Welcome to This Week in Retirement

The promise of This Week in Retirement:​
If you only have 15–30 minutes per week to dedicate to learning more about retirement planning, I’ve got you covered.

Retirement planning is both my job and my hobby. Every week, I read dozens of articles and watch or listen to hours of podcasts and YouTube videos.
​Every Thursday, I’ll share the best options from each category.

Pick a few. Skip the rest. You’re covered.

📰 Best in Retirement News

​Breakeven Real Rates for Delayed Social Security Claiming - Advisor Perspective

This article reframes Social Security claiming by asking what rate of return you’d need to match delaying benefits. The takeaway: delaying often provides a return that’s hard to beat, especially for those planning for longevity.

​Social Security Is Slowing Down. Here’s How to Get Your Benefits On Time - Morning Star​

This article highlights that Social Security’s financial outlook is gradually weakening, with trust fund reserves projected to be depleted in the coming years. If no changes are made, benefits could be reduced across the board.

The key takeaway is that while Social Security isn’t going away, future retirees should plan for some level of uncertainty—whether that’s lower benefits, higher taxes, or delayed retirement ages—and build flexibility into their overall retirement strategy.

📺 Best in YouTube

​The Biggest Spending Lies Retirees Still Believe (That Are False) - Ben Brandt​

In this video, I walk through how retirement success really comes down to coordinating decisions—like withdrawals, taxes, and Social Security—not just hitting a savings number. Small choices today can have a big impact later.

The key takeaway is that it’s not just about how much you have, but how you use it. A flexible, well-coordinated strategy can improve outcomes and give you more confidence to actually spend in retirement.

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​Once They Learn THIS, They Stop Working- Dave Zoller/Streamline Financial​

The video explains that rigid retirement rules like the 4% rule can fall short because they don’t adapt to real-life changes. Instead, a flexible withdrawal strategy—adjusting spending based on markets and personal needs—can help retirees reduce risk and spend more confidently.

🎧 Best in Audio (Podcasts)

Listener Questions: Should I Move My 401K into an IRA When I Retire? - Retirement Answer Man​
Explore how meaningful travel experiences, storytelling, and thoughtful planning can enhance your retirement journey. In this episode, Roger answers listener questions on managing retirement accounts, health insurance, financial literacy, and shares inspiring stories and book recommendations.

​Spotify | Apple Podcasts​

​Why the Happiest Retirees Spend Their Money Differently- Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast

Saving for retirement is one challenge, but confidently spending it is another. Even when the numbers work, uncertainty can make it hard to enjoy money. In this episode, Daniel Crosby discusses why spending is often harder than saving, what truly drives happiness, and how a simple mindset shift can make spending feel safer. The conversation highlights that money is ultimately a tool meant to support a meaningful life.

​Spotify | Apple Podcasts​

🧭 Other Business

Starting this year, I’m adding a short segment to the end of the podcast:

Retire TO something, not FROM something.

Each week, I’ll spotlight:

• Volunteer opportunities
• Part-time “fun” jobs
• Creative or meaningful ways people stay engaged in retirement

​Click here to share your ideas!

Additional resources:

​Click here to order my book, Retirement Starts Today: Your non-financial guide to an even better retirement

​Click here to get started on your retirement plan

Have a link you'd like to share with our audience? Reply with your best links & you might see them featured in an upcoming issue.

We'll see you next week for issue #16 of This Week in Retirement,

Ben Brandt