Retirement Radio

Is your retirement plan truly complete, or is it missing something critical? In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through the six elements every successful retirement plan must include. Whether you're interviewing a new advisor or evaluating your current one, this episode serves as your checklist. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a pie chart is not a retirement plan—and what a real income distribution plan looks like The three buckets every retiree needs: emergency cash, principal-guaranteed accounts, and a risk bucket Tax minimization strategies, including IRA-to-Roth conversions and charitable giving techniques Why having 60-70% of your portfolio in the market during retirement may be too risky How momentum, dividends, and stop losses can help protect your money in flat or declining markets The difference between the accumulation phase and the distribution phase of your financial life Why bond funds may not be the "safe" option you think they are in a rising rate enviro

Most people file their taxes and move on. But if that's all you're doing, you're leaving serious money on the table — and walking into retirement blind. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP(R) of Decker Retirement Planning breaks down why your tax return is one of the most powerful forward-looking planning tools you have — and how to actually use it. Here's what we cover: The difference between effective tax rate and marginal tax rate — and why most people don't know their real number (hint: if you can't answer it quickly, you're flying blind in retirement). The IRA tax time bomb — why deferring, deferring, deferring into your 70s could force you into a higher tax bracket right when you can least afford it. Roth conversion strategy — who should be doing them, when to start, and why waiting too long is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes we see. Social Security taxation — yes, up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed. The thresholds haven't changed since 1983 and 1993. We'll show

Most people spend decades planning for retirement income — but healthcare? That's the expense that can quietly derail even the best-laid plan. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP® breaks down the three healthcare phases every retiree faces: Phase 1 — The Gap Years (Before Medicare) If you want to retire before 65, healthcare costs don't have to stop you. Brad explains why he's never had a client delay retirement solely because of pre-Medicare insurance costs — and how a straightforward budgeting exercise can make early retirement more attainable than you think. Phase 2 — Medicare Reality Check Medicare helps, but it doesn't cover everything. Dental. Vision. Hearing aids. Supplemental premiums. Fidelity estimates the average healthy 65-year-old couple will spend over $315,000 out-of-pocket on healthcare in retirement — and that number doesn't include long-term care. Ten years ago it was $225,000. Do the math on where it's headed. Phase 3 — Long-Term Care This is the planning conversatio

If you’re nearing retirement, the biggest question is simple: Where will your paycheck come from—and how long will it last? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) breaks down practical retirement income tools—and why many retirees don’t realize the weaknesses of the “pie chart” approach until a market downturn hits. You’ll learn: How an income plan differs from a 401(k) or IRA (tools vs. a plan) The difference between bond ladders/CD ladders and bond funds Why interest rates and bond values move in opposite directions—and why that matters for retirement income How using multiple income sources can help reduce market volatility risk Why Decker Retirement Planning's approach focuses on time horizons and avoiding “drawing from a fluctuating account” Want more retirement education resources? Visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com and look for A Safer Retirement Education. To schedule a complimentary visit with the team: 833-707-3030 Investment advisory and insurance services offer

When a spouse passes away, the emotional toll is obvious—but the financial “whammies” can be just as disruptive: a lower Social Security benefit may disappear, tax filing status changes, Medicare decisions shift, and beneficiary and estate documents need immediate attention. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) break down the practical steps families should understand before a loss happens, and the priorities to address in the first 30–90 days afterward. They cover how survivor benefits work, why taxes often rise for the surviving spouse, and how proactive planning can reduce administrative headaches and costly mistakes. Key topics discussed: Survivor Social Security basics: notify promptly, benefit coordination, and timing considerations Tax impact after a spouse’s death: filing status changes and why brackets can tighten Medicare and supplemental plan review after becoming widowed Account consolidation, beneficiary updates, and estate document cleanup (trust,

How do you really know if you’re ready to retire—before you turn in your notice? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down the six key checkpoints they use to help families move from guesswork to clarity, including the two questions that matter most: How much can you safely draw each month? How do you protect that income when markets change? You’ll learn how Decker Retirement Planning approaches retirement with a math-based distribution plan that coordinates income sources (Social Security, pensions, rental income, and portfolio withdrawals), prioritizes tax efficiency, and helps reduce the risks that can derail retirement—especially in volatile markets. In this episode, we cover: The 6 key points of a retirement plan: plan, tax minimization, risk reduction, portfolio optimization, income optimization, and fee minimization Why a pie-chart portfolio isn’t a retirement plan (and what a real distribution plan should show) Income needs assessment: how to calculate y

