The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns

What does a happy retirement really look like beyond just having enough money?In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore how financial security, spending habits, and mindset all shape happiness in retirement. From creating sustainable income to aligning your money with what truly matters, we discuss how to build both wealth and fulfillment in your later years. We also touch on common financial mistakes retirees make and how to avoid them, so you can feel more confident about your future.Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, this conversation will help you think differently about what it means to retire well. 

Pensions and 401(k)s both play a key role in retirement, but they work very differently. In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we go over how each one functions, the pros and cons, and what they mean for your long-term financial security.We also touch on common mistakes, how to think about contributions and rollovers, and ways to balance stability with flexibility. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your plan, this episode will help you make more confident retirement decisions.

Retirement isn’t always a clean break; it’s often a gradual transition. In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore that in-between phase where you may still be working in some capacity while beginning to rely on your savings and long-term plan. This stage can bring a mix of flexibility and uncertainty. Questions around income, timing, lifestyle, and purpose all start to surface, and the decisions you make here can have a lasting impact.We break down how to approach this phase with clarity, avoid common missteps, and create a strategy that aligns your financial plan with the life you actually want to live.

What does your retirement really look like?In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we dive into why retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all and how to build a plan that reflects your unique goals and lifestyle.We cover key considerations like adapting to market changes, managing risk, and creating a strategy that supports the life you actually want to live. Because retirement planning is about more than numbers. It’s about clarity, confidence, and making informed decisions for your future.

Are you still working with the right advisor for this stage of your life?In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we take a closer look at what happens after you’ve reached retirement and why the financial guidance that got you there might not be the same guidance you need moving forward. From evolving goals and income strategies to communication and trust, we go over the key signs it may be time to reassess your advisory relationship.Whether you’re newly retired or have been for years, this conversation will help you evaluate if your current plan is truly aligned with the life you want to live next.

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore how the smallest details can make the biggest difference. From everyday habits to subtle shifts in mindset, it’s often the little things we overlook that shape our outcomes, relationships, and overall direction in life.Join us as we unpack real-life examples, reflect on the power of intentionality, and challenge the idea that success is built only on big moments. Because sometimes, it’s the smallest details that tell the biggest story.

Did you retire too soon, and what happens if you did?In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore one of the most common (and rarely talked about) retirement concerns: second-guessing the timing of your exit from the workforce. From market uncertainty to unexpected expenses, retirement doesn’t always unfold exactly as planned.Because retirement isn’t just about when you stop working, it’s about making sure your money keeps working for you.

Your questions, answered.In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we dive into real listener questions around today’s biggest financial concerns. From navigating market uncertainty to making more confident decisions with your money.Because the right financial strategy starts with asking the right questions. Tune in for practical insights designed to help you stay on track and move forward with clarity.

Your money should always have a purpose. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we talk about the importance of putting your dollars to work and how a thoughtful financial strategy helps turn savings into progress toward your goals.A good financial advisor does more than simply manage accounts. They help ensure every dollar is working intentionally through investment strategy, planning, and ongoing guidance. We discuss why this approach matters and how aligning your money with a clear plan can help support long term financial confidence.Tune in to learn why having the right strategy and the right advisor can make a meaningful difference in how your money works for you.

What does a well-rounded financial plan really look like? Is it just having a few strong investment accounts, or is there more to it?In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we go beyond balances and portfolios to explore the key pieces that truly create retirement confidence. From Social Security and pension decisions to tax strategy, estate planning, and healthcare considerations, we outline what it takes to build a plan that’s built to last.If you want to know whether you’re truly prepared or still missing critical pieces, this episode is for you.

In this week’s episode of The Retirement Income Show, we take a closer look at the lesser-known figures and strategies in the world of retirement planning — the “other guy” you might not have heard of but whose approach could be influencing how you think about your money. Whether it’s an advisor, a financial philosophy, or an investment strategy that flies under the mainstream radar, we break down who they are, what they stand for, and why it matters to your retirement goals. Tune in for insights that help you better understand the players shaping retirement income planning, so you can decide who deserves a seat at your table and who doesn’t.

Red flags aren’t just warning signs, they can completely derail your retirement if you ignore them. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we’re discussing some of the biggest retirement mistakes people make, from not understanding their income needs to overlooking taxes, market downturns, healthcare costs, and more.We’ll also touch on often-overlooked risks like misaligned financial goals between spouses, underestimating how long retirement may last, and retiring without a clear purpose. Spotting these red flags early could help protect your retirement from serious financial trouble.Don’t miss this important conversation designed to help keep your retirement plan on track.

