The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns

When it comes to retirement income, many people assume there's only one path to improving their financial future. In reality, there are two powerful ways to put yourself in a stronger position, and understanding both can make a significant difference over the course of your retirement. In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we cover the two key strategies that can help yo...

Social Security is often one of the most valuable yet misunderstood pieces of a retirement income plan.  In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we explore the “magic” behind Social Security benefits, from how they’re calculated to the strategies that can help maximize what you receive throughout retirement. Understanding when and how to claim can have a lasting impact on your financial fu...

Wall Street is full of narratives that sound convincing, but not all of them hold up under scrutiny.  In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we take a closer look at some of the most common investing myths and misconceptions that can influence financial decisions, often to an investor’s detriment. From market timing and stock-picking strategies to popular assumptions about ris...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially with so many moving pieces to consider.  In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we list the top five retirement planning mistakes people make and, more importantly, how to avoid them. From underestimating healthcare costs to poor tax planning and overlooking income strategies, we cover the key areas that can make a major im...

What does “income” really mean in retirement, and where should it come from? In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we cover the basics of income planning, including the different sources retirees rely on and how to create a strategy designed to support long-term financial stability. We also discuss common challenges retirees face when generating income and why having a though...

What does a happy retirement really look like beyond just having enough money? In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we explore how financial security, spending habits, and mindset all shape happiness in retirement. From creating sustainable income to aligning your money with what truly matters, we discuss how to build both wealth and fulfillment in your later years. We also touch on com...

Pensions and 401(k)s both play a key role in retirement, but they work very differently.  In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we go over how each one functions, the pros and cons, and what they mean for your long-term financial security. We also touch on common mistakes, how to think about contributions and rollovers, and ways to balance stability with flexibility. Whether...

Retirement isn’t always a clean break; it’s often a gradual transition.  In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we explore that in-between phase where you may still be working in some capacity while beginning to rely on your savings and long-term plan. This stage can bring a mix of flexibility and uncertainty. Questions around income, timing, lifestyle, and purpose all start t...

What does your retirement really look like? In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we dive into why retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all and how to build a plan that reflects your unique goals and lifestyle. We cover key considerations like adapting to market changes, managing risk, and creating a strategy that supports the life you actually want to live. Because retirement plan...

Are you still working with the right advisor for this stage of your life? In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we take a closer look at what happens after you’ve reached retirement and why the financial guidance that got you there might not be the same guidance you need moving forward. From evolving goals and income strategies to communication and trust, we go over the key signs it may...

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we explore how the smallest details can make the biggest difference. From everyday habits to subtle shifts in mindset, it’s often the little things we overlook that shape our outcomes, relationships, and overall direction in life. Join us as we unpack real-life examples, reflect on the power of intentionality, and challenge the idea that...

Did you retire too soon, and what happens if you did? In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we explore one of the most common (and rarely talked about) retirement concerns: second-guessing the timing of your exit from the workforce. From market uncertainty to unexpected expenses, retirement doesn’t always unfold exactly as planned. Because retirement isn’t just about when you stop workin...

Your questions, answered. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we dive into real listener questions around today’s biggest financial concerns. From navigating market uncertainty to making more confident decisions with your money. Because the right financial strategy starts with asking the right questions. Tune in for practical insights designed to help you stay on track and move forward...

Your money should always have a purpose. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we talk about the importance of putting your dollars to work and how a thoughtful financial strategy helps turn savings into progress toward your goals. A good financial advisor does more than simply manage accounts. They help ensure every dollar is working intentionally through investment strategy, planning,...

What does a well-rounded financial plan really look like? Is it just having a few strong investment accounts, or is there more to it? In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we go beyond balances and portfolios to explore the key pieces that truly create retirement confidence. From Social Security and pension decisions to tax strategy, estate planning, and healthcare considerations, we out...

In this week’s episode of The Retirement Income Show , we take a closer look at the lesser-known figures and strategies in the world of retirement planning — the “other guy” you might not have heard of but whose approach could be influencing how you think about your money.  Whether it’s an advisor, a financial philosophy, or an investment strategy that flies under the mainstream radar, we break do...

Red flags aren’t just warning signs, they can completely derail your retirement if you ignore them. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we’re discussing some of the biggest retirement mistakes people make, from not understanding their income needs to overlooking taxes, market downturns, healthcare costs, and more. We’ll also touch on often-overlooked risks like misaligned financial goa...

Struggling with financial jargon and investment lingo? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we translate commonly used investment terms into clear, everyday language that anyone can understand. Whether you’re new to investing or just want to sharpen your financial vocabulary, this conversation breaks down the essentials — from stocks and bonds to concepts like dollar-c...

When it comes to retirement, the questions never stop—and that’s a good thing. In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we open up listener submissions and tackle some of the most common (and important) questions people face as they approach retirement.  From estate planning decisions and Social Security timing to pension choices and generating reliable income, the conversation...

Every day, life presents us with choices—some obvious, others seemingly small—that quietly shape the direction of our future. The same is true when it comes to the decisions you make with your only retirement nest egg. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we explore how those choices impact your retirement income and long-term security. We'll highlight how decision-making starts ea...

A new year is the perfect time for a financial reset. In this special edition of The Retirement Income Show , we focus on laying the groundwork for a strong and confident 2026. We walk through the core elements of a solid retirement plan—clarifying your retirement purpose, understanding your expenses, and identifying reliable income sources. From Social Security and pensions to investment strategi...

In every great Christmas movie, there’s always a villain lurking in the background—ready to steal the joy at the worst possible moment. Retirement planning can feel the same way. In this special holiday edition of The Retirement Income Show , we uncover the hidden threats that can quietly derail even the best-laid retirement plans. From inflation that slowly steals your buying power, to rising hea...

It’s Christmas time, and we're checking the list twice — is your financial advisor ending the year on the “naughty” or “nice” side? In this festive episode of The Retirement Income Show , we break down the signs of a truly client-focused advisor, the red flags that might signal it’s time for a change, and the smart end-of-year moves that can set you up for a stronger 2026. Wrap up the year wi...

Is $1 million enough to retire? What about $2 million? In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show , we break down why there’s no magic number—because a confident, stress-free retirement is really about having steady, reliable income that lasts your entire life. We unpack why some assets generate stability while others only look good on paper, and how factors like inflation, taxes, a...

If your income is tied to the stock market, you’re carrying more risk into retirement than you may realize. While that volatility may be fine while you’re working, it becomes a very different story when retirement begins. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show , we break down why the strategy that got you to retirement shouldn’t be the same one that gets you through it. We’ll explore why st...