The Retirement Navigator

Send us Fan Mail More than 59 million adults in the U.S. care for a family member or friend, and most of them never call themselves "caregivers." In this episode, Kwame speaks with Rita B. Choula, Senior Director of Caregiving at the AARP Public Policy Institute and co-author of AARP's *Valuing the Invaluable* report. She also brings the perspective of someone who cared for her own...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when an entire generation grows up right as pensions disappear, 401(k)s get introduced with little guidance, and nobody bothers explaining the difference? In this episode, Kwame speaks with Jana, a longtime financial journalist and co-author of *Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future*, about why personal finance often isn't as personal...

Send us Fan Mail What if the best healthcare you could receive as you age isn't in a hospital, but in your own living room? In this episode, Kwame speaks with Dr. Terry Fullmer, a nurse leader whose decades-long career spans Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and the John A. Hartford Foundation, about a quiet but significant shift happening in how care is delivered to older adults. Dr. Fullmer explains...

Send us Fan Mail Most people plan carefully for retirement income, but very few plan for the cost of long-term care — and that gap can catch even well-prepared families by surprise. In this episode, Kwame speaks with Robert, a long-term care policy expert, about why the system is often confusing, expensive, and difficult to navigate, even for people who have saved responsibly. This conversation co...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to age well — not just live longer, but live better? In this episode, Kwame sits down with Ariana Myers, whose career has taken her from investment banking to running a home care agency to conducting Alzheimer's research at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Few guests bring this range of hands-on experience across the entire caregiving and lon...

Send us Fan Mail What happens if you live alone and something goes wrong while you're asleep? That's the question that changed everything for Jan Van Vlack, a retired nurse who woke up after a seizure with no memory of what had happened. Her experience led to the creation of Snug, a free safety app now used by thousands of older adults across the country. In this episode, host Kwame Kuad...

Send us Fan Mail If you think retirement is the finish line — this conversation will completely change how you see what comes next. Most of us planned for retirement with one question: "Do I have enough money?" Nobody told us that was the wrong question. You're trying to balance: Wondering why retirement feels emptier than you expected Feeling more isolated than you ever imagined yo...

Send us Fan Mail You may have more working years ahead of you than you think — and that can be a good thing. In this episode, personal finance expert and author Kerry Hannon joins the Retirement Navigator Podcast to talk about what she calls the longevity economy: the growing reality that many people retiring today could have 25 to 30 years of life ahead of them, often without enough savings to co...

Send us Fan Mail If you've been worried about Social Security's future, confused about caregiving costs, or wondering whether your retirement savings will last — this episode was made for you. Kwame sits down with Andy Eschtruth, Director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, for an honest, clear-headed conversation about the real state of retirement in America today....

Send us Fan Mail For adults on a fixed income or navigating retirement, understanding the healthcare system for aging loved ones can feel confusing and costly. This conversation helps cut through that — with honest, experience-based advice on what steps to take, when to bring in help, and how to ask the right questions. Key Topics Covered - What dementia really is — and why it's much more tha...

Send us Fan Mail Many people believe senior living only becomes relevant after a health crisis—but that’s often too late to make the best decisions. In this episode, Kwame sits down with Michelle, a senior living executive, to explore how planning earlier can open up more choices, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind. You’ll learn how today’s senior living communities are very different from...

Send us Fan Mail Caregiving often begins quietly—then suddenly becomes a central part of life. In this episode, Carol shares her deeply personal journey into caregiving and what she learned after years of supporting neighbors, parents, and loved ones through aging, illness, and dementia. You’ll hear honest, real-world advice on how to navigate caregiving responsibilities, especially when they come...

Send us Fan Mail What if retirement didn’t have to mean stopping work completely? In this episode, we explore a growing idea called “unretirement”—a more flexible, balanced approach to life after full-time work. Our guest shares how many older adults are choosing to work part-time, volunteer, or start something new while still enjoying more freedom. With longer life expectancies and rising costs o...

Send us Fan Mail Choosing Medicare at age 65 may seem like a simple decision—but it can shape your healthcare access for decades. Many people focus on monthly premiums and extra benefits, without realizing they’re making a long-term decision that could affect their options later in life. In this episode, we break down the key differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in a clear,...

Send us Fan Mail Choosing the right care for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to senior living. Many families don’t start planning until a crisis happens, which can lead to rushed decisions and added stress. In this episode, a senior living expert with over 20 years of experience explains the different types of care available, from independent living to memory...

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that if you’re divorced, you may be eligible for up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits? Many leave money on the table simply because they misunderstand the rules. In this episode, Kwame Kuadey breaks down exactly how divorce affects Social Security and what you need to know to claim your benefits confidently. We’ll cover eligibility rules, common mist...

Send us Fan Mail Many retirees did everything “right” - worked for decades, saved consistently, and planned carefully - yet retirement still feels different than expected. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How am I supposed to live now?” this episode is for you. In this relaunch of the Retirement Navigator podcast, Kwame introduces a new direction focused not just on Social Security updates,...

Send us Fan Mail Are you tired of retirement advice that assumes you're wealthy? Welcome to The Retirement Navigator, the podcast for hardworking Americans who need practical retirement guidance—whether you're starting with $500 or $500,000 saved. I'm Kwame Kuadey, creator of Benefits Insider, where I've helped over 250,000 people maximize their Social Security and Medicare ben...