Today’s retirees face more uncertainty than ever: market swings, inflation, and the disappearance of traditional pensions. In this episode of Inspired Money, host Andy Wang brings together four of the leading voices in retirement planning for a candid, practical conversation—one that moves beyond “rules of thumb” to reveal actionable ways to create reliable income and lasting peace of mind for your retirement years. If you want clarity in your retirement income plan, ideas to maximize your savings, or strategies for a fulfilling next chapter, this episode is packed with the real-world wisdom you need.
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Meet the Expert PanelistsJamie Hopkins, Esq., LLM, MBA, is the Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS Bank and Chief Executive Officer of Bryn Mawr Capital Management. A nationally recognized retirement planning expert, Jamie has dedicated his career to improving financial security for Americans through leadership roles in wealth management, financial education, and nonprofit advocacy. He is the founder and president of the FinServ Foundation, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to financial services careers. With a background in law, finance, and academia, Jamie brings a multidisciplinary approach to helping individuals and institutions build sound retirement income strategies. www.jamiehopkins.com www.bmt.com
Dana Anspach, CFP®, RMA®, is the founder and CEO of Sensible Money. She’s dedicated her career to helping people create sustainable retirement income plans. She’s the author of "Control Your Retirement Destiny" and "Social Security Sense." Dana’s hands-on experience makes her a wealth of practical knowledge. https://www.sensiblemoney.com
Kerry Hannon is a nationally recognized workplace futurist, personal finance expert, and best-selling author who has spent over three decades guiding Americans—especially midlife professionals and women—through career transitions, entrepreneurship, and retirement planning. Her forthcoming book, Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future—now available for pre-order on Amazon—offers empowering, practical advice to help the overlooked generation take charge of their next chapter with confidence and purpose. https://kerryhannon.com
Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, AIF®, the "Retirement Answer Man," is a Certified Financial Planner with 27+ years in finance. Author of "Rock Retirement" and founder of the Rock Retirement Club, he's also the voice behind the popular Retirement Answer Man podcast that has over 8 million downloads. https://www.rogerwhitney.com
Key Highlights:- Retirement Isn’t Just About Maximizing Returns—It’s About Reliable Income and Peace of Mind Dana Anspach reminds us: “A good retirement plan shouldn't be tied to where that pogo stick is on its trajectory. It's one that focuses on stability of cash flows over time.” The panel discusses why shifting your mindset from maximizing account balances to managing sustainable cash flow is key to peace of mind.
Work, Entrepreneurship, and Purpose Play Critical Roles in a Modern Retirement Kerry Hannon points out that working longer—whether through career extension, entrepreneurship, or passion projects—can boost both financial security and life satisfaction. “How can you continue to work longer? It’s a dramatic way to give yourself some security in retirement if you can stay working longer.” The episode explores creative ways Gen X and boomers are redefining "retirement."
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All: Frameworks vs. Rules Roger Whitney insists that “the answer to almost every question...is ‘It depends’.” No single formula fits everyone; a personalized, evolving plan that balances what you want out of life with practical financial strategies is essential. The episode delves into why regular reviews and customized “guardrails” are more important than rigid withdrawal rules.
Guardrails, Buckets, and Behavioral Coaching Are More Vital Than Ever Jamie Hopkins and Dana Anspach review popular strategies like bucket and guardrails approaches, emphasizing that tools and behavioral coaching work best when tailored to each retiree’s unique needs and anxieties. Jamie also warns about new financial threats: “I think that fraud...is going to become rampant. It’s the biggest concern out there...it’s a big concern.”
If you’ve been feeling uncertain about your own retirement income plan, here’s your assignment for the week: Take 30 minutes to map out your expected sources of income in retirement—pensions, Social Security, savings, investments—and identify any potential gaps. Just getting it on paper can give you clarity and a starting point to make smarter, more confident decisions. Thanks for tuning in to Inspired Money. Keep learning, stay intentional, and as always—be inspired to take action.
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Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money