The Senior Zone
The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.
Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.
Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.
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📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC)
The Senior Zone
Ep. 710 | Aging With Protection, Planning, and Purpose
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On this episode of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry leads a senior-centered conversation about protection, planning, and dignity in later life.
In Segment One, Shawn is joined Edwin Walker for a timely discussion on the Older Americans Act, elder justice, nutrition, and why reauthorization matters to older adults, caregivers, and communities across the country.
In Segment Two, the conversation shifts to retirement confidence — including Social Security, Medicare, taxes, income planning, long-term care, and avoiding costly mistakes after a lifetime of work.
Plus, we celebrate the Birthdays of the Week, hear from Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and share the Later Life Lowdown with resources and announcements for older adults across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
Opening Remarks & Weekly Vitamin
SPEAKER_02Welcome to the Senior Zone, where we connect older adults with the organizations and resources that serve them.
SPEAKER_11The Senior Zone's goal aims to educate, empower, enlighten, entertain, and engage older adults with the tools and information to stay healthy, happy, and secure.
SPEAKER_02Great guests, health tips, upcoming events, and useful information.
SPEAKER_11So get ready to take notes and have some fun.
SPEAKER_02It's now time for the senior zone.
SPEAKER_07Good morning, family, and welcome to the Senior Zone, the DMV's number one weekly radio program serving our beloved 50 plus community. I'm your host, Sean Perry, and I am always grateful when you choose to spend part of your Monday morning right here with us, whether you're listening on WYCB 1340 a.m., streaming live at myspiritdc.com, or catching us later on the Senior Zone Podcast, now available on demand wherever you enjoy your favorite podcast. Family, we are right in the middle of June, a month that reminds us of sunshine, graduations, Father's Day, summer plans, and new beginnings. But June is also Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and that means we have to talk honestly about protection, dignity, justice, and what it means to age with safety and support. Because aging well is not just about living longer, it's about living respected, it's about living connected, it's about making sure older adults are not forgotten, overlooked, exploited, or left to figure everything out alone. And that brings us to today's weekly vitamin. So here we go. You are not a burden because you need support. You are not weak because you need guidance. You are not invisible because the world moves fast. You still carry wisdom, your voice still carries weight, your presence still matters. So this week, walk with your head lifted. Not because everything is perfect, but because you are still here, still growing, still learning, and still worthy of protection, peace, and purpose. That's the spirit of today's show. In segment one, we're starting with something many older adults benefit from, even if they don't know it by name. The Older Americans Act. This law helps support meals, transportation, caregiver assistance, elder rights, and the services that help people age with dignity in their very own communities. And with June being Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this conversation matters even more. I'll be joined by Edwin Walker here to help us understand what's at stake, why reauthorization matters, and how this law touches real lives every single day. And then in segment two, we're turning to retirement. Not the dream of retirement, but the real life decisions that come with it. Social Security, Medicare, taxes, income planning, long-term care, it can all feel overwhelming, especially when one wrong move can follow you for many, many years. My next guest helps individuals and families make sense of those decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and move into retirement with a little more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. And before the hour is done, we're gonna celebrate as we always do, our birthdays of the week. We're gonna hear from Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simone, and then bring you your later life lowdown, news resources, and announcements for DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. And before we take this quick break, I want to send some love and gratitude to our sponsors and partners. Thank you, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, AARP of the District of Columbia, AARP of the State of Maryland, Compassion and Choices, Jewish Council for the Aging, and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. We'll be right back after this short break, brought to you by Legal Counsel for the Elderly, providing free legal and social work services to D.C. residents most in need. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_01Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of D.C. elders by providing free legal and social work services to those in need. Worried about eviction or foreclosure? Need help obtaining social security or veterans benefits? Call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120. Income eligibility applies. LCE is an affiliate of AARP 202-434-2120.
SPEAKER_08Attention, listeners, criminals are consistently developing new ways to steal your hard-earned money and personal information. But the AARP Fraud Watch Network is here to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. See or report scams in your area with our scam tracking map. Get guidance from our trained fraud specialists, and sign up to receive information on the latest scams. Knowledge is power. If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Get more tips and resources at aarp.org slash fraudwatch network.
