Retirement Starts Today

Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®

Do you want to spend more money in retirement, while paying less taxes? Great news, you're in the right place! I'll also teach you the benefits of retiring TO something, while most retirees only solve half the equation by retiring FROM something. Tune in every Monday morning - hosted by Benjamin Brandt CFP, RICP. Join my "Every Day is Saturday" weekly newsletter for show notes, free book giveaways and other great retirement content: www.retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter read less

Our Editor's Take

Retirement Starts Today aims to help people plan for retirement. The podcast offers retirement strategies. Topics include Social Security, 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and taxes. The podcast started in 2015.

Benjamin Brandt hosts Retirement Starts Today. Benjamin is a certified financial planner. Investment News recognized him as one of the top 40 financial advisors under 40. The podcast host has an interesting background. He is the founder and president of Capital City Wealth Management. The company's home base is Bismarck, North Dakota. Benjamin was deployed to Iraq in 2003 for fifteen months. He served in the North Dakota Army National Guard for eight years.

Brandt brings in financial planning experts to share their insights. Notable guests include Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank and Professor Jamie Hopkins. Fellow podcaster Roger Whitney has also appeared on the retirement podcast.

One episode discusses The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are and How Old You Think You Are." Some people wonder why their high school friends look so old. Then their image in the mirror surprises them. Benjamin discusses the concept of feeling younger than one's physical age. How does such a person decide when to retire?

Another episode is "Plan on Living to 100." Benjamin notes that advances in medicine, nutrition, and technology have increased the odds. He offers advice on what such a plan means for retirement income. This plan, says Benjamin, involves getting past the accumulation mindset.

One memorable episode is "Why Are the Notes Found in Aretha Franklin's Couch a Valid Will?" The podcast explains what the soul singer's last wishes were.Other topics include inverse ETFs, Roth conversions, and starting a business in retirement.

Retirement Starts Today helps listeners through the often intimidating task of retirement planning. Episodes appear weekly. A typical episode is under 20 minutes.

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More Muscles = Better Retirement, Ep #345

More Muscles = Better Retirement, Ep #345

A lot of us are looking to get in shape in retirement. This is a good thing since part of living an even better retirement is looking after your health and muscle mass. Staying healthier and more active longer will ensure that you are making the most out of your retirement. In addition, maintaining a healthy muscle mass is a huge part of keeping your health as you age. In this episode, we’ll explore a Scientific American article on keeping your muscles strong as you age. Make sure to listen in to discover some tools that I use to track my health and wellness as I enter the second half of my life. Outline of This Episode [1:12] Keeping up your muscles[5:23] What I’m doing to stay healthy[10:01] How can two opposite approaches achieve the same goal? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Scientific American articleDexa ScanInBody ScanMy Fitness PalWhoop Band Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Episodes

More Muscles = Better Retirement, Ep #345

More Muscles = Better Retirement, Ep #345

A lot of us are looking to get in shape in retirement. This is a good thing since part of living an even better retirement is looking after your health and muscle mass. Staying healthier and more active longer will ensure that you are making the most out of your retirement. In addition, maintaining a healthy muscle mass is a huge part of keeping your health as you age. In this episode, we’ll explore a Scientific American article on keeping your muscles strong as you age. Make sure to listen in to discover some tools that I use to track my health and wellness as I enter the second half of my life. Outline of This Episode [1:12] Keeping up your muscles[5:23] What I’m doing to stay healthy[10:01] How can two opposite approaches achieve the same goal? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Scientific American articleDexa ScanInBody ScanMy Fitness PalWhoop Band Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Index Funds Have Officially Won, Ep #344

Index Funds Have Officially Won, Ep #344

Do you have index funds in your portfolio? Chances are you do! Our retirement headline today describes the rise of index funds over active funds and why that’s important. Discover how index funds connect with my investment philosophy by pressing play now. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Index funds have grown exponentially over the years[2:23] What are index funds[5:58] How index funds fit into my investment philosophy[10:04] Will my estimated Social Security benefit decrease if I retire before full retirement age? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Morning Star article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

The 529 to Roth IRA Rollover, Ep # 343

The 529 to Roth IRA Rollover, Ep # 343

Recent legislation has made everyone’s favorite college savings plan a little more flexible. Funds in a 529 plan aren’t as locked up as they used to be now that your children’s unused college funds can be rolled into a retirement account. In this episode, we’ll discuss an article from the White Coat Investor which explores how the 529 can be rolled into a retirement account. We’ll discover the benefits and drawbacks of using a 529 to save for retirement. Listen in to hear whether the 529 rollover could help you in your retirement. Outline of This Episode [2:12] Using unused 529 funds[9:30] Utilizing spend-down strategies Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkThe 529 to Roth IRA Rollover Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, or Spotify

The 4 Phases of Retirement, Ep #342

The 4 Phases of Retirement, Ep #342

It may be easy to define success in your working career, but defining success in retirement can be more difficult. What does success look like in retirement? What will you do daily or weekly to get the most out of your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore a TEDx talk about the 4 phases of retirement that many (but not all) experience. Click play to hear how you can squeeze the most juice out of your retirement. Outline of This Episode [1:52] How to squeeze the most juice out of retirement[11:18] Help with spending more in retirement Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkThe 4 Phases of Retirement TEDx Talk The 4 Phases of Retirement by Fritz Gilbert Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

A Short History of the 60/40 Portfolio, Ep #341

A Short History of the 60/40 Portfolio, Ep #341

Due to last year's poor market returns, you’ve probably seen the headlines that the 60/40 portfolio is dead. But is that really the case? This week’s retirement headline explores the history of this classic retirement investment strategy. After we tackle the headlines, Bret and I team up to consider the best places to move in retirement. Listen in to hear where not to move. Outline of This Episode [1:52] A history of the 60/40 portfolio[8:09] Why I like 60/40[15:10] Where should retirees consider moving to for a great retirement? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network A Short History of the 60/40 Portfolio Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

8 Ways to Become Poor in Retirement, Ep #340

8 Ways to Become Poor in Retirement, Ep #340

There are many ways that could threaten your financial security in retirement. Knowing the common issues can ensure that you don’t fall into the traps. Today’s financial headline comes from Yahoo Finance and is called 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement. Listen in to learn what they are so that you don’t drive yourself into the poorhouse. Outline of This Episode [1:22] 8 ways to become poor in retirement[10:58] How can we determine the biases in an advisor Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

More Than Half of Americans Want to Retire Gradually, Ep #339

More Than Half of Americans Want to Retire Gradually, Ep #339

We all want to retire, but have you considered how you would like to transition to retirement? This week’s retirement headline article shares some interesting statistics on phased retirements: who is thinking about them, who is utilizing them, and what people think about them. Listen in to learn the findings. Then stick around for our listener question surrounding stock positions, diversification, and taxes. Outline of This Episode [1:42] Exploring the idea of a phased retirement[7:12] Can a phased retirement allow you to have your cake and eat it too?[11:38] A book update[13:10] Weighing risk vs tax consequences Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network ThinkAdvisor article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

The Retirement Crisis That Wasn’t, Ep #338

The Retirement Crisis That Wasn’t, Ep #338

Once upon a time, there was a prediction that the baby boomer generation would face a retirement crisis. So how did this gloom and doom projection turn into the wealthiest generation in history? Listen in to find out. Make sure to stay tuned for the listener question: What is the best way to fund a large expense without a large tax bill? Outline of This Episode [1:37] The accuracy of predictions[7:26] What is the best way to fund a large expense without a large tax bill Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network City Journal article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Using Guardrails For The 4% Rule, Ep #337

Using Guardrails For The 4% Rule, Ep #337

You’ve heard of the 4% rule, and if you’ve listened to this podcast before, you’ve heard of Guyton’s guardrails strategy. But have you ever heard of using them together? Today’s retirement headline explores this idea. Overall, the article highlights the importance of considering sequence-of-returns risk in retirement planning and adopting flexible strategies, such as guardrails, to ensure financial security throughout retirement. Listen in to learn more about this combination of strategies as well as my opinion on the matter. Then stick around for the listener question segment where Bret and I answer the question: Do I need a will if I want to split my assets evenly between my two children? Outline of This Episode [1:42] Sequence of returns risk is the greatest risk to your retirement[6:48] How you can take the best of both strategies[14:20] Should I have a will to split my assets evenly between my kids? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Financial Advisor Magazine article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

The Challenges of Retiring from a High-Powered Job, Ep #336

The Challenges of Retiring from a High-Powered Job, Ep #336

Is it possible to suddenly step away from a high-powered job and into a life of leisure? This may not be the best idea for your retirement if you work at the executive level. In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll explore an article from Harvard Business Review that outlines several pitfalls that could come with retiring from a high-powered job and insights on how to navigate them. Stick around for the listener question segment to hear the best ways to give money to your adult children while you are still living rather than waiting until you pass away to leave an inheritance. Outline of This Episode [1:42] Advice for a CEO about to retire[3:36] Areas to think about when making the retirement transition[12:54] Advice on giving money to adult children while you’re still living Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Harvard Business Review articleEpisode 295 - How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1Episode 296 - My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff – Lessons in Estate Planning Part 2 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn, Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

5 Expenses Retirees Wish They Spent More Money On, Ep # 335

5 Expenses Retirees Wish They Spent More Money On, Ep # 335

There are two ways to mess up retirement: run out of money or die with regret. Oftentimes, people in the retirement space only focus on the running out of money part. In an effort to help you live an even better retirement, today’s retirement headline discusses the regret part. Join me to learn five expenses that retirees wish they had spent more money on so that you can learn from their mistakes. Stick around to hear the answer to our listener question: Is there one person who can help develop a comprehensive retirement plan? Or do you need to have an investment advisor, a financial advisor, a tax advisor, and an estate planning attorney? Find out the answer by pressing play. Outline of This Episode [1:42] The 2 ways to mess up retirement[8:12] Investing in your home[10:00] Helping your children[14:38] Is there one person that can do all my retirement planning? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Yahoo Finance article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

2 Social Security Mulligans, Ep # 334

2 Social Security Mulligans, Ep # 334

If you want to spend more money in retirement you’ll want to understand how to maximize your Social Security benefits. Many people think that there is no going back once you’ve decided to collect your Social Security benefits. However, today’s retirement headline discusses two options in case you’d like a do-over. In our listener question segment, one listener asks the best way to pass on their assets to their children. Listen in to hear the answer and scroll to the bottom of the show notes to discover more estate planning resources. Outline of This Episode [2:02] What happens if you change your mind about collecting Social Security?[7:01] When exactly should you start Social Security?[10:50] The best way to pass assets onto your kids Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkRetirement Revealed podcastFinancial Advisor Magazine articleEstate planning episodes 295, 296, 124, 313, 255 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

Save Money with These Tax Tips, Ep #333

Save Money with These Tax Tips, Ep #333

Tax season is here so when I found this article from Morning Star to share some tax tips for you. Your tax bill will be the largest bill you pay in retirement. If you want to reduce it, make sure to press play. Helping clients save money on taxes and avoid common investment mistakes is an important task for financial planners. If you don’t have a financial planner, that means you are your own financial planner, so you’ll want to take good notes. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Maximizing tax savings[3:30] How to utilize deductions[7:45] How to utilize investment strategies[11:11] How to utilize Roth conversions[13:32] How to know how much to safely spend and how to know if I’m spending too much? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkEpisode 331 - We Need to Talk About Your Retirement SpendingEpisode 332 - A Tax Break Worth the HassleThe Retirement Tax Podcast - the least boring tax podcast! Morningstar Article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

