Safe Money Radio with Brad Pistole

Most retirees focus exclusively on their investment accounts—the 401(k)s, IRAs, and brokerage accounts they've accumulated over decades. But as Brad explains, these "piles of money" can be lost, stolen, depleted in market downturns, or divided in divorce. What truly matters is having guaranteed lifetime income that continues regardless of what happens in the world or your personal l...

Unraveling the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) reveals a powerful tax-saving opportunity that many retirees completely miss. Starting with a client's confusion about Medicare eligibility versus RMD requirements, this episode dives deep into the strategic use of charitable giving from IRAs to minimize taxation while supporting...

What if your entire retirement plan could collapse as easily as a line of dominoes? In this eye-opening episode, I share a painful personal story from Silver Dollar City that perfectly illustrates how one unexpected event can trigger a devastating financial chain reaction. Drawing from over 15 years of experience as a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Tax Planning Certified Professional, and Retireme...

What does it mean when the creator of the 401(k) recommends putting half your retirement savings into annuities? Something revolutionary is happening in retirement planning, and it's backed by unanimous economic consensus. The financial world's most brilliant minds—PhDs from Wharton School of Business, world-renowned economists, and even the father of the 401(k) himself—are all deliverin...

Your retirement plan might be more fragile than you realize. Just as one falling domino can topple an entire sequence, a single unexpected event could devastate your financial security - regardless of how substantial your savings appear. I've spent 15 years as a retirement specialist examining thousands of financial plans, and I've discovered a troubling pattern: even the wealthiest clie...

Imagine having access to a growing reserve of tax-free retirement funds that most financial advisors never mention. For homeowners age 60 and older, this hidden "fourth bucket" of retirement money exists in your home equity - and it could be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over your lifetime. In this eye-opening conversation with reverse mortgage expert Don Graves...

The retirement landscape is changing dramatically as we navigate the "Peak 65" era—where over 11,200 Americans are turning 65 daily in 2025, the highest rate in history. How prepared are we for this unprecedented demographic shift? Jason Fichtner, former Deputy Commissioner of Social Security and Executive Director of the Retirement Income Institute for the Alliance for Lifetime Income,...

Ever wonder what happens when economic theory meets real-world political change? I've witnessed it firsthand. After struggling to sell a property for four straight months in 2024 (even having to resort to owner financing), I listed another in 2025 following the election—it sold in ONE DAY with multiple cash offers above asking price. This stark contrast perfectly illustrates how leadership im...

The financial world is undergoing a seismic shift as women stand poised to inherit an estimated $30-70 trillion in the coming decade. Yet many women remain unprepared to manage this wealth, often due to deeply ingrained money narratives formed in childhood. Lindsey Lewis, Managing Director for the Center for Women at the American College of Financial Services, takes us on a fascinating journey thr...

Fear of running out of money in retirement is the number one financial concern for most Americans – and for good reason. As lifespans extend and traditional retirement vehicles prove increasingly vulnerable to market volatility, the search for guaranteed lifetime income has never been more crucial. In this eye-opening conversation with Sheryl Moore, the nation's foremost annuity expert and fo...

The retirement landscape has fundamentally changed, and your old tax strategies might be setting you up for disaster. America's IRA expert Ed Slott delivers a wake-up call about the hidden dangers lurking in your tax-deferred accounts. Gone are the days when IRAs were valuable wealth transfer vehicles. Since the SECURE Act eliminated the stretch provision, these accounts have transformed into...

The Social Security landscape is changing dramatically with the recent passing of the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates two long-standing provisions that have affected millions of public employees. Retirement income expert Heather Schreiber joins us to unpack what this means for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others who've earned pensions from non-covered employment...

The Horizons Conference by the American College of Financial Services gathers the world's best financial experts to share cutting-edge retirement strategies and revolutionary planning approaches with financial professionals. • Lindsay Lewis explores retirement challenges facing women, including healthcare expenses and the importance of HSAs as triple tax-free accounts • Jason Fichtner, former...

The world's foremost retirement planning experts reveal game-changing strategies that could transform your financial future in this extraordinary episode recorded at the American College of Financial Services' inaugural Horizons Conference.  After attending financial conferences for over 17 years, I've never experienced anything like this gathering of retirement planning luminaries....

We tackle the top five retirement planning questions that can make or break your financial future, focusing on keeping your hard-earned money safe and providing guaranteed lifetime income. • Early retirement considerations beyond savings, including health insurance costs until Medicare eligibility • Critical health insurance planning for those retiring before 65 • Tax implications and potential pe...

Step into the world of retirement planning with our latest episode featuring Joseph Jordan, a financial maestro with over 50 years of experience! Discover how longevity impacts our approach to living after work and the importance of crafting a life filled with purpose and joy. The conversation goes deeper to discuss how the aging population affects financial strategies and how emotional and mental...

Join us for an enlightening episode of Safe Money Radio, where we explore the vital connection between real estate and retirement planning. Our expert guest, Tonya Murfin, brings 23 years of real estate experience to the table, (Listen to her podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-episodes-of-simply-authentic-a-leadership-journey/id1691563941?i=1000693880621 ) sharing invaluable i...

Brad Pistole and Paul Morrison dive deep into the complexities of IRMA, exposing how Medicare surcharges can significantly impact retirees' net income and Social Security benefits. Their discussion dispels common myths surrounding IRMA and highlights real-life stories of individuals caught off-guard by unexpected changes in their retirement planning. • Introduction to IRMA and its implication...

This episode of Safe Money Radio focuses on five major purchases retirees should avoid: brand new vehicles, RVs, timeshares, boats, and multiple properties. Each item is discussed in detail, highlighting the financial drawbacks and long-term impacts on retirement income. The discussion encourages listeners to rethink their spending habits to preserve their retirement savings effectively. • Discuss...

Best-selling author David McKnight takes center stage to question the financial advice that gurus like Dave Ramsey and Ken Fisher have been imparting for decades. Could these famous figures be leading you astray? We unravel McKnight’s groundbreaking insights from his latest book, "The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray and How to Get Back on Track," as he...

This episode explores the financial fears and anxieties that even wealthy retirees face regarding outliving their savings and managing spending. Practical strategies are discussed, along with expert insights, to help listeners construct a robust retirement income plan that incorporates long-term care considerations while allowing enjoyment in their golden years. • Examining the impact of market do...

This episode emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for retirement, highlighting the need for sustainable income streams and the role of patience in wealth accumulation. Key strategies discussed include understanding financial products like annuities, ensuring adequate planning for market fluctuations, and preparing for future healthcare costs. • Importance of having a plan for retirement...

Retirement timing and claiming Social Security are interconnected decisions that can significantly affect financial stability. The discussion features insights from Dr. David Blanchett and highlights the importance of delaying Social Security claims to secure a better income during retirement.  • Correlation between retirement age and Social Security claiming age  • 75% of retirees claim Social Se...

What if you could transform your financial future by understanding the secrets of secure retirement planning? This episode of Safe Money Radio with Brad Pistole promises to equip you with essential insights into navigating financial market volatility and its effects on retirement accounts like 401ks and 403bs. Listen as Brad shares an inspiring client story from Michigan that underscores the impor...

In this episode of Safe Money Radio, host Brad Pistole and IRA expert Andy Ives discuss the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). They clarify the rules surrounding these topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding how they interact and the implications for tax planning. The conversation highlig...