Are Retirement Portfolios Missing a Critical Risk?

Fidelity’s decision to add annuities to target-date funds is reigniting a major retirement planning debate. In this episode, Dan Groben and Phil Menard explore why income planning is becoming just as important as market growth, the difference between market risk and interest-rate risk, and the ques…

Why Are Retirees and Gen Z Rushing to Roth Accounts?

Are today’s tax rates the lowest you may see in retirement? Dan Groben and Phil Minard discuss why Roth accounts are attracting attention from both Gen Z investors and retirees. They explore the factors driving interest in Roth conversions, how taxes can affect retirement income, why withdrawal str…

The Hidden Risk Lurking in Your "Safe" Retirement Money

What if the "safe" side of your retirement portfolio isn't as safe as you think? Dan Groben and Phil Menard examine whether the traditional 60/40 portfolio still works in today's market and why bonds may present challenges that many investors overlook. They discuss interest rate risk, the impact of…

You May Be Able to Retire Sooner Than You Think

What if the retirement date you’ve been assuming for years is much closer than you think? Dan Groben and Phil Menard share a real-life case of a saver who expected to work until age 70, only to discover a different path after building a detailed retirement income strategy. The conversation explores…

The Diversification Illusion: Are You More Exposed Than You Think?

What if your “diversified” portfolio is secretly riding on just a handful of stocks? Dan Groben and Phil Menard break down how persistent inflation impacts retirement plans and why true diversification matters more than ever. They explore hedging strategies using assets like commodities, real estat…

The Silent Drain on Your Retirement: Are Hidden Fees Stealing Your Future?

Fees could be quietly draining your retirement account without you realizing it. This episode breaks down how investment fees show up, often hidden in fund expenses, commissions, and 401(k) structures, and why many investors struggle to identify what they’re actually paying. The conversation explor…

The Roth Move That Could Cost You Control

What if moving your retirement money could quietly limit your options or create unintended consequences down the road? This episode explores a potential rule change that would allow Roth IRAs to move into workplace plans, and why that shift may not be as simple as it sounds. The conversation breaks…

The Backdoor Roth Trap No One Talks About

Think a backdoor Roth is a simple workaround? Think again. In this episode, Dan Groben and Phil Menard break down how backdoor Roth strategies really work, why they’re just a traditional IRA contribution followed by a conversion, and the small missteps that can trigger big tax consequences. They di…

When Retirement Lasts Longer Than Your Career

A 40-year retirement sounds like a stretch, until you realize it’s already happening. This episode explores how longer lifespans are reshaping retirement planning, from managing decades of income needs to navigating rising healthcare costs and inflation. The conversation highlights why relying on m…

Why Annuities Are Quietly Taking Over Retirement Plans

What if the “safe” part of your portfolio isn’t actually safe anymore? This episode breaks down why annuities are making a comeback as retirees face rising inflation, market volatility, and potential Social Security cuts. The conversation highlights how modern fixed index annuities differ from outd…