Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast

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 $1-1...

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 gol...

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 e...

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 a...

"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 purpo...

"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 ...

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 Ret...

"I'll just work a few more years."

It's the retirement safety net millions of Americans often count on.

In large part because the financial industry has convinced everyone that retiring later is the most sensible backup plan if your savings fall short.

But what if this common advice is actually setting you up for one of the most costly mistakes of your life?

In this episode, I'm sharing why the real danger may not be running out of...

Today I'm diving into the tariff-induced market mania that has been dominating every news headline.

Specifically, I'm joined by Cullen Roche, monetary economics expert and founder of Discipline Funds, to discuss three important things:

► How tariffs actually work and why economists across the political spectrum overwhelmingly agree they are bad

► What the recent tariff proposal means for the economy (and American consumers)

► What ...

ESG investing is exploding in popularity—but it's also a giant, confusing mess.

Over $35 trillion in global assets now follow ESG guidelines. 🤯

But despite the rapid growth, most retirement investors still don't fully understand ESG investing...

...or how to spot legitimate ESG strategies from clever marketing hype.

To help break through the confusion, Liz Simmie joins me to discuss:

➤ What ESG investing is and how it differs from...

Morningstar recently published its annual "State of Retirement Income" research report.

This year’s report finds the highest 30-year safe withdrawal rate for retirees is... 3.7% 🤯

In this episode, you'll learn:

► How researchers arrive at different recommended withdrawal rates

► Why popular withdrawal strategies are (likely) too conservative

► 3 proven strategies for boosting retirement income

And since there is no one-size-fits-a...

Today I'm discussing the biggest retirement investment risk.

As Morgan Housel put it, "It's the hardest risk for people to understand... 

...and it's the only one that really matters."

In this episode, you'll learn:

► What the three sides of risk are

► Why tail risk is all that matters

► How to mitigate this risk in your retirement plan

You'll also learn why most investors should (probably) stay away from investment products promis...

Worried about Medicare IRMAA eating into your retirement savings? 

Whether you're 10+ years away from Medicare or already enrolled, this episode will help you navigate this pesky surcharge and protect your retirement savings.

Key topics covered:

► Updated 2025 IRMAA brackets 

► Answers to common planning questions 

► 3 strategies to minimize (or avoid) IRMAA

You'll also learn how to project future IRMAA brackets for better planning...

Markets tend to operate in cycles—yesterday's winners often become tomorrow's losers (and vice versa). 

The most unloved asset classes can quietly become the best performers, while the most popular ones frequently disappoint.

Yet, many investors fall into the trap of assuming recent trends will continue indefinitely.

But markets don’t work that way.

No asset class outperforms or underperforms forever.

To help you avoid falling into...

Looking to hire a financial planner with retirement & tax planning expertise?

My team and I have availability for 25 Discovery Meetings over the next 8 weeks.

If you're seeking professional retirement planning help, we would love to have a conversation!

👉 Learn more about our process and grab one of the 25 meeting slots.

We intentionally limit the number of new clients we take on each year.

This ensures we can provide each family ...

Grab your Tax Planning Cheatsheet (updated for 2025!) by clicking here.

The 2-page PDF guide includes every important number you'll need for your retirement & tax planning next year.

Updated federal income tax brackets, AMT annual limits, standard deductions, Social Security taxation summary, estate and gift tax annual limits…and more.

👉 Dow...

How do we fix the housing affordability problem in the U.S.?

Will lower interest rates really improve the real estate market?

How have Zillow and Airbnb contributed to the current housing challenges?  

What are tariffs (+ benefits and drawbacks)?

What's next for the U.S. economy? 

These are just a few of the questions I'm exploring in this episode with author and economic expert, Kyla Scanlon. 

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Today, I’m discussing the challenges of spending money in retirement. 

To help, Brian Portnoy, one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of money, joins us to discuss three big things:

➤ Why it’s so difficult for retirement savers to transition from saving to spending

➤ What you can do to prepare for the (well-documented!) challenges of retirement spending 

➤ How to use Brian’s “Four C’s” to achieve true wealth in retire...

Emerging Markets are the world’s primary drivers of global growth (and wealth accumulation).

Just over 50% of the world's economic output comes from these countries. 🤯

They play a crucial role in shaping global economic trends...

...but most retirement investors don't fully understand this asset class.

To help break it down for us, Emerging Markets expert and founder of Life + Liberty Indexes, Perth Tolle, stops by to discuss: 

➤ ...