Wisdom to Wealth

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Divorced? Widowed? Navigating retirement on your own? You’re not alone— and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Wisdom to Wealth is your trusted guide to turning uncertainty into confidence and complexity into clarity. We break down the financial strategies every independent woman needs to protect her wealth, create lasting income, and build a retirement plan that lets you live life on your terms—without fear, confusion, or regret. Because retirement isn’t just about money; it’s about freedom, security, and peace of mind. Let’s create your confident retirement together!

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October 19, 2026Episode 13813 min

2027 Social Security COLA: Why Your 3.6% Increase May Feel Smaller

The 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is officially 3.6%. But will your spendable retirement income increase by the same percentage? In this episode of the Wisdom to Wealth Podcast, Dr. Drew Stevens translates the new COLA into actual dollars and explains the difference between your gross Social Security increase and the amount that may ultimately reach your bank account. Discover how Medicare deductions, tax withholding, the taxation of Social Security, and your household’s actual expenses can affect the value of the increase. You will also learn the three numbers every retiree should examine before changing a 2027 spending plan: the gross benefit, the net deposit, and the household’s true increase in essential expenses. The Social Security Administration estimates that the average retired-worker benefit will increase by approximately $75 per month—from $2,095 to $2,170. Individual benefits and deductions will vary. Listen now to understand what the 3.6% COLA could mean for your retirement-income plan—and why planning from your household numbers is more useful than planning from a headline. To learn more about coordinating Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and retirement income, contact Wisdom to Wealth for a Retirement Clarity Conversation. Subscribe to the Wisdom to Wealth Podcast and share this episode with someone who receives Social Security. Educational information only. This episode does not provide individualized financial, investment, tax, legal, Social Security, or Medicare advice. #SocialSecurity #COLA2027 #RetirementIncome #RetirementPlanning #Medicare #RetirementTaxes #WisdomToWealth #DrDrewStevens

September 14, 2026Episode 13715 min

The Call That Could Wipe Out Your Retirement

Could one telephone call undo a lifetime of careful saving? Financial scammers use more than technology. They manipulate decision-making through fear, urgency, authority, and isolation. Their messages may appear to come from your bank, a government agency, or even a member of your family—and artificial intelligence is making those impersonations increasingly convincing. In this episode of Wisdom to Wealth, Dr. Drew Stevens explains why intelligent and financially experienced people can become victims, the warning signs that indicate someone may be manipulating you, and the 24-Hour Retirement Security Rule that can help interrupt a scam before money is transferred. You will also learn why every retirement strategy should include a fraud plan, how to verify an alleged financial emergency independently, and seven powerful words that can protect your future: “I’m not making this decision right now.” Listen, follow Wisdom to Wealth, and share this episode with someone whose retirement security matters to you. One shared conversation could help protect a lifetime of work.

September 11, 2026Episode 13613 min

What Important Decision Are You Leaving Until Tomorrow?

Twenty-five years ago, nearly 3,000 people began what appeared to be an ordinary Tuesday. They went to work, boarded airplanes, kissed loved ones goodbye, and made plans for tomorrow. In a matter of moments, the ordinary disappeared. In this deeply personal episode of the Wisdom to Wealth Podcast, Dr. Drew Stevens remembers the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the families forever changed, and the extraordinary courage of first responders and ordinary citizens. Dr. Stevens also shares his personal connection to the World Trade Center and explores one of life’s most difficult truths: Life is precious, life is uncertain, and tomorrow is never promised. That truth raises an important question: What decision have you continued to postpone? For many people approaching or living in retirement, it may be reviewing their Social Security strategy, creating reliable retirement income, preparing for taxes and Medicare expenses, protecting a spouse, or finally questioning whether their current financial plan—and financial advisor—still meet their needs. This episode examines the critical difference between thoughtful planning and indefinite procrastination. Deliberate planning has a purpose, a process, and a deadline. Procrastination is still a decision, and its financial consequences can last for years. Honor the lesson of this day by identifying one important decision you have been postponing—and taking one meaningful step forward. For retirement education and help evaluating your financial direction, visit https://wisdomtowealth.com . Subscribe to the Wisdom to Wealth Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs to hear its message.

August 25, 2026Episode 13518 min

Retirement Scams: 7 Threats That Can Put Your Retirement at Risk

What if one of the biggest threats to your retirement isn't the stock market—but the person trying to convince you that they're protecting your money? Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They impersonate banks and government agencies, manufacture family emergencies, promote fraudulent investments, steal identities, and increasingly use technology to make their stories frighteningly convincing. In this episode, Dr. Drew Stevens, Retirement Decision Specialist and founder of Wisdom to Wealth, examines seven scams retirees and their families should recognize—and the warning signs that should make you stop before taking action. Drew also introduces his 24-Hour Retirement Rule, built around four simple words: Stop. Verify. Discuss. Then act. Because retirement security isn't simply about accumulating money. It's about protecting what you've spent a lifetime building. Ready to Look at Your Retirement Differently? If you're approaching retirement, already retired, or wondering whether your retirement income, Social Security, taxes, Medicare, investments and estate-planning decisions are truly working together, visit WisdomToWealth.com and schedule a conversation with Drew. And if you found this episode valuable, please follow the podcast, rate and review the show, and forward this episode to someone who might need to hear it. Sharing it takes seconds. What they learn could protect something that took decades to build. Protect your identity. Protect your family. Protect your retirement.

August 17, 2026Episode 13423 min

The Five Decisions That Collide at Retirement: Jack & Diane Thought They Were Ready. Were They?

You’ve spent decades saving for retirement—but what happens when the paycheck stops and you actually have to start living on the money? In this episode of Retire Wise, Dr. Drew Stevens, founder of Wisdom to Wealth and a Retirement Decision Specialist, introduces Jack and Diane, a hypothetical couple who have done seemingly everything right. They’ve saved, invested, accumulated retirement assets, and prepared to leave the workforce. But then five major retirement decisions suddenly collide. Where will their retirement paycheck come from? Which accounts should they draw from first? When should they claim Social Security? How could taxes and Medicare affect those decisions? And what happens financially when one spouse is eventually left alone? Drew explores why retirement is fundamentally different from the accumulation years and explains his approach to retirement decision planning: Complete the Discovery. Analyze the Decisions. Build Your Blueprint. Decide Together. You’ll also learn why Drew organizes retirement planning around three important time horizons—NOW, SOON, and LATER—and why every retirement dollar should have a specific job. The central idea is simple: Clarity first. Decisions second. Solutions third. Because retirement isn't simply about how much money you've accumulated. It's about making informed, coordinated decisions with the money you've worked a lifetime to build. If you're approaching retirement—or already retired—this episode will give you five important questions to start asking about your own financial future. In this episode: Creating a retirement paycheck after employment ends Deciding which retirement accounts to use first Coordinating Social Security with the broader retirement plan Understanding the retirement tax window Considering Medicare and IRMAA when making income decisions Planning for the surviving spouse Organizing assets around liquidity, income, and legacy Why retirement decisions should come before financial products Visit Wisdom to Wealth to learn more about Drew's retirement decision process and educational resources. If this episode helped you think differently about retirement, follow Retire Wise, rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with someone approaching retirement. This podcast is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered individualized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. #RetirementPlanning #RetirementDecisions #SocialSecurity #RetirementIncome #RetirementTaxes #Medicare #IRMAA #RetireWise

August 10, 2026Episode 13316 min

Social Security Spousal Benefits: The 50% Myth That Could Distort Your Retirement Decision

Can your spouse receive their own Social Security benefit and then simply add another 50% of yours? It's one of the most common Social Security misconceptions—and misunderstanding the rule could lead couples to build a retirement income plan around benefits they may never receive. In this episode, Drew Stevens, founder of Wisdom to Wealth and a Retirement Decision Specialist, explains how Social Security spousal benefits actually work and why the real decision extends far beyond the 50% rule. Drew discusses the difference between a spousal benefit and spousal supplement, why the calculation is generally based on the higher earner's full-retirement-age benefit, and why spousal and survivor benefits should never be confused. You'll also learn why delaying Social Security for the higher-earning spouse can become a survivor-protection decision and why relying solely on a traditional “break-even age” can overlook important considerations involving taxes, Medicare and IRMAA, Roth conversions, portfolio withdrawals, longevity, and future survivor income. The central message is simple: Social Security should not be optimized in isolation. For married couples, the better question isn't simply, “How much can I receive?” It's: “What decision creates the strongest outcome for both of us throughout retirement?” Because a wiser retirement rarely begins with a product. It begins with a better decision. Drew Stevens | Wisdom to Wealth | Retirement Decision Specialist This podcast is provided for educational purposes and should not be considered individualized tax, legal, investment, or Social Security advice.

August 5, 2026Episode 13230 min

When Should You Claim Social Security?

Claiming Social Security is one of the biggest retirement decisions you'll ever make—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. Many people focus only on maximizing their monthly benefit, yet the timing of your claim can affect taxes, Medicare premiums, Roth conversions, investment withdrawals, survivor income, and your overall retirement strategy. In this episode, Drew Stevens, Founder of Wisdom to Wealth and Retirement Decision Specialist, explains why Social Security should never be considered in isolation. You'll discover: • The advantages and trade-offs of claiming at 62, Full Retirement Age, or 70 • How Social Security interacts with your tax return • Why Roth conversions and Medicare IRMAA matter • How survivor benefits can influence claiming decisions • The importance of coordinating retirement income rather than making isolated financial choices If you're approaching retirement or helping someone who is, this episode offers practical insights that can help you make more informed retirement decisions. Every retirement decision affects another. Before making permanent choices about Social Security, taxes, Medicare, Roth conversions, or retirement income, make sure you understand how those decisions work together. If you're within five years of retirement—or already retired—and would like a personalized Retirement Decision Review, I'd be honored to help. Visit www.wisdomtowealth.com to schedule a complimentary consultation and begin making retirement decisions with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose.

July 24, 2026Episode 13110 min

The Most Expensive Retirement Decision Is Doing Nothing

Many retirees worry about making the wrong investment decision. Surprisingly, the biggest financial mistake may be something much simpler—doing nothing. In this episode, Drew explains how delaying important retirement decisions can trigger a domino effect involving Social Security, taxes, Medicare premiums, retirement income, and long-term financial confidence. You'll discover why waiting is still a decision, how small choices can create lasting consequences, and what proactive retirement planning looks like. Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you think differently about protecting your financial future.

July 10, 2026Episode 1308 min

Retirement Isn't a DIY Project: The Roth Conversion Mistake You Don't See Coming

We've all done it. Need to fix something around the house? Watch a YouTube video. Need to grill the perfect steak? There's a video. Need to build a backyard deck? Thousands of videos. But retirement planning isn't a weekend project. In this episode, Drew Stevens, Retirement Decision Strategist, explores one of the biggest mistakes pre-retirees make—believing that a Roth conversion is simply a tax decision. In reality, every retirement decision has a ripple effect. Roth conversions can influence Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA premiums, Required Minimum Distributions, cash flow, survivor income, and your long-term retirement strategy. The internet is an incredible source of information, but information without context can become expensive. If you're approaching retirement or already retired, this conversation will challenge the way you think about financial decisions and explain why comprehensive retirement planning is about much more than individual tactics. You'll walk away understanding why retirement success isn't built on isolated decisions—it's built on an integrated strategy. If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or family member preparing for retirement. To learn more or schedule your complimentary Retirement Decision Strategy Session, connect with Drew Stevens and discover what it means to Retire Wise. Retire Ready.

June 30, 2026Episode 1297 min

Half the Year Is Gone: Are You Building Wealth…or Building a Life?

The calendar doesn't lie. Half the year is already behind us. In this episode, Drew Stevens asks a question that has very little to do with your investment portfolio—and everything to do with your future. Drawing from more than four decades of experience helping families prepare for retirement, Drew explores why so many people carefully plan for financial retirement while neglecting to plan for the life they'll actually be living. Discover how behavioral finance, purpose, gratitude, relationships, and intentional living all compound over time—just like investments. If you've ever wondered whether you're simply accumulating wealth or creating a life worth remembering, this episode is for you. 📘 Take the next step: Order Drew Stevens' book, Retirement Wise, on Amazon and begin building a retirement strategy that prepares you financially and personally for the years ahead. And if you're looking for retirement education in a comfortable, no-pressure environment, be sure to watch for one of Drew's upcoming educational dinner events in your area.