Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas

Retirement today is not the same as it was 30, 40, or 50 years ago—people are living longer, and that changes everything. On this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, Dale and Spike break down what “longevity planning” really means for your money. They discuss how life expectancy has climbed since Social Security began—and why that creates new pressure on retirement income plans. You’ll le...

Kick off the new year with a practical retirement “reset” that helps you build momentum fast. Dale Soutas and host Spike Spangle share simple goal-setting ideas that actually stick beyond January. You’ll hear what’s changing at Soutas Financial & Insurance Solutions, including a move to a larger Fresno office designed to better serve clients. Then the conversation turns to the real stuff—how y...

This episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas is built around real case studies and the kinds of retirement questions people ask every day. Dale walks through how retirees can turn savings and investments into a steady income stream without relying on guesswork. You’ll hear what matters first—monthly spending needs, bill-pay income, and the “play check” that funds the lifestyle you actually wan...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we dive into: Retirement isn’t just a numbers game, and it’s not won by chasing a single “target” account balance. In this episode, Dale Soutas explains why the best plans start with your lifestyle, your priorities, and the people you want to spend time with. You’ll hear the powerful question that changes everything: If money weren’t a factor, h...

In this episode of Retire Your Way, Dale Soutas explains why retirement is far more than just a financial decision, using the picture of building a dream home to help you think through what your “perfect day” in retirement really looks like. He talks about purpose, health, travel, hobbies, volunteering, and time with family as key fabrics that are woven together into a meaningful retirement, and h...

In this episode of Retire Your Way, Dale Soutas and Spike dive into the end-of-year retirement checklist and why your required minimum distributions (RMDs) matter more than ever. Dale explains how the RMD age has changed, how your December 31st balance drives what you must withdraw, and what happens if you stubbornly refuse to take your distribution. You’ll hear real-life examples of retirees faci...

On this episode of Retire Your Way, Dale Soutas and Spike kick things off with a lighthearted debate about cash, pennies, and whether Gen Z really thinks cash is “cringe.” From there, they pivot into something far more serious: why we may be living through some of the lowest tax rates we’ll ever see and what that means for your retirement. Dale walks listeners through real-life conversations with...

Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas…Episode Highlights… Many retirees ask, “How much do I need to retire?”—but the better question is how to turn savings into income that lasts. Dale Soutas explains why long-term care planning is essential, as approximately 70% of people aged 65 and older will require some form of care. Instead of paying dollar-for-dollar, Dale outlines strategies to “leverage” your...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutis, Dale and Spike dig into a surprising trend: Americans — including California state and federal workers — are delaying their own retirement even when they don’t have to. Dale explains why some listeners in their late 50s and even under 60 are already asking, “Can I retire in 1–5 years?” while others are stuck in fear. We talk about rising costs,...

Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas…Episode Highlights… Americans are living longer, retiring a little later, and wrestling with higher costs—so the old rules don’t always work. Dale Soutas explains how longevity risk turns a 20–30 year retirement into a real planning challenge. We unpack why some listeners delay retirement due to inflation, insurance costs, and market swings. Dale clarifies Social S...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, Dale is joined by Medi-Cal specialist Katia Flores to discuss major rule changes to California’s Medi-Cal program coming January 1, 2026. These updates reinstate asset limits that were temporarily lifted, potentially impacting seniors who rely on Medi-Cal for long-term care. Dale and Katia explain the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal, an...

In this week’s episode of Retire Your Way, Dale Soutas shares a heartfelt story about a California couple in their mid-60s nervous about whether their money would last after moving to the coast. Dale explains how a detailed written plan gave them confidence — showing that even after higher housing costs and healthcare needs, their assets could actually grow through careful planning. He walks liste...

Many Californians enter retirement with blended families, making estate and income planning more complex. Dale Soutas explains why a written retirement plan ties together investments, taxes, income, and healthcare—so nothing falls through the cracks. We cover estate-planning basics to avoid probate and ensure your assets reach the people you intend. You’ll learn when beneficiary designations are e...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we dive into how California taxes spark lots of questions—should you move or simply plan smarter? Dale Soutas explains why “no-income-tax” states can still sting you with higher sales, property, and other costs. If you want to stay near family in California, tax-efficient income planning can ease the bite. We cover live, every-other-month worksh...

Today’s modern retiree faces tougher choices than ever—longer lifespans, inflation, and fewer pensions. Dale Soutas explains how a written plan ties together investments, taxes, income, and healthcare. We dive into estate planning basics and why a revocable living trust helps real estate avoid probate, and you’ll learn why simply adding kids to the title can trigger liability risks and ugly tax su...

Turning 50 is more than just a milestone birthday—it’s a game-changer in retirement planning. At this age, you unlock “catch-up” contributions, allowing you to put more into your 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA than ever before. For many, this stage of life comes as expenses begin to ease with kids leaving home, freeing up resources to save aggressively. But why does the IRS set limits on savings in earl...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we uncover the critical steps you need to take if you plan to retire in 2025. Dale shares real-life stories from the office, highlighting the tax pitfalls many retirees face—and how to avoid them. You’ll learn why understanding the new senior deduction rules could save you thousands over the next few years. We dive into whether Roth conversions...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we dive into why your 50s may be the most powerful decade for building retirement wealth. Dale explains how the stock market’s recent recovery impacts retirement accounts and why having a plan matters more than market swings. We break down “catch-up contributions” for those 50 and over, showing how they can supercharge your savings. Learn the di...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we’re diving right into breaking retirement news that could affect your money now and for years to come. From the latest tax code extensions to market recovery insights, you’ll hear what’s new and how to prepare. Dale explains how the recent changes impact those over 65, including a valuable $6,000 single / $12,000 married couple income deductio...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we focus on why authenticity matters when planning your retirement journey. Dale shares how his approach on the radio is exactly who he is in person—no gimmicks, just honest and practical guidance. We explore why retiring today will look very different tomorrow than it did for past generations. Together, we’ll discuss how to plan for a retiremen...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we’re diving into the hidden realities of modern retirement planning. Retirement today is vastly different from 30 years ago—pensions are rare, lifespans are longer, and the burden of planning is squarely on your shoulders. Dale explains why being authentic matters, especially when it comes to your financial future. We talk about the overwhelmin...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we take on a bold idea: what if employers offered paid time off for financial planning? Retirement shouldn’t be an after-hours burden or a Saturday sacrifice. Dale shares why planning your future is just as critical as visiting the doctor—and deserves real-time, not leftover time. With people living longer, working later, and facing more market...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we dive into the massive retirement wave sweeping across America. Over 80 million Americans will be over 65 by 2040, creating historic pressure on financial systems, healthcare, and housing. But today's 65-year-olds aren’t slowing down — they’re active, vibrant, and living longer. That means they’ll need income that lasts longer too. Dale breaks...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we explore how retirement planning tools—like old tech—can become outdated without us even realizing it. Just like phones evolved from beepers and bag phones to smart devices, financial tools like mutual funds, insurance policies, and 401(k)s have also gone through major upgrades. But are you still using the financial equivalent of a flip phone?...

In this episode of Retire Your Way with Dale Soutas, we tackle one of the biggest retirement questions: “How much do I really need to retire?” While headlines toss around numbers like $1 million or $3 million, the truth is—it depends. Dale shares real-life stories from people he's met, including one man from the Bay Area trying to pin down the magic number. But retirement isn't just about dollars—...