Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha study shows that working with an advisor can boost net returns by around 3% annually through smart investing, tax planning, and behavioral coaching. But the real value? It’s not just about numbers.

Ari and James break down how advisors help clients stay level-headed, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident about their future. Research even shows investors with $1.2M+ report greater financial happiness with an advisor by their side.

Not everyone needs one, but knowing when professional support can make a real difference? That’s the key.

Submit your request to join James:
On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply Here
On a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here

Timestamps:
0:00 - Vanguard Advisor Alpha study
1:50 - The claim and a story
3:56 - Asset allocation
7:40 - Cost-effective implementation
9:10 - Rebalancing
13:38 - Behavioral coaching
18:35 - Asset location
21:49 - Spending strategy/withdrawal order
26:17 - Total return vs income investing
27:48 - An advisor can increase your happiness

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

For nearly 50 years after Social Security's inception in 1935, benefits were not subject to federal income taxes. That changed in 1983 when Congress introduced taxation on benefits for higher-income retirees, using a "provisional income" threshold of $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for couples. However, these thresholds were never adjusted for inflation, leading to a significant increase in the number of retirees paying taxes on their benefits—now nearly 50%.

President Trump has proposed eliminating federal taxation on Social Security, a move that could benefit retirees financially but would accelerate the depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund, currently projected to run out by 2034. Removing taxes could shift the depletion timeline up by about a year, raising questions about alternative funding solutions. Potential fixes include raising payroll taxes, increasing the wage base, or pushing back the full retirement age. While tax relief sounds appealing, long-term sustainability remains uncertain.

Questions answered:
1. Why are Social Security benefits taxed, and how did this change over time?

2. What would happen if Social Security taxes were eliminated, and how could it impact the program’s future?

Submit your request to join James:
On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply Here
On a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here

Timestamps:
0:00 - SS payments are taxed?
1:25 - Provisional income
3:18 - Trump's plans for SS
6:17 - The downsides
8:06 - The SS Trust Fund
9:19 - The challenge
11:21 - In the meantime

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Retirement isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about making the most of it. That’s why we’re launching a new retirement community designed to go beyond financial planning. Sure, we’ll cover investing, tax strategies, and estate planning, but we’re also creating a space to talk about the things that make retirement fulfilling—connection, travel, health, and purpose.

Inside, you’ll be able to engage with like-minded peers, get expert insights, and explore ideas to shape the next chapter of your life. We’ll have guest speakers, live events, and interactive discussions to help you feel confident in your planning and inspired about what’s ahead.

Root clients get free access, and for everyone else, it’s $50 per month—early adopters can join for just $20. If you’re looking for more than just financial advice, we’d love for you to be part of it.

Submit your request to join James:
On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply Here
On a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here

Timestamps:
0:00 - A new retirement community
2:56 - Sharing experiences, creating initiatives
4:22 - Goal: best possible retirement
5:36 - Who is this for?
7:07 - Why join?
10:17 - Pricing
12:13 - The power of community

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!