Markets have delivered strong returns, but retirement planning is about more than a good run in stocks. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP® joins Brian Decker to break down what today’s retirees and near-retirees need to watch next—especially when you’re transitioning from saving to spending. You’ll hear a practical discussion on: Why strong markets can quietly encourage retirees to take more risk than they realize The “sequence of returns” problem: why a downturn early in retirement can do outsized damage Longevity and rising healthcare costs—and how to plan when you don’t know what life will bring Inflation’s long-term impact, including why sitting in too much cash can be costly over time The mindset shift from accumulation to distribution, and why income planning becomes the priority How to think about “pulling risk back” without “getting out of the market” Why flexibility and planning often matter more than predictions If you’re within 5–7 years of retirement, recently re

The new year is the right time to take a clear look at how taxes, required withdrawals, and income decisions can quietly shape the rest of your retirement. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through the most common tax and planning issues retirees and near-retirees face—and why understanding them early can help you avoid unnecessary taxes, missed opportunities, and future stress. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: How required withdrawals work later in retirement—and why misunderstanding them can create avoidable tax pressure Why the timing of tax decisions matters more than most people realize How portfolio changes can unintentionally trigger taxes if handled without a plan Ways charitable giving fits into an overall income and tax strategy The difference between decisions that must be made during the year and those that can be adjusted later What information your CPA and planning team actually need to help you make better decisions If you’re within 5–

Year-end is one of the few windows where decisions—or inaction—can materially affect how much of your money you actually keep in retirement. In this episode, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) discuss the real-world tax and estate challenges retirees and near-retirees face as the calendar closes—and why waiting can quietly cost you. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: How reallocating risk late in life can trigger unexpected tax bills if handled incorrectly What happens when highly appreciated stocks or real estate are sold without a plan Ways retirees get caught off guard by one-time income spikes that push them into higher tax brackets Why some company retirement plans can create avoidable tax exposure when large positions are involved How timing decisions today can dramatically affect lifetime taxes and what passes to heirs Common estate planning oversights that lead to family tension, delays, or unnecessary costs Why many people think they have a plan—until a tax event or health issue prove

Most retirees don’t realize that the strategies that served them well for 30–40 years of saving can work against them the moment they stop working. In this episode, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down why accumulation and distribution require two completely different approaches—and why misunderstanding that distinction can jeopardize your retirement. Brian explains: Why market losses in retirement are far more damaging than losses during your working years How drawing income from fluctuating accounts accelerates losses and compromises long-term results Why bond funds haven’t acted as “safe money” in today’s rate environment—and the interest-rate risk most retirees overlook What makes the 4% rule unreliable in flat or volatile market cycles How momentum strategies and dividend sleeves fit into a modern risk-reduction plan Why your asset mix should flip at retirement—with only 25–35% of assets exposed to market risk How a laddered, principal-guaranteed income plan provides stability, clarity, and tru

In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) discuss one of the most important questions in retirement planning: “How much income can I safely draw?” Rather than relying on rules of thumb or broad simulations, they explain how a math-based, distribution-first plan helps determine how much income a retiree may be able to take—year by year—while reducing the risk of running out too soon. Brian and Brad walk through: Why many retirees under-spend out of uncertainty The potential risks of drawing income from fluctuating accounts, especially during down markets How laddered principal-guaranteed accounts can help provide stability in income planning Why the traditional 4% rule may fall short during flat or volatile market cycles How pensions, Social Security timing, and rental income can be analyzed mathematically How inflation considerations (COLAs, real estate, conservative return assumptions, and the risk bucket) may be incorporated into a retirement income plan What r

In Episode 140 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray reveal the critical distinction between accumulation and distribution strategies—and why using the same approach in both phases of life can be financially devastating in retirement. They unpack: Why traditional pie chart portfolios are not retirement plans The danger of using the 4% rule without accounting for sequence of returns risk How a distribution-first strategy helps ensure reliable income—even in volatile or flat markets Why Decker Retirement Planning uses laddered principal-guaranteed accounts instead of bond funds How momentum and dividend strategies provide growth potential in flat or declining markets Real tax strategies to reduce future liabilities, enhance Roth conversion efficiency, and preserve more of your wealth You’ll also learn how Decker’s math-based planning integrates real returns, tax minimization, and fee transparency to help you retire with clarity—not guesswork.

In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Mark Knauss, CFP(R) walk through five essential strategies to help protect your retirement income from inflation—without exposing your portfolio to unnecessary risk. From laddered income accounts to hard assets and tactical stock exposure, they outline a disciplined approach built for today’s uncertain environment. You’ll also learn: Why COLAs (Cost of Living Adjustments) must be handled carefully in retirement income planning How traditional bond funds are vulnerable in a rising rate world What “real returns” mean—and why they matter more than nominal performance How Decker’s Two-Sided Model uses momentum and stop-loss rules to reduce risk in volatile or flat markets If inflation and future market returns are keeping you up at night, this episode gives you the education—and the options—you need.

What really happens when one spouse passes away? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down one of retirement’s most difficult—but essential—topics: preparing financially and legally for the loss of a spouse. You’ll learn: - The must-have estate documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives) - The “pour-over” provision that helps families avoid probate nightmares - How Social Security, pensions, and taxes change for a surviving spouse - Why compensation clauses and unclear distribution instructions can tear families apart - Steps to protect income, minimize taxes, and create a smooth transition Planning ahead means your spouse and children are cared for—and your legacy is preserved without unnecessary stress or conflict.

As the Fed flirts with rate cuts, many retirees face shrinking savings and money-market yields. In this episode, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) break down DRP’s Cash Plus portfolio—built for 0–5 year dollars that need liquidity and low volatility, yet can aim higher than plain cash. They also cover how AI is changing principal-guaranteed indexes and the timing inside momentum models, plus a simple checklist for a rock-solid retirement plan. What you’ll learn Why falling rates can punish “safe” cash—and what to do about it How a diversified cash sleeve (short-term Treasuries, market-neutral, dividend equities) targets steadier yield with 100% liquidity “Upside/Downside capture”: keeping more of the good, less of the bad Where AI already fits: principal-guaranteed index designs and trade-timing in momentum strategies Six keys to a resilient retirement plan (taxes, risk control, income optimization, fees, and more) Call us: 833-707-3030 More resources: DeckerRetirementPlanning.com → Safer Retirement

In this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) break down one of the most overlooked threats to retirement success—sequence of returns risk. What happens if you retire right before a market downturn? What if your portfolio strategy doesn’t account for market flatness or volatility? You’ll learn: Why traditional 60/40 portfolios fall short in today’s environment How drawing from laddered principal-guaranteed accounts can help stabilize income What Monte Carlo simulations get wrong—and how to avoid becoming a statistic Strategic updates from the new One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), including major tax credits for retirees Don't let bad timing derail decades of hard work. Tune in to hear how a math-based distribution plan can help you retire with confidence—regardless of what the market does next.

Join Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) on this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio as they uncover why your traditional IRA might be a tax “loan” to the IRS—and how smart Roth conversion planning can turn the tables in your favor. From real-world illustrations of IRA tax bills topping $1.4 million to step-by-step guidance on: IRA Inefficiency: How deferral becomes a hefty tax liability for you —and your heirs Roth Conversions: Why paying taxes now can yield tax-free growth and a far larger legacy Medicare IRMAA: How distributions affect your Medicare premiums (and how to avoid spikes) Advanced Strategies: QDRO “happy divorces,” donor-advised funds, dynasty trusts, cost-segregation for real estate, and more Whether you’re retired or close to retirement, the right tax plan can boost your retirement income, protect against future rate hikes, and maximize what you pass on. Tune in and discover: Real numbers: $1 million IRA → $1.4 million paid to the IRS vs. $319 000 with a Roth plan When and how

Join Brian Decker and Arrin Wray as they unpack the three “compounding risks” that can threaten your nest egg—and show you how to turn them into advantages: Why delaying taxes in a traditional IRA could cost you (and your heirs) over $1 million, and how proactive Roth conversions lock in today’s rates. Five proven inflation hedges—from planned cost-of-living adjustments to strategic home-equity moves—to keep your spending power intact. The hidden danger of sequence-of-return risk and why distribution strategies with laddered, principal-protected accounts are your best defense. Download free checklists, a sample income plan, and “The Decker Approach” book at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com → Safer Retirement Education. Schedule your no-cost retirement review today: 833-707-3030.

In Episode 133 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) explore a suite of advanced estate planning strategies designed to help you protect, preserve, and pass on your wealth efficiently: State & Federal Estate Tax Planning: Using AB trusts, portability, and lifetime gifting exemptions to minimize state and federal estate taxes. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs): Prepay potential tax liabilities and avoid fire-sale scenarios by holding life insurance outside your taxable estate. Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): Shift your home’s value outside your estate over time while retaining the right to live there. Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs): Freeze today’s value on highly appreciated assets and transfer future growth to the next generation. Dynasty Trusts & Generation-Skipping Transfer: Sidestep the 48% generation-skipping tax and incent responsible behavior across multiple generations. QDROs & Intra-Family Loans: Leverage qualified domestic relations ord

Is the 4% rule still safe in a flat or volatile market? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray explain why traditional income strategies—like the 4% rule or “living off the interest”—may no longer work in today’s retirement landscape. You’ll learn: ✅ How to build a laddered income plan using principal-guaranteed accounts ✅ The critical mistakes retirees make when taking Social Security ✅ Why Roth conversions may save hundreds of thousands in taxes ✅ How Decker Retirement Planning helps reduce fees and improve income consistency ✅ What smart legacy planning looks like with donor-advised funds and dynasty trusts If you're preparing for retirement—or already retired—this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate income, taxes, and risk with greater confidence.