Decoding Retirement

<p><em>Decoding Retirement </em>breaks down the complex and often confusing world of retirement planning to help you make smart, stress-free financial strategies. Host, Robert “Bob” Powell, has no problem telling you what no one tells you about life.. after work. Each episode provides practical and actionable tools to navigate the ever-changing retirement landscape, empowering you with the expertise to secure your financial future confidently. Every Tuesday at 3PM ET on your favorite podcast platform.</p>

Why retirees are finally taking crypto seriously

Cryptocurrency is gaining ground as an increasingly important asset across the world of finance, but does it hold promise as a way for retirees to grow their nest eggs? This week on Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Coinbase's chief security officer Philip Martin about the promise and perils of crypto. Martin discusses how to determine if a crypto platform is trustworthy, the basics of blockchain technology, and what red flags to look out for in transactions involving cryptocurrency. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12-02
24:23

The Social Security mistake that costs couples $180k

Planning for retirement can be one of the most consequential decisions of your life, especially in the 4-5 years directly preceding your departure from the workforce. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with financial planner Jeremy Keil about how to get the most out of your pre-retirement, and how solid preparation can make the difference between retiring comfortably or scrounging for savings. Jeremy discusses how to consider longevity in your financial planning, the significant importance of Social Security to your future financial security, and how healthcare costs could impact your savings. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell.Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-25
24:00

Why younger caregivers may need to work 7-21 extra years

As America experiences a shortage of healthcare workers and an aging population, more and more families are being forced to shoulder the financial and emotional burden of caring for their loved ones. On this week's Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell dives into the details of a new study on caregiving with its author, John McHugh, associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. John and Bob discuss what to consider when choosing a state to retire in, helpful resources to ease the caregiving transition, and what you can do to prepare for cuts to Medicaid. Yahoo Finance's⁠ Decoding Retirement⁠ is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at ⁠https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-18
24:15

Why a micro-retirement might be your smartest money move

Has your career given you burnout? Are you wondering when you will be able to focus on the things that matter most to you? On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Bob Powell speaks with author Jillian Johnsrud about her new book "Retire Often," and how taking several 'mini-retirements' throughout the course of your career could improve your life for the better. Jillian discusses the preparations required to 'mini-retire,' and how you can use your time away from work to focus on upskilling, building relationships, and taking care of personal matters. By working on self-care and self-improvement, Jillian suggests that your professional life can also benefit. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-11
23:44

5 smart money moves to make 5 years before retiring

On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Bob Powell discusses executive retirement with Amy Permenter, executive wealth strategist for Bank of America, revealing the essential steps to take to ensure your golden years are as successful as your working years. Amy speaks about the importance of understanding your company's benefits, navigating identity transition, and preparing for potential out-of-pocket healthcare costs. You don't have to be an executive to benefit from the practical retirement advice on this week's Decoding Retirement. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-04
24:15

The $3.4B scam epidemic targeting older Americans

With the rise of AI, internet and phone-based scams are becoming harder to detect, especially among vulnerable populations like seniors. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert Powell speaks with Matthew Sommer, head of the specialist consulting group at Janus Henderson Investors, about the financial scams you need to look out for and what you can do if you're the victim of one. Matthew discusses different types of confidence scams, red flags to be wary of, and resources available to help those who have been scammed. To boost your awareness and protect your loved ones, check out this week's Decoding Retirement. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-28
23:00

The $14,000 mistake retirees make during open enrollment

Medicare's "dirty little secrets" - the hidden costs, coverage gaps and commission conflicts that could cost retirees thousands. You'll learn why so-called "free" Medicare Advantage plans aren't always what they seem, how switching plans can be risky, and what every retiree needs to know before open enrollment. Bob Powell and three distinguished Medicare experts will show you the truth about Medicare that the brochures don't tell you. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-21
45:28

The costly Medicare Part D Mistake 95% of people make

Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan could be the single biggest factor in helping you save thousands on your prescriptions each year. In this Decoding Retirement episode, Bob Powell and guest Katy Votava break down how to find the best drug coverage for 2026 - from understanding the different tiers to decoding copays and co-insurance. Learn why the cheapest plan isn’t always the best deal - and how one simple review could save you big at the pharmacy. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-17
23:47

Medicare Advantage exposed: what’s changing in 2026

Medicare Advantage is more popular than ever, but also more confusing. More than 34 million Americans are enrolled in these Part C plans, yet many don’t understand how they differ from Original Medicare or what hidden costs to watch for. On day four of our Medicare Annual Enrollment series, host Bob Powell and guest Jae Oh break down how Advantage works, what’s changing in 2026, and how to avoid costly mistakes. This episode is your step-by-step guide to choosing the right plan before December 7th. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-16
22:09

Don’t pick a Medicare plan until you use this tool

Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel like solving a puzzle, but there’s one tool that can make it much easier. In this episode of Decoding Retirement, Bob Powell and Senior Vice President at KFF Tricia Neuman discuss down how to use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans, uncover hidden costs, and avoid costly mistakes. The Plan Finder helps you find the best value for prescriptions, doctors, and pharmacies. This episode gives retirees a simple roadmap to make smarter Medicare choices this enrollment season. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-15
24:00

Should you keep or switch your Medicare plan?

