💬 Show Notes

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of navigating Medicare in 2025 with Medicare expert Danielle Roberts from Boomer Benefits. Discover the recent changes in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans that could impact your healthcare decisions. We also share inspiring stories of individuals embracing life in retirement and discuss the importance of reviewing your Medicare options annually. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to ensure you make the best choices for your health coverage!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today on the show, we are going to explore how to navigate Medicare in 2025

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (01:30) Roger shares a story from a listener who was “jolted” into action.
• (03:00) Jamie says she plays mahjong with a group of retired ladies and started a book club.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• (04:55) Roger introduces Danielle with Boomer Benefits to chat about Medicare
• (05:25) What is the state of Medicare right now?
• (10:25) How important is it to pay attention to the annual notice of change?
• (12:15) What are the key things to pay attention to when they get these notices?
• (17:41) Medicare Advantage is heavily marketed and people have strong opinions about Medicare Advantage versus original Medicare.
• (25:05) Roger talks about the company- Boomer Benefits.
• (26:40) What is the service level of Boomer Benefits? What kind of support do you get after you enroll?

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (31:26) Visit Askroger.me to submit questions.
• (31:46) Terri asks for reputable sources for buying health insurance after retirement.
• (35:40) Beth asks a question about the Affordable Care Act and putting contributions into an HSA account without an employer deduction.

SMART SPRINT

• (38:36) In the next seven days, put a date on your calendar for October to review your healthcare coverage

BONUS

• (39:30) Roger shares about what he has been doing in Colorado for the last three weeks.

REFERENCES

• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man
• Boomer Benefits
• Medicare.gov
• Inflation Reduction Act
• Healthcare.gov

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💬 SHOW NOTES

In this episode, we explore the implications of the saying 'nothing is for free' in the context of retirement planning. Join Roger Whitney, a seasoned retirement planner, as he shares a heartfelt story from a listener, David, who exemplifies the spirit of 'rocking retirement.' Additionally, Roger tackles the critical question of whether to accept a free retirement analysis from brokers, discussing the potential costs and consequences involved. Tune in for insightful advice on navigating your retirement journey with confidence!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Roger Whitney: This podcast is dedicated to helping you rock your retirement

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (01:06) David emailed in saying he and his wife are leaning into rocking retirement.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• (03:00) Our title question today came from Phil- he wants to know if it is worth going through free retirement analysis.
• (07:15) What are some of the cautions or things you want to understand about free retirement analysis?

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (13:37) Doug shares feedback about my Smart Sprint on being present.
• (15:11) Rick says he'd like to simplify portfolio.
• (19:30) Cliff sent in a question about stress testing your retirement plan.
• (27:09) Dave has a question about moving a 401k to an independent advisor upon retirement.
• (32:55) Bob asks which retirement plan should you use first: Social Security or savings.

SMART SPRINT

• (38:10) In the next seven days, pay attention to “free” offers—whether it’s a retirement analysis, discount, or credit card perk—and notice the hidden costs or unintended consequences that may come with them.

REFERENCES

• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man

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💬 Show Notes

In this episode, Roger explores how naming and recognizing the different phases of life can bring clarity to the retirement journey. A listener’s question about inherited money sparks a conversation about direct indexing—what it is, when it makes sense, and what to watch out for. He also shares how to navigate calm, choppy, and rough waters in retirement planning so listeners can move forward with more confidence and control.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• (00:00) Today we will talk about direct indexing and answer some more of your questions.
• (01:04) Roger talks about acknowledging and naming things in life.
• (04:19) There are four levels that Roger wants to acknowledge with clients- calm waters, choppy waters, rough waters, and change of course.

ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

• (08:55) Brian says he focuses on spending time with family in retirement.
• (09:20) Don says electric bikes are game changers.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• (10:30) John asks a question about direct indexing.
• (13:17) Direct indexing is when you buy the individual stocks of an index in your own account instead of a fund, allowing for tax benefits and customization but with more complexity.
• (16:32) Should you do this if you are concerned about taxes? What are the benefits? The drawbacks?
• (20:38) Roger says exchanging traded funds has some advantages over indexing.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• (21:20) Scott has a follow up question about getting a mortgage in retirement.
• (28:45) An anonymous listener says it's too late for long term care and wants a recommendation for a low risk investment.
• (35:40) Our next question comes from John related to being an executor for an estate.
• (39:17) Dan asks a question about rebalancing.

SMART SPRINT

• (43:46) In the next seven days, take a small step by naming the season of life you’re in—calm, choppy, rough, or changing direction—so you can better focus your energy on where to lean in right now.

UP NEXT

• (44:40) Next week Roger chats with Tanya Nichols on the show and answers some of your questions.

REFERENCES

• Submit a Question for Roger
• Sign up for The Noodle
• The Retirement Answer Man
  
  

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