Good morning, Retirement Starts Today Community. Welcome to "Every Day is Saturday," the newsletter reminding us that in retirement, every day is Saturday (including Thursday mornings).​​​

​Click here to work with us!​

Can you believe this is episode 400 of the podcast? That’s nearly 10 years of spending more money, paying less taxes, and chasing an even better retirement.

Whether you’ve tuned in 4 times or (heaven help you) all 400, thank you. Your ears, emails, and referrals built this community—and we’re just getting started.

Episode Breakdown​
(0:00) Reflecting on 400 episodes and why I’m not quite ready to get sentimental
(4:45) Retirement Headline: Rebalancing strategies tested—guess which one came out on top?
(17:00) Listener Question: Should you disclaim an inheritance? And could it save you six figures in taxes?

​Listen on Spotify, Listen on Apple Music​

Retirement Headline: Is Not Rebalancing the Best Rebalancing Strategy?​
Source: Financial Advisor Magazine by Jennifer Reed
Based on research from Nick Maggiulli at Ritholtz Wealth

Most retirees know rebalancing is key—but how often should you do it?

This new study compared four strategies using a classic 60/40 Vanguard portfolio:

1. Quarterly → 6.70% annualized
2. Annually → 6.77%
3. Drift-Based (10% thresholds) → 6.91%
4. Never Rebalance → 7.10%

Wait… what?

Yes, the “do nothing” approach actually came out ahead—at least in terms of returns.

But before you cancel your rebalance reminder…

Why performance isn’t everything:

• Rebalancing limits drawdowns in bear markets
• Helps manage risk and spending confidence
• Maintains your original risk profile
• Encourages consistent action—no crystal ball needed

My two cents as an advisor:​
We rebalance twice a year, after spring and fall client meetings. Why? Because your cash flow shifts, your tax strategy evolves, and your goals change. Letting your calendar (not your emotions) trigger rebalancing removes regret and helps you stay the course—especially when markets are messy.

Also: it feels pretty great to know your cash bucket is full, your stocks were trimmed near all-time highs, and your bonds are standing by. That’s the emotional dividend of a good rebalance.

Listener Question of the Week:

Disclaiming an inheritance—aka saying, “Thanks, but pass it to the next in line”—can be a powerful tax planning move, especially for married super savers.

Here’s the breakdown:

Financial Considerations:

• Keeps you in a lower tax bracket
• Reduces Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
• May help avoid Medicare IRMAA surcharges
• Gives heirs their own 10-year Secure Act withdrawal timeline
• Can save $50k–$150k in lifetime taxes on large IRAs (depending on many variables)

Emotional Factors:

• Guilt about “rejecting” a spouse’s legacy
• Fear of needing the money later
• Stress of making decisions while grieving

Relational Dynamics:

• Other family members may feel slighted
• Communication is key—especially with adult children or siblings

Example Scenario:

• Surviving spouse disclaims $500k of a $3M IRA
• Kids inherit early, triggering their own 10-year window
• Spouse reduces future taxes, stays in lower brackets
• Family avoids tax spikes and grows wealth across generations

The bottom line? Disclaiming is not for everyone. But when done intentionally and strategically, it can be one of the smartest, most generous decisions you’ll ever make.

Quick Tip:​
If you're inheriting or considering disclaiming assets, wait at least 6 months (if possible) before making decisions. Give yourself time to grieve before making permanent choices.

Celebrating 400 Episodes​
As I mentioned in the show, I’ll do a proper reflection episode after spring meetings wrap up. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you for listening, sharing, and building this with me.

Resources Mentioned:

• Is the Optimal Rebalancing Strategy Not to Rebalance at All? Click here​
• My new book, Retirement Starts Today: Your non-financial guide to an even better retirement, is available. To order click here​

That's it for our three hundred and seventy-ninth installment of "Every Day is Saturday." As always, reply to this email with your retirement questions and you might hear them featured on the show! I read and respond to (almost) every email.

Have a great "Saturday",
Benjamin Brandt (your humble host)