The Retirement Trainer

Hosted by EGSI Financial

Business Investing Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Retirement Trainer with Ed Siddell: A podcast about helping you find ways to become financially fit for your future, no matter what kind of shape you’re in now.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 10, 202625 min

119: Creating Your Retirement Paycheck: Cash Flow, Taxes, and Social Security Planning

Life is about cash flow. While you're working, you know where your paycheck is coming from every month. But retirement creates an entirely different set of questions. How much are you actually spending? When should you claim Social Security? And how will taxes, healthcare costs, and other expenses affect the income you need? In today's episode, Ed and LeAnne explain why building a reliable retirement paycheck starts with understanding your budget and the outcome you want. They discuss withdrawal order, Social Security claiming decisions, required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, IRMAA, and why everyone's math is different when determining the right income strategy. You’ll learn why creating a retirement income plan shouldn’t be done with a “set it and forget it” mindset. They discuss year-end tax planning, coordinating with your CPA and financial advisor, verifying your Social Security benefits, and reviewing your income needs each year as spending, taxes, and life circumstances change. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: Why knowing what you actually spend is essential to building an accurate retirement income plan. How Social Security, taxes, pensions, and retirement accounts can affect one another. Why the right Social Security claiming strategy depends on your individual circumstances and overall financial picture. How withdrawal order and Roth conversions can change your retirement income and future tax liability. Why your retirement paycheck and income strategy should be reviewed and adjusted every year. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

September 1, 202639 min

118: How To Protect Yourself From Scams and Identity Theft

Scammers are becoming far more sophisticated, and the unfortunate reality is that seniors and retirees are often among their biggest targets. From impersonating family members to creating fake emergencies, these criminals know how to use fear, urgency, and emotion to convince otherwise careful people to hand over their money or personal information. In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle Murphy, a complaint specialist with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Danielle has more than 21 years of experience and has spent over 13 years educating consumers, handling complaints, and helping Ohioans better understand how to protect themselves from fraud. In this conversation, Danielle breaks down some of the scams targeting seniors today, including romance scams, computer repair scams, identity theft, and imposters pretending to represent trusted organizations. She explains why you shouldn’t automatically trust caller ID, how scammers are using social media and AI to make their stories more believable, and the common warning signs that should immediately raise a red flag. Danielle also shares a few simple steps that you and your family can take to protect yourselves, from establishing a family code word and freezing your credit to monitoring financial statements, protecting your mail, and knowing what to do if you suspect you’ve already been scammed. When the tactics keep changing, education and awareness can be some of your best defenses. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: Why seniors are frequently targeted by scammers and often suffer larger financial losses. How gift cards, cryptocurrency, and urgency can signal that you’re dealing with a scam. Why spoofed caller IDs and AI-generated voices make grandparent scams increasingly convincing. How staying connected with family members can help prevent romance and relationship-based scams. What to watch for with computer repair scams, fraudulent websites, and suspicious online links. How freezing your credit and reviewing your credit reports can help protect your identity. Practical steps to protect your financial accounts, mail, checks, and home information from fraud. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

August 11, 202625 min

117: Estate Planning Details That You Can't Afford to Overlook

An estate plan can provide peace of mind by making your wishes clear and helping the people you leave behind understand exactly what you want to have happen. But simply signing a will or trust and putting it in a binder doesn't necessarily mean the job is finished. Beneficiaries change, accounts are opened and closed, family circumstances evolve, and documents that aren't properly implemented can still leave loved ones dealing with unnecessary confusion, disputes, and legal expenses. In today's episode, Ed and LeAnne explain the basics of estate planning, including the differences between a will and a trust and why properly funding a trust is such an important part of the process. They discuss beneficiary designations, PODs and TODs, and some of the smaller accounts and assets that can easily fall through the cracks. Ed and LeAnne share real-life examples of what can happen when estate planning isn't completed or updated properly, along with practical steps such as maintaining password sheets, medication lists, and survivor checklists. They also discuss the importance of powers of attorney for both healthcare and finances, why these conversations should begin long before they're needed, and how clear instructions can make difficult situations easier for your family. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: Why having estate planning documents doesn't necessarily mean your estate plan is complete. How wills and trusts work differently and why properly funding a trust is so important. Why beneficiary designations, PODs, and TODs should be reviewed on a regular basis. How powers of attorney can help family members make financial and healthcare decisions when needed. Why estate planning should become part of your annual financial review instead of a one-time event. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

July 29, 202622 min

116: Cash Is King, But How Much Is Too Much?

Cash can certainly provide stability, flexibility, and peace of mind during retirement. It can also help cover emergencies, upcoming expenses, and periods of market volatility without forcing you to sell investments at a loss. But when too much money remains in savings accounts, CDs, or money markets, inflation can slowly erode its purchasing power and make “safe” money more costly than it appears. In today’s episode, Ed and LeAnne explain how retirees can determine the appropriate amount of cash to keep available, why interest rates alone do not tell the entire story, and how Ed’s safety, income, and growth philosophy can help give every dollar a specific purpose. They also discuss the importance of comparing account rates, understanding fees, and preparing in advance for major expenses. We’ll also examine several ways parents and grandparents can create a living legacy, including Trump Accounts, 529 plans, UGMAs, UTMAs, and custodial Roth IRAs. They explain some of the benefits and limitations of each option, why inherited retirement accounts can create unexpected tax consequences, and how thoughtful gifting can help younger generations develop stronger financial habits. Ultimately, every strategy begins with understanding what the money is for and building a plan around the outcome you want. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: How to keep enough cash for emergencies and major expenses without leaving too much money on the sidelines. Why inflation can reduce your buying power even when your cash is earning interest. How Ed’s safety, income, and growth philosophy gives different portions of your money a specific purpose. What families need to be aware of with Trump Accounts, 529 plans, custodial accounts, and Roth IRAs. Why living legacy and gifting decisions should begin with a clear financial plan. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

July 13, 202623 min

115: Lessons From the First Half of 2026 Every Investor Needs To Know

The first half of 2026 reminded investors just how quickly markets can swing from fear to optimism. Between geopolitical conflicts, inflation concerns, market volatility, and nonstop financial headlines, it's easy to let short-term emotions influence long-term decisions. Yet history shows that disciplined investors who stay focused on their plan are often rewarded over time. In this episode, Ed and LeAnne reflect on the biggest financial lessons from the first six months of 2026, including why the market rebounded despite widespread uncertainty, how lower oil prices will influence inflation and interest rates, and what stronger corporate earnings and broadening market participation may signal for the months ahead. Ed reinforces the point that successful retirement planning isn't about predicting headlines or perfectly timing the market. Instead, he explains how a rules-based investment strategy built around safety, income, and growth can help retirees stay confident through market volatility, protect their lifestyle during downturns, and remain focused on achieving their long-term financial goals. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: How the first half of 2026 rewarded investors who stayed focused on long-term investing. Why market volatility often creates opportunities for disciplined investors instead of reasons to panic. How Ed's safety, income, and growth philosophy helps reduce fear during market downturns. What falling oil prices, bond yields, and interest rates could mean for retirees in the months ahead. Why having a written retirement plan is more valuable than trying to predict market headlines. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

July 1, 202627 min

114: How Oil Prices, Inflation, and the SpaceX IPO Could Impact Your Retirement

As headlines continue to focus on conflict in the Middle East, grocery costs, and market volatility, many retirees are left wondering what it means for their financial future. From higher insurance premiums and gas prices to concerns about inflation and interest rates, it's becoming increasingly difficult to separate meaningful information from short-term noise. In this episode, Ed and LeAnne discuss the economic ripple effects of the Iran conflict, the relationship between oil prices and inflation, and why the bond market may be a better indicator of future interest rates than the Federal Reserve. Ed also explains why there’s so much excitement surrounding SpaceX's IPO and the risks investors should understand before jumping into newly public companies. He reinforces the importance of rules-based investing, understanding your personal risk tolerance, and maintaining a retirement strategy built around safety, income, and growth rather than emotion and headlines. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: How oil prices influence inflation, interest rates, and the overall economy. The new affordability challenges Americans are facing from rising insurance costs. How the bond market often signals future interest rate trends before the Federal Reserve. What investors should understand about IPOs and why patience can be critical after a company goes public. How Ed's safety, income, and growth philosophy helps retirees navigate market volatility. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

January 20, 202630 min

113: Cutting Through the Noise To Make Better Investment Decisions in 2026

It’s that time of year when everyone talks about getting “in shape”—but with nonstop fear-mongering headlines, economic uncertainty, and market volatility, the more important question is: how much risk are you willing to take when the outlook feels tenuous and unstable? In this episode, Ed and LeAnne cut through the noise and explain why your long-term plan matters more than ever. Ed unpacks what’s driving the current environment—from tariffs and geopolitical tension to interest rates, inflation, and the national debt—and explains why the market often moves ahead of what the Federal Reserve says it will do. By the end, Ed brings the conversation home by reminding everyone to focus on what you can control: building a diversified portfolio that matches your risk, defining the true purpose of your money, and creating a plan that helps you stay confident through volatility. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: How “doom scrolling” can distort your view of the economy and your retirement decisions. How inflation, GDP growth, and interest rates interact and why rates don’t always fall when the Fed cuts. What servicing the national debt means for long-term fiscal pressure and market expectations. Why Ed believes a well-balanced portfolio is more important than ever right now. How to define your “purpose” for money and use it to determine the right level of risk for your plan. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

October 27, 202550 min

112: Economist Peter Schiff Weighs on the Future of the U.S. Dollar, Hyperinflation and the Return to Gold Assets

For decades, America’s economic strength has been built on confidence in the U.S. dollar and the ability to borrow endlessly, but what happens when that confidence begins to fade? In this episode, I’m joined by economist and author Peter Schiff, founder of Euro Pacific Capital. He unpacks the warning signs in an economy propped up by national debt, stimulus, and deficit spending. Peter has long criticized the Federal Reserve, forecasting the consequences of unsustainable fiscal policies. At Euro Pacific Asset Management and SchiffGold , he guides investors by protecting wealth through real assets and global diversification. In our conversation, Peter warns that the same policies fueling today’s markets are eerily similar to those of the 1970s, and how uncontrolled inflation and stimulus could lead Americans to big lifestyle changes in the future. He explains why the U.S. dollar’s dominance is dwindling, how America has been exporting inflation to the rest of the world, and what it means as nations pivot back toward gold. Peter also lays out his predictions for the next 5-10 years, from the potential for hyperinflation to the real opportunities for those who own tangible assets and diversified foreign holdings. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: Why the strength of the U.S. dollar is a mirage and what’s causing it to weaken. How debt, deficits, and rate cuts could trigger a global shift back to gold. Why Peter believes Americans will face a lower standard of living in the coming years. The challenges the Fed faces with inflation, and the risk of defaulting on the debt by raising interest rates. How rising gold prices are an indicator that cutting interest rates is a mistake. Peter’s predictions on the prices of precious metals and Bitcoin in the near future. Practical steps to protect your retirement and purchasing power as inflation rises. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

September 22, 202544 min

111: An Insider’s Look at the Future of the Fed Reserve and Rate Cuts with Danielle DiMartino Booth

For most Americans, the Federal Reserve feels like a distant, complicated institution—but the decisions made behind those closed doors have a direct impact on our everyday lives. From rising mortgage rates to job market shifts and retirement income security, the Fed’s influence is everywhere. Yet few people fully understand its purpose, history, and the real stakes in the policy debates shaping today’s economy. That’s why I’m excited to welcome Danielle DiMartino Booth back to the podcast. As a former advisor to the President of the Dallas Federal Reserve during the Great Financial Crisis, and bestselling author of Fed Up: An Insider’s Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America, Danielle is now a leading voice on central banking and monetary policy. In our conversation, we outline the origins of the Federal Reserve, its evolving role, and why its independence is now at the center of one of the most consequential debates in modern history. Danielle explains the significance of upcoming Fed decisions, the controversies surrounding key policymakers, and how revisions to job market data reveal a very different economic picture than many Americans have been led to believe. And you won’t want to miss Danielle’s candid forecasts about where interest rates may go, what the Fed’s choices mean for retirees and investors, and her take on factors that could shape the U.S. economy for years ahead. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: The true origins and purpose of the Federal Reserve—and why it was created in 1913. Why the Fed’s independence from politics is under historic pressure. How job market data revisions reveal the U.S. may already be in recession. What the “dot plot” is, why it matters, and how it shapes investor expectations. Why upcoming rate cuts could impact retirees, small businesses, and markets in unexpected ways. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com

September 8, 202542 min

110: How to Overcome Behavioral Biases to Find Meaning & Purpose in Retirement with Dr. Daniel Crosby

In today’s financial landscape, the biggest challenges facing investors aren’t always market volatility or economic uncertainty—they’re the hidden behavioral biases that derail good intentions and sound advice. From overconfidence to fear-driven decisions, many retirees and pre-retirees find that their emotions and habits are their greatest obstacles to long-term financial security. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Daniel Crosby to the show. As a psychologist turned behavioral finance expert, Daniel’s career has focused on translating academic research into practical advice for everyday investors. He is a bestselling author, a renowned speaker, and one of the leading voices in behavioral finance. Through his work, Daniel helps people understand the psychology behind their money decisions—and how aligning finances with purpose can lead to better outcomes and a more meaningful life. In this conversation, we explored the four biggest mistakes people make with money, why simple rules often outperform complexity, and how tying financial decisions to personal purpose can transform both wealth and well-being. You won’t want to miss Daniel’s simple, yet powerful framework for creating a meaningful life and how it applies to retirement planning, investing, and living with intention. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: The four behavioral finance pitfalls that sabotage investors. Why simple, rules-based systems consistently outperform even the most complex strategies. Daniel’s “River Jordan analogy” to explain why people resist simple but powerful financial advice. Why tying your money to a greater purpose leads to better decisions and stronger outcomes. The “Three Bs” for creating a meaningful life and how they shape financial planning and retirement. How Fit Is Your Retirement Plan? We can help you manage your finances so you can pursue your goals. To learn more, visit EGSIFinancial.com