The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns

You can’t control when financial storms will hit, but you can prepare for them. This week's episode of The Retirement Income Show explores the challenges retirees may face, from rising inflation and healthcare costs to higher taxes, unexpected expenses, and the risk of outliving retirement savings.

Discover how to build a financial “storm shelter” to help protect retirement income when markets become unpredictable. The discussion covers planning for the long term, maintaining adequate cash reserves, and creating a diversified, income-focused portfolio designed to generate dependable interest and dividends without relying solely on selling investments. Because when it com...

Interest rates can have a major impact on your retirement, but understanding how they work, and how they affect your income, is key. 

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down the Federal Reserve, the yield curve, inflation, and why long-term rates don’t always move the way you might expect.

We also explore what today’s higher rates could mean for retirees and why investing for dependable income from interest and dividends may be worth considering. From individual bonds to dividend-paying investments, we discuss strategies designed to help create more predi...

A successful retirement starts with a solid foundation. But where will your income come from, how do you know if you’ve saved enough, and what should you look for when choosing a financial advisor?

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we break down the essential questions every retiree and pre-retiree should consider. I’ll also discuss why working with a fiduciary who specializes in retirement can help you navigate the details, ask the right questions, and build a plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Retirement planning can feel like a roundabout with several important exits and plenty of opportunities to take the wrong turn. 

In this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we walk through three critical areas of retirement planning: creating sustainable income, navigating Medicare, and getting your estate plan in order.

Investing for income can be different from simply withdrawing from your portfolio. We also cover important Medicare decisions, including IRMAA, and the key estate planning documents and beneficiary designations that can help make things easier for your loved ones.

Is there a “right” investment strategy for retirement? 

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we explain why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and why your strategy should be built around the income you need, the risk you can tolerate, and how long your money needs to last.

We'll walk through how to identify your retirement income gap, the limitations of traditional withdrawal strategies, and the important difference between investing for growth and investing for income. I’ll also discuss how interest- and dividend-producing investments can provide greater clarity and confidence as you build a retirem...

Death and taxes may be two of life’s only certainties, but how you plan for them can have a major impact on your retirement.

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we discuss strategies for managing taxes, protecting survivor income, organizing your estate, and preparing your family for the future. We'll also explore Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and other ways to potentially reduce the tax burden on your retirement savings and heirs.

Retirement planning comes with plenty of questions, and knowing the right answers can make all the difference. 

On this week's episode of The Retirement Income Show, we continue answering common questions surrounding retirement topics including inflation, estate planning, Roth conversions, long-term care, and how to determine whether you have the right financial advisor.

Tune in for practical insights to help you better understand the decisions that can impact your financial future and approach retirement with greater confidence.

What are the questions you should be asking before and during retirement?

In this episode of The Retirement Income Show, we tackle some of the most common retirement questions we hear from clients, including when to claim Social Security, whether a Roth conversion makes sense, how much you really need to retire, and how to create reliable income from your investments. We also discuss why traditional withdrawal strategies may not provide the confidence retirees need and why focusing on income can be a critical part of a successful retirement plan.   

Listen in for practical insights to...

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.