Retirement Planning - Money Not Math

Hosted by Drew Erickson

Business Investing

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Episodes

221

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

I love to help people have more confidence in their financial future. My mission is to provide the highest quality advice and service possible to my clients. Therefore, I limit myself to 100 active clients or less at all times that I have a fiduciary responsibility to. If you are interested in scheduling a 15-minute call to ask questions and determine if it might make sense for us to work together, please use this link to do so at your convenience, https://form.jotform.com/240425716309151 My core Values are Family, Faith, Finances, Fitness, Friends and Fun.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 18919 min

Can a couple retire at 55 with $2 million?

Can a couple retire at 55 with $2 million?In this episode of Money Not Math, we explore a hypothetical retirement scenario inspired by a common real-life question couples face when they do not agree on whether they are ready to retire.With $1.5M in a 401k and $500K in a Roth IRA, we analyze:• Income potential with no advanced planning• How strategy can increase after-tax income• The impact of allocation, taxes, Social Security, and spending patternsThis episode highlights how thoughtful planning can influence both confidence and outcomes in retirement.Disclosure: This episode is for educational purposes only. The example discussed is hypothetical and does not represent any individual. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice.#retirementplanning #financialpodcast #moneynotmath

June 11, 20263 min

Why Markets Keep Moving and Your Mid-Year Cost Reality Check

In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, we cover three timely topics:• Why markets continue to shift based on changing expectations• A simple way to evaluate changes in your cost of living mid-year• How retirement is evolving into a more purposeful and structured phaseThis episode is designed for individuals approaching retirement or already retired who want a clear, long-term perspective.Follow for weekly conversations focused on clarity, simplicity, and confidence.#RetirementPodcast #FinancialPlanning #PreRetirement #WealthStrategy #FinancialClarity #5MinuteFridayThis podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

June 8, 2026Episode 18520 min

How to Increase Retirement Income by $1,300 Per Month Without Saving More

What if the difference between a good retirement and a great retirement was not how much you saved, but how you structured your income?In this episode of Money Not Math, I walk through a real-life inspired case study using hypothetical names to protect privacy featuring Mr. and Mrs. Back 9 Blueprint.We cover how a couple with strong savings improved their retirement outcome from:• $6,150 to $7,450 per month after tax income• $870,000 to over $1.4 million projected portfolio valueThis was not about market timing or chasing returns. It was about coordinating key areas like:• Asset allocation• Social Security timing• Tax strategy• Retirement income planning• Glide path and income reserve strategyIf you are approaching retirement, this episode will help you think differently about how your income plan should be structured.This is a hypothetical example for educational purposes only. It does not represent actual client results or specific recommendations. Individual outcomes will vary.#RetirementPodcast #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #IncomePlanning #MoneyNotMath

June 2, 20264 min

Why the Market Feels Uncertain and How to Simplify Your Financial Life

In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, we cover three timely topics:• Why markets can feel uncertain even when underlying conditions are relatively stable• A simple mid-year approach to reducing financial complexity• How to rethink productivity and purpose in retirementThis episode is designed for individuals approaching retirement or already retired who want a more structured, long-term perspective.Follow the show for weekly conversations focused on clarity, simplicity, and confidence.#RetirementPodcast #FinancialPlanning #PreRetirement #WealthStrategy #FinancialClarity #5MinuteFridayThis podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

June 1, 2026Episode 1873 min

Episode 187: Protecting Your Portfolio in a Changing Market

Markets are shifting in ways many investors do not fully recognize.In this episode, we break down recent research on diversification and explain what it means for protecting your portfolio as you approach retirement.You will learn:• Why diversification still works but is evolving• What risks investors often overlook• How to think about portfolio structure in today’s environmentThis episode is for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. Each financial situation is unique.#MoneyNotMath #RetirementPlanning #Investing

May 29, 20263 min

New Fed Leadership, Mid-Year Financial Check, and a Smarter Way to Stay Engaged in Retirement

In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, we cover three timely topics:• A practical way to think about the new Federal Reserve Chairman• Why a mid-year financial check-in may help keep your plan aligned• How “Citizen Science” is helping retirees stay sharp and purposefulThis episode is designed for individuals approaching retirement or navigating their retirement years who want a steady, long-term perspective.Follow the show for weekly conversations focused on clarity, structure, and confidence.#RetirementPodcast #FinancialPlanning #PreRetirement #WealthStrategy #LifeAfterRetirement #5MinuteFridayThis podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

May 26, 2026Episode 18616 min

Same Inputs. Different Outcomes. Money Not Math Episode 186

Many investors assume retirement success comes down to saving enough and hoping the market cooperates.In this episode, we explain why asset allocation and glide path strategy often play a much larger role, both while you are working and throughout retirement.Using hypothetical planning illustrations, we cover: • Why target date funds and automatic equity reduction may be inefficient• How glide path decisions impact long term outcomes• The difference intentional planning can make when coordinating investments, Social Security timing, tax strategy, and retirement spendingThis episode focuses on education and planning concepts, not predictions, and highlights how strategy alignment influences retirement confidence.🎧 Listen now🌐 Learn more at https://www.5stonefinancial.com Educational discussion only. Hypothetical illustrations.

May 22, 20264 min

Rate hikes are back in the headlines, and inflation continues to raise questions for people nearing retirement.

In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, we discuss why interest rate changes are historically normal, how inflation should already be built into a retirement income plan, and why separating income from market volatility can create peace of mind.We also explore how summer gatherings can become meaningful opportunities to talk about values, legacy, and family intent.This episode is designed for people within a few years of retirement who want clarity, not noise.This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice.#RetirementPodcast #RetirementPlanning #FinancialEducation #PreRetirement #5MinuteFriday

May 19, 2026Episode 1833 min

Retirement Planning: The Gap vs. The Gain and Why So Many People Feel Behind

If you have ever looked at your retirement savings and thought, “I should be further along by now,” this episode is for you.In Episode 185 of Money Not Math, we explore The Gap and The Gain, a mindset framework from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and how it applies to retirement planning.We discuss:• Why retirement can feel stressful even with solid savings• How measuring progress forward can create pressure• How looking backward can restore clarity and confidenceThis episode is designed to help listeners think differently, not make decisions.This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice.#MoneyNotMath #RetirementPlanning #FinancialMindset #TheGapAndTheGain #5StoneFinancial

May 15, 20265 min

Should You Do Anything Right Now? | 5 Minute Friday

Should you be doing something right now with the market at all-time highs and inflation still elevated?In this week’s 5 Minute Friday, we cover:• Why inflation remains persistent and how it affects long-term planning• The reality behind market averages and investor behavior• Why many long-term investors benefit from staying disciplined• A growing travel trend that reflects a different way to think about retirementIf you have been wondering whether to make changes or stay the course, this video provides helpful perspective.Recorded May 15, 2026If you find this helpful:Follow for weekly insightsComment with questions or topics you would like coveredReach out if you would like to discuss your personal planDisclaimer:This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.#FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning#InvestingBasics #LongTermInvesting #WealthManagement #MarketInsights#StayInvested #InvestorBehavior #Inflation #Back9Life #PersonalFinance#FinancialAdvisor