💬 Show Notes

In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney sits down with Peter Lazaroff, Chief Investment Officer at Plancorp, for a thoughtful conversation on the power of simplicity in retirement planning. Together, they unpack the common traps of overcomplicating investments and the cognitive biases that often lead us astray. Peter also offers valuable insights into private equity and other complex investment strategies—highlighting when they might help, and when they might hurt. Don’t miss this episode if you're looking to build a retirement plan rooted in clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today Roger chats with Peter Lazaroff about bringing simplicity to retirement planning strategies.
• (02:44) We tend to overcomplicate everything when it comes to retirement planning.
• (04:09) Complexity makes us think something is better or more sophisticated.
• (05:35) “Anything one needs to market heavily is either an inferior product or an evil one.”- Nassim Taleb

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (06:22) Todd shares reflections on why he travels in retirement.

INTERVIEW WITH PETER LAZAROFF

• (10:16) Think of your assets that you need to rock retirement in their own bucket, if you have excess- put it in its own bucket.
• (11:05) Complex investments are just active managers in a different wrapper.
• (11:45) Peter Lazaroff joins Roger to discuss retirement investing and private equity.
• (12:25) Peter discusses his books and announces that he has a new one coming out in 2026.
• (15:00) The core intent of retirement planning is to have core confidence that you can live the life you want now, but also when you're ninety.
• (15:51) Ultimately the goal in retirement planning is elegant simplicity.
• (20:00) Peter reflects on the business of investing.
• (23:02) Investing creates an illusion of control.
• (26:38) Peter discusses the benefit of simplicity and how it helps living heirs when it is time to settle an estate.
• (28:33) Roger chats about an executive order paving the way for private equity to become part of 401ks.
• (30:08) Peter talks about the steps of the probabilistic decision framework.
• (35:48) From 2020 to present, private equity has not added return over public equity.
• (38:30) If the yield is high and you can’t find the risk, it doesn’t mean it's not there.
• (42:08) Private investments are not inherently good or bad, but they are not necessary and can add complications.
• (42:50) Peter shares an example of complexity that he would be more welcome to.
• (47:25) If you don’t believe in traditional active management- you should be out on private investments.

SMART SPRINT

• (48:00) In the next seven days, choose one area—retirement planning, investments, or any aspect of life you want to improve. Before adding anything new, ask: What can I remove or simplify first?

REFERENCES

• Plancorp- Your Financial Life Advocate
• PeterLazaroff.com: Free Book

BOOKS

• Scarcity Brain- Michael Easter
• Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder- Nassim Nicholas Taleb
• Making Money Simple: The Complete Guide to Getting Your Financial House in Order and Keeping It That Way Forever- Peter Lazaroff

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💬 Show Notes

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of navigating Medicare in 2025 with Medicare expert Danielle Roberts from Boomer Benefits. Discover the recent changes in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans that could impact your healthcare decisions. We also share inspiring stories of individuals embracing life in retirement and discuss the importance of reviewing your Medicare options annually. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to ensure you make the best choices for your health coverage!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today on the show, we are going to explore how to navigate Medicare in 2025

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (01:30) Roger shares a story from a listener who was “jolted” into action.
• (03:00) Jamie says she plays mahjong with a group of retired ladies and started a book club.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• (04:55) Roger introduces Danielle with Boomer Benefits to chat about Medicare
• (05:25) What is the state of Medicare right now?
• (10:25) How important is it to pay attention to the annual notice of change?
• (12:15) What are the key things to pay attention to when they get these notices?
• (17:41) Medicare Advantage is heavily marketed and people have strong opinions about Medicare Advantage versus original Medicare.
• (25:05) Roger talks about the company- Boomer Benefits.
• (26:40) What is the service level of Boomer Benefits? What kind of support do you get after you enroll?

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (31:26) Visit Askroger.me to submit questions.
• (31:46) Terri asks for reputable sources for buying health insurance after retirement.
• (35:40) Beth asks a question about the Affordable Care Act and putting contributions into an HSA account without an employer deduction.

SMART SPRINT

• (38:36) In the next seven days, put a date on your calendar for October to review your healthcare coverage

BONUS

• (39:30) Roger shares about what he has been doing in Colorado for the last three weeks.

