The Retirement Project

What Does a Comfortable Retirement Actually Cost?

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Does achieving the American Dream really require $5 million, or is the real challenge planning for the costs no one wants to talk about? In this episode of The Retirement Project, Pat Schultz explores a headline-grabbing study that puts a multimillion-dollar price tag on the American Dream and unpacks what those numbers actually mean. The conversation focuses on two priorities Americans consistently rank at the top: a comfortable retirement and access to quality healthcare. Pat explains how healthcare costs, long-term care planning, taxes, and longevity can all impact retirement, and why personalized planning matters more than any headline figure. If you're wondering whether your retirement plan is prepared for the future, this episode offers valuable perspective.

For specialized guidance on a tax-smart retirement, visit Harriman Hall Wealth to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with Pat and his team today. Call 585-348-0982 Monday through Friday or email them: team@harrimanhallwealth.com

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Are You Making These Retirement Mistakes Without Realizing It?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What if the biggest retirement mistakes happen in the final stretch before you stop working? In this episode, Pat Schultz shares some of the most common pitfalls he sees in the five years leading up to retirement. From taking too much investment risk and waiting too long to plan, to overlooking tax diversification and spending strategies, Pat explains why small decisions can have a lasting impact. He also discusses the challenge of shifting from saving to spending and why many retirees underestimate how much flexibility their nest egg may provide. The takeaway: retirement planning isn't just about growing your money; it's about making thoughtful decisions before retirement arrives.

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Are You Letting Medicare Fears Stop a Smart Roth Strategy?

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Is paying a little more for Medicare today worth avoiding a much bigger tax bill tomorrow? In this episode, Pat Schultz breaks down the often-overlooked connection between Roth conversions and Medicare premiums. While many retirees hesitate to convert because of the potential for higher Medicare costs in the short term, Pat explains why that temporary increase may be worth evaluating against the long-term impact of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and future taxes. The conversation explores common fears, the “tax valley” opportunity that can exist early in retirement and why understanding the numbers (not just the emotions), can lead to better decisions. The takeaway: sometimes the bigger risk is the tax problem you haven’t calculated yet.

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What Should You Do with Your 401(k) at Retirement?

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What should you really do with your 401(k) when you retire—roll it over, leave it alone, or cash it out? In this episode of The Retirement Project, Pat Schultz breaks down the three most common paths retirees take—and the potential consequences of each choice. He explores why rollovers can offer more flexibility, how holding too much cash can create hidden risks, and why cashing out may come with costly tax implications. The conversation also highlights the importance of income planning, liquidity, and building a strategy that adapts to your spending in early retirement

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Should Annuities Have a Place in Your Retirement Plan?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Are annuities a smart income tool—or one of retirement’s most misunderstood investments? In this episode of The Retirement Project, Pat Schultz breaks down what annuities really are and why they spark so much confusion among investors. He explores the different types—including variable, fixed indexed, and income-based options—and how each may serve a unique role in a diversified portfolio. The conversation also covers liquidity concerns, fees, tax implications, and how to evaluate the strength of an insurance provider. It’s a practical look at separating fact from opinion when evaluating a complex financial tool.

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The Moment That Changed How I See Retirement Forever

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What if one unexpected moment could reshape your entire retirement? In this episode, Pat Schultz, CFP® and founder of Harriman Hall Wealth Management, shares the real-life experiences that shaped his mission to guide retirees with clarity and purpose. From the hidden dangers of making financial decisions in isolation to the emotional side of leaving a lifelong career, Pat reveals why coordinated planning matters—and how purpose, lifestyle, and tax‑smart strategy tie together in retirement. You’ll also hear the heartfelt story behind Harriman Hall and the mentor who changed Pat’s life. This episode is honest, human, and a powerful reminder that retirement is about more than money.

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The Retirement Expectations That Miss the Mark

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What if retirement looks “double‑stuffed” on the label—but falls short in real life?
In this episode of The Retirement Project, host and CFP® Pat Schultz explores the gap between expectations and reality in retirement planning. Using a lighthearted Oreo analogy, he unpacks common surprises retirees face, from spending more than expected and the tax reality of 401(k)s to healthcare gaps Medicare doesn’t always cover. The conversation also dives into contingency planning, protecting what you’ve built, and why emotional fulfillment and purpose matter just as much as the numbers. It’s a thoughtful look at how planning—not assumptions—shapes the retirement experience.

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The Gap Years: What Early Retirees Need to Know About Healthcare

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:25:16 +0000

Retiring before Medicare can feel like freedom—until healthcare costs suddenly take center stage. In this episode, certified financial planner, Pat Schultz unpacks what really happens in the gap years before age 65 and why health insurance decisions often shape retirement timing more than people expect. He discusses the true cost of leaving employer coverage, how ACA subsidies, income levels, COBRA, and HSAs factor into the equation, and the common mistakes that catch early retirees off guard. The conversation highlights why doing the math, asking the right questions, and planning ahead can turn uncertainty into clarity during one of retirement’s most overlooked transitions.

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Miss the Window, Change the Outcome: Retirement Planning by the Clock

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:10:04 +0000

Some retirement decisions have expiration dates—and once they pass, you don’t always get a second chance. In this episode, Pat Schultz explores the critical windows of opportunity in retirement planning and why timing matters just as much as saving. Using a fun seasonal analogy, he breaks down how decisions around Social Security, tax planning, early retirement options, required minimum distributions, and Roth strategies can create ripple effects throughout retirement. The conversation highlights how missing—or mistiming—these moments can quietly change the trajectory of your plan, and why coordinating decisions instead of making them in isolation is a key part of retirement planning.

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The Social Security Decision That Follows You for Life

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:05:49 +0000

One decision, dozens of rules, and long‑lasting consequences—when you take Social Security matters more than most people realize. In this episode of The Retirement Project, certified financial planner Pat Schultz breaks down how Social Security fits into a modern retirement plan. He explores why claiming isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all decision, how spousal benefits and continued work can affect timing, and why Social Security should never be considered in isolation. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions, the role of taxes, and how inflation and portfolio structure influence claiming strategies—highlighting the importance of viewing Social Security as one piece of a much bigger financial picture.

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Why Retirement Planning Fails When Couples Avoid Talking About Money

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:04:58 +0000

Are you and your spouse truly on the same page about money—or just assuming you are? In this episode of The Retirement Project, certified financial planner, Pat Schultz explores the essential financial conversations couples often avoid until it’s too late. He discusses why one partner is often left in the dark, the real‑world consequences of missing information, and how misaligned risk tolerance and unspoken fears can quietly derail retirement plans. From organizing financial details to navigating emotional decisions about spending, legacy, and retirement timing, this conversation highlights why treating money as a team sport can bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind during life’s biggest transitions.

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The Retirement Project Trailer

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:03:34 +0000

Are you ready to build for your future? Before you do, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools for the job. That’s where “The Retirement Project” can help.

With "The Retirement Project: Clear Conversations for a Tax-Smart Retirement," host and financial advisor Pat Schultz goes over the topics of the day relevant to your retirement, laying out the blueprint for your ideal plan. Covering market developments, financial analysis, and lighthearted looks at how to best craft a retirement, “The Retirement Project” is the podcast you can’t afford to miss.

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