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Functional Retirement PodcastLiving Longer, Spending Smarter: A Retirement Reality CheckWelcome back to the Functional Retirement Classroom, where we trade boring lectures for laughs, spreadsheets, and slightly-too-real truths about your financial future. Today’s lesson? Longevity! (Yes, that thing where you live way longer than you thought—and your bank account wasn’t ready for it.)Did you know there’s a 70% chance one half of a non-smoking couple aged 65 will make it to 90? That’s not a fun fact—it’s a financial wake-up call. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to plan for the long haul (like, potentially 30 years of retirement-long). Spoiler: if yo...2025-05-0921 minFunctional Retirement PodcastWhy 'Trust Me' Should Make You Ask More Questions-Advice I Ep 052 When you're getting advice—especially about your money or retirement—don’t just nod and smile like you’re at a grandkid’s school play. Ask questions! Stuff like, “How do you know that?” or “Why is this the right choice for me?” The goal isn’t to be rude, it’s to make sure the person advising you understands you. A good advisor won’t hand you a cookie-cutter answer—they’ll dig in, get to know your situation, and help you make decisions that fit your life, not someone else’s. So go ahead, ask away. You've earned the right. Timest...2025-05-0220 minFunctional Retirement PodcastRetired, Not Expired: Move It or Lose It I Ep: 051 Retirement isn’t just about crunching numbers and counting down to your last paycheck—it’s about living your best life. Sure, savings and social security matter, but as we chat about in this episode, your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are the real VIPs of a happy retirement. Feeling good in your golden years? That’s the real return on investment. Let’s break down how staying sharp, strong, and centered can totally level up your retirement game. Timestamps:1:12 Health impacts on retirement decisions.6:14 Fitness affects financial future.9:50 Longevity through cardiovascular fitness.15:32 Mental health and retirement spend...2025-04-2526 minFunctional Retirement PodcastBeyond the Finish Line: Creating a Retirement You Control I Ep: 050Retirement is often perceived as a definitive endpoint in one’s career—a time when individuals stop working altogether. However, as discussed in the 50th episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, retirement is much more nuanced than simply ceasing to work. It represents a significant life transition, fundamentally about gaining control over your time and life, allowing you to pursue what you truly want to do.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Focus00:00:49 - Defining Retirement00:02:24 - Host’s Fitness Background00:02:46 - Traditional vs. Modern Retirement00:05:05 - Transitioning in Retirement00:06:10 - Financ...2025-04-1820 minFunctional Retirement PodcastWhy Staying Invested Is Your Greatest Advantage I Ep: 049In this episode of the The Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor discusses the importance of understanding market volatility and its impact on retirement planning. He reflects on the 2008-2009 market crash, emphasizing that many investors who panicked and sold during downturns often locked in losses, while those who stayed invested saw significant recovery. Thatcher advocates for a bucketing approach to investing, where assets are segmented based on when they will be needed, allowing retirees to weather market fluctuations without jeopardizing their financial security. He encourages listeners to focus on controllable factors, such as spending habits and m...2025-04-1115 minFunctional Retirement PodcastYour Lost Income. Is Social Security Running Out Of Money? I Ep:048Understanding Social Security: Is It Really Running Out of Money?In recent years, the topic of Social Security has become a significant source of anxiety and confusion for many Americans. With headlines suggesting that Social Security is running out of money, it's essential to separate fact from fiction and understand the realities of the system.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:30 No Money In Trust Fund05:10 Two SS Views07:38 Will Benefits Be Cut?12:15 What Should We Do?14:10 Final Thoughts✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with co...2025-03-2116 minFunctional Retirement PodcastYou Can't Control All Of Retirement I Ep: 047Hey there! Have you ever thought about what you can truly control in your retirement? It’s a lot like golf, isn’t it? You can perfect your swing, but once you hit the ball, it’s out of your hands.Are you spending too much time worrying about market returns or tax policies that you can’t control? What if I told you that focusing on your savings, spending habits, and investment choices could lead to a happier retirement?Have you considered how your health and longevity play into your retirement plan? What actions are you...2025-03-1420 minFunctional Retirement PodcastIRS Makes 401k Catch-Ups Mandatory To Roth I Ep: 46Welcome to the Functional Retirement Podcast with your host, Thatcher Taylor! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Roth catch-up contributions and the significant changes coming in 2026 that every retiree needs to know. If you're over 50 and working for an employer with a 401(k), this episode is a must-listen!Discover how the Secure Act 2.0 is reshaping retirement planning by making Roth catch-ups mandatory for high-income earners. Thatcher breaks down the implications of these new rules, including the shift from pre-tax to Roth contributions, and what it means for...2025-02-2813 minFunctional Retirement PodcastThe IRS Doesn't Make Roth IRA Building Easy I Ep: 045In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor, a Certified Financial Planner, dives deep into the world of Roth IRAs. He discusses the growing popularity of Roth accounts and the various methods to contribute to them, especially for those who may face income limits.Key topics include:Income Limits: Understanding the thresholds for contributing to a Roth IRA and how they can affect your ability to save.Conversions: Learn about the process of converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA, including the important 5-year rule that...2025-02-2228 minFunctional Retirement PodcastTrump Won't Save Social Security Taxation | Ep: 44We're discussing a crucial topic: the taxation of Social Security benefits. Many retirees are unaware that up to 85% of their Social Security income could be taxable, depending on their overall income.Recently, there have been discussions about eliminating this tax, which could save retirees thousands annually. However, whether this change occurs or not, understanding how Social Security benefits are taxed is essential for effective retirement planning.Timestamps:0:34 -Taxation of Social Security Benefits1:19-Importance of Understanding Taxation1:50 -Complexity of Taxes in Retirement03:14 -Provisional Income Calculation2025-02-1421 minFunctional Retirement PodcastRetirement Can Be Your Masterpiece. Your Pieta I Ep: 43Just like Michelangelo saw the masterpiece within the marble, you can envision your ideal retirement! Where do you want to live in retirement? What lifestyle do you envision? Your retirement is more than just finances; it’s about mindset and health too! Discover how to refine your retirement plan and ensure a fulfilling lifestyle Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:20 Vision08:10 Foundation13:55 Patience19:20 Mistakes23:00 Polish✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with comments and questions!Are you over ag...2025-01-3129 minFunctional Retirement PodcastThe 401k Is More Powerful Than You Even Know | Updates for 2025Let's explore the incredible potential of 401k plans as essential tools for retirement planning. Did you know that as of 2024, there are over 500,000 401k accounts with balances exceeding a million dollars? That's a testament to the power of consistent contributions and smart investing!Timestamps::00 - Introduction:16 - Importance of 401(k) plan2:01 - Maximizing 401(k) benefit6:30 - Contribution limits for 202510:00 - Employer matching strategies12:08 - Tax advantages of 401(k) plans16:41 - Investment options19:16 - Rollover and withdrawal rules26:47 - Common mistakes to avoid30:00 - Conclusion and...2025-01-2433 minFunctional Retirement PodcastAverage Net Worth Is Ridiculous I Ep: 41Hey everybody, welcome back to your classroom. Thatcher Taylor here, owner of ProPath Financial. Today, I want to discuss why the average net worth figures you often see are misleading and don't provide meaningful insights for your retirement planning.If you need assistance with finding your personalized number for retirement, click this link. Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast to help us grow. Thank you for joining me today!✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with comments and questions!Are you over age 50 and need retirement help?Sc...2025-01-1721 minFunctional Retirement PodcastBig Social Security Changes in 2025 I Ep. 40Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Social Security in 2025? Join Thatcher Taylor on the latest episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast as he dives deep into the significant changes that could impact your retirement income. From a 2.5% cost of living adjustment to the groundbreaking Social Security Fairness Act that eliminates the windfall elimination provision, this episode is packed with essential insights for anyone navigating the complexities of Social Security. Whether you're already receiving benefits or planning for the future, Thatcher's engaging and informative style will help you understand how these changes can affect yo...2025-01-1021 min
Are We Happy Yet?Ep. 1 (!!!) What is Are We Happy Yet all about? Introducing our WHY with hosts Hannah Buzzo + Jane Thatcher HahnJoin Hannah and Jane for some laughs as they explore the why behind their new podcast! They recount the birth of the new, Are We Happy Yet? Podcast, as well as their intentions and hopes in creating change for individuals, communities, and the greater collective through conversations with all types of interesting humans. Two Leo friends - Hannah Buzzo and Jane Thatcher Hahn, have been working for years as therapists and entrepreneurs. They watched as their clients, friends, and family worked hard to improve their mental health, change their relationships, heal from trauma, and change the amount of stress they...2024-09-1741 minFunctional Retirement PodcastHow Do Retirement Taxes Work? A Deep Dive into Taxes in Retirement I Ep: 039On this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor, delves into the relationship between taxes and retirement planning. He emphasizes the importance of considering tax implications not just for the current year, but for the entire span of retirement. Thatcher highlights the need to strike a balance between saving now and enjoying the benefits later, cautioning against focusing solely on preserving portfolio value in retirement. Tune in to learn more about optimizing tax savings throughout your retirement journey.Timestamps:02:16 Retirement spending and taxation.06:30 Understanding effective tax rates.08:09 Navigating tax brackets in retirement.2024-05-1721 minFunctional Retirement PodcastShould My Retirement Portfolio Be 100% Equities"High portfolio variability can lead to sleepless nights for clients, which can then result in poor investment decisions."Exploring the Viability of a 100% Equity Portfolio in RetirementIn the most recent episode of The Functional Retirement Podcast, Thatcher Taylor delves into the concept of maintaining a 100% equity portfolio during retirement. While acknowledging that this approach may not suit everyone, the host suggests that it could be a viable option depending on individual circumstances and risk tolerance. The discussion underscores the importance of comprehending the inherent variability of a portfolio when selecting the most...2024-05-1022 minFunctional Retirement PodcastShould You Name Your Trust As Your IRAs Beneficiary? I Ep:037Naming a trust as the beneficiary of an IRA can be a complex process that often requires guidance from a professional, such as an estate planning attorney. As discussed in the podcast episode, this decision involves various intricate considerations and potential implications that necessitate expert advice to navigate effectively.If you have questions or need further guidance on estate planning and retirement strategies, contact Thatcher Taylor at ProPath Financial or consult an estate planning attorney for personalized advice. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on retirement planning and financial management.Timestamps:0:38 Naming IRA Beneficiary...2024-04-2620 minFunctional Retirement PodcastRetirement Withdrawal Strategies For More Income In Retirement I How Retirement Works I Ep: 036In episode 36 of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher delves into retirement withdrawal strategies to potentially increase income. From discussing the challenges of retirement spending to exploring various strategies like the 4% rule, variable spending, buffer assets, insurance and investments, and tax-efficient withdrawals, this episode offers valuable insights for planning a secure retirement.See Referenced Chart Here:https://retirementresearcher.com/dashboard/🔗 For more details and to access the supplemental blog, visit https://www.propathfinancial.com/post/moreretirementincomeTime Stamps: 0:49 Retirement withdrawal strategies.4:23 Accumulation vs. decumulation.10:49 Retirement Investment Strategies14:26 Maximizing reti...2024-04-1929 minFunctional Retirement Podcast9 Places To Put Cash When Income is too High for a Roth IRAIn this episode, Thatcher covers options such as Roth conversions, backdoor Roth contributions, non-deductible IRA contributions, taxable brokerage accounts, 401ks, life insurance, annuities, paying off your mortgage, and investing in real estate.If you want to learn more about these options and how to choose the right one for your financial situation, make sure to listen to the full episode. For a detailed list of the alternatives discussed, visit www.propathfinancial.com/post/nine-roth-alternatives.Don't miss out on valuable financial insights and tips. Like, subscribe, and follow the Functional Retirement Podcast on your favorite platform...2024-04-1218 minFunctional Retirement PodcastCan You Really Pay $0 Taxes in Retirement? I Exploring The Possibilities. I Ep: 034Hey everyone! Thatcher Taylor here, your host of the Functional Retirement Podcast. I am thrilled to announce the release of our latest episode, where we dive deep into the topic of paying $0 in taxes during retirement. In this episode, we explore various strategies and options to reduce your tax burden and potentially achieve a tax-free retirement.If you have any questions or specific topics you'd like Thatcher to address, feel free to comment below or reach out via email. Subscribe for more episodes on financial planning and retirement strategies. Thank you for tuning in!Timestamps:2024-04-0520 minFunctional Retirement PodcastAre Your Adult Children Effecting Your Retirement? I Ep: 033💵In this 33rd installment of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor discusses the potential impact of financially supporting adult children on your retirement savings. Thatcher explores the sacrifices that may need to be made, the common circumstances that lead to kids needing financial help, and strategies to preserve your retirement while still assisting your children.👩🦳👨🦳If you're a parent navigating the balance between supporting your adult children and securing your retirement, this episode provides valuable insights and strategies to help you make informed decisions. Don't miss out on this important discussion!Timestamps:0:49 Sacrifices for Adult Children...2024-03-2924 minFunctional Retirement PodcastThe War On Social Security I Ep: 032In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor delves into the complexities of the Social Security system and the ongoing debate surrounding its future. With insights from the recent trustee's report and a breakdown of key statistics, Thatcher provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of Social Security and potential adjustments that may be necessary.Whether you're nearing retirement age or just starting to plan for the future, this episode offers valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your financial security. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the Social...2024-03-1517 minFunctional Retirement PodcastThe Impact of Filing Early for Social Security I Ep 031Hey everyone! 🎙️ Excited to share the latest episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast with you! Today, we're diving into the age-old question: Is taking Social Security early crazy? Let's find out together! #retirementplanning In this episode, we explore the psychology behind starting Social Security at 62. Are you driven by a sense of ownership, fear of loss, or a desire to pass on your estate? Join us as we uncover the motivations behind early benefit claims. #Retirement #Finance Links Mentioned:https://www.savvysocialsecurity.com/article.aspx?a=99480https://crr.bc.edu/the-psychology-behind-starting-social-security-at-62/htt...2024-03-0121 minFunctional Retirement PodcastDoes a Back Door Roth IRA Conversion Make Sense for Retirement.In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, certified financial planner Thatcher Taylor dives into the topic of getting tax-free income in retirement through a backdoor Roth conversion. He breaks down the technique and discusses whether it makes sense for your financial situation.Throughout the episode, Thatcher delves into the specific elements of the backdoor Roth conversion, including income limits for Roth IRA contributions, the conversion process, the pro rata rule, and the necessary reporting forms. He also discusses the importance of evaluating your tax situation to determine if a backdoor Roth conversion is the right strategy...2024-02-1619 minFunctional Retirement PodcastWill your Roth Conversions Be Taxable in Retirement? I Ep:029👉In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor dives into the topic of Roth conversions. Join Thatcher as he answers listener questions and breaks down the ins and outs of Roth conversions, including how they work, potential penalties, and whether or not they are right for you.👈📈Discover how Roth conversions fit into your overall retirement portfolio and gain valuable insights for planning your financial future. 🎆Don't miss out on this informative and thought-provoking episode!✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with comments and questions!Are...2024-02-0218 minFunctional Retirement Podcast4 Options With Your Annuity When Preparing for Retirement I Ep:028📈In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor dives into the world of annuities. If you've noticed that your annuity hasn't performed as expected, this episode is for you. Thatcher explores the options available to you when working with your annuities after having them for a while. ✅Learn about the importance of planning and preparing for annuity decisions, understanding your type of annuity, and how to make the most of it. Don't miss out on this informative episode that will help you navigate the complexities of annuities and make informed decisions for your financial future...2024-01-2621 minFunctional Retirement PodcastLegal and Illegal Strategies To Maximize Spousal Benefits From Social Security | Ep: 027In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor delves into the rules surrounding spousal benefits and two specific strategies for maximizing them in retirement. He explains the scenarios of a spouse taking the spousal benefit early and switching to their benefit later, as well as a spouse taking their benefit early and later taking the spousal benefit. Thatcher emphasizes the importance of understanding these strategies to potentially gain thousands of dollars in retirement. Please note that the host is currently recovering from surgery, hence the unusual background.www.propathfinancial.com/post/spousalbenefits💵 Wor...2024-01-1919 minFunctional Retirement PodcastAre Social Security and Medicare Ready for You? I Ep: 026In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor dives into the topic of whether or not Social Security and Medicare are ready for you. With five key topics of discussion, including customer service, disability, cost of living adjustments, inherited IRAs, and reverse mortgages. Thatcher breaks down the complexities and potential operational difficulties that could arise when making decisions about social security and Medicare. Don't miss out on this informative episode that will help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning.✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with comments and questions!2024-01-1217 minFunctional Retirement Podcast10 RULES OF INVESTING AND HOW ACCURATE THEY ARE FOR RETIREMENT | Ep.025In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor dives into the 10 rules of investing. He shares his thoughts on each rule and whether he agrees or disagrees as a financial planner. But the real highlight of this episode is when Thatcher delves into the topic of investment management based on retirement income distribution strategies. He breaks down different types of retirement investors and how their strategies may vary. Whether you're a risk-taker or prefer a more conservative approach, Thatcher offers valuable insights to help you make informed investment decisions. Tune in now to gain a...2024-01-0530 min
Mercy UnboundA New Year’s Message on the Divine Mercy as a Way of Life from Dr. Bryan ThatcherEpisode 140, A New Year’s Message on the Divine Mercy as a Way of Life from Dr. Bryan Thatcher
As a new year begins, allow me to share my reflections on the profound nature of God's mercy. His mercy extends beyond His love for us to encompass our love for one another, as depicted in the symbolism of the Cross – one beam representing God's love (vertical) and the other our love for each other (horizontal).
Embracing God’s Love Actively
While many are familiar with the devotional aspects of Divine Mercy, such as prayer...2024-01-0231 minFunctional Retirement PodcastSHOULD YOU TAKE SOCIAL SECURITY EARLY OR USE YOUR IRA FOR INCOME IN YOUR 60s? | Ep: 024Retirement shouldn't be a mystery. But at 62, the question looms: tap into Social Security early or dive into your IRA? This episode is your ultimate decoder ring, cracking the code on this crucial decision.Dive deep with us as we explore:IRMAA surcharges: Don't let these tax penalties blindside you! Learn how to navigate them and keep your retirement nest egg secure.Taxation tango: Understand the tax implications of both options and plan your withdrawals like a pro.Bigger benefits: Tempting, right? We break down the trade-off of claiming Social Security early and the potential long-term...2023-12-2923 minFunctional Retirement PodcastSpend More With Less Hesitation In Retirement | Ep: 023Do you have a fat retirement nest egg... and a tiny spending fist? You're not alone! Many retirees are frozen by fear, hesitant to spend their hard-earned cash. But it's time to break free! This episode is your guide to overcoming spending anxiety and unlocking a more joy-filled retirement. Discover:Why you might be a "tightwad" in retirement (even if you weren't before!)The difference between "maximizers" and "satisficers" and how it impacts your spending.Strategies for finding YOUR perfect middle ground between frugality and extravagance.Tips for overcoming guilt and embracing guilt-free spending.2023-12-2224 minFunctional Retirement PodcastNavigating the Emotional, Practical, and Financial Aspects of Leaving the Workforce | Ep. 022👉Ditch the rocking chair and embrace the possibilities! Are you nearing retirement and feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty? You're not alone. Transitioning to retirement can be a rollercoaster of emotions, practical challenges, and financial adjustments. But it can also be the door to a fulfilling and vibrant new chapter.This podcast is your guide to navigating the journey from "worker" to "retiree" with confidence and clarity. We'll explore key strategies for:✅Easing out of your career: Learn about phased retirement, negotiation tips, and leaving a lasting legacy.✅Redefining your identity: Discover how to find...2023-12-1526 minFunctional Retirement PodcastLong Term Care Planning To Protect Your Family With Expert Guest | Kelly AugspurgerIn this episode, Taylor had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Kelly Augsberger, an industry professional in the field of long-term care planning. She shared her expertise and provided us with some invaluable advice on how to make progress in our lives, whether it's related to long-term care or not.I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let's continue to learn, grow, and make progress in our lives together. ✅Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more informative content!!✅✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with co...2023-12-0856 min
Functional Retirement PodcastStop Being So Scared | Busting 5 Stock Market Myths I Ep. 020In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor takes on the role of a Myth Buster as he dives into five common myths about the stock market. Thatcher debunks these myths and provides examples to support his claims. Whether you're a traditional wealth builder, pre-retiree, or retiree, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the stock market with confidence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a better understanding of investing and achieving your financial goals. ✅Be sure to like, subscribe, submit a question, or leave...2023-12-0130 minFunctional Retirement PodcastYour Cash Strategy Is Probably Wrong | Emergency Fund vs Sinking Fund | Ep: 019In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor dives into the importance of having just enough cash to buy assets and grow wealth. He discusses the difference between an emergency fund and a sinking fund, and provides valuable insights on how to assess and fix an underfunded emergency fund. Join us as we explore the significance of cash in achieving a fulfilling retirement. ✅Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more informative content!✅✅Contact Thatcher at thatcher@propathfinancial.com with comments and questions!Are you over ag...2023-11-1025 minFunctional Retirement PodcastRetirement Planning and Financial Planning Are Not The Same | Insights From Roger Whitney | Ep: 018In this episode of the Functional Retirement Podcast, host Thatcher Taylor welcomes special guest Roger Whitney, the retirement answer man. With over 25 years of experience as a financial planner and the host of a top retirement podcast, Roger shares his insights on taking control and being optimistic about the future. They discuss the pursuit of happiness, the importance of a positive mindset, and the connection between wealth and health in retirement. Don't miss this informative and inspiring conversation with one of the most influential advisors in the industry.Find Roger:https://www.rogerwhitney.com/✅Co...2023-11-031h 08