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

​To Delay or Not to Delay Social Security? That Is the Question​​

While claiming Social Security early at 62 is trending as a way to preserve one's investment portfolio, experts Edward McQuarrie and William Bernstein argue this is often a mistake. In the real world of unruly inflation and market volatility, delaying until age 70 provides a 77% higher, inflation-adjusted "payday" that serves as the ultimate insurance policy against outliving your savings. Waiting ensures a much higher income floor for both you and your spouse, protecting against the risk of an impoverished old age if your portfolio underperforms.

​What wealthy parents need to know about giving real estate to their kids​

With the 2025 "tax cliff" approaching, families are rushing to transfer real estate to heirs before current estate tax exemptions expire and potentially drop by half in 2026. While moving assets now can save millions in taxes, advisors warn against "giver’s remorse" and recommend using flexible trusts to ensure heirs are prepared for the responsibility. Proactive planning is essential to capture today’s high exemptions without compromising family dynamics or financial control.

📺 Best in YouTube

​
​67% Of Americans Die With TOO Much Saved - Here's How To Avoid It - Ben Brandt​

In this video I explain the core idea behind Die With Zero: money should be used to maximize life experiences, not just accumulated for the sake of security. Instead of over-saving and delaying enjoyment, the goal is to spend intentionally at the right stages of life—when you have the health and energy to enjoy it. It also emphasizes giving earlier to loved ones and aligning financial planning with fulfillment, not just wealth preservation.

​I've Been A "Saver" All My Life. Why Do I Have Trouble Spending Money In Retirement? - Ari Taublieb

Transitioning from a lifetime of saving to spending can be psychologically daunting, especially when facing the "unknowns" of early retirement. This interview follows a 61-year-old saver as he navigates the fear of high pre-Medicare healthcare costs and the shift toward "paying himself" after decades of employment.

🎧 Best in Audio (Podcasts)

8 Tips to Stop Worrying About Running Out of Money in Retirement - Retirement Starts Today

Sheryl Rowling from Morningstar argues that the greatest danger in retirement isn't the stock market — it's the constant fear of running out of money. We will walk through her eight "anchors" from the article posted on Morningstar.

​Spotify | Apple Podcasts​

The Retirement Risk That Changes Everything - ​Stay Healthy Retirement Podcast

Markets move daily, but the biggest threat to your retirement isn't volatility—it’s the invisible risks we ignore. This episode breaks down why extreme events impact wealth more than daily headlines and how to build a plan that thrives on uncertainty.

​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 #10 of This Week in Retirement,

Ben Brandt