In this episode, Roger Whitney breaks down essential elements you need to consider before and during retirement. From understanding inflation risks to strategic asset reallocation, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and craft a retirement that aligns with your values.
OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN PODCAST
- (00:00) Introduction and overview of upcoming topics
RETIREMENT TOOLKIT
- (01:49) Why inflation poses a significant risk to retirees
- (02:32) What is inflation and how is it measured
- (03:33) Causes of inflation: demand, supply constraints, and rising costs
- (05:20) Historical inflation rates and what they mean for your planning
- (06:48) How to choose a realistic inflation assumption in your plan
- (08:40) Strategies to hedge against inflation
ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD
- (12:47) Jim’s story: diversity in retirement activities and the importance of adaptability
PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT
- (16:07) Mike’s question reframed: focus on designing your retirement life first, not account tactics
- (17:50) Roger reviews Mike’s facts
- (18:56) The importance of building a feasible plan of record, estimating expenses, and creating a realistic monthly budget for retirement
- (23:13) Clarifying values and how they shape your retirement goals
- (25:20) Income side of the plan: social security, pensions, and tax considerations
- (30:15) Once the plan is feasible, start testing versions of the plan and planning paycheck
- (31:52) 401(k) and 457 decisions can wait—focus on positioning assets for income first
- (33:12) Consider building after-tax savings now to increase future optionality
LISTENER QUESTIONS
- (35:50) Listener shares story about roadside cafe
- (36:20) Michael asks a question about ROTH conversions in a down market
- (38:50) Steve asks how to better time Roth conversions to avoid triggering IRMAA Medicare surcharges?
SMART SPRINT
- (45:14) Smart Sprint: Before acting, ask yourself “what problem am I actually solving?”
ON THE BOOKSHELF
- (46:25) Roger talks about his love of notebooks and shares book recommendations
REFERENCES
ON THE BOOKSHELF
Note: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.
What is Retirement Answer Man?
A top retirement podcast. Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, guides you on how to actually do retirement well financially and personally. This retirement podcast isn't afraid to talk about the softer side of retirement. It will teach you how to retire with confidence. Two-time PLUTUS winner for best retirement podcast / blog and the 2019 winner for best financial planner blog. This retirement podcast covers how to create a paycheck, medicare, healthcare, Social Security, tax management in retirement as well as retirement travel and other non-financial issues you'll need to address to rock retirement. Retirement isn’t an age OR a financial number. It’s finding that balance between living well today and feeling confident about your retirement. It’s about gaining more freedom to pursue the life you want. Join the rock retirement community at www.rogerwhitney.com