Best Alex Murguia Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 202: OBBBA and You, Part 2: The Deductions That Could Change Your Tax Bill 40:50

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4d ago40:50

40:50

The conversation explores key tax topics, including below-the-line deductions, charitable contributions, mortgage insurance deductions, gambling taxes, and the taxation of Social Security benefits. It also discusses potential changes to Affordable Care Act subsidies and highlights the importance of proactive tax planning to navigate these complexit…

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Episode 201: OBBBA and You: How the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Reshapes Retirement Taxes 39:02

11d ago39:02

39:02

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau are joined by CPA Brett Leyton to discuss the new tax provisions introduced in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The conversation covers essential topics such as federal income tax brackets, standard deductions, and various new below-the-line deductions that can benefit taxpayers,…

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Episode 200 Celebration 1:02:47

19d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Welcome to a milestone episode of Retire With Style! In this celebratory 200th installment, Wade and Alex take a break from the usual deep dives into retirement planning to reflect on their journey so far, from a hesitant start to a full-blown podcast and lifestyle brand. They revisit some of the most popular episodes, listener feedback (the good, …

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Episode 199: Beyond the Numbers: Planning for Life, Not Just Finances 31:18

25d ago31:18

31:18

By Wade Pfau & Alex Murguia

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Episode 198: Beyond the Numbers: The Human Side of Retirement 38:29

1M ago38:29

38:29

In part one of their conversation with Dan Haylett, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia explore the human side of retirement planning. They emphasize that financial planning is only part of the equation and discuss the emotional and psychological challenges retirees face. Dan introduces the five pillars of a thriving retirement: purpose, identity, relations…

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Episode 197: RWS Live! With Bill Bengen: Part 2 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

In this conversation, Wade Pfau, Alex Murguia and Bill Bengen discuss various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on risk management, asset allocation, and the implications of market conditions on withdrawal rates. Bengen shares insights on adjusting the traditional 4% rule based on current market valuations and inflation, emphasizing the impo…

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Episode 196: RWS Live! With Bill Bengen: Part 1 29:54

2M ago29:54

29:54

In this live Q&A session, Wade Pfau, Alex Murguia, and Bill Bengen discuss the intricacies of safe withdrawal rates in retirement, focusing on the relevance of the 4% rule, the impact of inflation, and the importance of investment strategies. They explore various topics including the significance of account types, the risks associated with stock pi…

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Episode 195: The 4% Rule and Beyond: Retirement Strategies with Bill Bengen 39:05

2M ago39:05

39:05

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia talk with William Bengen, pioneer of the 4% rule in retirement planning. They explore the rule’s evolution, how inflation and market valuations shape sustainable withdrawals, and Bengen’s current recommendations. The discussion highlights the role of asset allocation, the importance o…

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Episode 194: RWS Live! Rethinking Retirement: Inflation, Annuities, and Roth Conversions 38:57

2M ago38:57

38:57

In this conversation, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore strategies for retirement planning, including hedging against inflation, using break-even analysis in Social Security decisions, and evaluating annuities for retirement income. They also cover the implications of Roth conversions and the reverse equity glide path strategy for managing investm…

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Episode 193: RWS Live!: From Tontines to ETFs: Exploring Innovative Retirement Solutions 33:35

2M ago33:35

33:35

In this conversation, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss retirement planning topics including market downturns, buffer assets, demographic trends, and emerging products like tontines and buffered ETFs. They highlight how historical market performance shapes future expectations and emphasize the role of strategic asset allocation in retirement incom…

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Episode 192- Beyond The 4% Rule 36:05

2M ago36:05

36:05

In this episode of Retire with Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau dive into key retirement planning topics, including sequence risk, the 4% rule, withdrawal strategies, and bond yields. They highlight the importance of a comprehensive financial plan that accounts for asset allocation, tax considerations- such as those related to TIPS and annuities- …

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Episode 191: From Cash to HELOCs What’s in Your Buffer Toolbox 36:38

3M ago36:38

36:38

In this episode of Retire with Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore how buffer assets can help manage sequence risk in retirement. They discuss different types of buffer assets—including cash, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs), and whole life insurance—and examine the trade-offs involved with each. W…

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Episode 190- Buffer Assets, Bad Timing, and Better Plans 28:29

