Target Date Funds, Annuities, and the Truth About Your Future

What do pro athletes and your retirement plan have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Aspire to Retire, Ralph and Tim Short break down the real-world challenges of planning for life after work. They tackle the pros and cons of target-date funds and annuities, explain why financial …

Why Your Retirement Plan Needs More Than Just Numbers

What’s the real key to a successful retirement? Ralph and Tim Short dive into the strategies that matter most as you step into a new year. From building a clear retirement roadmap to understanding your risk tolerance, they explore why planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about purpose. The conv…

Will Social Security Be Enough? Why Your Retirement Plan Needs More

Is Social Security enough to secure your retirement? In this episode, Tim Short tackles the uncertainty surrounding Social Security and why it’s crucial to take control of your financial future. They break down the essentials of building a personalized retirement plan that goes beyond cookie-cutt…

Needs vs. Wants: The Retirement Reality Check

What’s the real difference between what you need and what you want in retirement?  In this episode, Ralph and Tim Short dive into the essentials of building a retirement plan that works for you. They break down Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), explore how to prepare for life’s unknowns, and …

Retirement Redefined: Beyond Just Making Ends Meet

Retirement isn’t just about paying the bills; it’s about living the life you’ve always imagined. In this episode, Ralph &Tim Short challenge the traditional view of retirement, urging listeners to think beyond mere survival and embrace a future filled with purpose and enjoyment. He explains why gua…

Afraid to Spend? The Hidden Challenge of Retirement

What’s the biggest fear retirees face? It’s not running out of money—it’s spending it. In this episode, Ralph and Tim Short dive into the psychology behind retirement spending and why so many people hesitate to use the savings they worked hard to build. They explore the importance of a structured …

Your Advisor Isn’t the Boss—You Are

Ever wondered if your financial plan is truly working for you? In this episode, Ralph and Tim Short dive into why getting a second opinion could be the smartest move for your retirement strategy. They explore how challenging your current plan can uncover blind spots, spark fresh ideas, and ultima…

Beyond Algorithms: Why Human Advice Still Wins

What happens when technology meets the human touch in financial planning? This episode, Ralph and Tim Short dive into the growing influence of AI in the financial sector and why human advisors remain indispensable, especially for those approaching retirement. We explore how personalized guidance, …

Navigating Retirement Accounts and Tax Strategies

In this conversation, Ralph and Tim Short discuss the importance of making informed decisions regarding retirement accounts and tax strategies. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying retirement while still healthy and the need to consider the tax implications for future generations. The conversat…

Fear, Finances, and the Retirement Wake-Up Call

What happens when retirement comes sooner than expected—and you're not ready? In this episode, Ralph and Tim Short unpack the emotional and financial complexities of early retirement, especially for those affected by government layoffs. They dive into the realities of TSP and pension options, the s…