The Atomic Retirement Podcast
The Atomic Retirement is the go-to podcast for smart, tax-savvy retirement planning. Hosted by Marine Corps veteran and financial planner Ryan Kilkenny, this show helps people over 50 navigate the complex world of retirement, Social Security, Medicare, and tax-efficient investing.
Whether you're wondering when to claim Social Security, how to lower taxes in retirement, or how to create a reliable income stream, this podcast gives you clear, actionable advice to help you retire with confidence.
Each episode covers topics like:
✔️ Tax-saving retirement strategies to keep more of your money
✔️ Smart investment moves for a secure financial future
✔️ Medicare and Social Security tips to maximize your benefits
✔️ Retirement income planning so you never run out of money
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid when transitioning to retirement
Your retirement shouldn’t be a guessing game.
Subscribe now and start building your Atomic Retirement!
Episodes
38 episodes
38. Your Downmarket Playbook: Six Things Smart Investors Do When Markets Crash
The market is falling—again. So what should you actually do when things get rocky?In this episode, you'll hear a simple, practical playbook for staying calm, staying invested, and making smart moves during market downturns. Back...
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18:41
37. Is Your IRA an IOU to the IRS?
Most people think they've done everything right by saving in a traditional IRA or 401(k). But what if I told you that a big portion of your retirement savings actually belongs to the IRS?In this episode, we'll break down a recent CNBC ar...
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14:14
36. 10 Tax Myths That Could Be Costing You Thousands
Think you know how taxes work? Some of the most common tax "facts" people believe are actually costing them money.In this episode, we’re diving into 10 of the biggest tax myths to set the record straight. We’ll cover:✅ Why ...
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17:33
35. Collecting Over $2 Million in Social Security Benefits (And How to Calculate Yours)
Most retirees don’t realize just how valuable Social Security can be—or how much strategy goes into maximizing those benefits.In this episode, we break down a real-life case study of a couple I work with, let's call them James and Elizab...
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13:00
34. Why You Should Freeze Your Credit Today (And How To Do It In 15 Minutes)
Freezing your credit is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft, and the best part? It’s free and only takes 15 minutes. In this episode of The Atomic Retirement Podcast, you'll l...
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13:41
33. 7 Reasons Why a Roth Conversion Might Be a Bad Idea
Roth conversions are often touted as a smart tax move—but are they always the right choice? Not necessarily. In this episode, we’re breaking down 7 situations where a Roth conversion might actually cost you more in taxes than it saves you.<...
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22:36
32. Warren Buffett’s Estate Plan: 10 Lessons You Need to Know
Warren Buffett has spent a lifetime building wealth—but his greatest financial lesson isn’t about investing. It’s about what happens after you’re gone.In a recent letter, Buffett revealed key details about his estate plan, why he’s givin...
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15:09
31. Should You Claim Social Security Early to Invest It?
Should you claim Social Security early and invest the money, or wait for a higher monthly benefit? What about using annuities to supplement your income? In this episode, we break down the numbers, risks, and real-life considerations to help you...
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15:07
30. 6 Tax Breaks After 50 That Could Save You Thousands
Did you know taxes could be your largest retirement expense? If you’re over 50, you’re in a prime position to take advantage of powerful tax breaks that can save you thousands—but many people miss these opportunities and end up overpaying.<...
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20:27
29. Financial Regrets and Wisdom from Americans Over 80
Ever wonder what people in their 80s and 90s wish they’d done differently with their money? In this episode, we explore their financial wisdom and regrets—from outliving their savings to navigating unexpected life changes like divorce and caree...
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7:55
28. How Investors Can Earn Better Investment Returns with Ashby Daniels
Better investment returns (we all want them). Today we're discussing how to be a more successful long-term investor and I'm joined by Ashby Daniels, a financial planner and the mastermind behind Money Visuals. Money Visuals is Ashby's creative ...
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42:12
27. Making Memories and Creating Your Dream Vacation with Mark Comfort
When it comes to bringing people together, few things can match the magic of food, music, and, of course, the thrill of vacationing. Today we're talking about vacationing and I'm joined by Mark Comfort, an industry expert with more than 30 year...
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56:50
26. The High Price Retirees Pay for Collecting Social Security Too Early
One of the most important decisions you will make in retirement is deciding when to collect your Social Security benefits. Social Security is a guaranteed lifetime annuity designed to pay you an inflation-protected income for as long as you liv...
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9:27
25. Buying and Selling a Home with Kiley Willis
Today we're talking all things real estate with Kiley Willis. Kiley is a realtor at ReeceNichols Plaza in Kansas City (licensed in both Kansas and Missouri), and she is one of Kansas City's top real estate producers. Last year she was the top-r...
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40:43
24. What You Can Learn from Your 1099 Forms
Tax season is upon us, and you have probably received your fair share of important tax documents in the mail (or email inbox). Chances are your W-2 is not the only tax form you'll need to complete your income tax return because you likely recei...
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14:47
23. Warren Buffett and 80 Years of Investing Wisdom
Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letter to owners of Berkshire Hathaway stock is out. Today we'll walk through it together, and I'll point out my top takeaways. After all, the letter contains wisdom from someone with 80 years of investing ex...
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16:41
22. Average 401(k) Balances Dropped 20% in 2022
2022 was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year for stock and bond markets. It seemed like everything went down in value, everything except inflation and mortgage rates which reached 40-year highs and 20-year highs, respectively. In short...
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11:53
21. Fixing Social Security: 7 Changes Americans Are Willing to Make
Social Security may only be able to pay 80% of its promised benefits starting in 2035 if Congress does not address a projected shortfall. Today we're talking about 7 changes Americans say they are willing to make to fix Social Security. I hope ...
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13:07
20. Tax Secrets of Health Savings Accounts
Healthcare is not cheap and, aside from taxes, might be your most costly retirement expense. Did you know there's a tax-advantaged savings account to help with your healthcare costs? Health Savings Accounts came about in 2003, and many people a...
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12:45
19. Navigating the Medicare Maze with Danielle Roberts
Today we're talking all things Medicare with Danielle Roberts. Danielle is a Medicare expert and the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, an insurance agency helping people across the country understand Medicare and their insurance options. She's als...
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46:13
18. Is It a Bad Time to Retire?
With stock and bond markets down double-digits year-to-date, and inflation at 40-year highs, is it a bad time to retire? Should I delay retirement? That's our topic on this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast! Resources Mentio...
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11:57
17. How Much is Enough Money for Retirement?
How much money do I need to stop working, be financially independent, and retire? Do I need a half-a-million dollars, a million, two million, or something else? That's our topic on this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast! Res...
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11:44
16. Is the U.S. in a Recession?
Is the US in a recession? That's our topic on this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast! Resources Mentioned
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10:34
15. The 15 Lies (and Omissions) Insurance Salespeople Tell About Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance Policies
Today we are talking about the 15 lies and omissions that insurance salespeople tell about Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance Policies. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atomic Retirement podcast! Resources Mentioned...
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29:29