The Retirement Learning Lab
Tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused about retirement planning?
You're not alone. After 30+ years of helping people navigate retirement, I've seen how the flood of conflicting financial advice paralyzes even the smartest people.
Hi, I'm Van Richards, and I created The Retirement Learning Lab to cut through the noise and give you the clarity you deserve.
Here's what makes this different: Instead of throwing more complicated strategies at you, I teach you a simple, systematic approach that actually works. My clients go from lying awake at night worrying about money to sleeping peacefully, knowing they're in complete control of their financial future.
You'll discover how to:
- Transform retirement confusion into confident action
- Maximize your income while reducing risk
- Avoid the costly mistakes that become impossible to fix later
- Create a plan so simple you could explain it to a 12-year-old
The bottom line: You only get one chance at retirement. Don't leave it to chance.
Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, these proven strategies will help you go from financial insecurity to complete control.
Ready to stop worrying and start winning? New episodes every week.
DISCLOSURE: Listeners must understand that this information is not financial advice; it is financial education. There is no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of any information presented. For more information on the limitations of the information from this YouTube Channel, please refer to the disclosure on the Richards Financial Planning YouTube page at https://richardsfinancialplanning.com/youtube-channel.
The Retirement Learning Lab
Medicare 2026: Critical Changes That Could Cost You Thousands | Your Complete Survival Guide
🚨 URGENT: Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2025!
Over 1.2 million Medicare enrollees are losing their plans completely in 2026. Are you one of them? Even if your plan still exists, major changes could cost you thousands of dollars if you don't act now.
In this episode, you'll discover:
✅ The 5 biggest Medicare changes affecting millions of Americans in 2026
✅ Why hospital costs are jumping by $155+ per day for some enrollees
✅ How to verify if your doctors will still be covered (most people skip this!)
✅ The truth about disappearing drug plans (22% reduction) and rising deductibles
✅ My proven 4-step action plan to navigate these changes before the deadline
✅ Free resources that provide unbiased help (no sales pitch!)
Real example from the episode: One enrollee saw her hospital daily rate jump from $395 to $550, PLUS her monthly premium went from $0 to $48. That's over $500 more per year before she even uses healthcare!
Your Action Plan (Don't Wait!):
- Review your Annual Notice of Change
- Verify your doctors and medications are covered
- Compare at least 3 plan options
- Get free help from your state's SHIP program
⏰ Deadline: December 7, 2025 - Don't wait until the last week when counselors are overwhelmed!
🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Download the complete Medicare 2026 Survival Guide with checklists, worksheets, and step-by-step instructions at: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com
Timestamps:
- 0:00 - Introduction: Why this matters NOW
- 4:18 - The 5 major changes explained
- 5:17 - Cost increases: Real examples
- 6:23 - Doctor/hospital network changes
- 7:21 - Prescription drug coverage changes
- 9:26 - Extra benefits being eliminated
- 12:01 - 4-step action plan
- 18:14 - Urgent deadline reminder
- 20:08 - How to get the FREE guide
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
Connect with Van Richards:
- Website: RetirementLearningLab.com
- Download FREE Guide: medicare.retirementlearninglab.com
- Subscribe for weekly retirement planning tips
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Don't let these changes catch you off guard. Listen now and take action before December 7th!