Are you working longer than you need to because of a retirement planning mistake? One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming you will spend the same amount every year in retirement. The reality is different, and understanding it could change when you retire.

Experts call it the retirement smile. In your “go-go years” (65–75), spending is highest. Travel, hobbies, and experiences often run $60,000 to $65,000 a year for the average household. In the “slow-go years” (76–85), spending usually drops to $50,000 to $55,000 as travel slows down. Then come the “no-go years” (86+), where overall expenses dip but healthcare costs rise, creating the curve that completes the smile.

At Root Financial, many of our clients with $1.5 to $3.5 million in assets might spend $150,000 to $200,000 early on, adjust to $100,000 to $150,000 mid-retirement, and later see healthcare push costs back up to $150,000 to $250,000. The lesson is clear. Planning with a flat budget often means you are overestimating your needs, delaying retirement, or underspending when you could be living more fully. A flexible withdrawal approach, starting around 5 percent, creates freedom while protecting long-term security.

Do not let financial fear rob you of retirement joy. Whether it is traveling to the World Cup or simply extending family vacations, understanding your retirement smile can help you step into retirement with confidence and peace of mind.

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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.

Struggling to get your spouse involved in retirement planning?

You are not alone. Many financially-minded partners lose their spouse’s attention by jumping straight into 401(k) allocations or tax strategies. The result is glazed eyes and little engagement.

This approach works differently. Start with powerful, open-ended questions that spark curiosity and connection. Ask things like “What does your perfect retirement day look like?” or “If we had to spend $150,000 this year, how would you want to use it?” These prompts bypass resistance and lead to meaningful conversations about dreams, priorities, and lifestyle.

When you know whether your partner envisions constant travel or staying close to home, or whether they fear losing purpose more than running out of money, you can build a plan you both believe in. Lifestyle clarity comes first. The numbers follow naturally.

Retirement planning is not just about financial optimization. It is about creating a shared vision for the years ahead with the person who matters most.

Try these questions with your partner and watch the conversation shift from spreadsheets to shared dreams.

Visit earlyretirementpodcast.com to share your results or explore tools for building a plan that works for both of 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.

What happens when growth changes a company?

We’ve all seen it—your favorite restaurant expands and suddenly the quality slips. The connection feels lost. But does growing always mean losing what made you special?

At Root, we think about growth differently. We use “anti-goals” to define what we never want to become, with checks in place so expansion never overshadows client experience or team wellbeing.

That’s why we recently lowered our minimum investment from $2M to $1M. It wasn’t a quick decision. It came after expanding our team to ensure service stays exceptional. Like Patagonia, we measure success by more than profit. For us, it’s about advisor engagement, client satisfaction, and building a place where our team wakes up energized to serve.

If you’re curious how companies can grow without losing their soul, we’d love to hear what brands you feel most connected to and why.

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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.

Think you know how much people save for retirement?

The median American over 65 has just $100,000 saved, yet the average household spends $57,000 a year in retirement, with $20,000 going to housing alone. The math doesn’t work.

At Root Financial, most clients retire with $2–3M and plan to spend $100K–$200K annually. That’s not about bragging. It’s a reminder that if you’re here, you’re likely already thinking beyond the basics.

Rules like “save 10%” or “withdraw 3%” don’t fit everyone. The difference between struggling and thriving often comes down to advanced planning—tax strategy, investment allocation, Roth conversions, and estate design. For many, the real risk isn’t running out of money, it’s missing opportunities out of excessive caution.

Know where you stand relative to the averages and to your own vision.

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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.

Early retirement is about more than money

Science shows there are compelling reasons to retire sooner than most people think. The UK’s Whitehall 2 study found that retiring at 60 lowers the risk of chronic disease by 32 percent compared to working longer. Harvard research reveals that close relationships, not wealth or titles, are the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness. Early retirement creates the “time freedom” to invest in those connections.

I share with clients the three phases of retirement: the go-go years (55–70), slow-go years (70–85), and no-go years (85+). Waiting too long can mean missing your most active years for savings you may never use. Studies from France also show that leaving high-stress jobs earlier can preserve brain health and lower dementia risk.

The key is balance. Retiring too early without a plan can cause financial strain or loss of purpose. The sweet spot is stepping away from stress while moving toward meaningful pursuits that keep you energized.

If you want to explore your own early retirement possibilities, visit earlyretirementpodcast.com to run a personalized plan and see what could be possible for your future.

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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.

What if the “financially optimal” choice doesn’t actually lead to your best life?

This conversation explores the balance between optimizing money and optimizing happiness. We break down the Five Types of Wealth—financial, time, social, mental, and physical—and show why sometimes the decision that looks inefficient on paper may actually be the smartest for your overall wellbeing.

From real-life examples like paying for time-saving conveniences or investing in health, to reflections on why peace of mind often matters more than perfect numbers, this episode reframes what true optimization looks like.

Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about building a life you don’t want to retire from.

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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 choose to grind a few more years in a high-paying job they dislike, aiming for an early, full stop at retirement. Others step into more fulfilling work that pays less, but adds purpose to their days—and often still results in more wealth than expected.

Take John and Jennifer. Both start at age 50 with $1M saved and $150K salaries. John works five more years at a job he doesn’t enjoy, retiring at 55 with $1.62M. Jennifer switches to work she loves at $100K for 10 years, retiring at 60 with $2.1M. The math is surprising—Jennifer ends up with more assets and more joy along the way.

The concept? Recreational employment—working because you want to, not because you have to. Even modest income in “retirement” years can keep your portfolio compounding instead of depleting, lowering risk and increasing freedom.

Your retirement strategy shouldn’t just hit arbitrary financial targets—it should serve your life goals. Explore the scenarios and see which path fits you best at earlyretirementpodcast.com.

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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.

Estate planning isn’t fun to think about, but skipping it can cost loved ones time, stress, and money. In this week's episode, Ari breaks down the essentials so you can take action with confidence.

Learn the key differences between wills and trusts, which states make trusts especially valuable, and why even residents of “will-friendly” states might still need one. Explore the “dead box” strategy, an annual practice that keeps important info like passwords and funeral wishes accessible if something happens.

Get clarity on overlooked tools like POD (Payable on Death) and TOD (Transfer on Death) designations, plus the risks of outdated paperwork through real-life client examples.

The episode also covers power of attorney, healthcare directives, and how HEMS provisions can protect assets for beneficiaries with special needs or unique situations.

Estate planning is about more than documents—it’s about creating peace of mind. Start now to give your family clarity when it matters most.

Listen to Part 1: Here's When A Will Is Sufficient And Trust Isn't Necessary

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.