Retirement Starts Today

Latest Episodes:

I Just Retired. Why Am I Unhappy? Ep #356 Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

While, for some people, the transition to retirement goes perfectly smoothly, that's not the case for everyone.

Most of us are counting the days until retirement. We're excited by all the prospects this new stage in life will bring. However, some people struggle with the change. In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we'll look at a common issue with retirement from a psychological perspective with this article from Psychology Today.

In the listener question segment, I'll touch on how to bridge the gap between the beginning of retirement and collecting Social Security and discuss how to invest for the short-term in retirement. It's time to up your retirement game; press play to get started.

Outline of This Episode

[1:22] I just retired so why am I unhappy?
[8:55] What the hapipest retirees do
[11:00] How to generate income to bridge an income gap before Social Security
[16:05] How to invest for the short-term in retirement

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Semi-Retire to Spend More $$$?! Ep #355 Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

It's no secret that I want you to spend more money in retirement.

Why?

Because you've worked for it!

Retirement is about living the life that you have saved for all these years, so I'm looking for any way I can find to help you get out there and enjoy it.

One way that has been gaining popularity in recent years is semi-retirement. In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we'll look at an article that shows how partial retirement has been shown to lead to an increase in spending levels in retirement.

Outline of This Episode

[1:22] How semi-retirement has led to a surge in retirement spending
[6:15] Would part-time work increase your spending confidence?
[7:48] Keep contributing to a simple IRA or cease contributions and move funds to a Traditional IRA

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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How To Spend Your Money To Maximize Happiness, Ep # 354 Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

We've all heard the saying, "Money can't buy happiness." However, research suggests that while money may not buy lasting joy, it can certainly enhance our lives if spent wisely. The key lies in how we spend our money.

On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we'll explore a recent article on spending money to maximize your happiness.

Stick around for the latest book update and sign up for the newsletter to learn how to preorder and stay up to date on book giveaways!

Outline of This Episode

[1:22] How we spend our money
[5:18] Consider purchases you make
[8:05] How to get more from your financial independence
[10:25] Explaining inherited IRA rules

Resources & People Mentioned

The Retirement Podcast Network
BOOK - The Myth of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
BOOK - Happy Money by Ken Honda
BOOK - If Money Doesn't Make You Happy Then You Probably Aren't Spending It Right by Daniel Gilbert
Money happiness article

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Your AI Retirement, Ep #353 Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

By now, we've all heard of AI, but many people still have mixed feelings about this revolutionary tool. Since I've been using it in my life on a daily basis, I have been wanting to share how you all can use AI to help with retirement planning.

When I came across this article from Business Insider, I knew I found my opportunity. Even if you've never used AI before, you'll want to listen in to hear how you can use this versatile tool to help you plan your retirement.

Outline of This Episode

[1:52] How AI is changing the way we work
[4:04] Comparing AI advice with a human financial advisor
[6:34] How I would use AI in retirement planning
[16:22] How to set up an AI prompt

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Social Security's 'Biggest Myth' & Jury Duty Scams, Ep # 352 Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Many factors should come into play when deciding when to take your Social Security benefit but doomsday headlines shouldn't be one of them.

On this episode, you'll hear how Social Security's biggest myth is costing retirees a lot of money.

Don't get caught unaware! Make sure to stick around until the end to hear about a jury duty scam that even I had never heard of.

Outline of This Episode

[1:42] Social Security's biggest myth
[8:35] My thoughts
[11:09] Why buy bonds if they always go down in value?
[18:27] The jury duty scam

Resources & People Mentioned

The Retirement Podcast Network
Episode 142 - Are You a Prudent Pessimist?
The Jury Duty Scam
CNBC article

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Is the 4% Rule Too Safe? Ep #351 Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

The 4% rule is the "golden rule" of retirement planning. Everyone is familiar with it and it's easy to work out for some quick, back-of-the-napkin math.

Since it is so easy to calculate and implement, many use it as their retirement withdrawal rule. However, this approach may be overly conservative. While using a significantly higher withdrawal rate may go too far, the 4% rule may be too cautious.

Listen in to hear the limitations of sticking with this overly simplistic rule of thumb.

Outline of This Episode

[2:02] Is the 4% rule too safe?
[10:50] Does it make sense to spend more in the early years while awaiting full retirement age?

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Gold and Groceries, Ep #350 May 27, 2024

Show notes

Did you know that you can buy gold at your local Costco?

However, just because it's easy to buy doesn't mean it's easy to sell.

In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we're exploring gold and its role in your retirement portfolio. To do that, we'll take a look at a retirement headline from WSJ and i'll share my thoughts on the latest gold rush.

Make sure to stick around until the end for Kevin's question about the key difference between accumulation and decumulation.

Outline of This Episode

[1:12] Gold and groceries
[5:08] My thoughts on buying gold
[11:03] Accumulation vs. decumulation

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Risk Management: Spring Client Meetings, Ep #349 May 20, 2024

Show notes

Risk is what is left over after you think you've thought of everything. – Carl Richards

Getting to financial independence is job #1, but staying financially independent comes a close second.

To do so you'll need to be aware of the risks that could empty your accounts. Being vigilant of these risks and having a plan to work through or avoid them could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Listen in to hear how you can save your financial independence.

Outline of This Episode

[1:22] 3 big risks to look out for in retirement
[5:01] Long-term care
[13:55] Getting scared out of the market
[20:12] Getting scammed

Resources & People Mentioned

The Retirement Podcast Network

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

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Spend More Money! Ep #348 May 13, 2024

Show notes

There are two ways you can ruin your retirement: running out of money and dying with regret.

If you are listening to this podcast, chances are, you've been a diligent saver and probably aren't in danger of the first one.

That's why, today, we're exploring an article from the White Coat Investor on ways to spend more money.

Don't risk ending your days with regret. Listen in to find out how you can enjoy all that you have worked for.

Outline of This Episode

[1:22] Two ways to ruin retirement
[5:13] Strategies for spending more money
[12:47] How to spend your HSA

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/
Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
Join the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
Dive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University

Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on

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Medicare Mistakes, Ep #347 May 06, 2024

Show notes

It can be easy to forget your age as the birthdays roll around. However, when you're about to turn 65 you'll know. Medicare and all of their relevant service providers won't let you forget.

You may feel inundated with the amount of mail, emails, and even phone calls and text messages, but rather than ignoring all the excess information, it's important to dig in and learn so tha you can make the best decision for your healthcare.

To help you avoid potentially expensive and health-altering mistakes, today we'll review 5 of the biggest Medicare mistakes you can make by reviewing an article by Rick Fine from The Sensible Financial Planning blog.

Outline of This Episode