Show overview
Retirement Answers has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 158 episodes. That works out to roughly 45 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 14 min and 22 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 days ago, with 13 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 51 episodes published. Published by Jacob Duke, CFP®.
From the publisher
Retirement Answers is a podcast built to help you succeed in retirement. The thought of retirement can be overwhelming and downright scary for many... but it doesn't have to be! The goal of this podcast is to provide thoughtful insights and strategies to give you the confidence you need to retire successfully. At the end of the day, my ultimate goal for my clients and podcast listeners is to live a fulfilling retirement. Follow along as I publish a new episode each week covering everything from retirement income planning, tax planning, Social Security, insurance planning, investing, and much more. Here's to learning everything you need to know to live out your dream retirement!
Latest Episodes
View all 158 episodesAvoid These 5 Retirement Mistakes Before It’s Too Late
Why Your 401(k) Isn’t Enough - The Ideal Retirement Mix
The Mental Trap That's Sabotaging Your Retirement
Ep 152Avoid These 8 Retirement Mistakes (They Look Harmless… But Aren’t)
Some of the biggest retirement mistakes don’t show up until it’s too late to fix them. Today, I’m breaking down 8 costly mistakes I see over and over again and how to avoid them before they impact your income, taxes, and long-term freedom. A few small adjustments here can make a massive difference later.👉 Work With Us: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.
Ep 1515 Reasons NOT To Claim Social Security Early
Not sure when to take Social Security? Well, in today's episode, I am sharing 5 reasons you shouldn't take your benefits early and the hidden risks of doing so.👉 Work With Us: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.
Ep 150These Are The Most Important Years of Retirement
If you don't get things right during this important window of time, your retirement likely won't be what you hoped... This 10 year period of time will determine the trajectory of your entire retirement. Prepare correctly and you will enjoy a fulfilling life without worry. Little preparation and poor execution and you will be wishing you could get a do over... Only problem is, you get one shot at retiring right the first time.👉 Work With Us: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Intro01:40 Last 5 Years of Work11:44 First 5 Years of Retirement14:16 Book a Call
Ep 149The Roth IRA 5-Year Rule Explained (Ultimate Guide)
Confused by the Roth IRA 5-year rule? Did you know there are two different 5-year rules? Well, it can get quite confusing, so this episode is meant to be your complete guide for everything around the Roth 5-year rules.👉 Work With Us: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.
Ep 148Most Retirement Plans Look Good on Paper, But FAIL in Reality
Are you sure your retirement plan is optimized for the right things? In this episode, I discuss what the true mark of a successful retirement plan is and why most people's plans will fail, just not in the way they expected.👉 Work With Us: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.
Ep 1477 MAJOR Benefits of a Brokerage Account in Retirement
Is the brokerage account the secret to a fun and tax-efficient retirement? It might be a requirement, but it definitely helps. In fact, the brokerage account is my favorite account type and in this episode, I share 7 benefits that anyone can use to their advantage in retirement.👉 See If You're a Fit: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Welcome00:47 How 401(k)s, Traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs Are Taxed03:06 What a Taxable Brokerage Account Is (and How It’s Taxed)04:16 Flexibility05:50 The “Bridge Account”07:10 Tax-Gain Harvesting11:39 Tax-Loss Harvesting13:30 Asset Location15:54 Liquidity16:58 Estate Planning19:04 How to Start Using a Brokerage Account in Your Plan20:20 Wrap-Up
Ep 1464 Reasons You Should Take Social Security at 62
Are you still trying to decide when to take Social Security? Well, in this episode, I am deviating from my normal stance to share 4 reasons you might want to take your benefits ASAP rather than delay. And be sure to listen to the end, because I share why using a traditional break even analysis in your decision making process is not a good idea.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Introduction01:31 Reason 103:07 Reason 204:19 Reason 306:10 Reason 407:51 The Flaws of Break Even Analysis12:28 Conclusion
Ep 145Don't Retire Yet - Try This Instead
Are you anxious about an abrupt transition to retirement? In this episode of Retirement Answers, I share the concept of phased retirement, where you can gradually reduce work hours or stress levels instead of stopping work entirely. I explain the financial and emotional benefits, offering practical advice for a smoother, more comfortable path to retirement.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Introduction00:48 The Anxiety of Full Retirement01:25 Phased Retirement: A New Approach02:37 Changes in Retirement Landscape04:04 Practical Steps for Phased Retirement05:17 Employer Negotiations and Alternatives07:53 Consulting and Part-Time Work Options11:45 Financial and Health Benefits15:39 Finding Purpose in Retirement17:19 Conclusion
Ep 144The Big HSA Mistake Retirees Don’t Know They Are Making
Have you ever wondered if your HSA contributions could cause unexpected issues as you approach retirement? In this episode, I highlight potential risks and mistakes that individuals near or in retirement might encounter with their HSAs. Specifically around scenarios such as switching into an HSA plan mid-year, transitioning out of an HSA plan mid-year, and moving from an HSA plan to Medicare. 👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Intro00:35 Understanding HSA Contributions and Limits04:50 Scenario 1: Switching to an HSA Plan Mid-Year07:42 Scenario 2: Switching Out of an HSA Plan Mid-Year12:59 Scenario 3: Transitioning from HSA to Medicare18:27 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Ep 143New 2026 Tax Brackets, Standard Deductions & More!
Can you believe it's 2026 already?? Ready or not here we go! In this episode, I'm sharing the updated tax brackets, standard deductions, capital gains brackets, IRMAA brackets, provisional income brackets, and more.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Introduction01:23 Federal Income Tax Brackets for 202602:10 Standard Deductions and Additional Deductions04:42 Long-Term Capital Gains Brackets06:37 Retirement Contribution Limits08:09 Roth IRA and Traditional IRA Rules13:07 Medicare Premiums and IRMAA Surcharges16:20 Social Security Taxation19:16 Final Thoughts
Ep 142MAJOR Changes To 401k Catch-Up Contributions in 2026
If you're 50+ and making catching catch-up contributions to your employer 401k plan, this episode is for you. In 2026, you might have to change how you save to your employer plan if you earn to much money. In this episode, I share what you need to know about these new rules and how you can save with intention.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Intro00:43 Updated Contribution Limits for 202601:25 Special Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 60-6302:16 IRA Contribution Limits for 202603:13 New Rules for High Earners05:22 Nuances and Exceptions11:03 Strategizing Your Contributions15:51 Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Ep 1414 Retirement Fears to STOP Believing After You Reach 50
Have you ever wondered why so many people dream of early retirement but never actually do it? In this episode, I dive into the most common fears that hold people back from their dream retirement.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Introduction01:48 Fear #104:55 Fear #210:33 Fear #315:00 Fear #418:56 What's Next?
Ep 140Don't Retire Early Without Understanding THIS Tax Strategy First
What if you could retire earlier than expected, access your savings without penalties, get health insurance subsidies, and pay no taxes for the first few years? Would you believe that's possible? In this episode of Retirement Answers, I explain how it can be done using a case study of a client named Joe where I break down the strategies and financial maneuvers used to help him retire at 55.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Welcome00:51 Special Announcement: 2026 Important Numbers Data Sheet01:36 Meet Joe: A Real-Life Case Study04:12 The Rule of 55: Accessing Retirement Funds Early07:04 Tax Strategies for Early Retirement08:04 Health Insurance and ACA Subsidies16:25 Combining Strategies for a Tax-Free Retirement18:42 Conclusion
Ep 1395 Misleading Retirement Beliefs That Can Sabotage Your Future
Have you ever wondered if certain beliefs about retirement could actually jeopardize your future instead of securing it? In this episode of the Retirement Answers Podcast, Jacob Duke, a certified financial planner, delves into common assumptions that may seem harmless but can quietly derail your retirement plans. Tune in to learn how to identify and overcome these misconceptions for a secure and fulfilling retirement journey.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2025 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2025-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.00:00 Introduction01:33 Belief #1: The Magic Number Myth02:59 Belief #2: Spending Less in Retirement05:45 Belief #3: Skipping the Financial Plan10:12 Belief #4: Playing It Too Safe14:12 Belief #5: Retirement Equals Happiness15:31 Conclusion
Ep 1385 Questions You MUST Answer If Retiring Before 65
Get the FREE Checklist Here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/pre-65-retirement-checklist👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2025 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2025-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.
Ep 137This Is The Roth Conversion SWEET SPOT
What ingredients make for the most optimal Roth conversions? In this episode, I explain what the Roth conversion sweet spot is and why this period of time is the best time to do conversions.📋 Get Your FREE Checklist here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/roth-conversion-sweet-spot-checklist👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2025 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2025-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.
Ep 136Every Retiree Needs To Hear This... (What I've Learned After Helping 100 Clients Retire)
You ever have something not be what expected it to be? Well, as a retirement planner who is helped over 100 clients, I have learned an important lesson that I think anyone who is preparing for retirement needs to understand.👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started✅ Get your Important Numbers 2025 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2025-important-numbersEmail: [email protected]: https://www.rivertreewealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdukeJacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.