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Ari Taublieb is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Vice President of Root Financial Partners. Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA specializes in helping people navigate an early retirement. I get it...retirement sounds overwhelming (an early retirement may sound particularly overwhelming)! Does it just feel like there's so much to consider and you just want to make sure you're doing everything you can to set yourself up right? If I may ask...why do YOU want to retire early? Do you want to travel? Have you just had enough of work? Do you want to spend more time with family (or on hobbies you've been putting off)? I created this podcast to help you know when work is now optional because you have a financial strategy that tells you when you can retire. You will learn all the investing tips in this financial podcast to set up the right portfolio for your goals. You may love what you do - and if that's you, great! I'm not saying stop working. But, I am saying, wouldn't it be nice to know when you didn't HAVE to work any more? When you would only go to work because you enjoyed it (crazy concept, I know). This is the ultimate retirement podcast (specifically, early retirement!). Retiring early, also known simply as "financial freedom", is having the ability to do what you care most about, MORE!I don't want you to work unless you ENJOY it (finances aside, for just a moment)! My goal of this podcast is to give you all the tips and strategies so you can retire EARLY. Retirement planning, investing, personal finance, tax strategy, and you'll hear case studies from my clients and exactly how I've helped them navigate the transition into retirement. What are the right investment accounts to have in retirement? I want retirement planning to be simple for you so that you can retire early and maximize your retirement goals. Become a retiree and enjoy everything you've been waiting for your whole life (and start practicing retirement today)! I release new episodes every Monday with all the strategies (you'll learn that I love examples) so you can maximize your return on life (we use money to do this).</p>
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”:
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.
What if work became a choice, not a requirement?
The Early Retirement Podcast is here to help you navigate the path to financial independence, so you can retire when you want and live how you want. Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, this podcast delivers clear, actionable insights designed to simplify your biggest financial decisions.
We focus on strategies that make a real impact—from tax planning moves that may unlock $100,000+ in lifetime savings, to investment and withdrawal strategies that align with your values and goals. It's not about chasing perfection, it's about creating a plan that gives you freedom, clarity, and peace of mind.
Because at the end of the day, early retirement isn’t just about leaving your job, it’s about building a life you don’t want to escape from.
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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.
You’ve probably heard that maxing out your 401(k) and IRA is the smartest move you can make. But for many investors, that strategy alone may lead to a surprising challenge: becoming "qualified rich, cash poor." In other words, having plenty saved, but locked away in accounts you can’t easily access without tax consequences or penalties.
That’s where the often-overlooked brokerage account comes in.
Also called a taxable, individual, or joint account, the brokerage account offers unmatched flexibility. No age restrictions. No early withdrawal penalties. And potential long-term capital gains tax treatment instead of higher ordinary income rates. That can make a big difference when it comes time to actually enjoy what you’ve saved.
More than just a retirement supplement, brokerage accounts give you the freedom to fund mid-term goals, adjust to life’s unexpected changes, or even retire earlier. They also play a key role in long-term tax planning by allowing you to pull from different types of accounts—pre-tax, Roth, and brokerage—based on what’s most efficient each year.
A truly thoughtful financial plan isn’t just about growing wealth. It’s about having access to it, when and how you need it 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.
Retirement doesn’t come down to a magic number, it comes down to your number. In this episode, we walk through a simple, personalized framework to help you understand when you can truly retire, based on what you want life to look like, not generic benchmarks.
We cover the core question: How much do you want to spend each month? From there, we reverse-engineer your retirement target, factoring in taxes, withdrawal strategies, estate planning, and those big one-time expenses that often get missed.
And it’s not just about the math. We dive into the emotional side of retirement. It's about how to find purpose, identity, and meaning in this next chapter. Whether retirement feels decades away or just around the corner, this episode will help you stop guessing and start planning with clarity.
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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 your CPA or attorney 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.
Tax gain harvesting is one of the most underused but powerful strategies available to early retirees and those pursuing financial independence. In this episode, we explore how it works, who it's best suited for, and how it can help reduce long-term tax liability.
Unlike tax loss harvesting, which involves selling investments at a loss to offset gains, tax gain harvesting is about intentionally realizing gains when you're in a low or zero percent tax bracket—allowing you to reset your cost basis without triggering federal tax in certain situations.
This strategy is most effective in taxable brokerage accounts and is typically not applicable to retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s. It tends to work best in years where your income is lower, such as early retirement or transition periods before drawing Social Security.
Even with additional income from dividends or part-time work, many people can still benefit from this approach. However, it’s important to consider potential state tax implications as well.
We’ll break down how tax gain harvesting fits into a broader retirement tax strategy, what makes someone a good candidate, and how to use it thoughtfully as part of your long-term financial plan.
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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 your CPA or attorney 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.
What does it really mean to change someone’s life through financial advice? While we’re not saving lives like doctors, the impact we have on our clients’ futures can be just as meaningful. Often, it’s not about the numbers—it’s about helping someone move forward when fear is holding them back.
We’ve seen it firsthand. Like the dentist who had every detail in place to open her own practice but couldn’t take the final step. What helped wasn’t another spreadsheet—it was a mindset shift. Or the couple who had more than enough to retire but needed a gentle nudge to believe it was truly okay. These are the moments where great financial advice becomes personal and transformative.
At Root, we believe a solid financial plan is about more than projections. It’s about building a life you’re excited to live. That’s why we focus not only on technical guidance, but on walking with our clients through the real-life decisions that matter most.
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Viewing this video does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. We only provide advisory services to clients under a written agreement.
Investment strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Any opinions expressed are as of the date of recording and are subject to change.
Comments left on this video reflect the views and opinions of the individual commenters and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial Partners, LLC. Comments should not be considered a testimonial or endorsement of our services and have not been solicited or compensated. Root does not verify the accuracy of comments and is not responsible for their content.
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.
You don’t need $2 to $3 million to retire unless your lifestyle truly requires it. In this episode, we break down why your retirement number should be built around your personal spending needs, not a one-size-fits-all benchmark.
With a well-diversified $1.5 million portfolio, many retirees can support $60,000 to $75,000 per year in spending, especially when using flexible withdrawal strategies that adjust with market conditions. We dive into how spending can adapt over time and how Social Security benefits can reduce the burden on your investments.
We also explore a real-world retirement budget to show how far your money can go, including housing, healthcare, travel, and more. Plus, we discuss one of the most overlooked issues: retirees often underspend out of fear, even when their financial plan says they’re in the clear.
Whether you’re years away or nearing the transition, this episode helps you shift from anxiety to clarity and reminds you that retirement isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy.
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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 your CPA or attorney 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.
Retiring early doesn’t mean cutting out everything you love, it means being intentional about what truly adds value to your life. In this episode of Root Talks, we take a closer look at the spending choices that can either delay or accelerate your path to early retirement.
We explore which tradeoffs are worth making, where small changes can have a big impact on your timeline, and why some expenses are still worth every penny. This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about aligning your spending with your values, your future goals, and the life you actually want to live.
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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. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult with your CPA or attorney regarding your specific situation.
Viewing this video does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. We only provide advisory services to clients under a written agreement. Investment strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any opinions expressed are as of the date of recording and are subject to change.
Comments left on this video reflect the views and opinions of the individual commenters and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial Partners, LLC. Comments should not be considered a testimonial or endorsement of our services and have not been solicited or compensated. Root does not verify the accuracy of comments and is not responsible for their content.
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.