roadmap to RETIREMENT

Hosted by Alex Neri

Business Management

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May 2026

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roadmap to RETIREMENT

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June 16, 202621 min

EP 80: Inflation & Retirement

Welcome back to Roadmap to Retirement. This episode we are joined by friend of the show, Nick Savas for a fast-moving conversation drawn from common client questions. We discussed how to choose inflation assumptions in financial plans—typically using long-term historical averages around 3% and stress-testing higher rates—while noting that each person’s “personal inflation rate” can differ from headline CPI and that healthcare costs often rise faster (around 5–6%). We talked about Social Security COLA and how it can lag inflation, reducing retirees’ buying power, especially for those relying mainly on Social Security. We then shifted to pension elections, highlighting the risk of choosing a single-life option that leaves a surviving spouse with no income, and explored potential band-aids like term life insurance to cover the early years of retirement. Finally, we covered a client scenario about moving to Ohio for family and how state residency can affect pension taxation. Come back next week for a new episode!

May 20, 202613 min

EP79: Affording College Debt

Welcome back to the Roadmap to Retirement podcast! During this episode, I explain how parents can decide if college is the right path by making the economics real: estimate a child’s starting salary, subtract savings and taxes, then build a post-graduation budget including student loan payments, rent, and car costs. I use nursing as an example and show how big loans can strain cash flow, influencing school choices like scholarships, state school, or two years of community college. I also urge applying for scholarships, working in college, and understanding loan responsibility. Come back soon for a new episode with a returning guest!

May 6, 202619 min

EP78: Avoiding Credit Card Traps

Welcome back to Roadmap to Retirement, this episode I will be answering recent client questions: What to do if you’re spending more in retirement (first verify if it’s sustainable, then budget, cut expenses, or add part-time income) How to help an elderly mom after a pension ends (consider selling the home or a reverse mortgage) Ways to tackle credit card debt (lower-rate loans, possibly a 401(k) loan and fixing the underlying income/expense or emergency-fund issue) Planning a “retirement” that’s really a second full-time career (adjust investments, taxes, and health insurance) When to involve adult children (beneficiary meeting sooner is better) How much cash to keep (about 3–6 months’ expenses, start small if needed). Come back soon for another episode!

April 22, 202614 min

EP77: Geopolitics & Retirement Plans

On the Roadmap to Retirement Podcast, I talked with Jason Grover from Grover Financial Services about how geopolitical conflicts like the current Iran situation can spark fear and tempt investors to make drastic moves. Our core message was that “this time isn’t different”: if your goals haven’t changed and you still own great companies, the plan shouldn’t change just because of headlines you can’t control. For clients still accumulating, market drops can mean buying more shares while prices are down; for retirees taking income, we discussed setting aside a two-to-five-year “war chest” so lifestyle doesn’t have to change during volatility. We also covered how anxiety often peaks around retirement, why experience through past downturns matters, and how advisors add value through behavioral management, including using systematic, pre-committed strategies when emotions run high. Come back soon for another episode!

April 8, 20267 min

EP 76: What Are “Trump Accounts”?

In this Roadmap to Retirement episode, I break down what “Trump accounts” are and when they may make sense for parents and grandparents. The account lets you contribute up to $5,000 per year and works like a non-deductible, after-tax IRA: your contributions come back tax-free, but any growth is taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn. The big draw is the federal $1,000 seed deposit for children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028, so if you’re eligible, I recommend taking the free money, investing it in a U.S. equity fund/low-cost ETF, and letting it grow. Beyond that, I generally see 529 plans as better for most people due to tax-free education withdrawals and possible state tax deductions, though a Roth conversion strategy could benefit affluent families aiming for long-term wealth. Sign-ups may happen via trumpaccount.gov or through tax filing, starting July 4. Come back soon for a new episode with a returning guest!

March 25, 202613 min

EP 74: Client Q&A

In this solo Roadmap to Retirement mailbag, I answer five listener and client questions: how to retire early by building a liquid, non-retirement investment pool to bridge the years before penalty-free access to retirement accounts (while still enjoying life); whether to buy a whole life policy for a friend, where I stress starting with your financial plan rather than a product; whether to buy silver, where I caution against chasing what’s been hot and suggest only a small, diversified allocation if any; how to handle being overconcentrated in one stock, where I argue that paying capital gains taxes can be worth it to reduce risk and note options like spreading sales across tax years; and whether it’s “stupid” to move and give up a low 2020-era mortgage rate, where I weigh lifestyle needs and mention refinancing if rates fall. Thanks for listening and come back for new episodes and returning guests soon!

March 25, 202626 min

EP75: Four Pillars of Retirement

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I talked with Jon Sheldon, founder of BelleauWood Coaching LLC in Rochester, NY, about the non-financial side of the FIRE movement—especially the purpose gap that can hit when someone retires around 45 and suddenly loses the structure and meaning work provided. Jon explains his coaching framework built on four pillars: Purpose (separating personal purpose from business purpose and spotting misalignment) Vision Motivation Ecosystem (the people, places, and tools—especially technology—that shape your best self). We discussed how redefining success can shift priorities, and how ecosystem changes often mean adding the right relationships, not just cutting toxic ones. Jon closes with his “briefs and battle plans” approach to quicker decision-making: clarity, condition, cost, align, act, and adapt.

February 25, 202624 min

EP 73: From Debt to Dreams

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I sat down again with Jason Grover to talk about how financial planning shouldn’t only revolve around the vague idea of “retirement someday,” especially for younger people who need more motivating, near-term goals. We discussed common “pipe dream” goals like buying a cottage or lake house and even retiring early, and why those goals are often achievable if you’re willing to make the sacrifices and turn them into a date-specific, dollar-specific plan. Jason emphasized that retirement planning still has to come first, particularly for young parents who want to prioritize their kids’ education. The key point: if you neglect your own retirement, you risk becoming financially dependent on your children later. We talked about how some families get into trouble by financially supporting adult children—sometimes without the adult kids realizing the debt or financial strain it creates—and how bringing multiple generations into the planning conversation can improve transparency and behavior. Jason and I explored why “I want to retire” isn’t enough—asking “why” helps uncover what someone actually wants, whether that’s purpose-driven work, more freedom, time with family, travel, or passion projects. When it comes to early retirement and the FIRE movement, Jason framed it as less about the size of your portfolio and more about the lifestyle you choose and how you’ll sustain it over decades, including inflation. We discussed the broader issue of limited financial education and how debt can set people up for long-term challenges. To end the episode, there was the idea that goals are achievable when you’re serious: write them down and stay flexible enough to pivot when reality requires it. Come back soon for another episode.

February 12, 202615 min

EP 72 Should Retirees Spend or Save More?

Welcome back to the Roadmap to Retirement podcast. In this solo episode, I discuss two key topics. First, the challenge some retirees face of having ‘too much money,’ a situation often resulting from decades of diligent saving and conservative spending habits. I explore strategies for making meaningful use of these funds, such as gifting to adult children or supporting charities, and also suggest indulging in personal bucket list experiences. Second, I address the temptation and pitfalls of debt, particularly low-interest debt, urging listeners to be cautious of lifestyle creep and to consider the true cost of financing items like cars. Finally, I propose a crucial question for anyone meeting a financial advisor: ‘How long have you been an advisor, and how long do you plan to continue?’ This helps ensure you find a knowledgeable advisor who can support you long-term. Tune in for practical financial tips and strategies to supercharge your retirement savings. Thanks for listening, come back soon for another new episode!

February 6, 202640 min

EP 71: Accountant or Advisor?

In our latest episode of Roadmap to Retirement, we dive into the interplay between accountants and financial advisors with Jordan Stealey, EA at Redwood Tax and Accounting. We discuss the importance of collaboration in financial planning and tax preparation, especially around tax season. Topics include the misperceptions surrounding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), the nuances of handling RMDs, and strategies for business owners to save effectively for retirement. Jordan also shares insights on recent changes in tax law, including the senior enhanced deduction and new rules around social security and tax deduction on car loans. We touch on the practicalities of budgeting and how financial behavior plays a critical role in retirement planning. The episode is packed with invaluable advice to help you streamline your financial future by leveraging the unique strengths of both your accountant and financial advisor. Come back next week for another episode!