Retire Right with Alan Becker

What keeps even veteran investors up at night? In an era where record-breaking stock markets still leave many feeling anxious, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas tackle the emotional challenges behind today’s retirement planning. This episode delves into why a “portfolio” isn’t the same as a plan, and explores the critical differences between chasing growth and building lifelong income. Discover personal...

Are you confident your retirement plan will stand up to market storms and ever-changing healthcare costs? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas guide listeners through Medicare open enrollment, the ins and outs of Roth conversions, and reveal hidden pitfalls and strategies that could redefine your finances for years ahead. With decades of local expertise, the Retire Right team unpacks dilemmas facing Kansas...

Is today’s thriving market quietly hiding risks in your retirement plan? Discover how financial blind spots, unexpected life changes, and market “good times” can leave even the careful investor exposed. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas help Kansas City listeners uncover what really matters when your financial future is on the line—especially when uncertainty is the only constant. Tune in for eye-openin...

“Is your nest egg built to withstand a national debt that now surpasses $40 trillion?" As Kansas City’s retirees navigate uncertainty—from inflation to complex tax rules—Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas unravel the lesser-known risks hiding in plain sight. Emotional stories, real-life pitfalls, and actionable insights set the stage for a show that challenges what you believe about financial security. W...

What if today’s booming market is quietly hiding risks that could threaten your future retirement plans? In this episode, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas confront the illusions of strong returns, tackle the anxieties of outliving savings, and discuss how life’s curveballs—from volatile markets to family changes—demand more than a one-size-fits-all approach. With candid stories and practical insights,...

Why do so many child-free Americans feel less confident about retirement despite having fewer expenses? In this thought-provoking Labor Day episode, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas peel back the layers of retirement planning for those without kids—revealing unexpected hurdles, emotional blind spots, and challenges that often fly under the radar. From logistics and legacy to the risks of outliving your...

"Why do the greatest savers become the most hesitant spenders in retirement? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas explore the surprising emotional hurdles that keep retirees from enjoying their hard-earned wealth. Discover how ‘purpose-driven living’ changes the game, and why balancing protection and celebration is the secret to a fulfilling retirement. This candid conversation uncovers hidden habits, hard...

“Are the headlines making you question your retirement security?” With mounting anxiety over Medicare changes, the cost of living, and sudden market swings, even the most prepared savers can feel lost in the noise. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas cut straight through the confusion—sharing candid stories, untangling common fears, and giving insight into making decisions that fit your unique retirement...

Have you ever wondered if a soaring stock market is quietly masking real threats to your retirement? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas dig into how robust market gains can lull investors into complacency—until a sudden storm exposes overlooked risks. Discover the critical importance of mid-year portfolio checkups, the secrets behind diversification, and why confidence often comes from knowing when to as...

Where do you even begin when retirement is around the corner? Many soon-to-be and current retirees find themselves overwhelmed by a maze of accounts, rules, and high-stakes choices. Alan Becker shares the five most common—and critical—questions he hears in his office, demystifying topics like Social Security timing, rollovers, withdrawal strategies, and Roth conversions. Tune in as Alan and Nikki...

Is your retirement plan at risk of being swayed by the buzz around hot stocks and breaking news headlines? This episode dives into why even experienced savers can be tempted by flashy investment trends and the surprising pitfalls that can follow. Discover how Alan Becker and team help listeners cut through the noise, avoid expensive mistakes, and build retirement strategies that balance both excit...

Ever wonder why the thought of spending your hard-earned savings feels so unsettling as you approach retirement? On this episode of Retire Right with Alan Becker, Alan and Nikki dig deep into the psychological shift from lifelong saver to confident spender. They tackle why your biggest retirement questions should go beyond “How much have I saved?” to things like “Can my income cover the life I rea...

What happens when a new Federal Reserve Chairman claims, “Inflation is a choice”—and how might that ripple through your retirement plans? In this episode, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas unpack the whirlwind of economic uncertainty, rising healthcare costs, and the real risks that can quietly erode a secure future. From Medicare choices to stress-testing your financial strategy, discover how hidden th...

What’s the real danger lurking in your retirement plan—market swings, shifting laws, or something more personal? This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological challenges that come with shifting from saving to spending, while unpacking how to protect your nest egg against volatility and uncertainty. From unraveling "black swan" events to the hidden stresses of outliving your money, A...

Kansas City’s got traffic jams, international visitors—and apparently, a major ranch dressing obsession. But beneath the buzz and the barbecue, there’s a serious question every retiree should be asking: is Social Security still solid, or could your retirement strategy get an unexpected shake-up? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas dive into today’s headlines, tackling what the looming Social Security chan...

How do you build a retirement that lets you live your life, not just save for it? With inflation quietly eroding nest eggs and AI reshaping the investment landscape, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas tackle the complex choices facing today’s retirees. From the emotional toll of withdrawing savings to the unlikely partnership of active and passive strategies, this episode dives into the challenges, minds...

Is your retirement plan built to withstand the next big headline— or will you be tempted to chase the latest market frenzy? This episode dives into why even experienced investors get swept up by IPO hype and media-driven opportunities, and what blind spots could quietly jeopardize a retirement nest egg. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas share how purpose-driven planning helps retirees tune out the noise...

Are you confident your retirement plan can withstand the unpredictable—tax code changes, healthcare expenses, or Social Security shifts? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas expose the overlooked pitfalls and seldom-discussed strategies behind Roth conversions, premium surcharges, and income planning. Tune in for hard truths, candid advice, and real-life stories that reveal how decisions today can affect y...

Is the new "retirement magic number" actually within reach—or just a moving target? Discover why even savvy retirees are rethinking Roth conversions, and how one wrong move could unexpectedly spike your Medicare premiums. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas unravel the shifting landscape of retirement planning, exploring overlooked strategies, new challenges, and why the right long-term plan can help you...

What’s scarier than running out of money—more than death itself? In this thought-provoking episode, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas reveal why today’s retirees are more anxious than ever about making their money last. They dive into the real role of a financial advisor, share eye-opening stories of pitfalls and protections, and explore why diversification is more than just a buzzword for your future....

Is your retirement plan built for today’s economic storms? When headlines scream uncertainty and the world feels divided, panic can set in—and so can costly mistakes. This episode dives into the real impacts of inflation, shifting Federal Reserve rules, and the Secure Act on your financial future, all through Alan Becker’s candid insights. Learn how “wait and see” could hurt retirees, why a checku...

"Why are so many Americans unsure about their future after decades of careful saving?" Dive into the world of retirement planning where every dollar—and every decision—counts. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas unravel the roots of today's retirement anxiety and explore how evolving market volatility, shifting income streams, and generational perspectives shape confidence. From hidden risks to overlooked...

What if the next ten years could make—or break—your retirement dreams? Discover the unseen pitfalls, financial blind spots, and crucial decisions lurking in the five years before and after retirement. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas explore why this window is more precarious than most realize, unraveling the risks of “set it and forget it” investing, the ripple effects of Social Security timing, and t...

"Is your retirement plan built to withstand the world's current economic storms?" When uncertainty grips the markets and prices climb, retirees face tough choices and unseen threats—especially as conflict abroad ripples into everyday life. Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas peel back the layers on emotional decisions, hidden costs, and the critical difference between a true financial plan and a pile of '...

Is the “Big Beautiful Bill” a true breakthrough for retirees, or simply a shiny coupon that distracts from deeper planning needs? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas dissect popular misconceptions and uncover the hidden realities behind tax changes, Roth conversions, and phase-outs. Listeners will find their expectations challenged as the hosts reveal why quick fixes and headlines aren’t always what they...