Retirement Answer Man

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the concept of 'The Map vs. The Territory' in retirement planning. Discover how mental models can enhance decision-making and lead to a more fulfilling retirement. Our special guest, Dr. Daniel Crosby, discusses his latest book, "The Soul of Wealth," offering profound insights into achieving soulful wealth beyond mere numbers. Learn how to balance maps and reality, and the importance of feedback loops in financial planning. Plus, get practical advice on adapting to the unpredictable nature of life and finances. Don't miss this engaging conversation on rocking retirement with agility and purpose!PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(00:30) Talking about the map versus the territory and how it applies to retirement(2:00) Personal anecdote about GPS maps (4:00) Maps are a good abstraction to help us navigate things but understand maps are not reality(5:15) Practical example using map versus territory(07:25) Maps can be very useful in retirement planning, but they can also have limitations(9:00) If we view map as reality, it’s easy to create static rules and can reduce our ability to adapt(10:00) In the context of retirement planning, the map is the plan and comes with a lot of limitations.(12:31) There are multiple ways to deal with variability of inflationINTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR DR. DANIEL CROSBY(16:22) Dr. Daniel Crosby is the author of the newly released book The Soul of Wealth(18:25) Use a phrase called soulful wealth to describe what makes life rich(20:00) Retirement is not a spreadsheet(22:48) Martin Seligman is the father of positive psychology and the PERMA Model(29:37) You have to get very specific in what it means to have meaning in life(31:00) The Three B’s of having purpose in life- Believing, Belonging, Becoming (35:26) What is it, especially around retirement, that creates this crisis of confidence with people?(39:25) Identify when you are lying to yourself and it becomes harder to be complacent (40:45) Have a purpose for your money(44:55) One of the most fulfilling ways to spend money is giving it awaySMART SPRINT(48:32) In the next seven days, evaluate whatever retirement plan you have in place and identify specifically what is the feedback loop to improve that plan.RESOURCESDr. Daniel Crosbyhttps://www.danielcrosby.comThe Soul of Wealthhttps://www.amazon.com/Soul-Wealth-reflections-money-meaning/dp/1804090441Six Shot Saturdayhttps://sixshotsaturday.comOrion Advisor Serviceshttps://www.orion.comMartin Seligmanhttps://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu

Welcome to the second week of our series on improving decision-making skills with mental models to help you rock retirement! This week, we delve into the concept of second order thinking, also known as the law of unintended consequences. Learn how to think beyond immediate outcomes and explore the long-term impacts of your decisions, whether it's buying a new car or helping your child with a down payment. We'll also share insightful stories from RRC retirees who have navigated the transition to retirement, offering wisdom on what they were excited about, what they worried about, and how their perspectives have changed. Plus, we answer your questions and discuss practical applications of second order thinking in retirement planning. Join us for an episode packed with valuable insights and tips to enhance your retirement journey! PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(00:00) This week's show focuses on improving decision making skills ahead of retirement(01:15) Revisiting inversion thinking with listener feedback(03:18) Shoutout to RRC Member Kevin(5:00) Starting our second mental model: Second order thinking or the law of unintended consequence(9:00) Reflecting on giving money productively to children using second order thinking (12:58) Second order consequence thinking can help you tease out downstream consequences of retirement planning(13:40) Building a retirement plan of record thinking in second order consequence thinking.RRC RETIREE INTERVIEWS(15:20) Talking to our own Kevin Sebesta about retirement (18:09) What is a fun bucket?(23:00) Talking with two-year retiree, Bob, about what his concerns were before retirement and what he was most looking forward to.(27:54) Bob talks about making indulgent purchases in retirement.(30:46) Asking Bob what advice he would have given his younger self.(33:01) Talking to five-year retiree, Becky, about her concerns prior to retirement.(36:06) When you retired, would you say you were overfunded or very constrained?(38:00) How were you comfortable with the unknown going into retirement?(39:30) How important is it to have friends who are on a similar journey?(44:57) Talking to four-year retiree, Jack, about his concerns two years prior to retirement.(48:35) Jack talks about volunteering at food pantries and food banks.(50:46) How do you avoid getting bored in retirement?(52:04) What would you have done differently when it comes to transitioning to retirement?(53:15) Talking with five-year retiree, Chip, about transitioning from professional to retiree.(55:55) A year or two before retirement, what were your biggest concerns?(56:50) “Getting laid off was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.”(59:17) It's been a journey after retirement figuring out how to manage your time(01:03:10) Looking back, is there anything you would’ve done differently?LISTENER QUESTIONS(01:05:14) Mikey asks about withdrawing social security before seventy.(01:09:23) Mike and Bonnie ask about using debt for tax management purposes(01:16:21) Dirk asks about principle protected, structured ETFs(01:17:25) What is principal protection structured ETF?(01:23:59) Tim asks about investing based on newsletters.SMART SPRINT(01:28:59) Use second order thinking to help you make low-stakes decisionsREFERENCESRock Retirement Clubhttps://rockretirementclub.com Six Shot Saturdayhttps://sixshotsaturday.com Roger Whitneyhttps://rogerwhitney.comCatching Up to FI Podcasthttps://catchinguptofi.comFooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets by Nassim Nicholas Taleb https://www.amazon.com/Fooled-Randomness-Hidden-Markets-Incerto/dp/0812975219

Welcome to another insightful episode where we kick off a month-long series on improving your decision-making abilities. This week, we delve into the concept of inversion, a powerful mental model that can significantly enhance your retirement planning. Learn how to avoid common unforced errors and make better decisions to ensure a successful retirement. Plus, get answers to listener questions about HSAs, security issues, and investment strategies. Don't miss this episode packed with practical advice and useful tips! PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGEMENT(00:30) This week starts a month-long series on improving your decision-making abilities(04:38) First mental model- Inversion(10:30) Inversion in investing(12:20) Combining inversion with the vision pillar to determine what you want your life to be(15:00) Using things you don’t want to help build goals of what you DO want(15:54) Inversion with energy pillar. What do I need to AVOID to get more energy?LISTENER QUESTIONS(17:55) Jay asks about HSA and transferring funds(21:55) Questions from Connie about password website, onepassword.com, and about securing social security account.(24:55) Question about financial advisors and Dimensional Funds(30:12) Linda asks about asset allocation and optimization.BRING IT ON SEGMENT                                  (33:33) Kevin Lyles comes on to talk about identity(37:15) Identity after retirement and losing your work identity (43:07) Identify what you got from your career identity-wise that you want to continue in retirementSMART SPRINT(52:55) In the next 7 days when faced with a decision, think about inverting the question.RESOURCESRock Retirement Clubhttps://rockretirementclub.comSix Shot Saturdayhttps://sixshotsaturday.comRoger Whitneyhttps://rogerwhitney.comVanguardhttps://vanguard.comCharles Ellis, Winning the Loser's Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Winning-Losers-Game-Strategy-Investing/dp/1264257697Bronnie Ware, The Top Five Regrets of the Dyinghttps://www.amazon.com/Top-Five-Regrets-Dying-Transformed/dp/140194065XOne Passwordhttps://1password.comLastPasshttps://lastpass.comLogin.govhttps://login.govID.mehttps://id.meDimensional Fund Advisorshttps://us.dimensional.comAvantis Investorshttps://www.avantisinvestors.comThe Retirement Collective- Shared Wisdom from Top Retirement Coacheshttps://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Collective-Shared-Wisdom-Coaches/dp/1951915186

In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney wraps up his series on the eight pillars of a great retirement plan by diving into the last two non-financial pillars: passion and relationships. Discover how your hobbies, curiosities, and social connections can significantly impact your retirement happiness. Roger also shares personal stories and practical tips on maintaining energy, fostering a growth mindset, and building a fulfilling post-retirement life. Tune in for insights and strategies to help you rock your retirement! PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(00:26) Eight pillars are needed as a foundation for having a great retirement plan(02:50) Importance of showing up and doing the work(04:12) Having projects is a core component of living an enriching, full life(04:49) Passion is our next nonfinancial pillar, find projects you’re passionate about(07:19) What are the obstacles to pursuing passion and projects outside of retirement(08:50) Roger’s personal anecdote about digital obstacles(10:30) Plan for developing passions(11:52) Last of the four non-financial pillars is relationships(15:17) What are the obstacles of building relationships?LISTENER QUESTIONS    (18:50) Mark asks about spousal IRA(20:09) Question from Beth: Should I keep 401k or roll over to an individual IRA?(24:28) Fund choices can be a determinant of your 401K success(27:07) Simplification and consolidating your assets into an IRA(30:21) Listener feedback on losing a spouse(34:50) It only takes one account or property to force probateSMART SPRINT(37:20) Identify one thing that you are curious about and pull that thread

This week, we continue our journey through the eight pillars of rocking retirement, shifting our focus to the non-financial realm. We delve into the first two non-financial pillars: Energy and Mindset. These pillars are crucial for showing up fully in life and maintaining a growth-oriented perspective. We'll explore how to overcome obstacles like stress, injuries, bad habits, and the impacts of aging, and discuss actionable plans to boost your energy and cultivate a growth mindset. Additionally, we’ll answer your pressing questions about Roth IRA contributions, tax planning, Social Security spousal benefits, and CD investments. Join us as we build a holistic retirement plan that goes beyond finances to truly rock your retirement!PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT[00:33] Focus on the non-financial aspects of your retirement planning[01:35] Sign up for Six Shot Saturday[03:20] The first pillar that we want to talk about is energy[04:15] Obstacles that we face in having energy in our life[06:05] Plan when it comes to energy[08:43] Pillar number two is mindset[09:53] Obstacles to maintaining and growing a growth mindset[12:45] What is your plan for a growth mindset?[14:17] Reflecting on my father-in-law’s mindsetLISTENER QUESTIONS[16:56] Roger answers your questions on how to rock retirement[17:35] Beth: audio question about Roth contributions [20:30] Jim talks about managing taxes in retirement [24:38] Our next question comes from Patrick on Social Security spousal benefits[27:12] Daniel: I was wondering what your thoughts were on CD investmentsBRING IT ON SEGMENT[31:14] Mark Ross talks about mindset[33:30] I changed my self-talk and it changed the outcome [37:18] Tools to change to an abundance mindset SMART SPRINT[38:55] When you find yourself saying “I can’t,” add the word yet. “I can’t do that YET.”RESOURCESAgile Retirement Managementhttps://www.agileretirementmanagement.com Rock Retirement Club https://www.rockretirementclub.com Six Shot Saturday https://www.sixshotsaturday.com Younger Next Year [https://www.youngernextyear.com Limitless Mind by Jo Boalerhttps://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Mind-Learn-Lead-Live/dp/0062851748 Spartan Race https://www.spartan.com

This month, we're revisiting the eight pillars of rocking retirement. Today, we focus on the second two financial pillars: having a resilient plan of record and optimizing the plan to enhance the journey. Many people are good at setting goals and determining feasibility, but often overlook the importance of resilience in their retirement plan. We delve into how to stress test your plan for various risks like bear markets, health care shocks, and premature death, and how to build redundancies to make your plan more robust. We also discuss optimizing your plan with tax strategies, investment implementation, and legacy planning.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT-[00:35] - Introduction to the eight pillars of rocking retirement- [04:55] Building a Resilient Retirement Plan- [10:30] Building a funding strategy for the first five years of retirement- [14:38] The fourth pillar: OptimizationLISTENER QUESTIONS- [18:55] Mark asks about estimating Social Security benefits- [20:32] Mary inquires about investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts versus private crowdfunding platforms- [27:20] John seeks advice on choosing a retirement planner- [31:58] Tammy's question on whether to sell a high-value home for liquidityBRING IT ON SEGMENT- [36:37] Building relationships and the importance of micro rolesSMART SPRINT SEGMENT- [42:50] Assess the resilience of your retirement planResources Mentioned In This EpisodeSix Shot Saturdayhttps://sixshotsaturday.comJeremy Siegel's "Stocks for the Long Run"https://www.amazon.com/Stocks-Long-Run-Definitive-Investment/dp/0071800514Roger's YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center

This September, we're doing something a bit different. We're revisiting the basics with a refresher on the eight pillars of rocking retirement—four financial and four non-financial pillars that form the foundation for a great life. Too often, retirement planning gets bogged down with too many details and the pressure to get everything right. But in my experience, focusing on the most important things gets you 90% of the way there. This month, we’ll air classic episodes to revisit these pillars, starting today with the first two financial pillars: Vision and Feasibility.The first financial pillar we are going to discuss is VISION. How do you start to figure out your vision in retirement? We would suggest reconnecting with who you actually are outside of your identity as an employee and identifying your core values. The second pillar in the financial realm is having a FEASIBLE plan. The objective is to establish a foundation of a safe path that is feasible given the resources and the choices that you are willing to make. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MANPRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT- 00:28 September will focus on the eight pillars of rocking retirement- 08:00 First two pillars of rock retirement are vision and feasibility- 08:14 Vision: What do you want when you retire? - 13:28 What are some of the obstacles to creating a vision in retirement?- 17:44 The next pillar in the financial realm is having a feasible planLISTENER QUESTIONS- 24:10 Listener Scott has a tip about going from two to one- 26:13 Bill discusses piecake - 27:44 Our next question is from Steve related to asset allocation in retirement- 33:53 Another listener, Steve, wants to know if a stable value fund is a good investmentBRING IT ON - 38:33 Kevin Lyles talks passion in work and volunteering in retirement SMART SPRINT- 45:55 Think about your life as a clean slate✍️ Episode ReferencesSix Shot Saturdayhttps://sixshotsaturday.comThe Top Five Regrets of the Dying- Bronnie Ware https://bronnieware.com/regrets-of-the-dying/The Retirement Manifesto- Fritz Gilberthttps://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/Stocks for the Long Run- Jeremy Siegelhttps://www.amazon.com/Stocks-Long-Run-Definitive-Investment/dp/0071800514

If you are exploring a unique retirement, it is important to do your research. The best way to research something is to talk to someone who has walked the walk. That’s why, on this episode of Retirement Answer Man, I chat with people who are living their own unique retirements.Press play to hear these unique stories. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [6:02] Identify what type of community has served you well in lifeSTORIES FROM AN EXPAT [8:22] Meet Doug living the expat life in Thailand[15:03] How to maintain a US address[21:35] How to handle buying land in other countries[26:41] How does estate planning work?STORIES FROM A PARENT OF A DISABLED CHILD [29:53] Navigating retirement with children with special needs[31:11] How our retirement focus is different from other retirees[38:08] How Special Sitters coordinates care in Omaha, Nebraska[44:35] How they are making sure that their children are cared for[49:49] What else you should rememberSTORIES FROM A HUB AND SPOKE TYPE OF RETIREMENT [50:35] What Rhoda and Rob are doing in retirement [54:38] How they travel in retirement[1:04:44] How they managed their financesResources Mentioned In This Episode Special Sitters Rock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center  

Have you ever thought about retiring abroad? It seems like a fun adventure, but how do you begin? On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, expat expert, Jane Mepham from Elgon Financial Advisors, joins me to discuss the financial and nonfinancial considerations of moving abroad in retirement. Press play to learn whether retiring abroad would be right for you. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIRING AS AN EXPAT [3:46] What is the attraction of retiring to another country?[6:18] How to explore whether retiring abroad is right for you[12:01] Should you buy or rent?[14:54] How do you navigate your finances?[22:04] What other considerations should you think about?LISTENER QUESTIONS [37:09] Is it worth selling investments and incurring significant taxes to change firms to reduce fees?[46:03] How to plan retirement without using the 4% rule [52:25] Where to put your contingency fundTODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [58:08] Examine the advice you’re getting and your processResources Mentioned In This Episode Elgon Financial AdvisorsRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center  

If you have a special needs child, you know that your retirement plan will need to include plans for their future. How do you create a great retirement while honoring and caring for your child with special needs who will most likely live beyond your years? That’s what we’ll be learning today. In this episode, Matt from Haystack Financial Planning joins me to explore this question. His practice specializes in serving the disabled community and he offers years of experience in this area. Press play to learn what you can do to take care of your children while making the most of your retirement. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN RETIREMENT PLANNING WHEN YOU HAVE A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD [2:30] Why Matt chose this path[4:25] How to plan for your child’s needs[7:40] How to determine the costs needed[12:02] What other tools do these children have available to them?[14:38] What is an ABLE account[20:07] How to approach guardianship[22:42] Resources to helpLISTENER QUESTIONS WITH NICHOLE [24:42] How Nichole has been doing[25:25] Maggie’s backdoor Roth conversion question[29:38] On the order of withdrawals in retirement[33:33] How much will I need to self-insure for long-term care?[40:46] How to handle finances as a newly married couple[45:55] My plans with Michael EasterTODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [47:39] Limit your exposure to mainstream media related to the electionResources Mentioned In This Episode Haystack Financial Planning ABLE 529 accountBOOK - The Special Needs Planning Guide by John NadwornyBOOK - Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability by James LangeRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger Whitney Roger’s Retirement Learning Center

