In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia sit down with Dr. Daniel Crosby, a leading voice in behavioral finance, to unpack the psychological side of investing in today’s volatile markets. Together, they examine how market swings and media noise shape investor behavior—and why having a thoughtful media diet and disciplined decision-making framework is more important than ever. This conversation lays the foundation for next week’s episode, where the discussion will shift toward deeper questions of wealth and meaning. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Market volatility can trigger anxiety—even among professionals.
• It’s normal to feel fear during downturns, but those emotions don’t have to drive your decisions.
• Limiting exposure to financial news may help you stay focused and make better choices.
• Recognizing the incentives behind financial media can help you consume it more critically.
• More information isn’t always better—clarity often comes from less, not more.
• Patience matters. Reminding yourself that “this too shall pass” can be grounding.
• Uncertainty often causes more stress than bad news itself.
• Taking time to reflect before acting can lead to better financial outcomes.
• We tend to give others better advice than we give ourselves—pause and consider what you’d tell a friend.
• Automation and structured plans are powerful tools to reduce emotional decision-making.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Finance and Market Volatility 02:56 Understanding Market Reactions and Investor Psychology 06:01 The Impact of Media on Financial Decision Making 08:47 Navigating Uncertainty in Financial Markets 12:05 The Importance of Patience and Discipline in Investing 15:03 Frameworks for Better Financial Decision Making 17:55 Conclusion and Transition to The Soul of Wealth

Links

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6pMFE_-u0YM

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia dive into the current market landscape and what it means for retirement planning. They highlight the importance of staying grounded during periods of volatility and how emotions can cloud financial judgment.

Alex introduces the RAIN model—a practical framework to recognize and manage emotional responses—to help investors approach market uncertainty with mindfulness. Together, Wade and Alex unpack how psychological biases influence decision-making and why having a flexible, well-structured plan is key to weathering financial storms.

The conversation also explores strategies for resetting your financial plan in response to market changes, including flexible spending approaches, safe withdrawal rates, and considerations around delaying Social Security. The takeaway? Long-term goals matter most—and with the right mindset and plan, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Takeaways

• Markets are currently down, prompting a need for better financial decisions.
• Emotional responses to market volatility can lead to poor decision-making.
• The RAIN model helps in recognizing and managing emotions during uncertainty.
• It's important to allow feelings of anxiety without acting on them.
• Investors should investigate their thoughts and biases during market downturns.
• Non-identification with emotions can lead to better decision-making.
• Market downturns can be beneficial for savers looking to buy at a discount.
• Resetting financial strategies is crucial during times of uncertainty.
• Long-term investment strategies should be prioritized over short-term reactions.
• Understanding one's retirement income style can impact decision-making during volatility. Maintaining flexibility in retirement spending is crucial.
• Market volatility can impact retirees differently based on their strategies.
• A diversified portfolio can help withstand market fluctuations.
• It's important to adapt your retirement strategy to your personal style.
• Delaying social security can lead to better long-term financial outcomes.
• Behavioral biases can hinder effective investing decisions.
• A financial plan provides a framework for making objective decisions.
• Backcasting helps in setting realistic financial goals.
• Understanding your future self can guide current financial decisions.
• Rules-based decision-making can mitigate emotional responses during market downturns.

Chapters

00:00 Market Volatility and Its Implications 05:02 Understanding Emotional Responses to Market Changes 19:06 The RAIN Model: A Framework for Decision Making 22:54 Resetting Financial Strategies During Uncertainty 23:48 Navigating Market Volatility in Retirement 27:06 Preparing for Financial Decisions in Uncertain Times 28:30 Understanding Safe Withdrawal Rates 29:49 Addressing Behavioral Biases in Investing 32:41 The Importance of Financial Planning 39:16 Strategies for Delaying Social Security

Links

To continue today's conversation.. Join Retirement Researcher THIS Tuesday 4/10/25 at 1PM ET for a timely webinar, hosted by Alex Murguia, Ph.D. called, "Making Smarter Financial Decisions in Volatile Markets". Register now at risaprofile.com/podcast

If you haven't already, visit risaprofile.com/style to discover your Retirement Income Style by taking our RISA® questionnaire for free!

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia discuss the complexities of market volatility, its implications for investors, and the current economic landscape. They discuss the nature of volatility, the significance of the VIX as a measure of market fear, and the emotional toll of daily market fluctuations. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs and inflation on the economy, emphasizing the importance of understanding these factors for long-term investment strategies. Alex and Wade discuss the current state of the market, focusing on the impact of the technology sector, government spending, and economic volatility. They explore historical market risks, investment strategies for navigating uncertainty, and the importance of controlling investment factors. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-thought-out investment strategy that aligns with individual preferences and the realities of market fluctuations. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Market volatility is a significant concern for long-term investors.
• Understanding the VIX can help investors gauge market sentiment.
• Tariffs can have complex effects on the economy and consumers.
• Investors in the distribution phase are more vulnerable to market downturns.
• The emotional impact of market volatility can affect decision-making.
• It's essential to focus on long-term investment strategies rather than daily changes.
• Economic growth and inflation are interconnected factors influencing market conditions.
• Understanding market dynamics can help investors make informed decisions. The technology sector is currently a significant drag on the market.
• Government spending cuts can lead to increased economic volatility.
• Historical data shows that missing key market days can negatively impact returns.
• Diversification can mitigate losses in a globally diversified portfolio.
• Investment strategies should align with personal comfort levels and financial goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Market Volatility 04:20 Understanding Market Volatility 10:06 The VIX: Fear Index Explained 11:57 Market Movements and Emotional Responses 16:21 Current Market Conditions and Influences 25:11 Inflation and Its Impact on the Economy 27:28 Market Trends and Technology Sector Impact 29:55 Government Spending and Economic Volatility 32:34 Historical Market Risks and Uncertainties 35:05 Investment Strategies for Market Volatility 41:21 Decision-Making in Uncertain Markets 46:07 Controlling Investment Factors

Links

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6nCikqRDcTw

Missed the webinar? Sign up now to get access to the replay of the Retirement Researcher webinar called, "Understanding Market Volatility and What It Means For You": https://retirementresearcher.com/rws-market-volatility-replay

Missed the webinar? Sign up now to get access to the replay of the Retirement Researcher webinar called, "Understanding Market Volatility and What It Means For You": https://retirementresearcher.com/rws-market-volatility-replay

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau are joined by Nate Conrad from Lifex Funds to discuss the innovative approach to retirement income through bond ladders. The conversation explores the evolution of Lifex, the differences between traditional bond funds and bond ladders, and the design of Lifex ETFs aimed at providing consistent income for retirees. They delve into the behavioral aspects of investing in bonds, the practical applications of bond ladders in retirement planning, and the complexities involved in constructing a bond ladder. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning investment strategies with retirement income needs and the benefits of using Lifex's products for a more stable financial future. They discuss the importance of simplifying investment processes to enhance accessibility for investors. The conversation also touches on income distribution strategies, emphasizing the benefits of front-loading income and the tax implications of different spending methods. They end the episode with listener questions that provide practical insights into managing surplus wealth and the appropriate investment strategies for different funding ratios. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Lifex has evolved to focus on retirement income through bond ladders.
• Bond ladders provide predictable income compared to traditional bond funds.
• The design of Lifex ETFs allows for monthly distributions to match spending needs.
• Lifex ETFs are structured to adapt to the spending patterns of retirees.
• The importance of managing long-term bond investments for retirement planning.
• Constructing a bond ladder manually can be complex and time-consuming.
• Using Lifex products simplifies the bond laddering process for investors.
• Retirement income strategies should prioritize stability and predictability. Simplifying investment strategies can lead to better adoption.
• Bond laddering can provide more predictable income than bond funds.
• Using a bond ladder can allow for higher spending rates in retirement.
• Surplus wealth can be invested more aggressively once basic needs are met.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retirement Income Bond Ladders 02:51 The Evolution of Lifex and Its Offerings 06:09 Understanding Bond Ladders vs. Bond Funds 09:11 Designing Lifex ETFs for Retirement Income 12:01 Managing Long-Term Bond Investments 15:06 Behavioral Aspects of Bond Investing 18:06 Practical Applications of Bond Ladders in Retirement 20:56 The Complexity of Building a Bond Ladder 24:58 The Importance of Simplifying Investment Strategies 29:51 Understanding Bond Laddering vs. Bond Funds 36:30 Exploring Income Distribution Strategies 41:13 Listener Questions and Practical Applications

Links

Wade will be at the Dallas MoneyShow, April 4-6. He will speak Sunday morning April 6 on Retirement Styles https://www.mmsdallas.com/speakers/1adf58d0d50547b0981fad3b07614de4/wade-pfau/?scode=064748

Learn more about the LifeX funds: https://www.lifexfunds.com/

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B_0xtHX1Hzc?si=x5ArQFSNEoA0RGfV

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

Welcome Back! In this episode, Alex, Wade and Brian dive into the complexities of financial planning, focusing on return assumptions, the importance of a living financial plan, and the methodologies behind capital market assumptions. They discuss the balance between spending and saving in retirement, the relevance of the 4% rule, and practical recommendations for effective financial planning. The conversation emphasizes the need for stress testing and understanding the underlying assumptions in financial models to ensure realistic and effective planning. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Return assumptions can be based on historical or expected returns.
• The financial plan should be treated as a living document that evolves over time.
• Methodologies for capital market assumptions can vary significantly between firms.
• The 4% rule is less relevant in modern financial planning than it used to be.
• Stress testing financial plans helps to understand potential outcomes and risks.
• Communication with clients about their financial goals is essential.
• Understanding the math behind financial planning is as important as the goals themselves.
• Advisors should guide clients in making informed decisions about spending and saving.

Chapters

00:00 Historical vs. Expected Returns in Planning 04:14 Building Capital Market Assumptions 07:15 Balancing Lifestyle and Financial Planning 11:01 Understanding Spending Behavior in Retirement 13:36 The Relevance of the 4% Rule 17:26 Practical Recommendations for Financial Planning

Links

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R1dNHo3BDNA?si=RiNVF21TG9Zh4Npf

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

In this episode, Alex and Wade are joined by Brian Bass from McLean Asset Management to discuss the complexities of financial planning assumptions, particularly focusing on Monte Carlo simulations and their implications for success rates in retirement planning. They discuss how different advisors may present varying success rates based on their underlying assumptions, emphasizing the importance of understanding them for consumers. Key topics include the significance of capital market assumptions, the magnitude of failure in financial plans, and the necessity for transparency and communication between advisors and clients. The conversation aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to critically evaluate financial plans and ask the right questions when consulting with advisors. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Consumers often lack awareness of the assumptions behind financial plans.
• Monte Carlo simulations are a common tool in financial planning.
• Success rates can be misleading without understanding underlying assumptions.
• Small changes in return assumptions can significantly impact success rates.
• Transparency in financial planning is crucial for informed decision-making.
• Clients should ask advisors about the inputs used in their financial plans.
• Different advisors may use varying assumptions leading to different outcomes.
• Understanding capital market assumptions is key to evaluating financial plans.
• Effective communication of financial concepts is essential for client understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning Assumptions 02:18 Understanding Monte Carlo Simulations 04:16 The Importance of Assumptions in Financial Planning 06:21 Defining Success Rates in Financial Plans 09:32 Magnitude of Failure vs. Success Rates 10:39 Capital Market Assumptions Explained 14:32 The Role of Returns and Volatility 15:19 Communicating Complex Concepts to Clients 18:29 The Impact of Long-Term Care on Financial Plans 21:33 Key Questions for Consumers to Ask Advisors 23:24 The Sensitivity of Return Assumptions

Links

Have a question about your financial plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with Jason Rizkallah from McLean Asset Management: https://calendly.com/jason-rizkallah/mclean-asset-management-introduction-call

Did you miss the Challenge? Join the Waitlist to be the first one notified when registration is open for the next session of the Retirement Income Challenge: risaprofile.com/podcast

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7Cn0DUxIpvs

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau discuss the importance of understanding the funded ratio in retirement planning. They explore how the funded ratio compares to Monte Carlo simulations, the significance of present value in assessing retirement income, and the implications of conservative return assumptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for a solid financial plan and the upcoming retirement income challenge designed to help participants create their financial strategies. They also discuss the differences between funded ratios and Monte Carlo simulations in retirement planning. They emphasize the simplicity and intuitiveness of funded ratios, which allow individuals to easily understand their financial status. The discussion also covers the importance of variable spending strategies, the complexities of tax calculations, and how to analyze essential versus discretionary expenses. They address listener questions about Roth conversions and the challenges of retirement planning, advocating for a shift towards funded ratios as a more reliable tool for assessing retirement readiness. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• The funded ratio helps assess if you have enough assets to cover retirement liabilities.
• Monte Carlo simulations and funded ratios approach retirement planning from different angles.
• Present value calculations are crucial for understanding future income streams.
• The funded ratio is a powerful tool used by pension funds and can be applied to individual retirement planning.
• The funded ratio can provide a clearer picture of retirement funding status than Monte Carlo simulations.
• Future earnings can be included in the funded ratio assessment.
• The choice of discount rate can significantly impact the funded ratio outcome.
• It's important to know the difference between current value and present value in retirement planning. The funded ratio is a more intuitive approach than Monte Carlo simulations.
• Variable spending strategies can be effectively modeled with Monte Carlo.
• Understanding essential vs. discretionary expenses is crucial for retirement planning.
• Roth conversions can be beneficial even when working, but require careful consideration.
• The financial planning profession has largely favored Monte Carlo methods.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events 02:58 Understanding the Funded Ratio 10:30 Present Value and Retirement Planning 12:23 Conservative Return Assumptions 17:48 Monte Carlo vs. Funded Ratio 20:34 Understanding Funded Ratios vs. Monte Carlo Simulations 25:22 The Role of Monte Carlo in Variable Spending Strategies 27:49 Gathering Information for Funded Ratio Calculations 30:11 Analyzing Funded Ratios for Essential vs. Discretionary Expenses 33:53 The Shift from Monte Carlo to Funded Ratios 39:54 Listener Questions: Roth Conversions and Retirement Planning

Links

Register to attend Retirement Researcher’s FREE 4-Day Retirement Income Challenge on March 10-13th from 12:00 – 2:00 PM ET each day: https://risaprofile.com/podcast

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau delve into the intricacies of financial planning for retirement. They introduce the concept of a financial planning framework, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's goals, risks, and the alignment of assets. The discussion covers the Retirement Income Challenge, the Retirement Income Optimization Map, and the four key goals of retirement: longevity, lifestyle, legacy, and liquidity. They also explore the various types of income sources, the significance of a diversified portfolio, and how to reposition assets to meet retirement objectives. The episode concludes with a listener question about the Social Security Delay Bridge strategy. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Financial planning is essential for retirement success.
• The Retirement Income Optimization Map helps visualize financial goals.
• Understanding the four L's of retirement is crucial: longevity, lifestyle, legacy, liquidity.
• Identifying retirement risks can guide financial decisions.
• Reliable income sources are vital for covering essential expenses.
• A diversified portfolio can fund discretionary spending and legacy goals.
• Reserves are important for managing unexpected expenses in retirement.
• Aligning goals with assets is key to effective financial planning.
• The funded ratio helps assess retirement preparedness.
• Cash can be a strategic resource for delaying Social Security benefits.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning Framework 03:08 Retirement Income Challenge Overview 06:03 Understanding the Retirement Income Optimization Map 09:06 Defining Goals: The Four L's of Retirement 12:00 Identifying Retirement Risks 15:04 Aligning Goals with Assets 18:03 Exploring Reliable Income Sources 20:59 Diversified Portfolio and Reserves 23:48 Repositioning Assets for Retirement Goals 26:58 Listener Question: Social Security Delay Bridge

Links

Register to attend Retirement Researcher’s FREE 4-Day Retirement Income Challenge on March 10-13th from 12:00 – 2:00 PM ET each day: https://risaprofile.com/podcast

Click here to download the RIO Map mentioned in today's episode: https://Retirement-Researcher.ontralink.com/tl/504

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tips