3M ago28:29

28:29

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore how to manage sequence of returns risk in retirement. They break down four key strategies: spending conservatively, staying flexible with spending, reducing investment volatility, and using buffer assets. The discussion also touches on how sequence risk can arise more th…

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Episode 189: Gold Is Shiny- But Is It Smart? 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia tackle listener questions on a range of financial topics, including gold’s volatility, alternative investments, and how to measure retirement success. They discuss the realities of investment returns, the impact of recent U.S. bond downgrades, and the importance of understanding risk,…

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Episode 188: Are TIPS the Retirement Safety Net You’ve Been Missing? 43:10

3M ago43:10

43:10

In this episode of Retire with Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and their role in retirement planning. They cover the history of TIPS, their tax implications, and how they help protect against inflation. The conversation also addresses the drawbacks of TIPS, current market conditions, and the …

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Episode 187: Couples, Roths, and SPIAs- Oh My! 28:55

4M ago28:55

28:55

In this episode of Retire with Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore key retirement planning strategies, including how couples can optimize Social Security benefits, what to do with surplus funds from bond ladders, and the potential benefits of purchasing single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) from Roth IRAs. They highlight the importance o…

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Episode 186: How to Build a Retirement Plan That Lasts (and Saves on Taxes) 32:19

4M ago32:19

32:19

In this episode of Retire with Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau answer listener questions on retirement planning for high earners. They explore tax strategies like Roth conversions and qualified charitable distributions, and discuss how tools like life insurance and annuities can help hedge longevity risk and support a stable retirement income. Ta…

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Episode 185: Retire with Style Live Q&A 1:04:37

4M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

In this live Q&A session, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau answer questions on key aspects of retirement income planning, including withdrawal strategies, the 4% rule, tax considerations, and the role of financial advisors. They discuss how age and financial circumstances can influence withdrawal rates and highlight the importance of using guardrails to …

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Episode 184: Can Tech Replace Your Financial Advisor? 52:59

4M ago52:59

52:59

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia talk with John Manganaro, senior reporter at ThinkAdvisor, about the shifting landscape of retirement income planning. They explore how technology is reshaping financial planning, the growing need for holistic advice, and the challenges both advisors and consumers face in finding effe…

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Episode 183: Retire Smarter, Not Harder 52:15

5M ago52:15

52:15

In this episode of Retire with Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore the key elements of comprehensive retirement planning. They discuss the importance of understanding your financial goals, working with a financial advisor, and managing risks like health insurance and long-term care costs. Drawing on listener questions and case studies, they e…

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Episode 182: When Disaster Strikes… Should You Invest? 32:34

5M ago32:34

32:34

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia explore alternative investments with a focus on natural resources, commodities, and catastrophe bonds. They break down the strategies and risks behind these asset classes and examine how they can fit into a diversified retirement portfolio. The conversation offers insights into the po…

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Episode 181: Bricks, Mortar and Retirement 39:01

5M ago39:01

39:01

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia explore real assets- focusing on real estate and infrastructure- and their role in retirement portfolios. They discuss the pros and cons of residential and commercial property ownership, the value of REITs, and the potential of infrastructure investments. The conversation highlights t…

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Episode 180: The Secret Life of Private Investments 55:11

5M ago55:11

55:11

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia explore the world of alternative investments, with a focus on private equity and private credit. They discuss what it means to be an accredited investor, the different types of private equity investments, and the typical life cycle and structure of private equity funds—including the r…

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Episode 179: Forecasts, Futures, and Funds: Inside the Hedge Fund Playbook 44:57

6M ago44:57

44:57

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia explore the complex world of hedge funds, focusing on strategies like global macro, event-driven, and managed futures. They explain the role of derivatives, the impact of forecasting, and how these approaches can complement a broader investment portfolio, especially in the context of …

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Episode 178: Hedging Your Bets in Retirement: What You Should Know 56:58

6M ago56:58

56:58

In this episode, Wade and Alex explore the world of hedge funds—what they are, how they’re structured, and how they’ve evolved from simple hedging tools into complex investment vehicles. They break down common fee models, challenges in measuring performance, and the impact of data biases. The conversation also covers key hedge fund strategies—inclu…

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Episode 177: Winning the Loser’s Game: A Look at Alternative Investments 52:49

6M ago52:49

52:49

In this episode of Retire with Style, Dr. Wade Pfau and Dr. Alex Murguia explore the evolving world of alternative investments and their potential role in retirement planning. They discuss the concept of "Winning the Loser’s Game"—emphasizing the value of steady, disciplined strategies over high-risk maneuvers—and examine how alternatives like cryp…

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Episode 176: Strategic Retirement Planning: Q&A on Income, Taxes, and Investments 34:41

6M ago34:41

34:41

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau tackle a range of financial planning questions in a lively Q&A session. They explore Social Security strategies, the role of single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) in retirement income, and investment approaches for managing required minimum distributions (RMDs). The discuss…

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Episode 175: Can Money Buy Happiness in Retirement? 51:15

6M ago51:15

51:15

In this episode of Retire With Style, Dr. Wade Pfau and Dr. Alex Murguia are joined by behavioral finance expert Dr. Daniel Crosby to explore the intersection of wealth, values, and happiness in retirement. Together, they unpack why aligning your spending with your personal values can lead to a more fulfilling life—and how money, when used thoughtf…

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Episode 174: The Psychology of Investing: Understanding Market Reactions 30:27

7M ago30:27

30:27

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia sit down with Dr. Daniel Crosby, a leading voice in behavioral finance, to unpack the psychological side of investing in today’s volatile markets. Together, they examine how market swings and media noise shape investor behavior—and why having a thoughtful media diet and disciplined de…

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Episode 173: Navigating Market Volatility: Strategies for Investors 49:11

7M ago49:11

49:11

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia dive into the current market landscape and what it means for retirement planning. They highlight the importance of staying grounded during periods of volatility and how emotions can cloud financial judgment. Alex introduces the RAIN model—a practical framework to recognize and manage …

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Episode 172: Understanding Market Volatility 53:00

7M ago53:00

53:00

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss the complexities of market volatility, its implications for investors, and the current economic landscape. They discuss the nature of volatility, the significance of the VIX as a measure of market fear, and the emotional toll of daily market fluctuations. The conversation al…

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Episode 171: Unlocking the Secrets of Bond Laddering 49:57

7M ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau are joined by Nate Conrad from Lifex Funds to discuss the innovative approach to retirement income through bond ladders. The conversation explores the evolution of Lifex, the differences between traditional bond funds and bond ladders, and the design of Lifex ETFs aimed at provi…

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Episode 170: The Importance of Your Planning Assumptions Part 2 29:42

8M ago29:42

29:42

Welcome Back! In this episode, Alex, Wade and Brian dive into the complexities of financial planning, focusing on return assumptions, the importance of a living financial plan, and the methodologies behind capital market assumptions. They discuss the balance between spending and saving in retirement, the relevance of the 4% rule, and practical reco…

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Episode 169: The Importance of Your Financial Planning Assumptions: Part 1 31:00

8M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode, Alex and Wade are joined by Brian Bass from McLean Asset Management to discuss the complexities of financial planning assumptions, particularly focusing on Monte Carlo simulations and their implications for success rates in retirement planning. They discuss how different advisors may present varying success rates based on their und…

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Episode 168: Funded Ratio vs. Monte Carlo: Which is Better? 45:17

8M ago45:17

45:17

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau discuss the importance of understanding the funded ratio in retirement planning. They explore how the funded ratio compares to Monte Carlo simulations, the significance of present value in assessing retirement income, and the implications of conservative return assumptions. Th…

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Episode 167: Navigating Retirement Goals: The Four L's 37:28

8M ago37:28

37:28

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau delve into the intricacies of financial planning for retirement. They introduce the concept of a financial planning framework, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's goals, risks, and the alignment of assets. The discussion covers the Retirement Income Challenge, th…

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Episode 166: Mastering Your Financial Future: A Framework for Success 35:25

9M ago35:25

35:25

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss the importance of having a structured financial planning framework, especially in the context of retirement. They explore the psychological aspects of financial planning, including the need for a positive mindset and the impact of behavioral biases on investment decisions. T…

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Episode 165: Tax Planning Essentials for Retirees 37:39