This is your step-by-step guide to deciding whether to keep, switch, or completely change your Medicare coverage. Decoding Retirement host, Robert “Bob” Powell and Medicare expert Marcia Mantell break down how to use Medicare.gov to compare plans, avoid costly Medigap mistakes, and spot red flags like rising copays or shrinking provider networks. This checklist-driven episode gives retirees the clarity and confidence to choose wisely for 2026. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-14
24:26

The one Medicare letter you can’t afford to ignore

Think you can skip your Medicare paperwork? Think again. The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) could save you - or cost you - thousands of dollars. In this special episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert “Bob” Powell breaks down the must-read sections of your ANOC. Bob and Medicare Rights Center president Fred Riccardi reveal why ignoring this document is risky, how to spot red flags that mean it’s time to switch plans, and where to find free, unbiased help before Medicare open enrollment ends. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-13
22:34

Why Gen X faces the hardest retirement yet

Generation X has long been regarded as scrappy and resourceful, having come of age during a period of significant societal and economic shifts. Now, as the oldest cohort of Gen X'ers begin to enter their golden years, they're finding that retirement may be more than they bargained for. On this week's Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Kerry Hannon, Yahoo Finance columnist and the author of "Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future," about what Gen X can do to prepare for the road ahead. Kerry discusses how extending your career could bring much-needed financial relief, making the most of retirement accounts, and how Gen X business owners should approach selling their businesses. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-07
23:59

Why every retiree needs to rethink their tax plan

The newly passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has enormous financial repercussions, especially for those people living in or planning for retirement. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell analyzes the bill with tax expert Robert Keebler of Keebler and Associates LLP, discussing the major provisions that you need to know. Keebler reveals essential strategies to navigate the SALT deduction cap, maximize your available deductions, and take advantage of favorable tax rates. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-30
23:00

How much money do you really need to retire?

As prices and inflation continue to rise, planning ahead for retirement has become even more important. But how can people assess their eventual costs and ensure they don't exceed their sources of income when the future is so difficult to predict? On this week's episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Jean Chatzky, host of the HerMoney Podcast, about her proven strategies to build up the savings you will rely on through your golden years. Jean discusses the importance of calculating your day-to-day costs, valuable financial tools that could provide extra income, and whether retirees can still count on Social Security to support them. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-23
23:59

Government shutdown: Jean Chatzky on what retirees need to know

A Federal government shutdown could be well on its way to happening in September. How will those preparing for or living in retirement be affected? In this Decoding Retirement Q&A, host Robert "Bob" Powell gets some answers from Jean Chatzky, financial expert and host of the HerMoney Podcast. Jean reveals whether government benefits will be disrupted, how retirement investments may fare, and what most worries her about a potential government shutdown. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-22
02:21

Why $1.7 trillion is left behind in forgotten 401(k)s

Living a long and happy life in retirement is a goal that is surprisingly within reach for many people, as long as the right steps are taken before you get there. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Debra Whitman, AARP's chief public policy officer and author of “The Second Fifty,” about the surprising answers to retirement's most challenging questions. Debra discusses the importance of where you live, maintaining strong relationships, and utilizing helpful tools like AARP's Livability Index to create a roadmap for your retirement. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-16
23:59

4 steps to rebuild your life after retirement

Plenty of people work hard to reach their retirement, only to find that life after a career can be less satisfying than they thought. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, author of "Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement," about the steps you can take to ensure a rewarding and adventurous life after work. Elizabeth discusses how social interaction can be a powerful motivator to stay at your job, how to find measures of personal success beyond just income, and how being open to the unknown can lead to an exciting "second act" in your life. Whether you are already living in retirement or just planning ahead for it, there's something for everyone on this week's Decoding Retirement. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-09
24:00

The missing piece in your retirement puzzle: Homeowner's insurance

Budget-conscious consumers are known for cutting corners to save money on everyday expenses. But when it comes to insurance, choosing cheap policies now may potentially add higher costs in the long run. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Meaghan Dowd, director of insurance at Holistiplan, about how making the wrong choices with your insurance could adversely affect your retirement. Meaghan discusses asset depreciation, outgrowing your policy, and thinking about ways to mitigate risk to your home. Discover new ways to protect your assets for the future by listening to this week's Decoding Retirement. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09-02
22:57

How most families get retirement wrong

Conventional wisdom can only get you so far, especially when dealing with unforeseen life events that might permanently change your plans. On this week's episode of Decoding Retirement, host Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Keith Wargo, president and CEO of Autism Speaks, about the financial necessities of autism care. Keith discusses resources to help families affected by autism, the importance of setting up special needs trusts, and ways to stay on track for retirement. Later in the episode, Bob chats with Zvi Bodie, Boston University professor of management emeritus, about why the risks inherent in buying stocks may be higher than you think. Tune in now for two important conversations on one eye-opening episode of Decoding Retirement. Yahoo Finance's Decoding Retirement is hosted by Robert Powell. Find more episodes of Decoding Retirement at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/decoding-retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

08-26
23:44

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