This week, we continue our Process Over Panic theme by focusing on how to take back control in uncertain times. Learn how to shift your energy toward what you can control—and let go of what you can’t. Plus, Marcia Mantell joins us to break down the latest updates on Social Security and what they mean for your retirement plan. Tune in and take one more step toward a confident, purposeful retirement.

SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but rock it!
• (01:58) We have to focus on things we can control and manage the things that we can’t.
• (3:08) Today we are going to talk about social security- what we can control and what we can’t.

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (03:52) Roger shares a “Rockin’ Retirement in the Wild” story from a listener and member of the RRC.

PROCESS OVER PANIC- SOCIAL SECURITY WITH MARCIA MANTELL

• (06:30) There have been a lot of changes coming out of the Social Security Administration.
• (07:40) What is controllable with Social Security?
• (09:56) What are the uncontrollables with Social Security?
• (13:51) To help us understand the current state of Social Security, we're talking with Marcia Mantell.
• (15:38) Marcia says facts over fear are SO important and she is not fearful but watchful.
• (18:49) What changes have happened recently with social security?
• (23:00) There are different proposals floating around regarding Social Security to improve the implementation of the program.
• (25:10) Marcia discusses her thoughts on the idea that Social Security will run out by 2033.
• (28:55) How easy is it to create a sustainable Social Security system?
• (31:47) The goal of Social Security is to provide a basic income, roof over our head, and food on the table.
• (33:10) Over 50% of people rely on Social Security for their primary source of income.
• (36:10) If you are 55 or older, should you make a material change related to what you anticipate your Social Security to be?

SMART SPRINT

• (40:56) In the next seven days, identify one thing in your retirement planning you can’t control that’s draining your energy. Then, take one small action to shift that focus toward what you can control. Awareness is the first step to rocking retirement—and life.

BONUS

• (41:49) Next installment from missions flown by Roger’s grandfather in World War II

REFERENCES

• Retirement Answer Man
• Sign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)
• Mantell Retirement Consultants
• Social Security Administration
  
  

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💬 Show Notes

In this episode, we tackle the pressing question, "Is this time different?" as we navigate the complexities of today's political and economic landscape. Join us as we explore the importance of perspective in retirement planning and discuss the basics of structured notes. We'll also introduce our upcoming events and share insights from renowned experts in the field. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that aims to help you not just survive retirement, but thrive!

SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) The narratives that you consume and ultimately create for yourself define your reality
• (00:45) Today we are going to finish up our basics with the basics of structured notes and also talk about “process over panic” regarding the current state of affairs.

IS THIS TIME DIFFERENT?

• (04:10) Roger discusses whether the issues in the economy are different this time around then in times past.
• (07:40) The point of this discussion is to identify what is happening and how to respond to it.
• (08:40) A better question when it comes to planning is “Is this time permanent?”
• (10:58) Roger talks about the current markets versus historical markets.
• (11:46) Since 1928, there have been around 26–28 bear markets, averaging a 35% drop and lasting about 9.6 months. They tend to come around every five years—and they’ve never been permanent.
• (12:47) From presidential elections to battles with the Fed, these cycles may feel chaotic—but they’re nothing new and they’re not permanent.
• (14:31) Roger talks about “process over panic”

STRUCTURED NOTES

• (21:34) Roger goes over the basics of structured notes.
• (22:17) Roger uses food as a metaphor to break down investments—organic options like stocks and bonds are simple and transparent. But structured notes? They're the Twinkies of the investment world.
• (25:50) Structured notes at their core are debt.
• (26:57) Roger compares structured notes to wine—different types, different flavor profiles, and even the same variety can vary from year to year or region to region.
• (28:31) What are some types of structured notes?
• (29:22) What should you know about your structured notes?
• (32:00) Each structured note has a prospectus, a legal document that investment managers are required to create, but they are very difficult to understand
• (34:21) Roger sees structured notes as a potential building block for a retirement portfolio but avoids them due to their complexity.

SMART SPRINT

• (36:35) In the next seven days, take five or ten minutes to write out your process for retirement planning.

BONUS

• (37:44) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII journal.

REFERENCES

• Retirement Answer Man
• Sign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)
• Thomas Sowell
• Wall Street Journal
• Claude AI
• ChatGPT
  
  

💬 Show Notes

In this episode, we dig into fixed annuities and U.S. Treasuries—how they can bring stability and income to your retirement. We’ll also discuss Social Security risks and how to stress-test your plan so you can retire with confidence. Let’s get you one step closer to rocking retirement!

SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today we talk about the basics of fixed annuities.
• (00:59) Roger continues the discussion on navigating retirement planning during uncertain times.
• (02:06) Listener, Christina, asks Roger to consider stress testing including Social Security for the average potential retiree.
• (07:17) Roger defines fixed annuities and how they fit into the retirement planning process.
• (07:54) Roger evaluates the similarities and differences between CDs and fixed annuities.
• (10:08) What are the negatives of fixed annuities?
• (12:27) How are the rates of annuities determined?
• (14:08) What are the primary uses of fixed annuities?
• (15:12) Roger goes through an example of optimization using fixed annuities.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (19:38) Listener, Barbara, asks Roger to educate listeners about the basics of treasuries.

SMART SPRINT

• (24:36) In the next seven days, I want you to shift the way you approach your retirement planning. Think of yourself as a scientist—you're on a mission to discover and understand. When we run these stress tests or feasibility tests, the goal is to uncover where potential risks might exist and where opportunities could be hiding.

BONUS

• (25:25) Roger reads from his grandfather’s WWII Journal

REFERENCES

• Retirement Answer Man
• Sign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)
• Social Security Administration
• TreasuryDirect
• Immediate Annuities

Books:

• The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany- Stephen Ambrose

Show notes created by https://headliner.app