Accessible Finance For Retirement

Hosted by Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA with Equilibrium Financial Planning

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Join us each week as we, Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA, and Rachael Johns, J.D., take on the world of finance with a fresh, approachable perspective. As spouses and business partners, we’re here to answer your questions, tackle real-life scenarios, and break down complex financial topics in a way that leaves you saying, "I get it now." Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to deepen your understanding, our warm and engaging conversations are designed to make finance accessible to everyone. Start your path to financial clarity with us and visit us at Equilibriumfp.com!

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60 recent

October 19, 2026Episode 9126 min

Episode 91: The Science of Happiness (and Why It Matters for Financial Planning)

In episode 91 of Accessible Finance, Eric and Rachael Johns continue their discussion on happiness and its role in financial planning, using insights from Time magazine’s special edition The Science of Happiness. They review survey data on Americans’ self-reported happiness since 1972 (most choosing “pretty happy”), then compare happiness across work status (retirees highest but by a smaller margin than expected), income (happiness rises with income but remains under 50% even above $150k), family structure (single parents lowest; married without children happier than married with children), and age (18–24 lowest; otherwise relatively flat). They also discuss a happiness “pie chart” suggesting 50% genetics, 10% circumstances, and 40% behavior, highlighting sleep, exercise, sunlight, eating fish, posture, and smiling. The episode reinforces aligning money with values, experiences, time, and autonomy—not just bigger numbers. 00:00 Welcome Back Setup 00:23 Happiness Survey Overview 01:02 Americans Rate Happiness 02:23 Why We Pick Middle 03:00 Happiest By Work Status 04:19 Retirement Expectations Gap 04:59 Income And Happiness 06:08 Money Cant Buy Joy 07:19 Family Status Comparison 08:47 Why Kids Lower Scores 12:12 Social Media And Pressure 13:27 Delayed Parenting Payoff 14:06 Parenting Reality Check 14:21 Happiness by Age 15:32 Good Old Times Effect 16:11 Genetics vs Circumstances 17:45 Sleep and Exercise Wins 19:01 Sunlight and New Puppy 20:43 Fish and Omega 3 Mood 22:10 Posture and Smiling Hacks 24:28 Money Aligned With Values 26:01 Closing Thoughts

September 21, 2026Episode 8622 min

Can Money Buy Happiness? | Accessible Finance Episode 90

In episode 90, Eric and Rachael Johns begin a multi-episode discussion on whether money can buy happiness, especially for people nearing or in retirement who are shifting from accumulating wealth to using it to improve life. They review research suggesting happiness increases with income but not one-for-one, with diminishing returns around $75,000–$100,000, and a newer study indicating about 15%–20% of people see happiness stop rising after that threshold. They explore why what money is spent on matters, highlighting that experiential purchases often outperform material ones due to anticipation, relationships, and reduced comparison. They discuss studies showing “buying time” (e.g., outsourcing chores, delivery services) boosts happiness more than buying items, and that giving—especially where impact is visible and personal—can increase fulfillment. They conclude that retirement satisfaction requires a clear vision, purpose, and values-driven spending. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:23 Can Money Buy Happiness 01:47 Income and Happiness Studies 03:57 Financial Independence and Purpose 06:04 The $5,000 Thought Experiment 06:57 Experiences Beat Stuff 09:28 Hedonic Adaptation Explained 12:22 Buying Time Back 17:47 Giving and Philanthropy 20:01 Retirement Takeaways and Wrap-Up

October 27, 2025Episode 8920 min

Three Essential Questions for Retirement Success | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 89

In this episode, Eric and Rachael Johns answer listener questions and discuss an article from The Retirement Manifesto titled 'Three Questions That Determine 99% of Your Retirement Success.' They delve into the importance of having a reliable cash flow plan, accounting for healthcare and unexpected costs, and how to spend time and stay fulfilled in retirement. The hosts also explore various aspects of retirement planning, including budgeting, healthcare, and the significance of estate planning, providing listeners with valuable insights on achieving a successful and fulfilling retirement. 00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions 01:12 Question 1: Reliable Cash Flow Plan 03:23 Question 2: Healthcare and Unexpected Costs 04:41 Budgeting for Unexpected Expenses 07:36 Planning for Major Purchases 08:58 Tools and Tips for Financial Planning 10:08 The Financial Focus in Retirement 10:22 The Impact of Retirement on Mental Health 10:37 Hobbies and Spending in Retirement 11:42 Social Dynamics in Retirement 12:58 Planning Your Retirement Days 13:38 Retiring to Something vs. From Something 15:09 Strategies for Retirement Income 18:08 Estate Planning and Withdrawal Strategies 19:02 The Importance of Trusted Advisors 20:18 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

October 13, 2025Episode 8830 min

Breaking Down Listener Questions on Retirement Planning and Investment Strategies | Episode 88

In Episode 88 of Accessible Finance for Retirement, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns address detailed listener questions focusing on retirement planning and investment strategies. The episode features an in-depth analysis of a specific retirement plan consultation involving a proposed complex portfolio. They explain key financial concepts like Monte Carlo analysis, portfolio diversification, risk tolerance, and tax efficiency. Eric and Rachael provide actionable advice for balancing risk and rewards, emphasizing the importance of clear investment strategies and tailored financial planning. Tune in to learn how to optimize your retirement portfolio for long-term success. 00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions 00:41 Understanding Retirement Projections 00:59 Monte Carlo Analysis Explained 01:49 Balancing Probability of Success 03:31 Legacy Goals and Financial Planning 06:25 Investment Allocation Discussion 08:47 Complex vs. Simple Investment Strategies 14:38 Breaking Down Stock Holdings 15:37 Bond Market Analysis 16:15 Investment Strategies and Risk Management 17:48 Tax Efficiency and Portfolio Rebalancing 19:36 Psychological Comfort in Complex Investments 21:56 Advisor Value and Client Perception 28:42 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

October 2, 2025Episode 8721 min

When to Hire a Financial Advisor and Managing Retirement Accounts: Listener Qs Answered | Episode 87

Welcome to episode 87 of Accessible Finance for Retirement with Eric and Rachael Johns. In this episode, we address listener questions covering crucial topics like the right time to hire a financial advisor, effective management of 401Ks and Roth IRAs, and navigating required minimum distributions (RMDs). Additionally, we discuss the timing of IRA rollovers and estimated tax payments. Gain expert insights into financial planning for retirement, including comprehensive advice on managing your investments and planning your decumulation strategy.

September 10, 2025Episode 8618 min

Managing Retirement Accounts, Cash Strategies, and Roth Conversions | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 86

In Episode 86 of Accessible Finance for Retirement, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns address several pressing questions from their listeners. Topics include the benefits of opening a Roth IRA in a spouse's name, strategies for placing cash in high-yield money market accounts, understanding the differences between active and passive investment management fees, and guidance on handling tax implications for Roth conversions. The hosts provide detailed and practical advice on retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of aligning investment philosophies with financial advisors and understanding the nuances of tax planning. Tune in for insightful discussions and valuable tips for managing your retirement finances effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:25 Question 1: Roth IRA for Spouse 01:55 Question 2: Best Place for Cash 03:45 Question 3: Active vs Passive Management 12:11 Question 4: Roth Conversion Tax Implications 18:05 Conclusion and Call for Questions

August 28, 202525 min

Advanced Roth IRA Strategies: Backdoor, Mega Backdoor & Tax-Free Retirement Planning | Episode 85

In this final installment of our Roth IRA miniseries, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns take you beyond the basics and dive deep into advanced Roth strategies that can help you maximize your retirement savings. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to explore Roth accounts, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert tips. What you'll learn in this episode: -The latest on Roth conversions and how to decide if they're right for you -Strategies for high-income earners, including the backdoor Roth -How to use Roth accounts for tax diversification in retirement -Common mistakes to avoid with Roth IRAs -Real-life scenarios and listener questions answered Don't miss out on the key takeaways that could make a big difference in your financial future! 👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more accessible, jargon-free retirement advice. 💬 Have questions or want us to cover a topic? Drop a comment below! Listen to previous episodes and get more resources at https://equilibriumfp.com/podcast. #RothIRA #RetirementPlanning #PersonalFinance #AccessibleFinance

August 12, 2025Episode 8425 min

Roth IRA Conversions Explained: Optimize Your Retirement Strategy | Episode 84

Welcome to episode 84 of Accessible Finance for Retirement! Hosted by Eric and Rachael Johns, this episode dives into Roth IRA Conversions, a powerful strategy for managing taxable income and optimizing your retirement savings. Learn about the fundamentals of Roth conversions, strategic timing, and common pitfalls to avoid. Discover how to leverage Roth conversion ladders, and why deliberate planning can make a significant impact on your long-term financial health. Tune in for expert insights, actionable tips, and a detailed discussion to help you navigate Roth IRA Conversions like a pro. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 84 00:32 Overview of Roth Conversions 01:33 Roth Conversion Fundamentals 01:59 Tax Implications and Strategies 04:28 Partial Conversions and Tax Brackets 05:48 Planning and Calibration 09:48 Roth Accounts and RMDs 10:56 Understanding IRA Balances and Growth 11:18 Strategic Timing for Roth Conversions 11:50 Roth Conversion Ladders Explained 12:40 Tax Brackets and Conversion Strategies 14:17 Medicare and Irma Thresholds 15:07 Effective Tax Rates and Planning 18:50 Common Pitfalls in Conversion Strategies 21:54 Final Thoughts on Roth Conversions

August 4, 202534 min

Roth IRA Basics: Maximizing Retirement and Tax Benefits | Accessible Finance EP 83

Unlocking Roth IRA Secrets: Fundamentals Explained | Accessible Finance Ep 83 Welcome to episode 83 of Accessible Finance for Retirement! Eric and Rachael Johns kick off a three-part miniseries on Roth accounts, starting with the fundamentals. They discuss the origins of Roth IRAs, basic differences between Roth and traditional IRAs, and key rules and contributions limits. Get to know the significance of Roth 401k options and the vital five-year rules for withdrawals. Tune in for practical tips, insightful comparison, and common questions answered to make your Roth retirement planning seamless. Don't miss out on harnessing the full potential of Roth accounts for a tax-free growth strategy! 00:00 Introduction to Accessible Finance for Retirement 00:49 Origins and Basics of Roth IRAs 01:24 Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA 04:23 Contribution Limits and Rules 05:41 Setting Up and Managing Your Roth IRA 12:06 Roth 401(k) Options 16:59 Understanding the Five-Year Rule 17:41 Opening a Roth Account: A Hypothetical Scenario 18:29 Tax Treatment of Roth Contributions and Withdrawals 19:48 Understanding the Five-Year Rule 20:24 Qualified Withdrawals and Special Cases 22:04 Roth Conversions: Rules and Penalties 25:03 Tracking Contributions and Conversions 28:18 Roth Accounts: Key Takeaways and Q&A

July 17, 2025Episode 8232 min

Retirement Regrets: Avoiding Common Pitfalls | Accessible Finance Ep 82

In episode 82 of Accessible Finance, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns delve into retirement regrets and how to avoid common pitfalls. They discuss personal stories from retirees who wish they had started saving earlier, misunderstood Medicare coverage, mismanaged investment strategies, failed to seek professional advice, and avoided important financial conversations with family. The episode emphasizes the importance of early saving, thorough research, balanced investment approaches, engaging professionals, and open family discussions about finances. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 82 00:17 Retirement Regrets: Starting Late 01:56 The Importance of Employer Match and FICA Taxes 08:18 Medicare Misconceptions and Healthcare Costs 15:27 The Pitfalls of Conventional Wisdom in Retirement Planning 17:02 The Impact of Inflation on Bonds and Equities 20:56 The Importance of Professional Financial Advice 25:51 The Necessity of Family Conversations About Money 31:40 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

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