Financial Safari — Retirement Income

Protect Your Business and Build a Retirement Paycheck

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:10:23 +0000

What needs to be in place before you leave a paycheck—or a business—behind? Coach Pete, Thomas Lipscomb, Jackie Selby, and Denise Reyes discuss business succession, buy-sell agreements, key-person insurance, and the questions to ask about how a financial advisor is paid.

The conversation connects those decisions with retirement income, market risk, estate planning, and the lifestyle changes that can catch couples by surprise. Hear why a written plan should address both the money you need each month and the life you want to live.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Create Paychecks and Playchecks with Tom Hegna

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:11:18 +0000

Coach Pete welcomes retirement-income expert and author Tom Hegna to explore the difference between paychecks for essential expenses and playchecks for the travel, hobbies, and experiences that make retirement rewarding.

The discussion covers the shift from saving to spending, lifetime income annuities, Roth conversions, long-term care, and the role of life insurance in a legacy plan. Coach Pete also explains why the years around retirement deserve a written strategy. Listen for ways to connect your savings with the lifestyle you want—and questions to take to your own planning conversation.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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The Retirement Asset Most People Overlook: Reliable Income

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Financial Safari, Coach Pete is joined by Mike Milligan, founder of One Oak Financial and host of the One-of-a-Kind Financial Show, for a conversation about why dependable income may be the most valuable asset in retirement. They discuss the importance of giving every dollar a purpose, creating a written income plan, and replacing uncertainty with a reliable monthly paycheck.
The conversation also examines hidden advisory fees, “financial termites,” taxes, inflation, annuities, and the limitations of relying on investment accounts and Monte Carlo projections alone. Mike and Coach Pete explain why retirement planning should begin with the life you want to live—and then build an income strategy designed to support it regardless of what happens in the market.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Prepare for Bad Market Timing Before You Retire

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:14:06 +0000

A market decline or unexpected job loss can arrive just as you are ready to retire. Coach Pete and the Financial Safari team discuss how to prepare for that transition with a written income plan, a clear understanding of risk, and a strategy for meeting monthly expenses.

The conversation explores market timing, AI-driven changes in the workforce, income annuities, and the value of multiple income streams. Coach Pete also explains his color-coded approach to separating growth money, protected money, and retirement income. Listen for practical questions about how your savings can support both necessities and the things you enjoy.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Give Every Retirement Dollar a Job: Income, Taxes, and Family Wealth

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:15:13 +0000

What is each part of your retirement savings supposed to do? Coach Pete and the team explain his green, yellow, and red approach to separating lifetime income, protected savings, and money exposed to market risk. They discuss income riders, the difference between safety and income, and why a retirement plan needs more than an account balance.

The episode also explores year-round tax planning, generational wealth, and lessons from families that preserved—or spent—their fortunes. Listener questions bring the discussion to appreciated stock, capital gains, and old 401(k) accounts. Hear how clearer goals can guide decisions about what to keep, move, spend, and leave to loved ones.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Hidden Fees, Smarter Risk, and Retirement Income That Lasts

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Financial Safari, Coach Pete and the team reveal how seemingly small investment fees can quietly compound into significant losses over time. They explain why understanding what you are paying—and balancing growth with protection—becomes increasingly important as retirement approaches.
The conversation also explores when it may make sense to lock in market gains, how to turn savings into dependable lifetime income, and why a successful retirement plan should provide enough confidence to enjoy life, support your family, and leave a meaningful legacy.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Retirement Income, Family Wealth, and a Plan That Lasts

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:54:19 +0000

In this episode of Financial Safari, Coach Pete and the team discuss how a thoughtful retirement plan can help turn savings into dependable income while still allowing room for growth and a future legacy. They explain the “spend and leave” approach, the importance of separating income-producing assets from long-term investments, and how a core-and-explore strategy may help retirees spend with greater confidence.
The conversation also explores why some family fortunes last for generations while others disappear, using well-known families as examples. From educating children and grandchildren to succession planning, powers of attorney, family communication, and regular plan reviews, the episode highlights the value of having a written strategy for enjoying, protecting, and eventually passing on your wealth.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Understand Annuities, Spousal Income, and Your Retirement Legacy

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:16:12 +0000

How could an annuity fit into a retirement income plan? Coach Pete, Jackie Selby, and Thomas Lipscomb discuss the history of annuities, the differences among retirement accounts and income strategies, and the importance of understanding the terms of any product before committing money.

