Retire With Style

Latest Episodes:

Clarification on Ep. 237 HSA Rules for Beneficiaries Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Alex and Wade clarify important aspects of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), particularly focusing on the rules surrounding beneficiaries. They address common misconceptions about what non-spousal beneficiaries can do with HSA receipts after the account holder's death and emphasize the importance of utilizing HSA funds during one's lifetime. The discussion also touches on the implications for charitable giving when it comes to HSAs. Listen to the full episode here.

Episode 237: Should You Spend Your HSA or Let It Grow? Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau dive into tax planning strategies, focusing on Roth conversions, effective marginal tax rates, and withdrawal strategies for retirement. They discuss the implications of current tax rates, the importance of blending techniques in tax planning, and the necessity of tax diversification for a successful retirement. The conversation is driven by listener questions, providing practical insights for navigating complex tax scenarios in retirement. The conversation dives into various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on Roth IRAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and annuities. They discuss the rules surrounding Roth IRAs, particularly the five-year requirement for qualified distributions. The conversation shifts to HSAs, highlighting their tax benefits and strategies for spending versus saving. Finally, they explore the complexities of managing annuities in relation to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), emphasizing the importance of understanding contract values and the implications of delaying income streams from annuities. Listen to now to learn more!

Takeaways

Roth conversions can be beneficial for legacy planning.
You need to work through the math of conversions.
Tax rates are at a historical low right now.
Blending techniques can optimize your tax strategy.
You can't just solve it mathematically.
It's complicated; we need better software.
What's my tax rate today versus in the future?
Forty percent might be reasonable for Roth conversions.
You want to always be blending your distributions.
Tax diversification is crucial for retirement planning. You need to have had a Roth IRA open for at least five years.
Inheriting HSAs can lead to tax implications for beneficiaries.
HSAs provide tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses.
It's important to keep receipts for HSA distributions.
Using HSAs strategically can aid in tax planning during retirement.
RMDs must be taken from both IRAs and annuities.
Delaying income from annuities may not be the best strategy.
Spending down annuity contract value can maximize benefits.
Understanding contract value is crucial for annuity holders.
RMDs from annuities can be complex and require careful planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and World Cup Banter
01:49 Tax Planning Questions Begin
02:29 Roth Conversions and Tax Brackets
07:18 Analyzing Effective Marginal Tax Rates
11:23 Historical Tax Rates and Future Predictions
13:39 Withdrawal Strategies for Retirement
15:08 Blending Techniques in Tax Planning
21:08 The Importance of Tax Diversification
21:54 Understanding Roth IRA Rules
23:20 Navigating Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
27:14 Tax Benefits of HSAs Explained
29:52 Strategies for Managing Annuities and RMDs

Links

📣 Want a heads up for the next Retirement Income Challenge?
Join the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens for this FREE 4-day event hosted by Retirement Researcher. Visit retirewithstyle.com/RIC to learn more and save your spot.

📘 New Release: The Retirement Planning Guidebook (3rd Edition)
Wade Pfau’s must-read Retirement Planning Guidebook just got even better. The 3rd Edition is now available and packed with the latest updates to help you design your retirement strategy with confidence. Grab your copy on Amazon or your favorite book retailer: https://books2read.com/Retirement

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

Episode 236: Are Annuities Better than Bonds in Retirement? Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau address various listener questions regarding retirement planning. They discuss the implications of long-term care and Medicaid, explore the ARVA framework for retirement income, and delve into variable spending strategies. The conversation also covers healthcare options for early retirees, methods to mitigate sequence of returns risk, and the evaluation of discount rates for Social Security. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of personalized retirement strategies and the need for careful consideration of various financial tools and options. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

The retirement income challenge is a great opportunity for planning.
Self-paying for long-term care can provide better options later.
The ARVA framework offers a structured approach to retirement income.
Variable spending strategies can help manage retirement funds effectively.
Healthcare options should be carefully considered for early retirees.
Mitigating sequence of returns risk is crucial for long-term stability.
Annuities can provide longevity credits that bonds cannot.
Using TIPS as a discount rate for Social Security is generally advisable.
Personalized retirement strategies are essential for success.
Annual updates to spending strategies can simplify retirement planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcements
03:10 Long-Term Care and Medicaid Options
06:09 Exploring the ARVA Framework for Retirement
08:52 Understanding Variable Spending Strategies
14:00 Healthcare Options for Early Retirees
17:58 Mitigating Sequence of Returns Risk
24:06 Evaluating Social Security Discount Rates

Links

Ready to build a retirement strategy that's tailored to you? Join Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia for the FREE Retirement Income Challenge, July 13–16 from 12–2 PM ET. Over four live sessions, you'll discover your RISA® Profile, calculate your Funded Ratio, and use both to build a personalized retirement income strategy that aligns with your goals, preferences, and financial reality—so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Register now: retirewithstyle.com/ric

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

Episode 235: Are Stocks Enough to Protect You From Inflation? Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia continue to answer listener questions, including how stocks perform during inflationary periods, whether equity investments can be viewed through a bond-duration lens, the tradeoffs between buying a deferred income annuity today versus waiting to purchase a SPIA later, and how QLACs interact with Roth conversion rules. Along the way, they emphasize that there are no universally "best" retirement strategies and that successful retirement planning depends on matching financial tools and investment approaches to each retiree's goals, preferences, and tolerance for commitment versus flexibility. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

Stocks generally have pricing power over the long run, but they are not guaranteed to outpace inflation during every historical period.
Inflation protection is strongest when layered across multiple tools—including delayed Social Security, TIPS, I Bonds, and appropriately sized equity exposure.
For time-segmentation investors, maintaining a diversified long-term equity portfolio is generally more practical than trying to assign "duration" to different stock categories.
Purchasing a deferred income annuity today provides certainty around current interest rates and mortality assumptions but requires giving up liquidity and flexibility.
Waiting to purchase a SPIA preserves optionality and keeps assets available for changing needs or legacy goals, even though future annuity pricing is uncertain.
The choice between a deferred income annuity and waiting to annuitize is less about finding the "best" investment and more about selecting the strategy that best fits your retirement preferences.
A QLAC can provide valuable longevity insurance and reduce required minimum distributions, but it does not eliminate the IRA pro-rata rule when using a backdoor Roth strategy.
The RISA framework is designed to help retirees identify the retirement income strategy that best aligns with their individual goals, resources, and decision-making style

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retirement Income Strategies
02:53 Understanding the RISA Framework
05:59 Investment Strategies and Inflation
11:53 Applying Bond Principles to Equities
19:02 Deferred Income Annuities vs. Immediate Annuities
24:58 Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) and Backdoor Roth IRAs

Links

Looking for a retirement strategy that’s actually built for you? Join Alex Murguia on July 1 at 1 PM ET for a FREE Retirement Researcher webinar, Are You Sure Your Retirement Strategy Fits?, where he’ll walk through the four major retirement income approaches and show how the RISA® Framework can help you identify the strategy that best aligns with your goals, preferences, and vision for retirement. Register Now: retirewithstyle.com/podcast

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

Episode 234: Cash in Retirement: When to Hold It, When to Invest It Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

In this final part of the Retire With Style Live Q&A, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia answer a wide range of retirement planning questions covering annuities and life insurance surrender charges, the financial impact of losing a spouse, Roth conversions as a hedge against the "widow's tax penalty," tax-loss harvesting through direct indexing, dividend reinvestment strategies in retirement accounts versus taxable accounts, HSA withdrawal rules after age 65, and appropriate cash allocations in retirement portfolios. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of tax planning, understanding how different retirement income strategies align with personal preferences, and avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches when managing retirement assets and income. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

Surrendering an annuity early can trigger surrender charges, while permanent life insurance policies often take many years before cash value exceeds premiums paid.
The death of a spouse can create significant tax challenges because the surviving spouse typically moves from married filing jointly to single tax brackets.
Roth conversions can be an effective strategy for reducing future RMD burdens and mitigating the "widow's tax penalty" for a surviving spouse.
Direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting allow investors to capture losses while remaining invested, potentially creating future tax benefits and improving after-tax outcomes.
Tax-loss harvesting is no longer just for ultra-high-net-worth investors, as technology has made these strategies more accessible and scalable.
In IRA accounts, continuing to reinvest dividends during retirement generally remains the simplest and most efficient approach.
In taxable brokerage accounts, turning off automatic dividend reinvestment can make rebalancing and distribution planning more tax-efficient.
HSA funds can be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses at any age, while after age 65 non-qualified withdrawals avoid the 20% penalty but still incur income tax.
Medicare Part B, Part C (Advantage), Part D premiums, and IRMAA surcharges can generally be reimbursed from an HSA, but Medigap premiums cannot.
Holding 40% of a retirement portfolio in cash may be excessive when annual withdrawal needs are relatively low, and could indicate a mismatch between an investor's retirement income strategy and personal preferences.

Chapters

00:00 Tax Considerations in Asset Sales
01:57 Understanding Life Insurance and Annuities
04:03 Financial Implications of Spousal Death
06:23 Roth Conversions and Widow's Penalty
07:36 Tax Loss Harvesting Strategies
17:12 Dividend Reinvestment in Retirement Accounts
22:48 Using HSA Distributions for Medical Expenses
25:52 Cash Reserves in Retirement Planning

Links

Looking for a retirement strategy that's actually built for you? Join Alex Murguia on July 1 at 1 PM ET for a FREE Retirement Researcher webinar, Are You Sure Your Retirement Strategy Fits?, where he'll walk through the four major retirement income approaches and show how the RISA® Framework can help you identify the strategy that best aligns with your goals, preferences, and vision for retirement. Register here: retirewithstyle.com/podcast

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

Episode 233: Should You Worry About Social Security Running Out? Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

In Part 2 of this Live listener Q&A episode, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia tackle several retirement planning topics, including Social Security claiming strategies for spouses with age differences, how younger workers should think about Social Security's long-term solvency, whether to assume future benefit cuts in retirement projections, the impact of the "widow's penalty" on tax planning and Roth conversions, evaluating an older variable annuity with high fees, tax considerations when selling investments in a taxable account, and how to think about maintaining portfolio discipline during retirement. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize balancing planning conservatism with practicality, avoiding unnecessary forecasting, and making decisions that support long-term retirement goals rather than reacting to headlines or uncertainty.

Takeaways

When spouses have similar Social Security benefits, but one spouse is significantly older, the older spouse often has the strongest case for delaying benefits until age 70 because that higher benefit is more likely to become the survivor benefit.
Younger workers may not need to heavily discount future Social Security estimates because projected wage growth could offset a significant portion of any future benefit reductions.
For retirees already near claiming age, assuming a 25% reduction in future Social Security benefits can be a reasonably conservative planning assumption.
The eventual Social Security reform package is unlikely to rely solely on benefit cuts and will more likely include a combination of tax increases and benefit adjustments.
The "widow's penalty" can significantly increase taxes for a surviving spouse because income often remains similar while tax brackets and Medicare thresholds become less favorable.
Potential future tax increases and the widow's penalty are both compelling reasons to consider Roth conversions even when current projections suggest little immediate tax benefit.
High-fee variable annuities should be evaluated carefully, especially to determine whether valuable income guarantees justify the ongoing costs.
If guaranteed income sources such as pensions and Social Security already cover essential expenses, a variable annuity can potentially serve as a bridge strategy to delay Social Security benefits.
When selling investments from a taxable account, maintaining the portfolio's target asset allocation is generally more important than trying to predict which investments will perform best or worst next.
Tax-efficient selling decisions often come down to managing capital gains by choosing whether to realize gains from low-basis or high-basis shares depending on the investor's broader tax situation.

Chapters

00:00 Social Security Strategies for Couples
06:28 Concerns About Social Security Reliability
10:16 Planning for Future Social Security Benefits
13:20 Roth Conversions and Tax Planning
18:18 Evaluating Variable Annuities
22:24 Taxable Account Management Strategies
25:05 Maintaining Asset Allocation Discipline
27:53 Tax Considerations in Asset Sales

Links

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

Episode 232: Is 4.7% the New Safe Withdrawal Rate? Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

In Part 1 of this live Q&A episode of Retire With Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia answer listener questions covering reverse mortgages, retirement withdrawal rates, Roth conversion strategies, tax-efficient retirement income planning, asset allocation decisions, and bond ladders. The discussion emphasizes that retirement planning rarely has one-size-fits-all answers, highlighting the importance of balancing taxes, investment risk, spending flexibility, and personal preferences. Wade also shares practical rules of thumb for effective marginal tax rates, explains why TIPS ladders can serve as a benchmark for safe withdrawal rates, and discusses how different portfolio allocations may lead to surprisingly similar retirement income outcomes despite varying levels of volatility. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

