Safer Retirement Radio
by Brian Decker - Owner and Founder - Decker Retirement Planning
Safer Retirement Radio is where you can get the transparency you deserve®. Whether you are currently retired or plan to retire soon, this show is full of retirement tips that can help you get thousands of extra dollars in and out of your retirement.Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP®️ certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™️ certification mark, and the CFP®️ certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Episodes
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One Decision, Two Lifetimes: Social Security for Married Couples | Episode 159
For a married couple, the higher earner’s Social Security claiming age is one of the most important decisions in retirement. It affects household income while both spouses are alive, and it can shape the surviving spouse’s income for the rest of their life. On this episode of Safer Retirement...
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Stop, Hang Up and Verify: Retirement Scams and Inflation | Episode 158
Scammers count on urgency. Whether it’s a text claiming to be the IRS or a grandchild’s voice cloned with AI, the goal is to get you to send money before you stop to think. On this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Advisor Arrin Wray of Decker Retirement Planning walk through…
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Year-End Retirement Planning: Roth Conversions, RMDs and QCD Deadlines | Episode 157
Year-end retirement planning starts in October, well before the December rush. Filling in for Brian Decker, Decker Retirement Planning Advisors Brad Geddes, CFP® and Arrin Wray walk through the deadlines that matter before December 31: Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs),...
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Helping Grandkids Pay for College the Right Way | 529s, Gifting, and Distribution Planning | Episode 156
You want to help your grandkids get through college. But how much can you give without putting your own retirement income at risk? On this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP® of Decker Retirement Planning start with the question that comes first: how much income...
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Mid-Year Market Check: Valuations, Interest Rates, and Retirement Income | Episode 155
Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP®, open the second half of 2026 with a look at what a strong market means for people at or near retirement. They cover the difference between accumulation planning and distribution planning, why trailing price-to-earnings valuations matter historically, and how...
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The Mid-Year Retirement Review: Income, Spending, and a Different Take on Rebalancing | Episode 154
It's the halfway point of 2026. Do you know if your retirement plan is on track? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray of Decker Retirement Planning walk through their mid-year review process: what to check, what to question, and where the common blind spots are....
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Diversified Retirement Income: Buckets, Social Security Timing & Pensions | Episode 153
Running out of money is a top fear in retirement, and it almost always traces back to one question: where will your monthly income actually come from? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through how Decker Retirement Planning builds a diversified retirement...
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All-Time Highs, College Costs, and the Estate Documents Most People Get Wrong | Episode 152
Markets are at all-time highs while the economy flashes warning signs. Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down three ways we lower client risk, how to use 529 plans for kids and grandkids, and the estate mistakes that quietly tear families apart. In this episode: Why the S&P keeps hitting records...
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Is Your Retirement Plan Missing These 6 Critical Elements? | Episode 151
Is your retirement plan truly complete, or is it missing something critical? In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through the six elements every successful retirement plan must include. Whether you're interviewing a new advisor or evaluating your current one…
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What Your Tax Return Reveals About Your Retirement Plan | Episode 150
Most people file their taxes and move on. But if that's all you're doing, you're leaving serious money on the table — and walking into retirement blind. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP(R) of Decker Retirement Planning breaks down why your tax return is one of the most...
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Healthcare in Retirement: What Medicare Won't Cover (And How to Plan for It) | Episode 149
Most people spend decades planning for retirement income — but healthcare? That's the expense that can quietly derail even the best-laid plan. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP® breaks down the three healthcare phases every retiree faces: Phase 1 — The Gap Years (Before...
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How to Build Reliable Retirement Income (Without the “Pie Chart” Guesswork) | Episode 148
If you’re nearing retirement, the biggest question is simple: Where will your paycheck come from—and how long will it last? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) breaks down practical retirement income tools—and why many retirees don’t realize the weaknesses of the…
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When a Spouse Passes: Social Security, Taxes, Medicare, and Estate Planning Moves | Episode 147
When a spouse passes away, the emotional toll is obvious—but the financial “whammies” can be just as disruptive: a lower Social Security benefit may disappear, tax filing status changes, Medicare decisions shift, and beneficiary and estate documents need immediate attention. In this episode of...
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How to Know If You’re Ready to Retire: The 6 Key Checkpoints (Income, Taxes, Risk, and Stress-Testing) | Episode 146
How do you really know if you’re ready to retire—before you turn in your notice? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down the six key checkpoints they use to help families move from guesswork to clarity, including the two questions that matter most: How…
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Retirement Headwinds vs. Tailwinds: Risk, Inflation, Longevity, and the Shift to Income Planning | Episode 145
Markets have delivered strong returns, but retirement planning is about more than a good run in stocks. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP® joins Brian Decker to break down what today’s retirees and near-retirees need to watch next—especially when you’re transitioning…
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Tax-Smart Retirement Planning: RMDs, Roth Decisions, and Avoiding Costly Mistakes | Episode 144
The new year is the right time to take a clear look at how taxes, required withdrawals, and income decisions can quietly shape the rest of your retirement. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through the most common tax and planning issues retirees and...
