Secure Your Retirement

By Radon Stancil, CFP® & Murs Tariq, CFP®Business Education Self-Improvement Investing How To

Secure Your Retirement episodes

March 09Stock Market Outlook Risks - Opportunities, and What to Do Right Now
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the stock market outlook 2026 and what investors should be paying attention to as headlines around inflation, geopolitical tension, tariffs, and government uncertainty continue to drive market volatility. With markets coming off multiple strong years of performance, they break down what’s really happening beneath the surface — and how to think about market risks and market opportunities without letting emotions derail your long-term plan for Retirement.
Listen in to learn about how inflation and the stock market are connected, why proper diversification goes beyond simply owning multiple funds, and how a thoughtful retirement investing strategy — built around the three-bucket strategy — can help you stay confident no matter what 2026 brings. If you're focused on retirement income planning, protecting gains after a strong run-up, and building a Retirement financial plan that allows you to retire comfortably, this episode delivers timely perspective and practical guidance.
In this episode, find out:
Why the stock market outlook 2026 is shaped by inflation, global leadership changes, and concentrated tech exposure
How hidden concentration risk can undermine your diversification strategy — even if you own multiple funds or advisors
The importance of disciplined portfolio rebalancing after several strong market years
How the three-bucket strategy supports stability, growth, and income during periods of market volatility
Why integrating investments with taxation, withdrawals, estate planning, and income creates a stronger retirement financial planning framework.

Tweetable Quotes:
"Diversification isn’t about how many accounts you have — it’s about making sure your investments aren’t all exposed to the same risk." — Radon Stancil
"There’s always going to be something creating market volatility. The key is having a plan in place before it happens." — Murs Tariq

Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
18 min
March 02How Much Cash Is Too Much Cash in Retirement?
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss one of the most common questions in Retirement Planning today: how much cash is too much cash? With Money market rates falling and Interest rates 2026 expected to continue shifting, many retirees are rethinking their cash reserves in retirement. What once felt safe and productive at 5% in a money market or CD now may be losing ground to inflation and creating unintended tax consequences.
Listen in to learn about how a proper Retirement financial plan helps determine the right balance between liquidity and long-term growth. Whether you're saving for retirement, saving for retirement at 50, or already focused on Retirement income planning, this episode will walk you through how the Three bucket strategy can help you protect your lifestyle, manage Taxes on interest income, avoid surprises with Medicare income and IRMAA income, and ultimately retire comfortably while maintaining flexibility and peace of mind.
In this episode, find out:
Why having too much in your Cash bucket could hurt your long-term Retirement investing strategy
How declining Money market rates and Interest rates 2026 impact your retirement savings
The hidden impact of Taxes on interest income and how excess cash can increase Medicare income and IRMAA income
How inflation erodes cash savings and affects Inflation savings over time
How the Three bucket strategy supports a balanced plan for retirement and helps secure your retirement

Tweetable Quotes:
“Cash feels safe, but too much cash in the wrong environment can quietly cost you millions over a 30-year retirement.” – Radon Stancil
“Your financial plan should drive how much cash you hold — not today’s money market rate.” – Murs Tariq
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
21 min
February 23Stocks - ETFs - Mutual Funds - Which Is Best?
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the evolution of investing—from individual stocks to mutual funds to Exchange Traded Funds—and why technology is changing how portfolios are built today. If you've ever wondered about Stocks vs ETFs, Stocks vs mutual funds, or ETFs vs mutual funds, this episode breaks down the differences in a way that connects directly to your long-term Retirement Planning goals and overall Investment portfolio strategy.
Listen in to learn about how reducing internal costs, understanding expense ratios explained, and improving portfolio efficiency can make a significant impact on your long-term results. Whether you're focused on Stock market investing, building an Index investing strategy, or refining your Retirement investing strategy, this episode will help you better understand how the right structure can help you plan for retirement, follow a smart retirement checklist, and ultimately secure your retirement.
In this episode, find out:
The real differences in Stocks vs ETFs, Stocks vs mutual funds, and ETFs vs mutual funds
How technology now allows for efficient Stock indexing without high internal fund costs
Why lowering expense ratios and reducing hidden fees leads to Lower investment fees and better long-term outcomes
How Portfolio rebalancing and index tracking improve your overall Investment portfolio strategy
When to use individual stocks, Exchange traded funds, or mutual funds inside a complete Retirement financial plan

Tweetable Quotes:
“Technology has now allowed us to replicate an index using individual stocks and eliminate layers of internal fund costs.” — Radon Stancil
“Our investment philosophy hasn’t changed — but the tools we use to make portfolios more efficient absolutely have.” — Murs Tariq
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
19 min
February 16Why Retirement Stress Is Not About Just the Market
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why retirement stress, retirement anxiety, and fear around market volatility are rarely about the markets themselves—and almost always about unanswered questions. After years of uncertainty driven by inflation, interest rate changes, and economic shocks, many people approaching retirement realize that stress doesn’t come from short-term market swings, but from not having a clear retirement financial plan. Without a defined withdrawal strategy, retirement income planning, tax planning in retirement, and estate planning basics, even strong market years can still feel overwhelming.
Listen in to learn about how holistic financial planning creates true peace of mind in retirement. Radon and Murs break down how retirement risk management, income planning in retirement, Social Security planning, Medicare planning, long-term care planning, and tax planning strategies work together to reduce anxiety. By focusing on structure—rather than speculation—you can build retirement confidence, follow a clear retirement checklist, and move toward retiring comfortably with a plan designed to secure your retirement.
In this episode, find out:
Why retirement anxiety is driven more by unanswered questions than market volatility
How the Three Bucket Strategy supports income planning, withdrawal strategy, and retirement confidence
The five critical areas of retirement planning, including tax planning, Medicare planning, and estate planning
How holistic financial planning helps manage required minimum distributions and early retirement strategy
Why having a written retirement financial plan reduces stress and supports peace of mind in retirement

Tweetable Quotes:
“A bad market day won’t ruin your retirement, and a great market day won’t make it successful—it’s the plan that matters.” — Radon Stancil
“Retirement stress fades when every part of your retirement financial plan is being monitored, implemented, and nurtured.” — Murs Tariq

Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
25 min
February 09The Peace of Mind Pathway – Our New Book
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the launch of their new retirement planning book, The Peace of Mind Pathway, and why they felt compelled to create a clearer, more practical approach to Retirement Planning. After years of working with families approaching or already in Retirement, they saw a recurring challenge: people could be great savers yet still lack Retirement confidence. This episode explains how a truly holistic financial planning approach helps connect the dots between investments, income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy—so you can truly plan for retirement with clarity and purpose.
Listen in to learn about how Peace of Mind Wealth Management designed a comprehensive Retirement financial plan that goes beyond investments and focuses on real-life decision-making. From Income planning in retirement and Tax planning strategies to Medicare planning, Long term care planning, Estate planning, and Social Security planning, Radon and Murs break down the Peace of Mind Pathway framework that helps families retiring comfortably and working toward a goal to secure your retirement.
In this episode, find out:
Why a retirement planning book focused on holistic planning is critical for today’s retirees
How the Peace of Mind Pathway ties together risk management, income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy
What role Required minimum distributions play in your overall Retirement financial plan
How to think through early retirement strategy decisions, including healthcare before Medicare
Why having a connected team matters when planning retirement and following a retirement checklist

Tweetable Quotes:
“Retirement isn’t just about having money—it’s about having clarity, confidence, and a plan that works together.” — Radon Stancil
“Good savers often feel the most anxiety because they don’t know what questions to ask when planning retirement.” — Murs Tariq

Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
21 min
February 02Portfolio and Economic Update
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss a comprehensive portfolio update, economic update, and market update designed to help retirees and pre-retirees stay grounded during uncertain times. With headlines driving fear and optimism in equal measure, they break down how a disciplined retirement portfolio strategy and long-term investment strategy can help investors navigate volatility while staying positioned for growth. From geopolitical uncertainty to inflation pressures, this episode reinforces why planning—not prediction—is essential to secure your retirement.
Listen in to learn about how today’s economic environment connects directly to your retirement income planning and overall retirement planning process. Radon and Murs revisit the Three Bucket Strategy, explaining how a well-structured core portfolio strategy, tactical investing strategy, and exposure to alternative investments can work together to manage risk. As they explore the stock market outlook 2026, inflation and retirement concerns, and market volatility planning, you’ll gain clarity on how to plan for retirement, follow a practical retirement checklist, and ultimately focus on retiring comfortably.
In this episode, find out:
How the Three Bucket Strategy supports risk management investing and predictable retirement income
Why market headlines don’t always align with long-term market update realities
How tactical investing and alternative investments can reduce portfolio volatility
What inflation and retirement trends mean for planning retirement in 2026
Why sticking to a disciplined retirement investment strategy matters more than ever

Tweetable Quotes:
“You can’t control headlines or politics, but you can control your retirement plan and how much risk you take.” — Radon Stancil
“When different parts of your portfolio have different jobs, market volatility becomes much easier to live with.” — Murs Tariq

Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
32 min
January 265 Ways People Run Out of Money in Retirement – and How to Avoid It
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss one of the biggest fears retirees face: How people run out of money in retirement—and more importantly, how to avoid it. Drawing from a widely shared Investopedia article, they break down five common mistakes that can derail even the best-laid plans and apply the Peace of Mind Wealth Management perspective to help you never run out of money in retirement. Whether you’re just beginning to plan for retirement or already retired, this conversation highlights why a thoughtful retirement spending plan and proactive retirement income planning are essential.
Listen in to learn about practical retirement planning tips that go beyond generic advice and focus on real-world retirement challenges like managing taxes, building a smart retirement withdrawal strategy, and revisiting your plan as life changes. Radon and Murs explain how knowing your spending, understanding IRA withdrawal rules, and implementing strategies like the Three Bucket Strategy and Roth conversion strategy can help you retire comfortably and secure your retirement for decades to come.
In this episode, find out:
Why knowing your spending is the foundation of a sustainable retirement spending plan
How retiring too early without a plan for retirement can increase the risk of running out of money
How tax planning in retirement, including Roth conversions and IRA withdrawal rules, impacts long-term success
How Medicare IRMAA and the IRMAA surcharge can surprise retirees without proper planning
Why revisiting your retirement checklist regularly is critical to retiring comfortably

Tweetable Quotes:
“It doesn’t matter how much money you have—if your spending isn’t aligned with your plan, you can still run out of money in retirement.” — Radon Stancil
“A successful retirement income plan isn’t set it and forget it; it’s something you nurture year after year.” — Murs Tariq

This episode reinforces why comprehensive retirement planning, thoughtful tax planning in retirement, and ongoing adjustments are key to planning retirement with confidence. By focusing on retirement income planning, balancing growth and protection, and understanding how taxes affect your withdrawals, you can reduce anxiety and move closer to truly retiring comfortably.
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
19 min
January 19Smart Tax Moves to Make Early in the Year – Before You Miss Your Chance
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why the beginning of the year is one of the most important times for smart tax decisions and how early planning can prevent costly mistakes later. With the help of their Director of Financial Planning and Tax Strategy, Taylor Wolverton, they walk through practical smart tax strategies designed to support effective tax planning in retirement and help you stay ahead with a proactive tax planning checklist. From contribution rules to charitable strategies, this episode focuses on building a strong foundation for retirement tax planning that supports long-term confidence.
Listen in to learn about key decisions that impact your ability to plan for retirement, reduce unnecessary taxes, and ultimately secure your retirement. Whether you are still working, transitioning into Retirement, or already planning retirement income, these insights can help you align your retirement checklist with current rules, deadlines, and opportunities—so you can focus on retiring comfortably without last-minute surprises.
In this episode, find out:
How the 401k catch up rule works, including 401k catch up contributions and updated 2026 401k contribution limits
Why the IRA contribution deadline matters and how a Roth IRA contribution can still be made after year-end
How qualified charitable distribution strategies work, including important QCD rules
When it may make sense to donate stock to charity versus giving cash and how this affects your charitable deduction
How income choices impact a long-term Roth conversion strategy and overall retirement tax planning

Tweetable Quotes:
“The beginning of the year is where smart tax planning really starts—what you do now determines how much flexibility you’ll have later.” — Radon Stancil
“Tax planning in retirement isn’t just about deductions; it’s about choosing the right accounts at the right time.” — Murs Tariq

Understanding how the standard deduction, charitable strategies, and income planning work together is a critical part of Retirement Planning. From managing distributions to timing conversions, early awareness helps avoid mistakes that can limit your ability to secure your retirement and maintain tax efficiency throughout the year.
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
19 min
January 12Medicare in 2026 – New Rules, Costs, and Coverage Updates
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why Medicare 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful years for retirees and those approaching retirement. With major Medicare updates, rising Medicare costs 2026, and several Medicare new rules taking effect, understanding how these changes affect your overall Retirement Planning is more important than ever. From prescription drug reforms to premium increases and income-based adjustments, Medicare is not something you can afford to “set and forget” when you’re planning retirement and working to secure your retirement.
Listen in to learn about how Medicare Part B premium 2026 increases, IRMAA surcharges, and Medicare income limits 2026 can directly impact your cash flow in retirement. Radon and Murs also explore how Medicare planning fits into a comprehensive strategy to help you retire comfortably, avoid costly surprises, and align your healthcare decisions with your long-term retirement checklist and broader financial plan.
In this episode, find out:
How Medicare drug price negotiations and Medicare Part D changes 2026 are lowering costs for certain prescriptions
What the new Medicare out of pocket cap means for retirees with high prescription drug expenses
Why the increase in Medicare Part B premium 2026 matters for your monthly retirement income
How IRMAA surcharges and income from strategies like Roth conversions can affect your Medicare premiums
What Medicare does not cover, including the difference between a Medicare wellness visit and a traditional physical, plus updates on Telehealth Medicare

Tweetable Quotes:
“Medicare isn’t separate from your financial plan—it’s interconnected with your taxes, income, and investment strategy.” — Radon Stancil
“One decision, like a Roth conversion, can trigger higher Medicare premiums if you don’t account for IRMAA.” — Murs Tariq

Understanding Medicare 2026 is a critical part of Retirement Planning, whether you’re already enrolled or just beginning to plan for retirement. Staying informed about Medicare updates, knowing your coverage gaps, and proactively planning can make a meaningful difference in how confidently you approach Retirement.
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
34 min
January 05Market Update and Investment Strategies
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss a comprehensive market update 2025 recap and how lessons from last year can help investors confidently plan for retirement as we move into 2026. They reflect on policy changes, inflation trends, interest rate shifts, and how thoughtful portfolio risk management and managing market volatility can turn uncertainty into opportunity—especially for those focused on retiring comfortably and achieving true peace of mind.
Listen in to learn about how disciplined retirement investment strategies, including diversification, the three bucket strategy, and proactive tax planning, help create a resilient retirement portfolio. Radon and Murs break down how peace of mind investing isn’t about chasing returns, but about building systems that support income, growth, and stability—no matter what the markets bring—so you can confidently secure your retirement.
In this episode, find out:
How the Market update 2025 sets the stage for smarter investment strategies in 2026
Why managing market volatility matters more than chasing high returns in retirement
How the three bucket strategy balances income, safety, and growth bucket investing
The role of tax efficient investing, including direct indexing strategy, tax loss harvesting, and capital gains planning
How alternative investments can reduce volatility and strengthen a long-term retirement portfolio

Tweetable Quotes:
“If your portfolio is designed correctly, you don’t have to sweat market corrections—you can still sleep at night and enjoy retirement.” — Radon Stancil
“Peace of mind investing comes from managing risk and taxes, not swinging for home runs.” — Murs Tariq

From retirement planning basics and a practical retirement checklist to advanced strategies like direct indexing strategy and alternative investments, this episode ties together everything needed for effective planning retirement. Whether you’re years away or already retired, these insights help you build confidence, reduce stress, and move closer to secure your retirement.
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
23 min