Retirement Planning Pipe-Line

Recession talk is back for 2026—it may not be in every headline, but the odds aren’t at zero percent. You need to be prepared for the scenario of a possible recession. Key Points Covered: Emergency Funds --- Start by building (or topping off) an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses. Picking the Right Budgeting System – Whether old or new, using a budgeting system can h...

In episode 18 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialist David Pipes discusses the hidden fees and charges on 401(k)s and other retirement accounts that could actually be threatening those very savings…Plus, how to never let your savings run out, and the dangers of taking distributions at the wrong time… Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps m...

In episode 17 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck break down early vs. delayed social security claiming, the things you need to know – the keys – to a successful retirement in 2026, and maximizing growth and income together for a more balanced retirement portfolio! Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more...

Retirement. Radio's Matt McClure sits down with Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, for a practical and timely conversation about emergency savings. With rising living costs, recent holiday spending, and ongoing debt repayment putting pressure on household budgets, many Americans struggle to set money aside for unexpected expenses. Matt and Rod break down c...

In episode 16 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck break down qualified vs. non-qualified funds in retirement, why the IRS created qualified funds, and steering through financial shifts in retirement. Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the show! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking t...

Retirement. Radio’s Matt McClure  sits down with Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer of Jackson Hewitt, to break down what taxpayers need to know heading into the 2026 tax season. They discuss some of the biggest changes on the horizon, including an estimated $300 billion in refunds expected for millions of Americans — and why filing early and accurately can make a real difference. Steber walks through...

In episode 15 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck stress why Social Security can’t be your only source of income in retirement, and break down inflation-proof planning for your retirement portfolio! Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the show! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to...

In episode 14 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck give practical strategies for lifetime retirement income and financial confidence. Plus, why annuities could be a key investment in 2026, and the guys give you the keys to rebalancing your portfolio, and tips for keeping those financial New Year's resolutions! Enjoying the podcast? Lea...

In episode 13 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck get you ready for the new year with practical financial planning you can achieve to improve your retirement portfolio for 2026! Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the show! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to further secure your...

In this interview, Retirement. Radio’s Matt McClure speaks with Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small business products at Bank of America, about holiday shopping trends. A major focus is how inflation and tariffs influence consumer behavior. The discussion also explores how dupe culture is emerging as a popular trend among younger generations who seek affordable alternatives to high-end...

In episode 12 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck discuss why choosing to retain MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities) and Fixed-Indexed Annuities over Bank CDs are a more beneficial choice for your retirement portfolio. Plus, why understanding the real rate of return—the number that determines whether you’re getting ahead financial...

In episode 11 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line - As the year draws to a close, it’s crunch time for investors and retirees alike. In episode 11 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck unwrap the financial countdown to year-end, breaking down the key decisions that can impact your retirement strategy and tax outlook.  Plus: RMDs Unwrapp...

In episode 10 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, David and Steve detail the rising healthcare costs that could affect your ENTIRE retirement plan. Plus, the guys, go over how annuities are the safest option against market volatility.   Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the show! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to further secure your fin...

In this piece, brought to you by Retirement. Radio 's Jim Tarabocchia, we explore the basics steps to take – and break them down – for further clarity on preparing for retirement.   Key Points Covered: The importance of saving for retirement – NOW Balancing your investments – How a healthy mix of riskier investments can help weather the market’s uncertainty especially as you get closer to retireme...

In episode nine of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, David and Steve dive deep into one of the most overlooked links in personal finance: the powerful connection between your health and your wealth. Medicare isn’t just a government program—it’s a cornerstone of retirement planning that can make or break your financial security later in life. The guys uncover how healthcare costs, coverage choices...

In recognition of RSV Awareness Month, Retirement. Radio ’s Matt McClure  sits down with Dr. Leonard Friedland , Vice President and Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health for GSK North America, and Carole , a National Senior Games athlete , to discuss how RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)  affects older adults and why prevention matters.   Dr. Friedland explains that RSV is far more than...

In episode eight of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, David and Steve break down the basics of annuities, generating income from annuities, and why it’s imperative to swap out old annuities with newer annuities. Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the show! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to further secure your financial future. Make sure t...

In episode seven of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, David and Steve deep into some of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of retirement planning: interest rates, healthcare expenses, Medicare, and long-term care. Interest Rates --- As interest rates fluctuate, how does this impact your retirement income and investment strategy? The guys break it down with real-world examples and...

Retirement. Radio’s  Matt McClure sits down with Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, to discuss how older Americans are using technology, where the biggest gaps remain, and why digital privacy is more important than ever. From app permissions to password managers, Tom shares AARP’s five-day Digital Housecleaning Challenge to help you get your digita...

If you’re nearing retirement-or already there- you’ve probably heard the word annuity tossed around as an answer to guaranteed income. But what exactly is an annuity?  In episode six of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck are breaking down Annuities 101 to help you make smart, informed decisions about your financial future. The guys cover...

In episode five of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, Retirement Planning Specialist David Pipes dives deep into the hidden tax traps that can derail your retirement—and what you can do now to avoid them. Plus, David talks about how today’s and tomorrow’s interest rates could shape your retirement strategy.  Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the sho...

In episode four of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, Retirement Planning Specialist David Pipes dives into one of the most pressing concerns for retirees and pre-retirees alike: how to safeguard your retirement against market volatility. With financial uncertainty becoming the new normal, a sound strategy is more important than ever. Join us as we explore proven ways to build a resilient retireme...

In this powerful episode of Smart Retirement Strategies, we dive into one of the most critical aspects of retirement planning: how to protect your wealth while still generating income. Retirement Planning Specialist David Pipes explores what it really means to reduce risk in today’s volatile market—and how the Rule of 100 can help guide your asset allocation decisions. You'll also hear a fresh tak...

Retirement isn’t just the end of a career—it’s the start of a whole new chapter. In episode two of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line, Retirement Planning Specialists David Pipes and Steve Zareck explore how to make the shift from full-time work to retirement with purpose, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re months away from retirement or just beginning to plan, we cover the emotional, financia...

Welcome to the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line! In the debut episode, Retirement Planning Specialists Charles “David” Pipes, and Steve Zareck dive into the world of annuities and explore how they can play a powerful role in your retirement strategy. Tune in and take the first step toward creating the retirement income you can count on! Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it help...