REFERENCES

• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man
• Boomer Benefits
• Medicare.gov
• Inflation Reduction Act
• Healthcare.gov

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💬 SHOW NOTES

In this episode, we explore the implications of the saying 'nothing is for free' in the context of retirement planning. Join Roger Whitney, a seasoned retirement planner, as he shares a heartfelt story from a listener, David, who exemplifies the spirit of 'rocking retirement.' Additionally, Roger tackles the critical question of whether to accept a free retirement analysis from brokers, discussing the potential costs and consequences involved. Tune in for insightful advice on navigating your retirement journey with confidence!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Roger Whitney: This podcast is dedicated to helping you rock your retirement

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (01:06) David emailed in saying he and his wife are leaning into rocking retirement.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• (03:00) Our title question today came from Phil- he wants to know if it is worth going through free retirement analysis.
• (07:15) What are some of the cautions or things you want to understand about free retirement analysis?

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (13:37) Doug shares feedback about my Smart Sprint on being present.
• (15:11) Rick says he'd like to simplify portfolio.
• (19:30) Cliff sent in a question about stress testing your retirement plan.
• (27:09) Dave has a question about moving a 401k to an independent advisor upon retirement.
• (32:55) Bob asks which retirement plan should you use first: Social Security or savings.

SMART SPRINT

• (38:10) In the next seven days, pay attention to “free” offers—whether it’s a retirement analysis, discount, or credit card perk—and notice the hidden costs or unintended consequences that may come with them.

REFERENCES

• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man

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💬 Show Notes

In this episode, Roger explores how naming and recognizing the different phases of life can bring clarity to the retirement journey. A listener’s question about inherited money sparks a conversation about direct indexing—what it is, when it makes sense, and what to watch out for. He also shares how to navigate calm, choppy, and rough waters in retirement planning so listeners can move forward with more confidence and control.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today we will talk about direct indexing and answer some more of your questions.
• (01:04) Roger talks about acknowledging and naming things in life.
• (04:19) There are four levels that Roger wants to acknowledge with clients- calm waters, choppy waters, rough waters, and change of course.

ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (08:55) Brian says he focuses on spending time with family in retirement.
• (09:20) Don says electric bikes are game changers.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• (10:30) John asks a question about direct indexing.
• (13:17) Direct indexing is when you buy the individual stocks of an index in your own account instead of a fund, allowing for tax benefits and customization but with more complexity.
• (16:32) Should you do this if you are concerned about taxes? What are the benefits? The drawbacks?
• (20:38) Roger says exchanging traded funds has some advantages over indexing.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (21:20) Scott has a follow up question about getting a mortgage in retirement.
• (28:45) An anonymous listener says it's too late for long term care and wants a recommendation for a low risk investment.
• (35:40) Our next question comes from John related to being an executor for an estate.
• (39:17) Dan asks a question about rebalancing.

SMART SPRINT

• (43:46) In the next seven days, take a small step by naming the season of life you’re in—calm, choppy, rough, or changing direction—so you can better focus your energy on where to lean in right now.

UP NEXT

• (44:40) Next week Roger chats with Tanya Nichols on the show and answers some of your questions.

REFERENCES

• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man
  
  

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💬 Show Notes

In this episode, Roger Whitney welcomes elder law expert Kathy McNair to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial topic of elder care, especially for those retiring solo. They explore what elder law really means, how it differs from traditional estate planning, and why having the right legal documents—like healthcare proxies and powers of attorney—is vital for protecting your future and legacy. Alongside practical insights on guardianships and conservatorships, Roger shares a fresh perspective on gratitude and contentment as essential mindsets for a meaningful retirement. Plus, he answers listener questions and wraps up with a special personal announcement.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today on the show, we are going to start exploring elder care with an expert in the area, Kathy McNair.
• (01:06) Let’s talk about gratitude and contentment.

ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (04:40) Roger and Kimberly are embracing retirement as an opportunity to live fully and give back and reconnect with things that matter most.

INTERVIEW WITH KATHY MCNAIR

• (06:26) Roger introduces Kathy, an elder attorney and founder of seniorsolutionsinfo.com and SoloAllies.com
• (08:16) Kathy explains elder law and talks about her background.
• (10:20) What is the difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship?
• (12:00) Roger says one of his clients has a question about his aging mother and how to approach the situation.
• (17:26) Is a power of attorney enough when someone is not cognitively capable?
• (21:33) Kathy talks about starting SoloAllies.com.
• (25:35) For seniors who are aging without close family, the key is to start building your team while you’re still healthy and capable.
• (31:30) The hardest role to solve sometimes is the healthcare proxy role.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (33:07) Submit questions on AskRoger.me.
• (35:45) Joe asks a question about the interview with Charles Ellis.
• (42:30) Joe asks “Can you explain some comments in Charles Ellis book?”
• (45:00) Brian says he’s thinking of doing an NUA with company stock.

SMART SPRINT

• (49:13) In the next seven days, pick an activity and don’t listen to music or a podcast or anything. Be Present.

BONUS

• (49:00) Roger explains that Agile Retirement Management has merged with Align Financial.

REFERENCES

• SoloAllies.com
• Kathy McNair- SeniorSolutions.com
• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man

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💬 Show Notes

In this episode, Roger Whitney returns after a month off, ready to help you rock your retirement! He answers listener questions on a range of topics, including the benefits of choosing between Fidelity and Vanguard, the Rule of 55 for 401(k) withdrawals, and inherited IRA distributions. Roger also chats with discusses the importance of finding the right retirement coach. Join us for practical advice and insights to help you navigate your retirement journey!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Roger Whitney answers your retirement questions on today's show

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (01:08) Brian says he and his wife are playing pickleball during retirement.

CHAT WITH KEVIN LYLES

• (03:30) Roger talks to Kevin Lyles about a financial advisor versus a retirement coach
• (06:29) How does someone determine if they need an advisor or a coach?
• (10:15) Define what you are looking for before finding a coach.
• (12:44) A good coach will listen and have good intuition about what is really going on.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (14:47) Barb says she was thinking of moving her Fidelity assets to Vanguard.
• (21:44) Mark has a question about the Rule of 55.
• (25:53) Craig asks a question about an inherited IRA
• (27:54) Scott says he has discovered something about TSP withdrawals.
• (30:53) An audio question about my Switzerland interview with Scott from a few weeks back

SMART SPRINT

• (32:05) In the next seven days, define something you would like to do and find one person who has done this thing.

BONUS

• (35:00) Roger reflects on how he is going to spend the next 5 weeks.

REFERENCES

• The Retirement Collective- Book
• The Retirement Coaches Association
• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man

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In this episode, Roger Whitney welcomes Michael Easter, New York Times bestselling author of 'The Comfort Crisis' and 'Scarcity Brain.' They delve into the concept of overcoming frugality and the evolutionary mismatches that affect our resource management in retirement. Discover how short-term discomfort can lead to long-term growth, the importance of taking the stairs in life, and the psychological implications of our modern abundance. Tune in for insights that can help you not just survive retirement, but thrive in it!

*Episode originally aired March 27, 2024

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• [01:04] Today we have Michael Easter, author of Scarcity Brain, on the show.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT WITH MICHAEL EASTER

• [02:20] Roger introduces Michael Easter to the show
• [03:14] The Comfort Crisis falls into the Energy Pillar- building energy so you can show up for your life.
• [04:30] Roger asks Michael what his objective was in exploring the Comfort Crisis
• [09:40] Why is it a bad thing to be comfortable?
• [12:40] How do we start being more uncomfortable?
• [16:11] The Scarcity Brain falls into the Vision Pillar.
• [18:00] Why do we have a constant feeling that we don’t have enough?
• [25:25] Quantifying goals is not always the best thing to do.
• [29:01] Michael defines what the scarcity loop is.

TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT

• [33:21] In the next seven days, take the stairs! Do something that most people don't do.

RESOURCES

• BOOK - The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
• BOOK - Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter
• Stutz
• Rock Retirement Club

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In this enlightening episode, we tackle the often overlooked mental shift required in retirement: transitioning from a saver to a spender. Join us as we revisit a compelling conversation with Dr. Daniel Crosby, Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisory Services. We'll explore the psychological barriers many face in letting go of frugality and how to embrace the resources they've accumulated to enhance their lives. Discover practical strategies to gain confidence in spending, overcome the fear of uncertainty, and ultimately, live a fulfilling retirement without the regret of dying with too much money. Tune in for insights that could transform your approach to retirement!

*This episode originally aired March 20, 2024

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• [00:30] Overcoming frugality is a major crisis for many in retirement

INTERVIEW WITH DAN CROSBY

• [01:19] Roger introduces Daniel Crosby.
• [02:50] How do we overcome frugality?
• [04:30] There are a lot of behavioral things that change when you leave full-time work.
• [09:45] How to gain confidence in the midst of uncertainty.
• [17:22] People are wired to avoid regret.
• [18:01] What are some basic things people can do to overcome frugality?
• [22:16] You can't undo 40 years of programming in 4 minutes- experiment with behavior and small commitments.

TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT

• [25:15] In the next seven days, I challenge you to examine your retirement plan and ask yourself- is there something else I should add that’s important to my life?

RESOURCES

• BOOK - The Soul of Wealth by Dan Crosby
• BOOK - The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware
• BOOK - Die with Nothing by Bill Perkins
• Rock Retirement Club
  
  

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