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Retirement Starts Today

Retirement Starts Today

By: Benjamin Brandt CFP® RICP®
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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© Retire-Ready Resources Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Mailed, Stolen and Cashed: a $114,000 Retirement Check
    Jul 7 2025

    This week’s headline reads like a financial horror story — and unfortunately, it’s a true one. 😱

    33-year-old Mr. Handy changed jobs and did what millions of Americans do every year: he requested a rollover of his 401(k).

    Paychex, the provider managing his old employer's plan mailed him two paper checks: one for his traditional 401(k), and one for his Roth 401(k). They were intercepted in the mail, and over $114,000 vanished. Gone. Just like that.

    This situation raises some serious questions. According to a recent report from Capitalize, 43% of people doing rollovers are still being sent paper checks. Why are we still using paper checks to transfer life savings?

    We'll cover that through an article written by Ron Lieber of the New York Times.

    📬 Then we will answer a listener question, "I invested in Vanguards 2035 Target fund a long time ago. Not a bad move. BUT, I did so in a brokerage account and not an IRA. Now I have over $100k in it. Oops. Should I leave it there or try to shift to a more flexible fund before a I retire in 5 year or so?"

    Resource:

    Article by Ron Lieber: His Life Savings Were Mailed to Him by Paper Check. Now, It’s Gone.

    Connect with Benjamin Brandt
    • Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
    • Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
    • Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

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    Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

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    16 mins
  • Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement
    Jun 30 2025

    According to BankRate, 23% of Americans 60-78 have a side-hustle. Maurie Backman says in an article by Kiplinger that this would help with two key areas in retirement planning: It provides us with something fulfilling to do after our primary career and provide a little extra cash in retirement.

    The benefits of a side hustle:

    • Mental Engagement
    • Extra Income
    • Social Connection
    • Sense of Purpose

    The Pitfalls of a side hustle:

    • Tax Complications
    • Outspending your retirement budget in search of business profits
    • Medicare Premium Creep (IRMAA)
    • Lifestyle Clash
    • Time Commitment

    Also in this episode, we discuss a listener's question about global stock allocations - and asks if I think it's better to own a global fund or to own US & international equity separately. How can one balance simplicity and effectiveness in their plan?

    Resource:
    Article by Maurie Backman: Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement: The Benefits and Pitfalls
    Article by Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/side-hustles-survey/

    Connect with Benjamin Brandt
    • Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
    • Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
    • Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

    Follow Retirement Starts Today in:
    Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart

    Get the book!
    Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Why Are So Many Retirees Filing for Social Security Early?
    18 mins

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