The Retirement Problem No One Talks About: Spending

Notes:In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline tackles one of the biggest — and most overlooked — challenges in retirement: spending with confidence.After years of saving, many empty nesters still hesitate to enjoy their money. Why? Because uncertainty around taxes, withdrawals, and timing creates fear of making a costly mistake.Matt introduces the “Permission to Spend” framework — a tax-smart strategy designed to help you turn your savings into reliable income while minimizing unnecessary taxes. Through real-life examples and practical insights, he explains how coordinating your withdrawals across different accounts can actually increase your spending power — and your peace of mind.If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really afford to enjoy this?” — this episode is for you.Digital AssetDownload the Empty Nest Success Checklisthttps://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/Episode HighlightsWhy spending—not saving—is often the hardest part of retirement The fear of running out of money Real-life case study: $2.5M saved, but hesitation to spend The hidden tax problem in many retirement plans How a tax strategy can significantly increase annual spending What “Permission to Spend” really means The three key drivers: income, taxes, and timing Why most retirement plans overlook tax strategy Understanding the four tax buckets Traditional IRAs & 401(k)s (tax-deferred growth) Roth accounts (tax-free income strategies) Brokerage accounts (flexibility and control) Social Security and its hidden tax impacts Mistake #1: waiting too long to withdraw IRA money Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and tax spikes Mistake #2: missing Roth conversion opportunities Mistake #3: triggering unnecessary capital gains Final thoughts: turning savings into confident incomeUpcoming LIVE WebinarKickstart Your College Planning Journey with The PFW College Money Plan📅 Wednesday, April 15🕚 11:30am CSTPlanning for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through a smarter, more strategic way to approach college funding — without sacrificing your retirement goals.👉 Register here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/—I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/Email: [email protected] a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM