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Would you rather receive a bigger retirement paycheck today—or invest in a fund focused on dividend-paying companies with the potential for long-term growth? Welcome to ETF Lab, a new series from The Infinite Income Podcast, where we put popular ETFs head-to-head to discover how they work, what risks they carry, and which investors they may serve best. In this episode, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and co-host Autumn Bennett compare two popular income-oriented ETFs: SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) and JEPQ (JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF). Both can play a role in retirement investing, but they pursue very different strategies. The ETF with the highest distribution isn't necessarily the best investment. What matters is choosing funds that fit your retirement income needs, risk tolerance, and long-term financial goals.

Are you taking too much risk with your retirement savings—or could you actually be playing it too safe? Many investors believe that owning several ETFs means they're diversified. Others assume that collecting high monthly distributions makes their retirement portfolio safer. But neither assumption is necessarily true. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and co-host Autumn Bennett explore seven important questions every retiree and retirement investor should ask about portfolio risk.

Your retirement income may feel comfortable today—but will it still buy the same lifestyle 10, 20, or even 30 years from now? Inflation is one of retirement's quietest risks. It doesn't usually take a big bite out of your finances all at once. Instead, it gradually raises the cost of groceries, insurance, healthcare, utilities, home repairs, travel, and everyday living while slowly reducing what each retirement dollar can buy. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett walk through 7 questions every retiree should answer to determine whether their retirement income has a chance of keeping up with rising prices. You'll learn why purchasing power matters more than simply maintaining the same monthly income, which retirement income sources may have the potential to grow, how Social Security's cost-of-living adjustments help, and why your own personal inflation rate may look very different from the headline inflation number. George and Autumn also discuss why becoming too conservative with your investments can create a different kind of retirement risk, how growing dividends and other income sources may fit into an inflation strategy, and why longevity makes inflation even more important. Plus, George shares a simple Future Lifestyle Number exercise that can show what today's monthly expenses could look like 10 or 20 years from now—and a bonus strategy for tracking your own personal inflation rate each year. Because when it comes to retirement, it's not just how many dollars you receive. It's how much those dollars can buy. planning inflation rate, listing income sources that may or may not increase, and tracking your personal inflation each year by monitoring key expense categories. Bonus tip: build flexibility into your plan and monitor five or six essential expenses annually so you can spot trends early and adjust before small gaps become big problems.

Your retirement budget may work perfectly month after month—but what happens when life suddenly hands you a $10,000 or $20,000 expense? A new roof, failed HVAC system, major car repair, unexpected dental work, or costly rental-property repair can quickly turn a comfortable retirement into a financial scramble. The real question isn't simply whether you have enough wealth. It's whether you have enough accessible money to handle a major expense without damaging the rest of your retirement plan. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett walk through 7 questions every retiree should answer to prepare for the expensive months—not just the normal ones. You'll learn how much emergency cash you may need, why liquidity becomes especially important in retirement, what can happen when a major expense hits during a market downturn, and why some so-called emergencies—like replacing an aging roof, vehicle, or HVAC system—aren't really unexpected at all. George also discusses the difficult question of helping children and grandchildren without jeopardizing your own financial security and explains how to create a simple Retirement Shock Fund List identifying the five biggest expenses you could realistically face over the next five years. Plus, you'll get a bonus strategy for creating a financial “pressure-release valve” so you know where your second and third sources of money will come from before you ever need them. Because a retirement plan isn't truly secure just because it works in a normal month. It has to survive the expensive months too.

You may have saved enough for retirement—but have you planned for how much of that money you’ll actually get to keep? Many retirees assume their taxes will automatically go down once the paycheck stops. But retirement can create an entirely different tax puzzle. Social Security may be partially taxable. Traditional IRA withdrawals and required minimum distributions can increase taxable income. Roth conversions can create tax consequences today in exchange for potential benefits later. And some financial decisions can even affect what you pay for Medicare. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett walk through 7 tax questions every retiree should answer before unexpected tax bills start showing up. You’ll learn how different retirement income sources are taxed, why future RMDs deserve attention before they begin, how IRA withdrawals can affect Social Security taxation, why income can influence Medicare premiums, and how tax diversification among traditional, Roth, and taxable accounts can give you more flexibility. George also explains why some retirees consider Roth conversions before RMDs begin, what can happen to taxes when one spouse dies, and why retirement tax planning should look five or ten years ahead—not just toward next April. Plus, you’ll get a simple Retirement Tax Map you can create to identify potential tax issues before they become problems, along with a bonus tip about the best time of year to start your tax-planning conversation. Because in retirement, it’s not just how much income you have that matters. It’s how much of that income you actually get to keep.

What would happen to your retirement plan if one spouse suddenly had to manage everything alone? Most couples spend years planning how they’ll retire together—but far fewer prepare for what happens financially when one spouse dies. Social Security income may change. Taxes can look very different. The house may become harder to afford or maintain. And the surviving spouse may suddenly be responsible for investments, bills, passwords, estate documents, and financial decisions they’ve never handled before. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett walk through 7 questions every married couple should answer before one spouse is left to manage retirement alone. You’ll learn how to think through survivor income, housing costs, Social Security, investments, taxes, trusts and estate planning, financial records, and the important conversations couples often postpone. George also shares a practical Survivor Financial Plan you can create in just a few pages—and a bonus “financial fire drill” that can reveal problems while you still have time to fix them. Because good retirement planning isn’t just about making sure the two of you are financially secure today. It’s also about making sure the person you love will be okay tomorrow.

Healthcare may be one of the biggest expenses you’ll face in retirement—but how much will it really cost, and are there ways to keep some of those costs under control? In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett walk through 7 important healthcare questions every retiree and future retiree should answer. We discuss what Medicare does—and doesn’t—cover, how to budget for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage, dental, vision and hearing costs, the potential impact of long-term care, and why healthcare inflation needs to be part of your retirement plan. George also shares a recent real-world experience with a prescription that was going to cost $109 at his local pharmacy. By checking another legitimate way to pay, he brought the cost down to just $37—and that experience led him to discover even more prescription-pricing options. As George says in this episode: “When your doctor writes the prescription, that's the beginning of the purchase—not the end of the shopping.” Plus, we’ll give you a simple Retirement Healthcare Snapshot you can create to better understand what healthcare is costing you today and what expenses you should be preparing for tomorrow. In this episode: • What Medicare actually covers—and where the gaps may be • How to build healthcare into your retirement budget • Ways to compare prescription drug prices • Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage • Planning for dental, vision and hearing expenses • The long-term-care conversation families need to have • Why rising healthcare costs matter to your retirement portfolio • A simple annual prescription price checkup that could save you money Healthcare costs may be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your retirement plan has to be unprepared for them.

What happens to your retirement plan when the stock market suddenly drops 20%, 30%, or even more? For retirees, a market crash can feel very different than it did during the working years. You're no longer simply watching your investments fluctuate—you may be depending on that portfolio to help pay your monthly expenses. And one emotional decision during a major downturn could have consequences that last for years. In Episode 107 of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett discuss 7 questions every retiree should answer before the next market crash arrives. We look at how much money you may need over the next few years, whether your portfolio is taking more risk than you can emotionally handle, where your retirement paycheck will come from when stocks are falling, and what you should do if your portfolio suddenly drops 20%. We also discuss flexible retirement spending, true diversification, sequence-of-returns risk, cash reserves, and why having a written market-crash plan can help prevent fear from taking control of your investment decisions. Most importantly, this episode isn't about predicting the next crash. It's about preparing your retirement so you don't have to predict one. Plus, George shares a simple bonus strategy that costs nothing and could help prevent one of the most expensive emotional mistakes an investor can make during a market downturn. The Infinite Income Podcast helps everyday investors simplify retirement planning, investing, passive income, and wealth-building so they can make better financial decisions with greater confidence. New episodes every Friday. Invest wisely, retire confidently, and keep building your Infinite Income.

