing everything as fast as possible but as smart as possible.

In this episode, Carl Honore, Journalist, TED Speaker, and Author of “In Praise of Slow,” joins Wes Moss to talk through the “slow movement” and the importance of finding your inner tortoise. Carl reveals the root of his fast-paced life, taking a slow approach to money, and how slowing down grants us time to reflect. He also touches on ageism, unveils the signs of being stuck in fast forward as well as three tips for slowing down your life.

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Driving Through The Smoke: Participation vs. Perfection Aug 17, 2023

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes conveys his dismay at the abundance of scary headlines bombarding Americans these days. With unsettling bylines flooding our news feeds, he says it’s understandable for people to consider pulling money out of the market. But is that productive? Using a lesson he learned from Tom Cruise’s 1990 racing film Days of Thunder, Wes points to the statistical advantage of staying the course even when your survival instincts tell you otherwise. Pointing to specific examples from market history, Wes demonstrates how time in the market often beats any attempt to time the market.

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Revisiting Farm-aceuticals And How Food Impacts Health with Dr. William Li Aug 10, 2023

Medicines help to treat illness within the body, but what if we replaced filling a prescription with filling our bags at the farmer’s market with foods that can heal our bodies from the inside out? Dr. William Li, world-renowned physician, scientist, TED speaker, and author of “Eat To Beat Disease," joins this episode to share just how much food can impact our health.

Dr. William Li provides his definition of being healthy, tips for kickstarting your health journey, and how there are five health defense systems that are crucial to our bodies. He also explains why we should explore new foods, especially in retirement, and lists foods and beverages that can be toxic to our diet. Additionally, Dr. Li shares an in-depth explanation of angiogenesis and why it’s vital to the maintenance of our body and defending our health. We wrap up with Dr. Li sharing how he takes a scientific approach to unlocking foods' nutrients as medicine, and he reveals what the future looks like for discovering these healthy foods.

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Unlocking the Lessons of Blue Zones with Dan Buettner Aug 03, 2023

Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss revisits one of his favorite interviews from his radio show, Money Matters. He talked about Blue Zones - areas in the world where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives - with renowned explorer, educator, and expert on longevity from National Geographic, Dan Buettner. From diet to social connections to DNA, they explore many factors that impact our well-being. This includes the benefits of having a sense of purpose and passion, a key tenant of the Retire Sooner mission. Wes and Dan also explain which health and happiness strategies different Blue Zones across the globe excel at, offering inspiration and considerations for living longer and retiring happier. Originally recorded in 2019 for Money Matters on 95.5 WSB in Atlanta, there are timeless lessons we hope listeners will take from this discussion.

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How To Find and Achieve What You Want With Jennice Vilhauer Jul 27, 2023

For a lot of people, what they want and what they expect can be two very different things. This may include those in their 30s and 40s who want to be able to retire but don't expect they'll be able to.

Dr. Jennice Vilhauer is a psychologist, author, and the developer of Future Directed Therapy. On today's Retire Sooner, she lends her expertise around activating a future-connected mindset to explain ways people can help themselves work toward what they want in life. Wes and Dr. Vilhauer go over depression's effect on thinking about the future, exercises in flipping negative thinking to positive, and the importance of mindfulness. Wes says that more than anyone he's ever met, Dr. Vilhauer has sold him on mindful meditation and discusses her best-selling book, "Think Forward to Thrive: How to Use the Mind's Power of Anticipation to Transcend Your Past and Transform Your Life."

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Revisiting 5 Reasons To Retire Sooner Jul 20, 2023

Today on Retire Sooner, we're revisiting one of our most popular topics of the year: five reasons why someone may want to retire as soon as they can! Wes talks through catalysts for retiring, dives into the retirement transition, and shares comments from listeners regarding their retirement. He also reveals financial checkpoints of happy retirees and provides his insights on retiring happy.

Disclosure:

This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein.

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Talking Real Estate With One Of The Top Agents In The Country, Bonneau Ansley Jul 13, 2023

One of the top real estate agents in the US, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and Georgia Bulldog, Bonneau Ansley does it all. On Retire Sooner, he sits down with Wes Moss to tell his story of success. From building houses and developing to becoming an agent and buying an international luxury real estate network, Ansley has followed his passion to achieve massive success. Along the way he's weathered literal fire, overcome the 2008 economic crisis, turned his dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder to his advantage, and unlocked the housing market power of the COVID-19 pandemic's work-from-home movement. Wes also brings up Ansley's book, podcast, and the top places Ansley would love to live himself. They wrap up the episode with why Atlanta is still an amazing place to live and move to.

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A Retire Sooner Podcast Announcement Jul 06, 2023

The Retire Sooner Team is taking a break this week to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. Next week Wes will be talking real estate with one of the top agents in the country, Bonneau Ansley.

In the meantime, listen to your favorite Retire Sooner episodes at wesmoss.com/podcast or your favorite

podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes with tips on living a happy and

fulfilling retirement.

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How Neuroscience Proves The Importance of Making & Maintaining Personal Connections With Michael Platt Jun 29, 2023

In the field of neuroscience, it’s easy to ask questions. This week's Retire Sooner guest, Michael Platt, is known for developing innovative ways to find the answers.

A professor of Brain Science for Business at the esteemed Wharton School, Platt joins Wes Moss to talk about the brain science of loneliness and some ways one can improve the health of your personal connections to help nurture your happiness later in life. They look at what types of data trigger our brains for marketing, business, and interpersonal purposes. Platt also explains why our social circles may get smaller as we get older, and why maintaining long or deep friendships may be harder for men than women. He also notes how the big social move to Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our abilities to connect with each other, as well as the long-term and gender-related effects of social media.

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Wes's 10 Favorite Lessons From Retire Sooner Podcast Guests Jun 22, 2023

On this special episode of Retire Sooner, Wes Moss shares ten of his favorite lessons learned from previous Retire Sooner podcast guests! He recaps topics such as second-act careers, wealth accumulation, and legacy planning. Wes also delves into what he learned from previous Retire Sooner guests about the importance of belonging to a community, finding purpose, and trying new things as adults. He digs into insights from guests such as travel writer Don George, author Mitch Albom, and financial expert Bill Danko. Join Wes to look back on these key lessons on how to retire happy and make the most of life's adventures!

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How To Have Difficult, Yet Productive Conversations With Douglas Stone Jun 15, 2023

In difficult conversations, do you notice you or your conversant trying to "win" the discussion instead of listening to each other's perspectives?

Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss is joined by Douglas Stone, author, speaker, and lecturer on negotiation at Harvard Law School, to talk about navigating difficult conversations. Whether the subject of the conversation is financial, medical, or an interpersonal conflict, there are some discussions that can feel awkward, tense, or become argumentative.

Stone explores some ways that can be effective to start such conversations, engage empathy around the emotions and identities tied into them, and reach a mutually understood outcome. Wes also brings up blind spots we can all have in the way we talk to others and what we can do about them. They also explain productive ways to receive feedback and wrap up the episode with how liberating it can be to accept your own limitations with other people.

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12 Lessons For Investors From Matthew McConaughey's 2015 Graduation Speech Jun 08, 2023

A-list actor Matthew McConaughey is not only a beloved American talent, but an excellent speaker. His 2015 speech to University of Texas graduates is a prime and popular example, and one that Wes Moss found especially inspiring. While McConaughey's speech was targeted to fresh graduates starting their life and career journeys, Wes found much of the advice applicable to prepping for an early retirement, planning for your financial future, and being a better investor. So, in today's episode of Retire Sooner, Wes outlines the twelve insights he gleaned from this famous speech and how they can apply to your own financial life.

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Navigating Financial Conflict In Marriage With Tracy Coenen Jun 01, 2023

If there's ever a concern about whether a partner is financially cheating or fudging the numbers on finances, you better hope Tracy Coenen is busy doing something else!

Author of three books on fraud and embezzlement with more than 500 forensic accounting engagements completed, Tracy Coenen has spent more than 25 years investigating fraud. In this Retire Sooner episode, she joins Wes Moss to discuss forensic accounting and dig into signs that your spouse may be financially cheating on you. Tracy regales many examples she's seen of marital and divorce-related financial fraud and how she uses investment records, tax returns, bank statements, and even behavioral changes and social media to find the truth. She also shares her insights on how to have potentially difficult money conversations with your partner so that you both remain informed about marital finances. Tracy also shares how couples can use utilize resources such as her Red Flag Assessment and online Marriage, Divorce, and Post-Divorce Money Guides to navigate financial conversations.

Red flag assessment quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/632a004f8a1cce0016078fd6

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The Guide To Inflation For Investors: The Wilting Dollar May 25, 2023

Do the dollars in your wallet seem to be wilting as prices increase?

In this episode, Wes Moss and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs discuss the worth of a dollar and price volatility at every level of purchase power. Whether you noticed price increases for a bottle of soda or a new car, we’re all experiencing the impact of rising costs. First, Wes shares insights about the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, though he notes that those differ from what investors should consider looking at right now. Next, he explains the US economy’s inflation, deflation, and avenues for capital once you've saved enough emergency cash. Finally, Wes and Mallory wrap up the episode with a few final thoughts and good news for investors.

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DARE to Discover Your Purpose with George Jerjian May 18, 2023

Discover. Assimilate. Rewire. Expand. These are the four tenets of George Jerijan's DARE Method™ of teaching retirees to embrace passion, prosperity, and purpose. A retirement and mindset coach, Emmy award winning producer, and multi-industry author, Jerijan joins Wes Moss in this Retire Sooner episode to talk about how attracting your purpose rather than chasing the dollar can lead to a happier retirement. Based on his own experiences with health scares, semi-retiring, and surveying retirement-age concerns, Jerijan explains how he's living the life he truly desires now and aims to help retirees find their own new beginnings. Wes concludes the episode agreeing that it's not just money, but intangibles like mindset, that guides the mission of the Retire Sooner podcast to help people retire sooner.

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Key Takeaways from AIR: The Story of Nike and Michael Jordan May 11, 2023

In today's episode, Wes Moss shares his watch experience of the film Air with Retire Sooner producer, Mallory Boggs. Air is the new movie directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and others that depicts Nike signing Michael Jordan to one of the most lucrative shoe deals of all time in 1984. Wes and Mallory discuss the film's relation to fantasy football, Warren Buffett's concept of the American Tailwind, and how one corporate idea can create a billion-dollar company.

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Money Scripts and Understanding Our Subconscious Beliefs Around Finances with Ted Klontz May 04, 2023

Do you know why you make the financial decisions you do?

On today's Retire Sooner episode, associate professor of Practice and Financial Psychology at Creighton University and director of the Financial Psychology Institute®, Ted Klontz, joins Wes Moss to discuss our subconscious beliefs about money that control behavior. Klontz explains the importance and assessment of Money Scripts®, beliefs that are rooted in our childhood that ultimately shape our financial health. They go on to discuss the mindset around saving, the practice of exquisite listening, and the advantage of curiosity over judgment when it comes to your relationship with money.

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Why Economic Forecasts Are Irrelevant To Investors (The Warren Buffett Mindset) Apr 27, 2023

Why might famed businessman and investor Warren Buffett respond, “I don’t care,” when asked about a recession?

Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss dives into the Buffett mindset of sticking to your principles in long-term investing decisions and looking toward economic growth. In doing so, he discusses one investing planning strategy that could be essential to the journey of retiring sooner: investing in companies versus stocks. Taking Federal Reserve forecasts for 2023 into consideration, many companies can still survive, thrive, and have great returns. The episode concludes with the inspiration that having even a bit of the Buffett mindset may help you retire sooner than you think!

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How To Communicate About Finances Before and During Marriage with Aaron Thomas Apr 20, 2023

Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss sits down with the three-time winner of Atlanta’s Best Divorce Attorney, Aaron Thomas, also the founder of Prenups.com.

As Aaron and Prenups.com will tell you, prenups are not just planning or anticipating for marital failure. He explains that they're more of a set of rules for how your money, kids, and assets are treated during marriage and divorce.

Wes and Aaron go over the differences in prenup rules in Georgia versus other states, as well as the "first paycheck rule," the cost of divorce, how having a prenup in place can help keep it down, and how to approach a prenup conversation.

This episode concludes with a few interesting marriage statistics such as: On average, the happiest Retirees On The Block spend more time discussing finances with their partners (based on research for the book “You Can Retire Sooner Thank You Think”).

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The Real Problem with Banks Apr 13, 2023

In the aftermath of two big banks collapsing, it's no surprise that some investors may feel uneasy about the state of their retirement savings. In this episode, Wes Moss gives details to explain if and how these bank failures impact your retirement journey. He provides insights into how the banking system works, walks through the history and current state of the FDIC, and the common perception that it's safer to use bigger banks versus regional or community banks. Additionally, he delves into the mismatch between interest rates and short-term US Treasury bonds and how you can invest your funds wisely to secure a respectable yield.

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The Good Life Method With Paul Blaschko Apr 06, 2023

What do economists and philosophers have in common?

It’s not a trick question, but rather a debatable topic that Wes Moss and today’s guest, Paul Blaschko could discuss until the end of time! Paul Blaschko is the professor for the University of Notre Dame's most popular undergraduate class on philosophy.

Wes and Paul dive deep into the philosophy versus theology schism and how Aristotle could be in the happy retiree camp. They also discuss Paul's "good life method" and the importance of good conversations.

As this episode concludes, Paul shares some ways that people approaching retirement or later stages in life can continue improving their happiness and virtues and be comfortable with leisure for leisure's sake.

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The Millionaire Next Door & Richer Than A Millionaire with Bill Danko Mar 30, 2023

There are seven fundamental habits that many self-made millionaires have in common, and today’s guest best-selling co-author of "The Millionaire Next Door," affluence expert and educator Dr. Bill Danko, explains.

In this episode, Dr. Danko sits down with Wes to explain his research and findings on the most common traits among those who have accumulated wealth and how they did it. Dr. Danko also goes over what frugality can accomplish, the role of marketing in American consumer behavior, and occupations that may help you retire sooner. They also discuss the dynamics between being versus feeling versus looking wealthy and how happiness, giving, and gratitude fold into that idea.

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The Unvarnished Truth Of What Humans Really Want With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Mar 23, 2023

What does your digital footprint say about what you want?

Data scientist, author of best-seller "Everybody Lies," and speaker Seth Stephens-Davidowitz sits down with Wes Moss to talk about how data can reveal societal and personal trends in desires, psychology, wealth building, and more. This includes when you become a sports fan, who you seek out for romantic partners and how you present yourself to them, and what activities are ranked as the happiest to do. Seth explains how he went from just reviewing data to using it to make his life decisions, and gives examples of how listening to his own data has made a difference for him. As for what data he encourages retirees to pay attention to, listen in to learn!

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Revisiting How To Find Your Core Pursuits Mar 16, 2023

Purpose + passion + fun = core pursuits!

When it comes to living a happy retirement, the more passions a retiree has, the better. But, on the other hand, our research shows that unhappy retirees tend to have less than two core pursuits driving their post-work life. So, how can you discover your core pursuits as part of your happy retirement plan? This episode will help you revisit ways to find core pursuits and what they can mean for you.

In honor of March Madness, we've compiled a Core Pursuits Bracket to square off sixty-four "hobbies on steroids" to see what kind of core pursuit is championed for the happiest retirees on the block. Would you choose gardening versus pickleball or skydiving versus pottery? Voting is still open, so make your selections on the Retire Sooner social media pages!

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A Random Walk Down Wall Street With Burton Malkiel Mar 09, 2023

The finance industry has innovated exponentially in recent decades, but are there some innovations that investors find more helpful than others?

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes is joined by renowned economist and author of the highly influential book on investing, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street," Burton Malkiel. They dive deep into investing insights for yourself and your family's future and discuss various investment types. In addition, Wes and Burton address multiple ways to handle emotions and expectations during market volatility and how there's no one rule for how retirees should organize their finances.

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One Small Change To Make A $2 Million Difference Mar 02, 2023

In this episode, Wes and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs go over Warren Buffett's "secret sauce" published in the Berkshire Hathaway 2022 Year In Review. They talk about how investing is not easy.

While browsing through Buffett's rate-of-returns, Wes explains how Buffet's big numbers can equate to a more manageable scale that the average American can work with. He also assures that while Buffett is a special case of investing success, the mogul's lesson that the big wins tend to overshadow the little losses can be applicable to all who invest in stocks. The takeaway? Happy retirees aren't just savers, they're investors, too.

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The Importance Of Structure In Retirement with Steve Lopez Feb 23, 2023

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would they cast to play you? Today's Retire Sooner guest is Los Angeles Times columnist and four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Steve Lopez. In Steve's case, Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., plays Steve in the film adaptation of his best-selling nonfiction book, The Soloist. Wes and Steve talk about the story behind the story, as well as how Steve fell in love with Los Angeles and the fateful accident that got Steve thinking about retirement for his latest book, Independence Day.

As they dig deeper into the book and discussion around retirement, Steve addresses the importance of structure and planning in retirement, six classifications of happy retirees, and why women can be better at retirement planning than men. Steve later relates advice Mel Brooks and Norman Lear gave him about purpose and passion. Finally, Wes wraps up the episode by asking Steve about his future plans for retirement and core pursuits.

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Pain AND Progress For Longterm Investors Feb 16, 2023

Can there be progress without pain? The last 50 years have been a rollercoaster in the financial world and the world at large.

In this episode, Wes gives a snapshot of key events from decades passed that had a significant impact on both the financial and cultural zeitgeist, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite every war, conflict, or struggle, Wes emphasizes the positive developments that keep him (and happy retirees) rationally optimistic. "Tomorrow" can always be somewhere good and great!

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Falling In Love With Dividends Feb 09, 2023

This Valentine's Day, let's talk about something near and dear to Wes's heart: Dividends!

What does it take to be wealthy in America? In this episode, Wes and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs take a look at statistics from a new wealth survey showing what level of earner is considered "wealthy" in this day and age. They also discuss dividend investing, show what a balanced portfolio could look like, and the possibility of enjoying dividend returns in retirement. Wes and Mallory wrap up this episode sharing what they love about Valentine's Day!

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. For stocks paying dividends, dividends are not guaranteed, and can increase, decrease, or be eliminated without notice. Fixed-income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation, and reinvestment risks; and possible loss of principal. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities falls. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained in this article. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. The information contained in the article is strictly an opinion and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions.

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What Widows Need To Know About Their Financial Future with Kathleen Rehl Feb 02, 2023

In this episode, guest Kathleen Rehl shares her expertise and experience with widowdom. Widely featured writer and author of the multi-award-winning book, Moving Forward on Your Own: A Financial Guidebook for Widows, Kathleen is a leading authority on financial challenges that widows face with over 17 years of personal finance advice.

Wes and Kathleen discuss grief, growth, and grace in widowhood, including how it affects retirement, investing decisions, and getting back into the dating pool. And, in a Retire Sooner first, you can also listen to a little bit of poetry!

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5 Retirement Tips To Help You Retire Even Sooner (Plus Where To Find 96 More Tips) Jan 26, 2023

Find out what helps Wes sleep well at night! In this episode, Wes and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs offer some of their top tips for retirement life. They discuss ideal timeframes to claim Social Security benefits, the advantages of not overspending on your kids and grandkids, a quick way to determine if your pension passes the 6% test, and it never being too late to be a rockstar (or star of whatever side hustle works for you).

Aside from sharing the importance of having multiple income streams in retirement, they also address how essential it is to have core pursuits, also known as hobbies on steroids, that can help make you the happiest retiree on the block.

The episode wraps up with Wes sharing his core pursuit of snowboarding, rediscovering skiing with his wife, and discussing how trying new things sooner makes having core pursuits easier.

For more tips, check out the Tools page on wesmoss.com.

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Revisiting Why Happiness Is Not Necessarily The Best Goal with Emily Esfahani Smith Jan 19, 2023

In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Emily Esfahani Smith, she is the author of the book, ”The Power of Meaning”, and she delivered a TED talk called “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy”. Emily introduces her approach to finding meaning in life which she argues is more important than happiness. She suggests everyone examine and strengthen 4 pillars in their life: belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. She also shares how growing up in Sufism impacted her study of this philosophy, the rising tide of despair the world faces today, and how we can all find ways to enjoy a full and meaningful life.

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An Investor's Outlook for 2023 Jan 12, 2023

Is your new year resolution to retire a little sooner? If so, this episode might be for you. In today's episode, Wes Moss and Retire Sooner podcast producer Mallory Boggs discuss their personal financial resolutions for 2023, Wes's favorite financial advice from 2022, what investors may expect from the markets this year, and why now is the time to reassess your retirement goals.

Wes shares his thoughts on some of the biggest stock market challenges in 2022. He discusses why he's optimistic for investors in 2023, what he likes about what he sees with value stocks this year, and how shifts in the bond market, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates may shape the market in 2023.

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Building Bigger Pockets with Real Estate Investing and Smart Money Moves with Mindy Jensen Jan 05, 2023

If you live in a great home, why move out of it into a lesser one? Currently working on her eleventh flip, Mindy Jensen is a mom, works her day job at biggerpockets.com, and has bought and sold houses live-and-flip style for over two decades.

In this episode, Mindy discusses the process of moving into an ugly house and turning it into a beautiful one through do-it-yourself construction and eye-grabbing kitchens. She also addresses some of the perks of the live-and-flip lifestyle, such as advantageous tax exclusions. Wes and Mindy dig into why real estate is an excellent investment class and cautionary areas for inexperienced buyers, such as overpaying property taxes. They also address loan rates, reverse mortgages, second homes through COVID, and Mindy's preference for local lenders.

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Ideas On How To Spend Your New-Found Time In Retirement with Mike Bellah Dec 22, 2022

Is money really the greatest need for retirement, or is there something more important to start with that we should all consider? In this episode, Wes is joined by popular newspaper columnist, award-winning college professor, and bestselling author Mike Bellah. Mike makes us think twice about our greatest needs for retirement as he shares his personal experiences with core pursuits that drive this stage of his life and enable him to be one of the happiest retirees on the block. Mike and Wes also address the importance of learning from grandkids and cultivating multiple income streams. They also discuss the need to rebalance, some physical challenges that many retirees encounter during the latter phase of retirement, and the importance of curiosity to keep growing.

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Demographics Is Your Retirement Destiny! (And Probably Pickleball) Dec 15, 2022

Tune in to this episode as Wes Moss uncovers why demographics play an impactful role in shaping your retirement destiny along with his review of population history and statistics of multiple countries. He walks through recent financial headlines and news, reveals what would happen if everyone bought stocks and never sold them, dives into market liquidity, and what adds up to more longevity. Additionally, he addresses market trends and the silent and powerful march forward of economic demand across the globe.

Wes wraps up this episode talking about the increasing popularity of pickleball, predictions for the ever-growing population, and unveils two of the most populous regions in the world.

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How To Have A Fun Conversation About The Hard Topic Of Finances with Emily Guy Birken and Joe Saul-Sehy Dec 08, 2022

What happens when you introduce humor into a serious conversation surrounding finances? You’ll have to listen to find out!

In this episode, Wes is joined by financial all-stars and old friends; Emily Guy Birken, author, money coach, and retirement connoisseur and Joe Saul-Sehy, former financial advisor, author, and co-host of the Stacking Benjamins and Money With Friends podcasts to talk finance with a comical twist. Emily and Joe share details about the process of writing their book together, what the book entails, and a useful tool for financial planning. Additionally, the trio dive into discussing stocks and how they can progress in a positive way with time, how the right house comes along at the right time, and why having a financial timeline can help you reach your goals.

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How To Find Your Core Pursuits with Mallory Boggs Dec 01, 2022

Once a financial foundation is built, it’s time for the most important part of the retirement equation; discovering your core pursuits. Whether you have a dozen hobbies on steroids that you’d like to tackle or you’ve been indecisive due to a busy work schedule, this is the episode for you!

Listen as Wes Moss reveals why it’s never too late to find your core pursuits, tips for pinpointing what you love doing, and details from an enlightening interview he had with blogger, journalist, and best-selling author, Tom Vanderbilt. Later in the episode, Wes is joined by podcast producer, Mallory Boggs, to discuss the top four core pursuits of happy retirees, hobbies that they have tested so far, and resources Wes has generated to aid in detecting ideal core pursuits.

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One Trick To Change Your Relationship With Money From Ken Honda Nov 24, 2022

Is your relationship with money holding you back from finding financial success? Many of us have a rocky relationship with money, but if we looked at our capital from a different perspective this could possibly change our outlook and relationship with money.

To aid us in improving our connection with our funds and uncover the trick we need to change our relationship with money, Wes sits down with Ken Honda, a worldwide, well-known author whose books have sold more than 8 million copies, including his latest book called Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money. Ken shares how the Japanese look at retirement, explains happy money versus unhappy money, and talks about fairness when it comes to how much money you possess. He also reveals two ways to find peace and happiness with money, how appreciating your funds can help you appreciate other things in your life, and defines invisible and visible assets. To wrap up the episode Ken and Wes touch on teaching children about money, happy money for senior citizens compared to children, and a problem he sees with poverty.

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Setting A Goal Of Income For Life Nov 17, 2022

Humans encounter numerous fears throughout their lifetime. Some of those fears include public speaking, being locked in an unknown space, and even the fear of spiders. However, there’s another fear that consumes many, and that’s outliving our money. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter where you are financially in your life, the panic of running out of funds can often surface, especially for early retirees.

To give listeners a piece of mind and a simple combative strategy, Wes Moss reveals ways to have income for life during this episode. He also uncovers why having multiple income streams is essential and the importance of financial planning. Wes also talks through the benefits of income investing, the average longevity of S&P 500 companies and how possessing a diversified investment portfolio can provide some income and inflation protection.

This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein.

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Instilling Financial Literacy In Younger Generations with Dan Sheeks Nov 10, 2022

Financial literacy is the blueprint to building financial success for the younger generation. In general, that could lead to earning your children early financial independence and increased happiness in retirement. To help us learn more about educating the rising generation regarding their finances, we called on Dan Sheeks, Owner and Founder Of Sheeks Freaks LLC, author, high school business/marketing teacher, personal finance advocate, and real estate investor for this week’s episode.

Dan shares details about his life and his real estate investments along with five takeaways from his book to tell your kids about getting to a million dollars. He also reveals why he never uses the word “retire,” whether or not having a college degree is crucial, and talks through real versus false assets. Additionally, Dan and Wes discuss the difference between income versus wealth, address the happiness curve, and touch on credit cards and retirement accounts.

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Five Financial Secrets Of The Happiest Retirees Nov 03, 2022

Although numerous habits make up the structure of a happy retiree, financial habits play a large part in creating the fulfilling retirement you’ve always dreamed of and being able to fund your additional interests.

In this episode, Wes breaks down the five financial secrets of the happiest retirees based on research from his latest book, What The Happiest Retirees Know, and reveals how these patterns are fundamental to building wealth and living a comfortable retirement.

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The Importance of Community with Jan Cullinane Oct 27, 2022

A sense of belonging, support, and accountability; these benefits come with joining a community. In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes sits down with Jan Cullinane, award-winning and best-selling author, speaker, and consultant to discuss just how important communities are.

Jan described what questions you can ask yourself regarding where you are in life. She also shares the five P’s for starting a business in retirement or otherwise, uncovers why strong social support is essential, and how the ability to renegotiate roles can be helpful in relationships. She addresses the importance of having a purpose in life and why women need to prepare to be in charge of their own financial decisions. To conclude, Wes and Jan talk through determining where to live in retirement, niche and non-traditional retirement lifestyles, and the psychology of money.

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The Perils of Market Timing: Missing The Best Days In The Market Oct 20, 2022

Tune in as Wes Moss discusses the investment math, data, and history that could make a major difference in your early retirement plans. Listen as Wes walks through the history of market recovery, what happens when you miss a handful of market up days as an investor, and the importance of participation over perfection when it comes to sticking it out in the market. He also shares how challenging and risky it can be to hop in and out of the market, the importance of protecting your purchasing power, and when the dry powder principle can come in handy. Furthermore, Wes expresses the significance of utilizing history as our guide in combating market downturns and timing.

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"Purpose Is A Verb" and Seeking Meaning in Life with Richard Leider Oct 13, 2022

What's the secret to unlocking your best life yet? Finding your purpose. To aid us in doing so, we sought out internationally bestselling author, coach, and keynote speaker, Richard Leider. Listen as he discloses looking at purpose as a verb and grasping the meaning in life.

Richard reveals details from his fortuitous encounter with Viktor Frankl and a method for living with purpose. Additionally, he explains why purpose is fundamental to your health, how to stop living a default life, as well as useful tips for unlocking the sought out purpose of many. Richard wraps up by discussing the idea of coaching young NFL football players into reimagining the next phase of their lives and uncovers the fine points from his book.

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3 Keys Investors Can Use to Help Them Sleep Well at Night (SWAN) In Bear Markets Oct 06, 2022

You'd have to go back to 1937 to find a worse year for a 50% stock/ 50% bond portfolio. 2022 has been a challenging year for some investors as consumers face inflation and the Fed's battle against it. In this episode, Wes discusses how the Fed is slamming its foot on the economic breaks and raising interest rates. He then covers how Americans are being impacted by inflation.

Anxiety comes hard and fast for investors and retirees during challenging times like today, so Wes walks listeners through three powerful keys to help them lower their stress and SWAN - Sleep Well At Night.

1. The Power of a Plan

2. The Power of Understanding Cash Flow

3. The Power of Diversification

Listen to hear how you can leverage these three powers to lower your anxiety levels and get back to focusing on retiring sooner.

This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein.

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Prioritizing Your Finances and The FIRE Movement with Sam Dogen Sep 29, 2022

Financial chaos can catch us off guard, but we can combat this unforeseen challenge through knowledge and being prepared in advance. To help we’ve called on the Financial Samurai himself, Sam Dogen. He is the mastermind behind FinancialSamurai.com, writer, podcast host, author, and a legend in the financial planning, retire early, and FIRE Movement world.

Sam reveals how and why he got into writing, what his life in retirement looks like now, along with how to not feel guilty working if you have children. He also explains how his financial needs evolved once he stopped working and his frequent pull to return to work, provides details from his book Buy This, Not That: How to Spend Your Way To Wealth And Freedom, bad debt versus good debt, and shares a helpful home buying rule. Furthermore, Wes and Sam talk through buying your piece of America now while you can and address a valuable spending rule.

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What Is The Fed Doing With The Market? Sep 22, 2022

As investors, we should train and remind ourselves to focus on the value of companies as opposed to the value of their stocks. Ultimately, doing so can help to relieve market volatility and leave us sleeping better at night.

Listen as Wes Moss discusses how the Federal Reserve currently impacts the market along with how investors should examine the market for their mental well-being. Wes also analyzes details from a happiness study performed by the author of Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most. To conclude the episode, Wes unveils ways to decrease anxiety around investing and why investing should start and end with a plan.

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Thriving In Life And Retirement with Patrice Jenkins Sep 15, 2022

Your dreams shouldn’t have an expiration date, even in retirement. In this episode, Wes sits down with Patrice Jenkins, Ph.D., an organizational psychologist, retirement speaker, Founder of Day One Dreams, and author of “What Will I Do All Day?: Wisdom to Get You Over Retirement and On With Living!”

Patrice explains how it’s never too late to go after your dreams, but you have to start today, the intricacies of success stories, and details from her book. Additionally, she discusses how thriving has two components, the similarities between thriving at work and thriving in retirement, along with where intrinsic motivation stems from. To wrap up the episode, Patrice talks about figuring out retirement as you go but planning in advance, finding new roles in retirement, and what retirement means to her.

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The 4% Plus Rule Explained Sep 08, 2022

Inflation has many investors questioning financial planning and spending decisions, including those making arrangements for a happy retirement. One frequently used concept that can help with retirement spending during times like these lies in the 4% Plus Rule. Listen as Wes Moss explains the math behind the rule during this episode.

Wes shares how running out of money is a top fear, why history can help us navigate through budgeting, and lists similarities between budgeting and dieting. He also talks through starting top down as opposed to bottom up when it comes to spending and provides examples of how the 4% and 4% Plus Rules can be used. Later in the episode, Wes discusses safe withdrawal rates, the importance of planning ahead of schedule, and why flexibility is the key in the budgeting process.

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Understanding Different Generations with Chris De Santis Sep 01, 2022

Each generation is different. In fact, some generations are so hard-wired and hardcoded with their own values, that they may overlook the views of others. However, if we understood the generations outside of our own we could better sympathize and empathize with them in our daily lives, workplace, and family life. To help us comprehend each generation, we’re joined by Chris De Santis, organizational behavior speaker, facilitator, consultant, and author of Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work.

Chris describes each generation in detail and generalizes the values and beliefs of those generations. He also explains generational differences, defines what it means to be a humanist, and shares why he believes the best teams are complementary instead of competitive. To conclude, Chris reveals details from his book, the key to generational harmony in a business, and how our early years impact our outlook on life’s principles.

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Exploring Second-Act Careers with Nancy Collamer Aug 25, 2022

So you’ve retired. What comes next? Many retirees find themselves lingering within the retirement grey zone as they make their full transition into this new phase of life. But what if there is a second act following your career? One that could check off all the boxes; multiple streams of income, core pursuits, and socialization. Retirement coach and author of Second-Act Careers: 50+ Ways to Profit From Your Passions During Semi-Retirement, Nancy Collamer, joins this episode to talk through exploring second-act careers and how they can benefit you in the long run.

Listen as she provides tips for finding your second act, expert streams of income, and explains why it’s never too early or too late to start your second act in retirement. Nancy also shares how she pinpointed her second act, why trying things you’re interested in can lead to new opportunities, and the top fear of those seeking a second act. To conclude, Nancy describes the concept of a Reinvention R&D Budget, utilizing gig platforms, and Wes shares some insight about finding his core pursuits in life.

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2022 Is A Tough Year For The Market Aug 18, 2022

2022 has not been an ideal year for some investors. Tune in to today's episode as Wes Moss explains what considerations to make.

Wes walks through how the market has impacted investors for the past few years, his insights on whether or not we are in a recession, and why 2022 still has a strong job market along with a sturdy travel industry. Additionally, he touches on having a disequilibrium when it comes to the consumer and how easy it is for investors to leave when markets get volatile. The episode wraps up with Wes sharing why businesses are the military of the economy and methods for riding through this tough year from an investment standpoint.

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Finding Fitness At 80 Years Old with Jim Owen Aug 11, 2022

What if we told you aging like fine wine and fitness go hand in hand? While some seek to kickstart their fitness journey when faced with health issues in their later years, they soon find that their newly discovered lifestyle, combined with a little discipline, can go a long way. James “Jim” Owen, a forty-year veteran of Wall Street, speaker, and author joins this episode to talk through his journey of finding fitness later in life and how it turned things around.

Jim shares what started his fitness journey along with when health became a priority. Furthermore, he reveals details from the books he’s written, defines a super ager and what it entails, and lays out why it’s important to start slow and make a commitment to yourself. He later uncovers his own fitness struggles, tips for increasing your health, and explains his 2-day rule accompanied by a secret to motivating yourself to workout.

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Are We In A Recession Or Not In 2022? And Why It Shouldn’t Matter For Investors. Aug 04, 2022

A daunting question has been lingering in the minds of many U.S. investors - Are we in a recession in 2022? Tune in as Wes tackles this question and more during the episode.

Listen as Wes talks about how we’re living in a similar economy to the 1950s, what the media declares about being in a recession, and the National Bureau of Economic Research’s role and criteria. Additionally, Wes uncovers political views about a recession and why your long-term retirement plan doesn't have to be impacted. To wrap up the episode Wes reminds listeners that there are more years of spending ahead than you think and describes how the combination of stocks and bonds is important for any investor.

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Pinpointing Your Anxiety and Getting A Head Start On A Happy Retirement with Dr. Gail Saltz Jul 28, 2022

Many of us experience anxiety. It’s normal to feel it before a big test, speaking in public, competing in a sporting event, and so on. Though a little bit of anxiety can be a good thing, we must be careful not to let these levels increase beyond the point of becoming a disorder. Dr. Gail Saltz, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, columnist, podcast host, and television commentator joins Wes Moss to explain how anxiety can be alleviated with a little awareness and what happens when happiness and anxiety converge.

Dr. Saltz starts the episode by sharing her thoughts on anxiety and how it can go from good to bad, as well as the most generalized anxiety disorder. Dr. Saltz and Wes also discuss how anxiety would have been treated 100 years ago, her favorite book she’s written, and the most common diagnosis in children. To wrap up the episode Dr. Saltz opens up about the most effective way to help people struggling with anxiety, if she believes teletherapy works, where we are in the evolution of helping more people, and provides Wes with key advice for how he can be a better partner.

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Strengthening Social Connections and Discovering Attunement with Ted Brodkin and Ashley Pallathra Jul 21, 2022

Have you ever finished a conversation and immediately realized you didn’t remember anything the other person said? Do you sometimes feel as though you have fallen between the cracks of your own thoughts and you can’t seem to focus long enough to connect with others? You’re not alone. Edward S. ("Ted") Brodkin, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist, author, and director of the Adult Autism Spectrum Program at Penn Medicine and Ashley A. Pallathra, M.A., a clinical researcher, therapist, author, and doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina, join this episode to discuss how we can improve social connectedness and find attunement.

During the episode, the pair share where they met and began their collaboration on the study of connectedness, and walk us through what goes into a neuroscience research study. They also share details from their conducted study on developing a program for adults in the spectrum regarding social functioning, share the framework of their book Missing Each Other: How To Cultivate Meaningful Connections, and define attunement along with its four key elements. Furthermore, Dr. Brodkin and Ashley talk through the importance of listening to yourself and your needs in retirement, summarize mutual responsiveness, and unveil their advice for people going through the transition of leaving the workforce.

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What It Means To Live Life In Your Truth And With Integrity with Martha Beck Jul 14, 2022

There’s a difference between living the life you think you should live and living a life you want to live. When we follow numerous social norms we can easily lose our true selves in the process of conforming to what we think we are supposed to be. But in adapting to these norms, could we be missing out on a path to living our happiest lives and becoming one of the happiest retirees on the block? New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker, Dr. Martha Beck, drops by this episode to share how to live a life full of integrity and truth.

Dr. Beck explains how we are born with a genetic destiny of what makes us happy in life and how we get divided internally early on. She also shares her story and experiences of living outside of her integrity, reveals her journey of becoming a life coach, and discusses longing versus yearning. Additionally, Dr. Beck unveils the lasting cure to happiness and lists the signs if you are lying to yourself and are living out of alignment.

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Living A Life Filled With Travel with Don George Jul 07, 2022

Taking a trip every once in a while is good for the soul, but have you ever thought about what a life full of traveling experiences could do? Don George, legendary travel writer, editor, and author who has won numerous awards for his work, joins this episode to share what it’s like living a life filled with travel and creating unforgettable memories.

Don reveals when he caught the travel bug and got into travel writing, along with the travel piece that changed his career for the better. He also shares some of his traveling experiences and what he’s learned from the culture, an astonishing Mount Kilimanjaro story, and how he considers traveling a religion. Additionally, Don reveals details from his book, “The Way of Wanderlust,” lists his favorite travel destinations, discusses how his dad retired early to travel, and provides advice for other travel writers.

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Leading By Trust And Inspiration with Stephen M. R. Covey Jun 30, 2022

There are many qualities that a leader should possess. A good leader has empathy, integrity, and confidence, as well as two important qualities; trust and inspiration. In this episode, Wes sits down with Stephen M. R. Covey, a New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, writer, public speaker, co-founder and CEO of CoveyLink Worldwide, and former President and CEO of Covey Leadership Center, to discuss leading by trust and inspiration.

Stephen shares takeaways from his books and his role in the success of his father’s book, along with the scalable business that came from it. He also explains why we need to become trust and inspire leaders rather than command and control leaders, and how a good leader can help you feel purpose and meaning. Additionally, Stephen reveals why the best relationships are centered around trusting one another, how it’s possible to restore trust if we’re willing to behave our way back into it, and lists some well-known leaders that inspire him. Stephen wraps up by sharing how leadership can be utilized in different companies and in life, as well as the principles that build trust.

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How To Survive A Bear Market Jun 27, 2022

The year has gotten off to a rough start, leaving many nervous about what to do with their finances when markets are down, The Fed is raising rates, and inflation is through the roof. To help ease your mind, Wes reveals insights into surviving a bear market and covers what has worked in the market thus far in 2022 during this episode.

Listen as Wes analyzes recent consumer sentiment data from the University of Michigan, what areas of the market are working in 2022, and dives into value investing versus growth investing. Additionally, Wes talks about the negative wealth effect and how bear markets typically operate. He also covers the current standing of the market and reveals details regarding the Retire Sooner Podcast summer series.

Disclosure: This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions.

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The Importance Of Maintaining Your Mental Health with Dr. Gregory Scott Brown Jun 23, 2022

While our physical health is extremely important, people often overlook exercising their mind. Mental health is the driving force behind the decisions we make; how we live, how we work, and how we love. Dr. Gregory Scott Brown, M.D. board-certified psychiatrist, mental health writer, author, and an affiliate faculty member at the University of Texas Dell Medical School, joins this episode to stress the importance of maintaining your mental health and caring for your mind.

Dr. Brown kicks off the episode by defining mental health, touches on the mental health of teens vs. retirees, and talks through how nutrition impacts your mind. He also shares his five essential pillars for mental health that everyone can optimize, why breath work is the most underutilized form of medicine and experiencing burnout. Furthermore, Dr. Brown reveals a great form of therapy for your mind, discusses some of his mental health struggles, and discloses details from his newest book.

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Improving Your Communication with Celeste Headlee Jun 20, 2022

As human beings, communication is our superpower. Having a conversation can lead to stress relief, the absorption of new information, and personal connection. Celeste Headlee, author, radio journalist, public speaker, and co-host of the weekly series Retro Report on PBS, joins this episode to share how to stop hiding behind emails, text messages, data, and statistics and start having more impactful conversations with one another.

Celeste explains how your brain cannot do two impactful things at once, the two ways conversations can be negative and why we should stop pontification during our interactions. She also shares how living your best life is the most powerful way to influence someone else, why follow-up questions are powerful and an important communication tactic. Later in the episode, Celeste reveals why one of the worst things you can say is “I know how you feel,” and how you can work on improving your listening skills.

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A Handbook To Building Your Bucket List with Ben Nemtin Jun 16, 2022

If you had $10,000,000 and the ability to do anything you wanted before you died, what would it be? Star in a television show? Play basketball with the president? Walk the Great Wall of China? Wes sits down with #1 New York Times best-selling author of “What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?”, star of the MTV show The Buried Life, co-founder of The Buried Life movement, and one of the World’s Best Motivational Speakers, Ben Nemtin, to help you unbury those dreams and prepare for creating the ideal bucket list by the time you finish this episode.

Ben opens up about his struggles with mental health, what he’s learned and how he’s attained self-worth through his projects. He also reveals that everyone goes through some sort of mental health crisis in their lives and why being true to yourself is important. Ben goes on to share the details of what went into creating The Buried Life along with the initial bucket list for the show, tips for how to generate your own bucket list, and why people regret their inactions more than their actions. Furthermore, Ben shares why accountability is effective for your accomplishments, talks through the categories in The Bucket List Journal that he created to help others, provides bucket list advice for retirees, and uncovers why he believes retirees have the power to change the world.

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The Economic Battle Between The US PGA And Saudi Arabia's LIV Jun 13, 2022

In this episode, Wes Moss talks about a top core pursuit that many happy retirees enjoy, golf. He covers the current controversy of why the US PGA is battling with Saudi Arabia's LIV and the economics of professional golf.

Listen as he explains the details behind the LIV Tour and what is being offered to golfers on the tour along with his insight and the insights of fellow golfing colleagues surrounding the subject. Wes also reveals certain controversies behind the rules and regulations of LIV, the differences between European golf and golfing in the United States, and how inflation relates to golf. Lastly, he covers the Amazon split, defines a stock split with examples, and talks through the market psychology that overlays stock splits.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns and periods where dividends will not be paid. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained in this article. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. The information contained is strictly an opinion and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions,

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Why You Should Never Put Travel On Hold with Mike and Anne Howard Jun 09, 2022

Traveling is inspiring, exciting, and takes us out of our comfort zone. As funny as it sounds, there are numerous benefits to hopping on a plane to a new, unknown destination. So isn’t it time that you stop putting your travels on hold and start packing your suitcase? Mike and Anne Howard, the World’s Longest Honeymooners and founders of the popular travel site, HoneyTrek.com, join this episode to discuss why you should never put travel on hold.

Mike and Anne share how they kickstarted their travel journey with the help of savings from their nest egg, the evolution of their website HoneyTrek.com, along with some of their favorite travel destinations. The pair also shares budgeting resources for booking a stay and finding specific foods when traveling, how they fund their trips, and describe what it means to travel hack. Furthermore, Mike and Anne provide advice for traveling couples, discuss how longer trips deepen your experience, uncover details from their recent book and describe why people should not only retire sooner but travel sooner as well.

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The Violence of Market Recoveries: 30 For 30 Jun 06, 2022

Wes dives into the history of stock market recoveries and the DNA behind them during this episode.

Wes explains bear markets and recovering markets along with how each is perceived by investors. He also talks about how long it takes markets to recover, reveals the average recovery time for all bear markets, and what percentages of recoveries happen. To wrap up the episode, Wes reveals how it takes 30 days for 30% of market recovery, what to do to avoid missing out on recoveries, and a helpful strategy surrounding dividend investing.

Listen to hear more of this original research that the Retire Sooner team was able to find using Bloomberg and historical data.

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The Power of Meditation and How To Get Started with Sharon Salzberg Jun 02, 2022

There are numerous benefits to practicing meditation and mindfulness. Some may even say that it helps to relieve stress and pain, enhance the connection with your emotions, deepen your thoughts, as well as other positive and powerful perks. But with a practice that reaps so many benefits, where do you start? Sharon Salzberg, New York Times bestselling author, podcast host of the Metta Hour Podcast, meditation teacher, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, drops by this episode to talk through the advantages of meditation and getting started.

Sharon provides advice on how to kick start your meditation practice journey and why you should consider doing so, along with sharing how she got into meditation herself. Additionally, Sharon defines mindfulness, provides an example of meditation leading to increased connectedness, and discusses how meditation can be done from anywhere. To wrap up the episode, Sharon explains how meditation can increase levels of happiness and fluctuate our happiness set point, reveals details from the books she’s written, and lists resources for practicing guided meditation.

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Maximizing Your Happiness and Fulfillment and with Raj Raghunathan May 26, 2022

What impact do your judgments and decisions have on your happiness and fulfillment? Award-winning professor, blogger, author, and teacher of a successful online happiness course on Coursera titled A Life of Happiness And Fulfillment, Raj Raghunathan, has the answer!

During the episode, Raj shares the biggest happiness mistakes we make along with how to change this behavior. He also reveals his theory of happiness missing from the list of things that people want, why he started his research and strategies for finding what makes us happy. Later in the episode, Raj explains what a person needs to be happy, how focusing on being the best you can be can take you further in life, the correlation between money and happiness, and what actions to take to boost your happiness level.

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Women, Finance, and Retirement Planning with Kristin Curcio May 23, 2022

When it comes to finances and investing, we've found that women tend to take a backseat in decision-making while their husband or partner does all of the steering. However, women should be reminded that they are an essential part of the financial equation as well. That said, it’s crucial for women to increase their financial and investing knowledge.

Kristin Curcio, Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors, joins Wes Moss to shed light on women and finance. Kristin shares how often she sees financial meetings with only the husband present and why women seem intimidated by the subject at times. She also explains that unexpected circumstances can happen leading to why preparation is key, what women should know about family finances, and why couples need to have important conversations to be on the same page. Kristin and Wes also discuss the financial habits of happy retirees regarding their children, Kristin provides financial advice for single women, brings up women outliving their husbands, and how she plans to help women overcome the fear of being immersed in financial decision making.

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It’s Time To Plan Your Next Trip with Pauline Frommer May 19, 2022

People continuously postpone traveling because they presume that the “perfect time” will come, but what if we told you the best time to travel is always now? Wes is joined by Pauline Frommer, The Co-President of FrommerMedia, Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, author of the best-selling "Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City" and "Frommer's New York City Day by Day", co-host of The Frommer's Travel Show podcast and keynote speaker, to tackle the finer points of traveling.

During the episode, Pauline shares her family history in the travel industry, resources for budgeting travel stays along with why travel guides can be useful tools for your trips. Pauline also touches base on COVID traveling regulations and recommends getting travel insurance accompanied with details on the range of coverage. Later in the episode, Pauline weighs in on cruises, utilizing a travel agent, and beautiful places to visit regardless of their outdated exterior. Pauline also reveals tips for getting a good sleep during your venture and why she believes people enjoy traveling so much.

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Is There Relief For Investors From Brutal Markets In 2022? May 16, 2022

The start of 2022 has led the market into a rough patch. As many of us feel the pain of market volatility, we can’t help but wonder if there’s any relief in sight for stocks, bonds, the economy, interest rates, inflation, and additional factors that influence the success of our investment portfolios.

In this episode, Wes discusses the market volatility that many investors have faced so far in 2022 and shares his perception of what the rest of the year could look like. He also reveals how a highly diversified, stable portfolio allows you to overcome decline, shares statistics surrounding market volatility, and reviews declines in history to unveil the impact on bonds and stocks. Finally, Wes describes the importance of not selling out to trade short-term relief for long-term regret, weighs in on if he sees another recession on the horizon, and uncovers the best armor as an investor to help families work towards their retirement goals.

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Identifying Your Philanthropic Pursuits and Giving Back with Maggie Doyne May 12, 2022

Wes is joined by Maggie Doyne, philanthropist, author, Founder of BlinkNow, and 2015’s CNN Hero of the Year Award recipient, to address discovering your philanthropic pursuits and how you can give back.

Maggie talks about finding herself in Nepal at a young age, how she felt the urge to make a change in the country based on an eye-opening experience, and her motivation for building a children’s home, women’s center, and school there. She provides updates about raising numerous children in Nepal and their success stories, along with why she believes there is something to be done everywhere in every community. The episode concludes with Maggie revealing tips for finding what gives you purpose and formulating ways to give back based on the change you want to see in the world. She also unveils details from her recent book, “Between the Mountain and the Sky,” her nonprofit BlinkNow, and how listeners can show support.

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How To Be A Happy Retiree: Reviewing The Money And Happiness Quiz with Mallory Boggs May 09, 2022

Wes Moss sits down with Retire Sooner Podcast Producer, Mallory Boggs, to review the newly updated Money and Happiness Quiz; a short, online quiz designed to provide the insight you need to work toward a happy retirement, as well as several suggestions that might help you tune up your money happiness quotient.

During the episode, Mallory reveals her answers to the quiz as Wes breaks down and compares each answer to his research on the happiest retirees. Wes also provides his insight and advice on how listeners can improve their answers with the aim of getting one step closer to landing in the happy retiree camp.

Find out if you’re on track to becoming a happy retiree! Take the new and improved quiz here:

Will you retire happy? Take the Money & Happiness Quiz

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Farm-aceuticals And How Food Impacts Health with Dr. William Li May 05, 2022

Medicines help to treat illness within the body, but what if we replaced filling a prescription with filling our bags at the farmer’s market with foods that can heal our bodies from the inside out? Dr. William Li, world-renowned physician, scientist, TED speaker, and author of “Eat To Beat Disease," joins this episode to share just how much food can impact our health.

Dr. William Li provides his definition of being healthy, tips for kickstarting your health journey, and how there are five health defense systems that are crucial to our bodies. He also explains why we should explore new foods, especially in retirement, and lists foods and beverages that can be toxic to our diet. Additionally, Dr. Li shares an in-depth explanation of angiogenesis and why it’s vital to the maintenance of our body and defending our health. We wrap up with Dr. Li sharing how he takes a scientific approach to unlocking foods' nutrients as medicine and he reveals what the future looks like for discovering these healthy foods.

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Money and Lifestyle Habits of the Happiest Retirees Part 2 (Lifestyle Habits) May 02, 2022

Knowing the fundamental habits of happy retirees can be beneficial. In fact, if we implement those habits into our own lives, we can also become some of the happiest retirees on the block.

We’re back with part two of this episode, where Wes Moss introduces the remaining money and lifestyle habits of the happiest retirees that he compiled while researching for his latest book, “What The Happiest Retirees Know." Wes also reviews the money habits of happy retirees from part one and highlights an email from a podcast listener.

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Giving To Others And Finding Your Marginal Propensity For Happiness with Mitch Albom Apr 28, 2022

Internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician, Mitch Albom, joins this episode to talk through the impact of giving to others and discovering your marginal propensity for happiness.

Mitch provides details about his book, “Five People You Meet In Heaven,” and how it relates to the life of his uncle, along with his secret for balancing living life without regret. Mitch shares takeaways from his time with Morrie Schwartz and his book “Tuesdays with Morrie,” debunks quitting work to find happiness, explains the concept of marginal propensity to save and spend, as well as how we have a marginal propensity toward happiness. He also shares Morrie Schwartz’s giving makes me feel like I’m living principle and how he’s implemented this into his life. To wrap up the episode, Mitch talks about his experiences from his involvement at the orphanage in Haiti and reveals details about his latest book, “The Stranger In The Lifeboat.”

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Money and Lifestyle Habits of the Happiest Retirees Part 1 (Money Habits) Apr 25, 2022

In part one of this two-part podcast, Wes Moss compiles research from his latest book “What The Happiest Retirees Know," to provide listeners with a list of money and lifestyle habits of happy retirees. After all, if we know the fundamental habits of happy retirees, then perhaps we can translate those habits back into the smaller decisions we make on a daily basis; leading us to the ideal balance between retirement and happiness.

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Divorce 101: The Complexities, Motives, and Impact on Happiness with Meredith Shirey Apr 21, 2022

Divorce rates have doubled for those aged 50 and over since 1990, and tripled for those 65 and over. It’s shocking to think what once seemed like your happily ever after, could possibly turn out to be the downfall of your family, finances, and overall happiness. For that reason, many couples are left asking, “How did we get here?” Meredith Shirey, Founder and Practice Director at Meredith Shirey Marriage & Family Therapy, provides her insight on that question and more in this week’s episode.

Meredith reviews the biggest catalysts leading to divorce and how marriage is perceived in different cultures and throughout history. Furthermore, she reveals what to consider when divorcing, as well as how this can impact your family and children. Later in the episode, Wes mentions his findings regarding marriage mulligans for Happy Retirees, Meredith dives into the touchy subject of affairs, marrying for happiness, and describes divorce patterns along with how to repair them.

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The Great Wealth Transfer with Dan Abramowitz and Joel Dean Apr 18, 2022

Dan Abramowitz and Joel Dean join this episode of Retire Sooner to talk through The Great Wealth Transfer. Dan Abramowitz is a Regional Business Development Manager and Investment Advisor at CIA, and Joel Dean, CFP® is an Investment Advisor and Director of Investment Associates at CIA.

During this episode, we discuss how to prepare for The Great Wealth Transfer, as well as why Generation X and Millennials are most likely to benefit and what wealth looks like for these generations in the future. Dan and Joel also touch base on The FIRE Movement and how people are now preparing children for wealth and not their wealth for their children. This episode wrapped up with Wes, Dan, and Joel discussing the spending habits of Happy Retirees, transferring finances into a Donor Advised Fund along with how inflation can impact transferred wealth, and tips for your own Great Wealth Transfer.

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Maximizing Technology For Seniors with Trish Lopez Apr 14, 2022

Technology is constantly evolving, but for older generations this can be scary and seeking help can feel paralyzing. In this episode, Wes sits down with Trish Lopez, Founder of Teeniors, a business created to connect tech savvy teens with tech hungry adults and seniors, to discuss mending this digital divide.

Trish shares her journey and the history behind Teeniors, her process for hiring employees, making her business lucrative, and the technological learning curve that came with the pandemic. She also addresses the impact of her business on seniors and shares Teeniors success stories. Additionally, Wes and Trish analyze when we start getting “bad” at technology and why it’s important to never stop learning.

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What To Know As Housing Costs Surge Apr 11, 2022

We've all heard about housing prices increasing dramatically over the past few years. Several new factors are not only increasing housing prices but impacting the affordability of homes for buyers. In fact, a recent cover story in Barron's shared data from the National Association of Realtors indicating that 1.9 million first-time homebuyers will be shut out of the housing market this year.

