Retirement Income – The Retirement Engineer

Retirement Clarity: Turning Savings into a Real Plan (Ep. 45)

By TheRetirementEngineer | April 28, 2026

Many people are saving consistently, yet still feel uncertain about their future.

What if the issue is not how much you’ve saved, but how well everything works together?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, introduces a Retirement Readiness Report developed by his team at Kaydan Wealth Management, designed to bring all the moving pieces of a financial plan into one clear view. He explains why clarity matters more than accumulation alone, and how disconnected accounts, tax exposure, and withdrawal strategies can impact retirement outcomes.

Jim also shares why timing, especially within the final decade before retirement, can shape long-term income, taxes, and overall financial confidence.

Key takeaways:

Why many savers lack confidence despite years of consistent contributions and strong account balances
How traditional probability models can miss key factors like taxes, income flow, and real life outcomes
The importance of coordinating accounts to create efficient and sustainable retirement income
How tax planning over decades can significantly change long-term retirement results
Why the 5 to 10 years before retirement is critical for making meaningful financial adjustments
And more!

Resources:

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The Three Chapters of Retirement and How Spending Changes Over Time (Ep. 44)

By TheRetirementEngineer | April 14, 2026

Retirement is rarely one long, predictable stretch. Spending, priorities, and daily life can shift more than many people expect, which is why a more realistic framework can make planning feel less stressful.

What if the real challenge is not just having enough money, but knowing when and how to use it well?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains why retirement should be viewed in three chapters instead of one flat timeline. He breaks down the go-go, go-slow, and later years, showing how spending often starts higher, settles into a steadier rhythm, and then rises again as health and housing needs change. Jim also shares how a retirement plan can be built around changing cash flow, not just fixed income, so people can enjoy more experiences early on without losing sight of future care costs.

Key takeaways:

Why retirement spending often follows a smile pattern instead of rising in a straight line year after year
How the early retirement years can support travel, hobbies, and family experiences without defaulting to fear
Why the middle years often bring steadier routines, lower discretionary spending, and housing decisions
How health care, home care, and assisted living can sharply raise costs in the final retirement chapter
Why planning around changing cash flow can better reflect real retirement life than static income models
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan:

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Podcast Image showing the title "Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Episode 17)"

Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

By TheRetirementEngineer | November 7, 2023

Between 50 and 72, there are significant birthdays that can impact your retirement finances.

These age-based milestones can help you grow your retirement nest egg, avoid financial penalties, withdraw your retirement funds early, and more!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights seven legislative birthdays that every retiree or soon-to-be retiree should circle on their calendars. By the episode’s end, you’ll realize why planning your retirement cash flows is crucial before these milestones creep up on you!

Jim discusses:

Benefits of turning 50, including catch-up contributions and early retirement for qualified public safety workers.
How to make penalty-free withdrawals at 55 and 59.5 (from eligible plans)
The difference between taking Social Security at 62, 70, and anywhere in between
Medicare’s 7-month enrollment window to avoid penalties
The impact of Secure Act 2.0 on the required minimum distribution age
And more

Resources:

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Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Ep. 16)

By TheRetirementEngineer | October 24, 2023

Imagine a retirement where you’re free from the fear of rising, and sometimes unexpected, medical bills.

In a world of ever-rising healthcare costs, a solid understanding of Medicare is a necessity!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the intricacies of Medicare and paves the path for a more simplified Medicare experience. Whether you’re a decade away from retirement or just around the corner, you’ll learn actionable insights to save stress, time, and money.

Jim discusses:

The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
Core components of Medicare (parts A, B, C, and D)
How the ‘Donut’ hole may unexpectedly increase your prescription drug costs
Important enrollment deadlines to avoid hefty penalties
The financial impact of Medicare on your retirement plan
And more

Resources:

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Getting Your Retirement Back On Track (Ep. 15)

By TheRetirementEngineer | October 10, 2023

Picture this: You’ve crafted the perfect retirement plan. You’ve dreamt about it, and it’s finally here. But then, life throws you a curveball. Suddenly, your well-laid path takes an unexpected detour!

Even the most carefully crafted plans must adapt to changing circumstances.

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares practical strategies to get your retirement back on track.

Jim discusses:

Signs that your retirement may be off track
Budgeting strategies to cut unnecessary expenses without sacrificing quality of life
How “safe withdrawal rates” can guide portfolio adjustments
How to weather market downturns by using debt strategically
And more

Resources:

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Top 5 Social Security Filing Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 14)

By TheRetirementEngineer | September 19, 2023

“When should I start taking Social Security?”

“Can I claim spousal benefits? If yes, how much?”

“How will my Social Security income be taxed?”

These are some of the questions that many retirees (and soon-to-be retirees) struggle with!

In this eye-opening episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains the top five Social Security filing mistakes to avoid and how to make well-informed decisions that can potentially make or break your retirement!

Jim discusses:

Benefits of delaying Social Security until age 70 (and what happens if you file early)
Eligibility criteria for spousal benefits and the ideal time to claim them
The “earnings test” you should know about before filing for Social Security
How to maximize survivor benefits
How to minimize the potential tax burden on Social Security
And more

Resources:

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7 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) (Ep. 13)

By TheRetirementEngineer | September 5, 2023

Do you know what makes or breaks your retirement?

The assumptions and financial choices that might seem trivial at first, but have a significant impact later down the road!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights 7 common retirement planning mistakes, drawing on decades of experience as a financial advisor. He also shares actionable ideas to avoid those mistakes.

Jim discusses:

How to budget for retirement without giving up the little joys in life
Why you should never underestimate healthcare costs
Considerations for pension planning, including age, health, and spousal benefits
The “set it and forget it” mentality that can potentially jeopardize your retirement
The importance of seeking professional financial guidance
And more

Resources:

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How Much Money Do You Need To Retire? (Ep. 12)

By TheRetirementEngineer | August 22, 2023

How can you save for retirement if you don’t know how much money you’ll need?

It’s time to calculate your financial finish line so you don’t run out of money during retirement!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares easy-to-follow methods and rules of thumb to estimate your retirement expenses and income — and what to do if you have no idea where to begin.

Jim discusses:

Key points to discuss with your spouse about your “dream retirement”
Why you should categorize your retirement expenses into needs, wants, and wishes
How to account for major lifestyle adjustments and rising healthcare costs
Rules of thumb to quickly check if you’re on track
And more

Resources:

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About Your Host:

Balancing the responsibilities of Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor puts Jim in a unique position at Kaydan Wealth Management. As the Founder, Jim is responsible for guiding the direction of the firm’s moral compass and ensuring the entire team is advancing its mission statement. As Senior Wealth Advisor, he manages the firm’s largest and most complex client relationships and is also hands-on with the development of comprehensive, process-driven wealth solutions.

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