The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns

What could cause financial mayhem in retirement, and are you prepared to protect your nest egg?

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore some of the biggest risks retirees may face, including prolonged market downturns, inflation, liability lawsuits, and long-term care expenses. We also discuss strategies for preparing for these risks, including creating sustainable retirement income, protecting your assets, and planning ahead for the unexpected.

Are annuities a smart retirement tool or one of the most misunderstood financial products?

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we cut through the myths surrounding annuities, explaining the different types, when they may be appropriate, and when they may not. Learn the pros and cons of fixed, indexed, and variable annuities, the impact of fees, and why independent, fiduciary advice is essential when deciding if an annuity belongs in your retirement income strategy.

Most financial advisors know how to help you grow your money, but do they know how to help it generate reliable income in retirement?

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we discuss why income investing requires a different approach than traditional growth investing. Learn the warning signs that your advisor may be treating retirement income as an afterthought, the risks of relying on withdrawals alone, and why building a portfolio designed to produce dependable income can help you retire with greater confidence and peace of mind.

When it comes to retirement income, many people assume there's only one path to improving their financial future. In reality, there are two powerful ways to put yourself in a stronger position, and understanding both can make a significant difference over the course of your retirement.

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we cover the two key strategies that can help you maximize your retirement resources, explore the tradeoffs of each approach, and discuss how the right plan depends on your unique goals, timeline, and financial situation.

Social Security is often one of the most valuable yet misunderstood pieces of a retirement income plan. 

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explore the “magic” behind Social Security benefits, from how they’re calculated to the strategies that can help maximize what you receive throughout retirement. Understanding when and how to claim can have a lasting impact on your financial future. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still years away, this conversation can help you make more informed decisions and better understand the role Social Security may play in your long-term financi...

Wall Street is full of narratives that sound convincing, but not all of them hold up under scrutiny. 

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we take a closer look at some of the most common investing myths and misconceptions that can influence financial decisions, often to an investor’s detriment. From market timing and stock-picking strategies to popular assumptions about risk and returns, we explore the fallacies that continue to shape investor behavior.

Join us as we separate fact from fiction and discuss how a disciplined, long-term approach can help investors avoid cos...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially with so many moving pieces to consider. 

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we list the top five retirement planning mistakes people make and, more importantly, how to avoid them. From underestimating healthcare costs to poor tax planning and overlooking income strategies, we cover the key areas that can make a major impact on your financial future.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion designed to help you avoid common pitfalls, protect the retirement you’ve worked hard for, and stay focused on what matters most in the...

What does “income” really mean in retirement, and where should it come from?

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we cover the basics of income planning, including the different sources retirees rely on and how to create a strategy designed to support long-term financial stability. We also discuss common challenges retirees face when generating income and why having a thoughtful plan in place can make a meaningful difference over time. 

Tune in for a practical conversation designed to help you better understand the foundation of retirement income and the role it can play...

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 wi...

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...

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 y...

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...

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 plan...

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 conversa...

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...

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 thinki...

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...

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 epis...

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...

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...

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...

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 peac...

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...

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 w...

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 ho...