Best Decumulation Podcasts (2025)

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Defining Value Creation in the Decumulation Phase 13:51

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4h ago13:51

13:51

Danielle Kelso, Senior Institutional Solutions Consultant at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, joins us to shed light on the changes and innovations shaping the future of retirement security. In her role, Kelso provides research, analytics and product expertise to the Allianz sales team, and shares her expertise on what plan sponsors…

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Decumulation: The Retirement Phase No One Warned You About 52:34

24d ago52:34

52:34

After decades of building your wealth, are you ready to actually enjoy it? On this week’s Wealth Health Radio, Joe Murphy and Steve Sedahl dig into one of the most overlooked parts of retirement — decumulation — the art and science of spending what you’ve saved. From withdrawal strategies to managing risk in volatile markets, Joe breaks down how re…

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Episode 459: Kicks And Giggles With A Bogleheads Forum Thread And Practical Issues About Evolving From Accumulation To Decumulation 45:38

26d ago45:38

45:38

In this episode we answer emails from Luc and Nick. We discuss the four levels of investors, the fundamental problems with identity that terms like "saver" and "Boglehead" cause per Morgan Housel, fallacious reasoning often applied to investing and portfolio construction, equity core with growth–value balance and small-cap value tilt, VTI vs VUG tr…

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Joe Murphy discusses the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies to ensure financial security. 51:00

2h ago51:00

51:00

Joe Murphy discusses the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies to ensure financial security. Topics include the realities of healthcare costs, the implications of required minimum distributions, and the significance of social security timing. Joe also addresses the challenges of market volatili…

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S6 Ep5: Small Schemes: Navigating Challenges for sub £100m Pension Schemes 24:57

23h ago24:57

24:57

In Episode 5, Season 6 of the Burges Salmon Pensions Pod, Chris Brown is joined by Ffion Hughes from Willis Towers Watson and Andy Prater from Burges Salmon to explore the challenges and opportunities facing small pension schemes. The discussion covers regulatory change, administration and member experience, data and benefit specification, and the …

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Episode 465: Working Through The Middle Muddle, Cool Animated Videos, And Analyzing Other Retirement Portfolios 46:09

1h ago46:09

46:09

In this episode we answer emails from Arun, Neil, and Stephen. We discuss intermediate accumulation portfolios, when you start needing bonds and being a good family man; favorite listener episodes #436 and #441, and an analysis of Thurman portfolios and what they are missing. Links: Episode 436 Video Summary: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WQ1hvo…

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A Major Retirement Disconnect: What Sponsors Miss About Participant Priorities 12:40

6h ago12:40

12:40

Today, we’re joined by Glenn Dial, Senior Retirement Strategist with American Century Investments. Dial explains some fascinating findings from “The Retirement Disconnect: What Sponsors Miss About Participant Priorities,” the firm’s 12th annual survey of retirement plan participants and sponsors, which can be found at americancentury.com. He covers…

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Episode 464: More Fun With Leverage, Bad Advisor Incentives, Working With A Substandard 401k And Portfolio Reviews As Of November 7, 2025 46:31

2h ago46:31

46:31

In this episode we answer emails from Dave, Isaiah, and Ian. We discuss back-testing tools, revisit UPRO and leverage from the last episode, the inherent biases and incentives for retail financial advisors to recommend underspending and using underspending plans larded with window dressings, and revisit a limited 401k and a retirement scenario from…

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“Retirement Myths, Mistakes, and Money Moves: Joe Murphy Answers Your Questions” 52:06

10d ago52:06

52:06

Joe Murphy discusses the critical aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of having a tailored plan that considers longevity, healthcare costs, and social security. He highlights common misconceptions about social security and Medicare, the impact of inflation on retirement spending, and the significance of required minimum distr…

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Episode 463: Pros And Cons of Leverage, Tax Buckets, Small Cap Value And Retirement Spending Frameworks 36:24

2h ago36:24

36:24

In this episode we answer emails from Roman, Andrew and Iain. We discuss the plusses and minuses of leverage, volatility drag, and how leverage interacts with diversification and withdrawals, general observation on tax optimization via account buckets, small cap value index funds and Avantis/DFA merits, and modelling annuities versus mandatory vers…

