Retire Sooner with Wes Moss
Wes Moss, a finance professional and best-selling author, hosts this podcast aimed at helping Americans retire sooner while finding joy along the way. He shares research-backed lifestyle and money habits, drawing from his 20+ years as an investment advisor. The show features guests and specialists who teach listeners how to set and achieve financial and lifestyle goals. It avoids financial jargon and unrealistic goals, focusing on practical steps for a secure and happy retirement.
Episodes
Target-Date Funds, Retirement Income & 401(k)s: Listener Questions Answered
Retirement planning comes with plenty of questions, and this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast is built around answering them. Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase as they tackle listener questions on retirement income, investing, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, target-date funds, and career changes.
• Compare the bucket strategy with other approaches to generating retirement income.
• Learn how withdrawal
Clark Howard Joins Wes Moss to Take On Your Toughest Retirement Questions
Consumer advocate Clark Howard joins Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase for a special Retire Sooner Podcast episode packed with listener questions, thoughtful debate, and real-world financial scenarios. From retirement planning and investing to tax considerations and the pursuit of a more fulfilling retirement, this conversation explores a wide range of topics through the lens of everyday decisions.
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The Ultimate Dividend of Retirement: Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Planning
Is retirement just about accumulating assets, or is it also about creating the flexibility to spend your time in ways that matter most to you? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they explore retirement planning, investor behavior, and the financial decisions that may influence long-term outcomes.
• Discover why building wealth and preserving wealth
What the Happiest Retirees Do Differently: Insights from The Retire Sooner Method
What if a happier retirement has as much to do with how you spend your time as how you invest your money? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase explore the research behind retirement happiness, answer listener questions on retirement planning, and share how you can pre-order Wes’s new book, The Retire Sooner Method, and unlock exclusive bonuses!
• Discover why
When and How to Help Adult Children: Roth Conversions, Social Security & Retirement Planning Topics
Retirement planning doesn’t always follow a straight line, and this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast tackles the pressing money decisions families are talking about. Join Wes Moss and guest host Mallory Boggs for a lively conversation about helping adult children buy homes, Roth conversions, Social Security timing, investing, taxes, and the lifestyle choices often associated with a happy retir
Retirement Curveballs: Early Retirement, Taxes, and Market Volatility
Retirement rarely goes exactly according to plan—and this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast tackles the real-life financial curveballs that may affect the timeline. Join Wes Moss and special guest host Mallory Boggs for a fast-moving conversation on early retirement, market volatility, taxes, rollover IRAs, annuities, direct indexing, and diversification strategies.
• Explore why many American
What Does a Fiduciary Advisor Really Do? Taxes, Retirement Income & Investing Explained
Retirement planning is about far more than picking investments, and this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast shows just how many moving pieces may shape your financial life over time. Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase for a fast-moving conversation covering retirement income planning, tax strategy, dividend investing, market volatility, and the potential value of working with a fiduciary, fee-onl
Clark Howard Joins Wes Moss to Talk Roth Strategies, Taxes, and Retirement
Clark Howard joins Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase for a fun, fast-moving Retire Sooner Podcast episode packed with conversations about retirement planning, Roth conversions, HSAs, taxes, investing, and the lifestyle choices that may help to shape financial life. From boats and horse racing to tax strategies and retirement income planning, this episode blends practical financial conversations with th
Are AI and Job Fears Overblown? What the Data Shows
Do headlines about AI, jobs, and markets feel overwhelming? Let this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast help put things into perspective, using real data and relatable scenarios to connect today’s trends with everyday financial decisions.
• Rethink college graduate unemployment and see how AI may be shaping hiring, with recent data pointing to more stability than disruption.
• Put the U.S. job
Retirement Planning Reset: Retirement Confidence, Roth Strategies, Fiduciary Standards & Income Planning Context
Take a step back and get a clearer view of your retirement plan in this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. Enjoy a practical, easy-to-follow conversation that connects real data, real questions, and real-life planning: offering perspective to help guide decisions.
