Podcast Episodes

James Threw the First Pitch at a Padres Game—Here’s the Real Lesson | Root Talks

Episode 288

What if the “smart” money choice isn’t the choice that builds your best life?
This Root Talks episode starts with a bucket-list moment for James—throwing the first pitch at a Padres game—and turns int…

Published on 8 hours ago

Why Only 3% of US Retirees Have Over $1M

Episode 287

Most headlines shout that you need millions to retire comfortably. The truth? It depends on you. 

Ari breaks down what “enough” really means, and how to design a plan that fits your lifestyle, health,…

Published on 3 days, 8 hours ago

Here's How Your Spending Will Change Throughout Retirement (The Retirement Smile)

Episode 286

Feeling like “flat” retirement spending plans don’t match real life? You’re not imagining it. Spending typically follows a retirement smile: higher in the early “go-go” years, lower in the “slow-go” …

Published on 1 week, 3 days ago

Will Low Returns Ruin Your Retirement? (How to Interpret Goldman Sachs 3% Forecast) | Root Talks

Episode 285

What if the next 10 years bring just 3% returns from the S&P 500?
In this episode, we turn that forecast into a real-world retirement plan—not panic. You’ll learn how to stress test your portfolio, bu…

Published on 2 weeks ago

How To Save On Healthcare In 2026 (If Retired)

Episode 284

Feeling like healthcare makes early retirement impossible? It’s a common belief, but often fixable with thoughtful income planning. Premium tax credits under the ACA aren’t vanishing; the enhanced cr…

Published on 2 weeks, 3 days ago

Here's Exactly How To Withdraw From A 401(k)/IRA To Live In Retirement

Episode 282

Feeling anxious about taking money from your retirement accounts? You’re not alone. That first withdrawal feels odd after decades of saving, but a clear process and tax plan turns uncertainty into co…

Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago

A Beginner's Guide To Roth Conversions

Episode 281

Are you overthinking your Roth conversion strategy? While Roth conversions can be powerful, not every retiree needs them. In this video, you’ll learn when a Roth conversion truly makes sense—and when…

Published on 1 month ago

The Cliché Advice You Should Finally Pay Attention To

Episode 280

We’ve all heard the clichés: focus on what you can control, embrace the pain not the suffering, fight for what you want. Easy to dismiss, right? But the truth is, those sayings stick around for a rea…

Published on 1 month ago

7 Benefits Of Brokerage Accounts (Superhero)

Episode 279

Forget everything you thought you knew about retirement planning. While 401(k)s and IRAs get most of the spotlight, brokerage accounts can be a powerful tool for flexibility, tax savings, and early r…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

6 Surprising Statistics About Wealthy Retirees

Episode 278

Retirement anxiety does not discriminate based on wealth. Even multi-million-dollar portfolios are not immune to the fear of running out of money. This creates one of retirement’s greatest paradoxes:…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago