America's Retirement Headquarters

Hosted by Nolan Baker

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Episodes

265

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Nolan Baker and Scott Kerschner know that retirement investing is inherently different from pre-retirement investing. It's all about preserving your life's work and collecting income. Join them as they discuss strategies to make your retirement dreams into retirement reality. Learn more about America's Retirement Headquarters online . Follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn for even more helpful insights you can use for retirement.

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60 recent

August 18, 202651 min

How Much of Your IRA Actually Belongs to the IRS?

Your IRA may not be as much yours as you think. This episode explores the hidden tax liability inside 401(k)s and IRAs, why the IRS can become a silent partner in your retirement, and how expiring tax laws could impact your future income. Nolan Baker and Danny Schauber break down Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Medicare IRMAA surcharges, Social Security taxation, and strategies designed to reduce lifetime taxes. They also discuss how recent SECURE Act changes affect inherited IRAs and why proactive tax planning may help preserve more wealth for your family. Learn why a tax "what-if" analysis can uncover opportunities before today's tax landscape changes. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 11, 202653 min

Forced Into Retirement? The Decisions That Matter Most

What happens if retirement arrives years earlier than planned? This episode explores the financial decisions that can follow an unexpected job loss, including how to bridge income gaps, evaluate Social Security timing, and navigate healthcare options. Nolan Baker also breaks down the backdoor Roth IRA strategy and the tax pitfalls that can catch investors off guard. Plus, learn why more retirees and advisors are considering annuities for dependable income, and why a simple buy-and-hold approach may create risks during retirement. The discussion focuses on coordinating income, taxes, investments, and retirement planning decisions when timing and strategy matter most. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 4, 202654 min

The 5 Retirement Mistakes That Can Cost More Than a Market Crash

What if the biggest retirement risks aren’t market crashes, but the decisions you make just before retirement? Financial advisor Nolan Baker explains why the five years leading up to retirement can be critical for protecting your nest egg. He discusses sequence of returns risk, when target-date funds may need a second look, how annuities can fit into an income strategy, and why a coordinated retirement plan matters. The conversation also explores Social Security timing, using savings to bridge income gaps, healthcare and tax considerations, and ways to create a smoother, more predictable retirement journey without relying on guesswork. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 21, 202653 min

Forced Into Retirement? The Decisions That Matter Most

Could an unexpected layoff force you into retirement years earlier than planned, and what would you do next? Nolan Baker explores the critical financial decisions that come with an early retirement, including Social Security timing, healthcare coverage, and avoiding costly mistakes with retirement accounts. He also breaks down how a Backdoor Roth IRA works, the tax traps that can surprise high earners, why more advisors are turning to annuities for income protection, and the dangers of relying solely on a buy-and-hold investment strategy in retirement. Learn practical ways to coordinate income, taxes, investments, and risk as you build a more resilient retirement plan. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 14, 202646 min

The Hidden Risks Behind a $1 Million Retirement Portfolio

A seven-figure nest egg may look retirement-ready, but what if the real risks are hidden beneath the surface? This episode explores why a written retirement plan matters more than a portfolio balance alone. Nolan Baker discusses turning savings into reliable retirement income, avoiding concentration risk in tech, heavy portfolios, and building a “Plan B” for market volatility. The conversation also covers long-term care planning, protecting assets and family legacies from healthcare costs, and strategies to manage taxes throughout retirement. From Social Security decisions to Roth conversions and asset protection, learn how coordinating the pieces of a retirement plan can help create greater confidence and flexibility in the years ahead About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 30, 202654 min

The Hidden Cost of “One More Year”

How much time are you trading for “just one more year”? This episode unpacks the real cost of delaying retirement, where people often underestimate expenses, and why clarity, not savings, may be the missing piece. Nolan Baker explores the emotional and financial side of retirement timing, from protecting your “go-go years” to building income plans that account for healthcare, taxes, and market risk. He also breaks down the three phases of retirement, common planning gaps, and why coordinated strategies matter. Plus, a candid look at estate conversations, and what happens when they’re avoided. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 23, 202651 min

The Hidden Retirement Tax Trap Most Savers Miss

What if your “set it and forget it” retirement plan is quietly turning into a financial ticking time bomb? This episode breaks down why taxes can remain one of your largest expenses in retirement and how deferring them may actually increase your burden. You’ll hear why autopilot investing can create hidden risks, especially as retirement approaches, and how portfolio drift can leave you overexposed without realizing it. The conversation also explores market uncertainty, income planning gaps, and the importance of reliable income streams to cover essentials. From tax strategies to portfolio adjustments, this episode highlights how coordination, not guesswork—shapes a more stable retirement path. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 16, 202650 min

The Social Security Move That Changes Everything

The wrong Social Security decision could quietly cost more than your portfolio ever earns. This episode breaks down when to claim benefits, why timing matters, and how taxes, spousal coordination, and healthcare costs shape your retirement income. You’ll also hear a practical five-step checklist to calculate what you actually need, without relying on guesswork, and uncover the most common retirement mistakes that derail otherwise solid plans. From income gaps to withdrawal strategies and hidden tax traps, this discussion focuses on building a coordinated approach that aligns income, risk, and long-term needs so your retirement plan works as intended. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 9, 202649 min

Why Even Millionaires Fear Retirement

Think a million dollars solves retirement worries? Think again. This episode breaks down the top seven concerns keeping even high net worth savers up at night, from market volatility and inflation to healthcare costs, debt, and rising housing expenses. The conversation explores how planning, not just wealth, plays a central role in navigating uncertainty, including strategies for managing risk, preparing for unexpected life events, and maintaining income stability. You’ll also hear how overlooked tax details, like after tax IRA contributions, can create costly surprises, and why a “spring cleaning” approach to your portfolio may uncover hidden inefficiencies. It’s a practical look at aligning your financial pieces into a clearer, more intentional retirement strategy. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 2, 202653 min

Income Over Balance: Rethinking Your Retirement Strategy

Do you really need a million dollars to retire, or is that number misleading you? This episode explores why focusing on income, not account balance, reshapes retirement planning. The conversation breaks down how to build reliable monthly cash flow, uncover hidden investment fees that can quietly erode savings, and recognize key red flags when choosing a financial advisor. It also looks at how interest rate changes impact retirement income strategies and the risks of chasing yield in uncertain markets. With practical insights on structuring income, managing risk, and evaluating costs, this discussion highlights what matters most when turning savings into a sustainable retirement plan. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind. Visit Us: 1700 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537 Call Us: 419-794-3030 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.