afraid to spend in retirement
You Have Enough Money to Retire. So Why Can't You Pull the Trigger?
The thermostat was set to 76. In Scottsdale. In August. Not because they couldn’t afford to cool their house. They had
The American Retirement Advisor — News & Insights
Latest
Lifestyle & Mindset
Heat Stroke Prevention: Stay Safe During Summer Heat
July brings summer fun and soaring temperatures—plus important safety reminders about heat exhaustion and heat stroke that can sneak up quickly.
financial advisor
We've Got $1.1 Million, but Our Advisor Never Talks About Any of This
The second caller on last week's Fiscal Fridays came from a woman named Candy. She wrote in on behalf of
inheritance planning
'Til Beak and Shell Do Us Part: Planning for Pets Who Outlive You
When Harold and June faced a wake-up call about their aging, they realized their beloved tortoise and cockatiel needed more than daily care—they needed a plan.
Sugar Smarts
Sugar Smarts: Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce, June 2026
June 2026 Sugar Smarts recipe: Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce. Diabetic-friendly, 16g carbs per serving.
CD interest tax
My Father Made a Huge Mistake With His CDs
There's a segment on our live show, Fiscal Fridays, called The Rant. It's where my father, David Schaeffer,
Trusted by 14,000+ Families
“My full trust is in you folks and always has been since the beginning.”
— Dana B., ARA client since 2019
“Best decision we made years ago in AZ was finding American Retirement Advisors!”
— Ellen K., Scottsdale
“I told my friends I was in the same position and talked to American Retirement Advisors and got my questions answered.”
— Rod H., ARA client
“I was talking to a family friend yesterday and told him what a wonderful job Marc did.”
— Susan S., Mesa
“He comes highly recommended by close friends. I only want to talk to David Edge.”
— Gene M., referred client
“This is my first year in Medicare and your input was extremely helpful.”
— Randy B., new client
How It Works
1
Discovery
We start by learning what you want to accomplish and what you have to work with. We can't help if we don't know the full picture.
2
Build Your Plan
We keep the best of what you already have, replace what can be better, and make sure nothing is falling through the cracks.
3
Review Every Year
As life changes, so should your plan. We lock in an annual review to make sure everything is still working for you.
Medicare & Healthcare
See What Smart Medicare Planning Looks Like →
Medicare & Healthcare
Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check This Winter
When the temperature drops, your blood vessels tighten up to keep you warm - but that also means your blood pressure can rise.
Medicare & Healthcare
November Reflections: Medicare Changes and Growing Families
The leaves are turning, families are growing, and Medicare plans are evolving. A perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan ahead.
Medicare & Healthcare
Medicare: A personal journey of insight and advocacy
Five years ago, I became eligible for Medicare. Having helped others navigate it for years, I thought I knew it all. But experiencing it firsthand gave me a whole new perspective.
Medicare & Healthcare
It's Almost Medicare Open Enrollment Time Again...
Time to start thinking about the Medicare annual enrollment period and what changes you may need to make between October 15th and December 7th.
Retirement Planning
Discover How Retirees Protect Their Income →
Retirement Income
The Gap Years: Often the Lowest-Tax Window of Your Life
The years between your last paycheck and age 73 are often the lowest-tax stretch you will ever see. Most retirees coast through and pay for it later. Part one of The Gap Years.
Retirement Income
The Tax-Free Bucket Most Retirees Are Missing
Most people retire with nearly all their savings in accounts the government still gets to tax. Life insurance can quietly build a third bucket that it does not. Part four of More Than a Death Benefit.
Retirement Income
The Policy That Helps You While You're Alive
Almost 70 percent of people turning 65 will need long-term care, and Medicare will not cover most of it. Some life insurance can step in while you are still living. Part three of More Than a Death Benefit.
Retirement Income
Be Your Own Bank: The Cash Value Most People Never Touch
Some life insurance quietly builds a pool of money you can borrow against, tax-advantaged, for anything you want. Here is how cash value actually works, and the honest truth about whether it is worth it. Part two of More Than a Death Benefit.
Inheritance Planning
Learn How Families Preserve Their Legacy →
inheritance planning
The Family Bank: Setting Up the Next Generation While It's Cheap
A policy on a young child or grandchild can lock in lifelong insurability and quietly build a pool the next generation can borrow against. Here is how the family bank works, and the honest catch. The finale of More Than a Death Benefit.
inheritance planning
Your Own Life Insurance Could Be Adding to Your Tax Bill
A life insurance policy you own is counted in your taxable estate, which can quietly add to the very tax bill you hoped to cover. A special kind of trust is the fix. Part six of More Than a Death Benefit.
inheritance planning
The Nine-Month Problem That Forces Families to Sell What They Love
When a large estate owes federal tax, the bill is due in cash within nine months, and the extension to file is not an extension to pay. Here is how life insurance keeps families from a fire sale. Part five of More Than a Death Benefit.
inheritance planning
A Christmas Gift Beyond Measure: Estate Planning for Your Family
Margaret gave her family something that couldn't be wrapped—complete estate organization that would spare them stress and confusion when she's gone.