The conversation explores income for a surviving spouse, the balance between spending and leaving a legacy, and preparing for long-term care costs. Coach Pete also walks through the role of his 22-step Total Retirement Plan. Listen for questions to ask about risk, income, liquidity, and how your plan supports the people who depend on you.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Paychecks, Playchecks, and the Freedom to Spend in Retirement

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Financial Safari, Coach Pete is joined by retirement-income expert and bestselling author Tom Hegna for a conversation about building a retirement designed to provide both security and enjoyment. Tom explains the difference between “paychecks” for essential expenses and “playchecks” for travel, hobbies, and other experiences—and why retirement planning requires a different approach than simply accumulating investments.
The discussion explores guaranteed lifetime income, Roth conversions, future tax risk, cash-value life insurance, long-term-care protection, and transferring wealth to future generations. Tom also explains the “retirement smile,” why spending often changes throughout retirement, and how a dependable income strategy may give lifelong savers the confidence to enjoy the money they worked so hard to build.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building a Safer Plan and a Paycheck for Life

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:33:58 +0000

In this episode of Financial Safari, Coach Pete discusses how to prepare for retirement with a written plan instead of relying on market performance and guesswork. The conversation explores the dangers of concentrated company stock, excessive risk, hidden fees, non-traded REITs, and other “financial termites” that can quietly weaken a retirement portfolio.
Coach Pete also introduces his 90-day approach to preparing for Retirement Day and explains how a “core and explore” strategy can balance protected income with opportunities for continued growth. From preparing for an unexpected early retirement to accounting for inflation and creating a dependable monthly paycheck, this episode offers practical ideas for reaching retirement with greater confidence, clarity, and financial freedom.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Market: Plan Your Retirement Income

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:17:58 +0000

Should you keep trying to time the market, or start planning around the income you need? Coach Pete and the Financial Safari team discuss why life stage, spending needs, and risk tolerance should guide retirement decisions. They explore the cost of waiting, reacting to headlines, and staying loyal to a strategy that may no longer fit.

The conversation covers separating income needs from growth investments, reviewing fees and taxes, protecting a spouse’s income, and getting a second opinion on an existing plan. Listen for steps that can help turn a collection of accounts into a retirement strategy you and your family understand.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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The Truth About Non-Traded REITs, TSPs and Retirement Risk

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:00:09 +0000

Many people approaching retirement wonder whether they've saved enough, but the better question may be how to turn those savings into dependable income throughout retirement. In this episode, Coach Pete explains the difference between simply accumulating assets and creating a retirement paycheck designed to support long-term financial confidence.
The discussion covers retirement income planning, common mistakes investors make when markets become volatile, considerations for federal employees using the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Roth conversion strategies, tax planning for retirees and business owners, and concerns surrounding non-traded REITs. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis remains on developing a written retirement plan that aligns investments, income needs, and long-term goals rather than relying on hope or market performance alone.
Whether you're several years from retirement or preparing to retire soon, this episode offers practical planning concepts to help you make more informed financial decisions.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Build a Retirement Income Strategy for Inflation and Market Changes

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:39:57 +0000

How can your retirement plan adapt when prices rise and markets change? Coach Pete and the Financial Safari team discuss retirement income planning, the role of lifetime income, and common pitfalls that can interfere with long-term financial stability.

The conversation connects market trends and inflation with the practical work of preparing a spending and income strategy. Listen for planning questions to consider as you move from saving for retirement to living on what you have built.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Building Your Own Paycheck in Retirement

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:35:37 +0000

Retirement is not just about how much you have saved; it is about turning those savings into reliable income. In this episode, Coach Pete, Thomas, Morgan, and Carrie talk about the emotional shift from receiving a paycheck to creating one yourself. The conversation touches on AI, scams, 401(k) savings, pensions, market losses, and why retirement planning requires more than simply hoping your investments cooperate. Coach Pete explains why timing matters, how sequence-of-returns risk can affect retirees, and why having a paycheck plan can help reduce stress. The episode also explores taxes, Roth strategies, and the importance of building a retirement plan that gives you confidence instead of guesswork.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Annuities Are Back in the Retirement Conversation

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:34:58 +0000

Annuities are getting renewed attention, but many people still misunderstand what they are and how they can fit into a retirement plan. In this episode, Coach Pete, Jackie, and Thomas break down annuities in plain language, from their historical roots to their modern use as a potential source of protected retirement income. The conversation covers how certain annuities may help create income you cannot outlive, reduce exposure to market timing mistakes, and support a more predictable retirement paycheck. They also discuss legacy planning, beneficiaries, avoiding probate, and how annuities may help provide continued income for a surviving spouse. If retirement certainty, safe money, and income planning are on your mind, this episode is a helpful starting point.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Build Retirement Confidence Through Market and Rate Changes

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:10:37 +0000

Coach Pete and Thomas Lipscomb discuss why retirement decisions should start with an income plan rather than reactions to market headlines, shifting interest-rate expectations, or AI investment excitement.

The episode explores the Core and Explore approach, lifetime income strategies, and the 22-step Total Retirement Plan. Topics include taxes, Social Security timing, withdrawals, healthcare, estate planning, and the risks of non-traded REITs. Listen for questions that can help you identify gaps in your own written plan.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Project and Protect: Building a Retirement Plan Before You Turn the Page

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:51:47 +0000

What do you want retirement to look like, and will your income support it? Thomas Lipscomb, Jackie Selby, and Coach Pete D’Arruda discuss how to “project and protect”: plan the lifestyle you want, then build an income strategy around it.

The conversation covers test-driving retirement, coordinating goals with a spouse, and preparing for the emotional transition after work. Coach Pete also shares ideas from his 22-Step Total Retirement Plan, including spending plans, Roth conversions, estate documents, special needs trusts, charitable giving, life insurance with living benefits, and retirement accounts from previous jobs.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protect Your Retirement Paycheck from Market Losses

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:23:07 +0000

Could a market downturn force you to sell investments just to pay the bills? Coach Pete and Thomas Lipscomb explain why money needed soon deserves a different role from long-term growth money. They discuss rebalancing, the red-yellow-green approach to organizing assets, and building multiple retirement income streams.

The conversation also covers Social Security timing, the 22-Step Total Retirement Plan, recognizing financial scams, and balancing family expenses with your own retirement needs. Learn which questions to ask when reviewing whether your savings and income plan are working together.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t Let Market Losses Fund Your Retirement: Building a Safer Income Plan

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:47:07 +0000

In this episode of The Financial Safari, Thomas Lipscomb and Coach Pete D’Arruda discuss how retirees and pre-retirees can avoid turning temporary market volatility into permanent retirement damage.
Coach Pete explains the difference between paper gains, paper losses, and realized losses, and why money needed in the next five to ten years should not be sitting fully exposed to market risk. The conversation highlights key concepts from Coach Pete’s 22-Step Total Retirement Plan, including red, yellow, and green money; emergency accounts; GPI strategies; lifetime income; inflation protection; and the importance of having a written plan before retirement decisions become urgent.
The episode also covers common ways people lose money in retirement, including forced selling, poor Social Security timing, tax leakage, Medicare surcharges, non-traded REITs, scams, overconfidence, and relying on long-term money for short-term needs. Coach Pete also shares why the right plan can help retirees reduce worry, protect income, and still leave room for growth once the foundation is secure.
Listeners also learn how to access resources like TotalRetirementPlan.com, RetirementHelpCenter.com, and Coach Pete’s book The Seven Baby Steps to a Ridiculously Reliable Retirement Income.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 22-Step Retirement Plan: Turning Savings Into Lifelong Income

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:33:31 +0000

In this episode of The Financial Safari, Thomas Lipscomb joins Coach Pete D’Arruda, Gary Marriage, and Phil Graham for a practical conversation about what it really takes to retire with confidence.
The group discusses why rising interest rates, inflation, market volatility, and headline-driven anxiety can be especially stressful for retirees and pre-retirees—but also why those concerns are easier to manage when there is a written retirement plan in place. Coach Pete explains the purpose behind his 22-step Total Retirement Plan, including income planning, inflation protection, emergency accounts, Social Security timing, Medicare planning, tax strategies, and legacy considerations.
The conversation also explores the difference between building wealth and turning that wealth into a dependable retirement paycheck. Coach Pete, Gary, and Phil share why lifetime income, spouse protection, independent advice, and avoiding procrastination can make a major difference for families entering the financial red zone.
Listeners also learn how to access Coach Pete’s retirement resources, including the Total Retirement Plan guidebook and workbook, Tax Savvy Retirement, and the educational content available through Financial Safari and CoachPete.com.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building Retirement Confidence When Markets, Rates, and AI Won’t Sit Still

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:26:15 +0000

Markets are wobbly, rate-cut expectations keep shifting, oil prices are making headlines, and AI is changing the investment landscape fast. In this episode of The Financial Safari, Thomas Lipscomb and Coach Pete D’Arruda discuss why retirees and pre-retirees should avoid reactionary, news-driven financial decisions and focus instead on building a retirement plan designed for income, protection, and long-term confidence.
Coach Pete breaks down the importance of a market safety plan, lifetime income strategies, and the “Core and Explore” approach. He also explains how the 22-step Total Retirement Plan helps uncover retirement blind spots involving taxes, Social Security timing, withdrawal strategies, healthcare, estate planning, long-term care, and legacy goals.
The conversation also covers the risks of chasing headlines, the dangers of non-traded REITs, why individual investors may struggle against institutional players, and how AI-related market excitement can create FOMO for investors. Plus, listeners learn how to request Coach Pete’s latest retirement resources, including the Total Retirement Plan workbook and Tax Savvy Retirement.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turn Market Gains into a Retirement Income Strategy

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:24:42 +0000

Is your retirement plan built around a growing account balance or the income you will actually need? Coach Pete joins Thomas Lipscomb, Jackie Selby, and Greg Berrien to discuss shifting from accumulation toward reliable retirement cash flow. They explore matching investments to your life stage, reviewing risk before a downturn, and deciding how growth assets and lifetime income options can work together.

The team also discusses tax planning, keeping track of your advisor’s decisions, and seeking a second opinion before retirement. Learn why a written plan should account for baseline expenses, flexible spending, and what you want to leave to your family.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plan Around Your Retirement Lifestyle: Income, Housing, and Reverse Mortgages

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Your retirement plan should reflect the life you want to live. Coach Pete and the team discuss how housing decisions, market volatility, and retirement income sources can affect that plan.

The episode also introduces reverse mortgages, including the questions to ask about how they work, the problems they may address, and the tradeoffs to understand before making a decision. Listen for a conversation about matching financial choices to your circumstances instead of relying on a generic rule of thumb.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

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Turn a Retirement Lump Sum into an Income Plan: Fees, Risk, and Business Exits

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

A large account balance does not tell you how much you can comfortably spend in retirement. Coach Pete discusses his “glide path” approach to income planning and the fees, commissions, and investment risks that deserve a closer look, including non-traded REITs.

The episode also features CFP Sheridan Murphy on planning for business owners: separating personal wealth from the business, developing an exit strategy, and approaching tax decisions proactively. Listen for ways to connect your assets with the income and flexibility you want in retirement.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find the Financial Termites: Review Hidden Fees and Retirement Income Risks

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Small costs can add up over a long retirement. Coach Pete and the Financial Safari team discuss the hidden fees and other “financial termites” that can weaken a retirement plan.

The conversation connects investment costs, market conditions, and common planning mistakes with the need for dependable retirement income. The team also considers how changes in technology and work can affect retirement preparation, and why reviewing your plan early matters.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prepare for Market Swings: Put Retirement Income Before Chasing Returns

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

How should your retirement strategy respond when markets become unpredictable? Coach Pete discusses exit strategies, dependable income, and the importance of having a clear plan before volatility tests your confidence.

The episode explores the role of an advisor and the difference between pursuing returns and arranging the income needed for retirement spending. Listen for planning ideas to review against your own goals and circumstances.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement Reality Check: Understand Your Statements and Build an Income Plan

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Do your retirement statements tell the same story as your expectations? Coach Pete discusses how to understand what you own, assess exposure to market swings, and connect your savings to a retirement income plan.

The conversation covers “spend and leave” strategies and legacy planning, with an emphasis on balancing the life you want to enjoy now with the resources your future may require.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Build Your Retirement Paycheck: Income, Taxes, and the Financial Fill-Up Strategy

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What will replace your paycheck when you retire? Coach Pete and the Financial Safari team discuss how asset management, dependable income, taxes, and emotional investing fit together in a retirement plan.

The conversation explores the role of gold and silver, the risk of letting headlines drive decisions, and Coach Pete’s Financial Fill-Up Strategy for organizing retirement income. Listen for a practical discussion of turning accumulated savings into a plan for everyday spending.

Take the next step toward your retirement plan: call 800-661-7383 or text PLAN to 600-700 to connect with Coach Pete’s team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stress-Test Your Retirement Income Before a Market Shock

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Coach Pete and the team discuss dependable retirement income, market volatility, and the lifestyle a financial plan needs to support. They explore stress-testing, the transition from saving to spending, and common planning mistakes that can become more visible during a downturn.