Kirk and Paul always say, “The plan drives everything,” but what does that really mean in practice? In this episode, they unpack the deeper truth behind that phrase, showing how it is really the math behind the plan that makes all the difference.

They explain how the numbers guide every major retirement decision: where to take income from, when to convert to Roth, how to avoid tax traps, and how to build in protection for long-term care or a market downturn. It is not about guesswork or sales pitches, it is about doing the math right so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Whether you are close to retirement or already there, this episode brings clarity to the strategies that can help you spend with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice.

Kirk Cassidy and Dr. Paul Metler are Registered Investment Advisors. Advisory services are offered through C2 Private Wealth, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

Most retirement advice is about what not to do. This episode flips that.

Kirk Cassidy and Dr. Paul Metler uncover four overlooked ways to make retirement work harder for you. From taking control of your pension decision to using pivot accounts to protect your income in down markets, you learn how retirement is not all about fear.

Packed with practical strategies for anyone within 10 years of retirement, this episode is a must-listen.

Register for one of our advanced retirement courses: ⁠retirementplanningedu.org/courses⁠.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice.

Most retirement plans focus on returns—but the real threats come from blind spots. In this episode, we break down the four major risks that can derail retirement if left unaddressed:

1. Market risk – How early losses and withdrawals can devastate even strong portfolios.

2. Long-term care risk – The financial and emotional impact of unexpected care needs.

3. Spousal risk – Why taxes often go up when a spouse passes away.

4. Financial elder abuse – The growing threat few retirees see coming.

Learn how integrated planning—not products—can help protect against all four.

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

In this episode of the Retirement Education Hour, Kirk and Dr. Paul dig further into the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, which affects retirement age individuals to a greater degree. They focus specifically to taxes and how the OBBB will impact what you have to pay to the Federal government.

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

In this episode of the Retirement Education Hour, Kirk and Dr. Paul explain that most of the people consuming our content and attending our courses are men. And this is a problem. But as Gen X approaches retirement age, we know that women are going to be more engaged in the planning process.

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

Recorded right after the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, Financial Instructors Kirk and Michael explain that the only thing constant is change. Once again, we are seeing changes in the one thing that could affect you most in retirement. And that is taxes.

After a decade of record-setting gains, many 50-somethings felt untouchable—until the market’s recent whiplash erased that comfort overnight. In this episode of the Retirement Education Hour, Financial Instructors Kirk and Michael pull back the curtain on what really happened, how overconfidence crept in, and the mindset shift every near-retiree needs before the next swing hits.

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

In this episode of the Retirement Education Hour, Kirk and Dr. Paul address why it's so hard for people (especially men!) to raise their hands and say, "I need help!"

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

It is vital that we understand where to get true control in retirement. In this episode of the Retirement Education Hour, Financial Instructors Kirk and Michael describe the disconnect between the things that people believe are driving control versus what ACTUALLY produces the outcome we all want—Freedom.

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

In this episode of the Retirement Education Hour, Kirk and Dr. Paul explain that most of the people consuming our content and attending our courses are men. And this is a problem. But as Gen X approaches retirement age, we know that women are going to be more engaged in the planning process.

Register for one of our almost Master's level advanced retirement courses: https://retirementplanningedu.org/courses/

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.