Process Over Panic: Why to Resist the Urge to Think It's Different This Time
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we tackle the pressing question, "Is this time different?" as we navigate the complexities of today's political and economic landscape. Join us as we explore the importance of perspective in retirement planning and discuss the basics of structured notes. We'll also introduce our upcoming events and share insights from renowned experts in the field. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that aims to help you not just survive retirement, but thrive!SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) The narratives that you consume and ultimately create for yourself define your reality(00:45) Today we are going to finish up our basics with the basics of structured notes and also talk about “process over panic” regarding the current state of affairs.IS THIS TIME DIFFERENT?(04:10) Roger discusses whether the issues in the economy are different this time around then in times past. (07:40) The point of this discussion is to identify what is happening and how to respond to it.(08:40) A better question when it comes to planning is “Is this time permanent?”(10:58) Roger talks about the current markets versus historical markets.(11:46) Since 1928, there have been around 26–28 bear markets, averaging a 35% drop and lasting about 9.6 months. They tend to come around every five years—and they’ve never been permanent. (12:47) From presidential elections to battles with the Fed, these cycles may feel chaotic—but they’re nothing new and they’re not permanent.(14:31) Roger talks about “process over panic” STRUCTURED NOTES(21:34) Roger goes over the basics of structured notes.(22:17) Roger uses food as a metaphor to break down investments—organic options like stocks and bonds are simple and transparent. But structured notes? They're the Twinkies of the investment world.(25:50) Structured notes at their core are debt. (26:57) Roger compares structured notes to wine—different types, different flavor profiles, and even the same variety can vary from year to year or region to region.(28:31) What are some types of structured notes?(29:22) What should you know about your structured notes?(32:00) Each structured note has a prospectus, a legal document that investment managers are required to create, but they are very difficult to understand(34:21) Roger sees structured notes as a potential building block for a retirement portfolio but avoids them due to their complexity. SMART SPRINT(36:35) In the next seven days, take five or ten minutes to write out your process for retirement planning.BONUS(37:44) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)Thomas SowellWall Street JournalClaude AIChatGPT
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39:40
Retirement Basics: Fixed Annuities (aka MYGAs)
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we dig into fixed annuities and U.S. Treasuries—how they can bring stability and income to your retirement. We’ll also discuss Social Security risks and how to stress-test your plan so you can retire with confidence. Let’s get you one step closer to rocking retirement!SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Today we talk about the basics of fixed annuities.(00:59) Roger continues the discussion on navigating retirement planning during uncertain times.(02:06) Listener, Christina, asks Roger to consider stress testing including Social Security for the average potential retiree.(07:17) Roger defines fixed annuities and how they fit into the retirement planning process.(07:54) Roger evaluates the similarities and differences between CDs and fixed annuities.(10:08) What are the negatives of fixed annuities?(12:27) How are the rates of annuities determined?(14:08) What are the primary uses of fixed annuities?(15:12) Roger goes through an example of optimization using fixed annuities.LISTENER QUESTIONS(19:38) Listener, Barbara, asks Roger to educate listeners about the basics of treasuries.SMART SPRINT(24:36) In the next seven days, I want you to shift the way you approach your retirement planning. Think of yourself as a scientist—you're on a mission to discover and understand. When we run these stress tests or feasibility tests, the goal is to uncover where potential risks might exist and where opportunities could be hiding.BONUS(25:25) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII JournalREFERENCES Retirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)Social Security AdministrationTreasuryDirectImmediate AnnuitiesBooks:The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany- Stephen AmbroseShow notes created by https://headliner.app
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27:06
Retirement Basics: Building Energy
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Roger Whitney takes on one of the biggest challenges facing retirees today: how to plan confidently when the markets are anything but steady. He’s joined by Dr. Bobby Dubois for a thoughtful conversation about building the energy and vitality needed for a meaningful retirement. Together, they share simple, practical steps to help listeners take charge of their physical well-being—so they can show up strong, not just today, but for years to come. Plus, listeners will hear an inspiring story of someone making real progress on their retirement journey.SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Retirement planning is about creating a great life.(01:19) Roger celebrates team members Erin and Troy today.(02:08) Roger reflects on the messaging surrounding the current state of the markets.(04:45) What should you do to cope with the turbulent markets and economy?PRACTICAL PLANNING WITH DR. BOBBY(10:16) Today's practical planning is focused on building energy so you can show up for retirement.(11:00) Roger introduces Dr. Bobby Dubois and talks about his podcast, Live Long and Well.(12:10) Dr. Bobby talks about the basics of building energy.(13:30) The power of compounding little consistent habits over time makes a big difference.(15:20) Roger and Dr. Bobby discuss the importance of weight for overall health.(17:55) What basic things can you focus on to help with building energy?(18:05) Dr. Bobby talks about sleep and gives tips on how to improve sleep quality.(22:45) Exercise is important for building energy- focus on cardio, strength, and balance.(35:10) Dr. Bobby talks about optimal weight and two simple yet effective tips to maintain a healthy weight.(40:00) There will be links to specific episodes of Live Long and Well in our newsletter, The Noodle, this week.ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(42:28) Roger reads a note from an anonymous listener about rocking retirement.RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER SURVEY(44:45) Roger shares some results from The Retirement Answer Man listener survey.SMART SPRINT(47:14) In the next seven days, start by putting a few of Dr. Bobby’s ideas into action—get moving and build some momentum around your physical health. Once you’ve got a little rhythm going, shift your focus to tackling the stress that comes with market uncertainty. One step at a time—that’s how we build a more confident retirement. BONUS(48:24) Roger reads an excerpt from his grandfather's WWII journal.REFERENCESLive Long and Well Podcast with Dr. BobbyRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)BOOKS:Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything- BJ Fogg, PHDShow notes created by https://headliner.app
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50:10
Retirement Basics: Asset Allocation
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we break down the essentials of asset allocation and time management in retirement planning. Join us as we explore why it's crucial to focus on the basics rather than getting lost in market predictions and investment products. We also share insightful listener questions and another entry from my grandfather's World War II journal. Tune in to learn how to rock your retirement!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This week we continue talking about the basics with asset allocation.(02:00) Time is your most precious resource.(03:36) Retirement planning is a means to an end.(05:45) We don’t want to waste time on trying to predict the future but on more important things like spending time on and in your life.(06:15) Spend time on the basic building blocks of retirement planning.(07:05) How does asset allocation fit into retirement planning?(09:10) Inflation is the natural increase in the cost of living over time.(13:52) What is asset allocation?(16:10) Part of asset allocation is a concept called diversification.(18:48) What is asset allocation best used for? (21:50) Two of the biggest determinants of where your asset allocation should be are your psychological preference and your time horizon.LISTERNER QUESTIONS(24:13) Steve asks whether they should use a single vendor for all their accounts or diversify where they have their money housed in terms of investment firms.(26:29) The next question comes from Nick related to asset allocation. (32:18) Question from an RRC member about Vanguard offering a direct conversion.(35:48) Audio question from Leah about using IRA contributions to start building out a bond ladder or a shorter term allocation.(39:50) Audio question from Patty who recently retired and needs to decide what to do with her 401k assets and how to choose an advisor.ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(49:01) James says he is overfunded for retirement even with a 10%-15% market correction but will aim to do better.SMART SPRINT(50:47) In the next seven days, think about your asset allocation and think about it within time segments.BONUS(51:33) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)Show notes created by https://headliner.app---🎙️ Thanks for podcasting with Headliner!
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52:54
Retirement Basics: What Every Spouse Should Know
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, we kick off a month-long series on retirement basics, emphasizing the crucial role of partnership in planning for retirement. We discuss why it's vital for both spouses to be actively engaged in financial conversations, ensuring that neither partner feels overwhelmed or excluded. Plus, we hear inspiring stories from a couple of listeners who are thriving in their retirement journeys! Don't miss this episode!OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:38) We're starting a month-long series on retirement basics.(00:56) Today we are going to talk about what every spouse should know about their retirement plan.(01:45) It's important for each spouse to delegate responsibilities when planning for retirement.(03:00) Roger talks about the pressure of being the retirement planner in a couple and the risks of being the non-planner. (05:00) Audio clip from our paraplanner Erin about a recent experience volunteering for Tax Aide.(07:40) What spousal participation should there be in retirement planner meetings? And what meetings need to happen?(08:07) Roger goes through the four initial meetings of building a retirement plan of record.(15:19) At least twice a year, the non-planner spouse should participate in a planner meeting to refresh all of these things.(15:30) What should the planner spouse do to help create a productive meeting?(17:45) What are the risks as the financial manager spouse?(19:29) What should non-financial manager spouses do?(22:50) Roger talks about what the non-financial manager spouses should know.(25:30) What should your advisor do if you are working with one?PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT RELATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY(27:50) WEP and GPO changes are causing confusion with Social Security recipients.ROCKING RETIREMENT IN THE WILD(29:56) Listener shares about the challenges of decumulation and overcoming a lifetime of frugal habits.(32:28) Listener Kathleen talks about dog-sitting in retirement.SMART SPRINT(33:53) In the next seven days, review the time sensitive action items that may apply to you when it comes to the month of April.BONUS(35:19) Roger reads an excerpt from his grandfather's WWII journal.REFERENCESRetirement Answer ManSign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)Show notes created by https://headliner.app
A top retirement podcast. Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, guides you on how to actually do retirement well financially and personally. This retirement podcast isn't afraid to talk about the softer side of retirement. It will teach you how to retire with confidence. Two-time PLUTUS winner for best retirement podcast / blog and the 2019 winner for best financial planner blog. This retirement podcast covers how to create a paycheck, medicare, healthcare, Social Security, tax management in retirement as well as retirement travel and other non-financial issues you'll need to address to rock retirement. Retirement isn’t an age OR a financial number. It’s finding that balance between living well today and feeling confident about your retirement. It’s about gaining more freedom to pursue the life you want. Join the rock retirement community at www.rogerwhitney.com