Retirement Answer Man

Should you use historical or projected returns in your retirement model? One of our listeners asks this question in a very eloquent way.  On this episode of Retirement Answer Man, I’ll spend some time on this question and share my thoughts on which type of model you should use. You’ll also hear the answers to several other listener questions before Kevin Lyles and I discuss tips for having success...

Thank you for hanging in with me for 500 episodes! Today’s episode will veer a bit from the norm as I pause to reflect on our journey and commemorate it with this milestone episode. Listen in to hear my reflections and thoughts from listeners about observations and the meaning of these past 500 episodes. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT  [2:33] What I...

Do you think the Roth conversion question is an essential part of retirement planning? If you do, you haven’t been paying attention to my podcasts! In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man show, we’ll work through how you can build a framework for deciding whether you should do Roth conversions. If you listened to the Roth conversion series you can’t miss this episode. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE...

Are you much of a drinker? Studies show that 60% of Americans are, and an even greater percentage of college-educated Americans are. In this episode, Dr. Bobby Dubois and I reflect on the effects of alcohol on retirement. We’ll get into everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don’t worry, we’re still exploring Roths this week by answering your questions. All of our listener questions are rela...

After listening to the past two episodes you now know how to make Roth contributions and conversions, that was the easy part.  Today we discuss the more complicated Roth rules for making withdrawals. To avoid unnecessary penalties and taxes you’ll want to make sure that you clearly understand the regulations surrounding Roth withdrawals. Listen to ensure that you don’t get caught unaware and needl...

Many of us have missed the boat on Roth contributions, but we have another tool to get into Roths: Roth conversions.  If you have been curious about all the hype about Roths you won’t want to miss this series. This month we dive deeper into Roths. In episode 494 we discussed what Roths are, last week we dove into contributions, and this week we demystify conversions. Listen in to learn how you can...

So many economic predictions for the year have proved incorrect. Since even the brightest economists don’t have a crystal ball, planning your retirement based on economic, market, or investment predictions can lead you astray.  Instead of basing your retirement plan on wishful thinking, learn how to create a strategic retirement plan based on agency. Today, and during this entire Roth IRA series,...

If you’ve been wondering how Roth IRAs work in retirement you’ve come to the right place. All this month we’ll be exploring Roth IRAs–how they work, the 5-year rule, and the differences between Roth conversions and contributions and Roth IRAs and Roth 401Ks.  My goal with this series is to level the playing field so that you can understand the opportunities that Roths provide. On this episode, you...

There are so many questions that come with retirement which is why I focus on answering questions from listeners like you. As you listen to these questions and their answers consider how they fit into your ultimate objective. Listen in to learn why intent matters. In this episode, we’ll explore how to frame retirement questions around your intent, answer listener questions, and in the Bring It On...

This podcast was created for you–not me. I’m here to help you think differently about retirement and find a concept or tool that will help you take action to rock retirement.  I do this by answering your questions and bringing you content that will open your mind and spur you to get started. If you have a question you would like me to answer, head on over to RogerWhitney.com/AskRoger to leave an a...

The oldest person is 120 years old, but they probably didn’t have a plan to live that long. Many people don’t have a plan for the decades between 60 and 120. Do you? In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man show, you’ll hear from the CEO of a venture capital firm that funds companies that help people age well, you’ll also hear the answers to several listener questions–including one correction...

“If you are looking for someone to believe in, believe in yourself. The only authentic authority is your own original nature.” Vernon Howard Are you ready to start believing in yourself enough to rock retirement? If you have been following this show, hopefully, you are doing the work so that you can build the confidence to lean in and really rock retirement.  On this episode, we have a guest that...

It’s time to wrap up the eight retirement pillars with the final two non-financial pillars: passion and relationships.  In this episode, you’ll learn why happy people always have projects and what you can do to get started building your own passion projects. You’ll also learn why it is so important to develop intentional relationships. Discover these final two non-financial pillars for a rocking r...

Rocking retirement requires focusing on both the financial and non-financial aspects of retirement. In  the previous two episodes we explored the four financial areas that help build a rocking retirement, and today, we begin to examine the non-financial areas starting with energy and mindset.  After listening you’ll understand why rocking the non-financial part of retirement starts with building y...

Rocking retirement requires getting your financial and nonfinancial ducks in a row. As we work through the 8 pillars of rocking retirement this month, we’ll explore both the financial and non-financial elements of retirement. This week, we’re reviewing the resilience and optimization stages of the financial side of retirement.  If you didn’t listen to the previous episode , make sure to go back an...

If you don't know where you are going any path will get you there. This is why it is so important to have a vision of where you want to go–you don’t want to end up anywhere! This series is dedicated to teaching you the 8 pillars to rock retirement. In this episode, we focus on creating a vision so that you can create a feasible pathway to get you to your vision.  Listen in so that you aren’t wande...

This month we’re heading back to basics. All month long we’ll be building your foundational understanding of how to create a rocking retirement. If you’re new to the show, this is a fantastic starting point. If you are a long-time listener you’ll appreciate this review. In this episode, you’ll learn how to solve the essential problems of retirement planning: how to live a life without regret and h...

How will Social Security benefits fit into your retirement equation? If you have a spouse, there is an added level of complexity when considering your Social Security claiming strategy.  We explore this topic and more through listener questions on today’s episode of Retirement Answer Man. Learn what to consider and how to approach the Social Security question by pressing play. OUTLINE OF THIS EPIS...

If you are thinking about retiring in the next few years you’re probably wondering what the best tools are to help you plan. Finding the right retirement planning software can not only help you plan retirement but help put your mind at ease so that you can Rock Retirement! One listener asks my opinion on the best retirement software to use. If you are curious about my answer you’ll press play.  In...

We continue our focus on you this month as we dive deeper into listener questions. Today we have a range of questions from various aspects of the retirement process. If you have a question you want to be answered, head on over to RogerWhitney.com/AskRoger . You can type in a question or leave an audio recording–those are my favorites! Listen in to learn how to work through the decumulation phase o...

All month long, I’ll be answering fantastic questions from listeners like you. Today, we’ll explore the steps you should take if you’re in your 50s and get laid off.  Have you ever thought about what you would do in this situation? Listen in to find out.  In the Bring It On segment, Dr. Bobby Dubois helps us understand the effects of stress and what we can do to combat stress so that we can live l...

Reimagining life after widowhood can be challenging. In the beginning, it may seem like something that is impossible to imagine. Even if life seems insurmountable at the beginning, it is crucial to remember that someday you will be able to enjoy life again. Just not yet. Yet is an important word. Yet helps you understand that things will not always be as they are now. Today you’ll learn how to cha...

Nobody wants to face life as a widow or widower. However, it is an unfortunate reality that many must face. Successfully navigating widowhood could be easier if you could prepare yourself in advance. In this Widowed in Retirement series, we aim to do just that.  Today you’ll learn how you can start life again on your own. Mark Trautman joins me again to discuss his experience moving forward after...

If you are married, chances are you or your spouse will have to suffer through widowhood. The Widowed in Retirement series aims to help you navigate this difficult transition as best you can. Today, Mark Trautman joins me again to discuss how to work through the huge financial changes that result from losing a spouse.  There are myriad financial considerations to be aware of during this change, so...

Even though it is difficult to think about it, at some point, those of us who are married will have to think about one of you transitioning from two to one.  This week we’re exploring the nonfinancial impacts of this transition with someone who has walked this journey. Rock Retirement Club member, Mark Trautman shares his personal journey through his life-changing experience.  Mark shares the chal...