Paying down a reverse mortgage (HECM) is generally optional, but doing so can increase future borrowing capacity through a larger line of credit.
Building retirement income "buckets" does not necessarily require moving money out of a 401(k); short-, medium-, and long-term buckets can often be created within the account itself.
Most retirees would not benefit from withdrawing money from a tax-deferred account simply to build a taxable account, as it usually creates unnecessary taxes.
Tax planning is largely about smoothing taxable income over time rather than creating large swings in income from year to year.
For many retirees with less than roughly $3 million in assets, targeting a 12% effective marginal tax rate can serve as a useful rule of thumb when evaluating Roth conversions.
Based on current TIPS yields, a 30-year inflation-adjusted TIPS ladder could support an estimated safe withdrawal rate of about 4.7%.
Spending flexibility can often support higher withdrawal rates than rigid spending plans that require the same inflation-adjusted income every year.
Historical research suggests that portfolios ranging from roughly 35% to 80% stocks have produced surprisingly similar sustainable withdrawal rates despite meaningful differences in volatility.
Higher stock allocations may increase long-term legacy values, but lower stock allocations can provide a smoother retirement experience without significantly reducing sustainable spending.
Retirement income bond ladders differ from traditional accumulation bond ladders because they are designed to match future spending needs rather than continuously reinvest maturing bonds.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Home Equity Conversion Mortgages
04:21 Building Retirement Buckets
07:50 Understanding Effective Marginal Tax Rates
13:31 Determining Safe Withdrawal Rates
21:25 Exploring Asset Allocation and Sustainable Withdrawal Rates
25:00 Developing a Blending Strategy for Roth Conversions
27:41 Navigating Software for Financial Planning
28:37 Understanding Bond Ladders vs. Managed Bond Funds
29:30 Social Security Strategies for Couples

Links

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

Episode 231: Why Financial Planning Alone Won't Prepare You for Retirement Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss the non-financial aspects of retirement with Jason Rizkallah. They explore how relationships change during retirement, the importance of maintaining social connections, and the need for communication between spouses. The conversation also touches on balancing time spent together and apart, as well as the significance of leading a healthy lifestyle in retirement. The hosts emphasize the importance of planning and discussing these changes before and during retirement to ensure a smooth transition. In this conversation, Jason Rizkallah discusses the various lifestyle changes that come with retirement, emphasizing the importance of building new routines, finding purpose, and maintaining social connections. He highlights the challenges of unstructured time and the need to adapt to aging, while also encouraging a positive outlook on these transitions. The discussion covers practical strategies for navigating retirement successfully, including the importance of planning and fostering relationships. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

Relationships may change significantly after retirement.
Engaging in hobbies can help meet new people.
Communication with your spouse about retirement goals is crucial.
Expect changes in household roles after retirement.
Discussing financial plans is important for a successful retirement.
Balancing time together and apart is key to a healthy relationship.
Planning for family obligations is necessary in retirement.
Mental and physical health are both important in retirement.
It's never too late to have important conversations about retirement. Most folks operate under a routine to some degree.
Creating a new routine is important in retirement.
You have to make an effort to maintain social connections.
Avoid the trap of doing nothing in retirement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning
02:07 Navigating Relationship Changes in Retirement
12:51 Balancing Time Together and Apart
18:46 Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle in Retirement
19:36 Building New Routines in Retirement
24:06 Transforming Lifestyle Changes into Opportunities
29:37 Navigating Unstructured Time
31:34 Strengthening Relationships in Retirement
33:40 Embracing Aging and Its Challenges

Links

Join Our Next Live Q&A Session!
We’re hosting our next Retire With Style YouTube Live Q&A on Wednesday, June 3rd at 12:00 PM ET. Wade and Alex will be answering your retirement planning questions live!

✅ Submit your question in advance at retirewithstyle.com
✅ Or join us live and ask your question in the chat

Come be part of the conversation—your questions often inspire future episodes!
📺 Subscribe to the Retire With Style YouTube Channel to be notified when we go live!

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

Episode 230: Are You Emotionally Ready for Retirement? Beyond the Financial Plan May 26, 2026

Show notes

This episode of Retire With Style explores the non-financial aspects of retirement, focusing on how retirees can build purpose, identity, and fulfillment beyond just having enough money. Wade Pfau, Alex Murguia, and guest Jason Rizkallah discuss the importance of “retiring to something, not from something,” emphasizing that retirement planning should begin with envisioning the life you want before determining the financial resources needed to support it. The conversation covers common retirement misconceptions, the emotional transition away from work-based identity, the risks of isolation and lack of purpose, and the value of testing retirement goals before fully committing to them. They also explore phased retirement, evolving relationships, and how work can still play a meaningful role in retirement for those who genuinely enjoy it. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

Retirement planning should start with defining the life you want to live, not just calculating numbers and investment returns.
A healthier retirement mindset is to retire to something meaningful rather than simply escaping a job you dislike.
Many people discover that goals they postponed for decades are not actually priorities once retirement arrives.
Testing retirement activities before fully committing, such as renting an RV before buying one, can help avoid costly mistakes and disappointment.
Work often provides structure, identity, relationships, and purpose, all of which can feel suddenly absent in retirement.
Retirement can create emotional challenges like isolation, inertia, or depression if retirees lack meaningful goals or social engagement.
Many couples choose to retire around the same time regardless of age differences, creating new relationship dynamics that require communication and planning.
Over 40% of retirees leave work earlier than expected due to health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or job loss, making early planning especially important.
Some retirees continue working in a limited or consulting capacity because they genuinely enjoy their profession and value staying engaged.
Financial plans work best when investments are designed to support a clearly defined retirement lifestyle rather than determining the lifestyle afterward.

Chapters

03:20 Understanding Purpose and Passion in Retirement
05:03 Transitioning Mindsets: Retiring To Something
08:10 The Importance of Finding Your Passion
11:02 Exploring Hobbies and Interests
13:29 Real-Life Examples of Retirement Aspirations
16:20 Coping with Unmet Expectations in Retirement
18:42 Trial Runs: Testing Retirement Activities
20:16 Exploring Retirement Activities
23:04 The Impact of Work Identity on Retirement
27:32 Navigating Relationships in Retirement
32:34 The Shift in Retirement Mindset
36:20 Phased Retirement and Continuing Work

Links

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

Episode 229: How to Leave More Wealth to Your Children After Taxes May 19, 2026

Show notes

This episode of Retire with Style continues the Retirement Planning Guidebook series by focusing on how tax planning changes when legacy and estate considerations are incorporated into the retirement planning process. Wade and Alex break down key estate planning concepts in a practical way, including step-up in basis rules, Roth conversion decisions tied to beneficiaries’ future tax brackets, inherited IRA distribution rules under the SECURE Act, gifting strategies, estate tax exemptions, and how trusts and life insurance can be used to manage estate taxes and liquidity needs. The conversation emphasizes that retirement tax planning is not just about maximizing your own after-tax income, but also about improving the after-tax outcomes for heirs and charities. Listen now to learn more.

Key Takeaways

Retirement tax planning changes significantly when leaving a legacy becomes a priority, especially regarding how different account types are spent down.
Taxable brokerage accounts receive a step-up in basis at death, allowing heirs to avoid capital gains taxes on appreciation that occurred during the original owner’s lifetime.
Roth conversions can become more attractive if beneficiaries are expected to inherit assets during their peak earning years and face higher tax rates than the retiree.
Equal inheritances before taxes do not always produce equal inheritances after taxes, making asset location across heirs an important estate planning consideration.
In 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person, but future legislative changes could lower those limits substantially.
Several states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes, meaning some households may face state-level estate planning concerns even if they avoid federal estate taxes.
Annual gifting rules allow individuals to transfer up to $19,000 per recipient each year without reducing their lifetime estate tax exemption.
Life insurance can provide liquidity for estates and, when structured through irrevocable trusts, may help move future appreciation outside of the taxable estate.
The SECURE Act replaced many lifetime “stretch IRA” strategies with 10-year distribution windows for most non-spousal beneficiaries.
Inherited Roth IRAs still require distributions within the required timeframe, but those withdrawals are generally income tax-free to beneficiaries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning Guidebook
03:10 Tax Planning and Legacy Considerations
05:55 Strategies for Tax-Efficient Inheritance
09:11 Understanding Estate Taxes
11:55 Gifting Strategies and Limits
14:49 Life Insurance and Estate Planning
18:00 RMDs on Inherited Accounts

Links

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected