In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray of Decker Retirement Planning explore the critical differences between retirement planning during the accumulation phase versus the distribution phase. They explore strategies to navigate market volatility, maximize tax-advantaged accounts, and create an income distribution plan to help ensure a secure and fulfilling retirement. From managing sequence of return risk to optimizing Roth conversions, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help listeners take control of their financial future. Whether you're nearing retirement or just starting to save, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a safer, more prosperous retirement.

Navigating the Transition from Asset Accumulation to Income Distribution | Episode 114

Think you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire? Think again. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) dismantle the myth and walk you through real-life tax planning strategies that can help you save hundreds of thousands—or even millions—in retirement taxes. From strategic Roth conversions to dynasty trusts, donor-advised funds, real estate tax planning, and more, this is a masterclass in building a smarter, safer financial future.
🎯 Learn how proactive planning today can help protect your income tomorrow and preserve more wealth for your heirs.



The Roth Conversion Myth: Why Delaying Could Cost You Millions | Episode 130

In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) break down the myths and mistakes of traditional retirement strategies—and show you what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

Why the 4% rule often fails in flat or volatile markets

How sequence of return risk can derail your income

The three key ways Decker Retirement Planning reduces risk

How momentum strategies protect your investments during downturns

Why Roth conversions and smart tax placement can save you six figures in retirement taxes

Whether you’re already retired or planning to retire in the next 5–10 years, this episode gives you actionable insights to protect your nest egg and retire with confidence.

👉 Learn more or schedule your free visit: https://deckerretirementplanning.com
📞 Call today: 833-707-3030



Risk Reduction in Retirement: Why the 4% Rule Fails and What to Do Instead | Episode 131

Is the 4% rule still safe in a flat or volatile market? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray explain why traditional income strategies—like the 4% rule or “living off the interest”—may no longer work in today’s retirement landscape.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to build a laddered income plan using principal-guaranteed accounts
✅ The critical mistakes retirees make when taking Social Security
✅ Why Roth conversions may save hundreds of thousands in taxes
✅ How Decker Retirement Planning helps reduce fees and improve income consistency
✅ What smart legacy planning looks like with donor-advised funds and dynasty trusts

If you're preparing for retirement—or already retired—this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate income, taxes, and risk with greater confidence.

📞 Schedule a free strategy session at 833-707-3030 or visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com

Why the 4% Rule Could Be a Risky Move in Today’s Market | Episode 132

In Episode 133 of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) explore a suite of advanced estate planning strategies designed to help you protect, preserve, and pass on your wealth efficiently:

State & Federal Estate Tax Planning: Using AB trusts, portability, and lifetime gifting exemptions to minimize state and federal estate taxes.

Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs): Prepay potential tax liabilities and avoid fire-sale scenarios by holding life insurance outside your taxable estate.

Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): Shift your home’s value outside your estate over time while retaining the right to live there.

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs): Freeze today’s value on highly appreciated assets and transfer future growth to the next generation.

Dynasty Trusts & Generation-Skipping Transfer: Sidestep the 48% generation-skipping tax and incent responsible behavior across multiple generations.

QDROs & Intra-Family Loans: Leverage qualified domestic relations orders and structured loans for tax-efficient wealth transfers.

Up-Gifting Techniques: Use step-up in basis by gifting appreciated assets “up” the generational line.

Roth IRA Conversions: Compare tax-deferred vs. tax-free growth scenarios and unlock one of the most powerful strategies to reduce lifetime taxes.

📥 Download Free Safer Retirement Education Tools (checklists, the Decker Approach book, Social Security guides, and more):
https://deckerretirementplanning.com

📞 Schedule a No-Cost Review with Brian and the team at Decker Retirement Planning:
833-707-3030

Disclosure: Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult a qualified tax advisor before implementing estate planning or tax strategies.

Advanced Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Legacy | Episode 133

Join Brian Decker and Arrin Wray as they unpack the three “compounding risks” that can threaten your nest egg—and show you how to turn them into advantages:

Why delaying taxes in a traditional IRA could cost you (and your heirs) over $1 million, and how proactive Roth conversions lock in today’s rates.

Five proven inflation hedges—from planned cost-of-living adjustments to strategic home-equity moves—to keep your spending power intact.

The hidden danger of sequence-of-return risk and why distribution strategies with laddered, principal-protected accounts are your best defense.

Download free checklists, a sample income plan, and “The Decker Approach” book at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com → Safer Retirement Education.
Schedule your no-cost retirement review today: 833-707-3030.

Compounding Risks in Retirement | Episode 134

Join Brian J. Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) on this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio as they uncover why your traditional IRA might be a tax “loan” to the IRS—and how smart Roth conversion planning can turn the tables in your favor. From real-world illustrations of IRA tax bills topping $1.4 million to step-by-step guidance on:

IRA Inefficiency: How deferral becomes a hefty tax liability for you —and your heirs

Roth Conversions: Why paying taxes now can yield tax-free growth and a far larger legacy

Medicare IRMAA: How distributions affect your Medicare premiums (and how to avoid spikes)

Advanced Strategies: QDRO “happy divorces,” donor-advised funds, dynasty trusts, cost-segregation for real estate, and more

Whether you’re retired or close to retirement, the right tax plan can boost your retirement income, protect against future rate hikes, and maximize what you pass on. Tune in and discover:

Real numbers: $1 million IRA → $1.4 million paid to the IRS vs. $319 000 with a Roth plan

When and how to convert for maximum impact

Estate-planning moves to shelter assets from both income and estate taxes

🔗 Resources & Links:
• Download “The Decker Approach to Retirement Planning”: https://deckerretirementplanning.com/
• Safer Retirement Education: https://deckerretirementplanning.com/education
• Schedule a no-cost tax analysis: 833-707-3030

Navigating IRA Tax Traps & Powerful Roth Conversion Strategies | Episode 135

In this week’s episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) break down one of the most overlooked threats to retirement success—sequence of returns risk. What happens if you retire right before a market downturn? What if your portfolio strategy doesn’t account for market flatness or volatility?

You’ll learn:

Why traditional 60/40 portfolios fall short in today’s environment

How drawing from laddered principal-guaranteed accounts can help stabilize income

What Monte Carlo simulations get wrong—and how to avoid becoming a statistic

Strategic updates from the new One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), including major tax credits for retirees

Don't let bad timing derail decades of hard work. Tune in to hear how a math-based distribution plan can help you retire with confidence—regardless of what the market does next.

🎧 Listen now and take control of your retirement strategy.

Sequence of Risk: Why Retirement Timing Can Make or Break Your Future | Episode 136

As the Fed flirts with rate cuts, many retirees face shrinking savings and money-market yields. In this episode, Brian Decker and Brad Geddes, CFP(R) break down DRP’s Cash Plus portfolio—built for 0–5 year dollars that need liquidity and low volatility, yet can aim higher than plain cash. They also cover how AI is changing principal-guaranteed indexes and the timing inside momentum models, plus a simple checklist for a rock-solid retirement plan.

What you’ll learn

Why falling rates can punish “safe” cash—and what to do about it

How a diversified cash sleeve (short-term Treasuries, market-neutral, dividend equities) targets steadier yield with 100% liquidity

“Upside/Downside capture”: keeping more of the good, less of the bad

Where AI already fits: principal-guaranteed index designs and trade-timing in momentum strategies

Six keys to a resilient retirement plan (taxes, risk control, income optimization, fees, and more)

Call us: 833-707-3030
More resources: DeckerRetirementPlanning.com → Safer Retirement Education (free downloads)

Smarter Cash: Liquidity, Yield & Lower Volatility | Episode 137

What really happens when one spouse passes away? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down one of retirement’s most difficult—but essential—topics: preparing financially and legally for the loss of a spouse.

You’ll learn:

- The must-have estate documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives)

- The “pour-over” provision that helps families avoid probate nightmares

- How Social Security, pensions, and taxes change for a surviving spouse

- Why compensation clauses and unclear distribution instructions can tear families apart

- Steps to protect income, minimize taxes, and create a smooth transition

Planning ahead means your spouse and children are cared for—and your legacy is preserved without unnecessary stress or conflict.

👉 Listen now and discover how math-based planning can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

Learn more at https://deckerretirementplanning.com/

We are financial advisors, not attorneys. Always speak to a qualified attorney for legal advice. 

Planning for Surviving Spouses: Estate Documents, Income Shifts, and Avoiding Costly Mistakes | Episode 138

Safer Retirement Radio is where you can get the transparency you deserve®. Whether you are currently retired or plan to retire soon, this show is full of retirement tips that can help you get thousands of extra dollars in and out of your retirement.



Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP®️ certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™️ certification mark, and the CFP®️ certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Navigating the Transition from Asset Accumulation to Income Distribution | Episode 114

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