All Episodes

October 20, 2025 7 mins

For generations, the pension was the bedrock of the American dream: a promise of security after a lifetime of hard work. But that promise is broken. What happened to the guaranteed retirement that our parents and grandparents were told to expect, and what does it mean for your financial future today?

In this special episode of the 5-Minute PRIME Podcast, host Martin Maxwell takes a deep dive into the dramatic history of the traditional pension. This isn't just a history lesson; it's a critical look at the massive shift in financial risk from corporations to individuals, a change that defines our modern retirement landscape.

Tune in to learn:

  • The Golden Age of Pensions: A look back at the "defined benefit" promise and why it became a cornerstone of post-war American life.
  • The First Cracks: How the shocking Studebaker bankruptcy in 1963 exposed the system's vulnerability and led to landmark legislation.
  • The Great Shift: The full story behind the rise of the 401(k) and how it transferred all the investment risk from "we" (the company) to "you" (the employee).
  • The Pension Timebomb: An overview of today's multi-trillion dollar pension crisis and why the old retirement playbook is officially obsolete.

Are you ready to understand the forces that reshaped American retirement and why taking control of your financial future is more critical than ever? Subscribe now for the essential first chapter in our guide to the great retirement pivot.

Thank you for tuning in to the 5-Minute PRIME Podcast! Ready for more tips to master personal finance and real estate investing? Visit REIPrime.com for additional resources and strategies to build your wealth. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone looking to level up their finances. Follow us on social media for daily updates and more actionable advice!

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.