Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchRetiring With a Pension? Here’s How It Changes Everything About Your Retirement Math
Episode 341
Retiring with a pension changes everything about your retirement math.
Most people think about retirement in terms of net worth—how close they are to …
3 months, 2 weeks ago
When Saving Becomes a Habit You Can’t Turn Off | Root Talks
Episode 340
Some retirees have more money than they ever imagined… and still feel guilty buying the $5 M&Ms.
This episode is for the lifelong savers who nailed th…
3 months, 3 weeks ago
The Wake-Up Call That Made Him Retire 10 Years Early | Retirement Reality
Episode 339
A cancer diagnosis changed everything. When Michael’s wife began chemo, time took on a new meaning. The long-term financial plan suddenly felt second…
3 months, 3 weeks ago
The Secret Cost of Claiming Social Security Too Early (or Too Late)
Episode 338
Forget the race for the biggest Social Security check. The real question isn’t how high your benefit can go, it’s how well it fits your life, taxes, …
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Retiring at 54: Why Darren Says It Feels Surreal | Retirement Reality
Episode 337
In this episode of Retirement Reality, Darren shares what it’s really like to walk away from work at 54 and why it still feels surreal. After decades…
4 months ago
How to Maximize Social Security Spousal Benefits (Even if you Collect Your Benefit Early)
Episode 336
A single misunderstanding about Social Security spousal benefits can cost couples thousands over retirement. This episode unpacks the real math behin…
4 months, 1 week ago
I Threw the First Pitch at a Padres Game—Here’s the Real Lesson | Root Talks
Episode 335
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—throw…
4 months, 1 week ago
Retirement Benchmarks by Age: 40, 50, 60 (And What If You’re Behind?)
Episode 334
Those “3x by 40, 6x by 50, 10x by 67” charts feel official—until your life doesn’t match the average. In this episode, James shows why age-based savi…
4 months, 1 week ago
The Unexpected Exit at 55 — Finding Freedom, Purpose, and Identity
Episode 333
In this episode of Retirement Reality, meet Donovan, a 55-year-old retiree who turned an unexpected career exit into an opportunity for freedom, refl…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
3 Steps to Build a Retirement Paycheck That Lasts
Episode 332
Early retirement income can feel complicated, but a steady paycheck from savings starts with a simple framework. This episode reframes withdrawal dec…
4 months, 2 weeks ago