The Money Captain Podcast

Worried you'll run out of money before you run out of life? In this episode Chris Drew breaks down a realistic, income-first approach to retirement—how annuities can create a pension-like foundation, when to tap Social Security, how to use higher fixed-rate options (CDs, bonds, annuities) to stabilize withdrawals, and the new Roth opportunities from SECURE 2.0 that give you more tax-free fle...

If you're five–ten years from retirement the next 12–24 months matter. In this episode Chris Drew walks through the practical, calendarable moves that improve your odds of finishing the job: max your 401(k) match and catch-ups, rethink 401(k) fund assignments (don't copy a coworker), and use IRAs or partial rollovers for flexibility. He explains the difference between Traditional and R...

More Americans are working into their 70s — and it changes the retirement playbook. In this episode Chris Drew explains the three big things to know if you keep working after 70: required minimum distributions (how RMD rules differ for IRAs vs. employer plans when you're still employed), Social Security timing (why benefits stop growing after age 70 and how earned income can reduce early ben...

In this episode, Chris Drew dives into an engaging conversation covering the topics that matter most to listeners today. From personal experiences and industry insights to practical advice and thought-provoking discussions, this episode delivers valuable takeaways and fresh perspectives. Whether you're a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, you'll enjoy an authentic discussion filled...

Taxes can quietly eat your retirement if you don't plan for them. In this episode Chris Drew walks through the concrete steps that actually lower your tax burden and stretch retirement dollars: coordinate withdrawals with taxation (so 1099 interest, pensions and Social Security don't push you into higher brackets), spend down traditional IRAs strategically while deferring Social Security when it m...

Economy worries are real — but panicking won't help. In this episode Chris Drew lays out clear, operational steps to protect your retirement from inflation, higher rates, and recession risk: prioritize a written income plan (don't let products be sold to you), chip away at debt, maximize employer match and catch-ups, and use HSAs and Roth conversions as tax-efficient levers. Chris also walks...

The first year of retirement is full of surprises — and not all of them are financial. Chris Drew walks through the mental and cash-flow adjustments you'll face as you move from paychecks to fixed income, shows how to separate needs vs. wants (and curb the “every day feels like Saturday” trap), and explains why you must keep saving after you retire to cover inevitable repairs, he...