Shows
Retire Early PodcastWhy Retirement Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-AllIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions break down one of the biggest misconceptions in personal finance: the idea that everyone should follow the same retirement plan.
Sam and Linwood explain why strategies that work for one person may be completely wrong for someone else — even if their incomes, ages, or savings look similar on paper. They discuss how goals, risk tolerance, lifestyle expectations, taxes, family dynamics, and health considerations all play a role in shaping a truly personalized retirement strategy.
Th...
2025-12-0218 minRetire Early Podcast4 Year-End Money Moves to Strengthen Your RetirementIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions walk through a practical, easy-to-follow End-of-Year Financial Action Plan designed to help you finish strong and enter the new year with clarity and confidence.
Sam and Linwood break down four essential steps — from reviewing spending and boosting retirement contributions to tax strategies, charitable giving, and setting next year’s financial goals. This episode provides a simple roadmap for anyone looking to strengthen their financial life before year-end.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us...
2025-11-2518 minRetire Early PodcastThe Smart Wealth Milestone System to Financial Freedom and Early RetirementIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions walk listeners through the Smart Wealth Milestone System — a clear and practical framework designed to help you track your progress toward financial independence.
They break down how this system simplifies the retirement journey into key stages — from building your financial foundation and maximizing savings to creating retirement income and planning your legacy. Sam and Linwood explain how understanding where you are today can help you confidently move toward where you want to be tomorrow.
http...
2025-11-1812 minRetire Early PodcastThe Million-Dollar Retirement ReconsideredIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions revisit one of the biggest benchmarks in retirement planning — the idea that you need $1 million to retire.
They break down why the “million-dollar rule” isn’t a one-size-fits-all target, exploring how lifestyle, inflation, taxes, and healthcare costs can make that number very different for each person. Sam and Linwood discuss how income planning, withdrawal rates, and investment mix matter more than chasing an arbitrary total. The conversation brings clarity to what your real retirement number should look lik...
2025-11-1120 minRetire Early PodcastRate Hikes & Retirees: What You Need to KnowIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explain what happens when the Federal Reserve changes interest rates — and how those decisions can directly impact your retirement plans.
They break down how rate hikes and cuts influence savings accounts, bonds, mortgages, and investment returns — and why retirees should think differently about risk when the Fed acts. Sam and Linwood discuss the connection between inflation, borrowing costs, and portfolio income, offering practical insight for maintaining balance and stability during changing economic conditions.
http://reti...
2025-11-0414 minRetire Early PodcastUnderstanding Market Volatility: What It Is, What It Isn’tIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions unpack what market volatility really is (and isn’t), why it feels different when you’re near or in retirement, and how to build a plan that can weather the ups and downs. They explain volatility vs. risk, sequence-of-returns risk, and practical portfolio frameworks like cash buffers and bucket strategies. You’ll also hear actionable ideas on diversification, rebalancing, and tax-aware moves you can consider—so you can stay invested with confidence and keep your retirement on track.
re...
2025-10-2820 minRetire Early PodcastCan You Retire If Your Business Is Your Biggest Asset?In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher dive into one of the most common challenges they see among business owners approaching retirement — how to transition from business wealth to personal wealth.
Many entrepreneurs spend decades reinvesting in their companies but overlook how that affects their long-term retirement plan. Sam and Linwood unpack what it means to diversify beyond your business, how to value and eventually sell a company, and why timing matters. They also discuss strategies for converting business equity into sustainable retirement income, planning for taxes on...
2025-10-2119 minRetire Early PodcastQ&A: Mortgages, Divorce at 50, and Should You Use Life Insurance to Save for Retirement?In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions tackle three of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions they hear from listeners and clients: (1) Should you pay off the mortgage early or keep the low-rate loan and invest? (2) If you’re divorcing in your 40s or 50s, how do you regroup financially without letting emotions derail the plan? (3) Can life insurance double as a retirement savings tool—and when might that make sense? They break down the math vs. emotions on mortgages, outline a practical recovery...
2025-10-1421 minRetire Early PodcastActive or Passive? The Early Retiree's Investing Question AnsweredIn this episode of the Retire Early podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher & Sam Benson dive into the ongoing debate of active vs. passive investing and how blending the two can create balance in a retirement portfolio. They explore the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, why relying solely on one strategy may expose retirees to unnecessary risks, and how diversification across styles can improve long-term outcomes. Linwood & Sam also share real-life client scenarios, discuss the importance of investor behavior, and emphasize the need for a strategy that aligns with both your goals and your comfort level.
2025-10-0718 minRetire Early PodcastGuaranteed Income or Hidden Costs? Understanding AnnuitiesIn this episode of the Retire Early podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher & Sam Benson take a deep dive into annuities—what they are, how they work, and whether they make sense for your retirement plan. They explain the different types of annuities, their pros and cons, and how they can provide guaranteed income in retirement. Linwood and Sam also address common misconceptions about annuities, when they might fit into a retirement strategy, and when you may be better off with other investment options. This episode will help you cut through the noise and make an informed de...
2025-09-3021 minRetire Early PodcastTake Action Today: 5 Simple Steps Toward an Early RetirementIn this episode of the Retire Early podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher & Sam Benson share five actionable steps you can take today to move closer to the retirement you’ve always wanted. From maximizing your savings opportunities to paying off high-interest debt, they break down practical strategies that create long-term financial freedom. They also discuss the importance of tax-efficient planning, keeping emotions out of investment decisions, and having a written roadmap to guide your retirement journey. Whether you’re a few years away or just beginning to think about retirement, this episode will give you clear, simp...
2025-09-2315 minRetire Early Podcast5 Estate Planning Must-Haves for Everyone Over 50In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions break down the five estate planning basics every retiree should have in place. They explain why these core documents aren’t just for the wealthy — but for anyone who wants peace of mind, control, and protection for their family. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney, Sam and Linwood walk through the essentials that help retirees avoid costly mistakes and ensure their wishes are carried out.
You’ll learn how each piece fits into your r...
2025-09-1618 minRetire Early Podcast7 Questions You Must Answer Before You RetireIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions tackle one of the most important conversations in retirement planning: the seven key questions you must be able to answer before deciding if you’re truly ready to retire. From assessing your income streams and healthcare coverage to evaluating lifestyle expectations and potential risks, Sam and Linwood walk through the essential checkpoints that can help you retire with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re just a few years away or still fine-tuning your long-term plan, this discussion will...
2025-09-0923 minRetire Early PodcastThe Six-Figure Myth: Why a Big Salary Won’t Secure Your RetirementIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions dig into the unique challenges of earning a six-figure income. While a higher salary may look like a clear advantage, it often comes with hidden pitfalls—higher taxes, lifestyle creep, and the pressure to “keep up” financially. Sam and Linwood break down how to recognize these challenges and share strategies to transform high income into lasting wealth and retirement security.
Want to work with us?
Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/
Learn more: www.pl...
2025-09-0221 minRetire Early PodcastGet the Most from Your 401(k), IRA, and RothIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explain how to coordinate your retirement savings across multiple accounts and strategies. They walk through how different vehicles—like 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, and taxable brokerage accounts—work together to create a balanced retirement plan. Sam and Linwood also discuss contribution limits, tax advantages, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as overlapping investments or leaving money on the table with employer matches.
Want to work with us?
Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/
Lear...
2025-08-2624 minRetire Early Podcast3 Retirement Roadblocks—and How to Overcome ThemIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explore three common roadblocks that can delay or derail your retirement plans—and how to overcome them. They discuss the financial and emotional strain of supporting adult children, the dangers of making investment decisions based on emotion rather than strategy, and the uncertainty that comes from not having a written retirement plan. Sam and Linwood share practical tips for setting boundaries, sticking to a disciplined investment approach, and creating a clear, actionable plan so you can retire on...
2025-08-1925 minRetire Early PodcastThe Big Beautiful Bill and it's impact on youIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions break down the provisions of the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” and what it means for your retirement planning. They focus on the key changes affecting taxes, Social Security, and retirement accounts, explaining how these updates could impact your income, savings strategies, and long-term planning. Sam and Linwood share practical tips to adjust your financial plan in light of the new rules, while also discussing how the legislation could shape retirement for the next decade.
2025-08-1216 minRetire Early PodcastBuilding a SmartWealth™ System for Retiring EarlyIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the intricacies of planning for early retirement before age 65. They introduce the Smart Wealth System, designed to help early retirees plan smarter, reduce risk, and strategically navigate the pre-Medicare years. Key topics include stress testing income, avoiding tax surprises, and ensuring financial security. They outline the comprehensive steps of their milestone-based financial planning journey, from the initial FIT meeting to ongoing momentum planning, covering income strategy, tax planning, insurance and healthcare, legacy planning, and continuous financial...
2025-08-0519 minRetire Early PodcastInvesting Smarter as Retirement Gets CloserIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions tackle one of the most common pre-retirement questions: “Should I still own stocks, or is it time to diversify?” Through real-life client stories and practical analysis, Sam and Linwood break down the importance of time horizon, risk tolerance, and the peace-of-mind factor that comes with a well-diversified portfolio. Whether you’re 5 years out from retirement or already transitioning into the spend-down phase, this episode will help you rethink your allocation—and build a strategy that lasts.
...
2025-07-2917 minRetire Early PodcastThe FIRE Movement: Is this your ticket to an early retirement?In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the rapidly growing FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early. They delve into the principles of FIRE, including saving aggressively, living frugally, and planning effectively for early retirement. The hosts outline the different types of FIRE—lean, fat, barista, and coast fire—and emphasize the importance of financial literacy and personalized planning.
Want to work with us?
Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/
Learn more: www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction to FIRE Mo...
2025-07-2224 minRetire Early PodcastHealthcare Hacks for Early Retirees: What You Need to KnowIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the crucial topic of managing healthcare costs for early retirees before Medicare eligibility at age 65. They dive into various healthcare coverage options such as COBRA, ACA Marketplace, Christian Health Sharing plans, and part-time work benefits. They emphasize the importance of planning for medical expenses, understanding potential pitfalls, and consulting with a financial planner to ensure a smooth transition into early retirement.
Want to work with us?
Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/
...
2025-07-1522 minRetire Early PodcastUtilizing a side gig to Retire Earlier than you thought possibleIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explore how side gigs can play a strategic role in your retirement journey. Whether you're looking to retire early or add more flexibility to your finances, Sam and Linwood discuss how part-time work, freelancing, or passion projects can reduce portfolio withdrawals, delay Social Security, and keep you mentally engaged. They also highlight real-world examples and provide practical tips for making a side gig both purposeful and profitable in retirement.
Want to work with...
2025-07-0824 minRetire Early PodcastRetirement Abroad: Planning for Life as an ExpatIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the growing interest among Americans in retiring abroad. They cover key considerations including understanding tax obligations, evaluating the cost of living, ensuring access to healthcare, and planning for financial management in a foreign country. The podcast underscores the importance of thorough research, understanding residency and visa requirements, and building a plan that aligns with one's purpose and lifestyle goals abroad.
Want to work with us?
Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/
Learn...
2025-07-0120 minRetire Early PodcastRunning Out of Money: A Real Risk for Retiring EarlyIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions tackle some of the most frequently asked retirement questions from clients and listeners. From how much you can safely withdraw from your accounts, to planning for inflation and Social Security’s uncertain future, Sam and Linwood provide actionable insights and clear explanations. They also share the importance of building a written financial plan—and how it can take the stress out of retirement planning. This wide-ranging Q&A is packed with real stories, practical advice, and even a la...
2025-06-2425 minRetire Early PodcastFrom Savings to Paycheck: Creating Income in RetirementIn this episode financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions explain how retirees and pre‑retirees can boost their income in retirement through smart planning. They walk through realistic strategies—ranging from asset allocation and withdrawal sequencing to tax‑efficient distributions and income‑generating investments—that help ensure clients stretch their savings and optimize cash flow.
Want to work with us?
Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/
Learn more: www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction & Overview
00:45 Meet the Hosts
02:15 Retirement Income Challenges
04:00 Asset Allocation for Income
07:20 Withdrawal Sequencing Tips
10:35 Tax‑E...
2025-06-1718 minRetire Early PodcastRetirement Planning: Tax Tips to Boost Your WealthIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss how taxes can impact your retirement plans and share strategies to minimize tax burdens. They explain the differences between ordinary income tax and capital gains tax, the benefits of tax loss harvesting, and the advantages of working with a tax professional. Additionally, they explore the significance of Roth contributions, itemizing deductions, and understanding your marginal and effective tax rates. The episode also covers tactics such as qualifying charitable distributions and deferred compensation plans to optimize tax efficiency during retirement.
2025-06-1022 minRetire Early PodcastStarting Late? How to Still Retire EarlyIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher address a critical concern: is it too late to start saving for retirement if you're behind? They discuss practical strategies for those who haven't started saving or have minimal savings by age 40 or 50. Key takeaways include setting clear retirement goals, utilizing employer 401k matches, investing in IRAs, and the importance of automating savings. They also emphasize working longer, saving more, and reducing debt to secure a comfortable retirement. The episode is filled with actionable advice to help late starters build a...
2025-06-0317 minRetire Early PodcastWhat should you do with that old 401k?In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss the important decisions to make regarding 401ks after leaving a job or retiring. They outline the four primary options: leaving it with the current employer, rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, rolling it into an IRA, and cashing it out. They highlight the pros and cons of each option and emphasize the importance of knowing the tax implications. The episode also touches on the growing issue of using credit for everyday expenses and the financial pitfalls it ca...
2025-05-2731 minRetire Early PodcastDon’t Let Sudden Wealth Become a Sudden RegretIn this episode of the Retirement Early podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher and Sam Benson explore strategies for managing unexpected windfalls, such as lottery winnings, inheritances, or the sale of a business. They discuss the pitfalls and challenges that can come with sudden wealth, including increased requests for money from friends and family, lifestyle inflation, and potential financial mismanagement. The hosts emphasize the importance of seeking advice from financial professionals, including attorneys, tax advisors, and financial planners, to ensure the money is managed wisely and can contribute to a secure future. They also share real-life examples...
2025-05-2032 minRetire Early PodcastAnnuities Explained - What You Should Know Before Signing UpIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher and Sam Benson of Martin Wealth Solutions unpack the basics of annuities. They discuss the different types of annuities, including single premium immediate annuities, fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and variable annuities, and highlight important considerations for each. Listeners will learn about the benefits, potential drawbacks, and key details to watch out for when investing in annuities. The episode aims to equip future retirees with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions, ensuring they choose the best annuity products for their financial plan and...
2025-05-1336 minRetire Early PodcastThe Unspoken Truth About Long-Term CareIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss the crucial topic of long-term care and adult daycare. They delve into various aspects of long-term care, including what it is, who needs it, and different ways to prepare for it financially. Key points include the costs associated with different types of long-term care, from in-home nursing to assisted living and memory care facilities, and how to financially plan for these expenses. They also explore the strategy of self-insuring versus purchasing long-term care insurance or utilizing Medicaid. The episode emphasizes...
2025-05-0627 minRetire Early PodcastHow to choose the right investments for your portfolio!In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss the fundamentals of building an investment portfolio. They explore the primary asset classes—cash, fixed income, equities, and alternatives—detailing their characteristics, risks, and benefits. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding each asset class, diversification, and aligning investments with individual financial goals. They also touch on the topic of asset performance in volatile markets and the importance of consulting with a professional for tailored investment strategies.
http://retirewithmartin.com/
2025-04-2931 minRetire Early PodcastDo I really need a financial advisor if I want to retire early?In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher from Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the critical decision of whether to manage your investments yourself or hire a financial advisor. They explore the benefits and pitfalls of both approaches, the types of financial professionals available, and the importance of selecting a fiduciary. They also delve into the emotional and strategic aspects of financial planning, the essential questions to ask potential advisors, and the comprehensive services a good financial advisor should provide. Tune in to learn what can help you achieve your goal of retiring...
2025-04-2231 minRetire Early PodcastWeathering Market Declines: Early Retirement StrategiesIn today's episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher discuss strategies for navigating market downturns. They emphasize the importance of staying calm and not reacting emotionally to market corrections, which are more common than many think. Highlighting the dangers of attempting to time the market, they recommend maintaining a diversified portfolio and seeking professional advice. Using historical examples, including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 Covid crash, they illustrate why long-term investing and not panicking can lead to better financial outcomes. Listeners are encouraged to prepare for market dips and work with a fiduciary financial professional to...
2025-04-1525 minRetire Early PodcastRetire Early, Live Fully: Enjoying Retirement Beyond The Money
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, hosts discuss effective ways to maximize enjoyment during retirement with financial planner Sam Benson. They explore how to stay healthy, foster social connections, find a sense of purpose, and the importance of mental engagement. The discussion is guided by an article from Kiplinger on seven habits of a happy retirement, emphasizing exercise, social activities, mental challenges, optimism, gratitude, embracing technology, and the benefits of having pets. Personal anecdotes and practical advice are shared to help retirees lead fulfilling and joyful lives. The episode closes with important legal disclaimers and information about the...
2025-04-0830 minRetire Early PodcastSmall Purchases, Big Regrets: Building Wealth for Early RetirementJoin financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher of Martin Wealth Solutions in this episode of the Retire Early podcast as they delve into the real cost of daily habits, like buying a cup of coffee, on your long-term financial goals and retirement dreams. They explore concepts from David Bach's 'The Latte Factor,' discussing behavioral finance and the importance of mindful spending. Listen in for practical tips on saving money by adjusting day-to-day expenses and making smarter financial choices to ensure a prosperous retirement.
http://retirewithmartin.com/
2025-04-0119 minRetire Early PodcastFrom Debt to Freedom: Your Path to Retiring EarlyIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, with financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher and Sam Benson of Martin Wealth Solutions, they'll discuss the essential role of debt management in retirement planning. They explore common debt types like credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and mortgages, and share strategies. The conversation also covers the emotional challenges of debt repayment and whether or not paying off a mortgage before retirement is advisable. They conclude with personal recommendations on what they've been reading and watching recently.
http://retirewithmartin.com/
2025-03-2520 minRetire Early PodcastBeyond the Money: How to find purpose in retirementIn this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, hosts Sam Benson and Linwood Frayer discuss the non-financial aspects of preparing for an early and fulfilling retirement. They highlight the importance of planning how to spend your time, maintaining social interactions, and staying physically active to avoid health decline. Key topics include finding productive hobbies, ensuring social engagements, and health strategies for a vibrant retirement lifestyle. The episode also features personal anecdotes and tips on maintaining a grilling setup.
http://retirewithmartin.com/
2025-03-2516 min2025-03-1820 min