A Tax Break Worth the Hassle, Ep # 332

A Tax Break Worth the Hassle, Ep # 332

Some tax breaks aren’t worth the hassle of pursuing them, however, today’s example is definitely worth the hassle! If you are charitably minded you’ll want to listen to learn about the advantages of making qualified charitable distributions. Discover how to increase your standard deduction while enjoying charitable tax benefits. Stick around for the listener question to hear a great way to start practicing spending your money when you have been over-flexing your savings muscle. Outline of This Episode [2:22] The power of qualified charitable distributions[5:56] How IRMAA thresholds work[7:27] Three key takeaways[12:41] How to convince your spouse that you have enough money to retire Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

We Need to Talk About Your Retirement Spending, Ep #331

We Need to Talk About Your Retirement Spending, Ep #331

Planning retirement spending is tough to do since there are so many unknowns. Many people tend to take a fear-based approach and rely on the 4% rule. Some even take a step further and spend less of their nest egg. Today’s Retirement Headline urges you to take a different approach. Listen in to hear what the article advises and my thoughts on the matter. Then stick around for the listener question to learn how our national macroeconomic situation affects financial planning. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Rethink underspending in retirement[5:01] My thoughts on the article[10:12] How does our national macroeconomic situation affect financial planning? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast Network The Morning Star articleBOOK - More than Enough by Dave RamseyBOOK - Die with Zeroby Bill Perkins Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

I Don’t Want To Be Old When I Am Old, Ep # 330

I Don’t Want To Be Old When I Am Old, Ep # 330

I don’t know about you, but I want to stay active and healthy for as long as possible. That’s why when I saw this Forbes article I knew I wanted to share it with you. If you want to learn how to age gracefully and maintain your vitality, you won’t miss this episode. Then, stick around to hear my answer to the question: why do some people have a hard time with retirement? Outline of This Episode [1:24] How to age gracefully and maintain vitality[4:20] Embrace interdependence[9:55] Why do some people have a hard time with retirement? Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkForbes articleDexa body scanInBody body scan Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, or Spotify

Lessons Learned from Fall Tax Meetings, Ep #329

Lessons Learned from Fall Tax Meetings, Ep #329

As you probably know by now, Bret and I are here to help you spend more money and spend less in taxes so that you can live an even better life in retirement. This week we’re helping you do that by sharing some lessons that we learned from our clients’ fall tax meetings. If you enjoyed our Lessons in Estate Planning episodes last spring, you’ll love hearing what we learned from our clients this fall. Press play to hear what you can learn from our experience with our clients. Outline of This Episode [1:42] Why we love Roth conversions[10:40] Don’t forget to plan for taxes as a widow/er Resources & People Mentioned How Could This Go Horribly Wrong? Lessons in Estate Planning Part 1, Ep #295My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff – Lessons in Estate Planning Part 2, Ep # 296 Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit:http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter:https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts,Stitcher,TuneIn,Podbean,Player FM,iHeart, orSpotify

How to Pay 0% on Capital Gains [Rebroadcast]

How to Pay 0% on Capital Gains [Rebroadcast]

Would a 0% tax rate help you live an even better retirement? In this week’s Retirement Headline, we’ll explore a WSJ article titled How You Can Grab a 0% Tax Rate. If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will! Listen in to hear how you can learn to plan so that you can take advantage of a 0% tax rate on capital gains income. This episode originally aired in August 2023.

3 Tricks to Help Retirees Spend More [Rebroadcast]

3 Tricks to Help Retirees Spend More [Rebroadcast]

If you have diligently saved throughout your career, you may be ready to retire, yet still feel uncertain about spending your savings. To truly live your best life in retirement you need to learn how to shift from a saving mindset to a spending mindset. In this episode of Retirement Starts Today, we’ll help you do just that. This episode was first broadcast in July 2023.

12 Reasons to Rent in Retirement [Rebroadcast]

12 Reasons to Rent in Retirement [Rebroadcast]

One of the greatest financial assumptions is that it’s always better to own than to rent. However, in retirement, this may not be true. Once you are financially independent it is important to realize that not every dollar you spend needs to yield a return. Join me for this episode of Retirement Starts Today to question traditional thinking and to see how you can improve your life, spend more money, and have more fun in retirement. This episode was first broadcast in June 2023.