Fearless Finance with Amy Ross

Social Security, healthcare costs, and spending habits are often misunderstood in retirement. Amy Ross breaks down common myths around when to claim benefits, how healthcare expenses add up, and why retirees rarely spend less than expected. The conversation highlights practical planning realities and explains why flexibility—not assumptions—is critical as life evolves beyond full-time...

How do political headlines and emotional reactions affect retirement decisions? Amy Ross discusses why noise—from elections to global events—often leads retirees to make rushed financial choices. The episode explores long-term care planning, healthcare considerations, and why focusing on controllable factors matters more than reacting to daily news cycles. It’s a steady, practica...

What changes when retirement shifts from saving money to using it? Amy Ross explains why investing before retirement and investing during retirement follow completely different rules. From sequence-of-returns risk to income planning and risk management, this episode breaks down how portfolios need to evolve once withdrawals begin. It’s an inside look at why time horizon alone doesn’t d...

Medicare premiums, hidden fees, outdated financial products—what retirees don’t know can add up quickly. Amy Ross discusses IRMAA surcharges, annuity misconceptions, and why reviewing existing financial products matters more than many realize. The episode also explores how income, fees, and taxes intersect in retirement, often in unexpected ways. It’s a practical conversation abo...

Market swings, health scares, and emotional decisions can quietly derail even the best retirement plans. Amy Ross explains how fear, headlines, and emotional reactions often influence financial choices more than people realize. From market volatility to healthcare surprises, this episode explores why managing emotions is just as important as managing assets. The discussion highlights the value of...

Is there really a magic number for retirement—or is that idea doing more harm than good? Amy Ross breaks down why one-size-fits-all targets fall short and why taxes, income structure, and lifestyle matter far more than headlines suggest. The conversation dives into common misconceptions around Social Security, retirement taxes, and budgeting, offering a clearer way to think about money once...

What do coal mining roots, cancer care, and Pilates have to do with retirement planning? Amy Ross shares the personal journey that shaped her perspective on money, time, and purpose. From growing up in Appalachia to spending decades in healthcare, Amy explains how those experiences influence the way she works with retirees today. This episode explores why education, relationships, and clarity matt...