What makes you trust someone with your financial future? In this episode of Root Talks, James and Ari unpack the powerful role of intuition in building lasting relationships with financial advisors, business partners, and even loved ones.

They explain how what we call a gut feeling is actually condensed pattern recognition, your brain quietly scanning countless experiences to guide your decisions before you can put words to it. This is why many Root clients engage with our content for months before reaching out. They are building trust, alignment, and confidence long before the first conversation.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Root designs every client touchpoint to create that same sense of connection—from videos and the first call with our client success manager Jay to the advisor relationship itself. James shares how Root’s hiring process focuses not just on technical skill but on whether a candidate evokes the same feeling of trust clients get from our content. Ari reflects on how intuition plays a role in personal relationships too, bridging the gap between professional and personal trust.

As Root grows, James and Ari discuss how we preserve our culture through decentralized command, empowering advisors to deliver personalized guidance while staying true to our philosophy.

If you are searching for a financial advisor who makes you feel understood and confident about your future, explore our Root Drops and Advisor Unplugged series on our website on YouTube channel. Because the right advisor is not just about credentials or knowledge, it is about finding someone who feels right.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Are you working longer than you need to because of a retirement planning mistake? One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming you will spend the same amount every year in retirement. The reality is different, and understanding it could change when you retire.

Experts call it the retirement smile. In your “go-go years” (65–75), spending is highest. Travel, hobbies, and experiences often run $60,000 to $65,000 a year for the average household. In the “slow-go years” (76–85), spending usually drops to $50,000 to $55,000 as travel slows down. Then come the “no-go years” (86+), where overall expenses dip but healthcare costs rise, creating the curve that completes the smile.

At Root Financial, many of our clients with $1.5 to $3.5 million in assets might spend $150,000 to $200,000 early on, adjust to $100,000 to $150,000 mid-retirement, and later see healthcare push costs back up to $150,000 to $250,000. The lesson is clear. Planning with a flat budget often means you are overestimating your needs, delaying retirement, or underspending when you could be living more fully. A flexible withdrawal approach, starting around 5 percent, creates freedom while protecting long-term security.

Do not let financial fear rob you of retirement joy. Whether it is traveling to the World Cup or simply extending family vacations, understanding your retirement smile can help you step into retirement with confidence and peace of mind.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Struggling to get your spouse involved in retirement planning?

You are not alone. Many financially-minded partners lose their spouse’s attention by jumping straight into 401(k) allocations or tax strategies. The result is glazed eyes and little engagement.

This approach works differently. Start with powerful, open-ended questions that spark curiosity and connection. Ask things like “What does your perfect retirement day look like?” or “If we had to spend $150,000 this year, how would you want to use it?” These prompts bypass resistance and lead to meaningful conversations about dreams, priorities, and lifestyle.

When you know whether your partner envisions constant travel or staying close to home, or whether they fear losing purpose more than running out of money, you can build a plan you both believe in. Lifestyle clarity comes first. The numbers follow naturally.

Retirement planning is not just about financial optimization. It is about creating a shared vision for the years ahead with the person who matters most.

Try these questions with your partner and watch the conversation shift from spreadsheets to shared dreams.

Visit earlyretirementpodcast.com to share your results or explore tools for building a plan that works for both of you.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.