You’ve probably heard some of the “rules of thumb” that claim to guarantee a successful retirement. They’re often delivered with such confidence that it feels like you should accept them as universal truths. But the reality is far more complicated- what works as a quick guideline can easily become misleading when applied to your financial situation. So, how much weight should you really give these rules when planning your future?

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• The Rule of 72 and why doubling your money isn’t as simple as it sounds
• Why the 75% spending rule is outdated for today’s active retirees
• The “10x Salary” savings rule, and what it gets right (and wrong)
• Using the 4% withdrawal rule as a starting point
• How the Rule of 100 can underestimate longevity and inflation risks
• Why rules of thumb are conversation starters, not retirement strategies

4% Rule Episode: 

https://retireonyourbestpath.buzzsprout.com/2026415/episodes/17312892-the-4-rule-got-an-upgrade-now-what

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Running your retirement numbers is smart, but what if the math you’re using is built on shaky assumptions? In this episode, Liz exposes five common examples of “fuzzy math” that can quietly derail your financial future. From assuming past market averages will continue, to believing you’ll spend less once you retire, these rules of thumb often fall apart when real life kicks in. Liz explains why and shares how to replace guesswork with a plan grounded in reality.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• Why average returns can be misleading in retirement planning
• The pitfalls of a “dividends only” strategy
• Why many retirees spend more, not less, in the early years of retirement
• The hidden tax traps that can keep you in, or push you into, a higher bracket in retirement
• Why waiting until 70 for Social Security isn’t always the best choice

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” just passed, and it’s packed with opportunities for retirees and pre-retirees who want to make the most of their tax strategy. In this episode, Liz walks through how the new legislation affects income planning, deductions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and more. While some provisions are now labeled “permanent,” Liz reminds us that in the tax world, nothing stays fixed forever. That’s why smart retirees shouldn’t wait to act.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• What “permanent” really means in tax law
• Key updates to the SALT cap and who benefits most
• How retirees can time their deductions for maximum benefit
• How the bill impacts Roth conversion planning
• The new above-the-line charitable deduction and how it works
• Other noteworthy provisions, from 529 plans to mortgage premiums

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What if your retirement starts sooner than you anticipated? Many Americans think they'll retire at 65 or later, but studies show the average retirement age is actually 62. From layoffs to health issues to caregiving responsibilities, unexpected events can shift your retirement timeline. And with people living longer than ever, your retirement could last 30+ years.

This episode, Liz and Marc break down insights from J.P. Morgan’s Guide to Retirement- including two critical charts that might reshape the way you think about your retirement years. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• The surprising stats from J.P. Morgan’s retirement guide
• Retiring by choice vs by necessity 
• The high cost of health insurance before Medicare
• Planning for cognitive decline in later years
• Tips to stay independent and supported as you age

J.P. Morgan Guide to Retirement: 

https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/institutional/insights/retirement-insights/guide-to-retirement/

The 4% Rule Gets A Makeover Episode:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2026415/episodes/17312892

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

Almost everyone has made financial mistakes, whether it was listening to bad advice, panicking in a downturn, or investing in products that weren’t fully understood. These setbacks can feel overwhelming, but more than likely, you made the best decision you could at the time with the information you had. In this episode, Liz offers a practical, judgment-free guide for how to overcome financial setbacks and move toward retirement with confidence. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• How fear, confusion, and poor advice play a big role in bad decisions
• When increasing savings can help and when other adjustments might be necessary
• Resetting your goals without overreacting or derailing your plan
• How professional guidance can help clarify your situation and avoid compounding mistakes

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

For decades, the 4% rule has been a popular rule of thumb for retirement income planning- withdraw 4% annually from your portfolio, and your money should last 30 years. But now, the original creator of the rule is updating it. What’s changed? And should you change your retirement plan too? 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• The 4% rule is now 4.7%... should you celebrate?
• Having flexibility and guardrails for your income plan 
• Market cycles, inflation, and risk tolerance: it all matters
• Rules of thumb vs. real retirement math
• Choosing a withdrawal rate that fits your plan

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

How do you decide where to save your next dollar? Are you overlooking the most tax-efficient account available to you? With so many options, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure about what makes the most sense. Not every savings option offers the same benefits, and using the right account at the right time may lead to serious tax advantages and long-term flexibility. 

In today’s episode, Liz breaks down where to consider putting your next dollar—and the dollar after that—based on tax benefits, your goals, and time horizon. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• The order of operations for where to save
• Building an emergency fund tailored to your needs
• The triple tax advantages of HSAs 
• Strategically using Roth vs traditional accounts 
• What tax efficiency really looks like in practice

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance, the ins and outs of spousal pension continuation, and how Roth conversions can offer critical tax advantages for surviving spouses. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• Planning ahead to ease financial burdens after losing a spouse
• Managing income gaps: Social Security loss, pension choices, and strategies
• Understanding tax changes for surviving spouses
• Using Roth conversions to reduce future taxes
• The benefits of trusts versus wills

Avoid The Widow’s Tax Trap Video:

https://youtu.be/GZBhlwWRELQ

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

Can you really retire when the market is down? Do you have enough stability in your portfolio to weather the storm? In this episode, Liz answers that exact question by walking through the practical steps and mindset shifts that make a confident retirement possible- even in uncertain times. With volatility on the rise and recession concerns growing, more soon-to-be retirees are wondering if their timing is off.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• Proactive vs. reactive retirement strategies 
• How retiring in a down market can work
• The danger of high withdrawal rates in volatile years
• What “guardrails” can do for your income plan

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

Since the day he took office, President Trump planned to implement tariffs, and he carried that out last week. The immediate market reaction was very negative. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy over the long term?

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

What tariffs are and their historical context

How tariffs can raise prices and affect markets

The psychology behind panic-selling

Smart strategies for managing market uncertainty

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube