The Financial Answer with Nathan O’Bryant

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

A lot happened in 2025… Big political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But what actually matters for your financial life? Today, we’re breaking down the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Why reacting to market...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Your first Christmas in retirement doesn’t just feel different; it functions differently. Without work schedules or limited PTO, the holidays suddenly open up with new choices, new freedoms, and a few new financial considerations. In this episode, Nathan explores what shifts emotionally and practically when December rolls around, and the paycheck is gon...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Giving Tuesday (Dec 2, 2025) and year-end donations are right around the corner, making this the perfect time to revisit how generosity fits into your financial life. Nathan explains how to give intentionally, by balancing the heart behind your generosity with the smart planning that makes those gifts even more impactful. Give with purpose, plan with wi...

In this episode, Nathan explores how gratitude lays the foundation for both financial health and personal happiness. By embracing thankfulness for income, learning from past mistakes, and nurturing supportive relationships, listeners are encouraged to approach finances with a positive, resilient mindset. The conversation also highlights the importance of family, home, and a balanced life, all underpinned by a spirit of faith and ap...

Trick-or-treat! Before you put on your costume and head out for Halloween fun, let’s see what your choice might reveal about your financial personality. In this episode, Nathan draws some surprising parallels between Halloween costumes and common investing behaviors, from the thrill-seekers to the cautious planners. Whatever your money style, the trick is making sure it works long-term. Plan wisely, and you’ll enjoy more treats tha...

October is known for cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it’s also Financial Planning Month? While it might not come with costumes or candy, it’s a perfect reminder to pause, take stock, and be intentional with your money. Today, Nathan talks about the importance of Financial Planning Month, encouraging listeners to ask questions, write down their financial goals, and involve family in money conversations. A l...

We all know there are things in life you probably shouldn’t trust, like gas station sushi or an email from a Nigerian prince. But the same principle applies in retirement planning. Sometimes what looks safe, easy, or even “guaranteed” isn’t so trustworthy when you peel back the layers. In this episode, Nathan highlights the financial versions of gas station sushi, the too-good-to-be-true ideas that can leave your retirement in ruin...

Many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare at 65 isn’t completely free after all. For higher-income retirees, there’s a little-known surcharge that can quietly shrink your Social Security check by thousands of dollars every year. It’s called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Many retirees only discover it after taking a large distribution or selling assets, and by then, the bill has already arrived.

Here’s...

Inflation may not dominate the headlines like it did in 2022, but for many Americans, it’s still the number one threat to retirement confidence. In this episode, Nathan unpacks a recent Schwab survey showing how concerns over rising costs are leaving pre-retirees and retirees feeling unprepared for their financial future. The sting of higher costs hasn’t fully eased, and that stress is keeping people second-guessing their retiremen...

Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from Kiplinger outlined five surprising signs that you might be richer than you think. Surprisingly, none of these involve yachts or private jets… Let’s analyze the habits that signal real, lasting wealth and what to do if you are (or aren’t) on the right track.

Here are the 5 signs we discuss in th...

Let’s get in touch! Start the conversation here: http://thefinancialanswer.com  

Dave Ramsey’s 9-step retirement plan is one of the most well-known personal finance frameworks out there: simple, popular, and built for mass appeal. But is it really the best approach for your retirement? In this episode, Nathan offers his take on where Ramsey gets it right, where the plan falls short, and why personalized advice is critical if you wa...

Cue the mixtape! It’s Gen X’s turn to get serious about retirement. Today, Nathan talks about why it’s time for this often-overlooked generation to be at the center of the retirement conversation. Gen Xers have weathered market crashes, economic swings, and a total rewrite of retirement expectations. Nathan breaks down the reality behind the statistics, like why nearly 50% of Gen Xers say they’re not financially prepared, and offer...

Living a long life is a blessing, but without the right financial plan, it can become a challenge. In this episode, Nathan unpacks how longevity multiplies risk in retirement, including market volatility, health care costs, and Social Security. He shares how some unexpected, real-life curveballs forced tough conversations with clients, and what you can do now to avoid those same outcomes.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this ep...

There’s no single definition of what makes a “great’ retirement plan. It’s a deeply personal season of life that can look wildly different for each person. In this episode, Nathan explores what retirement really means for different people and why your plan should reflect your personal vision. For some, retirement means constant travel, bucket-list adventures, and new hobbies. For others, it’s about family, quiet simplicity, or even...

Today, we’re talking about Type A personalities. If you’re driven, competitive, and goal-oriented, then you’re likely part of the club that struggles during difficult markets. When things get tough, your instinct is to work harder, push more, and fix the problem. But, as Nathan reveals in this conversation, when it comes to investing, that instinct can sometimes backfire.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Why mar...

What drives your financial decisions: cold hard numbers, or the way you feel? In this episode, Nathan kicks off a financial book club series with a look at The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, one of his favorite reads. This widely acclaimed book doesn’t just focus on dollars and decimals; it unpacks how emotions, personal history, and mindset shape the way we spend, save, invest, and plan for the future.

Here’s some of what...

When the market drops, anxiety at home may rise. In this episode, Nathan explores how couples can navigate fear, miscommunication, and different emotional reactions to investing during downturns. You’ll hear why involving both spouses in planning meetings makes a measurable difference in confidence and calm.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💬 Why couples react differently to market drops

📉 How financial news distor...

Market headlines are screaming and your portfolio is bouncing around. You’re tempted to “do something,” but what actually makes sense when volatility kicks in? In this episode, Nathan breaks down four practical strategies for navigating downturns without losing your cool (or your long-term plan). If you’re feeling shaken by the market dip or wondering what to do the next time one rolls around, we’ll share some practical guidance.

H...

April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today, we’re uncovering the beliefs that fool retirees and pre-retirees into making bad financial moves. We’ll cover some of the most common myths that can derail your retirement plans and explain why they might not be as true as they seem.

Here are some of the common beliefs we discuss on today’s show: