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Retirement Made Simple

by Kevin Lum, CFP®

RETIREMENT MADE SIMPLE is a retirement podcast about planning for retirement without worry, but it’s about more than simply the tools to retire. It’s about taking control of your financial future so you can live your retirement on purpose. We are going to reveal the secrets of financial world and answer your questions about your 401k, life insurance and all the other confusing money things. Our goal is to help you have more clarity and confidence about your money — so you can enjoy your retirement without worry.

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Episodes

  1. They Almost Paid $3 Million in Taxes. One Change Saved $2 Million.

    If you have $3 million saved for retirement, you also have a silent partner: the IRS. Most people assume their tax bill in retirement is fixed. It isn't. In this episode, Kevin walks through a real client scenario using retirement planning software to show exactly how retirement taxes work, and…

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  2. Why a Pension Changes Everything in Retirement

    If you have a pension, you may be sitting on far more retirement firepower than you realize. Most people think about retirement wealth in terms of account balances. But a pension doesn't show up on a brokerage statement, and that causes a lot of people to underestimate what they actually have. In...

  3. 5 Questions to Ask Before Trusting a Financial Advisor With Your Money

    Selecting a Financial Advisor Guide ✅ https://foundryfinancial.net/guide-to-selecting-a-financial-advisorMost people have no idea what to ask when evaluating a financial advisor, and that gap could be costing them more than they realize.Zach Holcomb from the Foundry team has had hundreds of...

  4. How Much Should You Actually Convert to a Roth? (Real Numbers)

    🔗 Access the retirement planning software → https://foundryfinancial.typeform.com/rightcapital?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=longform&utm_campaign=should-i-do-a-roth-conversion-desc&utm_content=descriptionRoth conversions can save some retirees over a million dollars in taxes. But for others…

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  5. 7 Assets Wealthy Retirees Regret Owning

    Most retirees can afford these 7 purchases. That's not the problem.The problem is that a surprising number of them quietly work against you throughout retirement, draining your portfolio, your time, and your energy in ways you never saw coming.In this video, we walk through the assets that…

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  6. This Is When You Can FINALLY Stop Saving for Retirement

    Elon Musk thinks robots will make retirement savings obsolete. You probably didn't cancel your 401k over that quote, and that's smart.But here's a question worth sitting with: if you're in your late 50s or early 60s, have saved diligently, and lived well below your means, are you still saving the...

  7. Research Says You'll Die With More, Here’s Why You FEEL Behind

    If you feel behind on retirement, that feeling might be the best sign you're actually in good shape. It sounds backwards, but after years of working with people on the verge of retirement, a pattern keeps showing up: the people who worry the most are often the ones who are closest to being ready....

  8. New SCAM That's Draining Bank Accounts

    Check out Deleteme: https://www.de33watrk.com/W6H9H4/KMKS9/ (Affiliate Link)Check out Optery: https://get.optery.com/a8qdsz8tzzbz (Affiliate Link)We almost lost $50,000 — and the scariest part was how much they already knew about us.Our phone, our email, our home address, our bank. All of it. And...

  9. The New Math on Bonds — Nobody Expected This

    In this episode, I cut through the conflicting headlines about bonds and walk through what's actually changed for retirement portfolios heading into 2026. I start with the 40-year tailwind that ran from 1982 to 2021 — when interest rates fell from 16% under Paul Volcker all the way to near zero —...

  10. 7 Things That Go Quiet After You Retire (Nobody Prepares You For This)

    Most retirement conversations stop at the number. This one goes further. When a client told me that everything went quiet after he retired, he wasn't complaining. But he wasn't exactly relieved either. It was just... different. And that difference catches a lot of people off guard. In this…

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  11. I Asked AI to Plan My Retirement — Then I Caught It Lying

    In this episode, I break down exactly where AI excels, where it quietly fails, and three specific techniques to get dramatically better results from any AI tool you're already using. Including why you should never ask AI if you're right, and what to ask instead. 🔗 Download the free PDF: How to…

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  12. Don’t Do a Roth Conversion — Until You Hear This

    Roth conversion calculators can show impressive numbers, but there's something important they often leave out...Every projection is built on a stack of assumptions: future tax rates, inflation, investment returns, and even the order in which spouses pass away. Change one of those inputs, and the...

  13. He Made the 'Wrong' Financial Decision. It Turned Out to Be the Best One of His Life

    A Reddit post from a grandfather stopped me mid-scroll, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Three years into retirement, he described a moment in his man cave: his grandson asleep beside him, no emails, no meetings, no mental noise. Just presence. For the first time in 45 years, he was fully...

  14. Why Smart Retirees Still Run Out of Money (It's Not What You Think)

    Most people think they'll run out of money in retirement because they didn't save enough. The research says otherwise. In this video, I break down the 5 hidden factors that actually determine whether your retirement succeeds or fails — and most of them never show up in an online calculator. We...

  15. The Coming Market Crash and Why I'm Not Worried

    Since 1928, the market has returned over 10% annually — but the average investor only earns about 5%. In this video, I break down the data on market crashes, intra-year drawdowns, and why we're almost guaranteed to see another crash — and why that shouldn't change your retirement plan. I'll show...

  16. Five Simple Ways to Increase Social Security

    ✅Free Strategy Session ✅ https://www.foundryfinancial.org/retirement-assessmentMost people glance at their Social Security statement, assume the number is fixed, and move on. It's not. In this episode, Kevin breaks down exactly how your Social Security benefit is calculated — including the…

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  17. Are You in the Top Tier of Retirees? (9 Ways to Tell)

    Most people who are well-prepared for retirement have convinced themselves they're behind. In this video, I walk through 9 signs you're actually doing better than most American retirees — even if it doesn't feel that way. If you know what you spend, carry no debt, and have multiple income…

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  18. How to "Stupid-Proof" Your Retirement Before It's Too Late

    Kevin explains research showing financial decision-making peaks around age 53, financial literacy declines about 2% per year after 60, and confidence often doesn’t decline—creating risk in retirement as financial complexity increases and scams become more sophisticated.

  19. The Hidden $1M Most Retirees Forget to Count

    Most people calculate their net worth by adding up their 401(k), IRA, and home equity, then subtracting debt. But that number is incomplete — and it might be causing you to spend less, worry more, and make worse retirement decisions than you need to. In this video, I walk you through a better way...

  20. Six Levels of Retirement Wealth -- How to Plan

    Someone with $250,000 and someone with $5 million are both watching this video — but their biggest financial risks couldn't be more different. In this video, I break down the 6 levels of retirement wealth (based on Federal Reserve data) and walk through the specific planning priorities at each...

  21. Your Financial Advisor Could Be Quietly Sabotaging Your Retirement

    In today's episode, Kevin explains why some financial advisors may not tell the full story and shares five signals it may be time to leave: (1) they lead with selling products instead of building a comprehensive plan, (2) they aren’t a fiduciary and their compensation is unclear or...

  22. The Silent Retirement Crisis

    In this episode, Kevin discusses a new type of retirement crisis where despite having sufficient funds and a well-laid financial plan, retirees find themselves feeling worthless and undervalued. He explores the concept of 'mattering span'—how long you continue to feel needed and your life makes a...

  23. These 5 Types of Retirees are Richer Than They Think

    Many believe you need millions to retire comfortably, but in this episode, Kevin explains why many retirees are actually better off than they think. Breaking down five key traits of successful retirees—modest spending, being debt-free, having guaranteed income, having solid healthcare, and budget...

  24. 10 Unsexy Habits That Lead to a Great Retirement

    In this video, Kevin shares the top 10 habits that make retirees successful and worry-free. Kevin discusses three key habits for building wealth: living below your means, automating savings, and staying invested through market fluctuations. He then covers seven essential habits for protecting and...

  25. 7 Signs You're Done Working (Even If You Haven't Admitted It Yet)

    In this video, Kevin highlights the subtle signals that may indicate it's time to retire, inspired by an insightful article from the Wall Street Journal. Kevin discusses the epiphanies and signs, such as feeling numb at work, reluctance to learn new tools, disinterest in promotions, experiencing...

  26. Is Social Security Going Broke?

    In this video, we delve into a recent alarming headline from the Washington Post about the grim financial outlook for Social Security and Medicare. The report from the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees indicates that both programs are running out of funds at an alarming rate,...

  27. Part-Time Work in Retirement? 8 Essential Things to Consider

    Thinking about working part-time in retirement? You're not alone! Many retirees choose to keep working for extra income, social connection, or to stay mentally sharp. But a part-time job in retirement looks different than a full-time career. In this video, we explore 8 essential things to…

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  28. 5 BIG Purchases Retirees (Almost) Always Regret!

    ✅ *FREE RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT* ✅ In today's video, we are going to discuss the "5 BIG Purchases Retirees (Almost) Always Regret!" 🛑 Financial mistakes can cause significant stress and uncertainty, especially during the retirement years when income is fixed. If you’re retired or nearing…

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  29. Unlocking Tax-Free Retirement Income

    In this episode, we explore five sources of tax-free retirement income. Understanding these sources can be crucial for minimizing your tax burden during retirement. In this episode, we'll break down each source, explain its benefits, and guide you on how to potentially incorporate it into your...

  30. Should You Claim Social Security Early and Invest? 🤔💰

    Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is a decision that affects millions of retirees. In this episode, we delve deep into a popular question: should you claim Social Security early and invest the money? We'll break down the benefits, potential risks, and key factors to consider. From…

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  31. 1 Million Dollars in Tax-Free Retirement Income

    Are you looking for a smart and tax-efficient strategy to boost your retirement income? In today's video, we delve into the powerful concept of utilizing a taxable brokerage account to maximize your tax-free retirement income. ✅ Understanding the concept: We begin by exploring the ins and outs of...

  32. Social Security Benefits While Working (Updated for 2023)

    In this episode, we explore the complexities of earning an income and receiving social security benefits. Key points covered in this episode: -Case Study: A real-life scenario where a prospect's social security payments were abruptly stopped, leading to confusion and concern. -Understanding…

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  33. Increase Retirement Income Using Little Known Tax Loophole (QLAC)

    Today we are diving deep into one of the most pressing issues concerning retirees: managing taxes and controlling income in retirement. Especially, when those RMDs can cause a significant portion of your social security benefit to be taxed. Another looming issue is the longevity risk, the fear of...

  34. Maximize Your Social Security Income with 5 Proven Steps

    Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to maximize your Social Security income? Maximizing Social Security benefits is key to retirement planning. In this video, we'll show you five key steps to ensure you get the most out of your Social Security benefit and we'll tell you exactly how your...

  35. Retirees Should Spend More Money

    In this episode of "Retirement Made Simple," we delve into the fascinating world of guaranteed income and its profound impact on retirement spending. We explore why many retirees, despite having sufficient funds, often underspend in their golden years. We discuss the findings of the Health and...

  36. 5 Dangers of Dividend Stocks

    In this episode, we dive into a topic that's often misunderstood by investors: Dividends. While many people are attracted by the promise of regular income from dividend-paying stocks, it's not all smooth sailing. Our host explores the five potential pitfalls of dividends: Yield Chasing, Dividends...

  37. 5 Financial Regrets Over 50

    In today's episode of "Retirement Made Simple", we delve into the world of financial regrets and how you can avoid them as you navigate your journey towards retirement. Our discussion is guided by a recent insightful survey conducted by economists Abigail Hurwitz and Olivia Mitchell, which polled...

  38. 5 Things To Do 5 Years Before Retirement

    In today's episode, we're talking about how to prepare for a smooth transition into retirement. Whether you're five years away from retirement or just starting to think about it, these steps are crucial for ensuring you are financially, emotionally, and physically ready for this significant life...

  39. What should I do with my old 401k?

    In this episode of "Retirement Made Simple," we take a deep dive into the world of old 401(k) accounts, specifically focusing on five possible options for what you can do with them. This includes leaving your money in your old 401(k), rolling it over into a new employer's plan, rolling it over…

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  40. 3 Reasons a 401k is a Bad Idea

    In this episode, host Kevin Lum focuses on the downsides of investing in a 401k. He starts by providing an overview of the history of 401k and the importance of understanding the potential costs associated with this popular retirement savings option. The first downside discussed is the high fees...

  41. Social Security Timing: Age 62 vs 70 - Maximize Your Benefits!

    In this episode of Retirement Made Simple, host Kevin Lum, CFP® discusses the critical decision of when to claim Social Security benefits: at age 62 or 70. Should you take Social security right away or delay. Tune in as we dive deep into the factors that can impact your financial future…

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  42. A Beginners Guide to Using an HSA as a Secret Retirement Account

    In today’s episode I want to explain one of the most overlooked strategies for both reducing your taxable income and investing for the future. In fact, I’m going to show you how you can get a tax deduction today and allow the money to grow tax deferred for years and then take out the money tax...

  43. Where to find higher interest rates for your cash?

    It seems nearly impossible to find a safe place to park your cash with decent returns. In this episode I'm going to walk through three places you can park extra cash that pay up to 1000% more money than your local bank.

  44. A Few Missings Words Can Cost You a Massive Tax Deduction

    The IRS recently disallowed a charitable donation, because the donor was missing just a few simple words. And it turns out a lot of donors are making the exact same mistake. In this video I'll walk through the mistake a widow made that cost her a $464,000 tax deduction because her tax paperwork...

  45. Staying Healthy and Active in Retirement

    On this episode, we talk with Fari Gonzaque of Transformations by Fari about staying healthy and active in retirement. Fari has been a fitness coach for over 30 years.

  46. Tips for Dealing with a Recession During Retirement

    In this episode we explore the question of whether we're headed for a recession along with practical tips for handling a market downturn and economic slowdown.

  47. Foundry Financial: Market Update (February 2022)

    In this episode, I recap an email I wrote to our clients about current market volatility and also give my thoughts on the future of the market.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

RETIREMENT MADE SIMPLE is a retirement podcast about planning for retirement without worry, but it’s about more than simply the tools to retire. It’s about taking control of your financial future so you can live your retirement on purpose. We are going to reveal the secrets of financial world and answer your questions about your 401k, life insurance and all the other confusing money things. Our goal is to help you have more clarity and confidence about your money — so you can enjoy your retirement without worry.

HOSTED BY

Kevin Lum, CFP®

CATEGORIES

business investing

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Retirement Made Simple have?

Retirement Made Simple currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Retirement Made Simple about?

RETIREMENT MADE SIMPLE is a retirement podcast about planning for retirement without worry, but it’s about more than simply the tools to retire. It’s about taking control of your financial future so you can live your retirement on purpose. We are going to reveal the secrets of financial world and...

How often does Retirement Made Simple release new episodes?

Retirement Made Simple has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Retirement Made Simple?

You can listen to Retirement Made Simple on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Retirement Made Simple?

Retirement Made Simple is created and hosted by Kevin Lum, CFP®.
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