Too many people delay retirement just to boost their Social Security benefits, often at the cost of time, energy, and joy. But at Root, we believe retirement planning should be about more than just maximizing one metric. It should be about maximizing your life.

If you're working extra years simply to avoid gaps in your earnings history or to earn a slightly higher monthly benefit, it's worth rethinking the bigger picture. In many cases, the trade-off isn't worth the lost years of freedom and vitality.

A more holistic strategy might involve intentionally drawing from your portfolio early—when you're healthy and active—while allowing Social Security to grow in the background. And for those pursuing tax planning strategies like Roth conversions, delaying benefits can actually create opportunities for long-term savings.

The bottom line? Don’t let Social Security be the sole driver of your retirement timeline. Check your earnings record, run the numbers, and build a plan that aligns with your goals, health, and lifestyle. At Root, we help clients retire with confidence, not just by the numbers, but by what matters most.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you really need a financial advisor, this episode is for you. James and Ari unpack the deeper reasons people seek financial guidance—and why the decision often goes far beyond dollars and cents.

Much like seeing a doctor for preventative care, working with the right advisor is about protecting your future, reducing stress, and reclaiming your most precious resource: time. From saving 20+ hours a month of DIY management to gaining peace of mind, better sleep, and a trusted partner for life’s biggest financial decisions—this conversation explores the emotional and practical value of professional advice.

You’ll hear a powerful testimonial from a self-proclaimed DIY-er who discovered five unexpected benefits of hiring an advisor—and why, in hindsight, it was one of the best investments they’ve made.

Whether you’re confident in your current strategy or simply curious if you could be doing more with your time and money, this episode will help you ask the right questions about your financial life.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

We often focus on the fear of running out of money in retirement—but what if the bigger risk is running out of health before you can enjoy it? After watching The Amazing Race, I was reminded of a client story we hear all too often: years of diligent saving, only to be sidelined by health issues just before retirement begins.

At Root, we’ve seen clients retire with more than enough—only to realize the extra working years came at the expense of their physical well-being. One client had $3 million saved but told us she would’ve been happier (and healthier) retiring with $2.2 million if it meant enjoying her travel plans pain-free.

That’s why we encourage thinking about your money in terms of “movement speeds”:

• Walking dollars: short-term cash for 1–3 years
• Jogging dollars: mid-term goals for 3–7 years
• Sprinting dollars: long-term investments for 10+ years

This framework helps you balance living well today with planning wisely for tomorrow. The most consistent advice we hear from our clients? Don’t just plan to retire—plan to enjoy it. Prioritize your health alongside your wealth.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.