Advertise on podcast: Retirement Income School - Safe Money Solutions to Retire Financially Relaxed

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 54. How to Turn Your $500K TSP into Lifetime Monthly Income You’ve built $500,000 in your Thrift Savings Plan—but how do you turn those savings into monthly retirement income? In this episode of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda explores how a fixed indexed annuity with a lifetime income rider could fit into a federal retiree’s income plan. Follow a $500,000 illustration to see how age, income start date, and spousal coverage affect potential payouts. Learn how to compare TSP and outside annuity options, evaluate fees and withdrawal restrictions, and consider using a portion of your TSP to help build your retirement income floor. Lesson Mentioned: Hybrid Pension Explained: What $500K Really Buys Timestamps: 00:00 Turning your TSP savings into lifetime income01:00 TSP basics and retirement income options02:00 How a TSP rollover and income rider work03:00 Principal protection and lifetime withdrawals04:00 The $500,000 illustration: Meet Sam and Sally05:00 How delaying income affects illustrated payouts06:00 Comparing carriers, guarantees, and contract features07:00 Five potential benefits and liquidity considerations08:00 Beneficiary provisions and your overall income plan09:00 Building an income floor with a partial TSP rollover10:00 Comparing TSP and outside annuity options11:00 Taxes, early withdrawal rules, and annuity costs12:00 Key takeaways and booking a Q&A call13:00 Educational disclaimer 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 53. $500K "Hybrid Pension" Explained: What Retirees Are Really Buying What are you really buying when you put $500,000 into a “hybrid pension”? In Lesson 53 of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda explains why this marketing term refers to a fixed index annuity with a lifetime income rider—and how it differs from an employer pension. Learn the difference between account value and income base, how lifetime income is calculated, and the trade-offs involving fees, liquidity, growth limits, and inflation. A hypothetical $500,000 example compares starting income now versus waiting and choosing single-life versus joint-life payments to help you understand where this approach may fit in a retirement plan. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: What is a “hybrid pension”?01:00 – Fixed index annuities and lifetime income riders02:00 – Pension envy and protection against outliving your money03:00 – Two phases: Accumulation and lifetime income04:00 – Account value vs. income base05:00 – Funding with retirement accounts or after-tax savings06:00 – Trade-offs: Surrender periods and rider fees07:00 – Growth limits, inflation, and access to funds08:00 – Who might benefit? Understanding your income gap09:00 – Paychecks, playchecks, and other income needs10:00 – Three questions to ask before buying11:00 – $500,000 hypothetical example: Immediate vs. deferred income12:00 – Comparing deferral periods and single-life payouts13:00 – How timing and joint-life coverage affect income14:00 – Lesson recap and next steps15:00 – Book a Q&A Call and educational disclaimer 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 52. Mean Annuity Comments: What They Get Right and Wrong Are annuities a scam, or can they serve a useful purpose in retirement? In this lesson of Retirement Income School™, I take common criticisms from viewer comments and look at the questions behind them. We’ll cover fees and tradeoffs, access to your money, how lifetime income riders work, inflation, and what backs an insurer’s guarantees. I’ll also compare MYGAs, fixed indexed annuities, and index funds so you can better understand where each might fit—and what to ask before making a decision. Other Videos Referenced in This Lesson:  Why the 4% Rule Falls Short  Are Insurance Companies Safe for Retirement Income?  Timestamps: 00:00 Why annuities draw strong opinions 02:49 What annuities really cost 07:15 Surrender charges and access to your money 08:10 Is annuity income just your own money? 10:15 Inflation and the 4% rule 12:40 Planning income for now, later, and ongoing needs 14:25 Who backs an annuity guarantee? 17:50 MYGAs, fixed indexed annuities, and index funds 19:34 Should you buy an annuity? 22:00 Questions to guide your decision 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 51. What Happens When You Work With Me? My 4-Step Process What does a retirement income planner actually do—and what should you expect when working with one? In this lesson of Retirement Income School, Dr. Amanda takes you behind the scenes of her retirement income planning process. You’ll see how she evaluates a client’s complete financial picture, identifies income gaps and risks, compares potential strategies, and helps clients make informed decisions. Dr. Amanda also explains the tools she uses—including Asset Map, Annuity Genius, and Roth conversion modeling software—and discusses implementation, ongoing support, annual reviews, and how she is compensated. If you’ve spent decades building your savings but aren’t sure how to turn those assets into reliable retirement income, this episode will help you understand what a retirement income planning relationship can look like. Timestamps: 00:00 What Does a Retirement Income Planner Do?00:49 Why Dr. Amanda Works With Retirees02:36 Retirement Planning Is More Than Investing03:02 Accumulation vs. Retirement Distribution04:38 Common Retirement Income Concerns06:43 The Four-Step Planning Process07:22 Step 1: Retirement Income Q&A Call09:05 Step 2: Discover and Analyze09:25 Building Your Financial Asset Map11:21 Step 3: Modeling Solutions and Recommendations12:04 Comparing Annuity Income Strategies13:42 Modeling Roth Conversions and IRMAA14:21 Step 4: Review and Make Decisions15:13 Implementation and Ongoing Support16:13 How Dr. Amanda Is Compensated16:58 Client Experiences and Reviews18:39 Planning Process Recap19:06 How to Book a Q&A Call   📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 50. The Roth Conversion Clock Is Ticking: Why 2026–2028 Matters Roth conversions are often described as a way to pay taxes today instead of tomorrow—but their value may extend well beyond tax rates alone. In this episode, Dr. Amanda explains why 2026 through 2028 may provide an important Roth-planning window, explores six ways required minimum distributions can affect retirement, and walks through a hypothetical $1 million Roth-conversion case study. You’ll also learn how a Roth-friendly fixed indexed annuity may be incorporated into a broader strategy for tax diversification, future flexibility, and legacy planning. Timestamps: 00:00 Why Roth conversions are receiving attention 01:01 Why 2026–2028 may be a planning opportunity 03:13 The broader purpose of Roth conversions 05:16 Six potential chain reactions of RMDs 09:06 The $1 million Roth-conversion case study 12:20 Building the Roth-conversion blueprint 16:44 Reviewing the five-year conversion strategy 18:35 What the strategy is designed to accomplish 20:10 Key Roth-planning takeaways 20:44 How to explore your own Roth blueprint 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 49. The Old Annuity Is Gone. Here's What Retirees Buy Now.  Annuities have changed significantly over the years, yet many opinions about them are still based on older products and outdated contract designs.  In this lesson, Dr. Amanda explains the evolution of annuities and compares variable annuities, multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs), and fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). You’ll learn how their fees, growth methods, protections, liquidity features, and income options differ—and why the right question is not whether annuities are good or bad, but what specific role an annuity needs to serve in your retirement plan. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why not all annuities are the same 01:29 – The misconception that all annuities have high fees 02:16 – How annuities have evolved over time 03:24 – How modern MYGAs work 05:41 – Fixed indexed annuities and market-linked growth 07:01 – Variable annuities, fees, and market exposure 10:56 – Comparing variable annuities, MYGAs, and FIAs 12:33 – Understanding fees by annuity type 13:37 – How lifetime-income riders work 14:35 – Old annuitization versus modern flexibility 16:29 – The roles annuities can serve in retirement 18:35 – Choosing an annuity based on the job it needs to do 18:51 – How to explore your annuity options 19:32 – Closing and educational disclaimer 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// 48. Medicare IRMAA 2026: Should You Stop Your Roth Conversion? Could Roth conversions raise your Medicare premiums—and should that stop you from converting? In this lesson of Retirement Income School, Dr. Amanda explains how the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) affects Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, why exceeding an income threshold by even one cent can trigger higher costs, and how Medicare’s two-year lookback works. You’ll also see a Roth conversion demonstration using an IRMAA tier-cap strategy. Through a hypothetical case study, Dr. Amanda compares conversion timelines, explains the potential cost of waiting, and shows why strategically managing IRMAA may be more effective than abandoning Roth conversions altogether. Timestamps: 00:00 Should IRMAA stop your Roth conversions?01:09 What is IRMAA? 01:51 Understanding the 2026 IRMAA tiers 03:47 The IRMAA cliff explained 04:46 Three IRMAA rules that matter 06:08 How an IRMAA tier-cap strategy works 07:05 Roth conversion software demonstration 10:07 Sam and Sally’s five-year conversion plan 14:11 Comparing a no-surcharge strategy 16:06 Why every Roth conversion plan is different 16:54 The potential cost of waiting to convert 18:07 Key takeaway: Convert with the IRMAA cliff in mind 18:22 Building a personalized Roth conversion strategy 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog //////// Can an FIA (Fixed Indexed Annuity) Protect You from Market Losses? Can a fixed indexed annuity provide market-linked growth without exposing your principal to market losses? In this episode of Retirement Income School, Dr. Amanda explains how FIA downside protection works and the trade-offs that come with it. You’ll learn about 0% floors, caps, participation rates, rate locks, fees, surrender periods, and renewal rate integrity. Dr. Amanda also walks through FIA software examples to illustrate available crediting strategies, hypothetical contract values, liquidity provisions, and the role an FIA may play as the protected portion of a retirement portfolio. Timestamps: 00:00 Can an FIA protect you from market losses? 01:15 Why market downturns matter in retirement 02:28 Sequence-of-returns risk 04:36 How predictable income may support retirement 05:11 How a fixed indexed annuity works 05:40 FIA software walkthrough 07:16 Fixed accounts and index allocation options 12:30 Roth-friendly FIA considerations 15:00 Guaranteed and hypothetical contract values 17:23 Three potential downsides of FIAs 20:31 Who may be a good fit for an FIA 21:00 Final considerations and next steps 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog Social Security is one of the most important sources of retirement income, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this special Retirement Income School™ interview, I sit down with Martha Shedden, co-founder and president of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA), to discuss how Social Security really works and why your claiming decisions can have a lasting impact on your retirement income.  We cover the history and purpose of Social Security, claiming strategies, spousal and survivor benefits, taxation of benefits, and the biggest misconceptions retirees face today. Most importantly, we address the question that's on everyone's mind: What does the future of Social Security really look like, and should retirees be worried? Whether you're approaching retirement or already collecting benefits, this conversation will help you make more informed Social Security decisions. SHOWNOTE LINK: https://actuary.org/socialsecurity/  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – Meet Martha Shedden & NARSSA 02:05 – The History of Social Security 04:10 – Why Social Security Is Your Retirement Income Floor 06:15 – Full Retirement Age & How Benefits Are Calculated 09:30 – Spousal Benefits Explained 15:45 – Survivor Benefits & Divorced Spouse Rules 20:10 – Real-Life Claiming Strategy Example 22:50 – How Social Security Benefits Are Taxed 25:35 – How I Use RSSA Software With Clients 26:20 – The Future of Social Security 27:20 – Will Social Security Run Out of Money? 29:15 – Potential Changes Congress Could Make 33:20 – Should You Claim Early Because You're Worried? 34:00 – Martha's Final Advice for Retirees 34:45 – Closing & Retirement Income School™ 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog The 4% rule has been the cornerstone of retirement income planning for decades—but is it still the best strategy for today's retirees?  In this lesson, I'm joined by retirement income expert and bestselling author Dr. Wade Pfau, one of the world's leading researchers on safe withdrawal strategies and the safety-first approach to retirement planning. Together, we discuss the history of the 4% rule, why it may leave retirees feeling financially stressed, and how guaranteed lifetime income can create greater confidence throughout retirement. We also explore sequence of returns risk, risk pooling, spending shocks, the surprising research linking guaranteed income to greater retirement happiness, and why building an income floor may be one of the most important decisions you make before retiring. If you're looking for a smarter way to turn your savings into reliable retirement income, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Income School 01:18 Meet Dr. Wade Pfau 02:20 The History Behind the 4% Rule 05:45 Why the 4% Rule Falls Short Today 09:40 Understanding Safety-First Retirement Planning 14:30 Building a Guaranteed Income Floor 18:15 How Risk Pooling Makes Annuities Different 24:10 Planning for Spending Shocks in Retirement 28:45 The Research on Happiness and Guaranteed Income 33:20 Why So Many People Hesitate to Use Annuities 37:45 A Simple Retirement Income Action Plan 40:30 Final Thoughts 🔗Dr. Wade Pfau Links:Retire with Style Podcast: https://retirewithstyle.com/Retirement Researcher: https://retirementresearcher.com/Retirement Planning Guidebook: https://amzn.to/4vBVU3rSafety First Retirement Planning: https://amzn.to/4vBVU3r 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 44. Will Your Annuity Cover Your RMD at 73? If you own an annuity inside an IRA, one of the biggest questions you'll face in retirement is whether it will satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The answer depends on the type of annuity you own.  In this episode, Dr. Amanda explains how RMDs work beginning at age 73 (or 75 for some retirees), how they're calculated, and how different annuities—including MYGAs, Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), and FIAs with income riders—handle RMDs. You'll also learn key RMD rules, aggregation strategies, and common mistakes to avoid so you can simplify your retirement income plan with confidence. Timestamps: 00:00 – Will Your Annuity Cover Your RMD? 01:00 – What Is an RMD? Age 73 & 75 Rules Explained 02:20 – Which Retirement Accounts Require RMDs? 03:00 – IRA, 401(k), 403(b), and Roth IRA RMD Rules 06:00 – How to Calculate Your RMD Each Year 07:00 – Understanding the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table 09:00 – First-Year RMD Rules & Roth Conversion Timing 10:00 – How MYGAs Handle RMDs 11:45 – How Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) Handle RMDs 12:30 – $450,000 FIA RMD Example at Age 75 14:00 – Three Ways to Take RMDs from an FIA 15:00 – How Income Riders Can Automatically Cover Your RMD 16:00 – QLACs: Delaying RMDs Until Later in Retirement 17:00 – Comparing MYGAs, FIAs & Income Riders for RMDs 18:00 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 43. The 4th Bucket Strategy: Turn Home Equity into Retirement Income (with Don Graves) Most retirees spend decades building wealth in their 401(k)s, IRAs, investment accounts—and their homes. But when it comes time to create retirement income, many people overlook one of the largest assets they own: their home equity. In this episode of Retirement Income School, Dr. Amanda sits down with retirement housing wealth educator Don Graves to discuss The 4th Bucket Strategy and how today's FHA-insured reverse mortgage—known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)—can be used as a proactive retirement planning tool instead of a last-resort financial product. You'll learn how the 4th Bucket can provide liquidity during market downturns, help reduce sequence of returns risk, support Roth conversion strategies, prepare for long-term care expenses, and create greater flexibility for retirement spending—all while dispelling many of the myths surrounding reverse mortgages. If you've never considered housing wealth as part of your retirement income plan, this conversation may change the way you think about one of your most valuable retirement assets. Don Graves Education Links:www.housingwealthmasterclass.comwww.HousingWealthCalculator.com www.HousingWealthInstitute.com/blogwww.YouTube.com/askdongraves www.Housingwealthinstitute.com/contact-us Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Meet Don Graves 02:18 What Is a HECM (Modern Reverse Mortgage)? 06:10 Understanding IJAM 09:40 Why Home Equity Is the "4th Bucket" 15:05 Using Housing Wealth as a Market Hedge 19:40 Long-Term Care Planning with Home Equity 23:15 Common Reverse Mortgage Myths 28:30 Wade Pfau's Research on Sequence Risk 31:05 Using a Reverse Mortgage for Roth Conversions 34:05 Why Every Retiree Should Know Their Housing Wealth Options 36:10 Using the 4th Bucket Alongside Annuities 38:20 Final Thoughts 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 42. Why $2M in Retirement Savings Still Feels Stressful Why do so many retirees with $2 million, $3 million, or even $5 million still feel anxious about money? In this episode of the Retirement Income School, Dr. Amanda explains why a large nest egg does not automatically create peace of mind. The real issue is not just how much you have saved - it is knowing how much you can safely spend, how to create reliable income, and how to protect yourself from market stress, tax surprises, and the fear of running out. Dr. Amanda walks through the four biggest retirement fears she sees most often, why tax-deferred accounts can make your net worth look larger than your true spendable wealth, and how building an income floor with guaranteed income sources can help create more confidence in retirement. She also shares a practical example showing how a couple can turn part of their IRA into predictable lifetime income while keeping the rest invested for growth. Timestamps: 00:00 Why $2M in retirement savings can still feel stressful 00:42 The real question your nest egg does not answer 01:23 Why net worth can be misleading in retirement 02:18 The IRA tax trap and the "IOU to the IRS" concept 03:27 Fear #1: Outliving your money 04:09 Fear #2: Market volatility controlling your spending 04:50 Fear #3: Not enjoying the money you saved 06:01 Fear #4: The stress of spending down assets 07:53 The real cause of retirement anxiety: no income plan 08:42 Why predictability matters more than a bigger portfolio 09:12 What an income floor is and why it matters 09:42 The essential expenses your income floor should cover 10:34 The 3 sources of guaranteed retirement income 11:23 How annuities can fill an income gap 12:04 Research on why annuity owners feel less stressed 12:43 Case study: Sam and