The Retirement Bullpen with Richard Warner

What happens to your retirement plan when you’re suddenly navigating it on your own? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner explores the realities of entering retirement solo—whether by loss, divorce, or choice—and the added financial pressures that can follow. He breaks down key challenges like the loss of a Social Security check, shifting tax brackets, and t...

Could changes to Social Security quietly reshape your retirement income? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner unpacks a proposal to cap benefits—and what it reveals about the future of Social Security. He explores fairness concerns, potential benefit reductions, and why the system faces pressure from longer life expectancies and shifting workforce dynamics. The conversa...

What if avoiding the long-term care conversation today creates the biggest burden for your family tomorrow? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner unpacks why long-term care planning is often ignored—and how that decision can impact finances, family relationships, and future care options. He addresses common misconceptions about Medicare and Medicaid, the real cost of car...

Why do smart retirement decisions sometimes unravel the moment fear sets in? Using the classic lesson of Pavlov’s Dog, this episode of The Retirement Bullpen explores how emotional triggers—like market headlines, health scares, and uncertainty—can push retirees from rational thinking into reaction mode. Investment advisor representative, Richard Warner, discusses the psychology b...

Trying to swing for home runs in retirement can leave you striking out when it matters most. In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , investment advisor representative, Richard Warner, uses baseball season as a powerful analogy for financial planning—breaking down why “singles and doubles” may matter more than big wins once you’re living off your savings. He explores how...

Working one more year sounds responsible—but what if it costs more than it gives you? In this episode, host Richard Warner explores the often‑overlooked emotional and lifestyle signals that may indicate it’s time to retire. From burnout and tech fatigue to shifting priorities and changing workplace dynamics, he walks through 10 common signs people experience as retirement approaches. T...

A Super Bowl win can come with a six‑figure tax bill—and that surprise isn’t limited to pro athletes. Using California’s “jock tax” as a real‑world example, this episode explores how unexpected taxes can surface later in life. Host and retirement advisor, Richard Warner, unpacks how required minimum distributions can turn once‑tax‑free Social Security into taxable inc...

Target date funds were built to simplify retirement saving—but what happens when guaranteed income is added to the mix? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner examines Vanguard’s new target date fund that blends traditional investing with an annuity component. The discussion breaks down how guaranteed income inside an employer plan works, why sequence‑of‑returns ris...

Few financial topics trigger stronger reactions than annuities—and much of that reaction comes from misunderstanding. In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner breaks down why annuities are often lumped together despite working very differently from one another. The conversation explores fixed, fixed indexed, and variable annuities, highlighting how structure, fees, risk, an...

Selling your business is only half the story… what comes next can be just as complex. In part two of The Retirement Bullpen ’s “Silver Tsunami” series, Richard Warner shifts the focus to life after the sale. The conversation explores what happens when entrepreneurs receive a large lump sum, how taxes can quietly erode proceeds without planning, and why turning business wea...

What if the business you’ve spent decades building isn’t as sellable as you think? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner dives into the financial reality facing small business owners as the “Silver Tsunami” of retirements approaches. The conversation explores why many privately owned businesses never sell, how owner‑dependent relationships quietly erode...

Financial bad habits don’t usually announce themselves – but they can quietly derail your retirement. In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner breaks down the most common money mistakes that chip away at long‑term security, from spending without a clear picture of monthly costs to skipping portfolio rebalancing and misunderstanding sequence‑of‑returns risk. The conver...

That “safe” cash sitting in your account might be quietly costing you more than you realize. In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner breaks down the concept of dead money —funds parked in low‑yield accounts that fail to keep up with inflation. The conversation explores why idle cash can erode purchasing power over time, how retirees can balance liquidity with g...

Most financial resolutions fade by February, but a new year brings a fresh chance to get your retirement plan on track. In this episode, Richard Warner shares his essential New Year’s portfolio checklist—covering tax strategies, the impact of new standard deductions, Roth conversion opportunities, and how to rebalance for market uncertainty and inflation. Discover why sequence of retur...

Ready for a financial wake-up call? Americans spend over $950 billion during the holidays, but December is also the perfect time to give your retirement plan a year-end checkup. In this episode, investment advisor Richard Warner shares a practical checklist to help you maximize contributions, make smart tax moves, and avoid costly mistakes before 2026 arrives. Learn why reviewing your 401(k), cons...

Are the classic retirement rules still relevant, or is it time to toss them out like an old kitchen sponge? In this episode, Richard Warner breaks down five of the most common retirement strategies—from the 4% rule to the “magic number” myth—and reveals why one-size-fits-all advice often falls short. They explore how personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and evolving fina...

What if the biggest fear in retirement isn’t running out of money, but spending it? In this episode, Richard Warner uncovers “plutophobia”—the fear of money—and explores how it shapes the choices and anxieties of retirees. From the mental shift of leaving a steady paycheck to the challenge of planning for decades of healthcare costs, he discusses why even those with p...

Are hidden fees quietly draining your retirement savings? In this episode, Richard Warner exposes the investment products that often underperform—like variable annuities, whole life insurance, and target date funds—and explains why some popular choices may be costing more than you realize. Learn how fees, lack of diversification, and misunderstood options can erode your nest egg, and d...

Medicare Open Enrollment is here—and this year, there’s a twist that could hit your wallet hard. Some Medicare Part D premiums are set to spike by as much as $50 a month. What’s behind these sharp increases? In this episode of The Retirement Bullpen , Richard Warner breaks down the key drivers, from rising drug costs to policy changes like the Inflation Reduction Act. We’ll...

Ever wondered how life insurance can be more than just a safety net? In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted world of life insurance, exploring its role in retirement planning, legacy building, and long-term care. Join us as we unravel the complexities and debunk common misconceptions, ensuring you're well-informed for your financial future. Book your complimentary appointment with Richard...

Ever wondered why retirement planning is as unique as your fingerprint? Join us as we unravel the complexities of qualified and non-qualified investments, and discover how to tailor your financial strategy to your personal needs. From Roth IRAs to 401(k)s, we break down the jargon and provide insights to help you navigate your retirement journey. Book your complimentary appointment with Richard an...

Richard Warner of Warner Financial Solutions discusses some odd-ball requests that celebrities made in their wills and notes some of the biggest mistakes he has seen people make. Richard emphasizes the importance of designating the correct beneficiaries for different accounts and how having a set plan post-mortem gives someone much more control of their legacy and makes things easier on their heir...

Richard Warner of Warner Financial Solutions relates washing one’s hands after going to the bathroom to how someone should not leave their retirement plan on autopilot. Richard explains how even new cars need maintenance and retirement plans that may have worked well 20 years or even five years ago need check-ups to see if they will last past someone’s death. Richard says that people s...

Richard Warner talks about a recent study of 1,000 Americans that showed nearly two-thirds of them fearing going broke more than dying. Richard shares how that has been his experience when he talks to different people and why having a plan can help people cope. Richard explains how people often have more assets than they realize and that even if they don’t, proper planning can go a long way...

Richard Warner discusses pranks, including a famous one pulled on QB Shedeur Sanders, and then transition to how susceptible people can be to scams. Richard explains how one scammer posed as a U.S. Marshal and took someone he knew for a lot of money. Richard shares things to look out for and the likely official ways that entities will communicate with people. Richard also shares how an advisor is...