Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, there are five keys to a retirement plan that actually hold up over time. Together, they create a simple framework for thinking through some of the biggest challenges retirees face. And because they all start with the letter D, they’re easy to remember.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

• Diversification should include investments, income sources, and taxes
• Duration planning helps prepare your income and investments for an uncertain retirement timeline
• Downside protection can help reduce the impact of early retirement market losses
• Retirement spending often changes through the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years
• Taxes, fees, inflation, and healthcare costs can create a significant financial drag

Resources for this episode:

Kiplinger Article: How to Turn a $1 Million Nest Egg Into a Lifetime Income Machine | Kiplinger

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For decades, you've worked hard, lived below your means, and built the discipline to save for retirement. But what happens when that same discipline makes it difficult to actually enjoy the money you've spent a lifetime accumulating? For many retirees, the biggest financial challenge is learning how to spend with confidence.

In this episode, Liz explores why successful savers often struggle to transition into retirement spending. She shares insights on how to navigate these challenges, including the importance of open communication between couples about spending and the need for a well-structured financial plan.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

💰 Saver's Mindset: Why spending feels uncomfortable

🧠 Money Psychology: Understanding loss aversion

❤️ Couples & Money: Navigating different spending styles

📊 Retirement Guardrails: Creating confidence with a plan

✈️ Enjoying Retirement: Making memories while you can

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube

You’ve worked hard to reduce investment fees, but what about taxes? In this episode, Liz explores new research showing how taxes may have a much bigger impact on long-term portfolio growth than most investors realize. She breaks down the historical tax drag on investment returns, why today’s tax environment may not last forever, and how smart tax planning can help retirees keep more of what they earn. Plus, she discusses ETFs, tax-efficient investing, and strategies that could make a meaningful difference over the course of retirement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show:

💰 The Tax Drag Effect – Why taxes may cost investors more than investment fees over time

📈 A Century of Research – What 100 years of market and tax data reveal about long-term wealth creation

🚀 The ETF Tax Advantage – How ETF structures can reduce tax costs compared to many mutual funds

🏛️ Will Taxes Rise? – Why retirees should prepare for the possibility of higher future tax rates

🎯 Retirement Tax Strategies – Asset location, Roth accounts, and step-up in basis planning opportunities

Resources for this episode:

Jason Zweig - You've Won the Battle on Investment Fees; You're Losing the War Against Taxes:

https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/you-won-the-battle-on-investment-fees-youre-losing-the-war-against-taxes-6f949f3c

Andrew Ang - Uncle Sam's Cut: A Century of the Federal Tax Drag on US Equity Returns

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6847621

Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube