Retirement Approved with Matt Paul & Steve Paul

Hosted by Matt Paul & Steve Paul

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Retirement Approved," the go-to podcast for anyone looking to secure their financial future. Hosted by Matt Paul and Steve Paul, Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) at RW Paul & Associates in Novi, Michigan, this show is your ultimate guide to understanding and preparing for retirement. Join us as we delve into the essentials of retirement planning. With their extensive knowledge and experience, Matt and Steve will help you evaluate how prepared you are for retirement, identify any gaps in your current plans, and provide you with the crucial information and education you need for a financially secure future. "Retirement Approved" isn't just about planning; it's about getting you retirement-ready. Whether you're early in your career, nearing retirement, or already retired, our discussions are tailored to help listeners at any stage. We'll cover a range of topics, from investment strategies to retirement income planning, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions. And it's not just about the what and the when; it's also about the who. Matt and Steve will explain the importance of working with the right financial advisor. They believe that the right guidance is key to a successful retirement journey. Tune in to "Retirement Approved" and take the first step towards a retirement plan that's not just good, but retirement-approved. Subscribe now and join a community dedicated to achieving financial peace of mind. Get in touch at https://www.rwpaul.com/ and 248-305-9911.

Listen to episodes

34 recent

May 14, 202615 min

Our New Retirement Resource for Ford, GM & Stellantis Employees

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-reviewMatt and Steve share a brand-new free resource built specifically for Ford, GM, and Stellantis employees preparing for retirement. In this episode, they walk through their new website, explain the updated Auto Worker’s Guide to Lump Sum Pensions, and break down some of the biggest financial decisions auto workers face. From pension versus lump sum choices to Social Security, annuities, healthcare, and retirement income planning, the conversation highlights why these “million-dollar decisions” deserve careful planning and personalized guidance.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:📚 Free Retirement Resource: A no-barrier education hub for “big three” retirees🚗 Pension vs. Lump Sum: Why this decision impacts your entire retirement📉 Interest Rates Matter: How rates can dramatically affect lump sum values🛡️ Survivor Planning: Important considerations for spouses and beneficiaries🧩 Hybrid Income Strategies: Combining pensions, annuities, and investments thoughtfullyBig Three Retiree: https://www.bigthreeretiree.com/Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

April 2, 202619 min

Financial Hot Takes Under the Microscope

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-reviewEveryone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful, and some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Today, Matt & Steve put these popular financial opinions under the microscope. Financial hot takes can be entertaining, motivating, and occasionally… unhinged. The key is knowing which advice fits your life and circumstances and ignore the irrelevant stuff.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:🪙 Kiyosaki’s Strategy: Heavy bets on crypto and metals come with major risk💵 Emergency Fund Debate: Too much cash can quietly lose to inflation📊 Net Worth Tracking: Awareness matters, but obsession can backfire📉 Withdrawal Rates: Overestimating returns can derail retirement plans🤖 AI Predictions: Betting on future abundance is not a current strategyLearn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

February 5, 202614 min

Market Predictions for 2026: Hits, Misses, and Reality

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-review Every new year brings bold market predictions and plenty of confident opinions. But how much of that noise actually matters for your retirement? In this episode, Matt & Steve look back at what forecasters said last year, what really happened, and what’s already being predicted for 2026. And because no prediction show is complete without a little honesty, we wrap things up with a Grumpy Grandpa reminder about risk, reality, and expectations. Here’s what we discuss in this episode:🔍 2025 Predictions Review: What forecasters got right, and where they were wrong📊 Forecast Accuracy Check: Why predictions often miss the mark🔮 2026 Market Outlook: Big themes and expectations ahead📉 Volatility & Strategy: How retirees should think about uncertaintyLearn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

January 22, 202616 min

New Year, New Rules: Social Security Changes for 2026

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-reviewDid your Social Security check actually go up in 2026 or did Medicare quietly take some of it back? A new year brings new updates, and 2026 is no exception when it comes to Social Security. Even small rule changes can have a meaningful impact on your retirement income. Today, we break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why Social Security decisions should never be made in isolation. Whether you’re already collecting benefits or getting close to filing, this conversation helps you think through how these updates fit into a broader retirement strategy, not just a calendar date.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:💵 Cost-of-Living Adjustments vs. Medicare Premiums – Why raises don’t always feel like raises🧾 Taxes & the New Senior Deduction – What it does (and doesn’t) mean for Social Security taxation⏳ When to File for Benefits – Early, full retirement age, or delayed strategies⚖️ Break-Even & Longevity Considerations – Why health and life expectancy matter🔄 Spousal & Survivor Strategies – Coordinating benefits as a coupleLearn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

November 13, 202522 min

Are We in an AI Bubble?

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-reviewArtificial Intelligence is transforming everything, but is the hype getting ahead of reality? This video tackles one of the biggest investor questions of 2025: Are we in an AI bubble? With markets up 20% three years in a row and Nvidia now worth over $5 trillion, it’s easy to wonder if history is repeating itself.The Pauls break down how today’s AI boom compares to past manias — from the dot-com era to railroad stocks in the 1800s — and why the fundamentals behind AI might make this time different. They also explain how they’re managing portfolios in this environment, why trimming oversized positions is smart, and how retirees can protect gains without missing future growth.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:💡 Defining a Bubble: What history teaches us from railroads to dot-coms.📊 Fundamentals vs. Hype: Why AI may not be another Pets.com.💸 Portfolio Strategy: How The Pauls are trimming risk and locking in gains.🏦 Retiree Focus: Preserving income and capital in a euphoric market.🌍 Diversify Smartly: Why international and value stocks may hold better opportunity.🔮 Prediction Preview: What they’ll be watching as AI evolves into 2026.Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

October 17, 202514 min

The Truth About Risk Tolerance

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-review When the market is strong, everyone feels like a confident investor—but true risk tolerance isn’t about how you feel when things are going well. In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve dig into the emotional and mathematical sides of risk tolerance—how much risk you can handle versus how much you’re willing to handle. Managing emotions can be just as important as managing returns, and this video will help you understand investor behavior better.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:🎲 Risk changes with emotion – Market highs make investors fearless; downturns make them cautious.💵 Think in dollars – A 20% loss feels different when your portfolio is much larger.⚖️ Capacity vs. tolerance – Understand both your financial ability and emotional comfort with risk.🔁 Rebalance regularly – Lock in gains during strong markets to protect against future dips.🧠 Avoid recency bias – Past success doesn’t guarantee future results, especially after long bull runs.Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

September 18, 202519 min

Why Roth Conversions Matter in Retirement Planning

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-review Roth conversions can be one of the most effective ways to reduce taxes in retirement, but only if you use them strategically.In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt Dombrowski, CFP® joins the show to break down the Roth planning strategies retirees should use to manage taxes, avoid penalties, and maximize long-term wealth. From timing conversions based on tax brackets to utilizing the Roth IRA’s ability to grow tax-free for your beneficiaries, we will walk you through the steps to take before retirement to make the most of this powerful tool.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:🧮 Timing is key – The “tax valley” years are prime for conversions.💼 Tax bracket management – Maximize conversions without bumping into higher brackets.🏥 IRMAA avoidance – Avoid penalties and higher premiums by staying below Medicare income thresholds.🏡 Roth for legacy – Leave tax-free money for your heirs with strategic planning.Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

August 14, 202513 min

5 Ideas to Consider Before the Fed Begins Cutting Rates

🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-reviewYour cash has been working overtime these past two years—but that high-yield honeymoon might be ending soon. With the Fed widely expected to start cutting interest rates in the coming months, now is the time to act.In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt Paul, Steve Paul, and Marc Killian share five smart moves to consider before rates drop. Here’s what we discuss in this episode:📦 BOXX strategy – Convert bank interest into long-term capital gains for tax efficiency.📉 Bonds are back – Rates and risk/reward profiles are improving after a tough decade.🛡 MYGAs – Lock in 4–6% guaranteed rates for multiple years before they drop.📈 Fixed index annuities – Participate in market upside without downside risk.⏳ Don’t wait – Opportunities may be gone by the time rates fall below your “trigger” level.Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

June 26, 202518 min

The Dollar Goes Digital: Stablecoins in 2025 and Beyond

Is the U.S. dollar about to go digital? In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve explore the rise of stablecoins- what they are, how they work, and why they could play a major role in the future of global finance. From Chuck E. Cheese tokens to casino chips, they use smart analogies to explain why stablecoins are grabbing headlines and how they’re not a threat to the U.S. dollar but could actually strengthen it globally.You’ll learn how this tech is already transforming cross-border payments, the implications of the Genius Act working its way through Congress, and why institutions like J.P. Morgan, Visa, and PayPal are already taking steps- or preparing- to enter the stablecoin space. The guys also explain how clients might already have exposure to this booming trend through investments in Ethereum or companies like Coinbase and Circle.Here’s what we discuss in this episode:💡What are stablecoins and how do they work?🌎 How stablecoins support the U.S. dollar globally🏦 How regulation could open the door for banks and Big Tech to enter stablecoins📈 How investors may already hold indirect exposure via crypto infrastructure🔮 Don’t ignore new tech just because it’s unfamiliarStablecoins in 2025 Article:https://www.rwpaul.com/blog/stablecoins-in-2025Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

May 22, 202517 min

The Psychology of Retirement: 5 Facts You Need to Know

Retirement isn’t just a financial decision. The transition can come with unexpected emotional challenges that many are not prepared for. Today we’re going to dive into the psychology of retirement by outlining five key psychological shifts retirees face and discuss how to prepare for them. From the fear of spending your life savings to the loss of identity after leaving your career, we’re going to provide you with real client experiences, mindset strategies, and practical advice on navigating this new chapter. No matter how comfortable you feel about retirement, the facts we’ll highlight in this video will give you some things to think about and plan for.Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 49% of retirees don’t have a withdrawal strategy 🚪 The Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go phases of retirement spending 💸 Gifting vs. hoarding: how to enjoy your money before it's too late 📺 47 hours of weekly TV — and how boredom can sneak into retirementLearn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact Phone: 248-305-9911Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51