9M ago37:39

37:39

In this episode of 'Retire With Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau delve into the intricacies of tax planning for retirement. They introduce the Retirement Income Challenge, discuss the importance of understanding tax impacts on retirement income, and explore strategies such as Roth conversions and gains harvesting. The conversation also cove…

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Episode 164: Investment Insights: What 2024 Taught Us 53:45

9M ago53:45

53:45

In this episode, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia review 2024, focusing on the discrepancies between market predictions and actual outcomes. They discuss the impact of prognostications on investment decisions and highlight the unpredictability of markets, emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective in financial planning. Their conversation disc…

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Episode 163: 2025 Retirement Planning Guidebook Updates 37:29

9M ago37:29

37:29

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau discuss significant updates in retirement planning for 2025, including changes to Medicare Part D, Social Security benefits, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and new catch-up contribution limits. They also explore the implications of inflation adjustments on qualified ch…

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Episode 162: Retire with Style Live (not really) Q&A: Part 6 48:57

9M ago48:57

48:57

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia, are joined by Jason Rizkallah from McLean Asset Management. They continue answering your critical questions surrounding retirement planning, focusing on the nuances of choosing between lump sum and annuity options and asset allocation strategies for retirees. They explore the…

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Episode 161: Retire with Style Live (not really) Q&A: Part 5 53:34

10M ago53:34

53:34

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau continue answering your questions on various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on the importance of buffer assets, the impact of market volatility, and how to make accurate financial projections. They share personal updates, including plans for a pickleball tour, and delve in…

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Episode 160: Retire with Style Live (not really) Q&A: Part 4 46:14

10M ago46:14

46:14

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau engage in a lively discussion about various financial strategies for retirement. They explore the differences between Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Roth IRAs, emphasizing the tax advantages of HSAs. The conversation also delves into the implications of investing in Real E…

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Episode 159: Retire with Style Live (not really) Q&A: Part 3 27:47

10M ago27:47

27:47

In this conversation, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on withdrawal strategies, investment diversification, tax-efficient withdrawals, and the implications of the wash sale rule. They emphasize the importance of having a reliable income stream during retirement and explore different strategies for…

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Episode 158: Retire with Style Live (not really) Q&A: Part 2 34:50

10M ago34:50

34:50

In this episode of 'Retire with Style' Alex and Wade continue answering your questions about the various aspects of retirement planning. Their conversation focuses on the implications of the Secure Act 2.0 on SPIA and RMD calculations, the legal responsibilities surrounding RMD miscalculations, strategies for protecting late-life income against inf…

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Episode 157: Retire with Style Live (not really) Q&A Part 1 38:28

11M ago38:28

38:28

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia tackle a variety of questions related to retirement planning, including the necessity of international stocks, the implications of Roth conversions, and strategies for purchasing property with retirement funds. They also discuss potential reforms in Medicare and Social Security, and…

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Episode 156: Navigating The New Retirement Landscape 43:15

11M ago43:15

43:15

In this episode, Wade and Alex welcome Jason Fichtner to discuss the evolving landscape of retirement income. They explore consumer perspectives on retirement, the importance of protected income strategies, and the generational shifts affecting retirement planning. Their conversation also delves into the decline of traditional pensions, insights on…

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Episode 155: Navigating Roth Conversions: Key Strategies and Insights 48:50

11M ago48:50

48:50

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau delve into the complexities of Roth conversions, discussing strategies, constraints, and the importance of diversified accounts. They explore how to approach Roth conversions effectively, considering factors like income needs, tax implications, and the innovative concept of ta…

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Episode 154 The Financial Advisor's Guide to Roth Conversions Part 2 40:50

11M ago40:50

40:50

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau, along with guest Rob Cordeau, continue their conversation into the complexities of Roth conversions and their implications for tax efficiency in retirement planning. They discuss the nuances of paying taxes on conversions, the importance of understanding tax brackets, and the…

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Episode 153: The Financial Advisor's Guide to Roth Conversions 36:17

12M ago36:17

36:17

In this episode, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau are joined by Rob Cordeau to discuss the complexities and strategies surrounding Roth conversions. They emphasize the importance of long-term tax planning and the various factors that influence the decision to convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. They explore the perspectives of financial advisors versu…