Retire On Your Best Path with Liz Whitteberry

You’ve worked hard to reduce investment fees, but what about taxes? In this episode, Liz explores new research showing how taxes may have a much bigger impact on long-term portfolio growth than most investors realize. She breaks down the historical tax drag on investment returns, why today’s tax environment may not last forever, and how smart tax planning can help retirees keep more of what they e...

Some of the best retirement advice may have started with the simple lessons your mom taught you growing up. In this special Mother’s Day episode, Liz connects timeless “mom wisdom” to real financial planning decisions that can shape your retirement future. From avoiding scams and irreversible mistakes to diversification, emergency savings, and estate planning, Liz walks through seven practical les...

What do thunderstorms and the stock market have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Liz uses a weather analogy to break down how investors react to uncertainty, and why that reaction can make or break your retirement plan. The goal isn’t to predict every storm, it’s to be ready for whatever shows up. With the right plan in place, you can stay confident no matter what the forecast look...

A new proposal out of Washington is putting fresh pressure on the future of Social Security- and it could impact how much some retirees receive. In this episode, Liz breaks down what’s being proposed, who it might affect, and why it’s sparking debate. While nothing is finalized, the conversation highlights a bigger issue: Social Security is likely to change. The real question is how prepared your...

When a parent passes away, emotions and finances tend to collide, especially when real estate is involved. One of the most common things that stalls families is fear of taxes, even when that fear isn’t fully understood. Today’s listener question is about an inherited home and hesitant siblings. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Step-Up in Basis Explained – Why heirs typically don’t o...

Retirees and pre-retirees are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scammers, with billions lost each year, especially among those 60 and older. In this episode, Liz breaks down the most common frauds hitting seniors today, from tech support and investment scams to romance schemes and social media cons, and explains how they work. You’ll also hear practical, high-impact steps to protect yourself...

After a year defined by volatility, political noise, and nonstop market headlines, it’s no surprise that optimism feels hard to come by. In this episode, Liz breaks down why at least one economist believes the economic outlook for 2026 may be brighter than many expect. From consumer spending and business investment to interest rates, energy prices, and market behavior, this conversation cuts throu...

What does 2026 mean for retirees and those approaching retirement? In this episode, Liz breaks down the key financial changes that could quietly reshape your retirement plan in the year ahead. From Social Security cost-of-living adjustments and rising Medicare premiums to higher retirement contribution limits, these small shifts can have a surprisingly big impact on your cash flow, taxes, and long...

A lot happened in 2025… Big political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But what actually matters for your financial life? Today, we’re breaking down the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Why inflation matters more to retirees than short-term market volatili...

In ​retirement ​planning, ​some ​questions ​are ​definitely ​better ​than ​others. ​A ​good ​question ​helps ​you ​reframe ​how ​you ​think ​about ​your ​money ​and ​improve ​the ​quality ​of ​your ​financial ​decisions. ​ In ​our ​last ​episode, ​we ​talked ​about ​how ​to ​reframe ​five ​key ​questions ​to ​improve ​the ​quality ​of ​your ​answers ​for ​a ​better ​retirement. ​In ​today's ​...

Most retirees think they’re asking the right questions, but the most common ones are often framed in ways that lead to incomplete or misleading answers. In this episode, Liz walks through several of the top retirement questions people ask and explains how to reframe each one so the answer actually helps you make better decisions. Learn how to ask better questions so you can make smarter, more conf...

Having two advisors might sound like twice the insight, but it often leads to twice the confusion. In this episode, Liz breaks down the pros and cons of splitting your investments between multiple advisors and explains when it can create unnecessary complexity, overlap, and conflicting advice. You’ll learn why a cohesive, team-based approach- led by one trusted advisor- can simplify your retiremen...

Fidelity’s latest report shows a 65-year-old retiring in 2025 may need $172,500 for healthcare expenses in retirement, and that doesn’t even include long-term care. In this episode, Liz breaks down what’s behind those rising numbers, what’s not covered by Medicare, and what proactive steps you can take now to prepare. You’ll also hear how to make healthcare costs a planned part of your retirement...

Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents; it’s about protecting your legacy, avoiding family conflict, and making sure your wishes are carried out. In this episode, Liz walks through several common estate-planning mistakes she sees in practice, from outdated beneficiary designations and unfunded trusts to how taxes and real-estate transfers can derail good intentions. Here’s some of what w...

If your parents passed away relatively young, it’s only natural to wonder if that means you won’t live into your 80s or 90s either. And from a financial perspective, that raises an important question: Should you claim Social Security early if you don’t expect a long retirement? In this episode, Liz tackles a listener’s question and explains why the answer is more complex than just looking at famil...

You’ve probably heard some of the “rules of thumb” that claim to guarantee a successful retirement. They’re often delivered with such confidence that it feels like you should accept them as universal truths. But the reality is far more complicated- what works as a quick guideline can easily become misleading when applied to your financial situation. So, how much weight should you really give these...

Running your retirement numbers is smart, but what if the math you’re using is built on shaky assumptions? In this episode, Liz exposes five common examples of “fuzzy math” that can quietly derail your financial future. From assuming past market averages will continue, to believing you’ll spend less once you retire, these rules of thumb often fall apart when real life kicks in. Liz explains why an...

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” just passed, and it’s packed with opportunities for retirees and pre-retirees who want to make the most of their tax strategy. In this episode, Liz walks through how the new legislation affects income planning, deductions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and more. While some provisions are now labeled “permanent,” Liz reminds us that in the tax world, nothing stay...

What if your retirement starts sooner than you anticipated? Many Americans think they'll retire at 65 or later, but studies show the average retirement age is actually 62. From layoffs to health issues to caregiving responsibilities, unexpected events can shift your retirement timeline. And with people living longer than ever, your retirement could last 30+ years. This episode, Liz and Marc b...

Almost everyone has made financial mistakes, whether it was listening to bad advice, panicking in a downturn, or investing in products that weren’t fully understood. These setbacks can feel overwhelming, but more than likely, you made the best decision you could at the time with the information you had. In this episode, Liz offers a practical, judgment-free guide for how to overcome financial setb...

For decades, the 4% rule has been a popular rule of thumb for retirement income planning- withdraw 4% annually from your portfolio, and your money should last 30 years. But now, the original creator of the rule is updating it. What’s changed? And should you change your retirement plan too?  Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: The 4% rule is now 4.7%... should you celebrate? Having flex...

How do you decide where to save your next dollar? Are you overlooking the most tax-efficient account available to you? With so many options, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure about what makes the most sense. Not every savings option offers the same benefits, and using the right account at the right time may lead to serious tax advantages and long-term flexibility.  In today’s episode, Liz breaks d...

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of...

Can you really retire when the market is down? Do you have enough stability in your portfolio to weather the storm? In this episode, Liz answers that exact question by walking through the practical steps and mindset shifts that make a confident retirement possible- even in uncertain times. With volatility on the rise and recession concerns growing, more soon-to-be retirees are wondering if their t...

Since the day he took office, President Trump planned to implement tariffs, and he carried that out last week. The immediate market reaction was very negative. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy over the long term? Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What tariffs are and their historical context How tariffs can raise prices and affect markets The psychology be...