Retirement Starts Today

By: Benjamin Brandt CFP® RICP®
  • Summary

  • Do you want to spend more money in retirement, while paying less taxes? Great news, you're in the right place! I'll also teach you the benefits of retiring TO something, while most retirees only solve half the equation by retiring FROM something. Tune in every Monday morning - hosted by Benjamin Brandt CFP, RICP. Join my "Every Day is Saturday" weekly newsletter for show notes, free book giveaways and other great retirement content: www.retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
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Episodes
  • The 5 Pillars of a Fulfilling Retirement (That Nobody Talks About) with Dr. Daniel Crosby, Ep #388
    Feb 17 2025
    Click here to work with us! Most people plan for retirement by focusing on their finances—building up a nest egg, securing passive income, and minimizing taxes. But what if that’s only part of the equation? Many retirees find themselves financially secure yet feeling unexpectedly lost, disengaged, or even unhappy. The truth is, money alone doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling retirement. Dr. Daniel Crosby explains how work naturally provides purpose, engagement, relationships, and growth—key elements we often lose in retirement without realizing it. Without a plan to replace them, retirees risk dissatisfaction, depression, and even health issues. The good news? By proactively designing your retirement around these five pillars—positive experiences, engagement, relationships, meaning, and growth—you can create a life that is just as rich in purpose as it is in financial security. Whether it’s through hobbies, social groups, volunteering, or personal growth, Dr. Crosby shares how to build a retirement that keeps you mentally, emotionally, and socially fulfilled for decades to come. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Introduction(1:30) The unexpected struggles of retirement(2:40) The five facets of a meaningful life(6:23) How to intentionally rebuild purpose after retiring(9:50) The hidden danger of loneliness in retirement(14:30) Why purpose-driven money decisions matter(22:50) A hilarious twist: How Elon Musk “stole” from Dr. Crosby! Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkDr. Daniel Crosby’s Book – The Soul of Wealth (Amazon)Dr. Daniel Crosby’s Podcast – Standard Deviations (Podcast)CDC Report on Loneliness & Health Risks (Report) Connect with Dr. Daniel Crosby Chief Behavioral Officer bioHis Twitter/X: @danielcrosbyHis LinkedIn: Dr. Daniel Crosby Connect with Benjamin Brandt Become a Client: www.retirementstartstoday.com/startGet the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify
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    27 mins
  • Are Retirement Income Worries Overblown? Ep 387
    Feb 10 2025
    Click here to work with us! Many people fear running out of money in retirement, assuming they'll struggle financially once they stop working. But a recent Gallup poll shows 80% of retirees have enough to live comfortably, despite concerns about Social Security, longevity risk, and pension declines. Why the difference between expectation and reality? Many retirees find their expenses drop, Medicare covers more than expected, and Social Security plays a bigger role in their income. However, many still claim Social Security early, leaving money on the table. By making strategic choices, like delaying Social Security and managing retirement savings wisely, you can secure a more stable, stress-free future. If you're anxious about your retirement income, you're not alone—but retirees before you have found their finances more stable than they expected. By taking the right steps now, you can be part of that 80% who enjoy a confident retirement. Outline of This Episode (0:00) Concerns vs. Reality (1:30) The Gallup poll and retirement reality(5:00) The Social Security dilemma and when to claim(9:10) The shift from pensions to 401(k)s(11:17) Listener question: Pros and cons of 55+ communities(18:30) Why renting before buying can save you money(21:00) Final takeaways and episode wrap-up Resources & People Mentioned The Retirement Podcast NetworkGallup poll on retirement confidence55+ community comparison siteEmile Hallez’ Investment News retirement article Connect with Benjamin Brandt Become a Client: www.retirementstartstoday.com/startGet the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasapJoin the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletterDive deeper into retirement planning with Ben at www.RetirementIncome.University Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, iHeart, or Spotify
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    22 mins
  • For Canadian Eyes Only (bonus episode!)
    Feb 6 2025

    Listen in to this BONUS episode as Canadian CFP and host of the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast, Joe Curry, interviews me (Benjamin) about:

    • The non-financial aspects of retirement planning
    • Shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset
    • Retiring to something rather than from something
    • and embracing creativity to design a fulfilling post-career life

    Key insights include overcoming spending anxiety, identifying passions, building social connections, and planning purposefully for a no-regrets retirement. With actionable insights and a focus on mindset, this episode is perfect for those looking to simplify and enrich their retirement journey.

    Enjoy!

    Resources:

    Joe Curry's website and podcast

    Joe Curry on LinkedIn

    Book: Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy

    • Inspiration for understanding and connecting with your future self to create a fulfilling retirement.

    Connect with Benjamin Brandt
    • Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
    • Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/retiremeasap
    • Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter

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

    Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on
    Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Podbean, Player FM, or iHeart

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    25 mins

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