Military retirees have a unique set of circumstances and opportunities. In this episode, military retiree and retirement planner Scott Sanborn joins me to explore the financial and non-financial aspects that come with a military retirement. Over the next month, we’ll be exploring different ways of retiring. If you have special retirement circumstances, you won’t want to miss this unique retirement series. Stay tuned for episodes on retiring with special needs children, retiring abroad, and retiring with illness or injury. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN A MILITARY RETIREMENT WITH SCOTT SANDBORN [3:40] Why did Scott become a retirement planner?[5:36] What it means to retire from the military[7:15] How retiring from the military is different[13:18] Understanding the healthcare benefits[17:55] Reimagining your second actLISTENER QUESTIONS [29:40] Penny is trying to decide whether to stay or move closer to family[37:28] How to decide when and how to relocate[39:41] How to pay the tax from my Roth conversions?[41:22] Is the IRMAA surcharge calculated each year?[42:40] How should I create my retirement paycheck? By withdrawing a lump sum or smaller amounts each month?[45:20] Standard deviation and creating an N of 1TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [47:55] Remember what your intent is Resources Mentioned In This Episode Scott SanbornRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center

So many retirement questions have no right answers. They’re simply judgment calls. In this episode, we’ll explore whether it makes sense to switch to a Roth 401K.Don’t listen to find out the answer. Listen to learn the process to use to come up with your own answer. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [2:03] Does it make sense to switch to a Roth 401K[13:55] An IRMAA surcharge question[18:18] Can you use the Rule of 55 for a Solo 401K?[20:36] A backdoor Roth question[26:22] A 5-year rule Roth IRA question[28:36] An organized Social Security questionWISDOM FROM THOSE ON THE JOURNEY [31:31] What I wish I had known from Elaine[33:27] What a 70-year-old has learned about retirementTODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [36:48] Relax and don’t worry about retirementResources Mentioned In This Episode My recent Forbes articleRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center  

You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, Taylor Schulte from the Stay Wealthy Podcast joins me to answer your retirement questions. Grab your earbuds and join us for this episode full of your questions. Make sure to listen to the pension or lump sum question to see how Taylor and I arrived at our differing opinions on what this listener should do with his pension. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [2:11] Which income sources are included in the IRMAA calculation?[10:12] On the retirement podcast network[12:35] How to use home equity as a retirement resource[22:35] Which rules should be used for this inherited IRA?[23:39] Why should I do a Roth conversion if I don’t want to?[30:47] What can I do with my small annuity?[36:01] Are closed-end funds good or bad?[47:10] Pension or the lump sum?TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [57:18] What have you been talking about more than doing? Take action.Resources Mentioned In This Episode Define FinancialStay Wealthy Podcast with Taylor SchulteRetirement Planning Education Podcast with Andy PankoRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center

If you’ve ever searched for a financial professional you may have seen an endless string of letters after their names. Trying to figure out the financial advisor alphabet soup is exhausting.One listener threw his hands up and asked me what all those letters mean. On this episode, we’ll explore the meanings behind those designations and discuss what they mean for you. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [5:47] Understanding the financial advisor alphabet soup[20:24] Which designations are more important for you[22:58] Does it make sense to pay off the mortgage[31:35] On using a recast to pay off your mortgageROCK LIFE WITH DR. BOBBY [36:08] How weight relates to health[39:40] Intermittent fasting benefits[45:41] Intermittent fasting dangers?[52:00] On understanding science news articlesTODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [1:00:47] Go have fun!Resources Mentioned In This Episode Live Long and Well with Dr. BobbyMark’s Money Mind PodcastRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center  

The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! The Rock Retirement Club has opened its doors once again. Enrollment is open until July 18, so head on over to Rock Retirement Club to sign up today.After you do that, listen to this episode to learn how to protect yourself and your data from scammers. On this episode, Pete, a cybersecurity expert, joins me to discuss ways to secure your personal information. Listen in to hear how you can defend your data.  OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN LISTENER QUESTIONS [4:51] Are SMA’s the right choice for tax strategies?[10:45] On drawing down an HSA[14:01] How to get unbiased financial information[18:38] How do you define whether someone is overfunded, constrained, or underfunded?PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [23:20] What Pete does[26:50] What you should do first[41:04] Your level two line of defense[53:05] Level 3[1:01:44] Final thoughtsTODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [1:03:12] Take one baby step from the list to protect your dataResources Mentioned In This Episode 1PasswordLastPassAlign.FinancialRock Retirement ClubRoger’s YouTube Channel - Roger ThatBOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger WhitneyRoger’s Retirement Learning Center