• Explore why retirement confidence may be slipping, using insights from the Employee Benefit Res
What Drives a Fulfilling Retirement? Income Strategy, Location, and Purpose
On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, step back and reassess your retirement plan as Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine what may drive retirement happiness. Connect financial independence, taxes, and today’s economic backdrop into a clearer long-term perspective. See how big decisions, from pensions to property taxes to market uncertainty, may fit together to help evaluate what matters m
Where Should You Live in Retirement? (And How to Pay for It)
Rethink retirement, and how the financial and lifestyle choices of today may shape tomorrow. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase bring real-world context to retirement planning, housing decisions, investment strategies, and tax considerations.
• Discover how consistent saving and long-term investing have historically supported greater flexibility in retireme
Lump Sum vs Pension, Dividends & Market Risks Explained
If the financial headlines feel overwhelming, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase help bring things back into focus. This episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast ties real listener questions to long-term investing principles, offering context to support more informed decision-making.
• Examine why many Americans feel financially behind while weighing the risks often associated with higher-risk areas such a
Retirement Is Evolving—Are You Keeping Up?
Reimagine what retirement could look like with Wes Moss and guest host Mallory Boggs, as they connect today’s biggest financial questions to real-life planning decisions. From new savings strategies to listener-driven scenarios, this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast delivers timely context to help you think differently about your financial future.
• Discover how “Trump Accounts,” seed funding
Clark Howard Joins Wes Moss: Navigating Market Volatility, Inflation, and Retirement Planning
Special guest Clark Howard joins Wes Moss to co-host a standout episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, exploring how market volatility, energy prices, and global events may intersect with retirement planning considerations. Evaluate how shifting economic forces, from inflation to Federal Reserve policy, may shape investment decisions and long-term financial positioning.
• Explore how rising oil an
Retirement Planning in Volatile Markets: Inflation, Oil Prices, AI, and Portfolio Strategy
Market volatility, inflation, and rapid technological change are shaping today’s financial landscape, while long-term planning remains an important consideration for many investors. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase share general perspectives on investing, retirement planning, and workplace trends to help inform decision-making within a broader financial co
Retirement Planning in a Changing Market: U.S. vs. International Stocks, the Rich Ratio, and Long-Term Investing Decisions
Retirement planning questions often intersect with global markets, tax decisions, and long-term investing strategy. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine listener questions while exploring how portfolio diversification, retirement readiness, and disciplined investing may help shape long-term financial planning.
• Evaluate international vs. U.S. stocks
Behind on Retirement Savings? Roth 401(k), Rule of 55 & Investment Decisions Explained
Retirement planning is often shaped by disciplined decisions, market realities, and investor behavior. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase address timely retirement investing questions and frame them within a long-term, evidence-based approach designed to inform—not predict—financial outcomes.
• Compare dollar-cost averaging versus lump-sum investing and eva
Inflation, Record Market Highs, and Early Retirement: What Investors Should Consider
Inflation, record market highs, early retirement dreams, and complex estate questions—retirement planning doesn’t happen in isolation. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase translate timely headlines and listener scenarios into thoughtful, long-term financial planning considerations.
• Assess how rising grocery and beef prices reflect inflation and evaluate wa
From Roth Rules to Small Caps: Today’s Headlines and Your Retirement Strategy
Retirement decisions don’t often happen in isolation—they’re shaped by markets, policy shifts, career trends, and personal trade-offs. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase translate timely financial headlines into practical retirement planning considerations.
• Assess cash-flow strategies for small business owners, including how Roth IRA contribution rules ma
Inflation Is Back: Markets, Portfolios, and Retirement Trade-Offs
Inflation is back in focus—and it’s reshaping how many people think about retirement decisions. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase answer listener questions while providing clear context around markets, portfolios, and long-term planning trade-offs.
• Explore how inflation cycles have historically resurfaced and how price shocks may influence spending and
When Markets Get Loud: A Clear Look at Retirement Planning Choices
Concerned about retirement planning in a market full of uncertainty and noise? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase bring practical context to today’s financial headlines and common retirement questions.
• Analyze movements in gold prices and the U.S. dollar to clarify what currency shifts may indicate for markets and everyday economic conversations.
• Exp
The Middle Class Debate And Today’s Retirement Planning Landscape
Is the American middle class actually shrinking, or evolving? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase offer educational context on widely discussed economic, investing, and retirement planning topics shaping today’s financial conversations.
Listen as long-term data, market history, and household-level considerations are used to frame—not forecast—how these issue
Big Stocks, Small Caps, and Investor Behavior: What Today’s Markets Reveal
Gain clear, educational context on today’s investing and retirement planning topics with the Retire Sooner Podcast, hosted by Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. This episode places market trends, investor behavior, and retirement account considerations into long-term perspective using historical data and widely referenced research.
In this episode, you’ll hear discussions that:
• Define the differenc
Clark Howard Joins Retire Sooner to Break Down Buffett, Markets, and 2026 Themes
The Retire Sooner Podcast welcomes Clark Howard alongside Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase for a special episode focused on market history, long-term investing principles, and today’s most talked-about financial transitions. The conversation emphasizes context over commentary and highlights how investors often think through uncertainty, change, and market structure.
• Highlight Clark Howard’s perspec
Retirement Planning, Investing Trade-Offs, and Household Risk Explained
Start the year with structured context around today’s most frequently discussed retirement planning questions on the Retire Sooner Podcast, hosted by Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. This episode presents an educational review of real listener scenarios, placing retirement, investing, and planning topics within a long-term analytical framework.
• Review current U.S. wealth statistics by discussing c
Inside the Research: Happiness, Jobs Data, and Retirement Questions
What actually shapes life in retirement—your finances, your relationships, or both? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase walk through new research on happiness in retirement and unpack several financial and economic topics that often come up in retirement planning conversations.
• Share findings from a 2025 Money and Happiness in America study that looks at h
Healthcare, Social Security, and Rate Cuts: Retirement Planning in Today’s Economy
Looking for clear context around today’s most talked-about retirement planning issues? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase present an educational discussion covering healthcare planning, retirement income considerations, Social Security decisions, and how current economic conditions are commonly framed in retirement conversations.
• Review current healthcare
Roth Conversions and Withdrawal Frameworks: Retirement Income Planning
Looking for an educational overview of today’s most commonly searched retirement planning topics? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase provide context around retirement income planning, tax considerations, and widely referenced financial frameworks, helping listeners better understand how these concepts are typically discussed.
• Review how Roth IRA conversio
The Saver-to-Spender Shift: Behavioral Drivers of Thoughtful Retirement Planning
Gain a grounded, research-informed perspective on retirement planning in this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, where Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine the emotional, behavioral, and organizational factors that often influence how individuals approach life after work. This conversation highlights commonly referenced frameworks and planning considerations, offering context for listeners seek
Your Guide to Today’s Highly Searched Retirement Questions
Stay informed about today’s highly-searched retirement and financial planning topics in this new episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. Gain clear, accessible context on economic trends, retirement rules, portfolio structures, and planning conversations that are shaping long-term decision-making discussions.
• Explore how the proposed 50-year mortgage is influenci
Retirement Catalysts: The Moments That Can Shift Your Financial Future
Are you prepared for the major life catalysts that may influence your retirement planning and long-term lifestyle? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Producer Mallory highlight key moments that can shape financial decisions, expectations, and overall well-being.
• Explore how the “Retire Sooner Richter Scale” frames the relative influence of major life catalysts on retirem
Planning Clarity: Family Support, Tax Rules, and the Workforce of Tomorrow
Ready to explore the real questions shaping today’s retirement conversations? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase respond to listener scenarios on family financial decisions, workplace retirement plans, and the changing job landscape—offering context to help listeners better understand the factors involved in long-term planning.
In this episode, you’ll:
• E
Retirement Planning Insights: Housing Market, Investment Decisions, and Life Purpose After 50
Ready to explore thoughtful, research-driven ways to help plan for financial confidence and fulfillment in retirement? In this episode of The Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase, the hosts unpack timely topics around housing trends, investment considerations, and purposeful living—helping listeners make informed, values-based decisions for their next chapter.
• Review current
COLA Updates, AI, and Diversification: Mapping the Modern Retirement Landscape
Stay informed about the changing retirement landscape with hosts Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase as they unpack today’s relevant financial topics—from the growing influence of AI-related stocks to strategies for maintaining a well-balanced retirement plan. This episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast focuses on education, awareness, and practical insights to help you better understand the factors that c
Clark Howard Joins Wes Moss to Discuss Market Context, Investor Behavior, and Retirement Trends
In this special episode of The Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss speaks with nationally recognized consumer advocate Clark Howard about current topics shaping the financial and retirement landscape. Their conversation centers on how investors can think more clearly about markets, behavioral finance, and long-term planning in today’s changing economy.
• Discuss how shifting economic conditions are i
How Private Equity, 401(k) Changes, and Emerging Trends May Be Reshaping Retirement Planning
Ready to approach retirement with clarity and confidence? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase discuss how private equity, 401(k) plan developments, and evolving retirement planning trends are shaping today’s investing landscape—helping listeners stay informed and intentional about their long-term financial goals.
• Explore how private equity is being conside
From “Set” to “Settled”: Finding Confidence and Calm in Your Financial Life | Retire Sooner Podcast
Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on the Retire Sooner Podcast, where real-life financial questions meet clear, grounded discussions about retirement planning, investing, and financial wellbeing. This episode explores practical ways individuals can make informed decisions, manage uncertainty, and approach retirement with more clarity and confidence.
• Review how the current bull market compares t
The American Dream Reset: Retirement Costs, Inflation, and Savings Strategies
Curious how today’s costs, inflation trends, and shifting expectations are shaping the American Dream? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on the Retire Sooner Podcast as they provide context on financial headlines, explore common planning questions, and share research-informed insights for your retirement journey.
• Explore the discussion around what it may take to reach the American Dream and whe
Retirement Planning Insights, TSP Education, and Family Money Conversations
Explore practical retirement planning strategies and gain clarity on key financial decisions in this engaging episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast. Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase discuss common questions and considerations for savers and soon-to-be retirees, providing perspectives on investment options and long-term planning frameworks.
• Discover how a focused 30-minute financial conversation betw
Fed Actions, 72(t) Rules, and Investment Strategies: Retirement Planning Made Clear
Gain a clear perspective on retirement planning in this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, hosted by Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase, where listener questions meet the latest financial planning insights. Discover practical considerations that can help inform decisions about your long-term financial strategy.
• Examine how the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut may influence mortgages, loans, and
5 Investing Pillars & Tax Tips for Retirement Planning
Gain clarity on investing and retirement planning with this engaging episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, hosted by Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. Whether you’re navigating strong markets or uncertainty, this conversation provides frameworks and explanations to help support your retirement planning.
• Unpack five pillars of investing that may guide decision-making across both strong and volatile
Maximize Retirement Income & Plan for Early Financial Freedom
Curious how to manage your 401(k), Social Security, and retirement withdrawals in today’s market? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase break down practical strategies for navigating retirement planning, taxes, and investment decisions so you can make informed choices for your financial future.
• Examine why a strong stock market may not reflect the real econo
Balancing Stability and Growth in Today’s Retirement Landscape
Ready to explore new perspectives on retirement planning? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine money, markets, and financial strategies, highlighting ways thoughtful planning may help support financial confidence.
· Review how stock dividends have historically compared with bond interest over the long term.
· Explain total return as the c
Social Security, Taxes, REITs, and More: Exploring Key Retirement Planning Topics
Discover how money choices today can influence your financial confidence and retirement happiness in this engaging episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. Gain perspective on retirement planning strategies, Social Security rules, tax considerations, and investing trends that could shape your financial journey.
• Examine how large IRA withdrawals—such as those used
From Asset Allocation to Market Trends: Tools for Thoughtful Retirement Planning
Get ready to rethink retirement with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase as they examine the realities of investing, financial security, and planning for a fulfilling future. This episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast delivers actionable insights, practical frameworks, and real-world examples to inform your retirement planning decisions.
Hear a retirement story illustrating how asset allocation strat
Balanced Investing, Roth Conversions & Estate Planning Strategies
Tired of sifting through retirement noise and myths? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase unpack practical strategies and honest conversations to help you navigate your retirement journey with confidence—wherever you may stand today.
• Question what "Is the 60/40 Dead?" means for balanced investing and consider how classic stock/bond allocations might still f
Retirement Catch-Up Strategies, Social Security Timing & Essential Planning Insights
Kickstart your journey to a happier, earlier retirement with this high-energy episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, where Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle real listener questions and spotlight flexible strategies that could help you build a more confident retirement plan. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, get motivated to consider meaningful actions—starting now.