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? The Numbers, the Emotions, and the Hidden Trade-Offs | Episode 106 Should you enter retirement completely debt-free? Or would your money be better invested elsewhere? It's one of the most common questions retirees ask, and the answer isn't always as straightforward as you might think. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett explore one of retirement's biggest financial decisions: whether paying off your mortgage before retirement is the right move. You'll learn why this decision involves much more than interest rates and monthly payments. George and Autumn discuss the emotional benefits of owning your home outright, the financial arguments for keeping a low-interest mortgage, and the hidden trade-offs many retirees overlook. In this episode, you'll discover: Why paying off your mortgage isn't simply a math problem When keeping a low-interest mortgage may make financial sense How opportunity cost affects retirement planning Why liquidity and cash reserves matter The questions every retiree should ask before making this decision This week's George's Golden Rule A practical action step to help you evaluate your own situation Retirement isn't about following someone else's financial blueprint. It's about building a plan that supports the life you want to live. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss another conversation designed to help you invest wisely, retire confidently, and keep building your Infinite Income.

What's the biggest financial fear most retirees have? It's not market volatility. It's not inflation. It's the fear of running out of money. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett tackle one of the most important questions in retirement planning: How much can you safely spend without outliving your savings? You'll learn why the answer isn't found in a magic percentage, why the traditional 4% rule is only a starting point, and how a flexible spending strategy can help you enjoy retirement with greater confidence. George and Autumn discuss the emotional challenge of transitioning from saving money to spending it, the importance of creating a retirement paycheck, and why your spending plan should reflect your values and priorities rather than someone else's retirement strategy. In this episode, you'll discover: Why retirees often struggle to spend the money they've spent decades saving What the 4% rule really means—and its limitations How to separate essential expenses from discretionary spending Why flexibility is one of the most valuable retirement skills How guaranteed income can increase confidence This week's George's Golden Rule A practical action step to help you build a more effective spending plan Retirement isn't about preserving every dollar. It's about using your money wisely to create the life you've worked so hard to build. If you found value in today's episode, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss another conversation designed to help you invest wisely, retire confidently, and keep building your Infinite Income.

Should You Downsize in Retirement? The Financial and Emotional Decision That Could Change Everything | Episode 104 For many retirees, one of the biggest questions isn't about investing—it's about where to live. Should you keep the family home? Downsize to something smaller? Move closer to family? Or stay right where you are? In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett explore one of retirement's biggest decisions from both a financial and emotional perspective. Downsizing isn't simply about saving money. It's about creating the lifestyle you want for the next chapter of your life. George draws on his years as a real estate broker and investor to explain the hidden costs many people overlook, why downsizing doesn't always save money, and how to know if moving is really the right decision for you. In this episode, you'll discover: Why downsizing isn't automatically the right answer The hidden costs many retirees overlook How to evaluate the true financial impact of moving The emotional side of leaving the family home Alternatives to downsizing you may not have considered This week's George's Golden Rule A practical action step to help you evaluate your own situation Whether you're thinking about moving next year or simply beginning to ask the question, this episode will help you make one of retirement's biggest decisions with greater confidence. If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss another episode designed to help you invest wisely, retire confidently, and keep building your Infinite Income.

The Biggest Retirement Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands (And How to Avoid Them) | Episode 103 The biggest threats to your retirement may not be a stock market crash or a bad investment. More often, they're the small mistakes that quietly compound over time. In this episode of The Infinite Income Podcast, George Mayfield, The Dividend Doctor, and Autumn Bennett discuss the most common retirement mistakes they see—and, more importantly, how you can avoid them. You'll learn why retiring without a written plan can create unnecessary stress, why inflation remains one of retirement's greatest hidden risks, how emotional decisions can derail even the best investment strategy, and why purpose, health, and communication are just as important as your portfolio. Whether you're planning to retire in the next few years or you're already enjoying retirement, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and build greater confidence for the years ahead. In this episode, you'll discover: Why hope is not a retirement strategy The planning mistakes that can quietly cost you thousands Common Social Security and cash reserve mistakes Why emotions often do more damage than market downturns The importance of having a purpose after retirement How communication can strengthen both your retirement plan and your marriage George's practical steps for avoiding costly financial mistakes If you've enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss future conversations designed to help you invest wisely, retire confidently, and keep building your Infinite Income.