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Technology and the Small Plan Market with 401GO’s Sue Hardy and Cheryl Morrison Deutsch 13:50

10d ago13:50

13:50

Technology is transforming the small-plan retirement market—and fast. In this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast, we sit down with Sue Hardy, Head of Plan Operations at Sandy, Utah-based 401GO, and Cheryl Morrison Deutsch, the company’s Chief Experience Officer, to explore how modern automation, integration, and design thinking are helping sm…

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Episode 462: Creating Your Own Sample Portfolio, Asset Swaps With Cash, Low-Bar-Setting Financial Advisors, And Portfolio Reviews As Of October 31, 2025 45:00

15d ago45:00

45:00

In this episode we answer emails from Jess, Phil and Scott. We discuss an experience of setting up a sample RPR portfolio for one's self, using asset swaps to manage cash, and fun with the low bar standards and other inadequacies of many financial advisors. And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample port…

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Joe Murphy discusses the importance of planning for a long retirement, addressing longevity risk, inflation, and the emotional aspects of retirement planning. 51:50

8d ago51:50

51:50

Joe Murphy discusses the importance of planning for a long retirement, addressing longevity risk, inflation, and the emotional aspects of retirement planning. He emphasizes the need for multiple income streams, the significance of social security timing, and the necessity of having uncomfortable conversations about health and legacy planning. The e…

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S6 Ep4: Policy Pulse: Adequacy, Investment mandation and the Advice Gap 35:55

19d ago35:55

35:55

In episode 4, season 6 of the Burges Salmon Pensions Pod, Chris Brown is joined by Paul Waters (Hymans Robertson) and Hercules Phillips to explore the latest in UK pensions policy. The discussion covers the revived Pensions Commission’s focus on adequacy (from 2 mins 41 secs), the Mansion House Accord and Pension Schemes Bill’s investment mandates …

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Episode 461: Transitioning To Forever Plans, SCHD And Bitcoin, Our Purpose For Value, And When To Make Adjustments (Probably Never) 44:29

19d ago44:29

44:29

In this episode we answer emails from Tyson, Patrick, and Shuchi. We discuss the basics of transitioning, SCHD as a value fund choice, bitcoin vs. gold, why "only works for 30 years" is a fake problem, the difference between our use of value funds vs. Paul Merriman's, and when would me make adjustments to our plans in retirement. Links: Bigger Pock…

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Episode 460: Pulling The SWR Levers In A Retirement Scenario, Test Portfolios, HSAs, And Portfolio Reviews As Of October 24, 2025 47:48

23d ago47:48

47:48

In this episode we answer emails from Eva, Jess and Mr. Toxic. We discuss the three levers of safe withdrawal rates applied to a listener's upcoming retirement situation, running test risk parity style portfolios to get some practice like with have done with Bigger Pockets money, and what little we know about HSAs. And THEN we our go through our we…

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Private Markets and 401(k)s: Invesco’s Greg Jenkins on What Comes Next 10:11

17d ago10:11

10:11

Private markets are trying to make a move from the margins to the mainstream in workplace retirement plans—and the implications could be enormous. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Jenkins, CFA, Managing Director of Defined Contribution Solutions at Invesco to explore what this potential shift could mean for advisors, plan sponsors, and partic…

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Episode 458: Withdrawal Mechanics, Modelling, Futures Contracts And GOOOOLD, And Portfolio Reviews As Of October 17, 2025 40:06

24d ago40:06

40:06

In this episode we answer emails from Ron, Mark, Rick and Keith. We revel in your generosity and discuss the mechanics of monthly withdrawals and how rebalancing smooths that over, modelling portfolio with money going in and money going out, and a follow up on portfolios employing futures contracts as leverage. And gooooold! And THEN we our go thro…

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Joe Murphy delves into various aspects of Social Security, including taxation, benefits, and strategies for maximizing retirement income. 52:02

22d ago52:02

52:02

Joe Murphy delves into various aspects of Social Security, including taxation, benefits, and strategies for maximizing retirement income. The hosts discuss the implications of the trust fund's status, spousal strategies, and the importance of understanding healthcare coverage before Medicare. They also explore reverse mortgages as a financial tool …

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S6 Ep3: DC Decumulation: The nastiest, hardest problem in finance? 24:13

1M ago24:13

24:13

In this episode of the Burges Salmon Pensions Pod, Chris Brown is joined by Kathryn Fleming from Hymans Robertson and Helen Woodford to explore the topic of DC decumulation from multiple perspectives - including those of members, trustees, employers and providers, making this a valuable listen for anyone involved in DC pension saving. The discussio…

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Episode 457: Musings From A Swedish Road Trip, AI Bots, The Website And Gold Futures 28:34

23d ago28:34

28:34

In this episode we answer emails from Niek, Dustin, Dale, Hydromod and . We discuss adopting a golden ratio mix and not having unrealistic expectations, the plusses and minuses of the AI-version-of-you fad, the new website and why trying to use gold futures for leverage might not be the best choice for your gambling problem. Link: Father McKenna Ce…

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Episode 456: Lions And Leverage And RP Plans (Oh My!) -- And Portfolio Reviews As Of October 11, 2025 38:50

26d ago38:50

38:50

In this episode we answer emails from Jimmy, Anonymous and Matthew. We discuss financing a home with portfolio leverage via ETFs or margin, revel in the generosity of our listeners and real-life encounters, and review a risk parity style portfolio and plan. And touch on our recent vacation to South Africa. And THEN we our go through our weekly port…

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Joe Murphy explores the multifaceted aspects of retirement, emphasizing that it is not solely about financial security but also about finding purpose. 53:14

1M ago53:14

53:14

Joe Murphy explores the multifaceted aspects of retirement, emphasizing that it is not solely about financial security but also about finding purpose, balance, and fulfillment. The speakers discuss the importance of aligning visions for couples, the role of faith and spirituality, and the necessity of creating a life plan alongside financial planni…

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Challenging Common Beliefs About Automated Plan Features with Principal Financial Group’s Marc Howell and Felix Okwaning 23:20

1M ago23:20

23:20

Automated plan features in 401(k)s such as auto-enrollment and auto-escalation have become essential tools for boosting employee participation and contribution levels. Marc Howell and Felix Okwaning, who are both Managing Directors—Enhanced Plan Design at Principal Financial GroupⓇ, share some compelling new research showing employees not only stay…

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Joe Murphy discusses the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the emotional and financial transitions that come with retirement. 53:06

1M ago53:06

53:06

Joe Murphy discusses the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the emotional and financial transitions that come with retirement. He explores the current market trends, particularly the AI bubble, and how they may affect retirees' investments. The conversation also covers the significance of healthc…

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S6 Ep2: AI in Pensions: Practical Insights for Trustees 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

In this episode of the Burges Salmon Pensions Pod, Chris Brown and Callum Duckmanton discuss how AI is shaping the future of pensions. They cover trustees’ legal duties, the benefits and risks of using AI, practical steps for implementation, and insights from a recent industry event. A must listen for trustees and pensions professionals looking to …

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Three Key Strategies for Improving Retirement Plan Participant Outcomes 13:10

2M ago13:10

13:10

Today, we’re joined by Mike Kelly, Strategic Accounts Director with Inspira Financial. Mike discusses the strategies that plan sponsors can use to manage their retirement plans better and create better outcomes for their plan participants. But before we delve into that, Mike reminds listeners what Inspira Financial is and what it does.…

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Managing Market Value Adjustments with Lincoln Financial’s Bill McLaren 9:35

2M ago9:35

9:35

In this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast, we dive into the complex world of Market Value Adjustments (MVAs)—what they are, when they’re triggered, how they’re calculated, and why they matter. Bill McLaren, Stable Value Business Leader for the Retirement Plan Services Business at Lincoln Financial, joins us to explain why MVAs can catch plan…

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Joe Murphy discusses the critical aspects of retirement planning, focusing on the often-overlooked tax implications that retirees face. 52:08

2M ago52:08

52:08

Joe Murphy discusses the critical aspects of retirement planning, focusing on the often-overlooked tax implications that retirees face. From Social Security taxation to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Joe emphasizes the importance of strategic planning to minimize tax burdens and maximize retirement income. He also covers the impact of the S…

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S6 Ep1: Benefit and documentation audits – what are they and why consider them? 24:10

