SoundPath Through Retirement

In this episode of SoundPath to Retirement, Ben and Matt discuss the multifaceted nature of legacy beyond just financial wealth, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in wealth transfer, the implications of estate and inheritance taxes, and the role of charitable giving. They explore effective strategies for structuring retirement income, managing sequence of return risk, and planning for unexpected life events, including long-t...

In the world of vinyl, Side A usually features the hits—the chart-toppers, the tracks
everyone remembers. Retirement has its own Side A: the first 10 to 15 years when
retirees are still healthy, independent, and ready to live boldly. But just like a record, you
can’t just drop the needle and hope for the best. This phase requires intentional
planning to enjoy the tempo without burning through your resources ...

This conversation delves into the complexities of estate planning, highlighting common pitfalls and the importance of proactive planning. The hosts discuss the emotional and financial implications of losing a spouse, the significance of updating beneficiary designations, and the impact of taxes on estate planning. They also explore alternative investment strategies and the nuances of social security decisions for couples with age g...

In this episode of SoundPath to Retirement, hosts Gary Nolan, Ben Koval, and Matt Lieberger discuss the complexities of retirement planning, emphasizing that a substantial 401k balance does not guarantee financial security. They explore the importance of customized retirement plans tailored to individual needs, the role of social security, and the emotional aspects of transitioning into retirement. The conversation also covers inve...

In this episode of SoundPath Retirement, the hosts discuss the increasing trend of older couples entering new relationships and the financial implications that come with it. They explore the importance of financial planning for these couples, especially regarding adult children and estate planning. The conversation also covers retirement account strategies, unconventional retirement plans, and answers listener questions about socia...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, the hosts discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing Generation X as they approach retirement. They explore the importance of tax efficiency, the need for a clear vision of what retirement looks like, and the impact of health on retirement timing. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of keeping money moving to combat inflation and ensure financial stability. Listener que...

Let’s rewind to 1995 for a second: Friends was on TV, Alanis Morissette was
questioning irony, and gas was $1.15 a gallon. Back then, a million bucks felt like more
than enough to coast through retirement, bonds gave you real yield, and the 4%
withdrawal rule was gospel.
But fast-forward 30 years and—spoiler alert—those assumptions don’t hold up. Markets
have changed, interest rates have chang...

Think about that old annuity you bought years ago—back when interest rates were
scraping the floor and “modern features” were just marketing buzzwords. A lot has
changed since then. Rates have jumped dramatically since early 2022, meaning new
contracts—whether fixed, multi‑year guaranteed annuities, or even fixed indexed
annuities—could offer payouts far richer than what you locked in. On t...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, hosts Gary Nolan, Ben Koval, and Matt Lieberger discuss the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on income strategies, social security timing, long-term care, and common mistakes retirees make. They emphasize the importance of having a comprehensive plan that includes tax strategies and investment options, while also addressing listener questions about balancing growth and tax r...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, hosts Ben Koval and Matt Lieberger discuss the evolving landscape of retirement planning, emphasizing the need to reassess traditional strategies in light of modern financial realities. They explore the importance of understanding individual retirement income needs, the impact of inflation, and the role of social security. The conversation also delves into the financial dynamics of grand...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, hosts Ben Covel and Matt Lieberger discuss the essential elements of retirement planning, including the importance of having a clear vision for retirement, effective income distribution strategies, and proactive tax planning. They emphasize the transition from saving to spending in retirement, the significance of revenue reviews, and the impact of divorce on retirement assets. The episod...

In the realm of personal finance, saving and investing are two fundamental strategies
that serve different purposes. While saving offers security and liquidity, investing
provides the potential for growth. Determining when to save and when to invest can
significantly impact your financial well-being.

Reach out to Ben and Matt at 877-249-6900 or https://soundpathretirement.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

In this episode of Sound Path to Retirement, hosts Gary Nolan, Ben Koval , and Matt Lieberger discuss the concept of financial independence, emphasizing that it is not merely about wealth accumulation but about having the freedom to make choices aligned with one's values. They explore the importance of financial literacy, the latest trends in retirement savings from Vanguard's report, and practical steps for those in their 50s to p...

In this episode, the hosts discuss common financial mistakes that Baby Boomers make as they approach retirement, including overestimating Social Security, underestimating healthcare costs, and the importance of planning for the first year of retirement. They emphasize the need for a structured financial plan that includes understanding taxes, healthcare, and finding purpose in retirement. The episode also addresses listener questio...

This conversation explores the profound impact of mindset on financial decisions, emphasizing the importance of understanding financial stress and its effects on behavior. The discussion covers essential areas of retirement planning, including income, tax, insurance, estate, and investment strategies, while addressing the challenges posed by market volatility. The speakers highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to financia...

In this conversation, Ben, Matt and Gary  discuss the common financial mistakes individuals make and how to recover from them. They emphasize the importance of recognizing these missteps, learning from them, and creating a comprehensive retirement plan. The discussion covers various topics including the significance of Social Security, the role of pensions and annuities, and the implications of the 4% rule for retirement incom...

This conversation explores the complexities of retirement spending, highlighting how spending patterns change over time, particularly as retirees age. It discusses the importance of planning for both immediate and long-term expenses, the significance of prioritizing retirement goals, and the value of experiences over material wealth. The hosts also touch on the role of AI in financial planning, questioning whether it can truly repl...

In this conversation, Ben, Matt and Gary discuss the complexities of retirement spending, emphasizing that expenses can fluctuate rather than remain fixed. They explore how certain costs may decrease in retirement, such as commuting and work-related expenses, while healthcare costs can vary significantly based on retirement timing and coverage. The importance of planning for inflation in retirement income is highlighted, as well as...

In this conversation, Ben Koval and Matt Lieberger discuss the various stages of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding the psychological transitions that occur during retirement. They outline the six stages of retirement, from pre-retirement planning to achieving stability, and highlight the significance of having a fiduciary financial advisor to navigate these stages effectively. The disc...