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!

To maximize your Social Security benefits in retirement, it’s essential to understand five key limits and thresholds:

✅ Earnings Limit: If you start Social Security before full retirement age, benefits may be reduced if your wages exceed the annual or monthly earnings limit. Only income earned after starting benefits counts.

✅ Social Security Wage Base: This is the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes each year. It impacts both how much you pay into the system and the benefits you may receive.

✅ Maximum Benefit: Your benefit amount is based on factors like your lifetime earnings and the age at which you begin collecting benefits. Delaying benefits increases your monthly payments, while starting early reduces them.

✅ Provisional Income: This determines how much of your Social Security benefit is taxable. Higher income levels can result in up to 85% of your benefit being taxed at the federal level.

✅ Bend Points: These thresholds influence how your lifetime earnings are converted into benefits. Lower earnings are replaced at a higher percentage, meaning early contributions can have a significant impact.

Understanding these limits helps you make strategic decisions and optimize your retirement income.

Questions answered:
1. How can I maximize my Social Security benefits and avoid unnecessary reductions?

2. What factors determine how much Social Security I will receive in retirement?

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

Timestamps:
0:00 - David's question
1:47 - SS earnings limit
4:51 - Monthly numbers matter
6:04 - SS wage base
9:11 - Max SS earning amount
11:26 - Provisional income
13:32 - SS bend points

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Root Financial is redefining what it means to serve clients by putting team culture front and center. In this episode, James and Ari dive into the firm’s bold move to hire a Head of Culture—an uncommon role in financial advising—dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of their advisors. Why? Because when advisors thrive, clients get the personalized attention they deserve.

At Root, we’re intentional about avoiding the usual industry traps, like overloading advisors with massive client lists or sales quotas that can compromise service. Instead, we focus on sustainable growth, aligning our goals with yours and using tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to stay on track.

With a Net Promoter Score of 91—well above the industry average—we’re proving that building a strong internal culture leads to happier clients and better outcomes.

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

Timestamps:
0:00 - Company culture affects clients
4:08 - Ari's quick story
5:59 - Hiring a Head of Culture
10:54 - Advisors have how many clients?
14:24 - NPS and retention rate
17:28 - OKRs
20:57 - What makes Root different

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!