In this episode, Wes addresses historic fluctuations in the housing economy due to oversupply, undersupply, and the unexpected impact of Covid. He discusses today's housing shortage coupled with increasing interest rates that will continue to rise throughout the rest of this year. He also addresses the advantages of paying off your mortgage, the correlation between paying off your mortgage to levels of happiness in retirement, what homeowners can do to pay down or pay off a mortgage, and what first-time homebuyers should consider when it comes to the reality of buying a home. This episode also wraps up with a few call-in questions that Wes answers from Retire Sooner listeners.

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The Correlation Between Aging and Happiness with Laura Carstensen Apr 07, 2022

As humans, happiness is important to us all. There are numerous variables that dial into what generates this emotion, but does happiness mimic our growing age? Will we be as happy at 65 as we were at 25, or will we find ourselves even happier? Wes sits down with Professor of Psychology and Public Policy and the Director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, Laura Carstensen to discuss the correlation between aging and happiness.

In the episode, Laura describes the U-shape of happiness, takes us through the concept of on balance, along with the experience study that showed people feel negative emotions less frequently when they’re older. Laura and her group of colleagues developed the social, emotional, and selectivity theory that accounts for seeing rates of positive emotions staying stable and shares where time horizons come into play. Later in the episode, she stresses why close connections are magic, especially in retirement, and puts a slightly different spin on retiring sooner. To wrap up, Laura reveals variables that contribute to longevity and details on a Stanford project she and her team are working on.

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Answering Listener Questions And Understanding Yield At Cost Apr 04, 2022

Wes Moss responds to listener questions and talks through the concept of yield at cost during this episode.

He also provides examples of dividend growth, generating retirement income from your investment sources, and why it’s essential to have a plan and investment policy that aligns with your goals. Furthermore, Wes explains how modest yields can turn to significant yields, shares advice for young investors, and discusses the inverted yield curve along with what it means for the economy.

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Planning For The Second Half of Retirement and Senior Living with Matt Del Vecchio Mar 31, 2022

Reaching retirement is one thing, but what happens when you bring aging into the equation? Though it’s a difficult conversation to have, both with aging parents and with yourself, preparing at an early age can make the transition into senior living appear less daunting.

Senior Transition Specialist, Founder and President of Lianas Senior Transition Support, and Co-Host of Life Unrehearsed, Matt Del Vecchio sits down with Wes Moss to discuss the importance of preparing for the second half of retirement and having those difficult conversations around senior living. Matt also reveals what aspects of retirement are often overlooked, explains the phases and options of senior transition support, and stresses the need for having these “essential conversations." Additionally, Matt shares what to consider when seeking the ideal senior living facility, advice for managing the guilt of transitioning a parent as well as his favorite piece of financial advice for those heading into retirement.

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Traveling In Retirement and Creating Cash Flow From Dividends To Supplement Your Lifestyle Mar 28, 2022

Traveling is back in high gear post-pandemic. Airports are busy and postponed trips are finally taking place as the economy shifts back to normalcy. Though traveling comes with its dangers and uncertainties, it does lead to happiness before and during retirement. Even so, how does one pay for those travel expenses that contribute to a fulfilling life?

In this episode, Wes Moss shares the benefits of traveling in retirement and how to create a cash flow from dividend investing that could supplement these trips. He also examines current traveling statistics and headlines, along with the benefits of traveling with groups of friends. Later in the episode, Wes breaks down dividend investing, the concept of yield at cost, answers a question from a listener regarding laddering CDs for retirement, and shares what could be the key to conquering inflation as an investor.

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The Benefits of Yoga Beyond the Mat with Carol Krucoff Mar 24, 2022

If you’re still searching for your core pursuit, this episode may be all the inspiration you need! Award-Winning Journalist, Yoga Therapist, and Fitness Expert, Carol Krucoff joins Wes Moss to examine the world of yoga and its many benefits for all ages.

Carol shares her journey to finding yoga and her experiences with teaching to older groups. Additionally, she reveals the numerous varieties of the practice and its benefits for the human body and mind, along with the risks that come with performing yoga as you grow older. Furthermore, Carol unveils details from her books, her thoughts on the correlation between flexibility and longevity, why she believes all yoga should be adaptive, and she runs Wes through a minor yoga exercise.

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Positioning Your Investment Portfolio for Inflation Mar 21, 2022

Airline tickets have increased, gasoline has skyrocketed, and even the price of milk has shot up. The entire world is on edge with even the smallest mention of inflation. With numbers through the roof, many are left financially perplexed. Though this inflationary period won’t last forever, it’s essential to protect your purchasing power.

During this episode, Wes Moss shares what we can do to invest in an inflationary environment. He also reveals the root cause of inflation while analyzing historic examples of economic disequilibrium, stagflation, and growth stocks vs. value stocks. Further, Wes explains the concept of participation vs. perfection in relation to investing and shares examples of elastic and inelastic products, along with the impact the pandemic had on the economy.

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A Guide to Proactive Tax Planning with Taylor Schulte Mar 17, 2022

We all know tax season comes at the same time every year, yet many of us still show up unprepared. Little do we know our secret weapon is to proactively plan, not just for the present, but also for the future and that includes retirement.

In this episode, Wes sits down with Financial Planner, Author, and Host of the Stay Wealthy Podcast, Taylor Schulte, CFP® to examine tax preparation. Taylor shares details about his podcast show, opening his fee-only financial planning firm, and why he consistently puts his clients first. Additionally, Taylor reveals common misconceptions about using an advisor, the importance of calculating your total tax bill and proactively tax planning for your future. Lastly, Taylor wraps up the episode by sharing some knowledge that could move you closer to retiring sooner.

Call in with your financial questions for Wes to answer: 800-805-6301

Join other happy retirees on our Retire Sooner Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/retiresoonerpodcast

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Breaking Down The Dry Powder Principle Mar 14, 2022

Market corrections and downturns are inevitable. Although this is something we can’t avoid, there’s power in utilizing the Dry Powder Principle to fully understand how and why investing in different asset classes can help you sail through difficult times from a psychological and financial planning perspective.

During this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the Dry Powder Principle and stresses the importance of calculating your dry powder to prepare for inescapable market corrections. He also explains how the dry powder concept can add cushion to your investment portfolio and reshares a story about his son that reveals how losing money can be tough on anyone regardless of your age. Wes goes on to review historical market corrections, the two principles that dry powder is hinged on, and walks listeners through how to assess their own dry powder using the online calculator tool. To wrap up the episode, Wes is joined by the creator of the dry powder calculator tool and Senior Investment Advisor at CIA, James Lewis CFP®, MBA

Use the Dry Powder Calculator to discover how much you have: https://www.wesmoss.com/dry-powder-calculator/

Call in with your financial questions for Wes to answer: 800-805-6301

Join other happy retirees on our Retire Sooner Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/retiresoonerpodcast

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The Art of Slowing Down Your Life with Carl Honoré Mar 10, 2022

Our world is built on speed. From our lives to the stock market, even retirement, we aim to tackle every task as quickly as possible; but when is it time to reduce speed and pump the brakes? While our first instinct is to hurry, as humans, we must remind ourselves that being slow is not about doing everything as fast as possible but as smart as possible.

In this episode, Carl Honoré, Journalist, TED Speaker, and Author of “In Praise of Slow,” joins Wes Moss to talk through the “slow movement” and the importance of finding your inner tortoise. Carl reveals the root of his fast-paced life, taking a slow approach to money, and how slowing down grants us time to reflect. He also touches on ageism, unveils the signs of being stuck in fast forward as well as three tips for slowing down your life.

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Russia Vs. Ukraine Vs. Your Retirement Mar 07, 2022

We’ve all seen the headlines recently — #BidensWar, #StockMarketCrash, and so on. From a pandemic to a slower moving crisis, the current state of these geopolitical issues has led to market uncertainty and volatility. However, in this phase of world issues, we’ve found it best to analyze similar moments in history to help us understand what’s to come.

During this episode, Wes references historical corollaries to help listeners grasp what the future holds for the market. Wes also simplifies the current state of military issues, explains what these issues mean for the United States, and how this can scare investors. Further, he shares historical market averages, a pattern in market corrections, and stresses why our best weapon against turning temporary losses into permanent losses is understanding the market. Wes concludes the episode by explaining how dry powder can provide a bridge to the other side of this difficult time.

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The Realities of Inherited Wealth and The Importance of Legacy with David York Mar 03, 2022

Is inherited wealth a powerful tool or a destructive one? Though inherited wealth sounds effortless, there is more to successfully transferring this wealth amongst generations. In this episode, Wes sits down with Estate Planning Attorney, CPA, and Author, David York, to discuss the particulars of inherited wealth and wealth transfer.

David also shares the logistics of giving a TED talk and details from his book, “Entrusted.” Additionally, David reveals the common habits of families who have successfully transferred wealth, walks through the background of a well-known wealthy family, explains how people learn to value things based on cost, and exposes five truths and the importance of legacy. David and Wes wrap up the conversations discussing what steps families can take to remain successful in wealth transfers for the foreseeable future.

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Retire Sooner Listeners Q&A with Wes Moss Feb 28, 2022

Wes Moss returns as your host to tackle questions provided by members of the Retire Sooner Facebook Group in this episode.

Wes provides insight on questions surrounding 401k’s, Roths, IRA’s, the 4% plus rule, investment portfolios, dry powder, and more! He also shares what he did during his time off, family updates, and plays a song that he wrote with his son.

If you’re planning for retirement and looking to have meaningful discussions then join our Retire Sooner Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/retiresoonerpodcast

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Wes Moss Returns With New Episodes To Help You Retire Sooner Feb 07, 2022

After taking some time off, The Retire Sooner team is excited to announce that Wes Moss will return as your host starting February 28th!

In upcoming episodes, we will cover topics such as Bitcoin 101, bucket list places to visit, and we'll interview a retired Wall Street workaholic in his 80s and the best shape of his life. Wes will also be answering listener questions and covering new financial, investment, and economic topics to help you towards a happy retirement.

You can expect new episodes every Monday and Thursday. Be sure to mark your calendars, subscribe, and tune in to catch the latest! You can also join our Retire Sooner Facebook Group for more in-depth conversations and topics about retirement. https://bit.ly/3J8w1Qx

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Real Estate Investing for Retirees: Where To Start, Steps To Take and What Success Looks Like with Tom Moore Jan 31, 2022

We encourage happy retirees to think of income as a river, not a reservoir, and advocate having multiple sources of income to generate financial stability during retirement. One common income stream among happy retirees is real estate investments.

In this episode, we’re joined by Partner, Senior Investment Advisor, and Investment Committee Director, Tom Moore, CFP®, to cover the intricacies of real estate investing. Tom shares his real estate history, mindset, and experiences, as well as various methods to invest in real estate. He goes on to compare investing in a single-family home versus a commercial property, talks through income and growth returns, lays out the steps for kickstarting your real estate investment journey, and uncovers how the successful investment situation of a happy retiree could look.

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Why It’s Important to Have a Retirement Backup Plan with Dan Abramowitz Jan 24, 2022

Retirement planning is necessary for creating a successful life after work. However, life throws us curve balls that are sometimes out of our control and you need to have an additional plan in place when this happens. In this episode, we are joined by Dan Abramowitz, Regional Business Development Manager and Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors' Tampa office location. Dan talks through retirement backup plans and how they can save you when unexpected circumstances occur.

Dan also reveals blindsiding challenges he has seen from those entering retirement and stresses the significance of rediscovering your purpose and core pursuits in life. Additionally, Dan urges retirees to be prepared with a plan A, B, C, explains how there is only so much we can plan for, talks through pivoting when hit with life’s curveballs, and shares why we should focus on three priorities to live an efficient and fulfilling life.

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The Evolution of Investing, Trading, and Technology with Matt Reiner Jan 17, 2022

Investors can utilize technology to manage money faster, smarter, and easier; but how did we get here? Founder of Benjamin and Managing Partner at Capital Investment Advisors and Wela Strategies, Matt Reiner, CFP®, CFA joins this week’s episode to walk through the history and evolution of investments and technology.

Matt explains the how to’s of diversifying your investment portfolio in the past and paints a day in the life at the New York Stock Exchange. He also shares huge milestones in investment history that have led to simplicity and inclusivity, explains when 401k’s rose in popularity, reveals what he believes the future of investing looks like and its challenges, and unveils details about his new book.

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The Impact of Inflation and What It Means for Retirees with Ryan Ely Jan 10, 2022

It’s a hot topic that has been on everyone’s mind lately — inflation. In this episode, Retire Sooner team member and Capital Investment Advisors Investment Committee Director, Ryan Ely, addresses what investors and retirees need to take into consideration.

Ryan simplifies the consumer price index and touches on the deflationary shock causing an impact on the economy. He also reveals challenges that come with recovering the economy during inflation, describes the biggest areas of inflation and provides real-world examples of what inflation means for retirees and their wallet share. Finally, Ryan unveils his inflation predictions for the foreseeable future.

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New Year’s Predictions for Investors and Retirees with Robert Sanders Jan 03, 2022

We’re back after the holidays with Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Capital Investment Advisors, Robert Sanders. In this episode, Robert shares his predictions for the upcoming year and how these predictions will impact investors and retirees.

Robert also discusses his three themes of 2022 and analyzes midterm election trends throughout the past. He shares predictions for the market within an inflationary environment, an ideal stocks versus bonds ratio during inflation, and the overall strength of the economy. Additionally, Robert explains how leaning towards the margin and maintaining a positive outlook can influence your investor mindset.

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New Podcasts Coming Soon Dec 27, 2021

The Retire Sooner Team will be back next week to start the new year off with new episodes! In the meantime, listen to your favorite Retire Sooner episodes at wesmoss.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes with tips on living a happy and fulfilling retirement.

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Short-term Rental Properties and Happy Retirements with Brynne Simms Dec 20, 2021

In this podcast episode, Brynne Simms shares how to set expectations to seek and manage rental properties during retirement, along with sharing her journey to owning and managing her own rental property. She also provides examples of how retirees can utilize their finances to find happiness in retirement and describes traits and core pursuits that she sees within the happiest retirees.

Brynne also discusses her role as a Client Service Manager at Capital Investment Advisors and talks through what a happy retiree's future can look like.

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Clarifying Closed-End Funds with Eddie Goepp Dec 13, 2021

This episode features Eddie Goepp, CFP®, Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors. Eddie talks through the closed-end funds investment model and how implementing this strategy can enhance yields and bring balance to your portfolio.

Eddie simplifies closed-end funds as a bucket that holds stock, funds, and real estate and explains why the current market can be attractive for retail investors. He also dives into the fluctuation of yields on closed-end funds, the power of debt, how his wife changed her career path and pursued her passion, and encourages listeners to fuel their passion while in the retirement grey zone.

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Understanding ESGs and Talking Faith-based Investing Vs. Sin Stock Investing with Joel Dean Dec 06, 2021

In this week’s episode, Mallory Boggs is joined by Joel Dean, CFP®, an Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors and a member of the Retire Sooner team to discuss ESGs, faith-based investing and investing in "sin stocks."

Joel shares several investment stories and examples of sin stocks versus "values" investing. He also simplifies ESG investing (Sustainable Investing). Joel reveals how companies implement sustainability in their operations to attract investors. He then gives listeners guidance on how they might want to consider ESG, sin stocks, and faith-based investment strategies when it comes to their own portfolios.

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The Three Pillars of Life with Mitch Reiner Nov 29, 2021

In this episode, Mallory Boggs is joined by Mitch Reiner, CFP®, CIMA®, Managing Partner and Senior Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors. Mitch shares his three pillars of life concept and how these pillars can help you focus on where to devote your time and attention before retirement. He also explains how he discovered his life’s focus, the importance of decision-making with priorities in mind, his top priorities, the challenges of inserting himself in the community, and how he believes retirees could be the key to operating community organizations successfully.

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A Financial Planning Guide For Retirees with Kristin Curcio Nov 22, 2021

In this podcast episode, Mallory Boggs sits down with a member of the Retire Sooner team and Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors, Kristin Curcio. Kristin provides her tips, insights, and expertise regarding financial planning and how these plans impact your retirement.

She also explains the importance of budgeting, how much money you should have in your emergency fund, and discusses penalties for early withdrawals. Listen in to also hear tips and details around estate, will, and trust planning.

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Polishing Your Investment Approach With Robert Sanders Nov 15, 2021

In this first episode of season two of Retire Sooner, Mallory Boggs sits down with Robert Sanders from the Retire Sooner Team. Robert is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Capital Investment Advisors.

Robert explains what it takes when deciding what you want to invest in. He also defines his role at Capital Investment Advisors (CIA), simplifies the macro level of investing, reveals the ideal goal for clients at CIA, talks through discovering companies to invest in, why style consistency is essential when investing, and why it’s important to align your investment goals with your beliefs.

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Why Happiness Is Not Necessarily The Best Goal with Emily Esfahani Smith Nov 08, 2021

In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Emily Esfahani Smith, she is the author of the book, ”The Power of Meaning”, and she delivered a TED talk called “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy”. Emily introduces her approach to finding meaning in life which she argues is more important than happiness. She suggests everyone examine and strengthen 4 pillars in their life: belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. She also shares how growing up in Sufism impacted her study of this philosophy, the rising tide of despair the world faces today, and how we can all find ways to enjoy a full and meaningful life.

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A Retire Sooner Podcast Announcement Nov 04, 2021

This podcast is an incredible labor of love from our team as we strive to help our listeners retire sooner. I'm so grateful to all of you for listening, and I’m excited for our next episode coming out on November 8th with Emily Esfahani Smith.

Every day since the pandemic began, I have been on the air, coaching people through the economic roller coaster. During that time, I've also written and published a new book, and I've worked consistently to create the best content possible on this podcast, in my Atlanta Journal-Constitution column, and for my show on WSB radio. While I’ve enjoyed doing all of this, I’ve decided to take my own advice, and starting mid-November I’ll be focusing on some other core pursuits in my life for a bit. I'll be back in the spring of 2022 with some great new episodes for you here.

While I might be taking a short break on the current format of the podcast, I don't want you to take a break on working towards your goal of retiring at least one year sooner. So I’m turning over the mic (for a bit) to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes at Retire Sooner to answer the questions we see come in from our listeners every day. Starting November 15, we’ll be rolling out a new podcast format we’re calling, “Questions & Answers."

Our producer Mallory will be sitting down weekly with a member of our team of financial professionals to dig into a financial or economic topic where we’ve consistently seen confusion and questions. I hope you enjoy these new episodes, and I can't wait for you to see what's coming in the spring.

If you'd like to reach me or the Retire Sooner Team, you can always find us at WesMoss.com.

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Behind The Scenes Of The FIRE Movement, Gaining Financial Independence, and Retiring Early with Katie Oelker Nov 01, 2021

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes sits down with Financial Advisor turned Financial Coach, Freelance Writer, and young FIRE Advocate, Katie Oelker. Katie defines and explains what the FIRE movement is along with the varieties that come with it. She also shares her dramatic money story growing up, her retirement and investment goals, her journey as a financial advisor and financial coach, why it’s important to know about our parents' and childrens' finances, and reveals her core pursuits.

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The Details Behind What The Happiest Retirees Know Oct 28, 2021

During this episode, Wes shares details from his new book, What The Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. He also explains how he collected his research and studies for the book, why he studies happy and unhappy retirees, and what we can learn from happy retirees. He gives additional insights into the habits of the happiest retirees, how to discover your core pursuits, and shares a personal story about a friend’s emotional struggle without work.

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Exposing The Financial Challenges Of Military Service Members with Lacey Langford Oct 25, 2021

While many of us appreciate the call to duty for our nation’s military servicemen and servicewomen, we’re not often aware of the challenges they face financially. As they transition back to civilian life, many encounter challenges with saving, investing, and earning a living.

In today’s podcast episode, Wes is joined by Lacey Langford, a former member of the U.S Air Force and Co-host of the Military Money Podcast. Lacey explains the difficulties that military service members face with finances as they transition back into civilian life. She also shares details about her military background, reveals the struggles of being a military spouse, simplifies the military career process and military ranks, breaks down security clearances, shares the importance of taking ownership of your finances, and unveils financial resources for military members.

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Your Top Retirement Questions Answered Oct 21, 2021

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes replays questions from callers on his Money Matters radio show. From the questions asked he discusses how to set up a retirement plan, taking required minimum distributions, and the impact today's political environment has on the stock market.

Disclosure: This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein.

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Starting A Podcast, Writing A Book and Thoughts on Early Retirement with Joe Saul-Sehy Oct 18, 2021

During this episode, Wes sits down with Joe Saul-Sehy, Creator and Co-Host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. Joe talks through selling his business and transitioning into a new career, his podcast journey and the process of writing his book. He also shares how children can help us learn life lessons, along with discussing the debate for hiring a financial advisor, his insight on income sources, and the pros and cons of retiring early.

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Income Investing: The Process, The Approach, and The Reward Oct 14, 2021

If you take the proper steps, investing can be rewarding and valuable. However, if your only focus is growth, then you could be missing out on a large piece of the equation — income investing.

In this podcast episode, Wes unveils the beneficial process of income investing. He also discusses the possibilities of inflation, the many ways to approach investing, the emotional side of investing your retirement money, why he admires income investing, a simple explanation of the income investment process, and steps to take to begin your income investment journey.

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The Financial Rollercoaster Associated with Living Lavish In Los Angeles with Bob Wheeler Oct 11, 2021

Living in luxury comes at a price, and it’s important to be cautious with your finances to avoid unexpected ups and downs; especially living in areas like Los Angeles.

In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Bob Wheeler, Certified CPA, CORE Energetic practitioner, Inspirational Speaker, Author, and CFO of the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Bob shares his comedic journey, the financial trends of comics, reveals the spending tendencies of his Los Angeles clients, what it’s like being an LA resident, and touches base on his book The Money Nerve along with the connection between money and emotions.

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Rethinking Your Balanced Portfolio Allocation Oct 07, 2021

In this podcast episode, Wes urges listeners to rethink investment percentages for their balanced portfolio. He discusses how the traditional 60/40 portfolio might need to be revisited based on interest rate predictions, the current interest rate environment, the purpose of bonds, and the power of income investing.

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How Traveling With Purpose Can Give Life A New Meaning with Joe Cortez Oct 04, 2021

Whether it’s for work or pleasure, traveling can be fun and exciting. However, have you ever thought about why you are traveling?

During this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Joe Cortez, Editor and Chief of FlyerTalk.com, an online hub for up-to-date travel news and insight. Joe shares how discovering the purpose of your travel can change your outlook on the entire process. He also explains how he started his traveling career, debunks the perks and benefits of flyer status, reveals why determining what you want from your travel is essential, describes how your traveling needs change as you grow older, and unveils his ideal travel destination to retire sooner.

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Investing Mistakes To Avoid Sep 30, 2021

In this podcast episode, Wes reveals common investing mistakes to avoid. He also talks through upcoming podcast episodes, explains his experience in the investment industry, discusses stock market trends, reveals the importance of timing for investors, and describes the connection between the percentage of trading days missed versus your rate of return.

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Selecting Your Ideal Retirement Location with Gilen Chan and Gene Preudhomme Sep 27, 2021

If you could retire anywhere, where would it be? What are the main variables that would help you determine where to go? If you’re pursuing the answers to these questions, this podcast episode can help!

This week Wes sits down with the duo, Gilen Chan and Gene Preudhomme, a couple in their fifties and hosts of the weekly podcast, Retire There. They discuss how to find the perfect retirement location, talk through their own podcast process, share retirement location stories from their podcast listeners, reveal where they are in their own lives, debate the difficulties of moving away from family, and uncover where they plan to retire.

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Five Reasons to Retire Sooner Sep 23, 2021

In this podcast episode, Wes shares five reasons retirees are retiring as soon as they can. He also talks through catalysts for retiring, dives into the retirement transition, shares comments from listeners regarding their retirement, reveals financial checkpoints of happy retirees, and provides his advice and insight on retiring happy.

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Leaving Wealth To The Next Generation with Steve Goodman Sep 20, 2021

Building generational wealth is important and can help to set your family and future family up for success. However, what planning is required when it comes to passing down that wealth to your children and their children?

In this podcast episode, Wes sits down with Steven Goodman, Author of Business Succession Planning, to discuss leaving wealth to the next generation. Steven also shares the risks of passing down a family business, what to factor in as a parent with a family business, the pitfalls of leaving wealth to multiple children, cashing out on your company, private equity, and his insights on life insurance.

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The Power Of Understanding Averages in the Stock Market Sep 16, 2021

History continues to repeat itself, especially when it comes to the economy and the stock market. In this podcast episode, Wes shares the power of two stock related averages; the average intra year decline and the average rate of return. He also discusses U.S. stock market predictions from well known investors, how averages tell the real stock market story, scary headlines regarding investing, historical trends, and the importance of understanding these averages to reach your financial goals.

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Transitioning Into Retirement Alongside Your Spouse with Louis H. Primavera, PhD Sep 13, 2021

Everyone seeks a smooth transition into retirement. Although it’s important to have a successful adjustment individually, including your spouse in the transition is also essential. In this episode, Louis H. Primavera, PhD is back to discuss the inclusion of your spouse within the retirement process. He also explains relationship contracts, shares his experiences with marriage counseling clients, reveals the importance of negotiation, stresses the significance of giving 100% on both sides of the relationship, and discusses the marital habits of happy retirees.

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The “I Quit” Job Economy Revealed Sep 09, 2021

Quitting your job is your choice, and for most, there is a good reason behind doing it. In fact, there is currently a labor shortage in the U.S. because of so many Americans quitting on their own accord. With a large supply of job openings and a short supply of labor, this is the best job economy that our country has seen. Believe it or not, this “I quit” economy can also positively affect your retirement plan.

During this podcast episode, Wes dives into the “I quit” job economy. He also shares which industries have a labor shortage, variables that lead to people quitting, why there is a labor shortage, research surrounding the job economy, how this shortage can impact your early retirement, and which industries people are quitting the most.

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Exploring the Realities of Aging vs. Cognitive Decline Sep 06, 2021

In this episode, Wes sits down with Ann Germany, an expert from The Arbor Company. Ann dives into key traits in normal aging versus cognitive decline and how to prepare if your loved one is diagnosed with a cognitive decline-based disease.

Ann also shares her experience caring for her mother, four common forms of dementia, red flags of cognitive decline, and actions to take when red flags appear.

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The Do’s and Don'ts of the Happiest Retirees Part 2 Sep 02, 2021

The happiest retirees practice numerous habits that lead to a fulfilling life. In this episode, Wes continues revealing the do’s and don’ts of the happiest retirees and the advantages of adding those do’s into your own routine.

In addition, Wes dives into diet and nutrition, explains why it’s important to possess healthy social connections, provides the benefits of traveling with friends, and outlines his new book What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life.

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The Shawshank Paradox, the Retirement Grey Zone, and Transitioning Into Happy Retirement Aug 30, 2021

There’s nothing wrong with being a hard worker. Some may even consider hard work as their superpower. However, could hard work and earning an income cost you your happy retirement?

In this podcast episode, Wes interviews Roger Whitney, a financial advisor for more than 25 years and host of the award-winning Retirement Answer Man® podcast. During the episode, Roger and Wes define the Shawshank Paradox and how to break away from your job to transition into retirement. Roger also shares his personal client and listener experiences, the five regrets that people have at the end of their life, creating an amazing life today versus being okay later on, financial planning, goal setting, and the correlation between the Shawshank Paradox and the Retirement Grey Zone.

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The Do's And Don'ts Of The Happiest Retirees - Part 1 Aug 27, 2021

What separates the happy retirees from the unhappy retirees? It’s not just one habit, but multiple habits that happy retirees implement throughout their routine. In fact, practicing these life, financial, social, and family habits can lead you to living your best life during retirement.

In this podcast episode, Wes reveals a few of the habits of the happiest retirees. Wes also shares his purpose for studying these habits, his research and findings about retirement, the do’s and don’ts of retirement, the financial habits of joyful retirees, and outlines his new book What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life.

If you'd like to access the complimentary workbook, please visit - https://info.yourwealth.com/workbook-for-what-the-happiest-retirees-know

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The Balance Between Living Your Life and Being Thrifty with Joel Larsgaard Aug 23, 2021

Saving and budgeting your money is important to your financial success, both before and after retirement. Although saving comes with restrictions, it’s important that you don’t restrict yourself from enjoying the little things in life.

