Decoding Retirement
Episodes
When banks say no: the financial step families miss
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a caregiver for a loved one is often a difficult journey, giving up time and money to provide assistance to someone who can no longer manage ...
What happens to your money if you don't have a plan
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Making a plan for what happens to your assets when you're gone may seem uncomfortable, but it can spare your loved ones a huge amount of money and con...
Half of Americans go into holiday debt - here's how to avoid it
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The new Harris Poll on holiday shopping, compiled by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), paints a picture of Americans teetering on a financial ti...
Why retirees are finally taking crypto seriously
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cryptocurrency is gaining ground as an increasingly important asset across the world of finance, but does it hold promise as a way for retirees to gro...
The Social Security mistake that costs couples $180k
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning for retirement can be one of the most consequential decisions of your life, especially in the 4-5 years directly preceding your departure fro...
Why younger caregivers may need to work 7-21 extra years
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As America experiences a shortage of healthcare workers and an aging population, more and more families are being forced to shoulder the financial and...
Why a micro-retirement might be your smartest money move
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has your career given you burnout? Are you wondering when you will be able to focus on the things that matter most to you? On this episode of Decoding...
5 smart money moves to make 5 years before retiring
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Decoding Retirement, host Bob Powell discusses executive retirement with Amy Permenter, executive wealth strategist for Bank of Ame...
The $3.4B scam epidemic targeting older Americans
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the rise of AI, internet and phone-based scams are becoming harder to detect, especially among vulnerable populations like seniors. On this episo...
The $14,000 mistake retirees make during open enrollment
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Medicare's "dirty little secrets" - the hidden costs, coverage gaps and commission conflicts that could cost retirees thousands. You'll learn why so-c...
The costly Medicare Part D Mistake 95% of people make
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan could be the single biggest factor in helping you save thousands on your prescriptions each year. In this Deco...
Medicare Advantage exposed: what’s changing in 2026
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Medicare Advantage is more popular than ever, but also more confusing. More than 34 million Americans are enrolled in these Part C plans, yet many don...
Don’t pick a Medicare plan until you use this tool
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel like solving a puzzle, but there’s one tool that can make it much easier. In this episode of Decoding Reti...
Should you keep or switch your Medicare plan?
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is your step-by-step guide to deciding whether to keep, switch, or completely change your Medicare coverage. Decoding Retirement host, Robert “...
The one Medicare letter you can’t afford to ignore
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think you can skip your Medicare paperwork? Think again. The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) could save you - or cost you - thousands of dollars. In th...
Why Gen X faces the hardest retirement yet
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Generation X has long been regarded as scrappy and resourceful, having come of age during a period of significant societal and economic shifts. Now, a...
Why every retiree needs to rethink their tax plan
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The newly passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has enormous financial repercussions, especially for those people living in or planning for retirement. ...
How much money do you really need to retire?
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As prices and inflation continue to rise, planning ahead for retirement has become even more important. But how can people assess their eventual costs...
Government shutdown: Jean Chatzky on what retirees need to know
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Federal government shutdown could be well on its way to happening in September. How will those preparing for or living in retirement be affected? In...
Why $1.7 trillion is left behind in forgotten 401(k)s
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Living a long and happy life in retirement is a goal that is surprisingly within reach for many people, as long as the right steps are taken before yo...
4 steps to rebuild your life after retirement
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Plenty of people work hard to reach their retirement, only to find that life after a career can be less satisfying than they thought. On this episode ...
The missing piece in your retirement puzzle: Homeowner's insurance
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Budget-conscious consumers are known for cutting corners to save money on everyday expenses. But when it comes to insurance, choosing cheap policies n...
How most families get retirement wrong
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Conventional wisdom can only get you so far, especially when dealing with unforeseen life events that might permanently change your plans. On this wee...
Healthcare costs can make or break your retirement
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The best laid plans for retirement can be totally upended by an unexpected medical emergency, especially if you don't have a reserve of savings to dra...
Why fears of a retirement crisis may be overblown
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The steady stream of dire news about Social Security continues to affect retirement plans around the country; but one man is surprisingly optimistic a...
Caregiving is the $600 billion crisis hiding in plain sight
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a rapidly aging workforce, budgeting time and money for caregiving has become even more crucial for the average American. On this episode of Dec...
Dr. Oz’s plan to stop Medicare waste and rising costs
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Mehmet Oz, now head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, lays it out plain: healthcare isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment to wi...
A retirement crisis could be coming– here's how to prepare
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As benefits are cut and Social Security approaches possible insolvency, retirees are being asked to work longer and accept fewer benefits. Is this ine...
Will Social Security run out of money sooner than you think?
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prospective retirees hoping to cash in their Social Security after 2033 may be in for a rude awakening. The 2025 Trustees Report confirmed that the pr...
New bill, new rules: What retirees need to know before it's too late
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Republican tax bill has been signed into law, and many of its provisions will affect retirement and benefits for millions of Americans. On this ep...
Costly IRA mistakes could crush your retirement
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are the biggest mistakes people make when managing their retirement accounts? This week on Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell dives into th...
The secret to a great retirement: Think like an engineer
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can AI really replace a skilled financial professional? In this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell speaks with Nick Holeman, director...
The number 1 mistake retirees make with money
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning for what happens to your finances when you're gone can be a tough but necessary conversation. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert ...
What does the 'big beautiful bill' mean for your retirement?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the Trump administration's budget bill works its way through Congress, many people are wondering how the bill's provisions on taxes and Social Secu...
Inside the silver tsunami: 4.2M Americans turning 65
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you part of the record-breaking cohort of people reaching retirement age this year? On this episode of "Decoding Retirement," Robert “Bob” Pow...
College is pricier than ever– here’s how you make it cheaper
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
College has long been seen as a ticket to the middle class, but does that still hold true when paying for college seems more and more out of reach for...
The hidden costs of caregiving
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of "Decoding Retirement," Robert “Bob” Powell speaks with Chris Herman, head of personal retirement at Bank of America Merrill Lyn...
What will 'the new retirement' mean for you?
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The new administration has made some people uneasy about the future of Social Security and whether or not it will remain solvent when they expect to r...
What JP Morgan's "Guide to Retirement" can teach you
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Will I run out of money" is a question on every retiree's mind. On this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert “Bob” Powell speaks with Michael C...
Facing retirement in a Bear Market? Here's what you need to know
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tariffs, high prices, and the risk of "stagflation" are all pressing issues for those who are planning their retirement. Should people stay the course...
Key retirement plan adjustments you need now
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the current volatility in equities, people approaching retirement age are feeling nervous. Are they right to worry or can this newfound risk be e...
Unlock thousands for retirement with this financial move
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reverse mortgages have been called risky and confusing - but what if everything you thought you knew was wrong? On this episode of Decoding Retirement...
Tips for Managing Market Volatility
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SoFi Head of Advice & Planning Brian Walsh joins Robert 'Bob' Powell on Decoding Retirement to lay out the best way investors and retirement planners ...
Smart Spending and Finding Purpose with Christine Benz
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Financial expert Christine Benz joins Robert "Bob" Powell on Decoding Retirement to break down key lessons for a secure and fulfilling retirement. Fro...
The Triple Decker Club Sandwich generation: Rethinking Retirement and Family Living
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the new reality of multi-generational living in this episode of Decoding Retirement. Host Robert "Bob" Powell and guest Sherry Finkel Murphy ...
The Retirement Playbook: Smart Strategies for a Stress-Free Future
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert "Bob" Powell interviews retirement planning expert Wade Pfau to discuss key strategies for ensuring fin...
Unraveling common retirement misconceptions
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Nick Nefouse, Blackrock Head of ...
Retirees Rejoice: Bengen's Safe Withdrawal Rate Jumps to 4.7%
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Bill Bengen, "4% rule" Researche...
How to avoid retirement regrets
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Olivia Mitchell, Professor at Wh...
Adjusting your retirement strategy as you age
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Steph Guild, Robinhood Senior Di...
Retirement savings: How to spend consciously
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Jean Chatzky, HerMoney Podcast H...
ERISA turns 50: How one law revolutionized retirement
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Kerry Hannon, Yahoo Finance Seni...
Longevity risk & financial communication
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with David Blanchett, Head of Retirem...
The precarious Social Security situation
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Michael Conrath, Chief Retiremen...
Modern solutions for workplace retirement plans
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Laurie Rowley, Icon Savings Plan...
How to find purpose in retirement
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Frtiz Gilbert, Founder and Autho...
401(k) contributions: Why its time to abandon tradition
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Ed Slott, IRA Expert, Professio...
Wealth gap: How generational wealth transfer plays a role
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Lazetta Rainey Braxton, founder ...
How to plan for long-term care
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Sharon Carson, J.P. Morgan Asset...
Financial vortex: How to manage while saving for retirement
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Chris Ceder, Goldman Sachs Asset Manageme...
Retirement planning: What to know about financial advisors
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell speaks with Michael Kitces, Buckingham Wealth ...
Tariffs, stagflation, market uncertainty: Impacts on retirement
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Liz Ann Sonders, Charles Schwab & Co.,...
Tips for navigating the convoluted world of Medicare
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Melinda Caughill, i65 Medicare Software...
Saving for college: Choosing the best strategy to cover education costs
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Ross Riskin, Investments & Wealth Institu...
Aging in America: The most common misconceptions about aging
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Care Right Inc. Founder Annalee Kruger br...
The four percent rule: Is it a good retirement strategy?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Michael Finke, Professor of Wealth Manage...
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: What you need to know
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Silvur Technology Services CEO and retire...
Top three keys to retirement planning, importance of HSAs
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Wells Fargo Head of Advice and Planning M...
Two trends are driving America's 'retirement crisis'
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The current state of retirement in the US is, in a word, bleak. A poll by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that just 21% of respondents a...
Student debt crisis: How to graduate college debt-free
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Girls With Impact founder and CEO Jennife...
Personal income and consumption: Impact on retirement planning
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and Mitlin Financial founder and wealth advis...
Inflation and retirement: How to manage risk while saving
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and author, consultant, and professor, Charle...
Retirement: How millennials and Gen Z can catch up on savings
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the debut episode of Decoding Retirement, America’s definitive voice on retirement, Robert 'Bob' Powell, and award-winning author, and retirement...