Retire Right with Alan Becker

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...

What really happens when a legacy is left without a clear plan? Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas dive into the emotional and financial pitfalls that can unravel families—often with life-changing sums at stake. From awkward inheritance surprises to blended family dynamics and business succession snares, the conversation is packed with stories and warnings that hit close to home. Then, the spotlight shif...

What happens to your retirement dreams when headlines shout recession, oil prices spike, and global markets get rattled? On this episode of Retire Right with Alan Becker, Nikki Vivas and Alan take you behind the curtain of financial planning during times when uncertainty is the only constant. Should you pull your investments, stop contributing to your 401(k), or keep the course when things get bum...

Got retirement on your radar—but worried your savings aren’t keeping pace with the headlines? This episode of "Retire Right with Alan Becker" takes on the tough questions swirling in today’s uncertain world. Alan and Nikki dive headfirst into the impact of global events, emotional curveballs, and those anxiety-inducing stats about how much Americans really have saved. Their conversation takes you...

Ready to decode the real story behind those headlines about inflation, Social Security, and your nest egg? In this episode, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas pull back the curtain on what a shrinking cost-of-living adjustment really means for retirees—and why “diet COLA” might not be the flavor you’re hoping for. From Kansas City community moments and MMA fight nights, to the surprising interplay betwee...

Feeling rattled by market swings or wondering if your retirement plan can weather the storm? In this episode of Retire Right with Alan Becker, Alan and Nikki peel back the curtain on how retirees can build a financial “castle”—complete with a moat to protect from inflation, volatility, and unexpected expense invaders. There’s talk of dollar-cost averaging, hidden tax traps, and the real reason Soc...

Ever wonder what the latest Federal Reserve decisions mean for your nest egg—or how shifting political tides might affect your ability to retire comfortably? In this can't-miss episode of Retire Right, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas dig into hot topics: a new Fed chair on the horizon, interest rates at a standstill, and how inflation is reshaping the everyday American experience. Don’t miss Alan’s st...

What does it really mean to retire “right”? In this episode, Alan Becker and co-host Nikki Vivas pull back the curtain on retirement, answering the burning questions that keep you up at night—and a few you never thought to ask. Is early retirement all it’s cracked up to be? How do you know if you’re truly ready, both in dollars and in mindset? Alan’s seen it all, from snowbird dreams to suitcase d...

Is retirement just about your savings account, or is there something more? In this episode of Retire Right with Alan Becker, Alan and Nikki get real about what it takes to actually step into your retirement years with confidence—not just spreadsheets. From family routines to finding your true purpose (and maybe giving in to that dream sports car), they dive into the emotional side of planning that...

Ready to tiptoe into 2026 and finally get intentional about your money, your time, and—yes—your retirement dreams? On this lively episode of Retire Right with Alan Becker, Nikki Vivas and Alan kick off the new year with dad jokes, tough truths, and the real questions you should be asking before trading your work shoes for slippers. Whether you’re wrestling with resolutions, wondering when to hang...

Ready to shake off those old financial habits and start your retirement planning off right in the new year? Join Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas as they share real talk—and plenty of laughs—about how a hot market, inflation, and procrastination could make or break your retirement game in 2026. Whether you’re feeling optimistic or stepping into the year on tiptoe, this episode is packed with “aha” mome...

Ever wonder what the truly wealthy know about money that the rest of us might be missing? In this lively episode of Retire Right with Alan Becker, Nikki Vivas sits down with Alan to peel back the curtain on the habits, mindsets, and sometimes-surprising money moves that can make all the difference in your retirement journey. Whether you’re dreaming of travel, spoiling the grandkids, or reinventing...

Ready to retire with true confidence? In this episode of Retire Right, Alan Becker and Nikki Vivas dig deep into the most common—yet often overlooked—retirement mistakes that could throw a wrench in your plans. From emotional attachments to money, to the panic that hits when you’re just a few years away from finally clocking out, Alan shares the insider stories and tough-love advice you won’t hear...