The American Retirement Advisor — August 2026

The American Retirement Advisor
August 2026 · Volume 26, Issue 8

A widow sat in David's office this spring with a folder in her lap and asked what happens to her now. He has answered that question a thousand times, behind a closed door. This month, we opened the door.

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Nine Series · No Cost · No Signup
It Took 25 Years to Fill This Shelf

We took 25 years of real conversations and turned them into short series you can listen to on a drive or read with your coffee. Each episode stands alone. No one asks for your phone number.

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Which one sounds like your family?
The Widow's Penalty
Surviving Spouse · 5 Episodes
The Widow's Penalty
What happens to her taxes, Social Security, and Medicare after losing a spouse.
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When the Kids Inherit
Family Inheritance · 5 Episodes
When the Kids Inherit
What your children actually receive, and the ordinary mistakes that shrink it.
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The Promise They Called Socialism
Medicare History · 5 Episodes
The Promise They Called Socialism
How Medicare almost never happened. Our newest series.
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Both Ends of the Table
High-Net-Worth Inheritance · 7 Episodes
Both Ends of the Table
The largest wealth transfer in history, for the families on both sides of it.
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More Than a Death Benefit
Life Insurance · 7 Episodes
More Than a Death Benefit
Honest answers about what life insurance does for you while you are alive.
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The Gap Years
Tax Window · 4 Episodes
The Gap Years
Between your last paycheck and age 73. Often the lowest tax window of your life.
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The Evolution of a Promise
Life Insurance History · 5 Episodes
The Evolution of a Promise
Where the whole idea came from, and what it was built to solve.
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Passing It On
Estate · 3 Episodes
Passing It On
The estate conversations every family needs. Before, during, and after.
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The Fourth Color
Real Estate & Retirement · 3 Episodes
The Fourth Color
Your house is on your balance sheet too, and the tax bill most never see coming.
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Browse Every Episode
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Inside This Issue
It Took Me 25 Years to Fill This Shelf · David P. SchaefferPage 1
Fiscal FridaysPage 2
Preparation Is One Final Act of Love · Darnetta DorseyPage 3
Sugar Smarts: Ditch the Finger Pricks · Kyle JacobsPage 4
Why Am I Me? Circle of Life · David S. EdgePage 4
Medicare Moment: Your Drug Plan Can Change Mid Year. You Cannot. · Easy Eddie®Page 5
Financial Tip: Inflation Finally Cools · Marc FryePage 6
Important Update: We Are Already Working on Your 2027 · David P. SchaefferPage 6
Clients of the MonthPage 7
Meet Our TeamPage 8
ClassifiedsPage 9
Quiz & Word SearchPage 10
Insights: Nine Series to Read or Listen ToPage 11
Easy Eddie CartoonPage 12
Fiscal Fridays
Every Other Friday
Fiscal Fridays

A real show, a real room, real questions answered. David Schaeffer and the team take your retirement questions in front of a live audience. Pull up a chair.

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