Making Retirement Make Sense

About Making Retirement Make Sense

Making Retirement Make Sense is a retirement planning podcast helping pre-retirees and retirees make smarter, more confident financial decisions. Each episode breaks down the topics that matter most—retirement income strategies, Social Security decisions, taxes in retirement, investment risk, lifestyle planning, and legacy considerations—so you can understand your options and avoid costly mistakes. The show is hosted by Dana Anspach, CFP®, RMA®, Founder and CEO of Sensible Money and a nationally recognized retirement planning expert, published author, and educator, and CJ Miller, CFP®, RMA®, CPWA®, Partner and Executive Financial Planner at Sensible Money, recognized by InvestmentNews as one of the Best Wealth Managers & Advisors Under 40. Whether you’re planning for retirement or already living it, this channel provides clear, unbiased guidance to help you build a retirement plan that works in the real world. Subscribe and let’s make retirement make sense—together.

Publisher

Dana Anspach CFP®, RMA®, CJ Miller CFP®, RMA®, CPWA®

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Dec 2025

Latest episode

9 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Apr 2026

   Managing Concentrated Stock in Retirement

   The emotional attachment to a company that helped you build your wealth can make it difficult to make rational decisions about when to sell. This episode breaks down the data showing why only a small fraction of stocks create long-term wealth and how you can use strategies to transition out of a concentrated position while maintaining your financial security. Chapters: 00:00 Retirement Landmine Intro 00:44 How Much Is Too Much 03:33 Intel Crash Cautionary Tale 05:03 Biases And Stock Odds 21:40 Planning Tools And Exit Strategies 36:34 Exchange Fund Basics 37:30 Capacity And Diversification Limits 39:13 Lockups And Tax Reality 41:03 Collars For Downside Protection 46:02 Direct Indexing Tax Harvesting 49:09 Tracking Error And Wash Sales 51:30 Beware Shiny Tax Products 55:22 Opportunity Zones Reality Check 56:23 Leverage And Margin Loan Risks 01:05:33 Wrap Up Key Takeaways Links & resources from this episode: - Hendrik Bessembinder study: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3537838 - Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts: - Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561 - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/ - X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast Disclosure This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

2. 

   9 Apr 2026

   How Inheritances Really Fit Into a Retirement Plan

   Many people assume an inheritance will simply “work itself out,” but small estate planning oversights can quietly create tax problems, family conflict, and long delays. In this episode, we explain how inheritances actually work—and how to plan so money goes where you intend without unnecessary friction. Chapters: 00:00 Inheritance Planning Intro 00:38 Lincoln Without a Will 01:22 Wills Titles Beneficiaries 05:37 Trust Funding Pitfalls 07:54 Probate Costs Privacy 10:41 Executor Duties Checklist 35:20 Sandwich Generation Choices 36:25 Gifting While Living 39:14 Should Kids Know 43:06 Inherited IRA Tax Rules 49:43 Step Up and In Kind 58:28 Fiduciaries and Estate Updates Links & resources from this episode: - Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com (https://makingretirementmakesense.com) - Cerulli article:https://www.cerulli.com/press-releases/cerulli-anticipates-124-trillion-in-wealth-will-transfer-through-2048 (https://www.cerulli.com/press-releases/cerulli-anticipates-124-trillion-in-wealth-will-transfer-through-2048) Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts: Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561) Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts (https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts) LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense) Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229) - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/makingretirementmakesense/) - X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast (https://x.com/MRMSPodcast) Disclosure This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

3. 

   18 Feb 2026

   From Paychecks to Purpose: Building a Meaningful Retirement Life

   Most people think retirement readiness is about hitting a number, but that’s only part of the story. In this episode, we explore the emotional and identity shifts that determine whether retirement becomes deeply fulfilling—or quietly disappointing. Fritz Gilbert is the Founder of The Retirement Manifesto, an award-winning blog focused on “Helping People Achieve A Great Retirement.” He is the author of “Keys to a Successful Retirement - Staying Happy, Active and Productive in Your Retired Years.” Fritz retired in 2018 at age 55 after a 33-year career in Corporate America and enjoys sharing the lessons he’s learned to help others on their journey. You can follow Fritz on Twitter, Facebook, or on his blog. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Meet the Hosts and Guest 01:16 Fritz Gilbert's Journey to Retirement 02:57 Preparing for Retirement: Financial and Emotional Readiness 04:41 Dana's Perspective on Retirement 08:49 The Importance of Identity and Purpose in Retirement 13:46 Navigating the Phases of Retirement 27:45 Maintaining Health and Fitness in Retirement 30:41 Rediscovering Fitness in Retirement 31:09 Embracing New Fitness Routines 32:53 The Role of Technology in Fitness 33:40 Community and Social Connections 36:03 Inspiring Stories of Active Seniors 38:01 Freedom for Fido: A Charitable Endeavor 42:23 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering 46:44 Relocating for a Fulfilling Retirement Links & resources from this episode: - Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com - Keys to a Successful Retirement book: https://a.co/d/06IBa19o Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts: - Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561 - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/ - X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast Disclosure This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

4. 

   4 Feb 2026

   Social Security Claiming Strategies for a Secure Retirement

   Choosing when to claim Social Security is an irrevocable decision that significantly impacts your long-term financial security. This episode breaks down the pros and cons of claiming early versus delaying, helping you build a strategy that fits your specific needs rather than following general rules of thumb. Chapters: Links & resources from this episode: Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com (https://makingretirementmakesense.com) Bipartisan Policy Center article: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/article/social-security-claiming-age-importance-claiming-behavior-and-trends/ (https://bipartisanpolicy.org/article/social-security-claiming-age-importance-claiming-behavior-and-trends/) WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/delay-social-security-retirement-cc6e1bbc?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqejPzh6kylw1IoijU-Nta5VkxfiA00SyGpR3fHSxg2Jrl9HzqRqTn1c76YomvQ%3D&gaa_ts=69126d1b&gaa_sig=AOKRoRLNcitSd_P1smLrbJDZqzD0xuyyq8-kngldpBJHhhtOR3wTjXFfHbRXy6P2Gvh8E4DffFqmfFtQ6beI-A%3D%3D (https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/delay-social-security-retirement-cc6e1bbc?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqejPzh6kylw1IoijU-Nta5VkxfiA00SyGpR3fHSxg2Jrl9HzqRqTn1c76YomvQ%3D&gaa_ts=69126d1b&gaa_sig=AOKRoRLNcitSd_P1smLrbJDZqzD0xuyyq8-kngldpBJHhhtOR3wTjXFfHbRXy6P2Gvh8E4DffFqmfFtQ6beI-A%3D%3D) Laurence Kotlikoff substack: https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/p/why-delaying-your-social-security (https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/p/why-delaying-your-social-security) Kitces article: https://www.kitces.com/blog/discount-rate-delaying-social-security-benefits-retirement-planning/ (https://www.kitces.com/blog/discount-rate-delaying-social-security-benefits-retirement-planning/) Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts: Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-retirement-make-sense/id1865029561) Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts (https://open.spotify.com/show/2eOvIUMulgZUzUTGpzYrts) LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense) Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/) X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast (https://x.com/MRMSPodcast) Disclosure This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

5. 

   1 Jan 2026

   Protecting Your Retirement from Financial Fraud

   Financial fraud is becoming more sophisticated, and retirees are being targeted in ways most people don’t expect. In this episode, we explain the most common scams we’re seeing today and how to reduce your risk without overcomplicating your life. (00:32) -  Introduction and Overview (01:01) - Shocking Statistics on Financial Fraud (10:57) - Protecting Yourself: Tips and Tools (31:18) - Spotting Email Scams and Phishing Tactics (33:03) - Credit Freezing and Monitoring: Pros and Cons (39:08) - Elder Abuse and Financial Fraud (50:00) - Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams Links & resources from this episode: Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com (https://makingretirementmakesense.com/) Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/disney-employee-ai-tool-hacker-cyberattack-3700c931 (https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/disney-employee-ai-tool-hacker-cyberattack-3700c931) The Street: https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/got-a-letter-from-the-supreme-court-its-a-scam (https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/got-a-letter-from-the-supreme-court-its-a-scam) Hive Systems: https://www.hivesystems.com/password-table (https://www.hivesystems.com/password-table) Retirement Income Institute: https://www.protectedincome.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IN-10-Heye_v1.pdf (https://www.protectedincome.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IN-10-Heye_v1.pdf) Report Fraud to FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) AARP Fraud Hotline: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/ (https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/) LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense) Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.instagram.com/MakingRetirementMakeSense) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.linkedin.com/company/makingretirementmakesense/) X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast (https://x.com/MRMSPodcast) Disclosure This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

6. 

   29 Dec 2025

   Rethinking Safe Withdrawal Rates

   Curious about safe withdrawal rates in retirement? In this episode, we delve into their evolution, misconceptions, and practical applications for a financially secure retirement. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (01:11) - The 4% Rule and Its Origins (06:58) - Customizing Retirement Plans (10:16) - Budgeting Approaches for Retirement (17:30) - Sequence of Returns Risk (20:58) - Exploring the Guardrails Approach (26:06) - Planning for Longevity and Withdrawal Rates (30:52) - Dynamic Asset Allocation and Income Ladders (38:42) - Case Study: Spending Strategies in Retirement Links & resources from this episode: Visit our website: https://makingretirementmakesense.com (https://makingretirementmakesense.com) William P. Bengen book: https://a.co/d/b1d78sr (https://a.co/d/b1d78sr) LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.youtube.com/@MakingRetirementMakeSense) Follow Making Retirement Make Sense on all social platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580093698229) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MakingRetirementMakeSense (https://www.instagram.com/MakingRetirementMakeSense) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MakingRetirementMakeSense/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/makingretirementmakesense/) X: https://x.com/MRMSPodcast (https://x.com/MRMSPodcast) Disclosure This channel contains general educational information only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

9 ratings

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