Retirement Starts Today

Latest Episodes:

Why You're Wasting Time Worrying About Safe Withdrawal Rates Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

If you're simply asking the question about what correct withdrawal rate for your retirement is - you're likely not the type of person who is going to run out of money.

That's the message shared by Jordan Grumet of The Purpose Code. He says "The simple act of asking, "Should I spend 3.2%, 4%, or 5%?" reveals something telling: You've done the work. You've built the nest egg. You understand the mechanics. You're in the game."

More about his article and the data behind it is shared in today's episode.

We also answer a listener question about how to spend at their calculated rate without worrying, and wrap it up with a great "Retire To Something" segment.

Resource: Article by Jordan Grummet at The Purpose Code: Why You're Wasting Time Worrying About Safe Withdrawal Rates

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

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Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

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Four Big IRA Mistakes That You Can't Undo Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Good news! A lot of IRA mistakes can be fixed - according to a Wall Street Journal article, which we cover in our headline segment.

In our Listener Question segment, Tom is leaving his corporate job next year - when he turns 55 - and wants to use the Rule of 55 to take money out of his 401(k) without the 10% penalty.

And we wrap it up with motivation in our "Retire To Something" segment.

Resource:

Article by Leonard Sloane at the Wall Street Journal: Four Big IRA Mistakes That You Can't Undo

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

Are Super Savers Failing in Retirement? with Andy Panko [Rebroadcast] Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

A special recording from Andy Panko for his Retirement Planning Education Podcast: We discuss how the financial industry is evolving, the common struggles of "super savers" in retirement, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with life goals, not just spreadsheets.

We talk about the role of Monte Carlo simulations, the importance of flexibility in financial plans, and the evolving role of advisors in a changing world.

It's a conversation that encourages you to find joy and flexibility in your retirement journey.

Resource: Andy's podcast: Retirement Planning Education

How to Get the Most from Your Employee Benefits [Rebroadcast] Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Employee benefits are one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning. We often check a few boxes during open enrollment and move on—but are we truly maximizing what's available to us?

This week, we sit down with Joe Saul-Sehy, host of Stacking Benjamins, to uncover the hidden value in workplace benefits. From disability insurance pitfalls to term vs. whole life insurance, Joe walks us through key strategies to ensure we're not leaving money (or protection) on the table.

Joe also introduces a powerful HR benefits guide, a resource designed to help us navigate workplace perks with confidence. Whether it's understanding own-occupation disability insurance, avoiding junk policies, or knowing when to self-insure, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. If you've ever wondered whether you're making the most of your benefits—or if you're just blindly accepting what's offered—this episode is for you.

Resources & People Mentioned

Benefits Guide: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/benefits
Website: Stacking Benjamins

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

Using IRAs To Reduce Estimated Tax Penalties Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Did you receive a windfall late in the year and then get penalized for not paying estimated taxes on it earlier? It doesn't seem fair, but the IRS might levy a penalty for that. There is a way to fix it - and similarly for RMDs you might take out in December too.

That's the main focus on today's Retirement Headline - and it fits in nicely with our Listener Question as well.

Resources:

Article by Jeff Levine on the Nerd's Eye View Blog: Using Retirement Accounts To Reduce Estimated Tax Penalties Via Tax Withholding From (Required Minimum) Distributions
IRS form 2210: Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates, and Trusts

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

6 Cases When a Roth IRA Conversion Isn't a Smart Move Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

A Barron's piece from Jonathan Shenkman shares 6 reasons to think twice before you convert a Roth IRA. I agree with some of them - but strongly disagree with others because they apply to Super Savers - listeners of this show - differently.

We will go through all six with my additions for a Super Saver like you.

Then we answer a listener question from a 62 year old who is about to retire and wants to bridge the gap until he begins pulling in Social Security at age 70.

And you know we have a great Retire To Something segment to wrap up the show. Enjoy!

Resource: Barron's article by Jonathan I. Shenkman: "6 Cases When a Roth IRA Conversion Isn't a Smart Move"

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

Why I Object to 'Hitting a Number' for Retirement Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Christine Benz got a text from a friend the other day. A mutual friend from college was retiring because he'd "hit his number in the stock market".

Most people would read that and think, good for him. Benz says all her alarm bells went off. Not out of envy. In her experience, "I hit my number" is usually a sign that the plan behind it isn't much of a plan.

Today we discuss two different ways Christine says people gets this wrong.

We also tackle a listener question asking if $1,000,000 is enough and wrap things up with a Retire To Something story.

Resource:Article by Christine Benz in Morningstar: "Why I Object to 'Hitting a Number' for Retirement"

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

The 'Open Sandwich' Generation Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

The term "Sandwich Generation" has been around since the 80s. You're the one in the middle - with aging parents on one side and dependent kids on the other.

Dan Haylett shared an article he calls The "Open Sandwich" Generation, which is after your parents pass away.

We will discuss Dan's article on what happens when the slices come off.

In our Listener Question segment, I'm asked "How do you do estate planning when you don't have anybody to name?"

And we wrap it up with a story that hits true to the meaning of "Retiring To Something".

Resource:

Article by Dan Haylett: The 'Open Sandwich' Generation

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

Your $135,000 Retirement Risk Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

The 2025 Milliman Long-Term Care Index put a number on long-term care: $135,000, the lump-sum amount an average 65-year-old would need to set aside today to cover the expected lifetime cost of long-term care.

But there are some details you need to know that make up that number. About half of those who need paid long-term care only do so for less than a year (averaging $30,000 in total cost). The other half need care for more than 5 years at an average of $665,000. $135,000 is just the average.

We will also take a question with multiple millions wanting to know if he should buy long-term care insurance or self-fund?

Resource:

Article by Christopher Giese, Annie Gunnlaugsson, Evan Pollock, and Kevin Brown: 2025 Milliman Long-Term Care Index

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

38% of Retirees Underspend Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

A Corebridge Financial's decumulation study found 70% of American retirees say it's "very important" that their nest egg doesn't shrink in retirement. Another result found 38% say they've spent less than they wanted to- but not because the money isn't there. They spent less specifically to keep the balance from going down.

We go over more results from the study and what they mean in today's episode.

In our Listener Question segment, a married person has two pensions. While he's alive, the guaranteed income covers everything. If he dies first, his wife loses half of it. So how do you account for that WITHOUT drastically underspending your portfolio?

Finally, we wrap up the show with our Retire To Something segment.

Resources: