In ​retirement ​planning, ​some ​questions ​are ​definitely ​better ​than ​others. ​A ​good ​question ​helps ​you ​reframe ​how ​you ​think ​about ​your ​money ​and ​improve ​the ​quality ​of ​your ​financial ​decisions. ​In ​our ​last ​episode, ​we ​talked ​about ​how ​to ​reframe ​five ​key ​questions ​to ​improve ​the ​quality ​of ​your ​answers ​for ​a ​better ​retirement. ​In ​today's ​episode, ​we're ​going ​to ​reframe ​another ​five ​questions.

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

• Why Social Security timing must be evaluated in the context of your entire financial strategy
• The emotional vs. mathematical considerations of paying off a mortgage before retirement
• Why avoiding market risk completely could create other risks that may hurt you more
• The pitfalls of moving everything to cash during volatility
• What you and your advisor should be reviewing regularly to stay aligned with your goals

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Most retirees think they’re asking the right questions, but the most common ones are often framed in ways that lead to incomplete or misleading answers. In this episode, Liz walks through several of the top retirement questions people ask and explains how to reframe each one so the answer actually helps you make better decisions. Learn how to ask better questions so you can make smarter, more confident decisions for your retirement!

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

“How Much Do I Need?” Reframed: shifting the focus from savings totals to income needs

Long-Term Care Insurance: evaluating options instead of simply “rolling the dice”

Maximizing Returns: focusing on keeping your money, not chasing the highest return

Finding Value in Advice: looking beyond “lowest fees” to find true value

Minimizing Lifetime Taxes: why lowering this year’s bill isn’t always the smartest move

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Having two advisors might sound like twice the insight, but it often leads to twice the confusion. In this episode, Liz breaks down the pros and cons of splitting your investments between multiple advisors and explains when it can create unnecessary complexity, overlap, and conflicting advice. You’ll learn why a cohesive, team-based approach- led by one trusted advisor- can simplify your retirement planning and help all your financial pieces work together smoothly.

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

• Why some investors choose multiple advisors
• When two advisors can actually work against you
• The importance of one “quarterback” advisor to unify your plan
• Special situations where more than one advisor might make sense

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Fidelity’s latest report shows a 65-year-old retiring in 2025 may need $172,500 for healthcare expenses in retirement, and that doesn’t even include long-term care. In this episode, Liz breaks down what’s behind those rising numbers, what’s not covered by Medicare, and what proactive steps you can take now to prepare. You’ll also hear how to make healthcare costs a planned part of your retirement strategy instead of a financial shock. Tune in to learn how smart planning today can keep future healthcare costs from derailing your best path to retirement.

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

• $172,500 Price Tag: Fidelity’s new retiree healthcare estimate
• Medicare Isn’t Free: Understanding Parts A, B, D, and Medigap
• HSA Advantages: Triple-tax-free retirement savings potential
• Avoid Misconceptions: Medicare covers needs, not quality upgrades
• Income & IRMAA: Managing income to control premiums

Resources for this episode:

Fidelity Investments® Releases 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate:

https://newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity-investments--releases-2025-retiree-health-care-cost-estimate--a-timely-reminder-for-all-gen/s/3c62e988-12e2-4dc8-afb4-f44b06c6d52e

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Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents; it’s about protecting your legacy, avoiding family conflict, and making sure your wishes are carried out. In this episode, Liz walks through several common estate-planning mistakes she sees in practice, from outdated beneficiary designations and unfunded trusts to how taxes and real-estate transfers can derail good intentions.

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

• Avoiding family conflict through clear communication
• Trusts vs. wills: privacy, speed, and the importance of funding your trust
• Establishing POAs early, waiting until a crisis often limits options
• Looking at your beneficiary designations on a regular basis
• Reducing taxes for your heirs

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If your parents passed away relatively young, it’s only natural to wonder if that means you won’t live into your 80s or 90s either. And from a financial perspective, that raises an important question: Should you claim Social Security early if you don’t expect a long retirement? In this episode, Liz tackles a listener’s question and explains why the answer is more complex than just looking at family history.

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

• Rethinking longevity beyond family history
• How lifestyle choices shape your retirement years
• The trade-offs of filing for SS benefits early
• How your decision can impact spousal survivor benefits
• Running an analysis to weigh trade-offs with confidence

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You’ve probably heard some of the “rules of thumb” that claim to guarantee a successful retirement. They’re often delivered with such confidence that it feels like you should accept them as universal truths. But the reality is far more complicated- what works as a quick guideline can easily become misleading when applied to your financial situation. So, how much weight should you really give these rules when planning your future?

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

• The Rule of 72 and why doubling your money isn’t as simple as it sounds
• Why the 75% spending rule is outdated for today’s active retirees
• The “10x Salary” savings rule, and what it gets right (and wrong)
• Using the 4% withdrawal rule as a starting point
• How the Rule of 100 can underestimate longevity and inflation risks
• Why rules of thumb are conversation starters, not retirement strategies

4% Rule Episode:

https://retireonyourbestpath.buzzsprout.com/2026415/episodes/17312892-the-4-rule-got-an-upgrade-now-what

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Running your retirement numbers is smart, but what if the math you’re using is built on shaky assumptions? In this episode, Liz exposes five common examples of “fuzzy math” that can quietly derail your financial future. From assuming past market averages will continue, to believing you’ll spend less once you retire, these rules of thumb often fall apart when real life kicks in. Liz explains why and shares how to replace guesswork with a plan grounded in reality.

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

• Why average returns can be misleading in retirement planning
• The pitfalls of a “dividends only” strategy
• Why many retirees spend more, not less, in the early years of retirement
• The hidden tax traps that can keep you in, or push you into, a higher bracket in retirement
• Why waiting until 70 for Social Security isn’t always the best choice

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