The Financial Answer with Nathan O’Bryant

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com Could a new bill let some workers claim Social Security at 60? In this episode, Nathan discusses the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act, a proposal to lower the full retirement age for people in physically demanding jobs. The conversation also turns to the broader funding concerns facing Social Security and what w...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com Feeling like the economy is throwing everything at you at once? In this episode, Nathan cuts through the noise and talks about staying grounded when markets and headlines feel uncertain. He shares a thoughtful perspective on planning for the long term and making choices that fit your own goals. Remember, when the headli...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com Retirement often starts with a date on the calendar, but the real decision usually runs much deeper than age or an account balance. Nathan explores the personal and emotional factors that can make someone feel ready, or not ready, to step away from work. Confidence, identity, flexibility, and clarity all play into the t...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com Some of the most important retirement conversations don’t start with account balances or investment returns. In this episode, Nathan explores a different way to think about financial planning by asking questions that uncover what you actually want retirement to look and feel like. Asking better questions may reveal more...

Not everyone needs a financial advisor, but some people may need one more than they realize. Nathan explains the difference between confident DIY investors who are truly equipped to manage their finances and those who may be overlooking important risks, blind spots, or behavioral mistakes. Could a second opinion help protect your retirement from costly missteps? Here’s some of what we discuss in t...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Some investing principles are important enough to be treated like they’re written in stone. Nathan walks through five financial commandments designed to help investors avoid emotional decisions and keep their retirement strategy on track. Need some guidelines to get you on track? Sometimes better results start with sim...

Whether you're visiting one of the 63 national parks this summer or just hitting a local trail, a lot of the best practices for a great hike apply just as well to your retirement plan. Nathan “walks” through a few. The people who get the most out of a national park trip aren't the ones who show up and figure it out at the gate. They've done the research, mapped the trails, and know what they want...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com    The original Toy Story came out 30 years ago, which means some of you took your kids to see it in theaters. Now you can bring your grandkids to see the latest one. Before you do, we thought it would be fun to revisit some of the iconic moments from the franchise and see what they say about your retirement. Here’s som...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com    Creating dependable retirement income is about much more than finding one guaranteed paycheck. Nathan explains why successful retirement planning starts with understanding the strengths and weaknesses of every income source. Rather than relying on a single source, learn what it takes to build a retirement plan design...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com    What does a strong retirement plan have in common with building a dream home? More than you might think. In this episode, Nathan uses the analogy of constructing a house to explain the key components of a well-designed financial plan. From creating a reliable income foundation and building investment walls to adding...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com    No one likes thinking about the loss of a spouse, but avoiding the conversation doesn't make the challenges disappear. In this episode, Nathan discusses some of the most important financial issues surviving spouses face after losing a husband or wife. Many moving pieces can become overwhelming during an already emoti...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Every financial account in your life plays a different role, but some deserve a lot more attention than others. In this episode, Nathan uses the idea of “main characters” and “secondary characters” to explain how your various accounts fit into your overall financial story. Before you keep treating all your accounts the...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  A new proposal out of Washington is adding a fresh angle to the Social Security solvency debate. Nathan’s breaking down what's proposed, if it might cost you money in the future, and what questions it raises for anyone planning around Social Security right now. This proposal isn't law, and it may never be. But regardin...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Most retirement conversations are about saving enough. Today, Nathan talks about the other side of that. What happens when you've saved, you're there, and you still can't bring yourself to spend it? It's more common than people admit. And it can quietly rob you of the retirement you worked so hard to build. A great fin...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  A new proposal out of the State of the Union could change how millions of Americans save for retirement. The idea: government-administered retirement accounts for workers without employer plans, paired with an annual match of up to $1,000. In this episode, Nathan walks through what we know so far, the potential rules a...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Nobody likes tax season, but for new retirees, it can come with some costly surprises. What worked during your working years doesn’t always translate once the paychecks stop and distributions begin. In this episode, Nathan walks through some of the most common tax mistakes new retirees make and how small decisions can...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Fraud isn’t just an inconvenience anymore; it’s a sophisticated, organized industry targeting everyday people, especially retirees. In this episode, Nathan pulls back the curtain on how modern scams operate, why criminals are getting more advanced with technology and psychology, and what makes certain individuals more...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Tech momentum made for eye-catching headlines, but this week’s conversation zooms out to the bigger picture. Rather than chasing daily market moves, the focus stays on how investors think, react, and stay grounded when conditions feel favorable. Nathan explores what it means to stay steady during periods of optimism an...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Some of the loudest voices in personal finance offer bold opinions that grab headlines, but do they actually hold up in real life? In this episode, Nathan reacts to popular financial takes from well-known money personalities and breaks down where the ideas may oversimplify real-world planning. Before following any hot...

Political headlines have been pretty loud, but the markets barely flinched. In this episode, Nathan breaks down why investors stayed focused despite White House drama and what that reaction says about today’s market environment. The real takeaway has less to do with politics than you think, and more to do with discipline. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Market Performance – Stoc...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  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 this...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Your first Christmas in retirement doesn’t just feel different; it functions differently. Without work schedules or limited PTO, the holidays suddenly open up with new choices, new freedoms, and a few new financial considerations. In this episode, Nathan explores what shifts emotionally and practically when December ro...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  Giving Tuesday (Dec 2, 2025) and year-end donations are right around the corner, making this the perfect time to revisit how generosity fits into your financial life. Nathan explains how to give intentionally, by balancing the heart behind your generosity with the smart planning that makes those gifts even more impactf...

In this episode, Nathan explores how gratitude lays the foundation for both financial health and personal happiness. By embracing thankfulness for income, learning from past mistakes, and nurturing supportive relationships, listeners are encouraged to approach finances with a positive, resilient mindset. The conversation also highlights the importance of family, home, and a balanced life, all unde...

Trick-or-treat! Before you put on your costume and head out for Halloween fun, let’s see what your choice might reveal about your financial personality. In this episode, Nathan draws some surprising parallels between Halloween costumes and common investing behaviors, from the thrill-seekers to the cautious planners. Whatever your money style, the trick is making sure it works long-term. Plan wisel...