Shows
Early Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Here’s How A Retiree Spends $10K/Month Safely in Retirement | Retirement RealityBob didn’t retire because he was tired of work — he retired because life kept reminding him that time isn’t guaranteed. In this conversation with Ari Taublieb, CFP®, Bob shares how personal loss, perspective shifts, and years of disciplined saving made early retirement feel less like a risk and more like the only choice that honored the life he wanted.He opens up about the emotional side of leaving a long career, the moment he realized he didn’t want to push the goalpost back anymore, and the confidence he found once the numbers — and his values — fi...
2026-03-0241 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)“I Would Rather Figure Retirement Out Than Continue My Job” | Retirement RealityKate retired at 51, not because everything was perfectly figured out, but because the pull toward freedom finally outweighed the comfort of routine.After more than two decades in a demanding public service career, Kate realized it wasn’t the work she was tired of... it was the monotony. The same weeks. The same pressure. The feeling that life kept shrinking into Monday-through-Friday obligations. When the balance tipped just enough in favor of freedom, she trusted it and stepped away. In this episode of Retirement Reality, Kate shares what the first six months of retirement have rea...
2026-02-2349 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)“Stop Worrying About Healthcare Pre-65” | Retirement RealityMelody describes her retirement with one word: peaceful.Not the kind she chased while working, the kind that finally arrived when she stopped.After 30 years in a high-pressure tech career, Melody retired at 55 with a clear trade-off in mind: less money, more time. She didn’t walk away because she hated her work. She walked away because constantly operating in conflict (even healthy conflict) required her to be someone she wasn’t, day after day. In this episode of Retirement Reality, Melody shares how she intentionally built a life that feels calm instead of co...
2026-02-1637 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)New Retiree Shares How He Retired At 58 | Retirement RealityMartin loved his job, but was ready for a new chapter.Martin shares how he retired at 58 to pursue his health and how he has been preparing for retirement for the last 30 years.Martin's wife still works, but he's not having an issue finding things to do in retirement.Hope you enjoy the insights shared!Want to be a guest on THIS show and help others by sharing your story? Complete this: https://vwo3759x8i7.typeform.com/to/gh00JmnZInterested in a custom strategy to retire early?
2026-02-0958 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Single Retiree Shares Surprising Truth About Retiring Earlier Than His Peers | Retirement RealityDavid’s story feels familiar to a lot of people in their late fifties and early sixties. After a long career in asset management, a role change and pandemic burnout became the nudge he didn’t know he needed. At sixty, he finally decided to stop working not because he had to, but because he could.He describes retirement in one word: possibility. Time with friends, hikes during the week, early dinners without rushing, and yes, plenty of pickleball. The new rhythm isn’t about adding more activities. It’s about having choice. He’s still curious, still lear...
2026-02-0254 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Ex-Silicon Valley Retiree Reveals Why You Should Retire EARLY | Retirement RealityEx-silicon valley guest turned Scuba Diver shares the truth behind retiring early!Hope you enjoy the insights shared!Want to be a guest on THIS show and help others by sharing your story? Complete this: https://vwo3759x8i7.typeform.com/to/gh00JmnZInterested in a custom strategy to retire early? → https://www.rootfinancial.com/start-here/Get access to the same software I use in my videos and join the Early Retirement Academy here → https://ari-taublieb.mykajabi.com/early-retirement-academy–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzi is not a client of Root Financial Partners, LLC and received no compensation for partici...
2026-01-1244 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)When Is The Ideal Time To Hire An Advisor?Hiring a financial advisor isn’t about credentials alone, it’s about timing. And for many people, getting that timing wrong can cost years of freedom.Ari explores when it doesn’t make sense to hire a financial advisor, when it absolutely does, and why the decision often has less to do with intelligence or interest in finances and more to do with stress, life stage, and opportunity cost. Drawing from personal experience, real client conversations, and a story from his own life, Ari explains why pushing back, asking questions, and trusting your instincts matter just as much a...
2026-01-0515 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)The Shocking Statistics Behind When People Collect Social SecurityChoosing when to collect Social Security is one of the most stressful retirement decisions people face, and it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, Ari breaks down how most people actually decide when to claim Social Security, why there is no single “best” age, and how to think about the decision without fear or guesswork. Using real data and real-world scenarios, the focus stays on understanding trade-offs rather than chasing a perfect answer. Listen as Ari explains why some people claim as early as 62, why others wait until full retirement age or late...
2025-12-2210 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Why Risk Tolerance Doesn't Matter (Use THIS Instead)Most advisors start with one question: “What’s your risk tolerance?”In retirement, that question might steer you in the wrong direction.In today’s episode, Ari breaks down why traditional risk questionnaires fail, and the better framework that actually protects your lifestyle, your confidence, and the income you need to live well in retirement. You’ll hear the story of a couple who rated their risk tolerance completely differently… and then changed their answers the moment markets dropped. That moment revealed the real problem: risk tolerance isn’t stable, and it doesn’t tell you what y...
2025-12-1516 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Why Asset LOCATION (NOT "Allocation") Overlooked In Retirement PlanningEveryone wants better returns. Almost no one talks about where those returns should live.You can own all the right investments and still lose thousands a year if they sit in the wrong place.Asset location is one of those quiet advantages that doesn’t make headlines but changes everything behind the scenes. It’s how you line up your accounts so they work together instead of against each other. The difference isn’t theoretical. It’s real tax savings, smoother withdrawals, and more flexibility when life doesn’t go according to plan.Ari Taublieb...
2025-11-2417 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)You Want To Retire By 55. Here's 5 Things You Need To Know.Retiring by 55 sounds incredible, but it takes more than hitting a savings target. You need to understand how to bridge the gap between your last paycheck and the life you want to live.In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, shares the five things every early retiree should know before calling it quits. From the overlooked “Rule of 55” to navigating healthcare costs and tax traps, this guide helps you move forward with confidence in your plan instead of crossing your fingers.Here’s what we cover:The Rule of 55 — how it lets you access 40...
2025-11-1711 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Why Only 3% of US Retirees Have Over $1MMost headlines shout that you need millions to retire comfortably. The truth? It depends on you. Ari breaks down what “enough” really means, and how to design a plan that fits your lifestyle, health, and peace of mind, not someone else’s spreadsheet.In this episode, you’ll hear real-life stories that prove one size doesn’t fit all. A saver with $3 million who can’t enjoy travel because of sciatica. A Chevron retiree with $487K, a paid-off home, and a $2,800 monthly budget living his version of freedom. Same markets, totally different outcomes—and both work....
2025-11-0310 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Here's How Your Spending Will Change Throughout Retirement (The Retirement Smile)Feeling like “flat” retirement spending plans don’t match real life? You’re not imagining it. Spending typically follows a retirement smile: higher in the early “go-go” years, lower in the “slow-go” years, then rising again later with healthcare needs. In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, shows how acknowledging that curve can unlock more life early on—without losing long-term security.Using illustrative scenarios (not recommendations), see how a $2,000,000 portfolio might support higher spending in active years (e.g., ~$110k), step down mid-retirement (e.g., ~$85k), and adjust later (e.g., ~$95k–$105k). A $1,000,000 portfoli...
2025-10-2710 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)How To Save On Healthcare In 2026 (If Retired)Feeling like healthcare makes early retirement impossible? It’s a common belief, but often fixable with thoughtful income planning. Premium tax credits under the ACA aren’t vanishing; the enhanced credits are scheduled to sunset after 2025, and the pre-2021 rules (including the ~400% FPL income cap) are slated to return in 2026 unless Congress acts. The takeaway: managing MAGI matters.In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, walks through a practical, illustrative case: a 60-year-old couple with ~$1.55M spread across taxable, pre-tax, and Roth accounts. You’ll see how the source of withdrawals (e.g., har...
2025-10-2011 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Here's Exactly How To Withdraw From A 401(k)/IRA To Live In RetirementFeeling anxious about taking money from your retirement accounts? You’re not alone. That first withdrawal feels odd after decades of saving, but a clear process and tax plan turns uncertainty into confidence.In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, breaks down how withdrawals actually move from investment accounts to your checking—and what the tax bite may look like.Using a simple $100,000-per-year example for a married couple filing jointly, you’ll see illustrative ballpark math: in a no-income-tax state (e.g., Florida) the effective rate can land around ~8% (~$8,044), while a high-tax state (e.g., Califor...
2025-10-1313 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)How to Know You’ve Found the Right Financial Advisor │ Root TalksWhat makes you trust someone with your financial future? In this episode of Root Talks, James and Ari unpack the powerful role of intuition in building lasting relationships with financial advisors, business partners, and even loved ones.They explain how what we call a gut feeling is actually condensed pattern recognition, your brain quietly scanning countless experiences to guide your decisions before you can put words to it. This is why many Root clients engage with our content for months before reaching out. They are building trust, alignment, and confidence long before the first conversation....
2025-09-1818 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)How Do We Build The Best Team In The Financial Industry?Root Financial is redefining what it means to serve clients by putting team culture front and center. In this episode, James and Ari dive into the firm’s bold move to hire a Head of Culture—an uncommon role in financial advising—dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of their advisors. Why? Because when advisors thrive, clients get the personalized attention they deserve.At Root, we’re intentional about avoiding the usual industry traps, like overloading advisors with massive client lists or sales quotas that can compromise service. Instead, we focus on sustainable growth, aligning our goals wi...
2025-01-3024 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)How Does Root Differ From Traditional Financial Firms?In this behind-the-scenes episode, James and Ari explore what sets Root apart in the financial advising industry. Moving beyond traditional roles like stock pickers and planners, they emphasize Root’s mission as “protectors” of clients’ most cherished goals, helping them achieve a life of purpose and fulfillment. They discuss how Root’s culture prioritizes personalized care and intentional growth, from hiring advisors who embody Root's ethos to reinvesting in services like tax planning and estate planning to enhance client experiences.James and Ari also address how Root balances expansion with maintaining high service quality, ensuring each client feels uniq...
2025-01-3027 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)A Complete Guide To Long-Term CareWorrying about long-term care isn't as complicated as it seems. Ari Taublieb emphasizes understanding one's personal needs, evaluating costs, and considering self-insuring over policies to create a sustainable long-term care strategy.• Understanding common misconceptions about long-term care • Analyzing average long-term care insurance costs • Discussing self-insurance versus traditional policies • Highlighting the importance of mental accounting in financial planning • Exploring the average costs of nursing home care • Examining relevant legislative changes in long-term care • Providing strategies for effective self-insuring • Advising on the significance of personal financial autonomy • Encouraging proactive planning for future care needs • O...
2025-01-2015 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)How Ari & James Met - Here's How Root Was FoundedForced out of one path, we took a leap into the unknown that birthed Root, a financial services company with a fresh vision. Join us and our special guest, James, as we recount the serendipitous meeting in a Santa Monica Starbucks that sparked a revolution in financial management. This episode promises insights into how aligning financial advice with life goals can transform not just portfolios but lives, turning money into a meaningful tool rather than a mere transaction.Discover how Root evolved from a concept to a flourishing business, guided by a mission that challenges the traditional norms...
2024-12-0430 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)5 Fun Activities Often Overlooked In RetirementWhat if retirement was more than just relaxing and managing your finances? Imagine creating a life filled with purpose and joy that aligns perfectly with your passions and goals. Join me, Ari Taublieb, on the Early Retirement Podcast as we explore how to plan a meaningful retirement. We'll discuss how to balance financial security with personal fulfillment, ensuring that your retirement years are not just financially stable but also deeply satisfying. Tune in to learn about the changes in spending patterns retirees experience and how to plan for them, all while keeping an eye on activities that bring genuine...
2024-11-1115 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)How To Create An Anti-Cookie Cutter Investment PortfolioCreate Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here (NEW) - Make sure to use code "FIRST25" which lasts until Wednesday. Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.Ever wondered why your neighbor's retirement plan looks so different from yours, despite having a similar income? It's because there's no universal strategy for asset all...
2024-06-0319 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)4 Steps To Determine When You Can Retire EarlyCreate Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy hereReady to redefine your golden years and gain the freedom to live on your own terms? Join me, Ari Taublieb, a certified financial planner and your guide through the intricacies of early retirement. This episode of the Early Retirement Podcast is a treasure trove of insights, providing a checklist for assessing your readiness to retire early. It's not just about having enough money; it's about envisioning your life's...
2024-05-1322 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)Do We Have Enough To Retire (And Never Go Back To Work)?Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy hereEver wondered why some folks can retire comfortably at 53, while others work well into their golden years? The answer isn't as simple as how much money you've saved up—it's rooted in your monthly expenses and lifestyle choices. Today's episode peels back the layers on retirement planning, debunking the myth of a magic retirement number and introducing you to the concept of Financial Independence, Recreational Employment. We're discussing ho...
2024-03-2521 minEarly Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)When Does It Actually Make Sense To Hire A Financial Advisor?-> Create Your Custom Strategy To Retire EarlyIt doesn't make sense to hire an advisor if you're not getting significant value in excess of that fee. There's both value you can quantify and value that's less quantifiable - peace of mind. Ari shares a real client story who has had multiple financial advisors and what prompted them to make their decision.Here's to retiring only once, and doing it confidently!Email me directly: ari@rootfinancialpartners.comCreate Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet a...
2023-11-2716 min