Retire Sooner with Wes Moss

Our Retire Sooner Team has been researching, studying, and writing about happy retirements for years, so there aren’t many aspects we haven’t considered. But every once in a while, a new study grabs our attention. The latest, Retire Without Regrets, from the Harvard Business Review, used a longitudinal study to examine the gap between retirement expectations and real-world applications. Using life-mapping exercises to compare expectations with actual experiences, it identified four essential qualities for a happy retiree. The “Four A’s”: Alignment (personal values), Awareness (self-knowledge), Agency (active goal pursuit), and Adaptability (flexibility to handle change). Consider your own personalized retirement roadmap, and see if the “Four A’s” unlock the proactive planning and adaptability skills that might help you live a regret-free retirement life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transition from one goal to another is often more challenging than either of the goals themselves. Once you get going, momentum can do a lot of the work, but turning the ship around or veering in a different direction takes planning, effort, discipline, and patience. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry. Today’s guest can help. Dr. Dorian Mintzer specializes in life transitions, helping both individuals and couples prepare for fulfilling retirements by exploring the non-financial aspects. She encourages people to examine past experiences to manage future expectations so they can fully understand how to adapt and foster continuous personal development. As co-author of The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle, she advocates for 10 must-have conversations between partners as they share the journey into retirement. Her array of personal and professional experiences as a therapist, coach, and teacher affords her a unique perspective to help folks not only navigate the second half of life but fully revolutionize their retirement! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only 36% of voters still believe the American Dream is attainable, according to a 2023 Wall Street Journal/NORC survey. This figure is decidedly lower than other pollster findings in similar surveys. Those revealed that 48% of voters in 2016 and 53% in 2012 felt reasonably assured of their opportunities for a prosperous future. In other words, more than half of Americans felt optimistic in 2012, and only slightly more than one-third do now. Americans are consistently barraged with negative headlines and stressful news updates, from supersized natural disasters to political unrest to foreign wars. Despite the challenges, there is still plenty of evidence to justify a bullish attitude about the United States and the potential to reach the American Dream of financial prosperity. Five specific categories come to mind: education, demographics, geography/agriculture, energy, and the U.S. Constitution. The road to a happy retirement can be lined with hazards, but the strength of the United States was never based on smooth and gentle tidings. It’s a comprehensive coalition that can put aside differences to forge ahead together, no matter what. Take a moment to look around. The uplifting signs of The Army of American Productivity are evident. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. By working together to shape an even more united set of fifty states, there’s no reason America’s best days aren’t still ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think about the day you drove your favorite car off the dealer’s lot. The engine was purring, the paint job was shining, and it ran like a dream. But as time passed, little things started to go wrong. A scratch here. An odd noise there. You took it to the shop for repairs, but eventually, you had to buy a new one. The same thing happens to our bodies. Unfortunately, we can’t just buy new ones when something breaks down, but today’s guest wants to help us keep the ride smoother and longer. Will Harlow authored the word-of-mouth bestseller Thriving Beyond Fifty and founded HT Physio, a Physiotherapy Clinic specializing in helping health-conscious, active people over fifty regain mobility and avoid surgery. We dug into the profound benefits of strength training at any age, the impact of regular exercise on conditions like arthritis, and the truth behind commonly marketed supplements. We explored his own transition from professional sports physiotherapy to a more refined aim of enhancing health span and lifespan. Whether you’re looking to stay fit into your golden years or seeking practical tips on managing pain and improving joint health, this is the episode. I can’t promise immortality for you or your favorite car, but with the right maintenance, your retirement just might be the joy ride you deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warren Buffett once said, “If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands-down choice should be Jack Bogle.” By creating index investing, the Vanguard Group founder helped to provide investors with a streamlined and low-cost way to buy broader market-tracking mutual funds. Though he died in 2019, his lessons continue to light the path toward a financially secure and happy retirement. Reviewing them is a healthy exercise for all those trying to make their hard-earned savings outpace inflation over time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investing for the future can be daunting. And while many of us assume the key is mastering the market’s financial aspects, a persuasive argument says the behavioral side is perhaps even more critical. How we think about money can significantly impact our journey to financial freedom in retirement. But where exactly is that intersection of mind and markets? Dr. Daniel Crosby is the Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions and a leading voice in decoding market psychology. His books always seem to hit the NY Times Bestseller list or win some kind of investment award, but the truth is that his PhD isn’t in finance or economics but rather in Clinical Psychology. By applying his research and analysis to everything from financial product design to security selection, he helps others grasp economic behaviorism so they can reap the long-term benefits of making healthy, self-aware decisions. That sounds pretty compelling to me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will the recent Federal Reserve rate cut impact your retirement income? Are your investments at risk or ready to benefit? In today’s episode of Retire Sooner, Wes Moss breaks down the 0.5% interest rate cut announced on September 18th and what it could mean for income investors. Plus, we revisit our popular episode, “Income Investing: The Process, The Approach, and The Reward,” where Wes dives deep into the fundamentals of income investing. From understanding the emotional side of investing your retirement money to the diverse ways to approach investing, this episode covers it all. Whether you’re just starting your income investment journey or looking for a refresher, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss this crucial discussion! Listen now and let us know your thoughts by leaving a review. Your feedback helps us create the content you care about most! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than one in five Americans serve as caretakers for an elderly parent or aging relative. How will we know what to do if and when that time comes? Is there someone we can ask? On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes sits down with author and Certified Caregiving Consultant Elizabeth Miller. Elizabeth’s experiences caring for her aging parents and a brother with a developmental disability while simultaneously raising children and working full-time inspired her to create Happy Health Caregiver LLC, in 2015. As host of the Happy Healthy Caregiver Podcast on The Whole Care Network and author of the Just for You Daily Self-Care Journal, she helps educate others about the big picture, the fine print, and the importance of creating self-care boundaries to ensure everyone, including you, can remain as healthy as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes takes aim at a recent Wall Street Journal article claiming the 60/40 portfolio and 4% retirement withdrawal rate could lead to ‘catastrophic’ outcomes. Wes concedes the author’s point about market unpredictability but rebuts such a gloomy hypothetical. He points to the potentially destructive consequences such an outlook can have on those fighting for retirement security and uses market history to illustrate examples of these time-honored strategies bouncing back from difficult periods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever met a 75-year-old who seems 40? How about a 30-year-old who seems 50? Why do some folks seem to age like a fine wine while others settle like a lukewarm wine cooler? On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes sits down with Dr. Alan Castel to delve into how we might be able to improve our own aging process. A Professor in UCLA’s Psychology Department, he studies learning, memory, and aging and is particularly interested in how younger and older adults can selectively remember important information. If you can recall your son’s assist-to-turnover ratio from last year’s lacrosse season but not the name of the neighbor you’ve been waving to for the past 10 years, find out what kind of retrieval practices might enhance your memory. And if you’ve focused extensively on retirement’s financial implications but neglected the psychological side, Dr. Castel’s lessons might be what you need to increase socialization and harness the knowledge of those who have been in similar situations. Father Time is undefeated, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. Take the steps necessary to increase your odds of getting better with age, and let today’s episode be the first step. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans have faced immense financial challenges in the past two-plus decades. The Dotcom Bubble sent stock prices down nearly 50% between 2000 and 2002, the Great Recession and Housing Crisis of 2007-2009 cratered stocks more than 55%, and theCOVID-19 Pandemic and shutdowns sent stocks tumbling 30% in a month’s span and led to massive inflation and high interest rates thereafter. In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes admits that a sensible retirement strategy while accounting for unknown future world events can feel overwhelming. However, he believes utilizing the foundational principles of the Retire Sooner community can help increase your probability of achieving the financial freedom that many happy retirees enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fulfilling job is great, but being able to do it in your pajamas? Now, we’re talking. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Kerry Hannon, author of “Great Pajama Jobs: Your Complete Guide To Working From Home.” Between that and the dozen other books she’s published, Kerry is a renowned professional on careers, entrepreneurship, and financial planning for older adults. The smoother your transition into retirement, the sooner you can find the happiness and fulfillment you deserve. Kerry points out three crucial themes to help you get there. From starting a micro-business to using your retirement savings as continuous income to navigating the inter-generational workplace dynamics, Kerry reveals how remote work is completely reshaping opportunities for older workers. It’s a Retire Sooner Pajama party; you don’t want to miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes examines the recent market crash and analyzes how the Fed’s decisions may have helped lower inflation but negatively affected the housing market and unemployment rate. Wes acknowledges that the specific challenges can differ for each market downturn but reassures listeners that productive reactions often follow evergreen principles. He then discusses the importance of having enough dry powder for periods of sluggish portfolio earnings. Finally, he digs into the potential stock growth for future retirees willing to practice patience and discipline. What’s a great way to plan for outpacing inflation without extending beyond your risk tolerance? Listen and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been said that loneliness is worse for our health than smoking cigarettes. Take a second to inhale that scary thought. In contrast, pro-social behavior triggers the release of oxytocin in our body. That’s the love hormone, and it’s crucial for happiness. We’ve all had that nagging feeling that we need to spend more leisure time with friends and family. But some of the options out there aren’t realistic. People with careers and families don’t have time for group yoga sessions or all-day escape room parties. In other words, we know what we need to do to be happy but don’t know how to make it happen. Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit. Mike uses his “Rucker PLAY Model” to rank fun activities according to their level of challenge. The answers and timetables may be different for everyone, but embracing the overall need for joy and togetherness can help us avoid the unhealthy distractions that come along with isolation. The reality of modern life is that we don’t have as much free time as we might want, but with a bit of self-empathy and Mike’s creative outlook, we can find ways to dial up the fun meter and increase our happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Wes points out that the population of mini-millionaires is growing and that society’s perception of them isn’t always very accurate. Producer Mallory Boggs joins to discuss this latest variant of what authors Thomas Stanley and Bill Danko originally coined, The Millionaire Next Door. They elaborate on five habits that this cohort tends to follow. And Wes points out that although investing is often a critical step to becoming a millionaire, it’s perhaps even more essential in the pursuit of staying a millionaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this actionable episode of Retire Sooner, Wes Moss sits down with Erin Eleuterio to explore the importance of physical activity for older adults. Erin shares her unique techniques, like parkour-based fall resiliency training, to help people in their 70s and 80s stay strong and recover from falls. They discuss the benefits of programs such as SilverSneakers, which offers resources for seniors to stay fit. Erin emphasizes the joy and social aspects of movement, rather than just focusing on exercise. She also talks about the growing trend of older adults taking up new activities, like weightlifting and even low-flying trapeze, challenging stereotypes about aging. With practical tips and inspiring stories, this episode highlights how staying active can lead to a healthier, happier retirement.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we ponder the question, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer might surprise listeners, and Wes borrows the words of best-selling author Morgan Housel to help discuss the positive and negative psychological effects money can have on retirees. Wes then uses his own “Bucket System” analogy to explain income investing and how three keys can help folks sleep well at night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Housel’s eye-opening book amplified the idea that the intersection of psychology and money is bigger and more bustling than most of us know. Today’s guest, Christine Moriarty, has dedicated her life to finding harmony between the two. Christine isn’t the typical CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Despite her finance degree and MBA in Entrepreneurship, she was never even remotely interested in finances. She was always more interested in the people behind them. Money is just an object. Yet, it has the power to trigger our deepest fears and anxieties. Her mission, as the founder of MoneyPeace, is to help individuals recognize and overcome these emotional barriers, empowering them to achieve peace and prosperity in their financial and personal lives. She also discusses money and memory and wants to help families plan for the implications the aging process can have on financial situations. Having worked with thousands of people and shared her insights with publications such as USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Fidelity Focus Magazine, and more, she has often been referred to by her clients as “the cash counselor” or “financial therapist.” Whether between a husband and wife, a mother and a son, two friends, or even a personal connection with money, relationships can be fraught and complicated. Listening to Christine can help us see the approach needed to improve that dynamic and positively impact our overall quality of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the continued popularity of retiring at 65, many folks are drawn to the allure of an early exit. The promise of more time for family, travel, and core pursuits can be hard to resist—the very mission of this podcast is to help people retire sooner than they ever thought possible. But as wonderful as an early retirement can be if you can afford it, there are potential hazards for people who don’t take the time to plan. On today’s episode, Wes dives into five common missteps that risk sabotaging the happiness you’ve worked so hard to achieve. With diligent and strategic planning, you can run down the list and make sure all of your ducks are in a row before making your decision. The right lifestyle and money habits can help you prepare for a secure future so that you can decide the right time to make that future your present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaspreet Singh’s parents gave him two choices: become a doctor or be a failure. Understandably, he chose medicine, but deep down, he knew it was for all the wrong reasons. People like Jaspreet are born entrepreneurs. They just see the world a little bit differently. He inherently knew he could be happier and make more money doing something else, and he tried just about everything. From drumming to an event planning company to law school to real estate, one thing became clear—he needed more funding. So, he came up with a unique idea: a water-resistant athletic sock. He used this innovative product to raise the capital he needed. When a marketing scam lost him thousands of dollars, he started an educational social media page called The Minority Mindset to help other outside-the-box thinkers avoid making the same mistakes. To his surprise, the YouTube Channel hit 100,000 subscribers, so he put the sock back in the drawer and dedicated himself to making financial education fun and accessible. Today, The Minority Mindset has nearly 2 million subscribers and multiple offshoots, including Briefs Media and the Market Insiders investing education app. Jaspreet’s brand has helped countless people free themselves from debt and start investing. His story reminds us that, though we all make mistakes, with the right mindset and strategies, we can create our own path to financial success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to a National Institute on Retirement Security report, 79% of Americans agree that there is a retirement crisis. It also revealed that over half of Americans are concerned they won’t be able to achieve financial security.  Retirement insecurity may be a daunting reality,​ but on today’s episode Wes sets some theoretical parameters to illustrate potential scenarios and how they might positively affect the future. Planning for retirement can be challenging, but Wes points out that with self-discipline, some savings, and time, happiness and financial freedom may be within reach sooner than you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that older person who just seems so young. How do they pull it off? Did they hit the genetic jackpot? Or do their lifestyle habits act as a fountain of youth? Doctor Dawn Carr has answers. With a PhD in Sociology and Gerontology, she directs the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University and is a former researcher at the Stanford Center on Longevity. What I loved about Dawn was that, unlike so many in her field, she has concrete solutions to many of life’s challenges. She doesn’t just identify the problems or hand out vague suggestions. She has a litmus test for determining a person’s social health. How many close friends should we have? How cognitively complex should our daily activities be? Can more sleep help prevent mental decline? Answering her specific questions can help us determine how to maximize the vibrancy of youth while we age. No one has a magic wand. We’re all getting older. But listening to Dawn Carr might help you enjoy the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to a recent Schroders study, just 4% of current retirees say they are “living the dream,” while another 4% report they are “living a nightmare.” On today’s show, Wes lists some primary concerns, including inflation and unpredictable market fluctuations. He then relates it to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, each hitting all-time highs in May 2024, and how market history can possibly serve as a guide for long-term investing. Producer Mallory also stops by to compare and contrast her mom’s happy retiree core pursuits with her dad’s desire to keep working. Wes builds on this by describing a postcard he received from some happy retirees who are currently spending six months at sea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You work hard for your money. But what if your money could work even harder for you? Brian Preston says there’s a way to make that happen. It’s called taking control of your financial freedom, and in his new book “Millionaire Mission,” he makes the case that it’s simpler than you think. I’ve known Brian for a long time. His podcast, “The Money Guy Show,” is incredibly popular. Sure, he’s got a bunch of impressive initials after his name, but what makes Brian so fascinating is how he lives his message. His wealth didn’t come from anything flashy. He built it through saving and investing as a business owner. Brian’s high school economics teacher told the class that if they invested just $100 per month, one day, they’d be millionaires. Brian was listening. While others were daydreaming about a new truck or the big game, his passion for personal finance was ignited. I’m guessing that didn’t make him the most popular kid in school, but much like compounding interest, it sure paid off later. Navigating life’s obstacles as we plan for retirement can feel like a riddle wrapped in an enigma. But Brian’s message can demystify the process and show you the way to build transformative wealth with the tools you already have available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running out of money may be retirement’s most frightening concern, so it’s not surprising that people want to know how much of their nest egg they can safely spend. The 4% rule, identified by William Bengen, states that retirees who draw down 4% of their portfolio in the first year of retirement, adjusting every year for inflation, will likely see their money outlive them, assuming the portfolio has a 50-75% allocation to stocks. But what about people who want or need to spend more than that? Is 6% too high? On today’s episode, Wes breaks down the pros and cons and estimates the probability of success for a 6% withdrawal rate rather than 4%. With careful consideration and planning, he looks for a way to help listeners max out spending without running out of money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chan Hellman was nearly suicidal until someone in his life gave him hope. Now, he works to spread it to others. As the founding Director of The Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma, his research is focused on hope as a psychological strength for children, adults, and families experiencing trauma and adversity. Chan believes one key is to start small. If your goal is to get healthy, that doesn’t have to mean a gold medal in the Olympics. Just go buy some running shoes. His research shows there is no such thing as too much hope. Even when the chances are slim, there are usually pathways to get where you want to go. In today’s episode, Chan teaches us how to find hope and implement it in our lives. He says imagination is the instrument of hope. We don’t have to summit the mountain in one day, but if we can imagine our future selves reaching wherever it is we want to go, it generates the willpower and motivation it takes to get there. And if none of that hooks you, he even uses the Marvel movies as an example. If he can find hope for Iron Man, I know he can find it for you and me! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Wes welcomes Producer Mallory to the studio to tackle more questions from the hypothetical Retire Sooner conference. They analyze options for when to take Social Security, examine the idea of downsizing or relocating in retirement, review three habits that many happy retirees seem to incorporate into their lives, and discuss which tax considerations retirees might want to keep in mind when planning for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a 21st-century world, and our brains haven’t quite caught up. They’re designed to look out for the Saber-toothed tiger, not a million dings and beeps from smartphones. It’s no surprise that anxiety is a massive problem in modern-day life. But Dr. John Delony says anxiety isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just an alarm system to keep us safe, and we can learn to tweak the settings. John is a two-time bestselling author, holds two PhDs, spent over twenty years working in crisis response, and now hosts The Dr. John Delony Show on Dave Ramsey’s network. John says that despite the good intentions of innovation, we’ve designed a world we just weren’t meant to live in. Trucks do the heavy lifting, air conditioners keep us cool, and algorithms decide what we experience. Our ancestors had to adjust to life’s challenges, and that’s what kept them healthy and connected. It’s easier to become overweight when you don’t have to move. And it’s harder to form a community when you can sit inside alone all day. Many of us are less happy and more anxious, and John knows how to help change that. He helps people navigate tough decisions, improve their relationships, and accept that they are worthy of happiness. I know I could use some of that. And I’m pretty sure you could, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Wes is joined by Producer Mallory Boggs. They brainstorm the idea of holding a “Retire Sooner Conference” and answer some of the questions the attendees might ask the panel. Using his retirement calculator, Wes explores what constitutes a solid retirement plan and how much inflation needs to be considered. Then, combining his Retire Sooner Team’s research with analysis from The Ramsey Network’sDr. John Delony about the burden of debt, Wes answers whether people should or should not pay off their mortgage at retirement age. Next, he runs through how people can plan for their savings to last the duration of retirement, emphasizing how critical it is to become a tomorrow investor. Finally, he suggests that saving alone is like pushing a manual mower, while investing is like riding a John Deere Lawn Tractor. Which one would you rather use to get the job done? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd and Cynthia Staton’s retirement plans were on track. Then, the 2008 Financial Crisis hit. Their careers disappeared, their home lost its value, and their savings plummeted. Realizing recovery was unlikely, they needed to come up with a Plan B. And boy, did they ever. In 2010, they moved to Cuenca, Ecuador. Don’t worry, they didn’t know where that was, either. But now they love it! They live in a 3,000-square-foot penthouse apartment, have a housekeeper, eat out frequently, never worry about health care costs, and walk to their favorite yoga studio. And they aren’t the only ones. According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees drawing Social Security outside of the U.S. surged 40% between 2007 and 2017. Edd and Cynthia are now seen as expat experts in retirement, traveling, and health and wellness. They’ve authored three Amazon #1 best-selling books, are regularly featured in major media, and run their own online program called Retirement Reimagined! They believe the key to finding retirement happiness is not having to worry about money. As that becomes more challenging in the U.S., they may be saying hello to a lot more expat neighbors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show, Wes is joined by Producer Mallory to elaborate on the pitfalls of fleeing the market during turbulent times. They comment on the shell shock of the Covid-19 lockdowns back in 2020 and how tempting it was for fearful investors to yank their money out of the market. Wes empathizes with the temptation but explains that letting the dog chase the tail rather than trusting in a balanced, diversified portfolio can have disastrous ramifications. Wes reveals that time in the market typically beats timing the market, and participation usually trumps perfection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know aging comes with cognitive challenges, but how early do they start? Sometimes, I forget my email password or where I put my car keys. Should I be worried? Dr. Nicole Byers came by to give us some fascinating answers, including the magical age when it can be beneficial to consume MORE calories. With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a dissertation focused on the aging brain, she’s written extensively about brain health for Psychology Today. A neuropsychologist, TEDx speaker, and CEO of Rocky Mountain Neurosciences in Calgary, Canada, her passion is helping women in leadership rewire the unhelpful brain defaults that keep them stuck so they can take significant steps in their careers without getting in their own way or burning out. We all want to know how to keep our brains healthy for as long as possible. Who better to ask than someone who has dedicated her life to the topic? Stick around for some pearls of wisdom from Dr. Nicole Byers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of Wes’ favorite takeaways from Morgan Housel’s bestselling book, The Psychology of Money, he teams up with Producer Mallory to discuss the power of tail events, the misconception of money and respect, the illusion of wealth, the simple act of saving, how reasonable is greater than rational, expecting the unexpected, leaving room for error, financial bubbles, the seduction of pessimism, the lure of appealing fiction, and money confessions. They wrap it all into a profound exploration of how our behaviors, beliefs, and backgrounds shape financial decisions and ultimately move us toward a more thoughtful, contented, and independent life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can’t say the word “midlife” without imagining a crisis. An aging bald guy who cheats on his wife and buys a sports car to fill the void. But Chip Conley says we’re looking at it all wrong. The midlife age range has been unfairly branded, and he’s on a mission to change it. He co-founded MEA, the Modern Elder Academy, in 2018. The world's first ‘midlife wisdom school’ has a campus in Baja, California, and a new one is opening in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They help folks navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. They have teachers you’d recognize, like Dan Buettner of Blue Zones fame—a favorite of ours on the Retire Sooner podcast. As if that weren’t enough, Chip is a New York Times bestselling author, the former Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy at Airbnb, and a 2023 TED talk speaker. He wants to help people understand the upside of this often misunderstood life stage. I think he makes a pretty compelling case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Wes is joined by producer Mallory for part one of their discussion about the biggest takeaways from Morgan Housel’s bestselling book The Psychology of Money. They cover concepts such as the influence of personal history, the freedom money can offer, luck and risk, knowing how much is enough, the power of compounding, getting wealthy vs. staying wealthy, and unexpected outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Wes explains the generosity component of the Retire Sooner podcast and welcomes Chris Anderson to the show. Chris is the curator of TED, a nonprofit media organization that leverages the power of ideas to make a better future, perhaps more well-known for its TED Talks Series. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller TED Talks and has overseen the introduction of TEDx, TED-Ed, TED Fellows, and the Audacious Project, a new form of collaborative philanthropy. Chris describes his new book, Infectious Generosity, as his way of fighting against the increasingly divided world and how the internet and social media platforms have contributed to it. He makes his case for shifting the conversation from a negative outlook to one that dreams about positive possibilities. He wants people to look for and amplify the good in online interactions. Wes then describes how Chris’s lessons can help give people an enduring sense of gratitude and guidance in finding outlets for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we ponder the question, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer might surprise listeners, and Wes borrows the words of best-selling author Morgan Housel to help discuss the positive and negative psychological effects money can have on retirees. Wes then uses his own “Bucket System” analogy to explain income investing and how three keys can help folks sleep well at night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with Steve Tarr, a Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to discuss how difficult the retirement transition can be for busy and successful people. Using the SOAR Program as a guide, they analyze the positive effects of discovering new pathways to meaning, community, and purpose and how they can lead to retirement happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Capital Investments Advisors Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to discuss the excitement around the market finally recouping its 2022 losses and forging into bull market territory. Then, they delve into the hidden market strength of dividends and what retirees need to know about the opportunities they can provide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes welcomes back Mary Beth Franklin. This time, she takes on the herculean task of simplifying Medicare. They get into the differences between Medicare A, B, C, D, Advantage Plans, Gap Plans, and Supplemental Coverage. Mary Beth lays out which options might suit which people, depending on their lifestyles. She flags when it could be ideal to pay for the more expensive plan and when the cheaper selection could suffice. She gets into the weeds on age, tax requirements, and how to avoid penalties. She tells Wes what Medicare looks like for American citizens living abroad, sets the record straight on Medicare vs. Medicaid, and explains why paying FICA payroll taxes all those years doesn’t make your retirement coverage free. As always, Mary Beth keeps Wes on his toes. Listen and find out why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Retire Sooner, Wes welcomes Happiest Retirees podcast host Ryan Doolittle to discuss college football legend Nick Saban’s recent retirement. They delve into his famous coaching process, looking for helpful financial and life-planning tips. Using Saban’s specific principles, they lay out the case for focusing on the process rather than the outcome to achieve a happy retirement. What are Coach Saban’s own chances for a happy retirement? Listen and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social Security can be an essential stream of income for retirees on a fixed income. Unfortunately, the seemingly endless rules and regulations can overwhelm even the most informed applicants. In today’s Retire Sooner episode, Social Security ace Mary Beth Franklin joins Wes to bring listeners the most up-to-date information and context about avoiding pitfalls and maximizing benefits. In a dynamic conversation, Wes channels the questions of many Americans. He even puts Mary on the hot seat about whether or not Social Security funds will last for future generations. You may be surprised by her opinion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes is joined by Capital Investment Advisors Co-Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller. They discuss the possibility of 2024 ushering in “A Whole New World” for markets, investors, and retirees. They reiterate that purchasing power is a perennial goal for the happy retiree. Inflation lay nearly dormant from 2009 to 2020 as if it were a prehistoric beast frozen deep inside an Arctic glacier. Unfortunately, the government’s post-pandemic monetary tidal wave reawakened it. Because of that, folks may need to adjust in 2024 to stay ahead of the curve. Wes and Connor run through recent and long-term history and search for the clues that could determine what’s to come in the year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone in the Retire Sooner family knows how passionate Wes is about the 4 Percent Rule—William Bengen’s rule of thumb that originally discovered retirees who draw down 4 percent of their portfolio in the first year of retirement and then adjust this amount yearly for inflation would likely see their money outlive them, assuming a 50 to 75 percent allocation in stocks. On today’s episode, Wes discusses Dave Ramsey’s recent controversial statements about doubling the number to 8 percent. You read that correctly—8 percent! Wes runs Ramsey’s claims against data from Robert Shiller, an economist at the Yale School of Management, and attempts to set the record straight on how much people can safely expect to spend during retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy holidays to my favorite happy retirees and aspiring retirees! The Retire Sooner Team is taking a little time off to step away from the office and connect with friends and family. We'll be back with a new season in January with more fun episodes that I hope will help push you to retire that much sooner and happier. If you have any ideas on topics you'd like for us to cover in the near year, please let us know! Visit the Contact page on RetireSoonerTeam.com. Those messages come straight to me and the Retire Sooner Team. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arguably the most recognized male figure skater in the world, Scott Hamilton has won seventy titles, awards, and honors, including an Emmy nomination, induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. He later became a fan-favorite analyst/commentator, performer, producer, and best-selling author. He even shared the big screen with Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler in the classic comedy Blades of Glory. As fierce as the competition was in the skating rink, he’s experienced even more challenges off the ice. Scott lost his mother to cancer and survived four separate rounds of it in his own life. Now, he makes sure his actions are meaningful physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Otherwise, he says, it’s as unbalanced as sitting in a three-legged chair. Now married with four children, Scott is an activist, having launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). He also founded several education and survivorship programs, events, and galas designed to fund research into cancer treatments that spare patients harm. Scott believes in the adage that courage is fear that’s said its prayers. We tend to think bad things only happen to other people, but once we accept reality, we can take responsibility for our own longevity and get to work changing our lives for the better. Scott believes the only true disability in life is a bad attitude. And now, the man famous for his backflips is fully committed to moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Wes points out that the population of mini-millionaires is growing and that society’s perception of them isn’t always very accurate. Producer Mallory Boggs joins to discuss this latest variant of what authors Thomas Stanley and Bill Danko originally coined, The Millionaire Next Door. They elaborate on five habits that this cohort tends to follow. And Wes points out that although investing is often a critical step to becoming a millionaire, it’s perhaps even more essential in the pursuit of staying a millionaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with a woman who has dedicated her life to finding ways to protect retirement assets. As the director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, Amy Nofziger has nearly two decades of experience in fraud prevention and victim support. A certified fraud examiner, she’s worked with the Wall Street Journal, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and Dr. Phil, among others, to shed light on consumer exploitation. The heinous nature of fraudsters is matched only by their cunning methods. Amy’s seen everything from business impersonators to LinkedIn scams to Crypto gift cards. There was even a guy named the Tinder Swindler who used romance to con unsuspecting women. Amy says fraud happens to people of all ages, but because older folks tend to have more money, they are bigger targets. $8.8 billion was reported lost last year, and due to underreporting, that number might be ten to twenty times higher. Sadly, most people never see their money again. Our best weapon to protect our finances is awareness. Learn from Amy so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your relationship with money holding you back from finding financial success? Many of us have a rocky relationship with money, but if we looked at our capital from a different perspective, this could possibly change our outlook and relationship with money. To aid us in improving our connection with our funds and uncover the trick we need to change our relationship with money, Wes sits down with Ken Honda, a worldwide, well-known author whose books have sold more than 8 million copies, including his latest book called Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money. Ken shares how the Japanese look at retirement, explains happy money versus unhappy money, and talks about fairness when it comes to how much money you possess. He also reveals two ways to find peace and happiness with money, how appreciating your funds can help you appreciate other things in your life, and defines invisible and visible assets. To wrap up the episode Ken and Wes touch on teaching children about money, happy money for senior citizens compared to children, and a problem he sees with poverty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Betty White died in 2021, we were somehow surprised. Even at 99-years-old, it felt like she was gone too soon. Smokey Robinson just released a new album at 83 years of age. Martha Stewart posed in a bathing suit on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 81.   How we think about aging is much different than it used to be, and Ken Dychtwald is one of the foremost authorities on these changing perceptions. For more than 45 years, he’s been an original thinker on the lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic, and workforce implications of the age wave.   In today’s episode, he tells us that older adults no longer have to put up with being called “golden agers” because they’re too busy leading vibrant, productive lives beyond traditional retirement. As shown by the growing unretirement trend across the country, happy retirees don’t necessarily stop working. They just start saying “no” to the things they never liked in the first place.   With a mindset of 'usefulness' over 'youthfulness,' Ken Dychtwald encourages older individuals to balance work and personal pursuits. He wants them to focus on the significance of life's moments and connections and reimagine retirement as a dynamic stage of life.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although numerous habits make up the structure of a happy retiree, financial habits play a large part in creating the fulfilling retirement you’ve always dreamed of and being able to fund your additional interests. In this episode, Wes breaks down the five financial secrets of the happiest retirees based on research from his latest book, What The Happiest Retirees Know, and reveals how these patterns are fundamental to building wealth and living a comfortable retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The term “Unretirement” is popping up more and more these days, and Chris Farrell literally wrote the book on it. After years of studying and reporting on the economy for PBS Next Avenue and Bloomberg Businessweek, Chris’ latest book, Purpose and Paycheck, further drives home the point that, at our core, humans have a deep need to be useful. A leading voice of the Unretirement movement, Chris joins Wes to share his thoughts on why so many Baby Boomers have decided to embrace the Unretirement lifestyle on their terms. He describes the creative attempts people are using to leverage career experience as a way of carving new paths. If you think of yourself as someone who might want to unretire, today’s episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change is a natural part of life. The more we lean in to that change, the better we can plan for and adjust to its consequences. On today’s episode, Wes points out some of the common catalysts for that change, and how we can ultimately make them work for our own retirement happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do banks calculate the amount due on your monthly mortgage payment? Here’s a hint: it’s not based on an intrinsic desire to benefit you. Banks are in business to make money; you are their compound interest vehicle. In part two of our interview with Adam Carroll, he tells Wes about the Shred Method: a step-by-step guide to optimize your income, eliminate debt, and build real wealth and home equity in a much faster way than the typical 30-year mortgage. He also shares tips for building massive, passive, and permanent income in the pursuit of retiring sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show, Wes takes some time to answer listener questions. He covers the different phases of retirement, the pros and cons of keeping more than one property at a time, and why some folks have been apprehensive about the recent bond market. If you have a question for Wes, call 800-805-6301 to leave a voicemail or head to our Facebook group and write a comment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine playing Monopoly with actual money. Adam Carroll put $10,000 cash on the board and made his kids roll the dice. He wanted them to learn money's true value before entering the real world. From virtual tokens to Apple Pay to mom and dad’s wallet, kids aren’t often exposed to the concept that there is a literal price to pay for the goods and services we need and desire. On today’s episode he’ll explain that and his methodology for paying college tuition without incurring massive debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Wes wades into the concept of Unretirement. Multiple studies suggest that some Americans return to work six months or a year after retiring. There are several reasons for the trend. Wes explains the potential motivations and lists essential factors folks need to consider when making this decision. Whether you’re looking for a renewed sense of purpose or a change to your financial situation, you don’t want to miss this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with Ryan Doolittle, host of the Retire Sooner Team’s brand new podcast: Happiest Retirees. Ryan tells Wes that he originally came up with the idea as a way to talk less about philosophy and more about the actual people on the ground, living happy lives in retirement. How did they discover the core pursuits that gave them purpose and passion and how did they make them a reality? By going straight to the source, Ryan hopes the show will shine a light on the road map and provide inspiration for others looking to find happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show, Wes talks about what Warren Buffett called the “rising tide.” Wes feels the bad news about higher interest rates is good news for income investors. By combining the rising stock dividends, the concept of yield at cost over time, and higher interest rates paying more income, Wes has seen the typically diversified growth/income portfolio looking more robust than it has in a long time. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any company. The listener should not assume that an investment in the securities identified was or will be profitable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does your digital footprint say about what you want? Data scientist, author of best-seller "Everybody Lies," and speaker Seth Stephens-Davidowitz sits down with Wes Moss to talk about how data can reveal societal and personal trends in desires, psychology, wealth building, and more. This includes when you become a sports fan, who you seek out for romantic partners and how you present yourself to them, and what activities are ranked as the happiest to do. Seth explains how he went from just reviewing data to using it to make his life decisions, and gives examples of how listening to his own data has made a difference for him. As for what data he encourages retirees to pay attention to, listen in to learn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suze Orman recently called the 4 Percent Rule “very dangerous” and said, “It doesn’t work anymore.” In today’s episode, Wes joins forces with Connor Miller, Co-Chief Investment Officer for Capital Investment Advisors, to fight against those statements. Using market history, they defend the legitimacy of what they feel has been a solid retirement strategy since William Bengen discovered it in the mid-1990s. Giving specific examples, they lay out the case for this dynamic, flexible rule of thumb as a roadmap for a happy retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re revisiting a listener favorite this week that was originally released in March of 2022. The Retire Sooner Team believes this message from Carl Honore about slowing down is more relevant than ever. Our world is built on speed. From our lives to the stock market, even retirement, we aim to tackle every task as quickly as possible; but when is it time to reduce speed and pump the brakes? While our first instinct is to hurry, as humans, we must remind ourselves that being slow is not about doing everything as fast as possible but as smart as possible. In this episode, Carl Honore, Journalist, TED Speaker, and Author of “In Praise of Slow,” joins Wes Moss to talk through the “slow movement” and the importance of finding your inner tortoise. Carl reveals the root of his fast-paced life, taking a slow approach to money, and how slowing down grants us time to reflect. He also touches on ageism, unveils the signs of being stuck in fast forward as well as three tips for slowing down your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes conveys his dismay at the abundance of scary headlines bombarding Americans these days. With unsettling bylines flooding our news feeds, he says it’s understandable for people to consider pulling money out of the market. But is that productive? Using a lesson he learned from Tom Cruise’s 1990 racing film Days of Thunder, Wes points to the statistical advantage of staying the course even when your survival instincts tell you otherwise. Pointing to specific examples from market history, Wes demonstrates how time in the market often beats any attempt to time the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medicines help to treat illness within the body, but what if we replaced filling a prescription with filling our bags at the farmer’s market with foods that can heal our bodies from the inside out? Dr. William Li, world-renowned physician, scientist, TED speaker, and author of “Eat To Beat Disease," joins this episode to share just how much food can impact our health. Dr. William Li provides his definition of being healthy, tips for kickstarting your health journey, and how there are five health defense systems that are crucial to our bodies. He also explains why we should explore new foods, especially in retirement, and lists foods and beverages that can be toxic to our diet. Additionally, Dr. Li shares an in-depth explanation of angiogenesis and why it’s vital to the maintenance of our body and defending our health. We wrap up with Dr. Li sharing how he takes a scientific approach to unlocking foods' nutrients as medicine, and he reveals what the future looks like for discovering these healthy foods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss revisits one of his favorite interviews from his radio show, Money Matters. He talked about Blue Zones - areas in the world where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives - with renowned explorer, educator, and expert on longevity from National Geographic, Dan Buettner. From diet to social connections to DNA, they explore many factors that impact our well-being. This includes the benefits of having a sense of purpose and passion, a key tenant of the Retire Sooner mission. Wes and Dan also explain which health and happiness strategies different Blue Zones across the globe excel at, offering inspiration and considerations for living longer and retiring happier. Originally recorded in 2019 for Money Matters on 95.5 WSB in Atlanta, there are timeless lessons we hope listeners will take from this discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a lot of people, what they want and what they expect can be two very different things. This may include those in their 30s and 40s who want to be able to retire but don't expect they'll be able to.   Dr. Jennice Vilhauer is a psychologist, author, and the developer of Future Directed Therapy. On today's Retire Sooner, she lends her expertise around activating a future-connected mindset to explain ways people can help themselves work toward what they want in life. Wes and Dr. Vilhauer go over depression's effect on thinking about the future, exercises in flipping negative thinking to positive, and the importance of mindfulness. Wes says that more than anyone he's ever met, Dr. Vilhauer has sold him on mindful meditation and discusses her best-selling book, "Think Forward to Thrive: How to Use the Mind's Power of Anticipation to Transcend Your Past and Transform Your Life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Retire Sooner, we're revisiting one of our most popular topics of the year: five reasons why someone may want to retire as soon as they can! Wes talks through catalysts for retiring, dives into the retirement transition, and shares comments from listeners regarding their retirement. He also reveals financial checkpoints of happy retirees and provides his insights on retiring happy. Disclosure: This is provided as a resource for informational purposes and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. The mention of any company is provided to you for informational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular company. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. The information provided is strictly an opinion and for informational purposes only and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained herein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the top real estate agents in the US, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and Georgia Bulldog, Bonneau Ansley does it all. On Retire Sooner, he sits down with Wes Moss to tell his story of success. From building houses and developing to becoming an agent and buying an international luxury real estate network, Ansley has followed his passion to achieve massive success. Along the way he's weathered literal fire, overcome the 2008 economic crisis, turned his dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder to his advantage, and unlocked the housing market power of the COVID-19 pandemic's work-from-home movement. Wes also brings up Ansley's book, podcast, and the top places Ansley would love to live himself. They wrap up the episode with why Atlanta is still an amazing place to live and move to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Retire Sooner Team is taking a break this week to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. Next week Wes will be talking real estate with one of the top agents in the country, Bonneau Ansley. In the meantime, listen to your favorite Retire Sooner episodes at wesmoss.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes with tips on living a happy and fulfilling retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the field of neuroscience, it’s easy to ask questions. This week's Retire Sooner guest, Michael Platt, is known for developing innovative ways to find the answers. A professor of Brain Science for Business at the esteemed Wharton School, Platt joins Wes Moss to talk about the brain science of loneliness and some ways one can improve the health of your personal connections to help nurture your happiness later in life. They look at what types of data trigger our brains for marketing, business, and interpersonal purposes. Platt also explains why our social circles may get smaller as we get older, and why maintaining long or deep friendships may be harder for men than women. He also notes how the big social move to Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our abilities to connect with each other, as well as the long-term and gender-related effects of social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode of Retire Sooner, Wes Moss shares ten of his favorite lessons learned from previous Retire Sooner podcast guests! He recaps topics such as second-act careers, wealth accumulation, and legacy planning. Wes also delves into what he learned from previous Retire Sooner guests about the importance of belonging to a community, finding purpose, and trying new things as adults. He digs into insights from guests such as travel writer Don George, author Mitch Albom, and financial expert Bill Danko. Join Wes to look back on these key lessons on how to retire happy and make the most of life's adventures! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In difficult conversations, do you notice you or your conversant trying to "win" the discussion instead of listening to each other's perspectives? Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss is joined by Douglas Stone, author, speaker, and lecturer on negotiation at Harvard Law School, to talk about navigating difficult conversations. Whether the subject of the conversation is financial, medical, or an interpersonal conflict, there are some discussions that can feel awkward, tense, or become argumentative. Stone explores some ways that can be effective to start such conversations, engage empathy around the emotions and identities tied into them, and reach a mutually understood outcome. Wes also brings up blind spots we can all have in the way we talk to others and what we can do about them. They also explain productive ways to receive feedback and wrap up the episode with how liberating it can be to accept your own limitations with other people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A-list actor Matthew McConaughey is not only a beloved American talent, but an excellent speaker. His 2015 speech to University of Texas graduates is a prime and popular example, and one that Wes Moss found especially inspiring. While McConaughey's speech was targeted to fresh graduates starting their life and career journeys, Wes found much of the advice applicable to prepping for an early retirement, planning for your financial future, and being a better investor. So, in today's episode of Retire Sooner, Wes outlines the twelve insights he gleaned from this famous speech and how they can apply to your own financial life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there's ever a concern about whether a partner is financially cheating or fudging the numbers on finances, you better hope Tracy Coenen is busy doing something else! Author of three books on fraud and embezzlement with more than 500 forensic accounting engagements completed, Tracy Coenen has spent more than 25 years investigating fraud. In this Retire Sooner episode, she joins Wes Moss to discuss forensic accounting and dig into signs that your spouse may be financially cheating on you. Tracy regales many examples she's seen of marital and divorce-related financial fraud and how she uses investment records, tax returns, bank statements, and even behavioral changes and social media to find the truth. She also shares her insights on how to have potentially difficult money conversations with your partner so that you both remain informed about marital finances. Tracy also shares how couples can use utilize resources such as her Red Flag Assessment and online Marriage, Divorce, and Post-Divorce Money Guides to navigate financial conversations. Red flag assessment quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/632a004f8a1cce0016078fd6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do the dollars in your wallet seem to be wilting as prices increase? In this episode, Wes Moss and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs discuss the worth of a dollar and price volatility at every level of purchase power. Whether you noticed price increases for a bottle of soda or a new car, we’re all experiencing the impact of rising costs. First, Wes shares insights about the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, though he notes that those differ from what investors should consider looking at right now. Next, he explains the US economy’s inflation, deflation, and avenues for capital once you've saved enough emergency cash. Finally, Wes and Mallory wrap up the episode with a few final thoughts and good news for investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover. Assimilate. Rewire. Expand. These are the four tenets of George Jerijan's DARE Method™ of teaching retirees to embrace passion, prosperity, and purpose. A retirement and mindset coach, Emmy award winning producer, and multi-industry author, Jerijan joins Wes Moss in this Retire Sooner episode to talk about how attracting your purpose rather than chasing the dollar can lead to a happier retirement. Based on his own experiences with health scares, semi-retiring, and surveying retirement-age concerns, Jerijan explains how he's living the life he truly desires now and aims to help retirees find their own new beginnings. Wes concludes the episode agreeing that it's not just money, but intangibles like mindset, that guides the mission of the Retire Sooner podcast to help people retire sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Wes Moss shares his watch experience of the film Air with Retire Sooner producer, Mallory Boggs. Air is the new movie directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and others that depicts Nike signing Michael Jordan to one of the most lucrative shoe deals of all time in 1984. Wes and Mallory discuss the film's relation to fantasy football, Warren Buffett's concept of the American Tailwind, and how one corporate idea can create a billion-dollar company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know why you make the financial decisions you do? On today's Retire Sooner episode, associate professor of Practice and Financial Psychology at Creighton University and director of the Financial Psychology Institute®, Ted Klontz, joins Wes Moss to discuss our subconscious beliefs about money that control behavior. Klontz explains the importance and assessment of Money Scripts®, beliefs that are rooted in our childhood that ultimately shape our financial health. They go on to discuss the mindset around saving, the practice of exquisite listening, and the advantage of curiosity over judgment when it comes to your relationship with money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why might famed businessman and investor Warren Buffett respond, “I don’t care,” when asked about a recession? Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss dives into the Buffett mindset of sticking to your principles in long-term investing decisions and looking toward economic growth. In doing so, he discusses one investing planning strategy that could be essential to the journey of retiring sooner: investing in companies versus stocks. Taking Federal Reserve forecasts for 2023 into consideration, many companies can still survive, thrive, and have great returns. The episode concludes with the inspiration that having even a bit of the Buffett mindset may help you retire sooner than you think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Retire Sooner, Wes Moss sits down with the three-time winner of Atlanta’s Best Divorce Attorney, Aaron Thomas, also the founder of Prenups.com. As Aaron and Prenups.com will tell you, prenups are not just planning or anticipating for marital failure. He explains that they're more of a set of rules for how your money, kids, and assets are treated during marriage and divorce. Wes and Aaron go over the differences in prenup rules in Georgia versus other states, as well as the "first paycheck rule," the cost of divorce, how having a prenup in place can help keep it down, and how to approach a prenup conversation. This episode concludes with a few interesting marriage statistics such as: On average, the happiest Retirees On The Block spend more time discussing finances with their partners (based on research for the book “You Can Retire Sooner Thank You Think”). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the aftermath of two big banks collapsing, it's no surprise that some investors may feel uneasy about the state of their retirement savings. In this episode, Wes Moss gives details to explain if and how these bank failures impact your retirement journey. He provides insights into how the banking system works, walks through the history and current state of the FDIC, and the common perception that it's safer to use bigger banks versus regional or community banks. Additionally, he delves into the mismatch between interest rates and short-term US Treasury bonds and how you can invest your funds wisely to secure a respectable yield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do economists and philosophers have in common? It’s not a trick question, but rather a debatable topic that Wes Moss and today’s guest, Paul Blaschko could discuss until the end of time! Paul Blaschko is the professor for the University of Notre Dame's most popular undergraduate class on philosophy. Wes and Paul dive deep into the philosophy versus theology schism and how Aristotle could be in the happy retiree camp. They also discuss Paul's "good life method" and the importance of good conversations. As this episode concludes, Paul shares some ways that people approaching retirement or later stages in life can continue improving their happiness and virtues and be comfortable with leisure for leisure's sake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are seven fundamental habits that many self-made millionaires have in common, and today’s guest best-selling co-author of "The Millionaire Next Door," affluence expert and educator Dr. Bill Danko, explains. In this episode, Dr. Danko sits down with Wes to explain his research and findings on the most common traits among those who have accumulated wealth and how they did it. Dr. Danko also goes over what frugality can accomplish, the role of marketing in American consumer behavior, and occupations that may help you retire sooner. They also discuss the dynamics between being versus feeling versus looking wealthy and how happiness, giving, and gratitude fold into that idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does your digital footprint say about what you want? Data scientist, author of best-seller "Everybody Lies," and speaker Seth Stephens-Davidowitz sits down with Wes Moss to talk about how data can reveal societal and personal trends in desires, psychology, wealth building, and more. This includes when you become a sports fan, who you seek out for romantic partners and how you present yourself to them, and what activities are ranked as the happiest to do. Seth explains how he went from just reviewing data to using it to make his life decisions, and gives examples of how listening to his own data has made a difference for him. As for what data he encourages retirees to pay attention to, listen in to learn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Purpose + passion + fun = core pursuits! When it comes to living a happy retirement, the more passions a retiree has, the better. But, on the other hand, our research shows that unhappy retirees tend to have less than two core pursuits driving their post-work life. So, how can you discover your core pursuits as part of your happy retirement plan? This episode will help you revisit ways to find core pursuits and what they can mean for you. In honor of March Madness, we've compiled a Core Pursuits Bracket to square off sixty-four "hobbies on steroids" to see what kind of core pursuit is championed for the happiest retirees on the block. Would you choose gardening versus pickleball or skydiving versus pottery? Voting is still open, so make your selections on the Retire Sooner social media pages! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The finance industry has innovated exponentially in recent decades, but are there some innovations that investors find more helpful than others? In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes is joined by renowned economist and author of the highly influential book on investing, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street," Burton Malkiel. They dive deep into investing insights for yourself and your family's future and discuss various investment types. In addition, Wes and Burton address multiple ways to handle emotions and expectations during market volatility and how there's no one rule for how retirees should organize their finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wes and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs go over Warren Buffett's "secret sauce" published in the Berkshire Hathaway 2022 Year In Review. They talk about how investing is not easy. While browsing through Buffett's rate-of-returns, Wes explains how Buffet's big numbers can equate to a more manageable scale that the average American can work with. He also assures that while Buffett is a special case of investing success, the mogul's lesson that the big wins tend to overshadow the little losses can be applicable to all who invest in stocks. The takeaway? Happy retirees aren't just savers, they're investors, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would they cast to play you? Today's Retire Sooner guest is Los Angeles Times columnist and four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Steve Lopez. In Steve's case, Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., plays Steve in the film adaptation of his best-selling nonfiction book, The Soloist. Wes and Steve talk about the story behind the story, as well as how Steve fell in love with Los Angeles and the fateful accident that got Steve thinking about retirement for his latest book, Independence Day. As they dig deeper into the book and discussion around retirement, Steve addresses the importance of structure and planning in retirement, six classifications of happy retirees, and why women can be better at retirement planning than men. Steve later relates advice Mel Brooks and Norman Lear gave him about purpose and passion. Finally, Wes wraps up the episode by asking Steve about his future plans for retirement and core pursuits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can there be progress without pain? The last 50 years have been a rollercoaster in the financial world and the world at large. In this episode, Wes gives a snapshot of key events from decades passed that had a significant impact on both the financial and cultural zeitgeist, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite every war, conflict, or struggle, Wes emphasizes the positive developments that keep him (and happy retirees) rationally optimistic. "Tomorrow" can always be somewhere good and great! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Valentine's Day, let's talk about something near and dear to Wes's heart: Dividends! What does it take to be wealthy in America? In this episode, Wes and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs take a look at statistics from a new wealth survey showing what level of earner is considered "wealthy" in this day and age. They also discuss dividend investing, show what a balanced portfolio could look like, and the possibility of enjoying dividend returns in retirement. Wes and Mallory wrap up this episode sharing what they love about Valentine's Day! This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. For stocks paying dividends, dividends are not guaranteed, and can increase, decrease, or be eliminated without notice. Fixed-income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation, and reinvestment risks; and possible loss of principal. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities falls. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. There are many aspects and criteria that must be examined and considered before investing. Investment decisions should not be made solely based on information contained in this article. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions. The information contained in the article is strictly an opinion and it is not known whether the strategies will be successful. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, guest Kathleen Rehl shares her expertise and experience with widowdom. Widely featured writer and author of the multi-award-winning book, Moving Forward on Your Own: A Financial Guidebook for Widows, Kathleen is a leading authority on financial challenges that widows face with over 17 years of personal finance advice. Wes and Kathleen discuss grief, growth, and grace in widowhood, including how it affects retirement, investing decisions, and getting back into the dating pool. And, in a Retire Sooner first, you can also listen to a little bit of poetry! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find out what helps Wes sleep well at night! In this episode, Wes and Retire Sooner producer Mallory Boggs offer some of their top tips for retirement life. They discuss ideal timeframes to claim Social Security benefits, the advantages of not overspending on your kids and grandkids, a quick way to determine if your pension passes the 6% test, and it never being too late to be a rockstar (or star of whatever side hustle works for you). Aside from sharing the importance of having multiple income streams in retirement, they also address how essential it is to have core pursuits, also known as hobbies on steroids, that can help make you the happiest retiree on the block. The episode wraps up with Wes sharing his core pursuit of snowboarding, rediscovering skiing with his wife, and discussing how trying new things sooner makes having core pursuits easier. For more tips, check out the Tools page on wesmoss.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Emily Esfahani Smith, she is the author of the book, ”The Power of Meaning”, and she delivered a TED talk called “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy”. Emily introduces her approach to finding meaning in life which she argues is more important than happiness. She suggests everyone examine and strengthen 4 pillars in their life: belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. She also shares how growing up in Sufism impacted her study of this philosophy, the rising tide of despair the world faces today, and how we can all find ways to enjoy a full and meaningful life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your new year resolution to retire a little sooner? If so, this episode might be for you. In today's episode, Wes Moss and Retire Sooner podcast producer Mallory Boggs discuss their personal financial resolutions for 2023, Wes's favorite financial advice from 2022, what investors may expect from the markets this year, and why now is the time to reassess your retirement goals. Wes shares his thoughts on some of the biggest stock market challenges in 2022. He discusses why he's optimistic for investors in 2023, what he likes about what he sees with value stocks this year, and how shifts in the bond market, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates may shape the market in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you live in a great home, why move out of it into a lesser one? Currently working on her eleventh flip, Mindy Jensen is a mom, works her day job at biggerpockets.com, and has bought and sold houses live-and-flip style for over two decades. In this episode, Mindy discusses the process of moving into an ugly house and turning it into a beautiful one through do-it-yourself construction and eye-grabbing kitchens. She also addresses some of the perks of the live-and-flip lifestyle, such as advantageous tax exclusions. Wes and Mindy dig into why real estate is an excellent investment class and cautionary areas for inexperienced buyers, such as overpaying property taxes. They also address loan rates, reverse mortgages, second homes through COVID, and Mindy's preference for local lenders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is money really the greatest need for retirement, or is there something more important to start with that we should all consider? In this episode, Wes is joined by popular newspaper columnist, award-winning college professor, and bestselling author Mike Bellah. Mike makes us think twice about our greatest needs for retirement as he shares his personal experiences with core pursuits that drive this stage of his life and enable him to be one of the happiest retirees on the block. Mike and Wes also address the importance of learning from grandkids and cultivating multiple income streams. They also discuss the need to rebalance, some physical challenges that many retirees encounter during the latter phase of retirement, and the importance of curiosity to keep growing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in to this episode as Wes Moss uncovers why demographics play an impactful role in shaping your retirement destiny along with his review of population history and statistics of multiple countries. He walks through recent financial headlines and news, reveals what would happen if everyone bought stocks and never sold them, dives into market liquidity, and what adds up to more longevity. Additionally, he addresses market trends and the silent and powerful march forward of economic demand across the globe. Wes wraps up this episode talking about the increasing popularity of pickleball, predictions for the ever-growing population, and unveils two of the most populous regions in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you introduce humor into a serious conversation surrounding finances? You’ll have to listen to find out! In this episode, Wes is joined by financial all-stars and old friends; Emily Guy Birken, author, money coach, and retirement connoisseur and Joe Saul-Sehy, former financial advisor, author, and co-host of the Stacking Benjamins and Money With Friends podcasts to talk finance with a comical twist. Emily and Joe share details about the process of writing their book together, what the book entails, and a useful tool for financial planning. Additionally, the trio dive into discussing stocks and how they can progress in a positive way with time, how the right house comes along at the right time, and why having a financial timeline can help you reach your goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once a financial foundation is built, it’s time for the most important part of the retirement equation; discovering your core pursuits. Whether you have a dozen hobbies on steroids that you’d like to tackle or you’ve been indecisive due to a busy work schedule, this is the episode for you! Listen as Wes Moss reveals why it’s never too late to find your core pursuits, tips for pinpointing what you love doing, and details from an enlightening interview he had with blogger, journalist, and best-selling author, Tom Vanderbilt. Later in the episode, Wes is joined by podcast producer, Mallory Boggs, to discuss the top four core pursuits of happy retirees, hobbies that they have tested so far, and resources Wes has generated to aid in detecting ideal core pursuits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices