Best Wade Pfau Podcasts (2025)

1
Death as an Annuity Strategy: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 6:18

Play Pause

3d ago6:18

6:18

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Designing dependable inheritances Structuring income for generations Choosing tools for guaranteed legacy streams Partnering wisely with trusted professionals Key Takeaways: Integrating annuities into estate plans allows individuals to pass on structured, reliable income rather than lump-sum inheritances,…

1
Episode 208: Your Retirement Spending Questions Answered: The 4 Percent Rule, Sequence Risk, and Glide Paths 44:44

37m ago44:44

44:44

In this episode of Retire With Style, Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau explore core themes in retirement planning, including the 4 percent rule, sequence of returns risk, and how to balance discretionary and essential spending. They discuss how these factors shape retirement income strategies, the role of reliable income sources, and when a rising equity…

1
Warren Buffett's 2 Rules for Annuities: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 3:27

9d ago3:27

3:27

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Prioritizing safety and guarantees Selling only contractual commitments Using PILL to guide purpose Key Takeaways: Annuities should focus on protecting principal and providing a reliable income. Strong insurance carrier backing ensures certainty and reduces risk. Avoiding speculative products maintains fi…

1
Episode 207: Your Tax Questions Answered: 401(k)s, Roth Conversions, and RMDs 40:57

8d ago40:57

40:57

In this episode of Retire With Style, Alex and Wade answer listener questions on key retirement planning topics. They discuss penalty-free withdrawals from 401(k)s, the role of Roth conversions for both younger savers and retirees, and the distinctions between qualified and non-qualified accounts. They also examine how long-term demographic trends …

1
Moshe Milevsky: Learning from History with Annuities (From the Vault) 53:56

13d ago53:56

53:56

In case you missed it, I have decided to circle back to one of my Fun With Annuities episodes that just cannot be missed. This one has annuity gold, and it is definitely a must-listen. In this episode, The Annuity Man and Moshe Milevsky discuss: The problem with annuities What's a tontine? How income increases with tontines The gap between healthsp…

1
Comparing Myga Interest Rates to Spia Rates: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 4:50

9d ago4:50

4:50

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Distinguishing annuity types Applying the PILL strategy Interpreting annuity yields Securing contractual understanding Key Takeaways: Understanding the purpose of different annuities is crucial: MYGAs provide guaranteed interest on principal like a CD, while SPIAs deliver a lifetime income stream tailored…

1
Episode 206: Wills, Trusts, and the Caregiving Journey 40:26

16d ago40:26

40:26

In this episode of Retire With Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia talk with Beth Pinsker, author of My Mother’s Money, about the practical and emotional realities of financial caregiving and estate settlement. They discuss why clear documentation matters, how probate works, and where family disputes over inheritance often begin. The conversation als…

1
Annuity Zero Is Not Your Hero: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 4:50

27d ago4:50

4:50

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: What does "zero is your hero" mean Dirty tactics that agents use to sell annuities A more rational alternative to the CD product Zero is not your hero Key Takeaways: The phrase "zero is your hero" means that when the market goes down, you will not lose any money. In this world that we live in, you should …

1
Episode 205: Preparing for the Financial Side of Caregiving 39:13

27d ago39:13

39:13

In this episode of Retire With Style, Wade and Alex talk with Beth Pinsker, author of My Mother’s Money, about the realities of financial caregiving. Beth shares her experience managing her mother’s finances during a health crisis, underscoring the value of preparation and clear legal documentation. The discussion covers the importance of establish…

1
Rick Ferri: Core-4 Portfolios for Simplistic Success (From the Vault) 45:55

28d ago45:55

45:55

In this episode, The Annuity Man and Rick Ferri discuss: Outperforming 90% of investors Developing a simple portfolio Five ways to improve your portfolio Facing the risks Key Takeaways: Investing is not as difficult as others would have you believe. The best way to invest is to keep things simple; the fewer moving parts, the better. Develop a simpl…

1
Political Chaos Equals Contractual Opportunities: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 6:40

1M ago6:40

6:40

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: How chaos leads to both risks and opportunities What contributes to financial uncertainty? Maximizing lifestyle and financial security Locking in guarantees Key Takeaways: Political chaos leads to both risks and opportunities in investments, especially regarding annuities. Market volatility and potential …

1
Episode 204: How Your Retirement Style Shapes Your Social Security Strategy 50:12

1M ago50:12

50:12

In this episode, Alex and Wade unpack the complexities of Social Security claiming strategies, weighing the benefits of delaying versus claiming early. They examine key financial considerations such as survivor benefits, tax planning opportunities, and the psychological factors that shape these decisions. The discussion also highlights how the Reti…

1
The Most Underutilized Concept in Investing | Four Lessons from Michael Mauboussin 46:52

27d ago46:52

46:52

In this episode, we kick off our book project, "The Most Important Investing Lesson: What the World’s Best Investors Would Teach You", with a deep dive into the ideas of Michael Mauboussin. We explore his most enduring lessons—concepts that have reshaped how we think about investing, decision making, and life. From base rates to expectations invest…

1
Crypto Dice Throw or Annuity Guarantees: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 7:21

1M ago7:21

7:21

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Choosing guarantees over speculation Knowing your "PILL" for protection Building your income floor Balancing risk with security Key Takeaways: Crypto investments are like rolling dice, while annuities provide contractual guarantees and predictable results. Building financial security means focusing on wha…

1
Episode 203: OBBBA and You, Part 3: Building, Passing, and Protecting Wealth Under OBBBA 36:08

1M ago36:08

36:08

This is the third and final installment of our discussion with Brett Layton, which explores key updates to tax laws, including estate tax limits, the alternative minimum tax, expanded uses of 529 plans, new “Trump accounts” for children’s savings, and changes to clean energy credits and business taxes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding …

1
Wade Pfau: Retirement Income Style Awareness (From the Vault) 53:08

1M ago53:08

53:08

In this episode, The Annuity Man and Wade Pfau discuss: Retirement Income Style Awareness (RISA) framework Wade's different viewpoint on retirement 4% rule of thumb and its limitations The truth about retirement planning strategies Key Takeaways: Understanding one's preferred retirement income strategy via the Retirement Income Style Awareness (RIS…

1
Market Freestyle or Annuity Lifestyle: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Building stability through guaranteed income Balancing growth with protection Turning profits into long-term security Planning now for future calm Key Takeaways: Relying solely on volatile markets can be risky, especially with age. Creating an "income floor" through Social Security, pensions, and annuitie…

1
Episode 202: OBBBA and You, Part 2: The Deductions That Could Change Your Tax Bill 40:50

2M 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…

1
Do Not Throw Annuity Darts at Your Death: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 4:46

2M ago4:46

4:46

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Planning spousal income with precision Avoiding risky annuity strategies Building protection through legal planning Resisting sales pressure and complexity Key Takeaways: Secure your spouse's future by designing an intentional plan, not by guessing or rushing into annuities. Reverse engineer the exact inc…

1
Episode 201: OBBBA and You: How the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Reshapes Retirement Taxes 39:02

2M 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,…

1
Fixed Index Annuities Tailored to Your Goals: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: The purpose of Fixed Index Annuities Buying only for contractual guarantees Why do some agents oversell Index Annuities Understanding contractual guarantees Key Takeaways: Fixed Index Annuities are designed for principal protection and lifetime income, not market growth. Buy annuities only for contractual…

1
Episode 200 Celebration 1:02:47

2M 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, …

1
Annuity Guarantees That Can Change Your Life: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 8:42

2M ago8:42

8:42

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Annuity solutions to retirement problems The four things that annuities solve for How annuities can give peace of mind, flexibility, and freedom Key Takeaways: Retirement can be a daunting prospect, with the uncertainty of how long your savings will last and the fear of running out of money. However, annu…

1
Episode 199: Beyond the Numbers: Planning for Life, Not Just Finances 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

By Wade Pfau & Alex Murguia

1
You Already Own 2 Annuities (Here's Why): Shootin' It Straight With Stan 7:30

3M ago7:30

7:30

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: The best inflation annuity on the planet The second annuity you already own RMDs are an annuity payment Key Takeaways: Annuities that adjust for inflation offered by the private sector have their initial payments drastically lowered to make up for the index increase. You don't need to get that because you…

1
Episode 198: Beyond the Numbers: The Human Side of Retirement 38:29

3M 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…

1
Will More Money Actually Make You Happier in Retirement?: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 10:24

3M ago10:24

10:24

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Think again, would more money change your life? Peeling off the interest Are you really affected by inflation? Live your life now Key Takeaways: Why do you still keep money in the markets when you've won the game? Think about it, would more money really change your life? If the answer is no, then why are …

1
Episode 197: RWS Live! With Bill Bengen: Part 2 31:39

3M 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…

1
The Retirement Income Rule You Can't Ignore: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 10:54

3M ago10:54

10:54

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Preserving principal Matching products to time horizons Adapting to changing rates Prioritizing peace of mind Key Takeaways: The "never touch the principal" rule emphasizes generating retirement income from interest alone, keeping original capital intact for protection and legacy. CDs and treasuries are b…

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

3M 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…

1
Why the "Perfect Annuity" Is a Myth: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 7:54

3M ago7:54

7:54

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Recognizing annuity trade-offs Focusing on contractual guarantees Asking the right questions Evaluating strength over sales pitches Key Takeaways: No annuity is perfect; each comes with both benefits and limitations. They should be understood as commodity products rather than flawless solutions. Annuities…

1
Episode 195: The 4% Rule and Beyond: Retirement Strategies with Bill Bengen 39:05

3M 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…

1
The Truth About Annuities | How Income & Guarantees Really Work 10:29

3M ago10:29

10:29

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Annuities as lifetime income How annuities are priced Focus on contractual guarantees Two primary purposes of annuities Key Takeaways: Annuities, like Social Security or pensions, provide guaranteed income for life. They come in several forms, such as immediate, deferred, and longevity annuities, each des…

1
Episode 194: RWS Live! Rethinking Retirement: Inflation, Annuities, and Roth Conversions 38:57

3M 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…

1
Smart Annuity Income Planning Explained: Shootin' It Straight with Stan 8:42

4M ago8:42

8:42

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: The value of annuities for lifetime income planning Laddering strategy with annuities Placing an annuity inside a trust Key Takeaways: When it comes to planning for lifetime income, annuities can be a valuable tool. However, it's essential to approach annuities with strategies that allow for flexibility a…

1
Episode 193: RWS Live!: From Tontines to ETFs: Exploring Innovative Retirement Solutions 33:35

4M 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…

1
The 3 Annuity Strategies for Principal Protection: Shootin' It Straight with Stan 10:20

4M ago10:20

10:20

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: CDs and MYGAs I-bond no-brainer The safest product in principal protection How safe are MYGAs? Key Takeaways: Here's how CDs (Certificate of Deposit) work: you give the bank money, they protect the principal, and you don't have to pay any fees. You can take the interest if you want to at the end of the te…

1
Episode 192- Beyond The 4% Rule 36:05

4M 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- …

1
Can Your Annuity Income Increase With Inflation?: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 7:59

4M ago7:59

7:59

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Annuities that increase with inflation The role of interest rates in pricing For products that adjust for inflation Reverse-engineering your income floor Key Takeaways: Annuities don't give things away for free. A product that magically increases with inflation doesn't exist. Lifetime income is primarily …

1
Episode 191: From Cash to HELOCs What’s in Your Buffer Toolbox 36:38

4M 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…

1
How to Avoid Selling Your Next 100-Bagger | Practical Lessons from Chris Mayer 54:43

4M ago54:43

54:43

In this special episode, Matt Zeigler and Bogumil Baranowski take you on a deep-dive mixtape journey through the best moments from their past three years of conversations with author and investor Chris Mayer. From the brutal patience required to ride out dead money periods to why the lack of a catalyst might be a feature, not a bug—this episode is …

1
How to Reverse Engineer Annuities to Fight Inflation: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 10:21

4M ago10:21

10:21

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Products that adjust for inflation Thinking rationally about inflation Reverse-engineering annuity Key Takeaways: Many bad sales pitches out there mention a way to beat inflation using indexed products that adjust for inflation. What really happens is that the annuity company severely lowers the initial p…

1
Episode 190- Buffer Assets, Bad Timing, and Better Plans 28:29

4M 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…

1
Searching for Growth or Guarantees? Shootin' It Straight With Stan 10:20

5M ago10:20

10:20

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Threading the needle with volatility Freedom from volatility Annuities are the haystack Time to secure guarantees Key Takeaways: Threading the needle to get market returns makes you dependent upon so much unknown. You're dependent on world markets, geopolitical events, and meltdowns that are impossible to…

1
Episode 189: Gold Is Shiny- But Is It Smart? 38:28

5M 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,…

1
Don't Fall for Hypothetical Annuity Returns: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 12:04

5M ago12:04

12:04

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Annuities are contracts How Indexed Annuities Should Be Used Don't buy an annuity for market returns Key Takeaways: To say that something is "guaranteed and backtested" means that there is nothing guaranteed at all. Annuities are contracts; buy them for what they will do and not what they might do. Indexe…

1
Episode 188: Are TIPS the Retirement Safety Net You’ve Been Missing? 43:10

5M 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 …

1
Flexible Annuity Start Dates Explained: Shootin' It Straight With Stan 10:34

5M ago10:34

10:34

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: The four lifetime income products How annuities are priced The simplicity of SPIA Getting the highest guarantee Key Takeaways: There are four lifetime income products: Single Premium Immediate Annuities, Deferred Income Annuities, Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts, and Income Riders that can be attach…

1
Episode 187: Couples, Roths, and SPIAs- Oh My! 28:55

5M 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…

1
The Fourth Turning is Here. But It Isn’t What You Think | Practical Lessons from Neil Howe 55:42

5M ago55:42

55:42

In this episode, Matt Zeigler and Dave Nadig revisit one of the most popular interviews on Excess Returns—our deep-dive conversation with Neil Howe, co-author of The Fourth Turning. But instead of leaning into the usual doom-and-gloom narrative, they unpack the misunderstood lessons at the heart of Howe’s generational theory. From inflation and lea…