Ready For Retirement
Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that!
Episodes
278 episodes
The Hidden Flaw in Monte Carlo Analysis That's Ruining Retirement Plans
Many retirees focus on achieving a high Monte Carlo “probability of success” in retirement—but is chasing a 99% success rate always the best move? In this episode, James highlights a real-life story of a man forced to delay retirement after a d...
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Episode 278
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24:32
Why many retirees REGRET relying on Social Security Income
Relying too much on Social Security? You’re not alone—over 40% of retirees count on it for at least half their income. But that safety net has some major gaps. In this video, I break down four key reasons why Social Security isn’t enough—and wh...
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Episode 277
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13:20
Root Talks: What Role Does "Fun" Play in an Advisory Relationship?
How do you keep things fun when markets—or life—get tough? We're breaking down why “fun” isn’t just about ping pong tables and perks—it’s about being prepared, building trust, and maintaining strong relationships before challenges arise.
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Episode 276
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15:50
9 Things To STOP DOING After 60
If you're over 60, it's time to stop certain habits that may be holding you back from fully enjoying your retirement. In this video, I’ll share key lessons learned from working with retirees, including how small shifts can lead to a more meanin...
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Episode 275
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16:19
Your Roth IRA Could be Locked For 5 Years. Here's Why
Roth IRAs are a great way to build tax-free retirement income—but the withdrawal rules can be tricky. In this video, I’ll break down the five-year rules, how contributions, conversions, and growth are treated, and smart strategies to avoid unne...
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Episode 274
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12:28
Root Talks: How Do Smart Retirees Handle Big One-Time Expenses?
Root Collective member Gary asks how to fund a $40K home remodel before retiring—should he use a taxable brokerage account, tax-deferred 401(k), Roth IRA, or cash?Ari and I break down how to handle big one-off expenses into a three-part...
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Episode 273
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18:58
The Best Retirement Spending Stories I've Heard This Year
Are You Spending Your Money on What Truly Matters?A few weeks ago, I challenged you to do the most important thing you can with your money this year—not Roth conversions, not optimizing Social Security, but something far more impactful:...
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Episode 272
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11:29
One Simple Tip to Make Spending Easy in Retirement
One of the biggest ironies in retirement is that the people who save and invest the most often struggle the most with actually spending their money in retirement. In this video, I’ll walk you through a simple framework to make spending easier—w...
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Episode 271
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17:52
Root Talks: How to Overcome the Scarcity Mindset and Start Spending in Retirement
You’ve worked hard, built wealth, and reached financial security… so why is it still so hard to spend? In this episode, we dive into the unexpected challenge of shifting from a saver’s mindset to actually enjoying your money.From a mill...
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Episode 270
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23:45
Retire Now If you Answer "Yes" to These 5 Questions
Retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about time, health, and the life you want to live. Too many people delay retirement, chasing "one more bonus" or "one more year" without considering the bigger picture.In this video, we’ll wa...
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Episode 269
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10:14
Root Talks: How Should I Split Retirement Withdrawals Between Pretax and Roth Accounts?
In this episode, we're talking about the importance of a strategic withdrawal plan in retirement to keep taxes in check and set you up for long-term financial stability. Ari and I break down why a simple 50/50 split between traditional and Roth...
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Episode 268
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24:34
The Most Important Thing You Can Do For Your Financial Plan
James challenges the idea that financial security comes from always having more—more savings, more income, more investments. Studies show that no matter how much people have, they often feel like they need twice as much to feel secure. That min...
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Episode 267
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11:53
Root Talks: What Does Vanguard Say About Financial Advisors?
Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha study shows that working with an advisor can boost net returns by around 3% annually through smart investing, tax planning, and behavioral coaching. But the real value? It’s not just about numbers.Ari and James ...
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Episode 266
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32:46
No Taxes on Social Security? Here’s What Trump’s Plan Means for You
For nearly 50 years after Social Security's inception in 1935, benefits were not subject to federal income taxes. That changed in 1983 when Congress introduced taxation on benefits for higher-income retirees, using a "provisional income" thresh...
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Episode 265
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13:13
Root Talks: Introducing the New Root Retirement Community
Join the new Root Collective HERE!Retirement isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about making the most of it. That’s why we’re launching a new retirement communit...
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Episode 264
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15:48
5 Advanced Social Security Strategies to Maximize Your Retirement Income
To maximize your Social Security benefits in retirement, it’s essential to understand five key limits and thresholds:✅ Earnings Limit: If you start Social Security before full retirement age, benefits may be reduced if your wages exceed...
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Episode 263
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17:35
Root Talks: How Do We Approach Team Building?
Root Financial is redefining what it means to serve clients by putting team culture front and center. In this episode, James and Ari dive into the firm’s bold move to hire a Head of Culture—an uncommon role in financial advising—dedicated to su...
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Episode 262
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25:40
Major Social Security Bill Passed: $190B in New Benefits to be Paid After Eliminating WEP & GPO
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5 by former President Joe Biden, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced Social Security benefits for individual...
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Episode 261
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10:43
Root Talks: What's the Difference Between Root Financial and Other Advisory Firms?
In this behind-the-scenes episode, James and Ari explore what sets Root apart in the financial advising industry. Moving beyond traditional roles like stock pickers and planners, they emphasize Root’s mission as “protectors” of clients’ most ch...
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Episode 260
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27:40
How Should You Invest $10M+? Most Underutilized Strategy Revealed
Direct indexing, an advanced investment strategy, allows investors to own individual stocks within an index instead of a mutual fund or ETF, offering greater control and flexibility. This approach is particularly valuable for tax-loss harvestin...
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Episode 259
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23:40
Root Talks: Behind the Scenes at Root Financial: How We Approach Team Building
James and Ari provide a behind-the-scenes look at Root Financial, shifting from typical financial strategies to how their team operates. They discuss Root’s intentional approach to maintaining consistency in financial advising through rigorous ...
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Episode 258
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24:50
3 Simple Steps to Retire in 2025
Many individuals are hesitant to retire, even when financially prepared, due to uncertainty and a lack of clear planning. This episode provides a practical guide to making retirement a reality, focusing on three key steps:As...
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Episode 257
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17:43
Here's How to Avoid a Retirement Filled with Anxiety or Regret
In this episode of Root Talks, James and Ari dive into the reality that retirement planning can be tricky, with the fear of running out of money and the regret of underspending often at odds. The key is finding balance—spending wisely while enj...
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Episode 256
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23:12
How to Travel the Country and Start Living Before Actually Being Fully Retired
LJ and Kelly share their inspiring journey of embracing a retirement lifestyle before fully retiring. Motivated by Kelly’s experiences as a physical therapist, witnessing many patients unable to enjoy retirement due to health issues, the couple...
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Episode 255
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37:32
How Many Investment Firms Should I Split my Money Between?
James and Ari discuss diversification and the nuances of managing investments. A client plans to split his funds across multiple institutions, like Schwab and Vanguard, believing it will improve diversification, but true diversification isn’t a...
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Episode 254
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22:32