Struggling with financial jargon and investment lingo? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we translate commonly used investment terms into clear, everyday language that anyone can understand. Whether you’re new to investing or just want to sharpen your financial vocabulary, this conversation breaks down the essentials — from stocks and bonds to concepts like dollar-cost averaging, income investing, and more — so you can feel confident making informed decisions with your money. This isn’t Wall Street talk — it’s investing explained in plain English.

When it comes to retirement, the questions never stop—and that’s a good thing. In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we open up listener submissions and tackle some of the most common (and important) questions people face as they approach retirement. From estate planning decisions and Social Security timing to pension choices and generating reliable income, the conversation highlights the themes that show up again and again for retirees and pre-retirees. The goal isn’t quick answers or one-size-fits-all advice, but clarity around the trade-offs and considerations that matter most when your savings need to last. And just when it feels like the big questions have been covered, there’s more still to come. 

Every day, life presents us with choices—some obvious, others seemingly small—that quietly shape the direction of our future. The same is true when it comes to the decisions you make with your only retirement nest egg.In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore how those choices impact your retirement income and long-term security. We'll highlight how decision-making starts early and confront the confusion many retirees feel when faced with too many financial options.The conversation challenges common assumptions and examines the trade-offs behind key retirement decisions—designed to sharpen your thinking, not dictate your choices. If you’ve ever wondered whether the choices you’ve made for retirement still make sense, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

A new year is the perfect time for a financial reset. In this special edition of The Retirement Income Show, we focus on laying the groundwork for a strong and confident 2026.We walk through the core elements of a solid retirement plan—clarifying your retirement purpose, understanding your expenses, and identifying reliable income sources. From Social Security and pensions to investment strategies and intentional use of savings, this episode is about aligning your money with the life you want to live.If you’re looking for clarity, confidence, and a stronger financial foundation in the year ahead, it's time to get back to the basics.

In every great Christmas movie, there’s always a villain lurking in the background—ready to steal the joy at the worst possible moment. Retirement planning can feel the same way. In this special holiday edition of The Retirement Income Show, we uncover the hidden threats that can quietly derail even the best-laid retirement plans.From inflation that slowly steals your buying power, to rising healthcare and long-term care costs, and the risk of outliving your money—we break down the “Grinches,” “Wet Bandits,” and ghosts that retirees face.Stick around for this festive yet practical episode and learn how to protect your retirement so it stays merry, bright, and stress-free—no matter what surprises come your way.

It’s Christmas time, and we're checking the list twice — is your financial advisor ending the year on the “naughty” or “nice” side? In this festive episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down the signs of a truly client-focused advisor, the red flags that might signal it’s time for a change, and the smart end-of-year moves that can set you up for a stronger 2026. Wrap up the year with clarity, confidence, and a little holiday cheer.

Is $1 million enough to retire? What about $2 million? In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down why there’s no magic number—because a confident, stress-free retirement is really about having steady, reliable income that lasts your entire life. We unpack why some assets generate stability while others only look good on paper, and how factors like inflation, taxes, and long-term care fit into the equation.You’ll also learn why even people with $10 million worry they don’t have “enough." Plus, we preview one of the biggest hidden risks in retirement portfolios—and what you can do to avoid it.

If your income is tied to the stock market, you’re carrying more risk into retirement than you may realize. While that volatility may be fine while you’re working, it becomes a very different story when retirement begins.In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down why the strategy that got you to retirement shouldn’t be the same one that gets you through it. We’ll explore why steady, reliable income is essential in retirement, and what it looks like when your income is no longer tied to Wall Street’s ups and downs. If you want confidence instead of uncertainty in your retirement paychecks, this conversation is for you.

Just like a house needs a strong foundation to stand the test of time, your retirement plan must be built to “weather the storm” of market ups and downs. In this episode, we break down what it really means to create a solid retirement foundation—one that goes beyond surface-level details and focuses on true stability.We’ll explore the core building blocks that keep your retirement standing strong: consistent income, Social Security timing, and supplemental sources like pensions or annuities. You’ll learn why the early stages of retirement planning may feel slow—much like watching a foundation being poured—but how the groundwork you lay now determines your long-term security later.If you want a retirement plan that doesn’t just look good on paper but actually holds up under pressure, this episode is for you.