• Jump-start your sa
Are You Richer Than You Think? Retirement Benchmarks and Planning Insights
Think you might be richer than you realize? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine realistic benchmarks and practical frameworks for retirement planning.
• Define what the “rich ratio” means and consider how it may reframe your retirement outlook.
• Compare your savings habits to U.S. medians to understand the broader landscape.
• Acknowledge that bui
What If Everything You Knew About Retirement Was Wrong?
Think you know the rules of thumb for retirement and investing? Think again. On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine common money myths and respond to listener questions that may reshape how you approach your financial future.
What you'll explore in this episode:
• Begin investing at any income level by seeing how access to markets has evolved.
• Focus
What Every Retiree Needs to Know About Social Security, Trusts, and Retirement Withdrawals
Take the next step in your retirement planning.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase, where you'll hear thoughtful, real-world insights designed to help you make informed financial decisions and pursue a more confident, purposeful retirement.
• Explore ways to optimize Social Security benefits, including timing strategies, spousal considera
Roth Rules, Pension Puzzles, and Real Retirement Stories: Your Questions Answered
In this episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase respond to listener questions and explore practical approaches to navigating retirement, investing, and financial planning.
• Discover a common Roth IRA misstep that can lead to unexpected taxes in retirement and learn how to approach it with more clarity.
• Explore the process of rolling over a Roth 401(k) into a Roth IR
From FOMO to Focused: Retirement Strategies for Market Volatility and Asset Allocation
In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase explore the role of dry powder assets in retirement planning and revisit “FOMO Freddie”—a cautionary character representing the risks of chasing investment trends without a long-term strategy. 🚀
They discuss why trend-chasing can be detrimental and how aligning with a consistent investment approach may help support long-te
Keys to Early Retirement: Rule 72(t), New Research, Investing Insights, and Lasting Happiness
Dreaming about retiring early, but worried you’ll never have enough? On this episode of Retire Sooner with Wes Moss, Wes and Christa DiBiase break down powerful strategies and mindset shifts that could help folks retire sooner and happier, including:
• Tap Your IRA Early—Penalty-Free: Learn how Rule 72(t) and SEPPs can sometimes unlock your IRA before many expect and how that might help customize
Are Earnings Everything? Plus More Strategies To Boost Long-Term Investing and Retirement Planning
Explore powerful, often-overlooked retirement tactics—like the Rule of 55 and the 62/70 Social Security strategy—and hear listener questions answered by Wes and Christa to help you build an effective, income-focused financial future. 🎯
• Are corporate earnings the #1 financial metric for long-term investors to track when making better investment decisions?
• Learn how to evaluate earnings per sh
From Gold to Growth: Long-Term Retirement Planning in Uncertain Times
Looking for retirement guidance and insights on navigating gold investments, market volatility, and the impact of AI on jobs? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase address essential topics and answer listener questions on financial planning, investment returns, and preparing for the future of work.
• Gold as an Investment: Discuss the pros and cons of investin
10 Essential Steps to Retire Sooner: Spending Strategies, Tax Tips, and Listener Questions
Wes and Christa delve into essential topics to help get you ready to retire sooner and happier, including:
• Review the Wes Moss 10-point retirement readiness checklist.
• Understand how to transition from saving to spending. It sounds simple, but there can be more to it than meets the eye.
• Explore the emotional and strategic importance of spending in retirement: What are productive ways to prio
Are You Too Passive? Rethinking Index Funds, Roth Tactics, and Retirement Timing
Tackle Roth IRA strategies, dollar cost averaging, passive investing risks, strategic retirement withdrawals, and more. Whether you're planning early retirement or optimizing your current portfolio, Wes and Christa deliver actionable insights and answer listener questions, including:
• Is Passive Investing Creating a Bubble?
Are index funds inflating markets? Or do global diversification and ong
ETF or Index Fund? Retirement or Brokerage? Wes Moss Unpacks Strategic Moves for Early Retirement
Wes and Christa compare ETFs vs. index funds and retirement accounts vs. brokerage accounts. Unlock financial clarity and early retirement strategies with this jam-packed episode of dynamic discussion and listener questions, covering topics such as:
• The importance of staying invested during market volatility, using a recent market upswing as an example of patience leading to productive results.
Should You Still Buy a Home? + 5 Financial Planning Essentials You Can’t Ignore
Is owning a home still a good investment? What are the 5 most important topics to cover when meeting with someone for financial guidance? Wes and Christa cut through the noise to explore these issues and answer listener questions, including:
• Explore the pros and cons of that homeownership question, housing as a long-term investment, and why it still matters. Learn why housing may serve as force
Fear, the VIX, And The Bungee Market Of 2025: Why Staying Invested Still Wins
Explore ways fear can sometimes subside in financial markets. Examine how missing the worst days, not just the best ones, can lead to less productive gains over time.
Wes and Christa analyze:
• Why 2025’s market feels more like a “bungee cord” than a rollercoaster.
• How to use the VIX (fear index) to gauge investor sentiment—and what it could mean for your investments.
• What historical spike
Bear Market Retirement Guide: Investment Strategies, Tax Moves, Vacation Decisions, Timing, And Understanding Portfolio Benchmarks
Make informed decisions about your retirement plans, even in a bear market. Learn whether to cancel your vacation plans due to stock market concerns and discover how to manage your investments effectively.
Explore strategies like layering for early retirement and understand the implications of drawing down your TSP defined contribution plan. Examine rebalancing your taxable brokerage account, inc
Don't Miss The Market Rebound: Invest Through Tariff Volatility, Absorb The Mappiness Project, and Answer Listener Questions
Explore the latest developments in the tariff tumult, including how a lack of clarity may have led to both market meltdowns and a melt-ups: a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Learn the key takeaways from a complicated situation and discover how to potentially navigate your path to financial independence in retirement.
Headlines are temporary, but your financial plan shouldn't be. Analyze the esse
Retire with Confidence: Tackle Inflation, Family Planning, and Staying Calm in a Noisy Market
Max out your financial insight with real-world retirement strategies and listener Q&A. Learn how to respond to shifting interest rates and weigh the pros and cons of working part-time during retirement. Explore ways to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), understand Social Security’s 35-year formula, and decide when to tap into pensions.
Get strategic about funding early retirement for y
Maximize Your Retirement: 4% vs. 5% Withdrawal Rate, Inflation, Social Security, and Market Timing Explained
Take control of your financial future. Learn how to determine the withdrawal rate for your retirement. Should you stick to the classic 4% rule, or is a 5% withdrawal rate possible? Hear why flexibility is key and how different spending approaches can impact your long-term security. Discover the impact of inflation, the pursuit of optimizing Social Security, and how a surprisingly small number of s
Supercharge Your Retirement Savings and Outsmart Risk with These Game-Changing Strategies
Unlock secrets to increase the probability of saving more for retirement, managing risk, and making more efficient financial moves. Learn how a simple mindset shift could potentially lead to a 14% increase in savings, why your risk tolerance evolves over time, and how to structure your investments for a more secure future. Explore strategies for dry powder reserves, Roth vs. traditional 403(b) con
American Army of Productivity: How to Overcome Tariff Fears and Secure Your Financial Future
Learn how to optimize your retirement planning by utilizing essential financial tools. Discover strategies for leveraging a COLA-adjusted pension, navigating 403(b) withdrawals while contributing to a Roth IRA, and minimizing taxes. Explore rolling I bonds into a 529 plan without triggering taxable events.
Analyze switching funds while managing a 401(k) or how Fidelity’s BrokerageLink might provi
Retire Sooner, Retire Smarter: 6 Costly Mistakes to Avoid for Financial Freedom
Dive into the six biggest mistakes early retirees often make—and how to avoid them. Are you financially prepared to retire sooner than 67? See why a phased retirement strategy can be a game-changer, learn how to secure multiple streams of income, and examine why location matters when it comes to staying close to family. Tackle the real cost of healthcare, the Social Security timing trap, and the r
10 Habits of the Happiest Retirees: Smart Money Moves & Fulfilling Lifestyles
Break down the five financial habits of the happiest retirees—including how much money you really need, the power of multiple income streams, and why paying off your mortgage faster might boost happiness. Learn how rational optimism can fuel effective investing and how the 4% Plus Rule of thumb can typically keep you from running out of money. Then, discover the five lifestyle habits that make ret
How Much Do You Need To Retire? Break It Down And Fill The Gap
Tackle the million-dollar retirement question: How much is enough? Use Wes’s "Fill the Gap" (FTG) method to simplify retirement math—subtract guaranteed income like Social Security from your monthly spending goal and multiply the shortfall by 25 to calculate target savings. Explore other early retirement strategies, including the debate about lump sum buyouts vs. pensions, and weigh real estate ag
Millionaire Mindset Unlocked: Hard Work, Thoughtful Investing, and Bogle’s Playbook Might Fast-Track Your Retirement
Probe America’s "mini-millionaires"—how they earn, invest, and build wealth through hard work, not luck. Dive into the potential for owning stocks and buying a home with a focus on financial independence, not flash.
Wes and Christa take listener questions to tackle substantial inheritance management, debate bonds vs. money markets for long-term gains, examine Robo-advisors hoarding cash, and the i
Lump Sum Or Pension? Crack the 6% Code + Market Highs & Retirement Power Moves
Should you take a lump sum or pension payout? Use the 6% Test to help you decide. With markets hitting record highs, is it the right time to invest, or should you wait? History suggests some clues that retirement planning should not be left to chance. Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase provide crucial context by answering listener questions about 401(k) target date funds, beta vs. volatility, selling a
5 Powerful Portfolio Diversification Strategies to Reduce Market Anxiety + The Army Of American Productivity
Discover 5 powerful portfolio diversification strategies to help reduce market anxiety and boost financial security. Learn how these strategies can apply to kids, retirees, and folks in between, with actionable ways to set up a custodial Roth IRA for young entrepreneurs, maximize retirement savings, and choose an investment approach that fits your needs.
Find out why kids earning money from small
It's Never Too Late To Start Saving For Retirement + Q&A
New changes in Social Security policies, particularly the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), may have significant implications for roughly 3 million Americans. Teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other public-sector workers who previously saw their Social Security benefits slashed may now receive the full benefits they’
More Foundational Principles For A Happy Retirement + Listener Questions
Unpack the keys to investing for a happy retirement by highlighting foundational principles like prioritizing stocks to combat inflation and the strategic use of diversified "dry powder" assets for stability. Tackle listener questions, exploring international investments, mortgage payoff strategies, long-term healthcare costs, and tax-efficient withdrawals. On today’s episode, Wes is joined again
10 Market Challenges For Investors To Watch In 2025
On today’s episode, Wes looks at 2024’s obstacles to see what might serve as clues for success in 2025. The resilient U.S. economy closed 2024 with a 25% S&P 500 gain, defying inflation fears, international turmoil, and political upheaval. While consumer spending remains a vital economic driver, boosted by low unemployment and rising wages, renewed productivity fueled by AI and innovation could sp
5 Keys To Be a Successful Investor and Listener Q&A
On today's episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, we dive into the essential pillars for seeking to achieve financial freedom and a fulfilling retirement. Wes outlines five key strategies that may contribute to long-term success: prioritizing stocks, embracing massive diversification, practicing patience and longevity, navigating today's investing challenges, and creating a robust financial plan.
FOMO Free Investing
We’ve all met that one guy who pontificates endlessly about the “fantastic” investments he’s made that year. He always seems drawn to the hottest and latest trends. You don’t fully believe him, but it still makes you feel a bit of dread at the thought of being left behind.
On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Producer Mallory joins Wes in the studio to explain why a fear of missing out o
Riding The Age Wave with Maddy Dychtwald
Most people have a vague idea of what it takes to stay healthy as we age—some combination of cutting out the delicious, irresponsible activities while adding in more nutritious, boring ones. While it never seemed overly complicated, it also didn’t sound very fun. Today’s guest flipped that script. According to Maddy Dychtwald, a healthy mindset can lower stress, which can actually make it easier a
What Makes A Good Life?
Everyone wants a good life, but what does that mean, and how can you make it happen? On today’s show, Wes combines analysis from a neuroscientist, a bank CEO, and two very different retirees to find the overlapping characteristics of each.
According to Dr. Wendy Suzuki, professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University, the unifying theme is some sort of fulfillment. In a discussio
