The Roth Conversion Sweet Spot: How Much Is Too Much?

Could paying some taxes today help you avoid a bigger tax headache in retirement? Brooks Bernhagen explores year-end tax planning, including Roth conversions, charitable giving, and new deductions. He explains why the goal isn’t simply converting the most money possible, but finding the right amoun…

Could Your Money Outlive Your Retirement Plan?

What happens when retirement lasts 30 or even 40 years instead of 10 or 15? Brooks Bernhagen explores how longevity can reshape retirement planning, from inflation and market volatility to rising healthcare and long-term care expenses. He discusses the role of lifetime income, why retirees may want…

Is Playing It Safe Putting Your Retirement at Risk?

Playing it too safe in retirement could create risks you never expected. Brooks Bernhagen explores how overly conservative portfolios can limit long-term growth and examines the often-overlooked impact of inflation on purchasing power. He also discusses fixed index annuities, diversification, and b…

The Retirement Risk Many Couples Overlook

When spouses are years apart in age, retirement may run on two very different clocks. Brooks Bernhagen discusses how age gaps can affect portfolio longevity, healthcare costs, withdrawal rates, and Social Security decisions. He also examines why planning around the younger spouse’s timeline and con…

Is Your Medicare Plan Changing Behind the Scenes?

That Medicare paperwork in your mailbox could contain changes that matter more than you think. Brooks Bernhagen explains why Medicare isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision, especially during annual enrollment. He discusses potential changes to premiums, prescription drug coverage, formularies, pr…

You Planned One Retirement. What If Life Picks Another?

What if the retirement you’ve spent decades planning for turns out nothing like you expected? Brooks Bernhagen explains why many retirees discover their biggest fears never materialize and how retirement often evolves into something simpler, more fulfilling, and more flexible than imagined. From ch…

The Retirement Expense That Keeps Growing After 65

Think Medicare will make healthcare costs disappear in retirement? Brooks Bernhagen breaks down why a Fidelity study estimates retirees could spend more than $185,000 on healthcare after age 65. He explains the gaps Medicare leaves behind, including premiums, deductibles, dental, vision, hearing, a…

Too Afraid to Spend in Retirement?

What if the biggest retirement mistake isn't spending too much, but spending too little? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen explores the growing challenge of retirement underspending and why many retirees hesitate to enjoy the money they've worked decades to save. The conversation examines how infla…

The Difference Between Leaving an Inheritance and Leaving a Legacy

What if the most valuable part of your estate isn't the money you leave behind? Inspired by reflections on Dolly Parton’s legacy, Brooks Bernhagen explores how estate planning can pass along values, traditions, purpose, and charitable impact alongside financial assets. He shares practical thoughts …

Retiring on Autopilot? The Risk Hidden in the 4% Rule

Is the famous 4% rule giving retirees a false sense of certainty? Brooks Bernhagen examines William Bengen’s updated 4.7% withdrawal rate and explains why retirement income planning shouldn’t rely on a single percentage. The conversation explores how market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, …