Retire On Your Best Path with Liz Whitteberry

In ​retirement ​planning, ​some ​questions ​are ​definitely ​better ​than ​others. ​A ​good ​question ​helps ​you ​reframe ​how ​you ​think ​about ​your ​money ​and ​improve ​the ​quality ​of ​your ​financial ​decisions. ​In ​our ​last ​episode, ​we ​talked ​about ​how ​to ​reframe ​five ​key ​questions ​to ​improve ​the ​quality ​of ​your ​answers ​for ​a ​better ​retirement. ​In ​today's ​episode, ​we're ​going ​to ​ref...

Most retirees think they’re asking the right questions, but the most common ones are often framed in ways that lead to incomplete or misleading answers. In this episode, Liz walks through several of the top retirement questions people ask and explains how to reframe each one so the answer actually helps you make better decisions. Learn how to ask better questions so you can make smarter, more confident decisions for your retirement...

Having two advisors might sound like twice the insight, but it often leads to twice the confusion. In this episode, Liz breaks down the pros and cons of splitting your investments between multiple advisors and explains when it can create unnecessary complexity, overlap, and conflicting advice. You’ll learn why a cohesive, team-based approach- led by one trusted advisor- can simplify your retirement planning and help all your financ...

Fidelity’s latest report shows a 65-year-old retiring in 2025 may need $172,500 for healthcare expenses in retirement, and that doesn’t even include long-term care. In this episode, Liz breaks down what’s behind those rising numbers, what’s not covered by Medicare, and what proactive steps you can take now to prepare. You’ll also hear how to make healthcare costs a planned part of your retirement strategy instead of a financial sho...

Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents; it’s about protecting your legacy, avoiding family conflict, and making sure your wishes are carried out. In this episode, Liz walks through several common estate-planning mistakes she sees in practice, from outdated beneficiary designations and unfunded trusts to how taxes and real-estate transfers can derail good intentions.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• Avoidi...

If your parents passed away relatively young, it’s only natural to wonder if that means you won’t live into your 80s or 90s either. And from a financial perspective, that raises an important question: Should you claim Social Security early if you don’t expect a long retirement? In this episode, Liz tackles a listener’s question and explains why the answer is more complex than just looking at family history.

Here’s some of what we di...

You’ve probably heard some of the “rules of thumb” that claim to guarantee a successful retirement. They’re often delivered with such confidence that it feels like you should accept them as universal truths. But the reality is far more complicated- what works as a quick guideline can easily become misleading when applied to your financial situation. So, how much weight should you really give these rules when planning your future?

He...

Running your retirement numbers is smart, but what if the math you’re using is built on shaky assumptions? In this episode, Liz exposes five common examples of “fuzzy math” that can quietly derail your financial future. From assuming past market averages will continue, to believing you’ll spend less once you retire, these rules of thumb often fall apart when real life kicks in. Liz explains why and shares how to replace guesswork w...

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” just passed, and it’s packed with opportunities for retirees and pre-retirees who want to make the most of their tax strategy. In this episode, Liz walks through how the new legislation affects income planning, deductions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and more. While some provisions are now labeled “permanent,” Liz reminds us that in the tax world, nothing stays fixed forever. That’s why smart r...

What if your retirement starts sooner than you anticipated? Many Americans think they'll retire at 65 or later, but studies show the average retirement age is actually 62. From layoffs to health issues to caregiving responsibilities, unexpected events can shift your retirement timeline. And with people living longer than ever, your retirement could last 30+ years.

This episode, Liz and Marc break down insights from J.P. Morgan’...

Almost everyone has made financial mistakes, whether it was listening to bad advice, panicking in a downturn, or investing in products that weren’t fully understood. These setbacks can feel overwhelming, but more than likely, you made the best decision you could at the time with the information you had. In this episode, Liz offers a practical, judgment-free guide for how to overcome financial setbacks and move toward retirement wit...

For decades, the 4% rule has been a popular rule of thumb for retirement income planning- withdraw 4% annually from your portfolio, and your money should last 30 years. But now, the original creator of the rule is updating it. What’s changed? And should you change your retirement plan too? 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• The 4% rule is now 4.7%... should you celebrate?
• Having flexibility and guardrails for your in...

How do you decide where to save your next dollar? Are you overlooking the most tax-efficient account available to you? With so many options, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure about what makes the most sense. Not every savings option offers the same benefits, and using the right account at the right time may lead to serious tax advantages and long-term flexibility. 

In today’s episode, Liz breaks down where to consider putting your n...

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance, the ins and outs o...

Can you really retire when the market is down? Do you have enough stability in your portfolio to weather the storm? In this episode, Liz answers that exact question by walking through the practical steps and mindset shifts that make a confident retirement possible- even in uncertain times. With volatility on the rise and recession concerns growing, more soon-to-be retirees are wondering if their timing is off.

Here’s some of what we...

Since the day he took office, President Trump planned to implement tariffs, and he carried that out last week. The immediate market reaction was very negative. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy over the long term?

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

What tariffs are and their historical context

How tariffs can raise prices and affect markets

The psychology behind panic-selling

Smart strategies for ...

We’re in the middle of tax season, and you may have heard that annuities can provide tax benefits. Who is that true for, and are there any side effects? Today, we’re going to clear up some of the confusion around the advantages and disadvantages of annuities. Liz will also provide some tips on what you need to know before considering an annuity. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• What is an annuity?
• The different “fl...

Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025- before the year gets away from you. 

With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your tax bill and boost your savings. In this episode, we’ll break down the key changes and how you can...

Just like the lights on your dashboard can indicate if something is wrong with your car (like low tire pressure or leaking oil), there are indicators in your financial life that might point out that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. In today’s episode, Liz is going to cover 5 areas that you should review. 

Here are the warning signs we discuss in today’s show:

• You have no idea what it costs to fund your lifestyle 
• You...