Ever wondered what your advisor’s business model really is—and why it matters? In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down how your advisor’s model can either support or sabotage your retirement.You’ll learn how to spot red flags—like excessive risk, vague income plans, or sales-driven advice—and what a true retirement-focused model looks like: one built on income, clarity, and fiduciary care.Because it’s not enough to have a good advisor—you need one in the right business model.

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we’re sharing key year-end ideas that can help you reduce taxes, boost retirement savings, and strengthen your financial plan before the calendar turns. Don’t wait for the holiday rush or those last-minute December phone calls — tune in now to learn how to make the most of the time you have left this year!

As Halloween approaches, things are getting downright scary—from government shutdowns to spooky yard displays. But the real fright might be lurking inside your own retirement portfolio!In this week’s episode of The Retirement Income Show, we expose the “ghosts and goblins” that can quietly haunt your investments all year long. Tune in to learn how to spot the troublemakers in your portfolio and replace them with strategies designed to bring clarity, confidence, and steady income—no scares required.

Investing for income may sound simple—but using the wrong tools can cut your retirement dreams short. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we dive into the essential tools every retiree needs to build reliable income and long-term confidence. From insured options like CDs and annuities to higher-yield investments such as bonds, REITs, and value stocks, you’ll learn how to balance security and growth in a way that fits your retirement goals. Plus, we’ll tackle key questions like: What if you don’t need all your income? and How do you find the right mix for peace of mind? Tune in to discover how the right strategy—and the right tools—can help make your retirement income work for you. 

Ever wish retirement planning came with an "easy button"? In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down the often overwhelming world of investing into plain English. Instead of drowning in charts, Monte Carlo simulations, and endless mutual fund options, we’ll explore how to set clear goals, focus on your dreams, and create a plan that inspires you—not confuses you. Because investing for retirement shouldn’t be about complicated jargon or one-size-fits-all solutions—it should be about making things simple, meaningful, and tailored to what gets you excited to wake up each morning.

How do you know when it’s truly time to retire? It might sound like a simple question, but the reality is far more complex—and the wrong decision could have lasting consequences. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down the essential factors you need to consider before making the leap.From managing debt and planning for inflation to understanding Social Security, taxes, RMDs, healthcare costs, and long-term care, we’ll cover the big questions that determine retirement readiness. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have enough? Is now the right time? What am I missing?”—this episode is for you.

Is your financial advisor fully engaged—or just coasting on autopilot? When it comes to your retirement, having someone “asleep at the switch” could put your savings and future at risk.In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we uncover the red flags that signal your advisor may be snoozing on the job—from cookie-cutter portfolios and lack of tax planning to ignoring legislative changes and failing to understand your personal goals. We’ll also highlight what a proactive advisor should be doing to protect and grow your retirement savings.If you’ve ever questioned whether your advisor is truly watching out for you, this episode will show you how to keep your retirement plan safely on track.

A new 1,200-page law just rewrote key retirement rules.President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is packed with changes that may impact your taxes, Social Security, and healthcare. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we cut through the noise and break down what matters most for retirees and pre-retirees, plus how you can prepare to take advantage of these changes in 2025 and beyond.

With so many moving parts in retirement planning—like Social Security, Roth conversions, long-term care, and estate planning—it’s easy to lose focus. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we cut through the noise to identify what truly matters: income investing.We’ll explain why retirement is really about replacing your paycheck, not just growing your investments, and how relying on withdrawals can put your future at risk. Learn how to generate reliable income through proper income strategies and why keeping the main thing the main thing is the key to retirement success.

You’ve spent your life saving and preparing for retirement, but now comes the hard part: spending it wisely. In this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns, we tackle one of the most overlooked and anxiety-inducing parts of retirement planning: decumulation. We explore why it's so difficult to shift from saving to spending, walk through common withdrawal strategies like the 4% Rule, Dynamic Spending, and the Bucket Approach, and explain why decumulation requires a whole new mindset focused on income and preservation. Plus, we dive into smart tax strategies, including Roth conversions and income planning, and share how to align your investments with your income needs so that you can spend with confidence and sleep well at night.www.incomeisking.com  |  www.stearnsretirementgroup.com

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns, we shine a spotlight on the newest and most dangerous financial scams targeting retirees today. From fake Medicare calls and AI-powered voice impersonations to romance scams and phishing emails, scammers are using sophisticated technology and sneaky tactics to steal your money and personal information. We’re breaking down the red flags to watch for, how these con artists find you in the first place, and smart strategies to protect yourself and your nest egg. If you want to stay one step ahead of the scammers and keep your retirement secure, you won’t want to miss this episode!www.incomeisking.com  |  www.stearnsretirementgroup.com

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns, we tackle some of the most pressing concerns facing retirees and pre-retirees today — from inflation, interest rates, and Social Security uncertainty to scam prevention, housing decisions, and geopolitical instability. We also unpack the risks of outdated investment strategies and explore practical alternatives for generating reliable income. Don’t miss this timely conversation to help you prepare for a stress-free retirement, no matter what the world throws your way!www.incomeisking.com  |  www.stearnsretirementgroup.com

Have you ever unpacked a new item to assemble it, only to realize a crucial part was missing? It’s frustrating, and it can make the whole thing useless or at least sub-optimal. The same is true in many areas of life, especially retirement planning. If even one piece of your retirement plan is missing, the whole strategy can be incomplete, and that can have serious consequences. If you want to be confident that your retirement plan is truly complete, don’t miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns!

If retirement had a middle name, it would be "Income," just like our show: The Retirement Income Show.  You have to have income to replace the salary that you earned every week when you were working. It's important to realize that income is one of the primary elements of a successful and stress-free retirement. Too many people think of income as taking money out of your account, but there's so much more to it. Join us for this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we explain all things income!

Retirement can bring about lots of questions, whether you're preparing to retire soon or have been retired for years! Over the last 20+ years at Stearns Retirement Group, we’ve heard them all. On this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns, we’re digging into the mailbag to answer some of the top questions retirees ask us. Don't miss it!www.incomeisking.com  |  www.stearnsretirementgroup.com

There aren't many things that can happen economically, geopolitically, or socially that the stock market is not familiar with. If there were a way to invest in retirement that was effective in all market environments, would you want to know about it? Of course you would, so don't miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns!

Many people don’t even think about their 401(k) when they change employers. In fact, some people don’t even know the options for their employer plans. On this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns, we’ll help you sort it all out so that you know the next steps to take. We're covering the purpose of a 401(k), pensions, investment options, strategy, Roth conversions, and more! 

In some ways, we could call this episode the "bloopers" of what advisors do in retirement planning. In a lot of cases, many advisors don't know what they don't know. If you apply the same strategies in retirement that you used when you were in the savings years, you could be in for financial ruin when it comes to living out retirement. If you want to be sure you have the right retirement strategies in place, don't miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we discuss what advisors should NOT do in retirement planning. 

When you think about retirement, having a strong outline of the primary elements can put you way ahead of the game when you reach that milestone. Join us for this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we focus on the outline so that you can fill in the blanks to your retirement!

As human beings, we're all biased, and it's important that we know that about ourselves. If you're working with a financial advisor, it's critical that you understand his/her bias as they're helping you in your retirement. If you want to learn more about the potential bias of your financial advisor, don't miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns!

Retirement can be challenging and brings up lots of questions, regardless of how much money you have. We know these questions can weigh heavily on you, and it's our job to help you get answers. Join us for this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we address some common retiree questions!  

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase "Trump 2.0?" Maybe you feel positive emotions, perhaps you are scared, or maybe you worry that the stock market seems uncertain about him right now. No matter what comes to your mind, if you want to learn how to invest no matter what happens to the economy with Trump 2.0, then this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns was designed for you!

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have Elon Musk take a look at your monthly expenses? Do you think he might find some pork if he rummaged through your checkbook? Join us for this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we discuss what it might be like if you were "DOGE'd."

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase "The Big Five?" Is it the five widely known personality traits or perhaps the big five animals from Africa? If you want to learn about the Big Five investments that we use to create stable and renewable income in retirement, then don't miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns!

Are you the kind of person that tends toward extremes in your life, or do you prefer to keep it in the middle of the road? Regardless of which type of person you are, you must avoid extremes in your retirement plans. If you want to learn more about retirement planning extremes and how to avoid them, don't miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns!

How much money can you comfortably take from your investments when you retire? This is a common question that we often get in our office. If you don't have a good answer, you could run into lots of troubles in retirement, so tune into this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we tackle this topic! 

Birthday surprises, surprise trips, financial surprises...Not all surprises are equal. Whether you love or despise them, we all have one thing in common: We don't like bad surprises, especially when it comes to our finances in retirement. If you want to learn how to minimize surprises in your retirement, don't miss this episode of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns! 

One of our favorite aspects of a new year is the fresh start! It provides an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and put new plans in place. Reviewing financial basics can help lay the foundation for a successful year, and the beginning of the year is the best time to do so. Join us for this special edition of The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns as we get back to basics for 2025!