The Retirement Project

What should you really do with your 401(k) when you retire—roll it over, leave it alone, or cash it out? In this episode of The Retirement Project , Pat Schultz breaks down the three most common paths retirees take—and the potential consequences of each choice. He explores why rollovers can offer more flexibility, how holding too much cash can create hidden risks, and why cashing out m...

Are annuities a smart income tool—or one of retirement’s most misunderstood investments? In this episode of The Retirement Project , Pat Schultz breaks down what annuities really are and why they spark so much confusion among investors. He explores the different types—including variable, fixed indexed, and income-based options—and how each may serve a unique role in a diver...

What if one unexpected moment could reshape your entire retirement? In this episode, Pat Schultz, CFP® and founder of Harriman Hall Wealth Management, shares the real-life experiences that shaped his mission to guide retirees with clarity and purpose. From the hidden dangers of making financial decisions in isolation to the emotional side of leaving a lifelong career, Pat reveals why coordinat...

What if retirement looks “double‑stuffed” on the label—but falls short in real life? In this episode of The Retirement Project , host and CFP® Pat Schultz explores the gap between expectations and reality in retirement planning. Using a lighthearted Oreo analogy, he unpacks common surprises retirees face, from spending more than expected and the tax reality of 401(k)s to heal...

Retiring before Medicare can feel like freedom—until healthcare costs suddenly take center stage. In this episode, certified financial planner, Pat Schultz unpacks what really happens in the gap years before age 65 and why health insurance decisions often shape retirement timing more than people expect. He discusses the true cost of leaving employer coverage, how ACA subsidies, income levels...

Some retirement decisions have expiration dates—and once they pass, you don’t always get a second chance. In this episode, Pat Schultz explores the critical windows of opportunity in retirement planning and why timing matters just as much as saving. Using a fun seasonal analogy, he breaks down how decisions around Social Security, tax planning, early retirement options, required minimu...

One decision, dozens of rules, and long‑lasting consequences—when you take Social Security matters more than most people realize. In this episode of The Retirement Project , certified financial planner Pat Schultz breaks down how Social Security fits into a modern retirement plan. He explores why claiming isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all decision, how spousal benefits and continued work can a...

Are you and your spouse truly on the same page about money—or just assuming you are? In this episode of The Retirement Project , certified financial planner, Pat Schultz explores the essential financial conversations couples often avoid until it’s too late. He discusses why one partner is often left in the dark, the real‑world consequences of missing information, and how misaligned ris...

Are you ready to build for your future? Before you do, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools for the job. That’s where “The Retirement Project” can help. With "The Retirement Project: Clear Conversations for a Tax-Smart Retirement," host and financial advisor Pat Schultz goes over the topics of the day relevant to your retirement, laying out the blueprint for yo...