Retirement is about so much more than money—it's a complete life transition.

In this episode, I'm sharing my recent conversation with Adam Cmejla, where we explore the often-overlooked aspects of retirement planning.

We discuss:

‣ Why retirement can feel like a grieving process—and how to navigate it

‣ The surprising role responsibility and community play in long-term happiness

‣ Smarter ways to approach Monte Carlo simulations, taxes, and cash management

We also share our favorite retirement and investing charts that reinforce the principles essential to keeping financial plans grounded.

Whether you’re 10 years out from retirement or already there, this conversation challenges common assumptions and offers a helpful perspective on this stage of life.

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SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DISCOVERY MEETING:

My team and I have guided hundreds of families across the U.S. through retirement’s biggest challenges over the last two decades.

The result?

Smarter tax strategies, better investment decisions, and a more confident retirement.

If you’re seeking clarity and a proven retirement planning process, we’d be honored to help.

👉 Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Meeting

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→  Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) could force you to withdraw as much as 15% of your retirement account balance in a single year.

But do RMDs really put you at risk of outliving your money?

Why does the IRS expect you to live so much longer than the Social Security Administration does?

And what proactive steps can you take before age 73 to avoid giving the IRS more than its fair share?

In this episode, I'm unpacking:

‣ How RMDs are actually calculated

‣ Why the IRS tables are more conservative than most people realize

‣  The pros and cons of using RMDs to build a dynamic withdrawal strategy

I'm also sharing tax planning tips and strategies for navigating your RMDs. 

If you're concerned about how RMDs might impact your retirement plan—or you're looking to optimize your tax situation before they kick in—this episode is for you.

***

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DISCOVERY MEETING:

My team and I have guided hundreds of families across the U.S. through retirement’s biggest challenges over the last two decades.

The result?

Smarter tax strategies, better investment decisions, and a more confident retirement.

If you’re seeking clarity and a proven retirement planning process, we’d be honored to help.

👉 Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Meeting

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→  Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

Is retiring in your 50s actually realistic for everyday Americans?

According to a recent NerdWallet survey, the average target retirement age for households earning $100,000+ isn't 65—it's 58.

And these aren't tech moguls or lottery winners.

They're teachers, small business owners, and dual-income couples who’ve steadily built their nest eggs and now want to enjoy their healthy, active years while they can.

But retiring in your 50s requires a very different kind of plan.

One that accounts for early withdrawal penalties, health insurance gaps, and delayed Social Security.

These obstacles are the "triple threats" of early retirement.

In today’s episode, I’ll share how to combat them and provide a simple 5-step process for turning your retirement vision into a reality. 

***

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Looking to hire a retirement and tax planning expert?

We help 100+ families across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Meeting to Learn More.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→  Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

What if everything you've learned about money completely changes once you cross the $1 million mark?

Many people think a healthy 7-figure nest egg means the hardest part is done, but ironically, that's when the biggest financial challenges start.

Today, Nick Maggiulli returns to share his latest retirement research, which inspired his new book, "The Wealth Ladder."

In this conversation, we explore:

▸ Why retirement savers with $1-10 million often feel "stuck"

▸ The surprising reason wealthy retirees are more likely to LOSE wealth than those with less money

▸ Why your investment portfolio becomes more important than your income at this stage

▸ The academic research showing good health is worth $400,000 per year

If you're nearing retirement (or already there), you'll learn why crossing the million-dollar mark isn't the finish line—it's when the game changes entirely.

***

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Looking to hire a retirement and tax planning expert?

We help 100+ families across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Meeting to Learn More.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→  Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

A recent study reported that 76% of retirees regret not saving more money.

But after working with hundreds of successful retirees and analyzing thousands of survey responses, I've discovered something interesting: 

Their deepest regrets actually have little to do with financial shortfalls.

Instead, they revolve around critical aspects of financial planning that significantly impact purpose, independence, and fulfillment in your golden years.

In this episode, I'm revealing three (3) retirement regrets that many people don't consider until it's too late.

I'm also sharing how to avoid the same mistakes so YOUR retirement is fulfilling instead of filled with regret.

***

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Looking to hire a retirement and tax planning expert?

We help 100+ families across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Learn more and schedule a Discovery Meeting with us.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📫 Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

Wondering how the new 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' affects you and your retirement plan?

Don't want to read 870 pages of Congressional jargon?

I've got you covered!

In this episode, I'm breaking it all down and sharing the 5 biggest things retirement savers need to know.

I'm also addressing several broader provisions in the bill and clarifying some common misconceptions.

This giant (and confusing!) economic package touches nearly every aspect of your financial life.

So, pour yourself some coffee—or something stronger if you need it—and hit play.

***

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Looking to hire a retirement and tax planning expert?

We help 100+ families in 40 states across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Learn more and schedule a Discovery Meeting with us.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📫 Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

Think you need millions of dollars to retire comfortably? Think again.

Most people believe they're "behind" on retirement savings because they're measuring against arbitrary benchmarks that don't reflect their unique situation.

But what if retiring at 62 is actually more achievable than you've been led to believe?

In this episode, I'm sharing:

► Why you should ignore popular savings benchmarks

► Why delaying Social Security isn't always the right move (and how taking it early might preserve MORE wealth)

► A simple 4-step process to build your personalized early retirement plan

If you're tired of feeling behind and want to discover how early retirement might be within reach right now, this episode is for you.

***

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Need retirement & tax planning guidance? 

We help 100+ families across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Learn more and schedule a Discovery Meeting with us.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📫 Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

"I planned for 30 years of expenses—but zero years of purpose."

This was a recent client's confession, and she's not alone.

In fact, nearly 40% of retirees say they wish they had waited longer to retire (and it's not about money). 

In this episode, I'm revealing why even the most financially prepared retirees fall into identity crises and regret.

I'm also sharing my 5-step "Bridge Strategy" to help you retire with clarity and purpose, not just a seven-figure portfolio. 

If you're planning FOR retirement but haven't considered what you're retiring TO, this episode is for you.

***

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Need professional retirement & tax planning help? 

We help 100+ families across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Learn more and schedule a Discovery Meeting with us.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📫 Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

"Cash is king" has guided investors since the 1987 market crash.

But what if this so-called "king" is actually putting your retirement plan at risk?

Millions of retirees are lured by today's enticing cash yields, confusing safety nets for sound investment strategies.

In this episode, I'm revealing why cash (even at 4-5%) is a deceptive long-term investment.

I'm also sharing details about a critical investment performance metric to help you make more informed portfolio decisions.

If you're wondering how to balance safety and growth in today's uncertain market, this episode is for you. 

***

2025 TAX CHEATSHEET

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you,  you'll receive my recently updated 2025 Tax Cheatsheet (PDF). 

You'll also receive weekly retirement and investing tips from yours truly.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

You’ve finally made it to retirement!

But what if some of the choices you’re making right now are quietly pulling you back to work?

Every year, countless retirees are forced back into the workplace.

Not because they were reckless, but because they followed advice that sounded smart and safe.

In this episode, I'm sharing 7 of the most common retirement pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans.

I'm also sharing our Total Retirement System™—a comprehensive framework to ensure you retire once and never look back. 

If you're approaching retirement (or already there) and want to avoid mistakes that force people back to work, this episode is for you.

***

2025 TAX CHEATSHEET

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you,  you'll receive my recently updated 2025 Tax Cheatsheet (PDF). 

You'll also receive weekly retirement and investing tips from yours truly.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes