Retire Early
Welcome to ”The Retire Early Podcast,” your essential guide to achieving the retirement you’ve always dreamed of—sooner rather than later! Hosted by Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher, this podcast is tailored specifically for individuals aged 50-65 who are passionate about retiring early and living their best lives. Each week, we’ll dive deep into essential retirement topics including tax-efficient strategies, smart investing, healthcare planning, income optimization, Social Security tips, estate planning, and actionable financial advice. We’ll feature expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical tools to empower you on your journey toward early retirement. Whether you’re planning to retire in 5 years or 15, ”The Retire Early Podcast” equips you with the knowledge and confidence to secure your financial future, maximize your wealth, and enjoy the retirement lifestyle you deserve. Subscribe today and join our community committed to retiring early and thriving in retirement!
Episodes

4 hours ago
4 hours ago
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss how taxes can impact your retirement plans and share strategies to minimize tax burdens. They explain the differences between ordinary income tax and capital gains tax, the benefits of tax loss harvesting, and the advantages of working with a tax professional. Additionally, they explore the significance of Roth contributions, itemizing deductions, and understanding your marginal and effective tax rates. The episode also covers tactics such as qualifying charitable distributions and deferred compensation plans to optimize tax efficiency during retirement.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode
00:55 Meet the Hosts
01:12 Personal Updates from the Hosts
02:12 Introduction to Tax Strategies
02:24 Understanding Tax Brackets
04:15 Client Case Study: Buying a Truck
06:08 Tax Strategies for Retirement
12:45 The Importance of Professional Tax Help
14:27 Tax Considerations for Social Security
16:02 Capital Gains vs. Ordinary Income
19:23 Charitable Contributions and Deferred Compensation
21:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher address a critical concern: is it too late to start saving for retirement if you're behind? They discuss practical strategies for those who haven't started saving or have minimal savings by age 40 or 50. Key takeaways include setting clear retirement goals, utilizing employer 401k matches, investing in IRAs, and the importance of automating savings. They also emphasize working longer, saving more, and reducing debt to secure a comfortable retirement. The episode is filled with actionable advice to help late starters build a strong financial future.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com Article referenced:https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/40-with-no-savings-retire-a-millionaire
00:00 Introduction: Is It Too Late to Start Saving for Retirement?
00:54 Meet the Hosts: Sam Benson and Lin Wood Freyer
01:48 The Importance of Starting Now
02:30 Real-Life Example: Starting Late and Succeeding
03:38 Defining Your Retirement Goals
05:23 Maximizing Your Savings: 401k, IRAs, and More
08:10 Strategies for Catching Up: Saving More and Spending Less
09:50 Automating Your Savings
12:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
15:44 Conclusion and Contact InformationOpinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss the important decisions to make regarding 401ks after leaving a job or retiring. They outline the four primary options: leaving it with the current employer, rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, rolling it into an IRA, and cashing it out. They highlight the pros and cons of each option and emphasize the importance of knowing the tax implications. The episode also touches on the growing issue of using credit for everyday expenses and the financial pitfalls it can create. Join Sam and Linwood as they provide valuable insights to ensure your retirement planning stays on track.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:41 Understanding 401(k) Options
04:20 Option 1: Leaving Your 401(k) with Your Former Employer
07:38 Option 2: Rolling Over to a New Employer's 401(k)
12:22 Option 3: Rolling Over to an IRA
22:20 Option 4: Withdrawing from Your 401(k)
24:59 Financial Pitfalls and Final Thoughts
31:23 Conclusion and FarewellOpinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
In this episode of the Retirement Early podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher and Sam Benson explore strategies for managing unexpected windfalls, such as lottery winnings, inheritances, or the sale of a business. They discuss the pitfalls and challenges that can come with sudden wealth, including increased requests for money from friends and family, lifestyle inflation, and potential financial mismanagement. The hosts emphasize the importance of seeking advice from financial professionals, including attorneys, tax advisors, and financial planners, to ensure the money is managed wisely and can contribute to a secure future. They also share real-life examples of both successful and unfortunate cases of windfall management, providing listeners with valuable insights on how to best handle a sudden increase in wealth.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
01:18 Defining a Windfall
01:57 Sources of Windfalls
04:09 Unexpected Valuable Finds
07:47 The Dark Side of Windfalls
08:19 The Tragic Story of Jack Whitaker
13:01 Challenges of Sudden Wealth
16:06 The Dark Side of Winning the Lottery
17:27 Steps to Take After a Windfall
17:51 The Importance of Keeping Quiet
18:23 Building Your Financial Team
22:39 Avoiding Lifestyle Creep
24:04 Planning for the Future
26:58 Personal Plans for a Windfall
30:25 Final Thoughts and Advice
31:35 Podcast Conclusion and Disclaimers
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Linwood Fraher and Sam Benson of Martin Wealth Solutions unpack the basics of annuities. They discuss the different types of annuities, including single premium immediate annuities, fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and variable annuities, and highlight important considerations for each. Listeners will learn about the benefits, potential drawbacks, and key details to watch out for when investing in annuities. The episode aims to equip future retirees with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions, ensuring they choose the best annuity products for their financial plan and avoid common pitfalls.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction to Annuities
00:55 Meet the Hosts
01:09 Personal Stories and Anecdotes
02:02 Robotic Horse Concept
03:53 Transition to Annuities Discussion
04:32 Understanding Annuities: Basics and Types
05:33 Single Premium Immediate Annuities
11:23 Fixed Annuities Explained
16:59 Fixed Indexed Annuities
25:06 Variable Annuities: Pros and Cons
33:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
35:31 Disclaimer and Legal Information
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss the crucial topic of long-term care and adult daycare. They delve into various aspects of long-term care, including what it is, who needs it, and different ways to prepare for it financially. Key points include the costs associated with different types of long-term care, from in-home nursing to assisted living and memory care facilities, and how to financially plan for these expenses. They also explore the strategy of self-insuring versus purchasing long-term care insurance or utilizing Medicaid. The episode emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan to ensure you and your loved ones are protected in the event of needing long-term care.
https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care <- Referenced articlehttp://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode
00:55 Hosts' Personal Updates and Banter
02:31 Transition to Main Topic: Long-Term Care
06:51 Understanding Long-Term Care
11:41 Medicaid and Long-Term Care
16:17 Self-Insuring for Long-Term Care
18:57 Long-Term Care Insurance Options
24:54 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher discuss the fundamentals of building an investment portfolio. They explore the primary asset classes—cash, fixed income, equities, and alternatives—detailing their characteristics, risks, and benefits. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding each asset class, diversification, and aligning investments with individual financial goals. They also touch on the topic of asset performance in volatile markets and the importance of consulting with a professional for tailored investment strategies.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction to Investment Portfolios
01:11 Exciting News: Dire Wolves Are Back!
03:56 Understanding Investment Risks and Disclosures
06:57 Exploring Asset Classes: Cash and Cash Equivalents
11:12 Diving into Fixed Income Investments
15:38 Equities: Stocks and Their Potential
23:00 Alternative Investments: Beyond Stocks and Bonds
28:54 Wrapping Up and Personal Insights
30:08 Podcast Conclusion and Disclaimers
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, financial advisors Sam Benson and Linwood Fraher from Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the critical decision of whether to manage your investments yourself or hire a financial advisor. They explore the benefits and pitfalls of both approaches, the types of financial professionals available, and the importance of selecting a fiduciary. They also delve into the emotional and strategic aspects of financial planning, the essential questions to ask potential advisors, and the comprehensive services a good financial advisor should provide. Tune in to learn what can help you achieve your goal of retiring early.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction to Financial Advising
01:13 Meet the Hosts
01:28 DIY Investing vs. Professional Help
05:22 The Emotional Side of Investing
07:27 Choosing the Right Financial Professional
14:35 The Role of a Financial Advisor
21:31 Key Questions to Ask Your Advisor
30:18 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsOpinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In today's episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Sam Benson & Linwood Fraher discuss strategies for navigating market downturns. They emphasize the importance of staying calm and not reacting emotionally to market corrections, which are more common than many think. Highlighting the dangers of attempting to time the market, they recommend maintaining a diversified portfolio and seeking professional advice. Using historical examples, including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 Covid crash, they illustrate why long-term investing and not panicking can lead to better financial outcomes. Listeners are encouraged to prepare for market dips and work with a fiduciary financial professional to ensure their retirement plans can withstand market volatility.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:12 Market Dive: Initial Thoughts
01:13 Personal Updates and Market Analogies
01:48 Understanding Market Corrections
04:39 Frequency and Impact of Market Corrections
09:10 Emotional Reactions to Market Downturns
09:58 Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis
11:42 The Importance of Staying Invested
14:59 Diversification and Portfolio Management
17:57 The Role of Financial Advisors
24:12 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this episode of the Retire Early Podcast, hosts discuss effective ways to maximize enjoyment during retirement with financial planner Sam Benson. They explore how to stay healthy, foster social connections, find a sense of purpose, and the importance of mental engagement. The discussion is guided by an article from Kiplinger on seven habits of a happy retirement, emphasizing exercise, social activities, mental challenges, optimism, gratitude, embracing technology, and the benefits of having pets. Personal anecdotes and practical advice are shared to help retirees lead fulfilling and joyful lives. The episode closes with important legal disclaimers and information about the hosts' advisory services.
http://retirewithmartin.com/ <- Learn about working with us
www.planwellretirehappy.com
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:54 The Importance of Enjoying Retirement
03:35 Staying Healthy in Retirement
06:01 Fostering Social Connections
09:53 Finding Purpose in Retirement
13:00 Mental and Emotional Well-being
20:29 Embracing Technology
25:03 The Joy of Pets in Retirement
29:13 Conclusion and Disclaimers
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.