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Year-End Tax & Estate Planning: Loss Harvesting, Roth Conversions, Trust Basics | Episode 143
Year-end is one of the few windows where decisions—or inaction—can materially affect how much of your money you actually keep in retirement. In this episode, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) discuss the real-world tax and estate challenges retirees and near-retirees face as the calendar...
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Why Accumulation Strategies Fail in Retirement — And What to Do Instead | Episode 142
Most retirees don’t realize that the strategies that served them well for 30–40 years of saving can work against them the moment they stop working. In this episode, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down why accumulation and distribution require two completely different approaches—and why...
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How Much Income Can You Really Take in Retirement? | Episode 141
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) discuss one of the most important questions in retirement planning: “How much income can I safely draw?” Rather than relying on rules of thumb or broad simulations, they explain how a math-based, distribution-first…
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Why Accumulation Strategies Fail in Retirement | Episode 140
In Episode 140 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray reveal the critical distinction between accumulation and distribution strategies—and why using the same approach in both phases of life can be financially devastating in retirement. They unpack: Why traditional pie chart...
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Five Ways to Help Guard Your Retirement Against Inflation | Episode 139
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Mark Knauss, CFP(R) walk through five essential strategies to help protect your retirement income from inflation—without exposing your portfolio to unnecessary risk. From laddered income accounts to hard assets and tactical stock…
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Planning for Surviving Spouses: Estate Documents, Income Shifts, and Avoiding Costly Mistakes | Episode 138
What really happens when one spouse passes away? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down one of retirement’s most difficult—but essential—topics: preparing financially and legally for the loss of a spouse. You’ll learn: - The must-have estate documents...
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Smarter Cash: Liquidity, Yield & Lower Volatility | Episode 137
As the Fed flirts with rate cuts, many retirees face shrinking savings and money-market yields. In this episode, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) break down DRP’s Cash Plus portfolio—built for 0–5 year dollars that need liquidity and low volatility, yet can aim higher than plain cash. They…
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Sequence of Risk: Why Retirement Timing Can Make or Break Your Future | Episode 136
In this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) break down one of the most overlooked threats to retirement success—sequence of returns risk. What happens if you retire right before a market downturn? What if your portfolio strategy doesn’t account for...
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Navigating IRA Tax Traps & Powerful Roth Conversion Strategies | Episode 135
Join Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) on this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio as they uncover why your traditional IRA might be a tax “loan” to the IRS—and how smart Roth conversion planning can turn the tables in your favor. From real-world illustrations of IRA tax bills topping...
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Compounding Risks in Retirement | Episode 134
Join Brian Decker and Arrin Wray as they unpack the three “compounding risks” that can threaten your nest egg—and show you how to turn them into advantages: Why delaying taxes in a traditional IRA could cost you (and your heirs) over $1 million, and how proactive Roth conversions lock in today’s...
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Advanced Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Legacy | Episode 133
In Episode 133 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) explore a suite of advanced estate planning strategies designed to help you protect, preserve, and pass on your wealth efficiently: State & Federal Estate Tax Planning: Using AB trusts, portability, and lifetime...
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Why the 4% Rule Could Be a Risky Move in Today’s Market | Episode 132
Is the 4% rule still safe in a flat or volatile market? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray explain why traditional income strategies—like the 4% rule or “living off the interest”—may no longer work in today’s retirement landscape. You’ll learn: ✅ How to build a...
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Risk Reduction in Retirement: Why the 4% Rule Fails and What to Do Instead | Episode 131
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) break down the myths and mistakes of traditional retirement strategies—and show you what to do instead. You’ll learn: Why the 4% rule often fails in flat or volatile markets How sequence of return risk can derail your...
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The Roth Conversion Myth: Why Delaying Could Cost You Millions | Episode 130
Think you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire? Think again. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) dismantle the myth and walk you through real-life tax planning strategies that can help you save hundreds of thousands—or even millions—in…
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A Safer Alternative to the 4% Rule: Income for Retirement | Episode 129
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray challenge one of the most commonly used retirement strategies: the 4% rule. They explain how flat or volatile markets can quickly derail portfolios relying on this outdated approach and introduce laddered principal-guaranteed...
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Is Your Retirement Ready for Market Volatility? | Episode 128
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker breaks down how retirees can confidently navigate turbulent markets without sacrificing their retirement goals. Learn the essential strategies that protect your principal, generate reliable income, and minimize taxes—regardless of economic...
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Unlocking Tax-Smart Strategies for a Safer Retirement | Episode 127
In this powerful episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray uncover advanced tax strategies designed to help retirees keep more of what they’ve earned. From Roth conversions that could save you over $1 million in taxes, to estate planning tools that preserve your legacy, this...
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What Does the S&P 500’s Recent Move Mean for Your Retirement? | Episode 126
🎙️ In This Episode: Market volatility is a reality—so how do you protect your retirement savings while still growing your wealth? In Episode 126 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss break down the latest market trends and reveal strategies to help retirees reduce risk while...
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How to Protect Your Retirement in an Uncertain World | Episode 124
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, host Brian Decker and co-host Arrin Wray break down the financial and geopolitical risks that could impact your retirement. From market volatility and inflation to global conflicts and economic uncertainty, we discuss the key challenges retirees face...
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Six Pillars of a Safer Retirement | Episode 125
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker of Decker Retirement Planning explores six key pillars essential for a secure and fulfilling retirement. This episode covers: ✅ How to structure a retirement distribution plan for stable income ✅ Tax minimization strategies to keep more of...
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Are You Losing Social Security Benefits? WEP & GPO Explained | Episode 123
Is the government taking away your Social Security benefits? 🤔 In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Mark Knauss break down the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—two rules that reduce Social Security benefits for teachers, government...
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Navigating Tariffs and Strategic Retirement Planning | Episode 122
🎙️ In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker dives into the impact of Trump's tariffs on retirement portfolios. Discover how these tariffs serve as negotiating tools and explore their effects on trade with China, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. 📊 Brian explains his comprehensive...
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Reflecting on 2024 and Preparing for 2025 | Episode 121
Gain valuable insights into retirement planning with Brian Decker as he reflects on 2024 market trends and shares strategies to navigate the financial landscape of 2025. Discover how Fed rate cuts impact markets, bond fund risks in a low-interest-rate environment, and why small caps and banks…
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Two-Sided Retirement Strategies for Flat Markets, Tax Planning, and Momentum Investing | Episode 120
Discover how to strengthen your retirement portfolio in challenging market conditions. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker, the owner and founder of Decker Retirement Planning, breaks down why traditional buy-and-hold approaches often fail during prolonged flat or down…
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Post-Election Retirement and Year-End Planning Strategies | Episode 119
In this insightful episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker tackles some of the essential retirement planning steps you need to consider in light of recent election results and upcoming year-end deadlines. Key Topics Covered: Impact of the Election on Retirement Planning: Understand how…
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Safeguarding Your Nest Egg: Essential Steps for a Safer Retirement | Episode 118
In this enlightening episode of Safer Retirement Radio, owner and founder Brian Decker and Arrin Wray, our Utah-based planner from Decker Retirement Planning, unveil the essentials of crafting a robust retirement distribution plan. Unlike accumulation plans, a distribution plan is your roadmap to…
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Navigating Retirement Planning | Episode 117
In Episode 117 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and new advisor Mark Knauss, CFP(R) dive deep into effective retirement planning strategies. Together, they tackle the critical transition from accumulation to distribution, emphasizing the risks of outdated strategies like traditional asset...
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Building a Resilient Retirement Plan Amid Market Volatility and Rising Rates | Episode 116
In Episode 116 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker dives into effective retirement planning strategies to navigate market volatility, rising interest rates, and election uncertainty. He highlight the risks associated with bond funds, which have seen a 35% decline in value over the past four...
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Navigating the Do's and Don'ts of Retirement Planning | Episode 115
In Episode 115 of Safer Retirement Radio, hosts Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) explore the do's and don’ts of retirement planning. They discuss the limitations of traditional strategies like the 60/40 portfolio, the impact of market volatility on retirement income, and the importance of...
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Navigating the Transition from Asset Accumulation to Income Distribution | Episode 114
In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray of Decker Retirement Planning explore the critical differences between retirement planning during the accumulation phase versus the distribution phase. They explore strategies to navigate market volatility, maximize...
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Securing Your Retirement: Navigating Market Cycles and Protecting Your Income | Episode 113
In Episode 113, Brian Decker, Owner and Founder of Decker Retirement Planning, and Arrin Wray, one of our planners, explore the critical importance of financial safety in retirement. They discuss how their strategies, including principal guaranteed accounts and momentum-based models, have…
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Dynamic Retirement Strategies: Thrive in Any Market | Episode 112
In Episode 112, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) reveal retirement strategies that are not only built to grow with the market but also protect your investments during downturns. Discover how to move beyond basic market timing with strategies like momentum investing that adapt to changing…
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Transforming Retirement Strategies: Beyond the 4% Rule | Episode 111
Welcome to Episode 111 of Safer Retirement Radio! Join Brian Decker and guest planner Brad Geddes from Decker Retirement Planning as they delve into effective strategies for a successful retirement transition. In this episode, we cover: Retirement Transition and Investment Strategies: Why...
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3 Ways to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Retirement | Episode 110
Welcome to Episode 110 of Safer Retirement Radio! Join Brian Decker and guest planner Arrin Wray from Decker Retirement Planning as they share three essential strategies to help you maximize your retirement. In this episode, we cover: Use an Income Plan, Not a Pie Chart: Understand why a pie…
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About this show
Safer Retirement Radio is where you can get the transparency you deserve®. Whether you are currently retired or plan to retire soon, this show is full of retirement tips that can help you get thousands of extra dollars in and out of your retirement.Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP®️ certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™️ certification mark, and the CFP®️ certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Hosted by
Brian Decker - Owner and Founder - Decker Retirement Planning
Categories