Advertise on podcast: Retire Sooner with Wes Moss

Could you be spending more in retirement than you think? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase dig into new research on retiree spending, a possible comeback for pensions, and a wide-ranging batch of listener questions about saving, investing, and planning for the future.   ·       Explore research suggesting many retirees may underspend, and why money that arrives as an income stream may feel easier to spend than money pulled from savings. ·       Climb the "yield ladder" and see how dividends and interest from different types of investments may factor into retirement income. ·       Examine why more employers seem to be offering pensions again, and how cash balance plans may differ from traditional pensions. ·       Unpack where extra cash flow may go once the mortgage is paid off, from Roth 401(k) catch-up contributions to brokerage accounts. ·       Learn when a 529 plan may be "enough," and how Trump accounts and future Roth conversions may fit into a child's long-term savings. ·       Review how withdrawals from a 403(b) with both pretax and Roth money may be taxed. ·       Compare investing a lump sum all at once versus dollar-cost averaging over time. ·       Follow how the U.S. government and Federal Reserve may add money to the system, and what that may have meant for post-COVID inflation. ·       Discover options for people aging alone, including financial powers of attorney, professional fiduciaries, and trust companies.   From Jean Chatzky’s new book on retiree spending and pensions to 529s, Roth conversions, and estate planning, Wes and Christa take on some of the money questions many listeners may be facing. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about retirement planning, investing, and financial independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement planning is often about more than reaching a number; it’s also about what life looks like once you get there. On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase explore the financial decisions, relationships, and sense of purpose that may factor into retirement life. Explore research on retirement happiness and the factors often associated with well-being as we age. Examine sobering trends involving suicide, overdose deaths, and social isolation among older Americans. Discover how purpose, community, and meaningful connections may relate to retirement well-being. Consider the “friendship recession” and what shrinking social circles may mean for life after work. Start meaningful conversations with loved ones about some of the tougher realities of aging and retirement. Compare the financial considerations of upsizing in retirement versus staying put. Weigh renting versus buying and the financial trade-offs that may come with each option. Review concentrated stock positions, step-up in basis, capital gains, and inheritance considerations. Clarify factors to consider when consolidating multiple 401(k) accounts after changing jobs. Evaluate pension lump sums versus monthly payments, including the 6% test as one way to compare the options. Explore factors to consider when deciding whether to invest HSA assets for potential long-term healthcare expenses. Balance retirement account contributions against the financial trade-offs of paying down a mortgage. Compare target-date funds with customized portfolios during the retirement accumulation and distribution phases. Read Wes’s new book, The Retire Sooner Method, and explore the research behind the financial and lifestyle characteristics often associated with a happier retirement. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for an engaging, educational conversation about retirement planning, financial independence, and life beyond the paycheck.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What might everyday millionaires, Coast FI, and skilled trades teach us about building wealth and planning for retirement? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase explore the money decisions, tradeoffs, and strategies that may help shape the road to financial independence. ·       Discover how “everywhere millionaires” are building wealth through hands-on businesses far beyond the Silicon Valley spotlight. ·       Explore the appeal of Coast FI and why life’s financial curveballs may complicate even a carefully designed plan. ·       Examine how skilled trades such as plumbing and electrical work may fit into the conversation around careers, income, and wealth building. ·       Assess how risk tolerance, time horizon, and market swings may help shape a retirement investment mix. ·       Consider how young, high-earning professionals might weigh taxes, student loans, and workplace retirement plansas their incomes grow. ·       Compare lump-sum and monthly pension options while factoring in inflation, COLAs, longevity, and income needs. ·       Evaluate securities-backed lines of credit, including their potential benefits and risks, and how they differ from traditional mortgages. ·       Learn how realizing investment gains may affect reportable income and eligibility for ACA health insurance subsidies. ·       Understand the tax and eligibility considerations surrounding custodial accounts and Roth IRAs for young adults. ·       Explore Wes’s new book, The Retire Sooner Method, and the research behind his approach to the financial and lifestyle characteristics associated with a happier retirement. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more conversations about retirement planning, investing, financial independence, building wealth, and the financial and lifestyle decisions that may come into play on the road to financial independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the economy really K-shaped, or are we looking at a different letter entirely? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle the “E-shaped economy,” interest rates, retirement planning, AI, dry powder, and the pursuit of a happier retirement. ·       Rethink the K-shaped economy as Wes considers whether an “E-shaped economy” is more associated with today’s financial landscape. ·       Connect the dots between interest rates, housing, bonds, 401(k)s, consumer sentiment, and spending. ·       Discover how “dry powder” may fit into a retirement income strategy and how cash reserves may be used and replenished over time. ·       Consider the role dry powder may play within a diversified retirement portfolio. ·       Navigate a familiar retirement dilemma: What happens when one spouse wants to make a big purchase and the other would rather save? ·       Examine the relationship between liquid assets and total net worth and why that balance may matter in retirement. ·       Question whether AI can handle financial planning on its own, and where human judgment may still play a role. ·       Explore retirement planning considerations for those who may feel like they’re getting a late start. ·       Consider cash-management approaches for loved ones who prioritize financial security and leaving a legacy over spending. ·       **Meet **The Retire Sooner Method, Wes’s new book exploring five lifestyle and financial characteristics his research found among some of America’s happiest retirees. ·       Compare two factors that may contribute to a happier retirement: meaningful core pursuits and a good night’s sleep. Listen to the Retire Sooner Podcast for a lively and educational conversation about retirement planning, investing, the economy, and the pursuit of a happier retirement.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When should you retire, and what might shape the years that follow? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle listener questions about retirement planning, investing, retirement income, and the surprises life may throw your way. ·       Consider why retiring sooner may provide more time to enjoy healthy, active retirement years. ·       See what certain retirement stories may reveal about health, longevity, and planning for the unexpected. ·       Explore Wes’s new book, The Retire Sooner Method, and his latest research on happy retirees. ·       Examine how rental property income may factor into retirement cash flow and diversification, along with the risks and responsibilities of owning real estate. ·       Weigh paying down the mortgage against keeping cash available for a future home or land purchase. ·       Meet what some refer to as the “boomer candy” of investing—buffered ETFs—and learn how their potential benefits, limitations, and risks may function. ·       See why sequence of returns risk may matter when you start withdrawing money in retirement. ·       Untangle the tax, diversification, and emotional considerations that may come with selling a concentrated stock position. ·       Navigate the investing, tax, and financial questions that may come with retiring abroad. Join Wes and Christa for real questions, relatable stories, and an educational look at the decisions that may shape retirement planning. **Listen and subscribe to the **Retire Sooner Podcast for more conversations about investing, retirement income, and the pursuit of an earlier, happier retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Got retirement questions? Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle them in this rapid-fire episode of Retire Sooner Podcast. Take an educational look at retirement planning, investing, Roth accounts, college savings, bonds, and more. ·       Explore considerations for when high-yield savings account rates start heading south, including evaluating brokerage money market funds. ·       Balance daycare bills, taxable investing, and 529 college savings when there never seems to be enough room in the budget for every goal at once. ·       Understand how backdoor Roth and mega backdoor Roth strategies work and factors to consider. ·       Consider the tricky question of whether a potential inheritance belongs in a retirement plan. ·       Look beyond the higher distributions of high-yield ETFs to the potential risks hiding underneath. ·       See what it’s like for financial advisors to juggle client concerns, annual planning, and a steady stream of market and economic news. ·       Review The Retire Sooner Method, from getting the financial pieces in place to finding purpose, nurturing friendships, and getting better sleep. ·       Compare individual bonds, bond funds, and bond ETFs when weighing income characteristics, diversification, and simplicity. ·       Evaluate whether boosting Roth or after-tax contributions may make sense as retirement gets closer. Hear Wes and Christa take on the retirement questions that may be on your mind, too. **Listen and subscribe to the **Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about money, retirement, and building toward a happy retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stock market may be hitting all-time highs, but is that a reason to celebrate or worry about what comes next? On the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase turn current headlines and listener questions into a lively conversation about investing, retirement, Social Security, housing, 55+ communities, healthcare, and more. ·       See what history may tell us about stock market all-time highs, why they have historically arrived in bunches, and how corrections may fit into the picture. ·       Track the S&P 500’s historical performance and put today’s market highs into historical perspective. ·       Ask whether early retirement might work by weighing spending, taxes, healthcare, Social Security, and retirement withdrawals. ·       Consider how much your adult children should know about your net worth, inheritance, and estate plans. ·       Weigh the pros and cons of using 529 plan funds for private education, including a potential wrinkle for families in New York. ·       Picture life in a 55+ community and explore ways to test-drive the lifestyle before making a move. ·       Think through renting in retirement and how rising housing costs may affect a long-term retirement budget. ·       Navigate the tougher side of retirement planning, including healthcare, Social Security, long-term care costs, and caregiving. ·       Revisit when to claim Social Security as questions continue around the program’s future funding and potential changes. ·       Discover the Retire Sooner Method and explore a framework intended to help you think through the financial and lifestyle pieces of an earlier, happier retirement. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for an engaging, educational take on the money and life questions that often come along with planning for retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to retire sooner and enjoy the years you’ve worked so hard for? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle listener questions about retirement planning, investing, taxes, retirement income, and the pursuit of a happier life after work. ·       Examine the idea of building a retirement life map around what matters most to you. ·       Discover what Aristotle can teach us about retirement happiness, purpose, and fulfillment. ·       Confront spending anxiety and why letting yourself enjoy your savings can be surprisingly difficult. ·       Consider when it might be time for a change of scenery—and what a move may mean for your finances. ·       Compare **cost-of-living **calculators when sizing up potential retirement destinations. ·       Analyze strategies for untangling concentrated stock positions, diversification, and the potential tax tradeoffs. ·       Explore the Rule of 55 and when it may provide penalty-free access to certain 401(k) funds. ·       Experience the Retire Sooner Method, from the Money & Happiness Green Zones and Core Pursuits to relationships and sleep. ·       Break down the 4% rule of thumb, withdrawal rates, and the fear of running out of money. ·       Weigh a HELOC versus IRA withdrawal while considering taxes and potential Roth conversions. ·       Walk through listener scenarios involving retirement readiness, withdrawal strategies, and investment allocation. Retirement is about more than hitting a number—it’s also about figuring out what you want those years to look like. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about the money and life behind a happier retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When should you claim Social Security? Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement? And how do you balance saving for retirement while helping pay for college? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they tackle listener questions and explore practical perspectives on retirement planning, retirement income, taxes, pensions, and planning for a more fulfilling retirement. planning for a more fulfilling retirement • Compare Social Security claiming approaches and the factors that may influence your decision. • Consider how health, longevity, your spouse, and taxes may shape your retirement plan. • Explore the research behind Core Pursuits and why they may play an important role in retirement satisfaction. • Balance retirement savings and college funding while weighing different education-planning options. • Evaluate pension survivor benefits, cash reserves, and mortgage payoff as part of your broader financial picture. • Access preorder bonus information for The Retire Sooner Method, no matter where you purchase it, including your favorite local bookstore. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about retirement planning, Social Security, retirement income, investing, taxes, and financial independence—and discover new ideas to consider as you prepare for retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement planning isn't just about the numbers—it's also about trying to create a life you'll enjoy living. Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they tackle listener questions, share fresh retirement planning perspectives, and explore the habits that may help shape a more fulfilling future, including sleep! • Discover The Retire Sooner Method, including the Money & Happiness Green Zones, the Retirement Superpower, and the role Core Pursuits may play in retirement. • See how sleep, net worth benchmarks, liquid investable assets, income, and mortgage payoff may influence long-term retirement planning. • Hear practical discussions about long-term care, IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), healthcare before Medicare, and managing short-term cash. • Compare the bucket strategy, retirement account consolidation, fixed annuities, and structured notes while weighing flexibility, liquidity, and risk. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase for engaging and educational conversations about retirement planning, retirement investing, retirement income, and financial independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to build a happy retirement? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they blend retirement planning research with listener questions to explore the financial and lifestyle choices that may help shape life after work. • Learn how the five-step Retire Sooner Method brings together the financial and personal sides of retirement planning. • See how retirement "green zones" may help you think about savings, income, liquidity, and mortgage decisions. • Explore why core pursuits, strong friendships, and even better sleep have been linked to greater retirement satisfaction. • Hear practical conversations about written financial plans and other habits that may help reduce money-related stress. • Get answers to listener questions about AI financial tools, Roth conversions, bond funds versus money markets, spousal IRAs, retirement income, paying off a mortgage, reverse mortgages, and annuities. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about retirement planning, retirement investing, and personal finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement is about more than growing your nest egg; it’s also about building friendships, finding purpose, and making informed financial decisions along the way. Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they blend listener questions, new research, and practical conversations about retirement planning, retirement investing, and personal finance. • Hear an inspiring listener story about trading everyday life for a full-time adventure aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean. • Discover new research on how long it may take to build close friendships and why those relationships may matter throughout retirement. • Learn why making new friends often gets tougher with age—and what may help create more meaningful connections. • Explore how The Retire Sooner Method encourages balancing financial security with purpose, relationships, and the experiences often associated with making retirement meaningful. • Explore portfolio diversification, pensions, liquidity, and how stocks, bonds, and cash may work together in a retirement portfolio. • Compare working with a financial advisor versus DIY investing, including what research suggests about each approach. • Review how financial planning may extend beyond investing to include tax planning, estate planning, and family priorities. • Consider ways to balance retirement savings, mortgage payments, and emergency cash reserves when extra income comes your way. • Understand portfolio rebalancing during market volatility and what Treasury notes and yield to maturity mean for fixed-income investors. Whether you're counting down to retirement or already there, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives to help you navigate the road ahead. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more conversations about retirement planning, investing, and living well in retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss shares the story behind The Retire Sooner Method and explores the research on the financial and lifestyle habits associated with greater retirement satisfaction. • Discover five habits that research has associated with greater retirement satisfaction. • See how saving a little time today may create more flexibility in retirement. • Hear the story behind the "Happiest Retiree on the Block" and The Retire Sooner Method. • Explore how purpose, core pursuits, close friendships, and a written financial plan may support retirement well-being. • Learn how the Money Red, Yellow, and Green Zones may relate to financial confidence. • Consider how healthy routines, meaningful activities, and quality sleep have been associated with overall well-being. • Access the research, charts, and resources behind The Retire Sooner Method at retiresoonermethod.com. Whether retirement is years away or already here, this episode offers research-based perspectives on retirement planning and financial well-being. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation on the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational discussions about investing, retirement, and living a life of purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement planning comes with plenty of questions, and this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast is built around answering them. Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase as they tackle listener questions on retirement income, investing, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, target-date funds, and career changes. • Compare the bucket strategy with other approaches to generating retirement income. • Learn how withdrawal guardrails may help shape spending decisions in different market environments. • Consider 401(k) and Roth IRA options if you're working to build your retirement savings. • Find out how target-date fund fees and expense ratios really work and how they may fit into a retirement withdrawal strategy. • Explore what a second-act career may look like in education, healthcare, technology, or financial services. • Review what to expect when moving from a financial advisor to a self-directed investment account. • Understand why compounding and asset allocation may matter whether you own one fund or several. Whether you're saving for retirement, approaching retirement, or already there, you'll find thoughtful perspectives on some of today's most common financial questions. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more conversations about retirement planning, investing, and retirement income. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consumer advocate Clark Howard joins Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase for a special Retire Sooner Podcast episode packed with listener questions, thoughtful debate, and real-world financial scenarios. From retirement planning and investing to tax considerations and the pursuit of a more fulfilling retirement, this conversation explores a wide range of topics through the lens of everyday decisions. • Explore how technology stocks, index funds, IPOs, and diversification continue to shape the current investing landscape. • Examine retirement timing, market volatility, and the role consistent investing may play over time. • Consider mortgage, refinancing, capital gains, and tax-planning questions raised by listeners navigating major financial decisions. • Compare Target Date Funds and ETF portfolios while weighing different approaches to diversification and risk. • Evaluate the tradeoffs of selling versus renting a home before an extended move overseas. • Explore the role core pursuits, purpose, and meaningful activities may play in discussions about retirement satisfaction. • Learn about the **pre-sale of Wes Moss's new book, **The Retire Sooner Method, including available bonuses and how to reserve a copy. Whether you're thinking about your portfolio, your next chapter, or both, this episode offers plenty to consider. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more conversations about retirement planning, investing, and the financial and lifestyle decisions that may shape life after work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices