Feeling anxious about taking money from your retirement accounts? You’re not alone. That first withdrawal feels odd after decades of saving, but a clear process and tax plan turns uncertainty into confidence.

In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, breaks down how withdrawals actually move from investment accounts to your checking—and what the tax bite may look like.

Using a simple $100,000-per-year example for a married couple filing jointly, you’ll see illustrative ballpark math: in a no-income-tax state (e.g., Florida) the effective rate can land around ~8% (~$8,044), while a high-tax state (e.g., California) might be ~9.7% (~$9,683). That ~$2,000 gap often isn’t big enough to justify uprooting your life.

You’ll also learn a smarter way to “hold cash” for spending: keep withdrawal dollars intelligently invested while you spend. A $100,000 portfolio earning a modest 5% generates ~$5,000, which is roughly equivalent to one month of expenses at that rate, before fees, taxes, and market volatility. It’s not a guarantee, just math.

We’ll cover practical setups, like creating a dedicated travel fund while keeping core assets growing, and choosing a payout cadence (monthly, quarterly, or biweekly) that fits your comfort level. Whether you retire at 50, 60, or 70, the principles stay the same.

Ready to retire with more confidence?

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Are you overthinking your Roth conversion strategy? While Roth conversions can be powerful, not every retiree needs them. In this video, you’ll learn when a Roth conversion truly makes sense—and when it may just add unnecessary complexity.

Using the “cauliflower analogy,” we break down how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can push retirees into higher tax brackets, and why paying taxes now can sometimes help avoid bigger bills later. But there’s an even more important question: could you be better off retiring earlier or spending more instead of over-optimizing your tax plan?

We’ll also highlight the sweet spot for conversions (between retirement and when Social Security and RMDs begin) when tax savings can be most effective. Ultimately, a great financial plan isn’t defined by your Roth conversion strategy, but by building a life well lived.

Whether you're considering your first conversion or refining your existing approach, this episode provides the foundation for making decisions aligned with what truly matters in your financial journey.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

We’ve all heard the clichés: focus on what you can control, embrace the pain not the suffering, fight for what you want. Easy to dismiss, right? But the truth is, those sayings stick around for a reason. They hold the kind of wisdom that can change how you approach life, work, and even setbacks.

What often gets missed is that clichés aren’t about perfection, they’re about perspective. They remind you that regret comes from the chances you didn’t take, that discipline lasts longer than motivation, and that consistency matters more than bursts of effort. It’s not about chasing outcomes—it’s about showing up, day after day, for the things that matter most.

One question that flips the script: How do I minimize future regrets? Suddenly, clichés like “control what you can” or “give it your all” stop sounding tired and start feeling urgent. They’re not just empty lines, they’re the compass for your decisions.

When you finally pay attention to the advice you’ve heard a thousand times, life feels lighter, setbacks feel smaller, and your goals feel closer. It’s not about ignoring the noise, it’s about finally hearing the truth inside it.

Which cliché have you been ignoring that’s ready to guide you?

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.