Sally's $2 million IRA 13:44 Using $600,000 to create guaranteed income 14:17 How delaying income can increase monthly payouts 16:15 How annuity carrier options change over time 17:18 Enhanced income payments and long-term care features 18:07 Example: $67,883 per year in guaranteed income 19:20 Why this payout is higher than a 4% withdrawal strategy 20:36 How lifetime income helps protect against longevity risk 21:16 Understanding the doubler and income rider features 22:07 Fees, transparency, and death benefit basics 23:51 Addressing the concern that kids get nothing 25:15 Creating a personalized pension with part of your IRA 26:11 Why an income floor helps you ignore market swings 27:03 The biggest takeaway: retirement confidence comes from a plan 27:35 How to take the next step in building your income floor 28:34 Educational disclaimer 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 41. How to Turn Your 401k into a Steady Monthly Salary | $500K Example For decades, your paycheck arrived like clockwork. Then retirement begins—and suddenly the deposits stop, even though the bills keep coming. In this lesson of Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda explains why a 401(k) was designed to accumulate wealth, not create retirement income, and walks through a simple four-step framework for turning retirement savings into a predictable monthly paycheck. You'll learn how to identify your income floor, calculate your income gap, understand key retirement risks, and explore strategies that can help create guaranteed lifetime income. Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you think differently about transforming your nest egg into reliable retirement cash flow. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the paycheck stops in retirement01:00 – The hidden problem with relying on a 401(k) for income02:00 – Accumulation vs. decumulation: two different retirement phases02:45 – Understanding the 4% rule and sequence of returns risk03:45 – Longevity risk and the challenge of a 30-year retirement04:35 – Shifting from “What's my number?” to “How much income do I need?”05:00 – The four-step process to create a retirement paycheck05:25 – Step 1: Calculate your income floor06:10 – Step 2: Identify reliable income sources07:00 – Step 3: Determine your retirement income gap07:40 – Step 4: Fill the gap with a lifetime income annuity08:15 – Real annuity income example using $500,000 from a 401(k)09:30 – How deferral periods affect lifetime income payouts10:05 – Single vs. joint income strategies10:45 – Comparing annuity income to the 4% withdrawal rule12:10 – How a 401(k)-to-IRA rollover works13:20 – Tax considerations and qualified retirement accounts13:50 – Recap of the four-step retirement income strategy14:20 – Next steps for building your retirement paycheck15:00 – Educational disclaimer 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda: calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog /////////////// 40. Roth Friendly Annuities: What Retirees Need to Know Many retirees are looking for ways to reduce future tax burdens, lower Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and create more tax-efficient retirement income. One strategy that often comes up is the Roth conversion—but what role can annuities play in that process? In this episode of Retirement Income School™, we break down the concept of Roth Friendly Annuities, how they may support a multi-year Roth conversion strategy, and why some retirees use them as part of a broader retirement income and tax planning approach. You'll learn how certain insurance carriers facilitate Roth conversions, what a mirrored contract is, and key factors to consider before implementing this type of strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: What Is a Roth Friendly Annuity?01:00 – Why Roth Conversions Matter for Retirees02:15 – Understanding Partial Roth Conversions03:15 – Tax Bracket Management Strategies04:30 – Using Tax Brackets to Guide Conversions05:20 – Historical Tax Rates and Future Planning06:15 – Defining a Roth Friendly Annuity07:25 – How Mirrored Roth Contracts Work08:35 – Converting on Your Terms09:20 – Carrier Administration and IRS Reporting10:05 – How Taxes Are Paid During Conversions11:05 – Why Some Retirees Use Annuities for Roth Conversions12:10 – Bonus FIA Strategies Explained13:00 – Growth-Oriented FIA Strategies13:45 – MYGA Strategies for Conservative Investors14:35 – Using Income Riders for Future Tax-Free Income15:40 – Why Carrier Selection Matters16:45 – Roth Friendly Annuity Recap17:40 – Key Takeaways: Solving Tax and Income Challenges18:35 – Schedule Your Retirement Income Q&A Call 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: [email protected]: @RetirementIncomeSchool About Dr. Amanda Amanda Barrientez | PhD, RICP®, RSSA®, NPN #19460436IBC Practitioner®, Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group Member®Court of the Table Member MDRT®  Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.