Retirement Starts Today

Do you have an HSA? If so, do you simply use it to pay for your medical expenses? Or do you use it as a way to build your wealth? Today we’ll look at an article from Financial Advisor Magazine that will help us identify opportunities for wealth creation. Listen in to learn how to maximize the triple benefit of the humble HSA. This episode was first broadcast in March 2023.

We are spending some extra time off from the podcast over this holiday season to spend time with family. I hope you're using this opportunity to spend some time with family as well. I've gone through my favorite episodes of 2023 to bring you some fantastic rebroadcasts. So here's one and I hope you enjoy it! The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are and How Old You Think You Are, first broadcast in May 2023. Do you ever get together with your friends from high school and wonder why they all look so old? Are you surprised by the image that you see in the mirror each morning? If so, you’re not alone. In today’s retirement headline segment, we’ll explore an article from Jennifer Senior at MSN.com that examines the abstract concept of feeling a different age in your head than you physically are in years. Related to the retirement headline, today’s listener question is about how to understand when you are mentally ready to retire. Learn how important purpose is in your decision to retire.

Most people are worried about spending too much and running out of money in retirement. However, few people worry about spending too little. In this week’s episode of Retirement Starts Today, you’ll learn why you should spend your principal in retirement. Our retirement headline comes from Dr. Jim Dahle at the Whitecoat Investor and shows us why many people don’t spend enough of their money and how you can take a practical approach to spending more. If you are like most people, one of your main worries about retirement is that you’ll end up running out of money. While this is a well-founded fear for many underfunded Americans, chances are, if you are listening to this show, you aren’t an underfunded retiree. While the current state of retirement savings is quite shocking, if you have a healthy retirement portfolio, you don’t have to lump yourself in with the majority of Americans. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Spend Your Principal The Extraordinary Upside Potential Of Sequence Of Return Risk In RetirementBoomer BenefitsBoomer Benefits on Facebook Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Hey podcast listeners. I just wanted to jump into your podcast feed here really quickly and give you an update on the new project we're working on where our firm is taking on new clients. The plan was to leave the application process open throughout the entire month of November. But what we didn't realize is how many applications we would actually receive! We are beyond humbled and thank you so much to each of you that are taking the time to watch the video and fill out the application process. But way more people did it than I thought we would! So what we're gonna do is we're gonna shut it down early. We're going to leave it open until midnight on November 20th. So if you're interested, check out retirementstartstoday.com/meeting. Hope to see you there. We'll talk to you soon.

Would you like to have more confidence in your retirement plan? In the retirement headlines segment, you’ll learn one simple way to increase your certainty about what you can accomplish in retirement. In the listener questions segment, Bret helps answer what the essential aspects of an estate plan include. If you are ready to get serious about retirement planning press play to get started. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Boomer BenefitsBoomer Benefits Facebook Group Here’s One Surefire Way to Boost Retirement ConfidenceThe link to the video and schedule Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Do you wish you had more optionality when it comes to designing your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore an article from Forbes that poses five alternatives to the 4% rule that you may want to explore for your retirement withdrawal strategy. In our retirement headlines segment Bret and I team up to answer a question that both Google and ChatGPT got wrong. Find out what it is by listening until the end! Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Boomer BenefitsBoomer Benefits Facebook groupForbes articleTake this survey!Schedule a meeting with meEd SlottIRS.govKitces.com Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

What happens if you get to retirement age and realize that you saved too much? Believe it or not, this does happen and has its own set of problems. In this episode, we’ll explore those problems along with some potential solutions. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear our listener question about deciding whether to do Roth conversions or take ACA health insurance premium tax credits. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Yahoo Finance articleBook surveySchedule a meeting with meDie with ZeroRetirement Income UniversityBoomer BenefitsBoomer Benefits Facebook group Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Would you like to make $170,000? On this episode, you’ll learn what you can do to save yourself 17% in lower returns over a decade. On a million-dollar portfolio that comes to $170,000! In the Retirement Headline segment, we’ll dive into an article from Financial Advisor Magazine which explores Morningstar’s annual Mind the Gap study analyzing the performance of mutual and ETFs and comparing them to the returns achieved by individual investors. Press play to hear what you can do to improve your investor performance. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Boomer BenefitsBoomer Benefits Facebook Group Financial Advisor Magazine articleTake our book surveySchedule a meeting Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Have you thought about using your home’s equity to help you fund a portion of your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a Morningstar article that examines ways to use this supersized emergency fund. If you are ready to start thinking about retirement outside the box, listen to this episode to hear how you can supplement your retirement by using your home equity. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Participate in my book survey!Boomer BenefitsBoomer Benefits Facebook Group 2 Ways to Use Home Equity in Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Do you remember when you were a kid and were fascinated by the thought of living to be 100? It seemed like such a far-fetched idea, but now with advances in technology, nutrition, and medicine, this far-flung notion increasingly seems like a real possibility. As you may have guessed, today’s retirement headline discusses planning to live until age 100. We’ll explore what that prospect means for your retirement income, goals, and health. Share this episode with a friend so you can discuss it together! Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Forbes article on agingCheck out the free Easily Avoidable Medicare Mistakes download from Boomer BenefitsMedicare Q&A Boomer Benefits Facebook group Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Medicare’s open enrollment is starting soon, so I’ve invited Danielle Roberts from Boomer Benefits to join me today. In this episode, we’re discussing what’s new with Medicare in 2024, the important dates to remember for open enrollment, when to reevaluate your health insurance options, and how to ensure you have health coverage when traveling abroad in retirement. Press play to hear what’s new in Medicare. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned 5 Easily Avoidable Medicare Mistakes What to Expect as You Approach Age 65 with Danielle Roberts, Ep # 163 Connect with Danielle Roberts BoomerBenefits.comBoomer Benefits on YouTubeMedicare Q&A Group on Facebook Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

As retirement super savers, you all know that slow and steady wins the race. According to this Wall Street Journal article, that race is paying off again for many Americans. In the retirement headlines segment, we’ll take a look at this article. Then in the Listener Questions segment, Bret and I will discuss the merits of having one firm handle investments, taxes, and retirement planning. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Stock-Market Rally Makes More 401(k) Savers Millionaires Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Even if you aren’t familiar with Monte Carlo analyses, you’ve probably used it. Monte Carlo drives math behind the retirement planning software that you use. Monte Carlo software is truly amazing, however, the way people look at it is wrong. In this episode, you’ll hear the pros and cons of Monte Carlo analysis and how you can use a Monte Carlo calculator to maximize your full retirement potential. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Advisor Perspectives articleRetirementIncome.UniversityDie With Zero Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Aretha Franklin can teach you more than a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. On this episode of Retirement Starts Today, you’ll learn from her estate plan (or lack thereof). After hearing about this estate plan gone haywire Bret and I will team up to answer a listener’s question on how you can transition from a saving to a spending mindset. Listen in to ensure that your estate isn’t tied up for years while your heirs battle out the details in court. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Why Are the Notes Found in Aretha Franklin’s Couch a Valid Will?How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff – Lessons in Estate Planning Part 2 Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Here at Retirement Starts Today, we are always looking for ways to teach you how to spend more money so that you can enjoy an even better retirement. However, many times our clients and listeners have trouble loosening their purse strings. After years of being diligent savers, instead of enjoying the fruits of their labor, retirees reaching financial independence often find another reason to be frugal. Listen in to hear how you may be overdoing delayed gratification. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Annual Listener SurveyLifeAfterTheDailyGrind.com Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

I’ve always said that it’s important to retire to something rather than away from something. To do that means finding a sense of purpose. In this episode, we’ll explore an article from PhysicianOnFIRE.com that discusses how retirees can discover and maintain a sense of purpose in their lives after leaving the workforce. Make sure to stick around for today’s listener question. This one was my favorite one this year so don’t miss it! Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned PhysicianOnFIRE.comAnnual Listener SurveyBe Your Future Self NowYour Future (Retired) SelfBe Your Future Self NowYour Future Self Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Would a 0% tax rate help you live an even better retirement? In this week’s Retirement Headline, we’ll explore a WSJ article titled How You Can Grab a 0% Tax Rate. If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will! Listen in to hear how you can learn to plan so that you can take advantage of a 0% tax rate on capital gains income. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned How You Can Grab a 0% Tax Rate Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Scammers are constantly changing their playbooks to try and stay ahead of the authorities. That is why the IRS annually updates its “Dirty Dozen Tax Scam” list. This week we’ll explore the latest article from the IRS on this year’s tax scams then we’ll check out an article from Financial Advisor Magazine that involve questionable tax practitioners and charitable remainder annuity trusts. Don’t miss out on this week’s listener question because chances are, you have had this question as well. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Tax PodcastThe Annual Listener SurveyThe IRS 2023 Dirty DozenIRS Warns Of Tax Scams That Target Wealthy Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

As a financial advisor that thinks a lot about the Medicare surcharge IRMAA, an article titled Stop Worrying About IRMAA written by a source I trust certainly caught my eye. In this episode, we’ll explore what IRMAA does, reflect on the article, and discuss whether the IRMAA surcharge is worth worrying about. If you have questions about IRMAA or are starting to approach Medicare age you won’t want to miss out on this episode. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Should We Even Worry About IRMAA?How to Navigate the Upcoming Changes in Medicare Supplement Plans Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify

Who wants to live longer? I know I do! Before you start taking magic pills and seeking the fountain of youth in an effort to increase your life span, Alex Janin from the Wall Street Journal suggests you start exercising. In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore Alex’s article, What if the Most Powerful Way to Live Longer Is Just Exercise? Make sure to stick around for the end of the show where Bret and I turn traditional retirement advice on its head as we answer one listener’s question about how to draw down their various retirement accounts. Outline of This Episode Resources & People Mentioned Whoop StrapWhat if the Most Powerful Way to Live Longer Is Just Exercise? Connect with Benjamin Brandt http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/ https://twitter.com/retiremeasaphttps://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterwww.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify