Redefine Retirement with Ryan Wheless

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless sits down with Dr. Barb Provost, founder of Purse Strings, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about women and wealth. Ryan opens by sharing how he personally sought out Barb's expertise because he witnesses firsthand — after more than 20 years in the financial advisory business — how often women are left unprepared when their husbands pass away. Barb breaks down the systemic financial disadvantages women face from the start, including the gender pay gap where women earn just $0.82 on the dollar, the pink tax that makes everyday products and services more expensive for women, and the career interruptions that come from caregiving and raising children. She explains why women are positioned to control an unprecedented share of American wealth over the next several years as the baby boomer generation ages and men statistically die first, with the average age of widowhood being just 59. The conversation gets deeply practical as Barb outlines what women actually want and need from a financial advisor — primarily to be heard, respected and included in the conversation rather than dismissed or talked over. Ryan shares several compelling real-life stories from his own practice including a widow who nearly drained her IRA to give her son $450,000 for a house, illustrating why having a trusted advisor who knows your values is so critical in vulnerable moments. Barb also reveals the alarming statistic that 70 to 80 percent of women leave their financial advisor within the first year of losing a spouse, and explains exactly why that happens and how advisors can prevent it. The episode closes with both Ryan and Barb emphasizing that women must get involved in their family finances now — not after a crisis — because the plan should already be in place long before it is ever needed.Subscribe to Dr. Barb’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pursestringsco/featuredSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless sits down with British couple Alan and Katie Donegan, founders of Rebel Finance School, who achieved financial independence in their early 40s and retired in 2019. The Donegans break down their straightforward approach to building wealth, centered around what they call the "freedom rate" — the idea of investing your money to buy freedom rather than simply saving for future spending. They walk through their personal journey of aggressively cutting lifestyle inflation, downgrading cars, living in a small flat, and channeling the gap between income and expenses into global index funds until they hit their target number of 25 times their annual spending — a concept rooted in the 4% rule. Katie opens up about the guilt she initially felt about retiring so young while peers were still working, and how discovering the FIRE movement helped shift her mindset entirely. Ryan adds his own relatable story of selling off a lake house, boat, jet skis, and airplane to escape the stress of looking wealthy on paper while having little real financial security. The conversation also covers practical tools like monthly finance meetings, automating savings into hard-to-access accounts, the importance of not locking all your money in a 401K if you want to retire early, and riding out market downturns without panic selling. The episode wraps up with the Donegans sharing that since retiring, their invested wealth has grown from £1 million to £2.5 million, and that in 2024 they were awarded the British Empire Medal for their services to financial education through their completely free online course.Subscribe to Katie and Alan’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rebeldonegansSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless interviews Hope and Larry, a couple who transformed their financial future after discovering they were flat broke just three months into marriage, with only $20 left until the next paycheck. Starting on modest incomes (around minimum wage), they took charge by tracking every expense, creating a bare-bones budget focused on essentials like housing, food, clothing, and transportation, cutting overspending (such as high rent and eating out), and adopting consistent habits like paying themselves first, automating savings, and working as a unified team with weekly accountability meetings. Through frugality, gamifying goals, using their "P.I.E." method (Plan, Implement, Evaluate) in 30-day challenges, avoiding debt, buying cheap reliable cars, and paying cash for homes and vehicles, they raised four boys debt-free, built wealth patiently, maxed out Roth IRAs, and eventually paid cash for their current home—all while refusing to say they were "stuck" and budgeting for fun through low-cost activities like walks and camping. Now semi-retired with a successful YouTube channel ("Under the Median") sharing frugal living tips, they emphasize that frugality isn't deprivation but reallocating money from less important areas to what truly matters, proving that small, consistent savings over time, combined with purpose-driven goals and a strong partnership, can lead to a joyful, abundant, debt-free retirement even on below-median income. The discussion also covers practical retirement math, the power of automation, engaging a financial planner early, and the importance of knowing your personal savings rate.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless sits down with renowned labor economist and retirement security expert Teresa Ghilarducci to discuss the alarming state of retirement in America today. Teresa paints a sobering picture of how today's retirees are actually worse off than their parents and grandparents, largely because the shift from traditional pensions to the do-it-yourself 401(k) system has failed the average worker — with most people entering retirement with a fraction of what they were supposed to have saved. The conversation digs into the dangers of financial plans built on overly optimistic market return assumptions, the psychological and physical toll of financial insecurity in old age, and why the idea of simply "working longer" is an unrealistic solution for most Americans given rampant age discrimination and involuntary job loss. Ryan and Teresa explore potential solutions, including the strategic use of annuities, the critical importance of delaying Social Security claims to maximize lifetime income, and a proposed Congressional bill that could help Americans access more fairly priced group annuities. Ryan also shares how his firm, Allied Wealth, approaches retirement planning by prioritizing predictable, guaranteed income streams over net worth accumulation, helping clients build financial stability that doesn't rise and fall with the stock market. The episode wraps with a discussion of Teresa's book "Work, Retire, Repeat," which challenges the narrative that working until you drop is either a realistic or dignified retirement strategy for most Americans.Visit Teresa’s website at: https://www.teresaghilarducci.org/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless welcomes back retirement expert Tom Hegna to discuss a smarter, more secure approach to retirement planning that contrasts sharply with traditional Wall Street strategies. They emphasize the importance of first securing a reliable "paycheck" in retirement through guaranteed lifetime income products like annuities (ideally 20-40% of the portfolio, supplemented by Social Security or pensions), rather than risking one's entire nest egg in the stock market where volatility can threaten daily lifestyle needs—much like how a working paycheck remained stable regardless of market swings. The conversation highlights how guaranteed income provides psychological confidence to spend freely on both necessities and enjoyments like travel or golf, combats sequence of returns risk, improves overall portfolio performance by allowing riskier growth assets to remain untouched during downturns, boosts happiness, and may even extend longevity by reducing stress. They explore the role of AI in enhancing (but not replacing) advisors, caution against chasing annuity "bonuses" or exotic indexes without understanding trade-offs like lower caps or longer surrender periods, and stress the value of personalized advice in navigating complex factors such as taxes, long-term care, IRMAA, and inflation. Tom shares his own strategy of building multiple streams of guaranteed income while maintaining growth investments, backed by research from sources like BlackRock and the Wall Street Journal showing the benefits of combining annuities with an optimized portfolio. Overall, the episode promotes following math and science over chasing returns, creating a "license to spend" for a more fulfilling and worry-free retirement.Visit Tom’s website at: https://tomhegna.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement hosted by Ryan Wheless powered by Allied Wealth, the discussion focuses on a real client case study of a couple (ages 60 and 57) with approximately $3.143 million in net worth who approached the team with common retirement concerns: whether they had saved enough, could afford to retire, travel extensively, move to Florida, optimize Social Security, manage taxes, and handle healthcare before Medicare. After building a detailed financial blueprint that included their asset breakdown (IRAs, 401(k), cash, life insurance, and a $1M primary home with a small mortgage), the team addressed downsizing and relocating to the Gulf Coast, bridged the healthcare gap until Medicare eligibility, incorporated $11,000 monthly after-tax expenses (growing at 3%), potential long-term care needs, and $20,000 annual travel goals during their “go-go” retirement years. The host emphasized shifting focus from average returns (their current portfolio at 7.6%) to risk via standard deviation (12.5%), illustrating how the portfolio could gain up to 20.1% in strong markets but lose nearly 30% in severe downturns—potentially devastating for the couple. By reallocating to reduce risk and slightly improve returns, the plan’s long-term success probability rose from a marginal 72% to a more comfortable 85%, allowing the couple to enjoy their retirement with confidence rather than fear of running out of money. The episode highlights how Allied Wealth’s planning process empowers clients to make informed decisions for a limitless retirement.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless shares his personal journey from a troubled youth to discovering purpose through aviation, navigating industry crashes post-9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis, and ultimately founding his wealth management firm to guide clients toward financial security and fulfillment. Joined by happiness strategist Monique Rhodes, the conversation shifts to the deeper, often overlooked emotional side of retirement—beyond money—emphasizing that true abundance comes from internal mindset shifts, community, simple joys, and intentional living rather than material consumption or external validation. They discuss the grief of losing identity after decades of work, the dangers of social media-driven comparison, the power of gratitude and mind training to combat anxiety and depression, the importance of rebuilding purpose and structure in later years (like rediscovering passions or fostering connections), and how small, meaningful experiences—such as family moments or shared adventures—far outweigh wealth in creating lasting happiness, making retirement a limitless phase of growth and joy when approached with clarity and proactive self-awareness.Visit Monique Rhodes Website at: https://moniquerhodes.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement hosted by Ryan Wheless of Allied Wealth, guest Rob Slovak, an attorney specializing in complex business divorces, joins to discuss protecting business partnerships—especially relevant for retirement planning when exiting or transitioning ownership. The conversation emphasizes that many partnerships begin with good intentions but loose documentation, leading to nasty, costly disputes often more emotional than spousal divorces. Key advice includes aligning expectations early (e.g., on exit timelines, capital contributions, and valuation methods), properly documenting agreements like operating agreements, shareholder contracts, buy-sell provisions, and dispute resolution mechanisms (mediation, arbitration, or third-party valuations) to avoid ambiguity. They highlight pitfalls like outdated handshake deals, shifting economics, undisclosed liabilities in acquisitions, and the high emotional/financial toll of litigation—including expert fees, lost control to judges/juries, and opportunity costs—while stressing proactive front-end planning with a lawyer saves far more pain and money than reactive fixes. Real-world examples, such as ambiguous EBITDA definitions causing multi-million disputes, family fights over control, and beneficiary mismatches in buy-sell life insurance, illustrate how poor planning can fracture relationships and wealth, with a cautionary note on using public AI tools like ChatGPT for sensitive strategy (as it may not be privileged). Overall, the episode urges business owners to treat agreements as risk-management tools for smoother transitions, succession, and secure retirement.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, hosted by Ryan Wheless and featuring guest Anqi (Angie) Chen, Associate Director of Savings and Household Finance at Boston College's Center for Retirement Research, the discussion centers on America's ongoing retirement preparedness challenges. Chen explains the National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI), which, based on the latest 2022 data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, indicates that about 39-40% of working-age households remain at risk of being unable to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living in retirement—though this figure has improved from higher levels post-Great Recession due to a stronger economy and rising home values. The conversation explores key factors contributing to under-preparation, such as limited access to employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s (which significantly boosts saving rates), the shift from defined benefit pensions to defined contribution systems that place more responsibility on individuals, and common pitfalls including high-interest credit card debt, inadequate emergency savings, and underestimating health and long-term care risks (which often outweigh market volatility concerns). Wheless and Chen emphasize practical strategies like maximizing employer matches, prioritizing total compensation (including benefits), paying off mortgages before retiring, building taxable savings accounts for emergencies, and using rough benchmarks like multiples of income by age to gauge progress. They also touch on tax considerations, Social Security, the 4% withdrawal rule, and the importance of planning—especially for longevity and health costs—while noting that happiness in retirement correlates more with health, relationships, and avoiding burdensome debt than sheer wealth alone. Overall, the episode delivers an evidence-based, optimistic yet realistic call to action for better saving habits, access to plans, and proactive financial planning to achieve a secure and fulfilling retirement.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this eye-opening episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless sits down with Dan Buettner Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Blue Zones, to unpack the science of longevity and what it really takes to thrive—not just survive—in retirement. Drawing from decades of global research identifying the "Power 9" habits of the world's longest-living people, Dan reveals how Blue Zones communities achieve extraordinary lifespans with minimal disease, often in low-income environments, through natural movement, purpose, strong social bonds, plant-based eating, and daily stress-downshifting rituals. The conversation explores why pursuing health directly often fails, how environment and community "nudge" better choices far more effectively than willpower alone, and why isolation in retirement can be as deadly as smoking. Ryan and Dan connect these timeless principles to modern retirement planning, emphasizing that true abundance comes from replacing work identity with meaning, belonging, and service—rather than chasing more money or fearing decline. A must-listen for anyone ready to design a vibrant, purpose-filled second half of life.Visit Blue Zones at: https://www.bluezones.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless sits down with Dr. Richard P. Himmer, a longtime financial professional and author of Your Encore Years: The Psychology of Retirement, to explore the often-overlooked emotional and psychological dimensions of retirement planning. Himmer argues that true wealth isn’t just about dollars—it’s about having “enough” in relationships, purpose, identity, and structure, with money serving merely as a tool to support a fulfilling lifestyle rather than the sole focus. Drawing from decades of client interactions, he critiques the industry’s money-first approach, highlighting how it fuels anxiety, identity crises (especially post-career), invisible divorces, and regret, while emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence, clear communication in marriages, and proactive lifestyle planning to replace the four pillars—identity, purpose, connections, and structure—that work often provides. Through stories, neuroscience insights, and a balanced “Goldilocks zone” framework, the conversation challenges conventional advice, urging both advisors and retirees to prioritize self-awareness, family involvement, and meaningful experiences over chasing endless assets, ultimately redefining retirement as an opportunity for deeper fulfillment rather than financial survival.Visit the Himmer Center at: https://www.himmercenter.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless powered by Allied Wealth, Ryan explores a major 2025 regulatory change that has opened access to the previously exclusive world of private equity and private credit for everyday investors. He explains how these private markets - historically dominated by the ultra-wealthy - have outperformed the S&P 500 by over 5% annually since 1988, offering higher returns with significantly lower volatility due to less frequent repricing, active operational improvements by funds, and a focus on middle-market companies. Using examples like private equity roll-ups of veterinary practices and private credit lending to fill the void left by tightened bank regulations post-2008, Ryan highlights perpetual fund structures that provide ongoing income (e.g., 9-10% yields), partial liquidity, and lower entry points. He stresses the potential for a balanced portfolio (e.g., one-third public markets, one-third private markets, one-third non-market assets) to reduce risk more effectively than chasing higher returns alone, urging listeners to discuss these opportunities with their advisors as they could help solve America's retirement crisis.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless interviews Ashton Applewhite, a leading anti-ageism advocate and author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. Applewhite defines ageism as prejudice or discrimination based on age—often assuming someone is "too old" or "too young" for tasks, roles, or relationships—and stresses that it affects people across all life stages, not just older adults. She explains how internalized ageism (self-limiting beliefs like "I'm too old for that") stems from a youth-obsessed culture that profits from fear of aging, while also perpetuating ableism and gender biases. Challenging stereotypes, she highlights the diversity of aging experiences—older people become more varied, not uniform—and argues for reframing aging as a natural, multifaceted journey with real benefits like wisdom and resilience, rather than inevitable decline. The discussion ties directly to retirement, exploring workplace discrimination, identity shifts post-career, fears of becoming a "burden," the value of interdependence over rigid self-reliance, and the need for inclusive narratives that portray vibrant, purposeful later life—ultimately empowering listeners to reject ageist tropes and embrace aging with curiosity and agency.Follow Ashton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thischairrocks/?hl=enSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

The "best of" episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, hosted by Ryan Wheless, features insights from prominent guests Ed Slott (IRA/tax expert), Karsten Jeske (early retirement blogger known as Big Ern), and Mark Henry (financial advisor and Alloy Wealth founder). The discussion centers on the looming "retirement savings time bomb" driven by massive national debt, historically low tax rates that are unlikely to stay that way, and trillions in tax-deferred accounts (like IRAs and 401(k)s) that the government will eventually tax heavily. Ed Slott stresses converting to Roth IRAs now to lock in current low rates as "tax insurance," even if rates don't rise immediately, while explaining Roth rules (including the five-year holding periods, penalty-free access to contributions, and why conversions are best for long-term, post-59½ use). Karsten Jeske highlights the U.S.'s relatively favorable tax environment compared to places like Germany, advising balanced Roth conversions to avoid overdoing it and waste low-bracket opportunities, while aiming to equalize marginal rates throughout retirement, fill lower brackets strategically (e.g., pre-Social Security), and manage RMDs to prevent bracket creep or excess distributions. Mark Henry emphasizes the critical need for a guaranteed, written income plan that accounts for inflation, market volatility, widowhood challenges (like the "widow's tax" from lost spousal income, higher household costs, and unexpected expenses), gray divorce risks, and ensuring both spouses understand the plan to avoid leaving a surviving partner unprepared. Overall, the episode urges proactive tax optimization, Roth strategies, and holistic planning beyond mere asset allocation to achieve a confident, abundant retirement free from uncertainty.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless welcomes Jean Chatzky, CEO of HerMoney and bestselling author, to discuss the massive intergenerational wealth transfer underway in America, where women—due to longer lifespans—are poised to control the majority of household wealth in the coming years. They explore the key differences in how women approach money compared to men, with women prioritizing safety and security, often holding too much cash and entering investments later, yet frequently outperforming men through disciplined buy-and-hold strategies. The conversation delves into systemic challenges like the gender pay gap and “pink tax,” the tax pitfalls widows face, the critical need for both spouses to be actively involved in financial planning, and practical advice for women of all ages—from automatic saving habits for younger generations to building a secure “forever paycheck” in retirement through guaranteed income sources. Ultimately, Jean empowers women to overcome hesitation, ask questions, and take control of their financial futures with confidence and simplicity.Follow Jean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanchatzky/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless welcomes renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely to explore why humans are predictably irrational when it comes to money and retirement planning. Ariely explains that our brains evolved for short-term survival, not long-term investing or understanding compound interest, leading most people to delay saving and underestimate retirement needs—often aiming for just 70% of pre-retirement income when ideal lifestyles actually require 140% or more. He highlights how modern temptations and lack of immediate rewards make saving feel invisible and unrewarding, while spending gets instant gratification, and stresses the importance of starting early, reviewing past spending for regrets, and adding personal/family rewards to make delayed gratification motivating. The conversation also touches on the psychological challenges of retirement—losing purpose, identity tied to work, and social networks—urging listeners to prepare 2–3 years in advance with new hobbies, friends, and part-time pursuits to avoid isolation and maintain mental sharpness in a longer lifespan.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless welcomes wealth strategist and tax attorney Rebecca Walser to challenge conventional retirement planning wisdom. Walser argues that the 401(k), originally designed in the late 1970s as an executive retention tool amid 70% tax rates, became America's default retirement vehicle by accident—never mathematically tested for average workers—and has contributed to a massive $17–$25 trillion savings gap and impending tax crisis as baby boomers retire. With current rates historically low and future middle-class taxes potentially soaring to the mid-60s per CBO projections, she warns against over-relying on pre-tax accounts and urges shifting to Roth options, mega backdoor strategies, and "buyout" plans while rates are favorable. The discussion also covers rising market volatility fueled by retail 401(k) inflows and AI-driven concentration, emphasizing the need to pair risk-on growth investments with risk-off protection to survive inevitable downturns without derailing retirement lifestyles.Follow Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawalser/?hl=enSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless CEO of Allied Wealth takes a straightforward Q&A approach to address the most frequent questions potential and current clients ask via social media, YouTube, and direct outreach. He breaks down the firm's fee structure (typically 0.75%–2%, averaging 1.25%), emphasizing that fees must deliver clear value through tax planning, risk reduction, and enhanced returns across public, private equity/credit, and non-market investments. Wheless explains why "Are you a fiduciary?" is an outdated question in today's independent advisory landscape, stresses that no client gets "passed off" regardless of asset level, and details the comprehensive wealth management services—including investment consulting, advanced tax/estate planning, wealth transfer/protection, and relationship management with CPAs and attorneys—that set Allied Wealth apart from traditional broker-dealers. The episode wraps with an open invitation for listeners to submit more questions and reach out for personalized guidance.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless engages in a wide-ranging conversation with Jamie Hopkins, a highly credentialed retirement planning expert (attorney, CFP, MBA, RICP co-creator, and more) who now leads a major trust company managing $93 billion in assets under administration. Hopkins discusses his background in retirement income education, including his role in developing the RICP designation focused on distribution strategies, annuities, long-term care, and tax planning, as well as his current work providing corporate trustee services (primarily via Delaware and Nevada trusts) for high-net-worth clients, law firms, and RIAs. The duo touches on family life and travel with young children, then shifts to post-election tax landscape—highlighting the likely extension of TCJA provisions, small business benefits, and ongoing concerns like Social Security solvency and national debt. Hopkins promotes his new visually oriented book Your Retirement Sketchbook, critiques over-reliance on Monte Carlo success/failure metrics in favor of adaptive “guardrails” planning, endorses annuities for liability-matched essential income flooring, and advocates rising equity glide paths plus private market diversification for smoother volatility in retirement portfolios. The episode wraps with praise for evolving private equity access and a call for more dynamic, client-centered retirement conversations.Visit Finserv Foundation’s website at: https://finservfoundation.org/Follow Jamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirementrisks/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this engaging episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless sits down with Annie Duke, a former world-champion poker player turned cognitive psychologist, delivering a masterclass on why even the most well-intentioned investors repeatedly sabotage their own retirement plans. The core problem is that our brains treat “future us” like a stranger, so in moments of panic (a 30% market drop, a scary headline), the present-self hijacks the wheel and wrecks decades of planning. Her solution is to do the hard work while everyone is calm: guide clients through vivid pre-mortem and pre-parade exercises (“Imagine it’s a year from now and you’re broke—why?” / “Imagine you crushed it while your friends panicked—why?”), let the clients generate their own answers and pre-commitments (so they actually own the plan), and reframe disciplined behavior as a rare, elite identity (“You’re one of the few who doesn’t sell at the bottom”). The result is far fewer emotional blow-ups, far less panic-selling at market lows, and retirees who actually get to live the life they spent decades saving for instead of watching it evaporate because they couldn’t resist checking the ticker on a bad day.Visit Annie Duke’s website at: https://www.annieduke.com/Follow Annie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_annieduke/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this engaging episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless sits down with retirement policy expert and former Social Security deputy commissioner Jason Fichtner to tackle the biggest retirement fears head-on: running out of money and making the wrong Social Security decision. They dismantle the outdated “breakeven analysis” that pushes most people to claim benefits at 62, showing how delaying to 70 (especially when one spouse is younger) maximizes lifetime income, survivor benefits, and inflation-protected payments — while humorously noting that the real way to “stick it to the government” is to live long and collect bigger checks. The conversation shifts to replacing vanished pensions in today’s 401(k) world, with both strongly advocating protected lifetime income through annuities as an essential “tool in the toolbox” (not a four-letter word), using bridge strategies, bucketing, and a simple 50/30/20 allocation (equities/bonds/guaranteed income) to cover essentials no matter what markets, inflation, or sequence-of-returns risk throw at you. They address Social Security’s 2033–34 trust-fund depletion (yes, benefits will still be there, likely with a gradual ~20% reduction), offer a clever deferred-annuity “insurance policy” against cuts, and highlight behavioral insights — people with guaranteed income sleep through crashes, spend more confidently in retirement, and avoid panic-selling at market bottoms. Packed with actionable reframes, myth-busting, and real hope, it’s a masterclass in building a paycheck-for-life that lets retirees actually enjoy the retirement they worked decades to earn.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this hard-hitting episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless sits down with Hon. David M. Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General and chief accountability officer who led the Government Accountability Office under Presidents Clinton and Bush, delivering a staggering $100 return per dollar invested. Walker sounds the alarm on America’s escalating $2 trillion annual debt, warning of a looming debt crisis triggered by failed auctions, soaring interest costs, and the 2032 depletion of Social Security and Medicare trust funds—potentially slashing benefits 24% and 10–15% respectively if Congress fails to act. He outlines a two-pronged “Plan A” to avert catastrophe: a constitutional debt-to-GDP cap via Article V state action and a statutory fiscal sustainability commission to force tough spending cuts and revenue hikes, while prepping “Plan B” emergency measures like tax surcharges and blanket freezes. Walker urges retirees to accelerate Roth conversions as future tax rates inevitably rise, diversify beyond fiat dollars, and pressure politicians to defuse this generational theft—insisting that only “We the People” can keep America great before the ticking fiscal bomb explodes.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless and tax expert David Brooks deliver a masterclass on why taxes will likely eclipse healthcare as retirees’ largest lifetime expense, with the average American couple facing $1.1 million in income tax alone. Drawing from Brooks’ painful $100K IRS bill in the 1990s and his 22-year obsession with the tax code, they dismantle myths around “permanent” low rates, warning that Wharton, Stanford, and CBO models predict a 40% tax hike by 2030 amid $37 trillion in national debt. They expose RMDs as a “tax time bomb”—pushing widows into higher brackets, triggering up to eight layered taxes (IRMAA penalties, state taxes, Social Security taxation), and forcing heirs to liquidate inherited IRAs in peak earning years. The antidote? Aggressive Roth conversions now—paying today’s historically low rates to secure tax-free growth and withdrawals, eliminate RMDs, and shield spouses/heirs—while leveraging annuity bonuses, tax-loss harvesting, donor-advised funds, and alternative investments to slash conversion costs. Brooks and Wheless stress proactive, independent fiduciary planning over big-box inertia, urging listeners to act before legislative risk, means-testing, and rising long-bond yields erode retirement security.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless and actuary Peter Neuwirth explore the seismic shift from corporate pensions to 401(k)s since 1978, which fueled a 1,000%+ stock market surge from 1980–2000 while saddling individuals with DIY retirement risk. Neuwirth, a risk-averse bond-ladder investor, champions annuities as “longevity insurance” backed by trillion-dollar carriers, and unveils a coordinated strategy using HECM reverse mortgage credit lines as a buffer asset—drawing from portfolios in up markets and from growing, government-guaranteed home-equity lines in down markets to nearly eliminate sequence-of-returns risk. The duo traces home equity’s rise as the new “fourth leg” of retirement, warns of spike-expense, tax, and longevity risks (with life expectancy now pushing 110+ in upper quartiles), and stresses cash-flow matching over static spending models, urging advisors to treat Roth conversions, part-time earnings, and real estate as tools to outrun inflation, taxes, and market crashes in a 30–45-year retirement.Visit Peter Neuwirth’s website at: https://peterneuwirth.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, host Ryan Wheless and estate planning attorney Crista Hermance dive into the critical yet often overlooked aspects of estate planning. They discuss the importance of starting estate planning early, even for young adults over 18, to ensure access to medical and digital assets in emergencies. Krista highlights common mistakes, such as outdated beneficiary designations leading to unintended inheritances (like an ex-husband receiving $300,000), and the pitfalls of probate, including its high costs (e.g., $56,000 for a $2 million estate), public exposure, and lengthy delays (1-3 years). The conversation emphasizes practical steps like setting up trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship nominations to protect assets and loved ones, urging listeners to plan proactively to avoid financial and emotional turmoil.Check out Hermance Law at: https://hermancelaw.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless engages with Steve Parrish, a seasoned financial expert and former director of the Retirement Income Center at the American College, to explore the evolving landscape of retirement planning. Parrish highlights the shift from traditional pensions to self-managed 401(k)s and IRAs, emphasizing that retirement is now a journey of defining personal identity and lifestyle, not just a financial event. They discuss the importance of guaranteed income sources like Social Security and annuities to address fears of outliving one’s money, with Parrish advocating for a “do-it-yourself defined benefit” approach. The conversation also covers Social Security’s viability, debunking concerns about major cuts, and the critical role of estate planning to prevent family disputes and plan for long-term care, given increasing longevity and caregiver shortages. Parrish stresses the need for tailored strategies, balancing medical and housing costs, and using tools like annuities or systematic withdrawals to match individual goals, making this a compelling discussion for anyone navigating retirement complexities.PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless welcomes Roger Whitney, a seasoned Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years in the industry, founder of the Retirement Answer Man podcast with 8.5 million downloads, author of the bestseller Rock Retirement, and creator of the Rock Retirement Club. Whitney shares his career journey, from trading tech stocks in the 1990s to building a firm focused exclusively on retirement planning for about 200 families managing $400 million in assets. The conversation emphasizes that retirement planning should center on life vision rather than just money, introducing Whitney's four financial pillars—vision, feasibility, resilience, and optimization—and four non-financial pillars—energy, mindset, passions, and relationships—to help clients create fulfilling lives. He recounts stories, like a client who retired early but lacked purpose and returned to work, and a club member who was inspired to travel to Europe sooner amid health concerns, highlighting the importance of perspective to avoid regrets. Whitney advocates for a "pie cake" investment strategy to balance short-term needs with long-term growth using passive index funds, while stressing tax optimization as a key lever and cautioning against unnecessary complexities like private equity. The episode underscores the value of Whitney's club as a neutral space for education and community, serving intentional individuals averaging 60 years old with $2 million+ net worth, encouraging listeners to prioritize holistic planning over financial symptoms.Check out Rock Retirement at: https://www.rockretirementclub.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement podcast, host Ryan Wheless interviews Karsten Jeske, known as Big Ern from the Early Retirement Now blog, a former economist with a PhD, CFA charter, and experience at the Federal Reserve and BNY Mellon managing assets for institutions like pension funds and endowments. Jeske shares his journey to financial independence, retiring at 44 alongside his wife at 35, while maintaining a part-time blog, advisory business, and options trading strategy that generates extra income through sophisticated approaches like naked puts and calls with risk controls. The conversation delves into the pitfalls of the rigid 4% safe withdrawal rule, advocating for personalized rates influenced by market valuations, age, horizons, Social Security, pensions, and potential longevity risks, often allowing higher withdrawals for early retirees with supplemental income streams. They emphasize enjoying life through travel and family time over excessive saving, debunking myths around opportunity costs, and offer insights on optimizing Social Security claims (e.g., delaying for higher earners in couples), tax strategies like Roth conversions to equalize brackets, and cautious views on alternative investments such as private credit and equity for smoothing volatility but requiring thorough due diligence.Check out the Early Retirement Now blog at: https://earlyretirementnow.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Redefine Retirement Podcast, host Ryan Wheless and guest Ozer Culhagil, a financial advisor and close friend, dive into common retirement planning pitfalls and strategies to secure a financially stable future. They discuss critical mistakes, such as overestimating Social Security benefits, underestimating life expectancy, and neglecting the impact of taxes and healthcare costs, including staggering long-term care expenses like $20,000–$60,000 per month. Through personal anecdotes, like a client’s insistence on early Social Security or a colleague’s stroke-related care costs, they emphasize the need for comprehensive planning, including Social Security optimization, beneficiary updates, and long-term care solutions. The episode underscores the importance of working with a specialized retirement advisor to create a holistic plan that addresses income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy for retirees and their families.Check out Elite Income Advisors at: https://eliteincomeadvisors.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement hosted by Ryan Wheless, guest Joe Wilson, founder of Omega Wealth Private Capital, reveals the hidden “tax bombs” that could devastate your retirement if you don’t plan ahead. With over 20 years in financial services, Joe brings a jargon-free, client-first approach to retirement planning, making complex strategies simple and actionable.The discussion covers essential strategies for building a retirement that lasts, including how to balance multiple savings vehicles, the pros and cons of Roth vs. Traditional IRAs, and the best ways to structure portfolios for different life stages. Joe also unpacks Social Security misconceptions, how to replace disappearing pension income, and why tax planning is the single most overlooked — yet most powerful — tool for protecting your wealth.Learn more and connect with Joe at: https://www.omegawealthpc.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement hosted by Ryan Wheless, guest Garry Thurman, CEO of Guardian Investment Advisors, shares expert insights on modern retirement strategies to live a limitless life with clarity and purpose. Thurman emphasizes the importance of holistic financial planning beyond mere growth, focusing on Roth IRA conversions to leverage the current low tax brackets extended by the "Big Beautiful Bill" through 2028, optimizing Social Security benefits, and planning for long-term care due to increasing longevity risks. He highlights the critical need to prepare for the surviving spouse, addressing tax pitfalls like shifting to a single tax bracket and managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, such as using life insurance and asset-based long-term care solutions, Thurman underscores the value of working with fiduciary advisors to create tailored plans that ensure financial security and a vibrant retirement, encouraging listeners to seize current opportunities and plan for both health and wealth.Learn more and connect with Garry at: https://giaplantoday.com/meet-our-team/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement hosted by Ryan Wheless, guest Christine Benz, Morningstar's director of personal finance and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful Retirement, shares a holistic approach to retirement planning. Beyond the financial aspects, Benz emphasizes the importance of finding purpose, nurturing relationships, and maintaining flexibility in spending to ensure a fulfilling retirement. The discussion covers critical topics like Social Security strategies, the "widow's tax" challenge, long-term care planning, and the psychological barriers to spending in retirement, such as the "permission to spend" problem.Benz advocates for a gradual transition into retirement, aligning guaranteed income sources with fixed expenses, and preparing for potential tax and health care costs to secure a balanced and meaningful post-work life.Learn more and connect with Christine at: https://www.morningstar.com/people/christine-benzSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_wealth/?hl=enVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless sits down with Carl Richards, Certified Financial Planner, author of the bestselling books The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, and creator of The Sketch Guy column for The New York Times. Known for his simple sketches that make complex financial concepts clear, Carl has become one of the most trusted voices on money and behavior.Carl explains what the Behavior Gap is and why it costs investors real money, why emotions and investing don’t mix, and the common traps people fall into - like buying high out of greed and selling low out of fear. Learn more about Carl Richards at: https://behaviorgap.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless sits down with Jeremy Schneider, founder of Personal Finance Club. After selling his tech company and retiring at just 36 years old, Jeremy dedicated his life to helping others build wealth the simple way.With over a million followers online, Jeremy has become one of the most trusted voices in personal finance. He explains why low-cost index funds consistently outperform speculation, the two rules of building wealth everyone should follow, and the biggest mistakes retirees make when investing too conservatively.Learn more about Jeremy Schneider at: https://www.personalfinanceclub.comFollow Jeremy on Instagram: @personalfinanceclubSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless welcomes Dr. E.J. Antoni, Chief Economist at The Heritage Foundation and newly appointed Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)  under President Donald Trump!E.J. offers a behind-the-scenes look at the policies that drove growth, lowered taxes, and boosted wages during the Trump years and how similar strategies could help today’s retirees weather inflation, rising costs, and market uncertainty. Learn more about E.J. Antoni at: https://www.heritage.org/staff/ej-antoni-phdSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless welcomes Tom Hegna, one of the most respected voices in retirement income planning. Together, Ryan and Tom discuss why retirement income planning is more critical than ever, how guaranteed lifetime income can provide peace of mind, and why annuities and life insurance deserve a place in your strategy. Giveaway alert! For the first 25 people who reach out to our YouTube channel and ask for Tom’s projections, we will send a copy of Tom’s most recent book -Paychecks and Playchecks: Retirement Solutions for Life! All you have to do is comment on our YouTube Video! Learn more and connect with Tom Hegna at: TomHegna.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.comPRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless sits down with estate planning attorney Jerry Taylor, who brings decades of experience helping families safeguard their legacies. As a specialist in wills, trusts, asset protection, and long-term care strategies, Jerry helps demystify a topic most people avoid until it’s too late.Learn more and connect with Jerry Taylor at: https://jerrytaylorlaw.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless sits down with Becky Ruby Swansburg, CEO of Stonewood Financial and one of the nation’s foremost experts on legislative risk in retirement. With a background in public policy, a sharp understanding of tax law, and a passion for empowering retirees, Becky brings a unique and urgent perspective to the conversation.Together, Ryan and Becky unpack why today's retirees must think beyond traditional financial advice. From stealth taxes and rising IRMAA surcharges to the SECURE Act and growing legislative pressure on retirement accounts, Becky outlines how retirees can build tax-efficient, legislation-proof strategies to protect their future.🔗 Learn more and connect with Becky Swansburg at: StonewoodFinancial.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless welcomes Mark Henry, Founder and CEO of Alloy Wealth and host of Living Large Radio. After watching his own parents lose their retirement savings in the 1987 Black Monday crash, Mark made it his mission to help others retire with clarity and confidence.Together, they break down why today’s retirees can’t rely on outdated strategies and why hitting a “magic number” simply isn’t enough. From the power of building a written retirement plan to strategies that generate steady retirement income, Mark shares the real-world advice he’s used to help thousands of families protect their futures.Learn more and connect with Mark Henry at: AlloyWealth.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless sits down with Zach Lemaster, the founder of Rent To Retirement, to uncover how real estate can be a powerful wealth-building tool in retirement.From turnkey and build-to-rent investing to out-of-state portfolio building, Zach shares real-world strategies that make real estate more accessible and tax-efficient than most retirees realize.Whether you're looking to diversify your retirement plan, generate passive income, or reduce your tax bill through depreciation and 1031 exchanges, this episode breaks down exactly how to do it.Learn more and connect with Zach: Website: https://www.renttoretirement.com | Instagram: @renttoretirementinvestSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless welcomes Ed Slott, America’s IRA expert and best-selling author, for a masterclass on how taxes can quietly erode your retirement savings and what you can do about itFrom the widow’s penalty to inherited IRA traps and Roth conversion timing, this conversation is packed with clear, actionable advice to help you defuse the retirement tax time bomb. Ed also reveals the most common mistakes people make with their IRAs and why working with a tax-smart advisor can make all the difference.SPECIAL OFFER:We’re giving away a FREE copy of Ed Slott’s latest book, The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder, to the first 25 people who contact Allied Wealth for their financial needs. Learn more about Ed Slott and his resources at: https://www.irahelp.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Redefine Retirement, Ryan Wheless sits down with Dr. Wade Pfau, a renowned retirement researcher and co-founder of the RISA tool to break down smarter ways to plan for income in retirement. From the flaws in the traditional 4% rule to the hidden dangers of market volatility and the widow’s penalty, Wade offers clear, research-backed strategies for building a retirement plan that actually fits your life.They explore the power of the Retirement Income Style Awareness (RISA) framework, the misunderstood role of annuities, tax diversification, IRMAA surcharges, and why most people spend too little in retirement out of fear. If you're looking for more confidence, clarity, and control in your retirement plan, this conversation is a must-listen.Learn more about Dr. Wade Pfau and his resources at: https://www.wadepfau.com/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠@RedefineRetirementFollow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

Welcome to Redefine Retirement with Ryan Wheless, today we’re talking to renowned economist and best-selling author Laurence Kotlikoff for a thought-provoking conversation on what really drives financial security in retirement.Kotlikoff, a Boston University professor and creator of powerful planning tools like MaxiFi Planner and Maximize My Social Security, breaks down the myths that mislead even the savviest investors. From overlooked Social Security strategies to the looming impacts of national debt and tax policy, this episode delivers hard-hitting insights backed by decades of economic research.It's never too early to set yourself up for success. This is essential listening for making smarter financial decisions.Learn more about Laurence Kotlikoff, his software, and bestsellers at: https://kotlikoff.net/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @alliedwealthFollow Allied Wealth  on Instagram: @allied_wealthVisit the Allied Wealth website to learn more about services: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

Welcome to Redefine Retirement with Ryan Wheless, today we’re talking to nationally recognized retirement expert Mary Beth Franklin, CFP®. With decades of experience as a financial journalist, advisor, and author of Maximizing Social Security Benefits, Mary Beth shares critical insights into claiming Social Security, avoiding Medicare mistakes, and planning confidently for the future.From navigating IRMAA surcharges to empowering women to close the retirement gap, this episode delivers smart, actionable strategies for securing your financial future. Whether you're nearing 65 or helping a loved one prepare, this is a must-listen conversation!Follow Mary Beth Franklin  on X at: @MBFretirepro Follow Allied Wealth on Instagram: @Allied_WealthVisit Allied Wealth to learn more: https://alliedwealth.com/PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

The official Redefine Retirement podcast with Ryan Wheless.Retirement isn’t the end, it’s the start of your next chapter. But building a life of freedom, purpose, and fulfillment takes more than good intentions. It takes a solid plan.Hosted by Ryan Wheless, Founder of Allied Wealth, this show brings you conversations with the top minds in finance, healthcare, estate planning, and lifestyle design. From Social Security and smart investing to legacy planning and inflation protection, we cover the critical topics that shape a lasting retirement.Whether you’re just getting started or closing in on the finish line, Redefine Retirement gives you the tools, insights, and strategies to take control of your future, down to the details that matter most.Coming soon to all podcast platforms.