Hiring a financial advisor isn’t about credentials alone, it’s about timing. And for many people, getting that timing wrong can cost years of freedom.

Ari explores when it doesn’t make sense to hire a financial advisor, when it absolutely does, and why the decision often has less to do with intelligence or interest in finances and more to do with stress, life stage, and opportunity cost. Drawing from personal experience, real client conversations, and a story from his own life, Ari explains why pushing back, asking questions, and trusting your instincts matter just as much as spreadsheets and projections.

The discussion reframes financial advice away from credentials and rules of thumb and toward partnership, value, and peace of mind. Some people genuinely enjoy managing their own finances and are well-equipped to do so — until complexity, time constraints, or major transitions enter the picture. Others reach a point where the cost of doing everything themselves quietly becomes higher than the cost of professional help.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, Ari breaks down the signals that matter most: losing sleep, worrying about missed opportunities, navigating retirement timing, tax strategy, healthcare decisions, or coordinating finances with a spouse. The goal isn’t to convince anyone to hire an advisor — it’s to help people make the decision intentionally, with clarity and confidence.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered whether they’re doing just fine on their own, or whether having the right partner could help them work less, worry less, and live more.

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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.

Most people think the safest path to retirement is to keep saving more, no matter how close they are to the finish line. But what if there comes a point where saving actually matters less, and investing well, living well, and spending with intention matter more?

In this end-of-year episode, Ari shares why many near-retirees may need to rethink their instinct to “just keep saving.” He breaks down the surprising point where portfolio growth outweighs new contributions, why being “qualified-rich and cash-poor” can limit your freedom, and how over-saving can quietly eat into the healthiest, most meaningful years of your life. Through honest stories, real math, and a clear look at how 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts support early retirement, this episode challenges the belief that more saving is always better.

If you’re wondering when to stop maxing every account, when to shift dollars into a taxable “superhero” account, or how to balance retirement planning with actually enjoying your life right now, this conversation offers a different way forward — one rooted in confidence, not guilt.

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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.

Choosing when to collect Social Security is one of the most stressful retirement decisions people face, and it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, Ari breaks down how most people actually decide when to claim Social Security, why there is no single “best” age, and how to think about the decision without fear or guesswork. Using real data and real-world scenarios, the focus stays on understanding trade-offs rather than chasing a perfect answer.

Listen as Ari explains why some people claim as early as 62, why others wait until full retirement age or later, and how factors like income needs, longevity, and spousal considerations influence the decision. It also highlights why calculators alone often miss what matters most, and why peace of mind plays a bigger role than people expect.

This is for anyone approaching retirement who wants a clearer, calmer way to think about Social Security and make a confident decision that fits their life.

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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.

Most advisors start with one question: “What’s your risk tolerance?”
In retirement, that question might steer you in the wrong direction.

In today’s episode, Ari breaks down why traditional risk questionnaires fail, and the better framework that actually protects your lifestyle, your confidence, and the income you need to live well in retirement.

You’ll hear the story of a couple who rated their risk tolerance completely differently… and then changed their answers the moment markets dropped. That moment revealed the real problem: risk tolerance isn’t stable, and it doesn’t tell you what you truly need to know.

Instead, Ari walks through a practical, back-of-the-napkin method for building a portfolio that fits your actual life, not a textbook. From identifying how much income you really need… to understanding how many years of “war chest” money can help you ride out downturns… to adjusting your allocation as your lifestyle shifts from go-go years to slower seasons.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your portfolio is too risky, too conservative, or simply too cookie-cutter, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been missing.

In this episode:

• Why risk tolerance changes with the market — and why that’s a problem.
• The question to ask instead of “What’s your risk tolerance?”
• How to determine the right mix of equities, bonds, and cash for your lifestyle.
• Why retirement is a different game — and why singles, doubles, and consistency beat home runs.
• A simple framework to help you optimize without overthinking.

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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.

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement choices you’ll make, but most people approach it the wrong way. They pick an age early, cling to it for years, and assume the “best” decision never changes. In reality, the right claiming strategy shifts as your life shifts: your spouse’s benefit, your health, your spending, your tax plan, and even how much joy you’re getting out of retirement all matter far more than a hard rule.

In this episode, Ari explains why Social Security should never be treated as a one-time, set-it-and-forget-it decision. Through real client stories, a behind-the-scenes look at how Roth conversions, RMDs, and retirement income interact, and a simple framework that fits any household, this conversation reframes the entire question. Sometimes delaying boosts long-term security. Sometimes taking it early frees up your cash flow for meaningful years. And in many cases, the “optimal” age changes as your plan changes.

If you’ve been wondering when to claim Social Security, how it fits into Roth IRA conversions, what it means for your surviving spouse, or how to build a flexible retirement income plan, this episode gives you clarity without the jargon and confidence without the fear.

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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.

Stop letting your birthday decide your bond mix.

That “age in bonds” rule feels safe, but it can quietly rob you of growth, freedom, and spending power.

In this episode, Ari challenges the traditional 60/40 rule and shows how to build a smarter allocation based on your actual life, not your birth year. Using a real client story—a couple with $2 million in a 401(k), $85K in rental income, and $50K in part-time work—we explore how to balance risk, income, and long-term security without falling into the target-date trap.

You’ll hear:

• Why age-based rules and target-date funds often miss the mark
• How to define risk as losing purchasing power, not watching prices move
• When higher equity can safely support early retirement dreams
• How to use part-time work, rental income, and Social Security to reduce bond dependence
• Turning volatility into an advantage with Roth conversions and tax-smart rebalancing
• The “five-year war chest” method for withdrawals without panic selling

It’s not about chasing returns, it’s about funding freedom. Learn how to design your portfolio around the life you want, not the rule someone made decades ago.

If this conversation helped you rethink your allocation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review.

Ready to build a plan that aligns your investments, taxes, and cash flow? Visit https://www.rootfinancial.com/start-here/ to start your custom plan today.

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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.

Everyone wants better returns. Almost no one talks about where those returns should live.
You can own all the right investments and still lose thousands a year if they sit in the wrong place.

Asset location is one of those quiet advantages that doesn’t make headlines but changes everything behind the scenes. It’s how you line up your accounts so they work together instead of against each other. The difference isn’t theoretical. It’s real tax savings, smoother withdrawals, and more flexibility when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Ari Taublieb, CFP®, shares how investors nearing retirement can rearrange what they already own to keep more of what they’ve earned. It’s not about being clever. It’s about being coordinated — so your Roth, IRA, and brokerage accounts each play their role in funding your next chapter.

This is the part of retirement planning most people never see, and that’s why it matters. The right structure doesn’t just build wealth. It buys time, peace, and choice.

Listen now to see how small moves today can open more space to live tomorrow.

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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.

Some retirees have more money than they ever imagined… and still feel guilty buying the $5 M&Ms.

This episode is for the lifelong savers who nailed the retirement planning side—maxed out accounts, invested consistently, hit their “number”—but feel stuck when it’s time to actually spend. James and Ari share real client stories of multimillionaires who still walk past convenience to save a few dollars, not because they need to… but because the “always save” habit is so deeply wired in.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why it’s so hard to shift from accumulator to spender
• How a scarcity mindset can follow you into a very comfortable retirement
• The “M&M moment” that exposed just how powerful old money habits can be
• Simple ways to practice guilt-free, intentional spending that aligns with your values

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it really okay to spend this in retirement?” this conversation will help you see your money as a tool for memories, not just a balance sheet number.

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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.