2M ago24:10

24:10

Regular host Chris Brown (Partner) chats with Richard Pettit (Partner) and Elena O’Leary (Senior Associate) from Burges Salmon’s Pensions & Lifetime Savings Team about benefit and documentation audits – how they can supplement benefit specifications and why trustees and employers of DB Schemes might want to consider one.…

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Episode 455: Transitions, Calculators And Golden Bucketeering! 40:21

2M ago40:21

40:21

In this episode we answer questions from Chris, George and "I Have No Name." We discuss a transition situation with bonus portfolio question, the plusses and minuses of Pralana and similar calculators, and an amusing take on the Golden Butterfly portfolio reimagined. Links: Father McKenna Center Donation Page: Donate - Father McKenna Center Rationa…

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Episode 454: A Master Plan For Mr. Bill And Portfolio Reviews As Of September 12, 2025 1:07:34

2M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

In this episode we answer one big long email from Mr. Bill (actually Dr. Bill). We discuss a planning process grounded in good data science, forecasting techniques and decision theory, and how we incorporate the concepts described in Bill Bengen's new book, using Dr. Bill as our guinea pig. And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of…

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Joe Murphy discusses the complexities of financial planning for late-life marriages, the impact of divorce on finances, and the importance of estate planning. 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

Joe Murphy discusses the complexities of financial planning for late-life marriages, the impact of divorce on finances, and the importance of estate planning. He emphasizes the need for clear communication and planning to avoid financial pitfalls, especially regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) and tax implications. The conversation also…

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Episode 453: Managed Futures, Bengen's New Book, And Vanguard Personal Advisor Follies 55:53

2M ago55:53

55:53

In this episode we answer emails from Adam, Private Cowboy, and Jose. We discuss managed futures (again with references!), Bill Bengen's latest book and how it integrates into our approach, and the pros and cons of a Vanguard Personal Advisor-created portfolio and the hypocritical quandaries it creates with the gods of Simplicity. Links: Demystifyi…

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Private Equity’s Potential to Help 401(k) Participants with Maura Reilly Kennedy and Michelle Rappa 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

Even with regulatory barriers to including alternative assets such as private equity in defined contribution plans being removed by the Trump administration, many advisors, plan sponsors and fiduciaries are understandably hesitant to jump in. To get a better idea of what private equity investments can bring to the table, we speak with Maura Reilly …

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Episode 452: Thanks Again For Your Generosity, Avoiding Calculator Jockeys, Calculation Shortcuts And Portfolio Reviews As Of September 5, 2025 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

in this episode we answer emails from Chris, Trudie, and Earl. Highlights: The Father McKenna Center "Top of the T-shirt" campaign raised over $66,624 thanks to generous listener contributions; financial advisors are conflicted and also relatively uninformed marketing machines who are not very curious about finances and are too reliant on calculato…

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Episode 451: Market Musings And Entertaining A Ted Baxter Clone 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

In this episode we answer emails from Andy, Phil and Brady. We entertain Andy's musings on small cap value and the economy with crystal balls and complex adaptive systems theory, discuss the foibles of radio personalities attempting to try to be able to comment on what we do -- and their hypocrisies and conflicts of interest --, and touch base with…

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Episode 450: International Funds, Nomads, New Vanguard ETFs and Portfolio Reviews As Of August 29, 2025 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

In this episode we answer emails from a Mysterious Visitor, Pal and Byron. We review our approach to international stock funds and how to improve their diversification, try to help out a Canadian nomad and discuss some new Vanguard funds. And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find…

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Retirement isn’t about more hustle—it’s about smarter alignment. Joe Murphy has the story. 52:35

3M ago52:35

52:35

They grew up on mixtapes, weathered two market crashes, and now Gen X is staring down retirement with one eye on the future—and the other on the fine print. For those who’ve saved smartly, the next move isn’t grinding harder, it’s aligning strategically. How do you shift from being a saver to becoming a true steward of your wealth? That’s the conve…

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Episode 449: A Transition, Personal Finance Is Still Finance, And Fun With Mary And Coaching Stuff 37:02

3M ago37:02

37:02

In this episode we answer emails from Nick, No Name, and Nathan. We discuss transitioning at 70% to FI, the inherent problems with a lot of psychology-based and convenience-based finance media and personal finance that fails to do the finance part first, Mary's amusement with Frank's ego (don't encourage him), and financial coaching. And we get to …

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Stable Value Funds: Balancing Safety and Opportunity with Lincoln Financial’s Matt Condos 15:00

3M ago15:00

15:00

Stable value funds are a staple in many 401(k) plans, offering principal protection and steady returns by investing in high-quality bonds. They’re particularly popular with participants nearing retirement who want to reduce market risk while still earning a competitive yield. But recent market conditions and interest rate changes have raised new co…

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Episode 448: The Problem With Simulated Crystal Balls, Cleveland Rocks, And Portfolio Reviews As Of August 22, 2025 42:35

3M ago42:35

42:35

In this episode we answer emails from Dave, Mike, and Andy. We discuss an inherited IRA, 529s, how historical data provides more reliable investment guidance than simulated data based on crystal balls, particularly when considering economic environments and asset correlations, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland Rocks! And THEN we our go th…

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Joe Murphy kicks things off with a lighthearted look at retirement and why sometimes stepping away early is the smartest move you can make. 52:51

3M ago52:51

52:51

Joe Murphy kicks things off with a lighthearted look at retirement and why sometimes stepping away early is the smartest move you can make. With the theme “Retired early – because working late never suited me,” we explore the humor, wisdom, and life lessons that come from knowing when it’s time to trade the office clock for more freedom. It’s part …

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Guided retirement and helping savers make the right decisions 23:26

3M ago23:26

23:26

Patrick Coyne, Interim Director of Pensions Reform at TPR, and Nike Trost, the FCA’s Head of Department - Asset Management and Pensions Policy, discuss how trustees can help ensure guided retirement makes a difference to savers by developing a much deeper understanding of the diverse needs and profiles within their scheme membership.…

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Episode 447: The OG Cowbell, Some Dueling Blog Posts, Spending And Enjoying More With Bill Bengen, And Musings About Gold 'N Bitcoin 29:24

3M ago29:24

29:24

In this episode we answer emails from Evan, James and Brandy. We discuss the joys of more cowbell from first principles and its origin story, a recent back-and-forth between Karsten and Tyler, the inherent problems with trying to massage data with crystal balls and what it's really revealing about the shortcomings of a basic 75/25 portfolio, some n…

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Episode 446: Managed Futures, International Bond Funds, Risk Parity Chronicles(!) And Portfolio Reviews As Of August 15, 2025 36:47

3M ago36:47

36:47

In this episode we answer emails from Postmaster, John, and Patrick. We discuss the ins and outs of managed futures, the outs of international bonds and currency funds, and Risk Parity Chronicles. Reborn! And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio. Additional…

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Joe Murphy discusses the importance of reviewing annuities in light of changing market conditions, particularly with rising interest rates. 52:48

3M ago52:48

52:48

Joe Murphy discusses the importance of reviewing annuities in light of changing market conditions, particularly with rising interest rates. He explains how the 1035 exchange can be a valuable tool for transferring underperforming annuities without tax penalties. The conversation also covers the implications of required minimum distributions (RMDs) …

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Episode 445: "Funny How" With Listener Humor, Rebalancing Leveraged Funds, And CTA 32:56

3M ago32:56

32:56

In this episode we answer two emails from John and one from Pete. We revel in John's summary of the podcast from its humble beginnings to its current form, his sailboat analogy to portfolio construction and his highly humorous questions. We also discuss two common but conflicting investor biases: rejecting assets because they've performed poorly re…

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Joe Murphy discusses the critical tax issues retirees face and offers strategies for tax efficiency, including the benefits of Roth conversions. 52:16

3M ago52:16

52:16

Joe Murphy discusses the critical tax issues retirees face and offers strategies for tax efficiency, including the benefits of Roth conversions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding retirement income taxation, planning for retirement decisions, and the psychological transition into retirement. The conversation also covers creating multiple…

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Episode 444: Weird 401ks, Portfolio Visualizer Experiences And Leveraged Funds 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

In this episode we answer emails from Ian, Bruce and Boone. We discuss dealing with a 401k with limited options, the limitations of the ticker symbol analyzers of Portfolio Visualizer and incorporating individual stocks into a retirement portfolio, and limitations and developments in leveraged ETF land. Note: No podcast this upcoming weekend as Fra…