In this podcast episode, Wes interviews Joel Larsgaard, one half of the popular personal finance podcast, How To Money. Joel discusses how to budget while giving yourself permission to spend money on what’s important to you. He also shares questions from his podcast listeners, his personal experience with family finances growing up, real estate, over constraint, and having “peace out” money.

This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein.

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Paying For Mom's Assisted Living; Sell The House, Rent It, Or Use The IRA? Aug 19, 2021

Are you, a parent, or a spouse transitioning to an assisted living facility? Determining what steps to take when paying for the expenses is a significant role, especially if your loved one is not present to make all decisions. It all comes down to identifying the best strategy to optimize the finances while ensuring that taxes are accounted for.

Today’s podcast episode is based on a call received by a listener. Wes explains how to maximize the assets of a parent or spouse when you are in charge of their expenses. He also discusses five things to consider when distributing assets, the importance of managing finances, utilizing IRA money, why having caution about taxes is essential, and how he would handle the situation of the listener.

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The Financial Plight of Child Stars and Examining the #FreeBritney Movement with Jason Minor Aug 16, 2021

This week we’re taking a peek behind the scenes of child stars and the financial struggles that are so often associated with them. Jason Minor, a former Mickey Mouse Club member and child star turned financial advisor, offers his insider knowledge on how individuals such as Britney Spears end up earning significant sums in their formative years only to lose it all. Jason offers suggestions on how a #FreeBritney-like movement can be avoided for the next generation of young rising stars, and we can all learn about the importance of financial planning whenever presented with a sudden cash windfall.

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The Financial Market Bubble That Burst Japan’s Economy Aug 13, 2021

Is the US economy in a market bubble that could burst sooner than we think? It’s the question that has been on the minds of many investors causing some degree of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. After all, we keep witnessing the market hit new all-time highs and investors want to have the confidence that their money is still being put to work.

In today’s episode, Wes addresses this common question and discusses the history and lessons we can learn from one of the greatest economic bubbles in history that occurred in Japan during the 1990’s. Wes also shares five nearly unbelievable scenarios that happened during Japan’s bubble, identifies the mark of a bubble, and discusses cycles of bear and bull markets.

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Answering Your Questions with Wes Moss Aug 09, 2021

What can I do to retire sooner? What should I be investing in? What is the status of the stock market? Don’t fret. You came to the right place!

In this podcast episode, Wes answers questions sent in from podcast listeners. He also addresses his overall mission to help families retire happy. Additionally, he shares insights and tips around retirement, real estate, investing, and finances.

This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein.

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Managing Finances and Communication as a Couple Aug 05, 2021

When it comes to finances, money conversations can be a difficult topic for some couples. Surprisingly, it’s also common for couples to be clueless about each other’s salaries and what their combined money is being used for. Although money is a major cause of divorce, it can be prevented through better communication and teamwork.

In this podcast episode, Wes tackles the touchy subject of couples and their finances. He also explores relationship data in regards to talking about money, relationship transparency, why communication is key, how communication can impact your retirement, and the communication tendencies of happy retirees.

https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/about-fidelity/Fidelity-Couples-and-Money-Fact-Sheet-2021.pdf

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Understanding the Framework of Medicare with Mary Beth Franklin Aug 02, 2021

Income streams and social security benefits are important aspects of retirement, but it’s important to also consider another critical factor: Medicare. Although Medicare is essential to numerous people across the U.S, it’s a complicated subject with many levels to understand. In the long run, knowing the ins and outs of Medicare can help you better prepare for retirement.

Mary Beth Franklin, a leading specialist on social security and Medicare and writer of a weekly column on retirement issues for Investment News, is back to explain Medicare in this week’s episode. She also clarifies the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare enrollment, penalty payments, parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare, and health insurance wrinkles.

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Loss Aversion: Combatting The Difficulties Of Investing Jul 29, 2021

Investing is difficult, and for some of us, it’s very hard to begin the process. Not only are we cautious of starting, but we can become cautious about staying in the market. The hesitancy some investors face stems from an inherent behavioral trait. The prewired trait can be either conquered or leave us in a vicious cycle that will ruin our chances at a return on our investment.

In today’s podcast episode, Wes dives into loss aversion, the psychological makeup that makes investing so tough for humans. He also shares a personal experience regarding loss aversion, the pain of losing versus the pleasure of gaining, four steps that we can take to combat the inherent behavior, and how those steps can increase our investing success.

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The Link Between Life Transitions And A Happy Retirement with Nancy Schlossberg Jul 26, 2021

Life transitions can be exciting and challenging. Throughout our lives, we experience many changes and shifts that will impact our outlook on things. Some changes will take us out of our comfort zone, but experiencing them can help us learn how to cope. This philosophy goes for retirement as well.

In this podcast episode, Wes interviews Nancy Schlossberg, former psychology professor, author, and co-president of TransitionWorks. During the episode, Nancy explains the importance of transitions in your life leading up to your retirement. She also shares her life experiences regarding change, different kinds of retirees, resources for coping with change, transition stages, and how the retirement process is affected by these transitions.

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Examining the Housing Market and the Best Places To Live Jul 22, 2021

Should you stay? Should you go? Should you rent? Everyone wants to know! Real estate prices fluctuate constantly, making it challenging to predict where the prices will fall in years to come. The real estate market is dependent on a variety of factors.

In this podcast episode, Wes examines the ever-changing housing market and where prices are headed in the future. He also dives into real estate trends, supply and demand, the factors that impact housing prices, the home price index, and home pricing comparisons from state to state.

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Exposing the Misconceptions of Wealth Building with Jean Chatzky Jul 19, 2021

Money can be a difficult subject for many. If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that we are not always at fault for being financially unstable. Although no one is to blame for the turn of events, it is up to us to take control and determine a solution for recovering our finances, establishing security, and restoring wealth.

In today’s episode, Wes interviews CEO and podcast host of Her Money, Jean Chatzky. Throughout the episode, Jean debunks some of the most common misconceptions about wealth and wealth building. Jean and Wes also discuss how money can impact your happiness, the major problems people face when repairing their finances, and the differences between men investors versus women investors.

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Perfection vs. Participation: The Quest for Timing Investments in the Stock Market Jul 15, 2021

Is there an ideal moment to invest in the market? It’s a question that worries many investors each time they put money in the market. The answer to this question should be the same no matter what the market environment.

During this episode, Wes shares his insights on the “perfect time” to kickstart your investment journey. He also compares investing at the best time versus investing at the worst time within the market, explains why participation is pivotal, and lays out how to control your investment itinerary.

Source: Bloomberg L.P. Stocks are represented by the S&P 500, and cash equivalents by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Treasury Bill Index. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested directly.

This chart represents a hypothetical investment and is for illustrative purposes only. Dividends and interest are assumed to have been reinvested , and the example does not reflect the effects of taxes, expenses or fees. The actual annual rate of return will fluctuate with market conditions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns and periods where dividends will not be paid. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained in this article. The information contained in the article is strictly an opinion and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing.

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Changing Your Money Behavior with Leisa Peterson Jul 12, 2021

Money can impact your life in positive and negative ways. While many of us are mindful of our money, we don’t always realize how money influences our behavior. Understanding how money impacts behavior can help you reduce or prevent stress, fear, and scarcity.

On today’s podcast episode, Wes sits down with Leisa Peterson, coach, mindset teacher, author, and podcast host of The Mindful Millionaire. Leisa shares her experiences with stress caused by scarcity of money growing up and kickstarting a method for saving more. She also covers abundance, conquering money mistakes, the importance of self-care, and the money tendencies of men versus women.

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The Social Habits of the Happiest Retirees Jul 08, 2021

A rewarding retirement is not just about having enough money to live comfortably. At the end of the day, there are some things that money can’t buy. Having social connectedness is essential to your longevity and happiness. Maintaining lifelong friend groups or social groups is key during this stage in your life, and traveling with these social connections can lead to your most fulfilling retirement.

On today’s podcast episode, Wes explains how social connectedness is vital for a happy retiree. He also dives into the softer side of planning for retirement, four happy retiree secrets of social connectedness, and shares his research on happy retirees versus unhappy retirees.

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Wealth Creation in America and Utilizing a Financial Advisor with Brian Preston Jul 05, 2021

When it comes to generating wealth, everyone wants to “get rich quick”. Little do people know, the easiest way to accomplish this is through a slow process and patience. As challenging as that sounds, no one sees the visible ups and downs of the wealth journey. Many seeking wealth only have eyes for the pot of gold at the end.

Today’s episode includes an interview with Brian Preston, a CFP, CPA, PFS, and founder of AboundWealth in Franklin, Tennessee. Brian is also the founder and host of the award-winning Money Guy Show, a podcast that has been broadcasting for over 15 years. Brian shares his top three steps toward wealth creation, three reasons for hiring a fee-only financial advisor, and the biggest blocks to avoid while creating wealth.

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The Retirement Grey Zone - Finding Your Second Career After Retirement Jul 01, 2021

When it comes to retirement, we tend to think of things in black and white. In one stage, you’re working, and the next, you’re retired. Depending on what age you retire, this isn’t always the case. There are times when you find yourself in what’s called “the grey zone” of retirement.

In this episode, podcast host Wes Moss explains the Grey Zone of retirement for an early retiree. Retiring sooner can be a dream, but if you retire young enough to get a second career or transition job, then you should do so to ease into living off of your savings. Wes also shares a tool that he uses to navigate the zone and reviews the five steps for retiring sooner.

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The Link Between Aging and Longevity in Retirement with Andrew Steele Jun 28, 2021

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that you should stop your efforts for longevity. After all, planning for a happy retirement includes following core pursuits and socializing with family and friends. Aging is inevitable, but for those retiring it can be a concern. Planning your retirement with a life expectancy of 70 years old is different from planning for a life expectancy of 90 years old.

In today’s episode, Wes interviews Dr. Andrew Steele, a London-based bio-gerontologist, writer, and campaigner as he explains some of the research behind his new book Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old. They discuss risk factors of diseases, such as cancer and dementia, the impact of excessive daily exercise, and why sleep is essential to your health.

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The Three-Headed Monster That Investors Face Today Jun 24, 2021

his year has brought us into a new economic environment. We are shifting from a closed economy to businesses reopening and gaining momentum as we recover from the past year. But with that momentum has come a bevy of fear and concern. As a result, investors should not be worried or paranoid, but they should be prepared. In today’s podcast, Wes shares tips on how investors can combat what he calls the three-headed monster of higher inflation, rising interest rates, and tax increases.

Throughout this episode, Wes analyzes the historical correlation between tax rates, capital gains, stocks and addresses why some categories of stocks fare better when inflation or interest rates rise. Of course, historical events in markets may not repeat exactly the same, but many events show similarities. As investors, if we stick to a few rules of thumb, we may be able to weather any market conditions that come our way.

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The Four Stages of Retirement with Louis H. Primavera, PhD. Jun 21, 2021

Studies have found that as many as 40% of retirees have difficulty adjusting, and even those who claim to enjoy retirement may experience some uneasiness as they adapt to a life lacking in structure and direction. The path to a happy retirement may be paved with good intention when it comes to financial preparation, but preparation for your mental health is equally as important.

Today’s episode features licensed psychologist Louis H. Primavera, PhD. Dr. Primavera is co-author of the book The Retirement Maze: What You Should Know Before and After You Retire. He specializes in behavior and rational emotive behavior therapies and is currently the Dean of Health Sciences at Touro College in New York. Wes and Dr. Primavera discuss the four stages of retirement, understanding the purpose of a bridge job, the importance of staying socially connected, and the psychological side of retirement.

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The Importance of Rational Optimism for Investors Jun 17, 2021

Whether you get your news by television, websites, or social media, it is often dominated by a negative narrative. After all, the old saying when it comes to the media is, “if it bleeds, it leads.” As investors, we should not just pay attention to what we see and read but also focus on what we know.

In today’s episode, Wes addresses the critical importance of rational optimism for investors. He outlines a list of perpetual, formidable events that could negatively impact the economy at any time. While these events may seem bad now, savvy investors can counter this narrative with the knowledge that fundamentally good things are happening today - starting with the army of American productivity.

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Why Lifelong Learning Is Important, Even As An Adult with Tom Vanderbilt Jun 14, 2021

When learning how to walk, infants fail up to 70 times an hour yet, they still keep trying. So why can we as adults be so afraid to fail when trying something new? As we get older and deeper into adulthood, we sometimes forget what it feels like to begin again.

Inspired by his young daughter's insatiable need to know how to do almost everything, and challenged by his own rut of mid-career competence, blogger, journalist, and best-selling author,Tom Vanderbilt took a year-long journey to master five new skills. In today’s episode, Wes sits down with Tom to talk through the important lessons he learned on his journey, how to reclaim your identity by learning something new and why failing is a good thing. Tom shares how anyone can begin again--and, more important, why they should take those first awkward steps. We’re fascinated by Tom’s pursuit to continue learning new skills and hope this episode inspires you to explore your own childlike wonders in retirement.

Read more about Tom’s journey in his latest book, Beginners: the Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning - https://tomvanderbilt.com/books/beginners-the-joy-and-transformative-power-of-lifelong-learning/

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How Conservatively Do I Need To Invest As I Get Older? The 15/50 Stock Rule Jun 10, 2021

Lately we’ve beeninundated with news of people becoming millionaires overnight. 2021 has been the year of the ‘meme’ stock and this phenomenon has made it even more difficult for investors to keep their eye on the ball. For example, AMC recently announced a new program offering perks for shareholders which sent the stock through the roof. This new form of shareholder activism can be exciting but it’s not always a durable investment strategy for long-term investing.

Today we’ll discuss the 15/50 Stock Rule, which helps guide investors in maintaining a balance between risk and reward according to their time horizon. The 15/50 portfolio idea has been around for decades, championed by Columbia Business School professor Benjamin Graham (mentor to famed billionaire investor Warren Buffet), as well as Vanguard founder, John Bogle. In this episode, we’ll focus on the conversation soon-to-be retirees are likely having which is, ‘how much as a percentage of our portfolio should we have in stocks over time?’

More on the 15/50 Stock Rule and other sources for the show:

https://www.wesmoss.com/news/why-investors-should-consider-using-the-15-50-stock-rule/

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/morningstar-report-finds-that-retirement-savers-contributions-suffer-even-as-target-date-strategies-rebounded-from-q1-2020-bear-market-301250121.html

Disclosure: This information is provided to you as a resource for educational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular security. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns and periods where dividends will not be paid. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. The mention of any specific security should not be inferred as having been successful or responsible for any investor achieving their investment goals. Additionally, the mention of any specific security is not to infer investment success of the security or of any portfolio. A reader may request a list of all recommendations made by Capital Investment Advisors within the immediately preceding period of one year upon written request to Capital Investment Advisors. It is not known whether any investor holding the mentioned securities have achieved their investment goals or experienced appreciation of their portfolio. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.

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Making Smart Decisions with Your Money with Jill Schlesinger Jun 07, 2021

When it comes to money, even smart people can make dumb decisions. What do you think is the genesis for poor financial decisions? Why can we be so bad at spending? There are so many silly things people do when making financial decisions.

Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst and Author, shares some fantastic advice about retirement planning and the questions you should be asking to define your needs, manage your money and make smart financial decisions. Jill talks about her beginnings with CBS and start in the financial industry, all which led her to become a leader in translating complicated business and economic news into understandable, relatable topics for everyday viewers and listeners.

The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money by Jill Schlesinger: https://www.jillonmoney.com/book/

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The Path to Becoming a Millionaire Next Door Jun 03, 2021

When The Millionaire Next Door book by Thomas Stanley was first released, I was an intern at my first investment job. Now, in its 23-year history, it has had a major impact on how people understand what it means to be wealthy in the United States.

In this episode, we’ll discuss the habits Thomas Stanley wrote about in 1996, of the people who have created not just high income, but wealth. We’ll talk about the ways you can implement the traits of the Millionaire Next Door, debunk the lies that you need to be hedonistically rich to retire successfully, share some millionaire statistics and the ways in which the Millionaire Next Door is related to the happy retiree.

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley: https://www.themillionairenextdoor.com/

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Preparing for a Happy Retirement as a Caregiver with Richard Eisenberg Jun 01, 2021

As we approach midlife, a lot of us may find ourselves taking care of our aging parents, children, or both. How do we not go broke taking care of other people in our lives? Even people who spend a lot of time on financial planning tend to overlook their own needs in the long term for assistance with finances (paying bills, organizing things, etc) and healthcare (rides to appointments, caregiving, etc). Why is that? Richard Eisenberg shares a little bit about his personal experience as a caregiver and shares some best practices to providing care while also protecting our financial future and becoming a happy retiree.

Richard Eisenberg is an author and Managing Editor for Next Avenue - a PBS site. You can find Richard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/richeis315.

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How to Win the Emotional Battle of Long-Term Investing - The Dry Powder Principle May 27, 2021

Humans are naturally reactive, it’s a survival technique but those who are able to look beyond the market storms are the investors that are typically rewarded.

Today I’m going to share with you one of the most powerful and helpful investment tools, in my opinion, to use when investing gets tough - The Dry Powder Principle. We’ll take a look at the history of how often and severe markets fall, the recovery time for all bear markets from 1928 and how The Dry Powder Principle can be helpful when preparing for retirement. Understanding market cycles can help us gain a sense of patience, look beyond the danger and stay invested over time - which is key to becoming a happy retiree.

More on The Dry Powder Principle: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/how-to-own-your-expenses-and-plan-ahead-for-market-storms/

The 15/50 Stock Rule: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/why-investors-should-consider-using-the-15-50-stock-rule/

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Maximizing Social Security with Mary Beth Franklin May 24, 2021

Whether you’re 25 or nearing retirement age, you’ll learn something new about how to maximize social security and plan for the future in today’s episode with Mary Beth Franklin. Mary Beth is one of the country’s leading specialist on social security and medicare and writes a weekly column on retirement issues for Investment News, a publication for financial advisers.

In our conversation today she answers questions such as, why do you think Social Security has become so confusing and difficult for so many people to make sense of as they get ready to retire? What are some actionable steps to take right now to prepare for or maximize their social security? And what you need to know when it comes to spouses and social security.

History of Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/history/index.html

Where to find Mary Beth Franklin:

maximizingsocialsecuritybenefits.com

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8 Habits Happy Retirees Avoid May 20, 2021

Retirement is one of the most exciting goals to strive for. All of your hard work saving and investing has paid off, and now you’re living the good life.But making the most of your post-career years means being on guard for a few financial pitfalls.

In my research, I’ve discovered that the happiest retirees know what to avoid and practice in order to retire sooner. So what mistakes are unhappy retirees making to prevent them from reaching economic freedom? In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the Rich Ratio, how much time you should really spend on your own finances, if you should purchase big-ticket items before or after retirement, and the things you should be focusing on while you save and plan for retirement.

David Bach on Retiring Overseas: https://www.wesmoss.com/podcasts/episode-2-david-bach-moving-overseas/

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Building Exceptional Relationships with Carole Robin May 17, 2021

Time and time again research has proven that healthy interpersonal relationships are the key to happiness. So why do so many people get relationships wrong?

Today’s episode covers the best tips for helping us connect more authentically and find more happiness, the core principles of strong human connection, and how to ask for help and support from others with guest, Carole Robin Ph.D., who was the longtime teacher of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business legendary Interpersonal Dynamics (aka Touchy Feely) course.

Check out Carole Robin's book, Connect Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues

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Can ‘Old’ Stocks Ever Beat ‘New’ Stocks? May 13, 2021

On today’s episode, we’ll discuss if old-line industries or stocks can ever win again, if anything outside of tech companies can win over the long term, if value stocks are really all that valuable, and if old stocks are even worth considering to get to your happy retirement.

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Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz on Planning for Retirement May 10, 2021

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, CFP®, is the daughter of Charles Schwab and a leading advocate for financial literacy. She has devoted her career to helping men and women from all walks of life achieve financial security and also oversees Schwab’s corporate philanthropy and employee volunteer programs.

Wes and Carrie discuss a variety of important financial items to consider as you prepare for your happy retirement on today’s episode. Carrie shares when to start saving, what to look at with social security, how much you should save to retire comfortably, why you should still invest in the stock market as you get older, her start with Schwab, and more.

Follow Carrie: @CarrieSchwab

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Inflation - How Do You Protect Yourself? May 06, 2021

If inflation rears its ugly head like it did in the 1970’s we could see prices for everything that we care about and need go through the roof. How do you protect yourself if inflation is coming? Can you still retire sooner? Will you need to use more of your portfolio for basic necessities?

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the history of inflation, how the national debt and recent stimulus packages could impact Americans in the next 5 to 10 years, and what rising inflation could mean for investors and retirees.

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Chris Gardner on Pursuing Happiness and Your Dreams May 03, 2021

Today’s episode features international best-selling author, entrepreneur, single parent, speaker, and philanthropist Chris Gardner. Gardner’s autobiography, The Pursuit of HappYness became a New York Times #1 bestseller and is also the inspiration for the critically acclaimed film “The Pursuit of HappYness” for which Will Smith received the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Award nominations for his performance. Chris has a fascinating story and was a huge inspiration behind the start of Wes’ research on the relationship between money and happiness.

Wes and Chris discuss how bringing his book to life on the big screen with Will Smith changed his life, why he thinks many people are afraid to realize their dreams, the three most important decisions you can make, the concept of Atomic Time, and the inspiration behind his newest book, ‘Permission to Dream’. Find out what Chris thinks we should all know about the new "Three Rs," and how he is focusing on helping and inspiring teens around the country.

To find out more on Chris Gardner, visit https://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/

Buy Permission to Dream: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063031566/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_JG8CFWC78RR4EHD1W49F

Follow Chris on Instagram @ceoofhappyness

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Corporate Taxes - What They Mean to You Apr 29, 2021

What will new, higher corporate taxes mean for retirees and the economy?

No matter where you are on taxes, no one likes to think of them going higher. That’s why they’re important to talk about. Taxes are a large piece of our financial portfolios and the more we’re educating ourselves the easier it is to stay on the path to a happy retirement. In today’s episode, we discuss how to navigate the cards we’re dealt with when it comes to corporate taxes.

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IRAs , Taxes, and Retirement Savings with Ed Slott Apr 26, 2021

Ed Slott is a nationally recognized IRA distribution specialist, professional speaker, television personality, and best-selling author. He is known for his unparalleled ability to turn advanced tax strategies into understandable, actionable, and entertaining advice. This is the most interesting conversation we’ve ever had about taxes.

Wes and Ed discuss what exactly the new ‘retirement savings time bomb’ is and how big of a threat it is to retirement savers, understanding Roth IRAs vs. IRAs, the foundational principle of taxes, what planning options retirement savers now have, when to convert from traditional to Roth, potential tax changes under the new administration and so much more. As investors, there are several lessons we can all take from Ed today and we hope this conversation leads you to become a smarter taxpayer and retiree.

Follow Ed:

https://www.irahelp.com/

Twitter: @theslottreport

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The Power of Rising Stock Dividends Apr 22, 2021

Wes talks about an unassuming force when it comes to investing - Stock Dividends. If there’s ever a concept in investing to remember, it’s this one. They don’t often make the flashy headlines, but the pursuit of dividends is perhaps worthy of a life’s work for any investor. Wes compares what you can get from stock dividends and bond interest based on a study done by his firm, Capital Investment Advisors.

There are many ways to invest, but the focus at Retire Sooner is to help you understand your investments and what they can produce for you in income once you stop working. As you listen to the episode today, focus on how you can make your money grow and payout over time.

Capital Investment Advisors’ study that compares how an investment in equities for dividend income has fared relative to investing in bonds for income: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/the-power-of-investing-in-dividends-generating-income-from-stock-dividends-vs-bond-interest/

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle.This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors.This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.

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Gretchen Rubin on Money and Happiness Apr 19, 2021

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, in a way that’s accessible to a wide audience.

She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. (The Happiness Project spent two years on the bestseller list.)

On her top-ranking, award-winning podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” she discusses happiness and good habits with her sister Elizabeth Craft.

She’s been interviewed by Oprah, eaten dinner with Daniel Kahneman, walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama, had her work written up in a medical journal, and been an answer on the game show Jeopardy!

In her work, she draws from cutting-edge science, the wisdom of the ages, lessons from popular culture, and her own experiences to explore how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.

Gretchen Rubin started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. Raised in Kansas City, she lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

Where to find her

Podcast - Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Website - https://gretchenrubin.com/

Facebook - Gretchen Rubin

Twitter - @gretchenrubin

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Clark Howard on Saving More and Retiring Early Apr 15, 2021

Wes sits down with consumer advocate, radio and podcast host, and best-selling author, Clark Howard to discuss his childhood, interest and background in the financial world, his journey from a struggling college student to a happy retiree, how he got started in radio, TV, and now podcasting, and his single favorite piece of financial advice.

Clark’s passion for action and service and to share ‘practical ways to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off’ shines through the work he does for consumers across the country. You can see more of Clark's great advice at Clark.com

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The 4 Percent Rule of Thumb for Happy Retirees Apr 12, 2021

Today we’re talking about one of the most important rules you can learn and understand as you plan for retirement. The 4% Rule is an indicator for retirees to determine how to utilize your savings for income in your post-career years. Recently, some exciting news broke in the financial world that may mean you could retire months or even years ahead of your current schedule.

In this episode, Wes explains how it works, discusses the controversy the rule has faced over the years, the exciting new development to this rule, and how retirees can use The 4% Rule to support their happy retirement.

4% Rule - background, history, and a general outline of Bengen’s study - https://www.wesmoss.com/news/the-new-verdict-on-the-4-rule-for-retirement/

Good News For Retirees Seeking Consistent Income: The 4% Rule Of Thumb Could Potentially Now Be 4.5% - https://www.wesmoss.com/news/good-news-for-retirees-seeking-consistent-income-the-4-rule-of-thumb-could-now-be-4-5/

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Kat Cole on Grit and Controlling Your Income Apr 08, 2021

Today we are joined by Kat Cole, former President and COO of North America for Focus Brands which owns famous companies such as Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and more. Kat shares her life story growing up surrounded by poverty and with an alcoholic father. She also describes how her upbringing has defined her relationship with money and happiness.

In this episode, Kat breaks down the valuable financial and business lessons she learned working in the restaurant industry and how she built her career to now lead multi-billion dollar businesses. We hope you find Kat's vulnerability inspiring and endearing as you work towards your retirement goals.

Follow Kat Cole on Instagram and Twitter: @katcoleatl

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David Bach on Moving Overseas Apr 05, 2021

David Bach is one of America's most trusted financial experts and a 10x New York Times best-selling author.

In this episode of Retire Sooner, you will hear the fascinating and true story of David moving from his fast-paced life in New York City to the intoxicating "work to live" culture of Florence, Italy with his wife and two teenagers for what he termed a "radical sabbatical." Intending to stay for just 9 months, David has now been living in Florence for over two years, with plans to stay longer.

David's message is unique, as he shares the tools and steps necessary to engage in significant travel long before retirement. Maybe it's not Florence for you, but another coast or part of our country. Perhaps it's South America, Asia, or another part of the world. As our jobs become more mobile, the possibilities of making your dreams a reality are expanding for so many.

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The 5 Secrets of The Happiest Retirees Apr 02, 2021

We all want to be happy. Why wouldn’t we? As an Investment Advisor, I help people recognize and work towards achieving their financial goals. I love it. But today I want to zoom out to the big picture; to discuss what every single person wants from retirement: happiness.

In the first episode of Retire Sooner, I talk a little about my upbringing and where my fascination with the relationship between money and happiness began. Then I dig into my research on the five secrets of the happiest retirees.

Follow us on Instagram: @retiresoonerpodcast

Reference:

These five secrets are based on a study I conducted of over 1,350 retirees in 46 states for my book, You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think.

Scary Retirement Statistics from Ramsey Solutions Retirement Study: https://www.chrishogan360.com/retirement/10-frightening-retirement-stats-that-should-scare-you-into-action

Retired adults dependence on Social Security: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2011/11/03/section-6-generations-and-entitlements/

Wharton study: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/money-matters-to-happiness-perhaps-more-than-previously-thought

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.

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