The Retirement Income Question Most People Haven’t Answered

What’s the bigger retirement risk: a market downturn or running out of income? Steve Aul breaks down key retirement questions, including how to replace a paycheck after leaving work, strategies for creating reliable income, and why Roth accounts and Roth conversions are gaining attention across gen…

The Backdoor Roth Mistake That Could Follow You for Life

A simple retirement strategy could trigger unexpected taxes if you miss one critical rule. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down the realities of backdoor Roth conversions, including the often-overlooked pro rata rule that can create costly tax consequences. He also discusses whether claiming Soci…

What Happens When Too Much of Your Wealth Is in One Stock?

Could election-year uncertainty and market volatility tempt investors into costly mistakes? Steve Aul discusses why midterm election cycles often create market turbulence, strategies for protecting gains after strong market performance, and how different annuity options may fit specific retirement …

Why Be the Richest Person in the Graveyard?

Are you saving so much for the future that you’re missing your life today? This episode explores the idea behind “Die With Zero,” highlighting how retirees often prioritize leaving money behind over creating meaningful experiences. Steve Aul discusses balancing wealth with memories, the hidden tax …

From Saving to Spending: Navigating the First Years of Retirement

Retirement can feel like a race—but without an income plan, it’s easy to lose your pace. This episode explores how aligning your lifestyle with reliable income streams helps reduce uncertainty in the first years of retirement. Steve Aul discusses covering income gaps, balancing withdrawal strategie…

Frozen by Uncertainty? What Inaction Could Be Costing You

What is doing nothing really costing you right now? With market uncertainty, rising costs, and election concerns, many investors feel stuck—but inactivity can carry its own risks. Steve Aul breaks down key decisions around income replacement, managing gains, understanding fees, and navigating Roth …

Rethinking 401(k)s and Income in Today’s Retirement Landscape

Is $5,300 a month really enough to fund the retirement lifestyle you want? Steve Aul breaks down why average spending estimates are only a starting point and how real retirement planning hinges on your personal lifestyle, income gaps, and long-term goals. From creating a “personally funded pension”…

The Hidden Tax Traps Behind Retirement Income

What looks like a steady retirement income can quickly turn into a tax headache if you don’t understand how it’s structured. This episode breaks down how annuities are taxed, the differences between pre-tax and after-tax income streams, and why asset placement matters. Steve Aul also challenges out…

The Retirement Tax Trap Hiding in Your Income Plan

What happens to your income—and your taxes—when the paycheck stops in retirement? This episode breaks down how annuities are taxed, why account type matters, and how income streams can help close retirement gaps. Steve Aul explains the impact of pre-tax vs. after-tax dollars, challenges outdated fi…

The Annuity Debate: Tool of the Past or Fit for Today?

Annuities might be the most misunderstood word in retirement planning—and that misunderstanding could be costly. On this episode, Steve Aul breaks down why annuities get such a bad reputation, how today’s versions differ from the past, and where they may—or may not—fit into a retirement strategy. T…