Retire Early Podcast

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions look back on the key financial themes of 2025 and discuss what may lie ahead in 2026.

Sam and Linwood reflect on market behavior, interest rates, inflation, and economic trends that shaped the past year, then share perspective on how retirees and pre-retirees should think about planning going forward. Rather than making predictions, they focus on building flexible strategies, managing risk, and staying disciplined through changing conditions — all with the goal of helping listeners enter the new year with clarity and confidence.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions break down one of the most common questions retirees and pre-retirees ask: Do I still need life insurance in retirement?

Sam and Linwood walk through the different types of life insurance, how their purposes change as you approach retirement, and when it may make sense to keep, reduce, or eliminate coverage altogether. They also discuss how life insurance can play a role in income planning, legacy goals, debt protection, and surviving spouse needs — and why keeping the wrong policy for the wrong reason can quietly hurt your overall plan.

This episode provides clarity to help you make confident, intentional decisions about life insurance as part of a broader retirement strategy.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why life insurance decisions change in retirement

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions walk through potential and ongoing Social Security changes and what they could mean for current and future retirees.

Sam and Linwood explain how Social Security works today, why changes are being discussed, and which areas are most likely to be impacted — including claiming age considerations, taxation, benefits for spouses and survivors, and long-term funding concerns. They also discuss how to plan proactively amid uncertainty, so Social Security can remain a reliable part of your overall retirement income strategy.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why Social Security changes matter

Disclaimer 

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions unpack the five biggest ideas every business owner should understand before selling their company.

Selling a business is often the largest financial event in an owner’s lifetime — and Sam & Linwood break down the critical steps, timing considerations, tax implications, emotional dynamics, and planning strategies that can dramatically impact the final outcome.

They discuss how to prepare your business for sale, what buyers really look for, how to protect your financial future after the sale, and why planning years in advance leads to fewer regrets and a better result. Whether you're thinking about selling soon or someday, this episode offers a practical and realistic roadmap.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why selling a business is such a major life event

The 5 Key Ideas Behind Selling a Business

29:58 – Final advice from Sam & Linwood

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explore one of the biggest lifestyle and financial decisions retirees face: Should you downsize?

Sam and Linwood break down the emotional, practical, and financial sides of downsizing — from reducing expenses and simplifying life to the potential surprises, hidden costs, and market conditions that can turn a “smart move” into a stressful one.

They discuss who benefits most from downsizing, who may want to stay put, and the key questions to answer before making the decision. Whether you're considering a smaller home, relocating, or just curious about the pros and cons, this episode provides clarity on making the move that’s right for you.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why downsizing is such a big retirement decision

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions break down one of the biggest misconceptions in personal finance: the idea that everyone should follow the same retirement plan.

Sam and Linwood explain why strategies that work for one person may be completely wrong for someone else — even if their incomes, ages, or savings look similar on paper. They discuss how goals, risk tolerance, lifestyle expectations, taxes, family dynamics, and health considerations all play a role in shaping a truly personalized retirement strategy.

This conversation helps listeners understand why customization is the key to long-term financial success, and why no single formula, investment product, or “rule of thumb” works for everyone.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t work

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions walk through a practical, easy-to-follow End-of-Year Financial Action Plan designed to help you finish strong and enter the new year with clarity and confidence.

Sam and Linwood break down four essential steps — from reviewing spending and boosting retirement contributions to tax strategies, charitable giving, and setting next year’s financial goals. This episode provides a simple roadmap for anyone looking to strengthen their financial life before year-end.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why year-end planning matters

The 4 Key Action Steps:

16:50 – Final thoughts and action items

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions walk listeners through the Smart Wealth Milestone System — a clear and practical framework designed to help you track your progress toward financial independence.

They break down how this system simplifies the retirement journey into key stages — from building your financial foundation and maximizing savings to creating retirement income and planning your legacy. Sam and Linwood explain how understanding where you are today can help you confidently move toward where you want to be tomorrow.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: What is the Smart Wealth Milestone System?

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions revisit one of the biggest benchmarks in retirement planning — the idea that you need $1 million to retire.

They break down why the “million-dollar rule” isn’t a one-size-fits-all target, exploring how lifestyle, inflation, taxes, and healthcare costs can make that number very different for each person. Sam and Linwood discuss how income planning, withdrawal rates, and investment mix matter more than chasing an arbitrary total. The conversation brings clarity to what your real retirement number should look like — and how to build a plan that supports your goals, not someone else’s.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Rethinking the “$1 Million” goal

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explain what happens when the Federal Reserve changes interest rates — and how those decisions can directly impact your retirement plans.

They break down how rate hikes and cuts influence savings accounts, bonds, mortgages, and investment returns — and why retirees should think differently about risk when the Fed acts. Sam and Linwood discuss the connection between inflation, borrowing costs, and portfolio income, offering practical insight for maintaining balance and stability during changing economic conditions.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

00:00 – Introduction: Why the Fed’s decisions matter

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.