Retire With Purpose - The Retirement Podcast

Will 2026 deliver another strong bull-market year — or a long-overdue reality check as AI, market valuations, and global shifts collide?  In this episode, we discuss:  2026 S&P 500 predictions (15.2% vs. 6.7%) AI's explosive growth The Magnificent Seven's shrinking dominance Why equal-weighted investing reduces volatility Why bonds, gold, and diversification matter again How pre-retirees can protect gains while staying invested Today's article is from Kitces.com titled, 10 Charts To Help Explain The 2026 Market To Clients. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/545 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

What if the real measure of a successful retirement isn't what you've built, but who you've been, and how your money supports the life you want to be remembered for?  In this episode, we discuss:  Resume virtues vs. eulogy virtues Why many retirees feel "lost" after achieving everything they worked for How purpose changes the way you think about money, work, and time Using financial planning to create freedom, not pressure Redefining identity, success, and legacy after 50 Today's article is from The Root of All titled, Living for the Eulogy. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade is joined by Les McDaniel to explore how redefining success through purpose, legacy, and "eulogy virtues" can transform retirement. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/544 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Today, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Sharon Bergquist to the podcast. Sharon is a board-certified physician, research scientist, founder of Emory Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness, and an internationally recognized leader in lifestyle medicine.  She has led or co-led over a dozen clinical trials that have received $61 million in funding to evaluate lifestyle interventions and identify early biomarkers for chronic disease, including ongoing studies for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Her work is at the forefront of how we understand the role of stress and resilience on our health and longevity. As the author of The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier, Dr. Bergquist brings a deeply personal and scientific perspective to the conversation. She shares how early-life adversity shaped her understanding of resilience and how decades of clinical research led her to challenge the conventional narrative about stress. Sharon explains why not all stress is harmful, how the body is biologically designed for growth through challenge, and why eliminating stress may actually harm long-term health and longevity. In our conversation, we explore the science behind how good stress in the "Goldilocks Zone" can strengthen the body and mind. Sharon outlines how purposeful stress supports mitochondrial health, cognitive function, physical capacity, and emotional well-being, and explains why recovery is just as essential as the challenges we create and overcome. GET A FREE COPY OF DR. SHARON BERGQUIST'S NEW BOOK, THE STRESS PARADOX: WHY YOU NEED STRESS TO LIVE LONGER, HEALTHIER, AND HAPPIER Here's how: Step 1: Subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review on iTunes. Step 2: Text the word BOOK to 888-599-4491, and we'll send you a link to claim your free copy! In this podcast interview, you'll learn: Why not all stress is harmful—and how the right stress promotes longevity. The difference between distress, eustress, and not enough stress. How meaning and purpose challenges us and strengthens resilience. Why avoiding stress in retirement can backfire physically and mentally. The role mitochondria play in our energy, aging, and stress levels. The importance of recovery and how it transforms stress into growth. Why purpose is actually beneficial in protecting us against aging. How to rethink retirement as a season of continued growth and contribution. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/543 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

You saved diligently for decades — so why does giving yourself permission to spend still feel so hard?  In this episode, we discuss:  Why many retirees underspend despite having a secure financial plan Emotional and psychological barriers to spending How lifelong, "saver" habits impact retirement decisions Low-risk strategies to help build spending confidence Today's article is from the Kitces blog titled, Helping Underspenders And "Savers" Understand They CAN Spend More With 4 Stages Of "Experiments". Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/542 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

What can our top five Retire With Purpose Podcast episodes of 2025 teach you about avoiding regrets, spending confidently, and living with purpose as you head into 2026?  In this episode, we discuss:  The most common retirement regrets How to generate flexible, reliable income in retirement The Surplus Bucket Strategy and why it can help spending confidence How to understand your level of retirement readiness Why delaying joy can come at a higher cost than you think Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade kicks off the new year with a "Best Of" episode to reflect on the best moments from 2025 by revisiting the insights that resonated the most with you, the listener, this past year. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/541 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

If retirement is supposed to bring freedom, why do so many people still feel unsettled, and what's behind that tension?  In this episode, we discuss:  Why fear persists even with a strong financial plan Dangers of letting the news cycle shape your outlook Why retirees often search for a "true sage" — and why that search fails The "Yada" reflective framework and techniques for cultivating presence, peace, and self-awareness Today's article is from our very own blog titled, When Knowledge Isn't Enough & The Quiet Fear Beneath Retirement. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade is joined by Les McDaniel to explore how news-driven anxiety, the search for certainty, and misplaced trust impact peace, and discover the Yada framework for cultivating presence and self-awareness. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/540 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Could a counterintuitive tax move today potentially lead to thousands in savings — or an unexpected tax trap tomorrow?  In this episode, we discuss:  Why some retirees intentionally harvest capital gains How the 0% bracket really works When it may make sense to pay capital gains taxes now How to evaluate tax gain harvesting vs. Roth conversions using long-term projections Key tax-planning windows before Social Security, RMDs, and spousal filing changes Today's article is from the Best Interest blog titled, The Numbers Behind Tax-Gain Harvesting. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/539 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

What if the biggest obstacle to a joyful retirement isn't your money — but the belief that you never have enough of it?  In this episode, we discuss:  Why "having enough" is both a financial and emotional question When saving "too well" creates new problems The FIRE movement cautionary tale The role of curiosity, creativity, and craft in a purposeful retirement Today's article is from The Root of All titled, The Joy of Giving Up on "Having Enough". Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade is joined by Les McDaniel to explore the emotional side of financial security, the pitfalls of oversaving, and how curiosity, creativity, and craft can lead to a more purposeful next chapter. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/538 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Fritz Gilbert back for his second appearance on the podcast. Fritz is an award-winning blogger and author of The Retirement Manifesto, one of the most influential retirement blogs in the country. He has now been retired for six years, and while many people think the big transition ends the day you leave the workforce, Fritz's journey proves that retirement continues to evolve in meaningful, surprising, and deeply personal ways. Recently, he announced he is stepping away from full-time blogging to spend more of his life "outside the walls," shifting his time toward family, exercise, charitable work, and the flexibility that first drew him to retirement. Fritz explains why stepping back wasn't a loss—it was a necessary reshuffling of cards in the ongoing "game of retirement poker."  In our conversation, Fritz discusses the surprising emotional journey of redefining retirement. He explains why he has never struggled with boredom, depression, or identity loss, and highlights how he avoided the most difficult retirement phase that nearly 70% face. We also talk about one of the most overlooked elements of retirement satisfaction: giving yourself permission to spend your money—or gift to your kids—while you can enjoy the benefits, rather than clinging to your savings out of habit or fear. Fritz explains why intentional spending is not only rational but also often essential for living a fully realized, purposeful retirement. In this podcast interview, you'll learn: How Fritz avoided boredom, identity loss, and the infamous "retirement dip." The surprising emotional transition his wife experienced after caregiving. Why replacing the non-financial benefits of work is a must. How to refine a bucket strategy and reduce interest-rate risk in retirement. The real challenge of Roth conversions and why liquidity matters. Why many retirees spend too little and how Fritz overcame that fear. How to support adult children without jeopardizing their independence. Why the 90/10 rule becomes unavoidable in retirement. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/537 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

With talk of bubbles, corrections, and overvaluation dominating the headlines, we unpack how you can stay confident, stay invested, and stay sane when markets feel anything but predictable.  In this episode, we discuss:  Reasons why you might reduce stock exposure Poor (or dangerous) reasons to move to cash The biggest threat to your portfolio Practical investment frameworks to leverage in today's economic climate Today's article is from the Best Interest blog titled, Should Retirees Sell Stocks, Move to Cash? Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/536 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Discover why the biggest barrier to deeper relationships after 50 isn't conflict — it's the certainty we cling to without even realizing it.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why certainty "hardens" as we age How to navigate generational divides How fear shapes our beliefs and actions Viewing values as flexible filters vs. rigid rules Today's article is from our very own blog titled, The "Unforgivable Sin" in the Second Half of Life: When Certainty Replaces Wonder. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade is joined by Les McDaniel to discuss how to bridge generational divides, and how flexible values can open the door to more meaningful connections. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/535 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Gold has been surging lately, but is it truly a golden opportunity for retirees, or just another glittering distraction? Join us as we break down what's really driving gold's rise, explore its role as a diversification tool, and reveal what the data says about whether it deserves a spot in your portfolio.  In this episode, we discuss:  Gold's big run Historical data of gold vs. equity returns Inflation confusion Central banks' role How to diversify and own gold wisely Today's article is from the Of Dollars and Data titled, What's Going on With Gold?. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/534 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Could striving for the "perfect" portfolio be holding you back from the fulfilling, financially confident life you've worked so hard for? Join us as we explore why embracing a "good enough" mindset can lead to greater happiness, balance, and confidence in retirement.  In this episode, we discuss:  The myth of the "perfect" portfolio  Satisficers vs. Maximizers  The Boglehead Paradox  Your life's "cups" of energy  Today's article is from the Morningstar titled, The Case for a 'Good Enough' Portfolio. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/533 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Today, I'm speaking with David McKnight. David is a best-selling author, world-renowned tax strategist, and financial educator who challenges some of the most popular (and misleading) retirement gurus and influencers in the financial advice space. He's also a great friend, and beloved guest on the show and I'm excited to welcome him back for a 3rd time on the podcast. David is well known as the author of The Power of Zero which was made into a full-length documentary film. In his latest book, The Guru Gap, he exposes why one-size-fits-all financial guidance from so-called experts often leaves retirees underprepared and overexposed to risk. We discussed the psychological appeal of "guru" advice and how to identify when those blanket statements—like "annuities are bad" or "the 4% rule always works,"—do more harm than good. One of the things that I love about David is that he shares math-based insights into retirement income planning. We're talking about the true cost of longevity risk, and why annuities can often create more liquidity and peace of mind than traditional withdrawal strategies. David also shares his perspective on the newly extended tax cuts, how to time Roth conversions in light of the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the three critical questions everyone needs to answer before moving money from tax-deferred to tax-free accounts.  Whether you're skeptical about annuities, curious about LIRPs, or confused by conflicting advice online, this episode will help you cut through the noise and design a retirement plan that's truly tailored to you—not to the masses. GET A FREE COPY OF DAVID MCKNIGHT'S NEW BOOK, THE GURU GAP Here's how: Step 1: Subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review on iTunes. Step 2: Text the word BOOK to 888-599-4491, and we'll send you a link to claim your free copy! In this podcast interview, you'll learn: Why "one-size-fits-all" financial advice can be dangerous in retirement planning. The psychological reason Americans follow gurus—and how it can derail your goals. The real math behind annuities, the 4% rule, and the illusion of liquidity. How life insurance can serve as a volatility buffer and long-term care resource. The truth about Roth conversions and the importance of your "drop-dead date." What the new One Big Beautiful Bill means for future tax rates. Why simplicity—not complexity—is the hallmark of truly successful investors. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/532 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Discover what new research reveals about how retirees actually spend their money — and why front-loading your retirement income plan could be the key to enjoying your healthiest, most fulfilling years first.  In this episode, we discuss:  Pitfalls of traditional retirement income plans What to know about the "retirement spending smile" Spending regret factors for retirees Health and longevity perceptions Today's article is from the ThinkAdvisor titled, Most Retirees Want to Front-Load Their Spending. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/531 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

What if the key to a fulfilling retirement isn't about relaxation — but about doing the hard things you'd rather avoid? From rewiring your brain to deepening your sense of purpose, discover how challenges — big or small — can restore meaning, resilience, and joy in your next chapter of life.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why comfort can erode resilience How to leverage "controlled challenges" Ways ancient wisdom encourages (positive) discomfort Freedom vs. discipline in retirement Today's article is from The Net Worthwhile® Weekly titled, The Narrow Path: Why Choosing Hard Things Is Your Best Investment. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade is joined by Les McDaniel to discuss how controlled discomfort builds resilience, purpose, and lasting joy in your next chapter. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/530 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

What's really holding you back from taking that next financial step? Join us as we explore how avoidance slowly erodes confidence, why shame and fear create roadblocks, and how to replace procrastination with purposeful progress.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why avoidance = erosion, not explosion The Hurricane vs. Tornado analogy How to conduct a "Shame Audit" Why small steps can create big financial changes Today's article is from the Money Changes Everything titled, Don't Wait for the Asteroid: Why You Have to Face the Music About Money NOW. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/529 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

The belief that more data equals more control is an illusion. Our obsession with finding the "perfect" financial plan and receiving constant information often leads to anxiety, not peace. Join us as we explore why embracing uncertainty, focusing on what you can control, and leading with purpose can help create true financial (and emotional) freedom.  In this episode, we discuss:  How to balance control with surrender The pitfalls of too much information Dangers of financial fundamentalism How to go from analysis to action Today's article is from The Net Worthwhile® Weekly blog titled The Money Mystic's Guide To Financial Sanity. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade is joined by Les McDaniel to discuss how embracing uncertainty, focusing on what you can control, and leading with purpose fosters true financial and emotional freedom. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/528 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

Today, I'm speaking with Edward McQuarrie. Ed is the Professor Emeritus at Santa Clara University, where he taught in the marketing department for more than three decades before retiring in 2016. After stepping away from teaching, Ed pursued a new passion in researching financial market history and retirement income planning.  His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, and Barron's, and he frequently contributes to our Weekend Reading for Retirees series. He was introduced to us by past guest William Bernstein, who insisted Ed would be a must-hear voice on the show. In this conversation, Ed challenges decades of conventional wisdom around investing. He explains why "stocks for the long run" isn't always the safest bet, how cherry-picked data can mislead investors, and why separating risk-free assets from growth assets may be more important than diversification alone. Ed also shares the insights from his extensive historical research, covering stock and bond returns going back to the 1700s, and how it relates to retirement planning today. We also dig into the evolving conversation around Roth conversions, the limitations of relying solely on stocks and bonds, and why tools like TIPS ladders or annuities can help secure baseline retirement income. Ed's clear-eyed, historically grounded perspective will challenge the assumptions you've been taught and help you build a more resilient, reality-based plan for the future. In this podcast interview, you'll learn: Why "stocks always outperform bonds" is a myth—and what 200 years of history actually reveal. The risks of relying on cherry-picked data in financial planning. How economic "regimes" shape investment returns across decades and centuries. Why risk separation, not just diversification, is key to retirement planning. The pros and cons of Roth conversions—and why sometimes doing nothing may be the smartest move. How to use TIPS ladders, annuities, and other tools to secure your baseline retirement income. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/527 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

What if the common advice to wait until age 70 for Social Security isn't always the best move? Could claiming earlier actually give you more freedom and peace of mind in retirement?  In this episode, we discuss:  Risks of "blanketed" Social Security advice Determining your expected value vs. expected utility Mortality, sequence of returns, and policy risks Pinpointing your "personalized discount rate" Today's article is from the Kitces.com blog titled, Why Delaying Social Security Benefits Isn't Always The Best Decision. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/526 📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu  📅SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3T6oNDB ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process