Retirement Answer Man
A top retirement podcast. Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, guides you on how to actually do retirement well financially and personally. This retirement podcast isn't afraid to talk about the softer side of retirement. It will teach you how to retire with confidence. Two-time PLUTUS winner for best retirement podcast / blog and the 2019 winner for best financial planner blog. This retirement podcast covers how to create a paycheck, medicare, healthcare, Social Security, tax management in retirement as well as retirement travel and other non-financial issues you'll need to address to rock retirement. Retirement isn’t an age OR a finan...
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Retire on FIRE- Rocking an Early Retirement: Meet Henry and Lucy
<p><br>As the new year begins, Roger Whitney launches a new Retirement Plan Live case study, introducing Henry and Lucy, a couple in their mid-40s pursuing Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE). Roger revisits the 4% rule as a planning heuristic, explains when it can be helpful, and sets the stage for a live community analysis later this month. The episode closes with a Smart Sprint focused on updating your net worth statement and a listener’s word for 2026.</p><p><br>OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN</p>(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you no...
Year-End Planning: Estimated Tax Payments
<p>As the year comes to a close, Roger Whitney reflects on the power of words, walks through an important year-end tax planning reminder for retirees, shares listener stories and perspectives, and invites listeners to choose a guiding word for 2026 as a way to approach retirement with greater intention and clarity.</p><p>OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN</p>(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence and clarity to lean in and rock it.(00:45) Roger reflects on slowing down, reclaiming meaning in familiar words, and recommitting to clearing...
Year-End Planning: The Basics of Charitable Giving
<p>In this Christmas Eve episode, Roger Whitney explores the basics of charitable giving as part of an intentional retirement plan, with a timely focus on year-end decisions. He explains how charitable deductions work, common planning mistakes to avoid, and why generosity is most effective when paired with a resilient financial plan. Roger also shares a Rocking Retirement in the Wild story from a listener who is actively living a purpose-filled retirement, reflects on the corporate language we can leave behind when we retire, and answers listener questions on retirement readiness, gifting inheritance early, and the risks of relying on...
Year End Planning: RMD Rules for IRAs & Inherited IRAs
<p>In this episode, Roger Whitney walks listeners through the complexities of inherited IRAs, highlighting the impact of the SECURE Act of 2019 and clarifying the distinctions between eligible and non-eligible designated beneficiaries. He explains how these classifications affect withdrawals and tax planning, making the rules easy to understand. Roger also answers listener questions on topics like retirement team selection and funding health insurance with HSA accounts. Beyond the numbers, he shares practical strategies for creating more meaningful holiday conversations, drawing on real-life examples to show how curiosity and intentionality can help you connect more deeply with the people you care...
Year-End Planning: Annual Gifting Rules
<p>In this episode, Roger Whitney, a retirement planner with 30 years of experience, breaks down annual gifting limits and year-end planning. He shares practical strategies for giving that make a real impact and create meaningful experiences for loved ones. Roger also answers listener questions, providing clear guidance to help you navigate your retirement with confidence.</p><p><br>OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN</p>(00:00) This podcast is dedicated to helping you rock retirement.(00:57) Today Roger talks about annual gifting limits.<p>RETIREMENT TOOLKIT</p>(01:45) In today’s Retirement Toolkit, Roger explores year-end planning by breaking down th...
Year-End Planning: Tax-Loss Harvesting
<p>💬 Show Notes</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Roger Whitney kicks off a month-long series on year-end planning for retirement. He shares insights on tax loss harvesting, a technique that can help you minimize capital gains tax. Listen in as Roger explains the basics of capital gains, the importance of proactive planning, and the potential benefits of offsetting gains with losses. Plus, he introduces a smart sprint action item to help you optimize your tax strategy before the year's end!</p><p><br></p><p>OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN</p>(00:00) This podcast is...
Should I Use My Traditional IRA to Fund My Life or Do Roth Conversions?
<p>💬 Show Notes</p><p><br></p><p>In this Thanksgiving Eve episode, Roger Whitney encourages listeners to carry gratitude into everyday life, emphasizing the value of recognizing specific moments and taking “mental snapshots” of what matters. He also addresses common retirement questions, including how to think about traditional versus Roth IRAs and whether to use IRA withdrawals or pursue Roth conversions. It’s a clear, practical discussion to help you reflect and make informed planning decisions.</p><p><br></p><p>OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN</p>(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you rock retiremen...
My Advisor Recommended an Annuity. Should I Buy It?
<p>💬 Show Notes</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Roger Whitney dives into the essentials of required minimum distributions, explaining the age thresholds, how the amounts are calculated using IRS life expectancy tables, and how to manage multiple IRAs and 401(k)s. He also answers listener questions, including whether a flexible premium deferred income annuity might make sense and how to determine how much you can safely give to loved ones or charity now. Packed with practical advice and actionable insights, this episode helps listeners navigate the rules and strategies that can impact their retirement planning.</p><p><br>...
How Do I Build My Initial Cash Cushion for Retirement?
<p>💬 Show Notes</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Roger Whitney explores the psychology of loss aversion and how it affects financial decision-making. He introduces the new Retirement Toolbox segment, offering practical, actionable tools to help you strengthen your retirement plan. We also cover the benefits of Qualified Charitable Distributions and answer listener questions on retirement planning and asset allocation. Don’t miss this insightful discussion designed to help you confidently navigate and optimize your retirement!</p><p><br></p><p>OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN</p>(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not j...
The 10 R's for a Joyful Retirement with Cesar Aguirre
<p>💬 SHOW NOTES</p><p><br>In this episode, Roger Whitney explores the art of retirement goal setting with his signature blend of practical advice and thoughtful reflection. He sits down with Cesar Aguirre, who shares how leaving a corporate career led to a purposeful and fulfilling retirement, the evolution of his book, and the importance of aligning goals with personal values rather than just chasing big achievements. Roger also addresses listener questions on planning, discretionary spending, and shifting mindsets around money, offering actionable insights to help create a retirement that’s intentional, joyful, and aligned with personal values.</p><p><br...
