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

After taking some time off, The Retire Sooner team is excited to announce that Wes Moss will return as your host starting February 28th!    In upcoming episodes, we will cover topics such as Bitcoin 101, bucket list places to visit, and we'll interview a retired Wall Street workaholic in his 80s and the best shape of his life. Wes will also be answering listener questions and covering new financial, investment, and economic topics to help you towards a happy retirement.  You can expect new episodes every Monday and Thursday. Be sure to mark your calendars, subscribe, and tune in to catch the latest! You can also join our Retire Sooner Facebook Group for more in-depth conversations and topics about retirement. https://bit.ly/3J8w1Qx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We encourage happy retirees to think of income as a river, not a reservoir, and advocate having multiple sources of income to generate financial stability during retirement. One common income stream among happy retirees is real estate investments. In this episode, we’re joined by Partner, Senior Investment Advisor, and Investment Committee Director, Tom Moore, CFP®, to cover the intricacies of real estate investing. Tom shares his real estate history, mindset, and experiences, as well as various methods to invest in real estate. He goes on to compare investing in a single-family home versus a commercial property, talks through income and growth returns, lays out the steps for kickstarting your real estate investment journey, and uncovers how the successful investment situation of a happy retiree could look. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement planning is necessary for creating a successful life after work. However, life throws us curve balls that are sometimes out of our control and you need to have an additional plan in place when this happens. In this episode, we are joined by Dan Abramowitz, Regional Business Development Manager and Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors' Tampa office location. Dan talks through retirement backup plans and how they can save you when unexpected circumstances occur. Dan also reveals blindsiding challenges he has seen from those entering retirement and stresses the significance of rediscovering your purpose and core pursuits in life. Additionally, Dan urges retirees to be prepared with a plan A, B, C, explains how there is only so much we can plan for, talks through pivoting when hit with life’s curveballs, and shares why we should focus on three priorities to live an efficient and fulfilling life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investors can utilize technology to manage money faster, smarter, and easier; but how did we get here? Founder of Benjamin and Managing Partner at Capital Investment Advisors and Wela Strategies, Matt Reiner, CFP®, CFA joins this week’s episode to walk through the history and evolution of investments and technology. Matt explains the how to’s of diversifying your investment portfolio in the past and paints a day in the life at the New York Stock Exchange. He also shares huge milestones in investment history that have led to simplicity and inclusivity, explains when 401k’s rose in popularity, reveals what he believes the future of investing looks like and its challenges, and unveils details about his new book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a hot topic that has been on everyone’s mind lately — inflation. In this episode, Retire Sooner team member and Capital Investment Advisors Investment Committee Director, Ryan Ely, addresses what investors and retirees need to take into consideration. Ryan simplifies the consumer price index and touches on the deflationary shock causing an impact on the economy. He also reveals challenges that come with recovering the economy during inflation, describes the biggest areas of inflation and provides real-world examples of what inflation means for retirees and their wallet share. Finally, Ryan unveils his inflation predictions for the foreseeable future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back after the holidays with Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Capital Investment Advisors, Robert Sanders. In this episode, Robert shares his predictions for the upcoming year and how these predictions will impact investors and retirees. Robert also discusses his three themes of 2022 and analyzes midterm election trends throughout the past. He shares predictions for the market within an inflationary environment, an ideal stocks versus bonds ratio during inflation, and the overall strength of the economy. Additionally, Robert explains how leaning towards the margin and maintaining a positive outlook can influence your investor mindset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Retire Sooner Team will be back next week to start the new year off with new episodes! 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 this podcast episode, Brynne Simms shares how to set expectations to seek and manage rental properties during retirement, along with sharing her journey to owning and managing her own rental property. She also provides examples of how retirees can utilize their finances to find happiness in retirement and describes traits and core pursuits that she sees within the happiest retirees. Brynne also discusses her role as a Client Service Manager at Capital Investment Advisors and talks through what a happy retiree's future can look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features Eddie Goepp, CFP®, Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors. Eddie talks through the closed-end funds investment model and how implementing this strategy can enhance yields and bring balance to your portfolio. Eddie simplifies closed-end funds as a bucket that holds stock, funds, and real estate and explains why the current market can be attractive for retail investors. He also dives into the fluctuation of yields on closed-end funds, the power of debt, how his wife changed her career path and pursued her passion, and encourages listeners to fuel their passion while in the retirement grey zone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Mallory Boggs is joined by Joel Dean, CFP®, an Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors and a member of the Retire Sooner team to discuss ESGs, faith-based investing and investing in "sin stocks." Joel shares several investment stories and examples of sin stocks versus "values" investing. He also simplifies ESG investing (Sustainable Investing). Joel reveals how companies implement sustainability in their operations to attract investors. He then gives listeners guidance on how they might want to consider ESG, sin stocks, and faith-based investment strategies when it comes to their own portfolios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mallory Boggs is joined by Mitch Reiner, CFP®, CIMA®, Managing Partner and Senior Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors. Mitch shares his three pillars of life concept and how these pillars can help you focus on where to devote your time and attention before retirement. He also explains how he discovered his life’s focus, the importance of decision-making with priorities in mind, his top priorities, the challenges of inserting himself in the community, and how he believes retirees could be the key to operating community organizations successfully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Mallory Boggs sits down with a member of the Retire Sooner team and Investment Advisor at Capital Investment Advisors, Kristin Curcio. Kristin provides her tips, insights, and expertise regarding financial planning and how these plans impact your retirement. She also explains the importance of budgeting, how much money you should have in your emergency fund, and discusses penalties for early withdrawals. Listen in to also hear tips and details around estate, will, and trust planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of season two of Retire Sooner, Mallory Boggs sits down with Robert Sanders from the Retire Sooner Team. Robert is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Capital Investment Advisors. Robert explains what it takes when deciding what you want to invest in. He also defines his role at Capital Investment Advisors (CIA), simplifies the macro level of investing, reveals the ideal goal for clients at CIA, talks through discovering companies to invest in, why style consistency is essential when investing, and why it’s important to align your investment goals with your beliefs. 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

This podcast is an incredible labor of love from our team as we strive to help our listeners retire sooner. I'm so grateful to all of you for listening, and I’m excited for our next episode coming out on November 8th with Emily Esfahani Smith. Every day since the pandemic began, I have been on the air, coaching people through the economic roller coaster. During that time, I've also written and published a new book, and I've worked consistently to create the best content possible on this podcast, in my Atlanta Journal-Constitution column, and for my show on WSB radio. While I’ve enjoyed doing all of this, I’ve decided to take my own advice, and starting mid-November I’ll be focusing on some other core pursuits in my life for a bit. I'll be back in the spring of 2022 with some great new episodes for you here. While I might be taking a short break on the current format of the podcast, I don't want you to take a break on working towards your goal of retiring at least one year sooner. So I’m turning over the mic (for a bit) to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes at Retire Sooner to answer the questions we see come in from our listeners every day. Starting November 15, we’ll be rolling out a new podcast format we’re calling, “Questions & Answers." Our producer Mallory will be sitting down weekly with a member of our team of financial professionals to dig into a financial or economic topic where we’ve consistently seen confusion and questions. I hope you enjoy these new episodes, and I can't wait for you to see what's coming in the spring.  If you'd like to reach me or the Retire Sooner Team, you can always find us at WesMoss.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes sits down with Financial Advisor turned Financial Coach, Freelance Writer, and young FIRE Advocate, Katie Oelker. Katie defines and explains what the FIRE movement is along with the varieties that come with it. She also shares her dramatic money story growing up, her retirement and investment goals, her journey as a financial advisor and financial coach, why it’s important to know about our parents' and childrens' finances, and reveals her core pursuits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this episode, Wes shares details from his new book, What The Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. He also explains how he collected his research and studies for the book, why he studies happy and unhappy retirees, and what we can learn from happy retirees. He gives additional insights into the habits of the happiest retirees, how to discover your core pursuits, and shares a personal story about a friend’s emotional struggle without work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While many of us appreciate the call to duty for our nation’s military servicemen and servicewomen, we’re not often aware of the challenges they face financially. As they transition back to civilian life, many encounter challenges with saving, investing, and earning a living. In today’s podcast episode, Wes is joined by Lacey Langford, a former member of the U.S Air Force and Co-host of the Military Money Podcast. Lacey explains the difficulties that military service members face with finances as they transition back into civilian life. She also shares details about her military background, reveals the struggles of being a military spouse, simplifies the military career process and military ranks, breaks down security clearances, shares the importance of taking ownership of your finances, and unveils financial resources for military members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Retire Sooner, Wes replays questions from callers on his Money Matters radio show. From the questions asked he discusses how to set up a retirement plan, taking required minimum distributions, and the impact today's political environment has on the stock market. 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

During this episode, Wes sits down with Joe Saul-Sehy, Creator and Co-Host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. Joe talks through selling his business and transitioning into a new career, his podcast journey and the process of writing his book. He also shares how children can help us learn life lessons, along with discussing the debate for hiring a financial advisor, his insight on income sources, and the pros and cons of retiring early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you take the proper steps, investing can be rewarding and valuable. However, if your only focus is growth, then you could be missing out on a large piece of the equation — income investing. In this podcast episode, Wes unveils the beneficial process of income investing. He also discusses the possibilities of inflation, the many ways to approach investing, the emotional side of investing your retirement money, why he admires income investing, a simple explanation of the income investment process, and steps to take to begin your income investment journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living in luxury comes at a price, and it’s important to be cautious with your finances to avoid unexpected ups and downs; especially living in areas like Los Angeles. In this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Bob Wheeler, Certified CPA, CORE Energetic practitioner, Inspirational Speaker, Author, and CFO of the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Bob shares his comedic journey, the financial trends of comics, reveals the spending tendencies of his Los Angeles clients, what it’s like being an LA resident, and touches base on his book The Money Nerve along with the connection between money and emotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes urges listeners to rethink investment percentages for their balanced portfolio. He discusses how the traditional 60/40 portfolio might need to be revisited based on interest rate predictions, the current interest rate environment, the purpose of bonds, and the power of income investing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s for work or pleasure, traveling can be fun and exciting. However, have you ever thought about why you are traveling? During this podcast episode, Wes is joined by Joe Cortez, Editor and Chief of FlyerTalk.com, an online hub for up-to-date travel news and insight. Joe shares how discovering the purpose of your travel can change your outlook on the entire process. He also explains how he started his traveling career, debunks the perks and benefits of flyer status, reveals why determining what you want from your travel is essential, describes how your traveling needs change as you grow older, and unveils his ideal travel destination to retire sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes reveals common investing mistakes to avoid. He also talks through upcoming podcast episodes, explains his experience in the investment industry, discusses stock market trends, reveals the importance of timing for investors, and describes the connection between the percentage of trading days missed versus your rate of return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you could retire anywhere, where would it be? What are the main variables that would help you determine where to go? If you’re pursuing the answers to these questions, this podcast episode can help! This week Wes sits down with the duo, Gilen Chan and Gene Preudhomme, a couple in their fifties and hosts of the weekly podcast, Retire There. They discuss how to find the perfect retirement location, talk through their own podcast process, share retirement location stories from their podcast listeners, reveal where they are in their own lives, debate the difficulties of moving away from family, and uncover where they plan to retire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Wes shares five reasons retirees are retiring as soon as they can. He also talks through catalysts for retiring, dives into the retirement transition, shares comments from listeners regarding their retirement, reveals financial checkpoints of happy retirees, and provides his advice and insight on retiring happy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building generational wealth is important and can help to set your family and future family up for success. However, what planning is required when it comes to passing down that wealth to your children and their children? In this podcast episode, Wes sits down with Steven Goodman, Author of Business Succession Planning, to discuss leaving wealth to the next generation. Steven also shares the risks of passing down a family business, what to factor in as a parent with a family business, the pitfalls of leaving wealth to multiple children, cashing out on your company, private equity, and his insights on life insurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History continues to repeat itself, especially when it comes to the economy and the stock market. In this podcast episode, Wes shares the power of two stock related averages; the average intra year decline and the average rate of return. He also discusses U.S. stock market predictions from well known investors, how averages tell the real stock market story, scary headlines regarding investing, historical trends, and the importance of understanding these averages to reach your financial goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone seeks a smooth transition into retirement. Although it’s important to have a successful adjustment individually, including your spouse in the transition is also essential. In this episode, Louis H. Primavera, PhD is back to discuss the inclusion of your spouse within the retirement process. He also explains relationship contracts, shares his experiences with marriage counseling clients, reveals the importance of negotiation, stresses the significance of giving 100% on both sides of the relationship, and discusses the marital habits of happy retirees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quitting your job is your choice, and for most, there is a good reason behind doing it. In fact, there is currently a labor shortage in the U.S. because of so many Americans quitting on their own accord. With a large supply of job openings and a short supply of labor, this is the best job economy that our country has seen. Believe it or not, this “I quit” economy can also positively affect your retirement plan. During this podcast episode, Wes dives into the “I quit” job economy. He also shares which industries have a labor shortage, variables that lead to people quitting, why there is a labor shortage, research surrounding the job economy, how this shortage can impact your early retirement, and which industries people are quitting the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wes sits down with Ann Germany, an expert from The Arbor Company. Ann dives into key traits in normal aging versus cognitive decline and how to prepare if your loved one is diagnosed with a cognitive decline-based disease. Ann also shares her experience caring for her mother, four common forms of dementia, red flags of cognitive decline, and actions to take when red flags appear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The happiest retirees practice numerous habits that lead to a fulfilling life. In this episode, Wes continues revealing the do’s and don’ts of the happiest retirees and the advantages of adding those do’s into your own routine. In addition, Wes dives into diet and nutrition, explains why it’s important to possess healthy social connections, provides the benefits of traveling with friends, and outlines his new book What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s nothing wrong with being a hard worker. Some may even consider hard work as their superpower. However, could hard work and earning an income cost you your happy retirement? In this podcast episode, Wes interviews Roger Whitney, a financial advisor for more than 25 years and host of the award-winning Retirement Answer Man® podcast. During the episode, Roger and Wes define the Shawshank Paradox and how to break away from your job to transition into retirement. Roger also shares his personal client and listener experiences, the five regrets that people have at the end of their life, creating an amazing life today versus being okay later on, financial planning, goal setting, and the correlation between the Shawshank Paradox and the Retirement Grey Zone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What separates the happy retirees from the unhappy retirees? It’s not just one habit, but multiple habits that happy retirees implement throughout their routine. In fact, practicing these life, financial, social, and family habits can lead you to living your best life during retirement. In this podcast episode, Wes reveals a few of the habits of the happiest retirees. Wes also shares his purpose for studying these habits, his research and findings about retirement, the do’s and don’ts of retirement, the financial habits of joyful retirees, and outlines his new book What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. If you'd like to access the complimentary workbook, please visit - https://info.yourwealth.com/workbook-for-what-the-happiest-retirees-know Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saving and budgeting your money is important to your financial success, both before and after retirement. Although saving comes with restrictions, it’s important that you don’t restrict yourself from enjoying the little things in life. In this podcast episode, Wes interviews Joel Larsgaard, one half of the popular personal finance podcast, How To Money. Joel discusses how to budget while giving yourself permission to spend money on what’s important to you. He also shares questions from his podcast listeners, his personal experience with family finances growing up, real estate, over constraint, and having “peace out” money. 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

Are you, a parent, or a spouse transitioning to an assisted living facility? Determining what steps to take when paying for the expenses is a significant role, especially if your loved one is not present to make all decisions. It all comes down to identifying the best strategy to optimize the finances while ensuring that taxes are accounted for. Today’s podcast episode is based on a call received by a listener. Wes explains how to maximize the assets of a parent or spouse when you are in charge of their expenses. He also discusses five things to consider when distributing assets, the importance of managing finances, utilizing IRA money, why having caution about taxes is essential, and how he would handle the situation of the listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re taking a peek behind the scenes of child stars and the financial struggles that are so often associated with them. Jason Minor, a former Mickey Mouse Club member and child star turned financial advisor, offers his insider knowledge on how individuals such as Britney Spears end up earning significant sums in their formative years only to lose it all. Jason offers suggestions on how a #FreeBritney-like movement can be avoided for the next generation of young rising stars, and we can all learn about the importance of financial planning whenever presented with a sudden cash windfall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the US economy in a market bubble that could burst sooner than we think? It’s the question that has been on the minds of many investors causing some degree of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. After all, we keep witnessing the market hit new all-time highs and investors want to have the confidence that their money is still being put to work. In today’s episode, Wes addresses this common question and discusses the history and lessons we can learn from one of the greatest economic bubbles in history that occurred in Japan during the 1990’s. Wes also shares five nearly unbelievable scenarios that happened during Japan’s bubble, identifies the mark of a bubble, and discusses cycles of bear and bull markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can I do to retire sooner? What should I be investing in? What is the status of the stock market? Don’t fret. You came to the right place! In this podcast episode, Wes answers questions sent in from podcast listeners. He also addresses his overall mission to help families retire happy. Additionally, he shares insights and tips around retirement, real estate, investing, and finances. 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

When it comes to finances, money conversations can be a difficult topic for some couples. Surprisingly, it’s also common for couples to be clueless about each other’s salaries and what their combined money is being used for. Although money is a major cause of divorce, it can be prevented through better communication and teamwork. In this podcast episode, Wes tackles the touchy subject of couples and their finances. He also explores relationship data in regards to talking about money, relationship transparency, why communication is key, how communication can impact your retirement, and the communication tendencies of happy retirees. https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/about-fidelity/Fidelity-Couples-and-Money-Fact-Sheet-2021.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Income streams and social security benefits are important aspects of retirement, but it’s important to also consider another critical factor: Medicare. Although Medicare is essential to numerous people across the U.S, it’s a complicated subject with many levels to understand. In the long run, knowing the ins and outs of Medicare can help you better prepare for retirement. Mary Beth Franklin, a leading specialist on social security and Medicare and writer of a weekly column on retirement issues for Investment News, is back to explain Medicare in this week’s episode. She also clarifies the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare enrollment, penalty payments, parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare, and health insurance wrinkles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investing is difficult, and for some of us, it’s very hard to begin the process. Not only are we cautious of starting, but we can become cautious about staying in the market. The hesitancy some investors face stems from an inherent behavioral trait. The prewired trait can be either conquered or leave us in a vicious cycle that will ruin our chances at a return on our investment. In today’s podcast episode, Wes dives into loss aversion, the psychological makeup that makes investing so tough for humans. He also shares a personal experience regarding loss aversion, the pain of losing versus the pleasure of gaining, four steps that we can take to combat the inherent behavior, and how those steps can increase our investing success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life transitions can be exciting and challenging. Throughout our lives, we experience many changes and shifts that will impact our outlook on things. Some changes will take us out of our comfort zone, but experiencing them can help us learn how to cope. This philosophy goes for retirement as well. In this podcast episode, Wes interviews Nancy Schlossberg, former psychology professor, author, and co-president of TransitionWorks. During the episode, Nancy explains the importance of transitions in your life leading up to your retirement. She also shares her life experiences regarding change, different kinds of retirees, resources for coping with change, transition stages, and how the retirement process is affected by these transitions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you stay? Should you go? Should you rent? Everyone wants to know! Real estate prices fluctuate constantly, making it challenging to predict where the prices will fall in years to come. The real estate market is dependent on a variety of factors. In this podcast episode, Wes examines the ever-changing housing market and where prices are headed in the future. He also dives into real estate trends, supply and demand, the factors that impact housing prices, the home price index, and home pricing comparisons from state to state.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money can be a difficult subject for many. If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that we are not always at fault for being financially unstable. Although no one is to blame for the turn of events, it is up to us to take control and determine a solution for recovering our finances, establishing security, and restoring wealth.  In today’s episode, Wes interviews CEO and podcast host of Her Money, Jean Chatzky. Throughout the episode, Jean debunks some of the most common misconceptions about wealth and wealth building. Jean and Wes also discuss how money can impact your happiness, the major problems people face when repairing their finances, and the differences between men investors versus women investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there an ideal moment to invest in the market? It’s a question that worries many investors each time they put money in the market. The answer to this question should be the same no matter what the market environment.  During this episode, Wes shares his insights on the “perfect time” to kickstart your investment journey. He also compares investing at the best time versus investing at the worst time within the market, explains why participation is pivotal, and lays out how to control your investment itinerary.  Source: Bloomberg L.P. Stocks are represented by the S&P 500, and cash equivalents by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Treasury Bill Index. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested directly.   This chart represents a hypothetical investment and is for illustrative purposes only. Dividends and interest are assumed to have been reinvested , and the example does not reflect the effects of taxes, expenses or fees. The actual annual rate of return will fluctuate with market conditions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.   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.  There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns and periods where dividends will not be paid.  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. 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 in this article. The information contained in the article is strictly an opinion 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money can impact your life in positive and negative ways. While many of us are mindful of our money, we don’t always realize how money influences our behavior. Understanding how money impacts behavior can help you reduce or prevent stress, fear, and scarcity.  On today’s podcast episode, Wes sits down with Leisa Peterson, coach, mindset teacher, author, and podcast host of The Mindful Millionaire. Leisa shares her experiences with stress caused by scarcity of money growing up and kickstarting a method for saving more. She also covers abundance, conquering money mistakes, the importance of self-care, and the money tendencies of men versus women.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rewarding retirement is not just about having enough money to live comfortably. At the end of the day, there are some things that money can’t buy. Having social connectedness is essential to your longevity and happiness. Maintaining lifelong friend groups or social groups is key during this stage in your life, and traveling with these social connections can lead to your most fulfilling retirement.    On today’s podcast episode, Wes explains how social connectedness is vital for a happy retiree. He also dives into the softer side of planning for retirement, four happy retiree secrets of social connectedness, and shares his research on happy retirees versus unhappy retirees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to generating wealth, everyone wants to “get rich quick”. Little do people know, the easiest way to accomplish this is through a slow process and patience. As challenging as that sounds, no one sees the visible ups and downs of the wealth journey. Many seeking wealth only have eyes for the pot of gold at the end.    Today’s episode includes an interview with Brian Preston, a CFP, CPA, PFS, and founder of AboundWealth in Franklin, Tennessee. Brian is also the founder and host of the award-winning Money Guy Show, a podcast that has been broadcasting for over 15 years. Brian shares his top three steps toward wealth creation, three reasons for hiring a fee-only financial advisor, and the biggest blocks to avoid while creating wealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to retirement, we tend to think of things in black and white. In one stage, you’re working, and the next, you’re retired. Depending on what age you retire, this isn’t always the case. There are times when you find yourself in what’s called “the grey zone” of retirement.    In this episode, podcast host Wes Moss explains the Grey Zone of retirement for an early retiree. Retiring sooner can be a dream, but if you retire young enough to get a second career or transition job, then you should do so to ease into living off of your savings. Wes also shares a tool that he uses to navigate the zone and reviews the five steps for retiring sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that you should stop your efforts for longevity. After all, planning for a happy retirement includes following core pursuits and socializing with family and friends. Aging is inevitable, but for those retiring it can be a concern. Planning your retirement with a life expectancy of 70 years old is different from planning for a life expectancy of 90 years old. In today’s episode, Wes interviews Dr. Andrew Steele, a London-based bio-gerontologist, writer, and campaigner as he explains some of the research behind his new book Ageless: The New Science of Getting  Older Without Getting Old. They discuss risk factors of diseases, such as cancer and dementia, the impact of excessive daily exercise, and why sleep is essential to your health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

his year has brought us into a new economic environment. We are shifting from a closed economy to businesses reopening and gaining momentum as we recover from the past year. But with that momentum has come a bevy of fear and concern. As a result, investors should not be worried or paranoid, but they should be prepared. In today’s podcast, Wes shares tips on how investors can combat what he calls the three-headed monster of higher inflation, rising interest rates, and tax increases.  Throughout this episode, Wes analyzes the historical correlation between tax rates, capital gains, stocks and addresses why some categories of stocks fare better when inflation or interest rates rise. Of course, historical events in markets may not repeat exactly the same, but many events show similarities. As investors, if we stick to a few rules of thumb, we may be able to weather any market conditions that come our way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studies have found that as many as 40% of retirees have difficulty adjusting, and even those who claim to enjoy retirement may experience some uneasiness as they adapt to a life lacking in structure and direction. The path to a happy retirement may be paved with good intention when it comes to financial preparation, but preparation for your mental health is equally as important.  Today’s episode features licensed psychologist Louis H. Primavera, PhD. Dr. Primavera is co-author of the book The Retirement Maze: What You Should Know Before and After You Retire. He specializes in behavior and rational emotive behavior therapies and is currently the Dean of Health Sciences at Touro College in New York. Wes and Dr. Primavera discuss the four stages of retirement, understanding the purpose of a bridge job, the importance of staying socially connected, and the psychological side of retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you get your news by television, websites, or social media, it is often dominated by a negative narrative. After all, the old saying when it comes to the media is, “if it bleeds, it leads.” As investors, we should not just pay attention to what we see and read but also focus on what we know.  In today’s episode, Wes addresses the critical importance of rational optimism for investors. He outlines a list of perpetual, formidable events that could negatively impact the economy at any time. While these events may seem bad now, savvy investors can counter this narrative with the knowledge that fundamentally good things are happening today - starting with the army of American productivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When learning how to walk, infants fail up to 70 times an hour yet, they still keep trying. So why can we as adults be so afraid to fail when trying something new? As we get older and deeper into adulthood, we sometimes forget what it feels like to begin again. Inspired by his young daughter's insatiable need to know how to do almost everything, and challenged by his own rut of mid-career competence, blogger, journalist, and best-selling author, Tom Vanderbilt took a year-long journey to master five new skills. In today’s episode, Wes sits down with Tom to talk through the important lessons he learned on his journey, how to reclaim your identity by learning something new and why failing is a good thing. Tom shares how anyone can begin again--and, more important, why they should take those first awkward steps. We’re fascinated by Tom’s pursuit to continue learning new skills and hope this episode inspires you to explore your own childlike wonders in retirement. Read more about Tom’s journey in his latest book, Beginners: the Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning - https://tomvanderbilt.com/books/beginners-the-joy-and-transformative-power-of-lifelong-learning/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lately we’ve been inundated with news of people becoming millionaires overnight. 2021 has been the year of the ‘meme’ stock and this phenomenon has made it even more difficult for investors to keep their eye on the ball. For example, AMC recently announced a new program offering perks for shareholders which sent the stock through the roof. This new form of shareholder activism can be exciting but it’s not always a durable investment strategy for long-term investing. Today we’ll discuss the 15/50 Stock Rule, which helps guide investors in maintaining a balance between risk and reward according to their time horizon. The 15/50 portfolio idea has been around for decades, championed by Columbia Business School professor Benjamin Graham (mentor to famed billionaire investor Warren Buffet), as well as Vanguard founder, John Bogle. In this episode, we’ll focus on the conversation soon-to-be retirees are likely having which is, ‘how much as a percentage of our portfolio should we have in stocks over time?’   More on the 15/50 Stock Rule and other sources for the show: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/why-investors-should-consider-using-the-15-50-stock-rule/   https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/morningstar-report-finds-that-retirement-savers-contributions-suffer-even-as-target-date-strategies-rebounded-from-q1-2020-bear-market-301250121.html   Disclosure: This information is provided to you as a resource for educational purposes and as an example only and is not to be considered investment advice or recommendation or an endorsement of any particular security. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns and periods where dividends will not be paid. Past performance is not indicative of future results when considering any investment vehicle. The mention of any specific security should not be inferred as having been successful or responsible for any investor achieving their investment goals. Additionally, the mention of any specific security is not to infer investment success of the security or of any portfolio. A reader may request a list of all recommendations made by Capital Investment Advisors within the immediately preceding period of one year upon written request to Capital Investment Advisors. It is not known whether any investor holding the mentioned securities have achieved their investment goals or experienced appreciation of their portfolio. 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. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to money, even smart people can make dumb decisions. What do you think is the genesis for poor financial decisions? Why can we be so bad at spending? There are so many silly things people do when making financial decisions. Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst and Author, shares some fantastic advice about retirement planning and the questions you should be asking to define your needs, manage your money and make smart financial decisions. Jill talks about her beginnings with CBS and start in the financial industry, all which led her to become a leader in translating complicated business and economic news into understandable, relatable topics for everyday viewers and listeners. The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money by Jill Schlesinger: https://www.jillonmoney.com/book/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When The Millionaire Next Door book by Thomas Stanley was first released, I was an intern at my first investment job. Now, in its 23-year history, it has had a major impact on how people understand what it means to be wealthy in the United States.   In this episode, we’ll discuss the habits Thomas Stanley wrote about in 1996, of the people who have created not just high income, but wealth. We’ll talk about the ways you can implement the traits of the Millionaire Next Door, debunk the lies that you need to be hedonistically rich to retire successfully, share some millionaire statistics and the ways in which the Millionaire Next Door is related to the happy retiree.     The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley: https://www.themillionairenextdoor.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we approach midlife, a lot of us may find ourselves taking care of our aging parents, children, or both. How do we not go broke taking care of other people in our lives? Even people who spend a lot of time on financial planning tend to overlook their own needs in the long term for assistance with finances (paying bills, organizing things, etc) and healthcare (rides to appointments, caregiving, etc). Why is that? Richard Eisenberg shares a little bit about his personal experience as a caregiver and shares some best practices to providing care while also protecting our financial future and becoming a happy retiree.   Richard Eisenberg is an author and Managing Editor for Next Avenue - a PBS site. You can find Richard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/richeis315. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humans are naturally reactive, it’s a survival technique but those who are able to look beyond the market storms are the investors that are typically rewarded.   Today I’m going to share with you one of the most powerful and helpful investment tools, in my opinion, to use when investing gets tough - The Dry Powder Principle. We’ll take a look at the history of how often and severe markets fall, the recovery time for all bear markets from 1928 and how The Dry Powder Principle can be helpful when preparing for retirement. Understanding market cycles can help us gain a sense of patience, look beyond the danger and stay invested over time - which is key to becoming a happy retiree.   More on The Dry Powder Principle: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/how-to-own-your-expenses-and-plan-ahead-for-market-storms/   The 15/50 Stock Rule: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/why-investors-should-consider-using-the-15-50-stock-rule/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re 25 or nearing retirement age, you’ll learn something new about how to maximize social security and plan for the future in today’s episode with Mary Beth Franklin. Mary Beth is one of the country’s leading specialist on social security and medicare and writes a weekly column on retirement issues for Investment News, a publication for financial advisers.   In our conversation today she answers questions such as, why do you think Social Security has become so confusing and difficult for so many people to make sense of as they get ready to retire? What are some actionable steps to take right now to prepare for or maximize their social security? And what you need to know when it comes to spouses and social security.   History of Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/history/index.html Where to find Mary Beth Franklin: maximizingsocialsecuritybenefits.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement is one of the most exciting goals to strive for. All of your hard work saving and investing has paid off, and now you’re living the good life. But making the most of your post-career years means being on guard for a few financial pitfalls.   In my research, I’ve discovered that the happiest retirees know what to avoid and practice in order to retire sooner. So what mistakes are unhappy retirees making to prevent them from reaching economic freedom? In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the Rich Ratio, how much time you should really spend on your own finances, if you should purchase big-ticket items before or after retirement, and the things you should be focusing on while you save and plan for retirement.   David Bach on Retiring Overseas: https://www.wesmoss.com/podcasts/episode-2-david-bach-moving-overseas/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time and time again research has proven that healthy interpersonal relationships are the key to happiness. So why do so many people get relationships wrong?   Today’s episode covers the best tips for helping us connect more authentically and find more happiness, the core principles of strong human connection, and how to ask for help and support from others with guest, Carole Robin Ph.D., who was the longtime teacher of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business legendary Interpersonal Dynamics (aka Touchy Feely) course.   Check out Carole Robin's book, Connect Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we’ll discuss if old-line industries or stocks can ever win again, if anything outside of tech companies can win over the long term, if value stocks are really all that valuable, and if old stocks are even worth considering to get to your happy retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, CFP®, is the daughter of Charles Schwab and a leading advocate for financial literacy. She has devoted her career to helping men and women from all walks of life achieve financial security and also oversees Schwab’s corporate philanthropy and employee volunteer programs.   Wes and Carrie discuss a variety of important financial items to consider as you prepare for your happy retirement on today’s episode. Carrie shares when to start saving, what to look at with social security, how much you should save to retire comfortably, why you should still invest in the stock market as you get older, her start with Schwab, and more.   Follow Carrie: @CarrieSchwab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 If inflation rears its ugly head like it did in the 1970’s we could see prices for everything that we care about and need go through the roof. How do you protect yourself if inflation is coming? Can you still retire sooner? Will you need to use more of your portfolio for basic necessities?  In today’s episode, we’re talking about the history of inflation, how the national debt and recent stimulus packages could impact Americans in the next 5 to 10 years, and what rising inflation could mean for investors and retirees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode features international best-selling author, entrepreneur, single parent, speaker, and philanthropist Chris Gardner. Gardner’s autobiography, The Pursuit of HappYness became a New York Times #1 bestseller and is also the inspiration for the critically acclaimed film “The Pursuit of HappYness” for which Will Smith received the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Award nominations for his performance. Chris has a fascinating story and was a huge inspiration behind the start of Wes’ research on the relationship between money and happiness.  Wes and Chris discuss how bringing his book to life on the big screen with Will Smith changed his life, why he thinks many people are afraid to realize their dreams, the three most important decisions you can make, the concept of Atomic Time, and the inspiration behind his newest book, ‘Permission to Dream’. Find out what Chris thinks we should all know about the new "Three Rs," and how he is focusing on helping and inspiring teens around the country. To find out more on Chris Gardner, visit https://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/ Buy Permission to Dream: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063031566/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_JG8CFWC78RR4EHD1W49F Follow Chris on Instagram @ceoofhappyness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will new, higher corporate taxes mean for retirees and the economy? No matter where you are on taxes, no one likes to think of them going higher. That’s why they’re important to talk about. Taxes are a large piece of our financial portfolios and the more we’re educating ourselves the easier it is to stay on the path to a happy retirement. In today’s episode, we discuss how to navigate the cards we’re dealt with when it comes to corporate taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ed Slott is a nationally recognized IRA distribution specialist, professional speaker, television personality, and best-selling author. He is known for his unparalleled ability to turn advanced tax strategies into understandable, actionable, and entertaining advice. This is the most interesting conversation we’ve ever had about taxes.  Wes and Ed discuss what exactly the new ‘retirement savings time bomb’ is and how big of a threat it is to retirement savers, understanding Roth IRAs vs. IRAs, the foundational principle of taxes, what planning options retirement savers now have, when to convert from traditional to Roth, potential tax changes under the new administration and so much more. As investors, there are several lessons we can all take from Ed today and we hope this conversation leads you to become a smarter taxpayer and retiree. Follow Ed: https://www.irahelp.com/ Twitter: @theslottreport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wes talks about an unassuming force when it comes to investing - Stock Dividends. If there’s ever a concept in investing to remember, it’s this one. They don’t often make the flashy headlines, but the pursuit of dividends is perhaps worthy of a life’s work for any investor. Wes compares what you can get from stock dividends and bond interest based on a study done by his firm, Capital Investment Advisors.  There are many ways to invest, but the focus at Retire Sooner is to help you understand your investments and what they can produce for you in income once you stop working. As you listen to the episode today, focus on how you can make your money grow and payout over time. Capital Investment Advisors’ study that compares how an investment in equities for dividend income has fared relative to investing in bonds for income: https://www.wesmoss.com/news/the-power-of-investing-in-dividends-generating-income-from-stock-dividends-vs-bond-interest/  This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and should not 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. There will be periods of performance fluctuations, including periods of negative returns. 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.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, in a way that’s accessible to a wide audience.  She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. (The Happiness Project spent two years on the bestseller list.) On her top-ranking, award-winning podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” she discusses happiness and good habits with her sister Elizabeth Craft. She’s been interviewed by Oprah, eaten dinner with Daniel Kahneman, walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama, had her work written up in a medical journal, and been an answer on the game show Jeopardy! In her work, she draws from cutting-edge science, the wisdom of the ages, lessons from popular culture, and her own experiences to explore how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Gretchen Rubin started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. Raised in Kansas City, she lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.  Where to find her Podcast - Happier with Gretchen Rubin  Website - https://gretchenrubin.com/  Facebook - Gretchen Rubin Twitter - @gretchenrubin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wes sits down with consumer advocate, radio and podcast host, and best-selling author, Clark Howard to discuss his childhood, interest and background in the financial world, his journey from a struggling college student to a happy retiree, how he got started in radio, TV, and now podcasting, and his single favorite piece of financial advice.  Clark’s passion for action and service and to share ‘practical ways to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off’ shines through the work he does for consumers across the country. You can see more of Clark's great advice at Clark.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re talking about one of the most important rules you can learn and understand as you plan for retirement. The 4% Rule is an indicator for retirees to determine how to utilize your savings for income in your post-career years. Recently, some exciting news broke in the financial world that may mean you could retire months or even years ahead of your current schedule. In this episode, Wes explains how it works, discusses the controversy the rule has faced over the years, the exciting new development to this rule, and how retirees can use The 4% Rule to support their happy retirement. 4% Rule - background, history, and a general outline of Bengen’s study - https://www.wesmoss.com/news/the-new-verdict-on-the-4-rule-for-retirement/   Good News For Retirees Seeking Consistent Income: The 4% Rule Of Thumb Could Potentially Now Be 4.5% - https://www.wesmoss.com/news/good-news-for-retirees-seeking-consistent-income-the-4-rule-of-thumb-could-now-be-4-5/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by Kat Cole, former President and COO of North America for Focus Brands which owns famous companies such as Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and more. Kat shares her life story growing up surrounded by poverty and with an alcoholic father. She also describes how her upbringing has defined her relationship with money and happiness.  In this episode, Kat breaks down the valuable financial and business lessons she learned working in the restaurant industry and how she built her career to now lead multi-billion dollar businesses. We hope you find Kat's vulnerability inspiring and endearing as you work towards your retirement goals. Follow Kat Cole on Instagram and Twitter: @katcoleatl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Bach is one of America's most trusted financial experts and a 10x New York Times best-selling author. In this episode of Retire Sooner, you will hear the fascinating and true story of David moving from his fast-paced life in New York City to the intoxicating "work to live" culture of Florence, Italy with his wife and two teenagers for what he termed a "radical sabbatical." Intending to stay for just 9 months, David has now been living in Florence for over two years, with plans to stay longer. David's message is unique, as he shares the tools and steps necessary to engage in significant travel long before retirement. Maybe it's not Florence for you, but another coast or part of our country. Perhaps it's South America, Asia, or another part of the world. As our jobs become more mobile, the possibilities of making your dreams a reality are expanding for so many. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices