The Financial Answer with Nathan O’Bryant

Is Your Retirement Plan Built for the Long Haul?

Living a long life is a blessing, but without the right financial plan, it can become a challenge. In this episode, Nathan unpacks how longevity multiplies risk in retirement, including market volatility, health care costs, and Social Security. He shares how some unexpected, real-life curveballs forced tough conversations with clients, and what you can do now to avoid those same outcomes.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📆 The longer you live, the more risk you face
📉 Inflation + poor planning = real trouble
🚨 Real-life stories of running out of money
💸 Why playing it “too safe” can backfire
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

What Retirement Means… and Why It’s Different for Everyone

There’s no single definition of what makes a “great’ retirement plan. It’s a deeply personal season of life that can look wildly different for each person. In this episode, Nathan explores what retirement really means for different people and why your plan should reflect your personal vision. For some, retirement means constant travel, bucket-list adventures, and new hobbies. For others, it’s about family, quiet simplicity, or even launching a small side venture just for fun.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎉 What “nothing but fun” retirement looks like (and what it costs)
🌱 The unexpected joy of starting something new after retiring
🏡 Why some retirees shift to quiet living, or charitable giving
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Giving to the kids – now or later?
📅 Why your retirement vision may change, and that’s okay
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Type A Investors: Why Doing Less Might Be Your Best Move

Today, we’re talking about Type A personalities. If you’re driven, competitive, and goal-oriented, then you’re likely part of the club that struggles during difficult markets. When things get tough, your instinct is to work harder, push more, and fix the problem. But, as Nathan reveals in this conversation, when it comes to investing, that instinct can sometimes backfire.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Why market volatility triggers the Type A urge to "fix" things
🧠 How emotional overreactions can quietly wreck a solid strategy
🛒 The “grocery store” analogy for scattershot investing habits
💼 Why working with an advisor can ease anxiety without losing control
📺 The hidden impact of constant negative financial news
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Why The Psychology of Money Says Your Emotions Matter More Than Math

What drives your financial decisions: cold hard numbers, or the way you feel? In this episode, Nathan kicks off a financial book club series with a look at The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, one of his favorite reads. This widely acclaimed book doesn’t just focus on dollars and decimals; it unpacks how emotions, personal history, and mindset shape the way we spend, save, invest, and plan for the future.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Why your financial past shapes your future behavior
📈 “Never enough” thinking and the risk of chasing more
💤 Why peace of mind > perfect math
🏡 Should you pay off your mortgage early?
⚠️ The power of building room for error into your plan
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Talking To Your Spouse About Market Crash Fears

When the market drops, anxiety at home may rise. In this episode, Nathan explores how couples can navigate fear, miscommunication, and different emotional reactions to investing during downturns. You’ll hear why involving both spouses in planning meetings makes a measurable difference in confidence and calm.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💬 Why couples react differently to market drops
📉 How financial news distorts reality
🧠 The 4 emotional responses to volatility
📊 Why both spouses need to attend planning meetings
🤝 Creating peace of mind through conversation
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

What Should You Actually Do When the Market Drops?

Market headlines are screaming and your portfolio is bouncing around. You’re tempted to “do something,” but what actually makes sense when volatility kicks in? In this episode, Nathan breaks down four practical strategies for navigating downturns without losing your cool (or your long-term plan). If you’re feeling shaken by the market dip or wondering what to do the next time one rolls around, we’ll share some practical guidance.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📱 Why watching the news can wreck your mindset
📉 Gut check: when fear meets strategy
🛠️ Smart investing is emotional discipline in action
🔁 Roth conversion opportunities during downturns
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

April Fool’s: Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most

April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today, we’re uncovering the beliefs that fool retirees and pre-retirees into making bad financial moves. We’ll cover some of the most common myths that can derail your retirement plans and explain why they might not be as true as they seem.
Here are some of the common beliefs we discuss on today’s show:
“Guaranteed” high returns are easily attained
You better claim Social Security ASAP before it runs out
Underestimating the “tax time bomb”
The 4% rule makes retirement planning easy
Assuming that your children will “just take care of you”
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Inside the Advisor’s Office: What People Are Actually Concerned About

Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns, challenges, and financial goals their clients are facing today. From retirement planning to healthcare costs to working longer than expected, we’re breaking down the key takeaways and how they compare to what we see in our own client conversations.
🔹 52% of clients seek financial advice for retirement planning – Is that the right focus?
🔹 38% of respondents worry about outliving their assets – How can you ensure lifelong financial security?
🔹 The average advisor’s client has saved $760,000 – Is that enough to retire?
🔹 Why more retirees are choosing to work past 65 – Is it financial necessity or personal choice?
Nathan also shares why financial planning is about more than just investing, and how working with the right advisor can make all the difference. Overall, this episode is packed with insights that can help listeners reflect on their own financial situations.
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

The Money Questions Every Couple Needs To Discuss This Valentine’s Season

Valentine’s season is all about love, but let’s be honest, money plays a huge role in any relationship. Whether you’ve been together for decades or are just starting out, financial stress can put a strain on even the strongest partnerships. So, how do you talk about money without killing the romance? In today’s episode, we’re looking at the questions every couple should ask about finances and retirement.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How can long-term couples keep financial peace and avoid ‘spender vs. saver’ battles?
How can you support your family without compromising your own retirement?
If you’ve kept separate finances for years, is it ever too late to merge money?
What’s the best way for couples to handle financial curveballs without turning money stress in marriage stress?
How can couples start the estate planning conversation without it feeling like a romance killer?
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

What Do Proposed Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?

The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy?
In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the backstory of tariffs- what they are, why governments impose them, and the historical context of them. We'll also break down the new tariffs that have been introduced, their potential impact on everyday people, and what you can do to navigate this shifting financial landscape.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What are tariffs and their historical context?
How will this impact the economy?
The potential benefits of tariffs
The overvaluation of the tech sector and the importance of diversification  
Wolf Street Article:
https://wolfstreet.com/2025/02/03/what-trumps-tariffs-did-last-time-2018-2019-had-no-impact-on-inflation-doubled-receipts-from-customs-duties-and-hit-stocks/
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com