Welcome back to the Functional Retirement Classroom, where we trade boring lectures for laughs, spreadsheets, and slightly-too-real truths about your financial future. Today’s lesson? Longevity! (Yes, that thing where you live way longer than you thought—and your bank account wasn’t ready for it.)

Did you know there’s a 70% chance one half of a non-smoking couple aged 65 will make it to 90? That’s not a fun fact—it’s a financial wake-up call. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to plan for the long haul (like, potentially 30 years of retirement-long). Spoiler: if you treat your savings like a Vegas weekend, you might end up with a very quiet final act.

So grab your coffee, crack open that dusty life expectancy chart, and let's make sure your golden years don’t end in bronze.

Timestamps:
1:06: Retirement planning principles.
4:06: Planning for a long life.
8:43: Social Security decision-making importance.
11:27: Rising Medicare costs with age.
16:27: Taxable accounts for investment flexibility.
18:22: Long-term investment strategies.

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

 When you're getting advice—especially about your money or retirement—don’t just nod and smile like you’re at a grandkid’s school play. Ask questions! Stuff like, “How do you know that?” or “Why is this the right choice for me?” The goal isn’t to be rude, it’s to make sure the person advising you understands you. A good advisor won’t hand you a cookie-cutter answer—they’ll dig in, get to know your situation, and help you make decisions that fit your life, not someone else’s. So go ahead, ask away. You've earned the right. 

Timestamps: 
0:18 Trusting the wrong advice.
6:39 Retirement planning and bad advice.
10:15 Social Security Optimization Risks.
12:33 Evaluating financial advice credibility.
15:34 The cost of bad advice.
19:40  Finding a trustworthy financial advisor.

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

 Retirement isn’t just about crunching numbers and counting down to your last paycheck—it’s about living your best life. Sure, savings and social security matter, but as we chat about in this episode, your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are the real VIPs of a happy retirement. Feeling good in your golden years? That’s the real return on investment. Let’s break down how staying sharp, strong, and centered can totally level up your retirement game.

         Timestamps:

• 1:12 Health impacts on retirement decisions.
• 6:14 Fitness affects financial future.
• 9:50 Longevity through cardiovascular fitness.
• 15:32 Mental health and retirement spending.
• 16:36 Mental and emotional fitness benefits.
• 20:31 Spending aligned with purpose.
• 24:36 Functional retirement lifestyle changes.

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

Retirement is often perceived as a definitive endpoint in one’s career—a time when individuals stop working altogether. However, as discussed in the 50th episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, retirement is much more nuanced than simply ceasing to work. It represents a significant life transition, fundamentally about gaining control over your time and life, allowing you to pursue what you truly want to do.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Focus
00:00:49 - Defining Retirement
00:02:24 - Host’s Fitness Background
00:02:46 - Traditional vs. Modern Retirement
00:05:05 - Transitioning in Retirement
00:06:10 - Financial Independence and Control
00:08:07 - Challenges and Planning for Retirement
00:10:07 - Sources of Retirement Income
00:14:05 - Health and Wellness in Retirement
00:17:00 - Full Control and Lifestyle Choices
00:18:27 - Conclusion and Next Steps

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

In this episode of the The Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor discusses the importance of understanding market volatility and its impact on retirement planning. He reflects on the 2008-2009 market crash, emphasizing that many investors who panicked and sold during downturns often locked in losses, while those who stayed invested saw significant recovery. 

Thatcher advocates for a bucketing approach to investing, where assets are segmented based on when they will be needed, allowing retirees to weather market fluctuations without jeopardizing their financial security. He encourages listeners to focus on controllable factors, such as spending habits and mindset, and highlights the long-term benefits of remaining invested, even during market downturns.

• 0:22 - 0:32 – Investment Analogy: 2008-2009
• 2:23 - 3:06 – Paper Losses vs. Real Losses
• 4:19 - 4:54 – Investment Management in Retirement
• 7:15 - 7:38 – Dynamic Spending Strategy
• 8:55 - 9:22 – Long-Term Investment Opportunities
• 13:31 - 13:53 – Impact of Missing Best Market Days

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

Join The Newsletter For All Wealth Building Tactics
https://propath.ck.page/60fab1df4d

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

Understanding Social Security: Is It Really Running Out of Money?

In recent years, the topic of Social Security has become a significant source of anxiety and confusion for many Americans. With headlines suggesting that Social Security is running out of money, it's essential to separate fact from fiction and understand the realities of the system.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
03:30 No Money In Trust Fund
05:10 Two SS Views
07:38 Will Benefits Be Cut?
12:15 What Should We Do?
14:10 Final Thoughts

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

Hey there! Have you ever thought about what you can truly control in your retirement? It’s a lot like golf, isn’t it? You can perfect your swing, but once you hit the ball, it’s out of your hands.

Are you spending too much time worrying about market returns or tax policies that you can’t control? What if I told you that focusing on your savings, spending habits, and investment choices could lead to a happier retirement?

Have you considered how your health and longevity play into your retirement plan? What actions are you taking today to ensure a longer, healthier life?

Let’s dive into the retirement equation together. Are you ready to take control of your financial future? Join me in exploring what’s truly in your hands!

Timestamps:

 0:00 – 2:14: Intro – Podcast kickoff & golf analogy for retirement controllables.
2:14 – 3:28: Focus on Controllables – Why they matter in retirement planning.
3:28 – 6:22: Out-of-Control Factors – Market returns, tax policy, and uncertainties.
6:22 – 9:04: Partial Control – Earnings, longevity, and their impact.
9:04 – 12:28: Longevity’s Role – Why it’s crucial in retirement planning.
12:28 – 16:10: Total Control Areas – Saving, spending, and investment choices.
16:10 – 20:52: Conclusion – Key takeaways and additional resources. 

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

Welcome to the Functional Retirement Podcast with your host, Thatcher Taylor! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Roth catch-up contributions and the significant changes coming in 2026 that every retiree needs to know. If you're over 50 and working for an employer with a 401(k), this episode is a must-listen!

Discover how the Secure Act 2.0 is reshaping retirement planning by making Roth catch-ups mandatory for high-income earners. Thatcher breaks down the implications of these new rules, including the shift from pre-tax to Roth contributions, and what it means for your tax strategy and retirement income.

Learn about:

• The differences between pre-tax and Roth contributions
• How to navigate the new mandatory Roth catch-up rules
• Strategies for maximizing your retirement savings
• The importance of planning for tax-free income in retirement

Whether you're cooking, working out, or just taking a walk, tune in to gain valuable insights that can help you secure your financial future. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the growth of the podcast!

Join us on this journey to a more informed retirement. Your future self will thank you!

Timestamps:

0:03 - Intro & importance of facts
0:37 - Financial planners, IRS & Roth catch-ups
2:03 - 50+ with 401k & contribution limits
4:22 - Secure Act 2.0 & mandatory Roth catch-ups
6:36 - Tax changes & future Roth benefits
9:20 - RMDs, affected plans & income thresholds
11:00 - Compliance, planning & deductions
13:15 - Closing & next steps 

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

Join The Newsletter For All Wealth Building Tactics
https://propath.ck.page/60fab1df4d

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor, a Certified Financial Planner, dives deep into the world of Roth IRAs. He discusses the growing popularity of Roth accounts and the various methods to contribute to them, especially for those who may face income limits.

Key topics include:

• Income Limits: Understanding the thresholds for contributing to a Roth IRA and how they can affect your ability to save.
• Conversions: Learn about the process of converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA, including the important 5-year rule that governs when you can access those funds tax-free. Watch my video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjGV6UQ1l04
• Backdoor Roth IRA: A strategy for high-income earners to bypass contribution limits through a non-deductible traditional IRA.
• Roth 401(k): The benefits of contributing to a Roth 401(k) at work, which has no income limits.
• 529 Plan Rollovers: A new opportunity to roll over funds from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA for your children, starting in 2024.

Thatcher emphasizes the importance of understanding the different methods of getting money into a Roth IRA and how each has its own rules and implications. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to optimize their retirement savings strategy.

Tune in to learn how to create a more functional and valuable retirement plan!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:32 Roth Knowledge
05:50 Contributions
09:20 Conversion
13:10 Backdoor Roth
19:00 Roth 401k
23:05 529 to Roth
26:20 Review

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

Join The Newsletter For All Wealth Building Tactics
https://propath.ck.page/60fab1df4d

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.

We're discussing a crucial topic: the taxation of Social Security benefits. Many retirees are unaware that up to 85% of their Social Security income could be taxable, depending on their overall income.

Recently, there have been discussions about eliminating this tax, which could save retirees thousands annually. However, whether this change occurs or not, understanding how Social Security benefits are taxed is essential for effective retirement planning.

Timestamps:

0:34 -Taxation of Social Security Benefits

1:19-Importance of Understanding Taxation

1:50 -Complexity of Taxes in Retirement

03:14 -Provisional Income Calculation

4:49 -Taxation Thresholds

6:47 -Social Security Tax Trap

14:39 -Strategies to Manage Taxation

19:04-Conclusion

 





 

✅Contact Thatcher at [email protected] with comments and questions!

Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?
Schedule a free consultation https://www.propathfinancial.com/get-started

Subscribe for all things retirement, investment, tax, & estate planning https://www.youtube.com/@functionalretirement

Join The Newsletter For All Wealth Building Tactics
https://propath.ck.page/60fab1df4d

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these episodes is only to be considered helpful hints and education. Nothing said or shown is to be misconstrued as specific tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with your tax, legal, or investment professional before acting on anything you see in these videos.

​​Investment Advisory Services are offered through ProPath Financial, a registered investment adviser authorized to do business in states where registered or otherwise exempt from registration. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be viewed as investment advice.