The Atomic Retirement Podcast

Most people think they've done everything right by saving in a traditional IRA or 401(k). But what if I told you that a big portion of your retirement savings actually belongs to the IRS?

In this episode, we'll break down a recent CNBC article featuring insights from IRA expert Ed Slott, who calls traditional IRAs "the worst possible asset" for retirement.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

✔️ Why your IRA is an IOU to the...

Think you know how taxes work? Some of the most common tax "facts" people believe are actually costing them money.

In this episode, we’re diving into 10 of the biggest tax myths to set the record straight. We’ll cover:

✅ Why being in a higher tax bracket doesn’t mean all your income is taxed at that rate
✅ The reason many retirees end up paying more in taxes than expected
✅ The truth about Social Security taxes, inh...

Most retirees don’t realize just how valuable Social Security can be—or how much strategy goes into maximizing those benefits.

In this episode, we break down a real-life case study of a couple I work with, let's call them James and Elizabeth. Thanks to a smart claiming strategy, they’re projected to collect over $2.4 million in lifetime Social Security benefits. We’ll walk through:

✔️ Why the higher-earning spouse should conside...

Freezing your credit is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft, and the best part? It’s free and only takes 15 minutes. 

In this episode of The Atomic Retirement Podcast, you'll learn:

✅ What a credit freeze is and how it helps protect you from fraud

✅ Step-by-step instructions on how to freeze your credit at all three major bureaus

✅ Additional ways to protect yourself from fr...

Roth conversions are often touted as a smart tax move—but are they always the right choice? Not necessarily. In this episode, we’re breaking down 7 situations where a Roth conversion might actually cost you more in taxes than it saves you.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why a partial Roth conversion is probably smarter than going all in
✅ How your income two years ago impacts your Medicare premiums
✅ Why you might regret converting if ...

Warren Buffett has spent a lifetime building wealth—but his greatest financial lesson isn’t about investing. It’s about what happens after you’re gone.

In a recent letter, Buffett revealed key details about his estate plan, why he’s giving most of his fortune to charity, and the steps he’s taken to prevent confusion and conflict for his family. His biggest lesson? Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about protecting the peop...

Should you claim Social Security early and invest the money, or wait for a higher monthly benefit? What about using annuities to supplement your income? In this episode, we break down the numbers, risks, and real-life considerations to help you make the best decision for your retirement.

Plus, learn about an exciting new Social Security change that benefits millions of Americans—especially retirees like firefighters, teachers, and p...

Did you know taxes could be your largest retirement expense? If you’re over 50, you’re in a prime position to take advantage of powerful tax breaks that can save you thousands—but many people miss these opportunities and end up overpaying.

In this episode, we’ll uncover 6 key tax strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money, including:

• Catch-Up Contributions: Maximize your retirement savings.
• Qualified Charitable Dis...

Ever wonder what people in their 80s and 90s wish they’d done differently with their money? In this episode, we explore their financial wisdom and regrets—from outliving their savings to navigating unexpected life changes like divorce and career shifts. These heartfelt stories highlight the importance of planning for the unexpected and making the most of your wealth while you can.

You’ll gain:

• Practical tips to avoid common finan...

Better investment returns (we all want them). Today we're discussing how to be a more successful long-term investor and I'm joined by Ashby Daniels, a financial planner and the mastermind behind Money Visuals. Money Visuals is Ashby's creative outlet where he shares wisdom and timeless ideas for long-term investors. We can learn many important lessons from the world's greatest investors and I can't think of...

When it comes to bringing people together, few things can match the magic of food, music, and, of course, the thrill of vacationing. Today we're talking about vacationing and I'm joined by Mark Comfort, an industry expert with more than 30 years of experience helping people create memories that last a lifetime. Mark has traveled to 108 countries and he and his wife Mimi are the owners of Cruise Holidays and Comfort Tours ...

One of the most important decisions you will make in retirement is deciding when to collect your Social Security benefits. Social Security is a guaranteed lifetime annuity designed to pay you an inflation-protected income for as long as you live. But figuring out when to collect payments, especially if you are eligible for multiple benefits or coordinating with a spouse, can be nearly impossible. And here is the hard truth. Most re...

Today we're talking all things real estate with Kiley Willis. Kiley is a realtor at ReeceNichols Plaza in Kansas City (licensed in both Kansas and Missouri), and she is one of Kansas City's top real estate producers. Last year she was the top-ranked solo agent by sales volume at her old brokerage. And since 2016, she has sold more than 220 homes valued at nearly $60M in sales volume. If you have questions about buying or ...

Tax season is upon us, and you have probably received your fair share of important tax documents in the mail (or email inbox). Chances are your W-2 is not the only tax form you'll need to complete your income tax return because you likely received at least one or more 1099 forms too. Your 1099 forms report various types of income from the previous year. And that's why we must pay attention to them as we prepare and get or...

Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letter to owners of Berkshire Hathaway stock is out. Today we'll walk through it together, and I'll point out my top takeaways. After all, the letter contains wisdom from someone with 80 years of investing experience, which Buffett points out is roughly one-third of America's lifetime! I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast!  

Resources Mentioned

• Berk...

2022 was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year for stock and bond markets. It seemed like everything went down in value, everything except inflation and mortgage rates which reached 40-year highs and 20-year highs, respectively. In short, 2022 was an emotionally draining year for many retirement investors and that means most panicked and yanked money out of their 401(k)s, right? No so fast. Today we're discussing what f...

Social Security may only be able to pay 80% of its promised benefits starting in 2035 if Congress does not address a projected shortfall. Today we're talking about 7 changes Americans say they are willing to make to fix Social Security. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast!   

Resources Mentioned

• 7 Changes Americans Are Willing to Make to Fix Social Security
• The 2022 Annual Report of the Board of Tru...

Healthcare is not cheap and, aside from taxes, might be your most costly retirement expense. Did you know there's a tax-advantaged savings account to help with your healthcare costs? Health Savings Accounts came about in 2003, and many people are unfamiliar with their benefits and tax secrets. That's our topic on this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast!   

Resources Mentioned

• Tax Secrets of Health Savings Accounts...

Today we're talking all things Medicare with Danielle Roberts. Danielle is a Medicare expert and the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, an insurance agency helping people across the country understand Medicare and their insurance options. She's also the author of 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford To Make. If you have Medicare questions and you're not sure where to start, I think you'll get a lot of v...