Think you might be richer than you realize? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine realistic benchmarks and practical frameworks for retirement planning.

• Define what the “rich ratio” means and consider how it may reframe your retirement outlook.

• Compare your savings habits to U.S. medians to understand the broader landscape.

• Acknowledge that building wealth typically occurs over long periods and that consistency can be meaningful.

• Discuss research on how happiness and financial confidence often plateau beyond certain savings levels.

• Evaluate the roles of traditional and Roth IRAs, 457(b)s, pensions, and brokerage accounts to support flexibility.

• Identify scenarios where a standalone brokerage account may be unnecessary for certain savers.

• Consider a target date fund allocation approach that may better align with your stated risk tolerance.

• Weigh convenience, costs, and tax features of index mutual funds versus ETFs, including changes following a major fund industry patent expiration.

• Clarify how the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) rule for company stock in 401(k)s works and where tax treatment can differ.

• Review key factors when choosing between a state pension plan and a self directed plan for teachers and public employees.

• Position specialized pension income, including Railroad Retirement, as part of a base income layer within an overall plan, subject to program rules.

• Incorporate year round tax planning as a component of a well documented retirement strategy, noting that individual circumstances vary.

Listen and SUBSCRIBE to the Retire Sooner Podcast for weekly educational conversations that can inform more confident financial decision making.

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