One of the biggest questions retirees ask is surprisingly simple: "How much cash should I keep in retirement?" Some retirees keep almost nothing in cash because they want every dollar working in the market. Others keep so much cash that inflation quietly erodes their purchasing power over time. So...what's the right answer? In this episode, George Mayfield and Autumn Bennett explain why cash isn't just about earning interest—it's about creating confidence. You'll discover why cash plays a unique role in retirement, how it can help you avoid emotional investing decisions during market downturns, and why the "right" amount of cash depends on your personal retirement plan. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why cash has a completely different job than your investment portfolio • The difference between an emergency fund and a retirement cash reserve • How the Bucket Strategy helps retirees navigate market volatility • Why sequence-of-returns risk matters after you retire • Where to keep your retirement cash, including high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, CDs, and Treasury bills • Why George believes "Cash buys time." Bonus Tip: George shares why cash shouldn't be measured by the interest it earns—but by the financial mistakes it helps you avoid. Question of the Week: How much cash helps you feel financially confident? Are you holding too little, too much, or are you still trying to figure out the right balance? If today's conversation helps you, please share this episode with someone who's preparing for retirement or already enjoying it. It could give them a whole new perspective on one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. And if you found value in today's episode, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss a future conversation. Next Week: The Biggest Retirement Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands (Episode 103).

Episode 101: When Should You Take Social Security? The Decision That Can Change Your Retirement Last week we asked, "Can you afford to retire?" This week we're taking the next logical step by tackling one of the biggest retirement decisions you'll ever make: When should you start taking Social Security? Should you claim benefits at age 62? Wait until your Full Retirement Age? Or delay until age 70? The answer isn't as simple as picking the age that pays the biggest monthly check. In this episode, George Mayfield and Autumn Bennett explain the factors that really matter, including your health, retirement income, spouse, taxes, longevity, and overall retirement goals. You'll discover why the "best" claiming age is different for everyone and why this decision should be part of a complete retirement plan—not made in isolation. In this episode, you'll learn: • The advantages and trade-offs of claiming at age 62, Full Retirement Age, and age 70 • Why Social Security is only one piece of your retirement paycheck • How working in retirement can affect your benefits • Why taxes deserve a place in your Social Security planning • How spousal and survivor benefits may influence your decision • George's practical approach to making this important retirement choice Bonus Tip: George shares one simple habit that can help you make better financial decisions—not just with Social Security, but throughout retirement. Question of the Week: If you're already retired, what influenced your decision about when to claim Social Security? If retirement is still ahead of you, what's your biggest question about claiming benefits? If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who's approaching retirement. It could help them make one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. And if you found value in today's conversation, be sure to follow The Infinite Income Podcast so you never miss a future episode. Next week: How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement?

We're celebrating Episode 100 of The Infinite Income Podcast! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or this is your very first episode, we're grateful you're here. One of the biggest questions people ask as retirement approaches isn't, "How much money do I have?" It's a much more important question: Can I actually afford to retire? In this special 100th episode, George Mayfield and Autumn Bennett walk through the seven essential questions everyone should answer before making one of life's biggest financial decisions. You'll learn: • How to estimate what retirement will really cost • Where your retirement paycheck should come from • Why inflation can quietly threaten your retirement plan • How to prepare for market downturns after you retire • Why healthcare planning matters more than most people realize • The importance of retiring to something—not just from work • Why honest conversations with your spouse or family are essential before retirement Along the way, George shares real-life experiences, practical retirement strategies, and one powerful bonus tip that could change the way you prepare for retirement. Whether retirement is twenty years away or just around the corner, this episode will help you approach the future with greater confidence. Question of the Week: Which of the seven questions challenged your thinking the most? If you found value in this episode, please follow The Infinite Income Podcast and share this episode with someone who's planning for retirement. It really helps us reach more people who are looking for practical financial guidance. 100 episodes. Countless conversations. One mission: Helping everyday investors make better financial decisions with greater confidence. Thank you for being part of The Infinite Income Community. Here's to the next 100 episodes.