The Retirement Trainer

As headlines continue to focus on conflict in the Middle East, grocery costs, and market volatility, many retirees are left wondering what it means for their financial future. From higher insurance premiums and gas prices to concerns about inflation and interest rates, it's becoming increasingly difficult to separate meaningful information from short-term noise. In this episode, Ed and LeAnne disc...

It’s that time of year when everyone talks about getting “in shape”—but with nonstop fear-mongering headlines, economic uncertainty, and market volatility, the more important question is: how much risk are you willing to take when the outlook feels tenuous and unstable?  In this episode, Ed and LeAnne cut through the noise and explain why your long-term plan matters more than ever. Ed unpacks what...

For decades, America’s economic strength has been built on confidence in the U.S. dollar and the ability to borrow endlessly, but what happens when that confidence begins to fade? ​ In this episode, I’m joined by economist and author Peter Schiff, founder of Euro Pacific Capital. He unpacks the warning signs in an economy propped up by national debt, stimulus, and deficit spending. ​ Peter has lon...

For most Americans, the Federal Reserve feels like a distant, complicated institution—but the decisions made behind those closed doors have a direct impact on our everyday lives. From rising mortgage rates to job market shifts and retirement income security, the Fed’s influence is everywhere. Yet few people fully understand its purpose, history, and the real stakes in the policy debates shaping to...

In today’s financial landscape, the biggest challenges facing investors aren’t always market volatility or economic uncertainty—they’re the hidden behavioral biases that derail good intentions and sound advice. From overconfidence to fear-driven decisions, many retirees and pre-retirees find that their emotions and habits are their greatest obstacles to long-term financial security. I’m thrilled t...

With the approval of the One Big Beautiful Bill—also known as the Big Beautiful Tax Bill—many Americans are wondering what it means for their future. Will it benefit retirees and working families? What’s temporary and what’s permanent? And how should you respond before the window of opportunity closes? In this episode, Ed shares why the extension of the 2017 tax cuts is a welcome relief, even thou...

As the national debt spirals out of control and trust in fiat currency dwindles, Americans are waking up to the reality that the financial system is built on unsustainable promises. With inflation rising and the U.S. dollar’s purchasing power shrinking, retirees and investors are seeking solutions that offer lasting value, peace of mind, and protection. In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome R...

In a world where chronic illness is skyrocketing and faith in the healthcare system is fading, Americans are searching for ways to improve their physical and mental health without sacrificing their financial freedom. In today's episode, Dr. Ben Carson returns to the podcast to discuss some of the most pressing health and policy issues facing the country today, from the overuse of medications to th...

One of the biggest issues on every American’s mind is the impact of a global trade war and how trade policies and  tariffs will impact their financial future—and rightfully so. Shifting economic alliances can have far-reaching effects on markets, inflation, and long-term investment strategies and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome today’s guest back on the podcast. Dr. Arthur Laffer is a worl...

With today’s economic uncertainty—from inflation and interest rates to tax code changes and volatile markets—many people ask, “Can I afford to go it alone?” In this episode, Ed and LeAnne Siddell tackle the never-ending question, “Do I really need a financial advisor?”  Ed draws from personal experience and decades of financial coaching to explore the real value of professional advice. Through rea...

With the most recent developments on reciprocal tariffs and huge losses in the stock markets, the concerns are reaching a tipping point for Americans about what this means for their portfolio, retirement, and purchasing power. In this episode, Ed and LeAnne Siddell take a smooth and steady approach to break down the economic realities behind tariffs and how these policies impact consumers, busines...

Market uncertainty continues to dominate headlines in 2025. With inflation, rising debt, tariffs, and economic policies creating a ripple effect, how will these factors shape the financial future for investors and retirees? In this episode, Ed and LeAnne Siddell break down the latest market trends, including the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street, the impact of tariffs, and the role of...

Economic uncertainty, inflation, global instability, and tariffs are heavily weighing on the minds of investors. Which begs the question: How will rising debt, geopolitical tensions, and new monetary policies shape the future? Here to help provide some answers to these challenging questions is Dr. Marc Faber. Dr. Faber is a legendary investor, economist, and publisher of The Gloom, Boom & Doom...

Taxes. Inflation. Economic uncertainty. If you’re approaching retirement, these aren’t just headlines—they’re real concerns that could impact your financial future. And that’s why I’m thrilled to welcome Steve Forbes back on the podcast to get his take on tax policies and the economy with the incoming administration. Steve Forbes is the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, a globally reco...

I’m thrilled to be joined once again by Dr. Arthur Laffer. Dr. Laffer is a world-renowned economist and creator of the Laffer Curve, which has reshaped fiscal policy worldwide. He has advised Secretaries of the Treasury, served on President Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board, and been recognized by Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Dr. Laffer shares why he’s optimistic about the U.S. e...

As we approach the end of 2024 with a new President-elect, many people wonder what’s in store for the stock market, housing market, and inflation. What’s really happening behind the scenes with the Federal Reserve, inflation, and the economy?  We’re thrilled to have Danielle DiMartino Booth on the podcast to get her insights on these hot topics. Danielle is the CEO and chief Strategist for QI Rese...

Whether we like it or not, AI and ChatGPT are here, and they’re not going away. Most of us forget that AI has actually been around for years. While there’s plenty of potential and room for progress with AI, there are many concerns about what AI means for our finances, and that’s what we’ll be covering today. We’re honored to have Jim Rickards on the podcast today. Jim is an economist, Wall Street...

Today, I’m talking to Robert Kiyosaki. I read his hugely influential book, Rich Dad Poor Dad , for the first time back in 1998, and his philosophy–that rich people don’t work for money–seems like it’s never been more true than it is now in today’s economy. In our conversation, we dig into the biggest challenges like inflation and that national debt that is facing retirees today, why Robert has nev...

With inflation lingering and still impacting our purchasing power, it’s time to ask ourselves: Is it time to invest in gold and precious metals? This begs the question, how much should you have in your portfolio? In today’s episode, we discuss why yields are going up despite interest rates going down, why weaponizing the US dollar will dramatically change how we live, and how to make alternative a...

  Today, I’m excited to welcome Jim Rogers back on the podcast. Jim is the bestselling author of The Investment Biker, an economist and investor, globetrotter, and multiple Guinness World Record holder with a very unique perspective on the global economy, and how things are going. In this episode, you’ll hear Jim’s thoughts on where the US economy is at right now, the ramifications of the looming...

Today’s guest is world-renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer. Arthur is a former member of Ronald Reagan’s economic council, inventor of the Laffer Curve, and author of Taxes Have Consequences . Among his many accomplishments, he helped define Prop 13 in California, consulted with several Presidents, including Nixon, Cheney, Trump, and Thatcher, and has spent most of his life studying economics and...

It’s no secret that Social Security is a significant issue in this country. But what’s worse is that many people are unaware of how to maximize the Social Security benefits they paid into throughout a lifetime of hard work.  Today, we’re talking about worst-case scenarios with Larry Kotlikoff. Larry is a professor of economics at Boston University, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Scie...

America’s ongoing housing problems have impacted the lives of so many people–including today’s guest, Dr. Ben Carson. Before becoming a renowned pediatric surgeon or the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021, he faced many challenges as he and his aunt and uncle moved between Detroit and Boston. In this interview, we discuss Dr. Carson’s run for president...

The typical retirement portfolio has operated on a 60/40 split between equities and bonds for many years–but this traditional approach has cost retirees a lot of money over the past few years. Our goal with today’s episode is to help answer two questions: when is the right time to add more bonds to your portfolio, and why isn’t cash still king?  We’ll discuss the relationship between interest rate...

Jim Rogers made a name for himself co-founding the Quantum Fund, but became the “Investment Biker” when he took a 22-month, 52-country journey business trip by motorcycle.  A so-called “adventure capitalist,” Jim has published several books, driven all over the world, and achieved remarkable success. In our conversation today, we talked about what he learned traveling the world, his take on our gl...