#248 – Don’t Miss The Market Rebound: Invest Through Tariff Volatility, Absorb The Mappiness Project, and Answer Listener Questions

Explore the latest developments in the tariff tumult, including how a lack of clarity may have led to both market meltdowns and a melt-ups: a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Learn the key takeaways from a complicated situation and discover how to potentially navigate your path to financial independence in retirement. Headlines are temporary, but […]
#247 – Retire with Confidence: Tackle Inflation, Family Planning, and Staying Calm in a Noisy Market

Max out your financial insight with real-world retirement strategies and listener Q&A. Learn how to respond to shifting interest rates and weigh the pros and cons of working part-time during retirement. Explore ways to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), understand Social Security’s 35-year formula, and decide when to tap into pensions. Get strategic about funding […]
#246 – Maximize Your Retirement: 4% vs. 5% Withdrawal Rate, Inflation, Social Security, and Market Timing Explained

Take control of your financial future. Learn how to determine the withdrawal rate for your retirement. Should you stick to the classic 4% rule, or is a 5% withdrawal rate possible? Hear why flexibility is key and how different spending approaches can impact your long-term security. Discover the impact of inflation, the pursuit of optimizing […]
#245 – Supercharge Your Retirement Savings and Outsmart Risk with These Game-Changing Strategies

Unlock secrets to increase the probability of saving more for retirement, managing risk, and making more efficient financial moves. Learn how a simple mindset shift could potentially lead to a 14% increase in savings, why your risk tolerance evolves over time, and how to structure your investments for a more secure future. Explore strategies for […]
#244 – American Army of Productivity: How to Overcome Tariff Fears and Secure Your Financial Future

Learn how to optimize your retirement planning by utilizing essential financial tools. Discover strategies for leveraging a COLA-adjusted pension, navigating 403(b) withdrawals while contributing to a Roth IRA, and minimizing taxes. Explore rolling I bonds into a 529 plan without triggering taxable events. Analyze switching funds while managing a 401(k) or how Fidelity’s BrokerageLink might […]
#243 – Retire Sooner, Retire Smarter: 6 Costly Mistakes to Avoid for Financial Freedom

Dive into the six biggest mistakes early retirees often make—and how to avoid them. Are you financially prepared to retire sooner than 67? See why a phased retirement strategy can be a game-changer, learn how to secure multiple streams of income, and examine why location matters when it comes to staying close to family. Tackle […]
#242 – 10 Habits of the Happiest Retirees: Smart Money Moves & Fulfilling Lifestyles

Break down the five financial habits of the happiest retirees—including how much money you really need, the power of multiple income streams, and why paying off your mortgage faster might boost happiness. Learn how rational optimism can fuel effective investing and how the 4% Plus Rule of thumb can typically keep you from running out […]
#241 – How Much Do You Need To Retire? Break It Down And Fill The Gap

Tackle the million-dollar retirement question: How much is enough? Use Wes’s “Fill the Gap” (FTG) method to simplify retirement math—subtract guaranteed income like Social Security from your monthly spending goal and multiply the shortfall by 25 to calculate target savings. Explore other early retirement strategies, including the debate about lump sum buyouts vs. pensions, and […]
#240 – Millionaire Mindset Unlocked: Hard Work, Thoughtful Investing, and Bogle’s Playbook Might Fast-Track Your Retirement

Probe America’s “mini-millionaires”—how they earn, invest, and build wealth through hard work, not luck. Dive into the potential for owning stocks and buying a home with a focus on financial independence, not flash. Wes and Christa take listener questions to tackle substantial inheritance management, debate bonds vs. money markets for long-term gains, examine Robo-advisors hoarding […]
#239 – Lump Sum Or Pension? Crack the 6% Code + Market Highs & Retirement Power Moves

Should you take a lump sum or pension payout? Use the 6% Test to help you decide. With markets hitting record highs, is it the right time to invest, or should you wait? History suggests some clues that retirement planning should not be left to chance. Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase provide crucial context by […]