Building a retirement income strategy involves more than selecting dividend-paying stocks. A focus on total return — which includes both growth and income — can offer a more comprehensive approach for long-term planning.

• Relying solely on dividend-paying stocks may reduce portfolio diversification and growth potential
• Total return (income + growth) can provide a broader view of long-term investment outcomes
• Asset location strategies may improve tax efficiency depending on the type of account
• Bond ladders with staggered maturities can help create more consistent income over time
• Annuities can provide structured income, though they may have limitations such as fees or inflation sensitivity
• The most effective strategy is one that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and understanding
• Be cautious with complex products — understanding fees, liquidity restrictions, and structure is essential

Advisory services are offered through Root Financial, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Advisory relationships are established only through a signed agreement. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes. If client experiences are referenced, no compensation was provided and their experience may not be representative of others. Comments shared publicly are unsolicited and do not reflect the views or experience of all clients. They are not verified and should not be construed as testimonials or endorsements. Root Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Tax planning topics are discussed in the context of comprehensive financial planning and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Watching or listening to this content does not create an advisory relationship.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Retired with millions—but full of regret?

In this episode of Root Talks, James and Ari share the real stories no one talks about: wealthy retirees who did everything “right” financially but still feel like they missed out. From sacrificing health and relationships for more savings, to realizing too late that they were planning for someone else’s version of success, these lessons are emotional, practical, and essential.

What you’ll learn:
Common regrets wealthy retirees confess after leaving work
Why financial freedom means nothing without health, time, or joy
How to avoid estate planning mistakes that burden your spouse or family
Why intentional living matters more than chasing a number
Simple, high-impact ways to prepare for retirement now

If you're building wealth, nearing retirement, or want to live more meaningfully today—this conversation is for you

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Even when the financial plan indicates you're on track, many people experience anxiety—especially between ages 50 and 65, before traditional retirement benefits begin. This episode explores ways to prepare for that critical transition with clarity and confidence.

• One of the most impactful retirement risks is withdrawing too much from your portfolio in the early years
• Many individuals are “qualified rich, cash limited” with the majority of assets in tax-advantaged retirement accounts
• Building a taxable brokerage account can provide additional flexibility before age-based access to retirement funds
• For some, temporarily adjusting retirement account contributions may help support short-term liquidity needs (consider your specific situation and consult a financial professional)
• Planning ahead for early retirement expenses—such as travel, healthcare, or home projects—can reduce surprises
• Avoiding large discretionary expenses early in retirement may help reduce stress on your portfolio
• Focus on what you can control: spending, timing of retirement, asset allocation, and strategic withdrawals

Advisory services are offered through Root Financial, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Advisory relationships are established only through a signed agreement. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes. If client experiences are referenced, no compensation was provided and their experience may not be representative of others. Root Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Tax planning topics are discussed in the context of comprehensive financial planning and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Watching or listening to this content does not create an advisory relationship. The Early Retirement Academy is an educational resource offered by Root Financial. Participation may involve a fee. Use of the tool does not establish a client relationship or constitute personalized advice. Comments shared publicly are unsolicited and do not reflect the views or experience of all clients. They are not verified and should not be construed as testimonials or endorsements.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

In this episode, Ari explores six common oversights in early retirement planning that can create unnecessary stress and limit flexibility in the long run.

• Not establishing a taxable brokerage account to access funds before traditional retirement age
• Overlooking healthcare planning, including available subsidies, which may impact retirement timing
• Missing opportunities for tax efficiency through strategies like Roth conversions or coordinated withdrawals
• Underestimating the importance of physical health when planning for an active retirement lifestyle
• Limiting retirement vision to essential expenses, rather than factoring in meaningful goals and experiences
• Focusing only on finances without considering purpose, routine, or fulfillment during retirement

Submit your questions at earlyretirementpodcast.com for future episodes. Are you sabotaging your early retirement with what I call "head trash"? These are the unnecessary worries that keep you working years longer than you need to - like comparing your finances to neighbors without knowing their full picture.

Advisory services are offered through Root Financial, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Advisory relationships are established only through a signed agreement. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes. If client experiences are referenced, no compensation was provided and their experience may not be representative of others. Comments shared publicly are unsolicited and do not reflect the views or experience of all clients. They are not verified and should not be construed as testimonials or endorsements. Root Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Tax planning topics are discussed in the context of comprehensive financial planning and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Watching or listening to this content does not create an advisory relationship. To learn more about Root or to explore working together, please visit www.rootfinancialpartners.com.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Many great savers struggle to switch gears once they retire—unsure how to spend with confidence after decades of discipline. James and Ari reflect on the mindset shift from saving to spending, exploring how to use money and time more intentionally to create a meaningful life now, not just someday.

Prompted by a thoughtful comment from a Root Collective member, they share personal stories and client examples about the “little splurges” that actually matter—upgrading experiences, investing in health, buying back time, and being generous in ways that deepen relationships.

They also walk through five key categories that tend to lead to high-impact, low-regret spending: experiences, time, giving, health, and environment.

Whether you’re already retired or still working toward it, this conversation will help you think more clearly about the value of your money—and how to use it to support the life you truly want to live.

Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Advisory relationships are established only through a signed agreement. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes. If client experiences are referenced, no compensation was provided and their experience may not be representative of others. Root Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Tax planning topics are discussed in the context of comprehensive financial planning and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Watching or listening to this content does not create an advisory relationship. Comments shared publicly are unsolicited and do not reflect the views or experience of all clients. They are not verified and should not be construed as testimonials or endorsements.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

More Americans than ever before are retiring early due to seven key factors reshaping our approach to work and retirement planning.

• COVID-19 accelerated early retirements with 2.6 million more people retiring during the pandemic than expected
• Average retirement age dropped from 64 in 2019 to 62 in 2022, one of the sharpest declines in decades
• The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has grown by 300% in searches between 2018-2023
• Strong market performance created record numbers of 401(k) millionaires
• Remote work flexibility enables 40% of workers to retire 2-5 years earlier than previously planned
• 68% of Americans have reprioritized work-life balance with 47% willing to accept lower income for more freedom
• Health concerns prompted 25% of early retirees to leave the workforce sooner than expected

Advisory services are offered through Root Financial, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Advisory relationships are established only through a signed agreement. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes. If client experiences are referenced, no compensation was provided and their experience may not be representative of others. Viewer or listener comments shared publicly are unsolicited and do not reflect the views or experience of Root Financial. We do not verify or endorse any statements made in public forums. Root Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Tax planning topics discussed are considered in the context of broader financial planning and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional tax or legal counsel. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Watching or listening to this content does not create an advisory relationship. To learn more about Root or to explore working together, please visit www.rootfinancialpartners.com.

If you want help with your early retirement, reach out to Root Financial Partners or consider the Early Retirement Academy to access planning tools and resources.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Tax strategy is the most overlooked aspect of financial planning, yet it could save you thousands over your lifetime by minimizing your total tax burden rather than just focusing on this year's bill.

• Roth conversions let you pay taxes at potentially lower rates now to avoid higher taxes later in life
• Asset location matters – keep growth investments in Roth accounts and more conservative assets in brokerage accounts
• Health insurance premium planning can drastically reduce your healthcare costs through ACA subsidies
• Capital gains harvesting allows married couples to realize up to $96,700 in gains tax-free each year
• The standard deduction adds another $30,000 of tax-free money, meaning you could potentially generate $126,700 with zero tax liability

If this was helpful, please reach out at ari@rootfinancialpartners.com. If you'd like a custom strategy, you can apply to work with Root Financial Partners. For those 5-10 years from retirement, check out the Early Retirement Academy for software, courses and tools to help you prepare.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

What actually happens when you work with a financial advisor? At Root Financial, we've built a carefully structured team model to ensure every client gets consistent, exceptional service regardless of which advisor they're paired with.

Unlike products (think identical Honda Civics or iPhones at any retailer), financial advice is inherently personal and can vary dramatically between advisors. We've solved this challenge by creating a four-person service team for every client: a Client Service Associate handling operations, an Associate Financial Advisor supporting and learning, a Lead Financial Advisor delivering personalized recommendations, and a Senior Financial Advisor providing advanced expertise while coaching the team.

This structure isn't just organizational—it's the foundation of our entire client experience. When Associate Advisors take detailed notes, for example, it allows Lead Advisors to be fully present in conversations rather than documenting. As one team member put it: "Taking notes allows me to be fully present in that conversation."

Rather than simply hiring "free agent" advisors with varying approaches, we've developed our own farm system. We carefully select talented professionals with the right character and potential, then develop them through our comprehensive training programs. Each advisor progresses through clearly defined levels with specific requirements—time in role, licensing, CFP designation, and successful completion of Root's investment and planning curricula.

The goal? Creating advisors who've "learned the rules like a pro so they can break them like an artist." This Picasso-inspired philosophy means our team masters the fundamentals, then adapts them creatively to help clients optimize not just for wealth, but for a life well-lived.

This behind-the-scenes structure might seem technical, but it's precisely what allows us to deliver consistent excellence. When you work with Root, you're not just getting one advisor—you're getting an entire team crafted to ensure your experience reflects our core belief: money should be a tool for getting the most out of life.

Want to discover if our approach aligns with your needs? Visit rootfinancial.com and click "see if we're a fit" to start the conversation.

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 – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they’ve been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions.

Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.