SPEAKER_07Good morning,
Segment One: Older Americans Act, Elder Justice & Reauthorization
SPEAKER_07family, and welcome back to the Senior Zone. I am your host, Sean Perry, and we're starting today with a timely discussion, conversation about the Older Americans Act, a law many people don't know by name, but one that helps support meals, transportation, caregiver assistance, elder rights, and services that help older adults remain safe, independent, and connected. I'm joined by Edwin Walker, a respected voice in the Aging Network and co-host of Real Life with Older Americans Act Podcast, a project designed to show how this law impacts everyday lives. And with the Older Americans Act now reintroduced in the Senate and June being Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this is an important time to talk about elder justice, nutrition, and why reauthorization matters. Edwin Walker, my friend, welcome to the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_04Thank you so much, Sean. It's always a pleasure to be with you. I so appreciate your effort and all that you do in terms of providing great information for our our country's senior citizens.
SPEAKER_07I should say, Edwin, welcome back to the senior zone. It's been a few years now, but uh we uh you're missed and I'm I'm I'm just so happy to have you back, my friend.
SPEAKER_04Thank you.
SPEAKER_07Appreciate it. All right. So uh Edwin, I understand that you and Bob Blancado, who was on the show last week, uh by the way, helped launch this podcast to build momentum around reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. For listeners who may not follow policy every day, why was this podcast needed now? And what are you hoping people understand after listening?
SPEAKER_04Well, Sean, uh, we think the podcast is really needed because the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act has been stalled in the Congress. And you know, uh the Older Americans Act is something that's very near and dear to me. I've spent over 40 years, my entire career in public service, focused on the Older Americans Act. I know how important and essential it is, and it has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the Congress, and that's just not the case at the moment. And so it's just important for everyone to know how critical it is to move forward with the reauthorization of the older Americans Act. There should be no disputes, no arguments. It always it's it's intended to provide good services to people at the local community and people who need those services.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, you know, sometimes Edwin, a law can sound abstract until you realize it may be the reason that somebody is getting a hot meal, that they they're able to get a ride to the doctor, right? They're able to get help as a caregiver or even just protection from abuse. So that's why I'm I'm happy to hear about this podcast. I can't wait to listen in uh myself. But the podcast is called Real Life with Older Americans Act, and I love that phrase because it's not Washington talk, right? So, from per from your perspective, my friend, what does the Older Americans Act look like when it reaches actual people in actual communities?
SPEAKER_04Well, um, I think it really looks like essential services. Essential services that help maintain health and wellness, independence and dignity, it supports caregivers and enables people to remain in their own homes and communities, which we know that's where people want to stay. Uh often folks don't even know that the older Americans Act services are in their community because there's such a sense of ownership at the local level. They see their local county or community organization's name on the transportation van or the senior or community center, or they see meals on wheels, but they have no clue that those funds came from the federal Older Americans Act, along with state, local, and private resources. So the Older Americans Act looks like the variety of senior services that exist in every community throughout this country.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, you know, and that's important. I'm glad to hear you say that because so many of these services, as you as you uh just referenced alluded to, you know, are doing quiet work every day throughout our communities. They're not flashy work, it's not loud work, right? But it's absolutely uh, you know, essential. So folks, understand the Americans, the older Americans act truly is there, you know, in every community throughout the United States helping our older adults thrive and survive. You know, a lot of people know Medicare, right, and Social Security, but they may not know the American Older Americans Act. I keep stumbling there, uh, my friend. Why do you think Edwin the older American the Older Americans Act remains so underrecognized, even though it helps fund so many services that people depend on?
SPEAKER_04Well, you know, Sean, we used to say that the Older Americans Act was one of the best kept secrets, but it should never have been a secret. The difference is in how these programs are funded. Medicare and Medicaid are mandatory or entitlement programs that grow in response to the number of eligible people. Whereas the Older Americans Act is discretionary and it's based on annual appropriations and the annual will of the Congress. You know, I I sadly say that of late we haven't seen the Congress working all that well together on issues that would truly benefit all of the segments of the population of this country. And that again speaks to why we are doing this podcast series, Real Life with the Older Americans Act, so that people would understand the importance and significance of the act and urge Congress that uh to to reauthorize it. It's it's past due at this point.
SPEAKER_07Yeah. You know, Edwin, this month, as I understand it, your podcast focuses on elder justice, and June is Elder Abuse Awareness Uh Month. How does the aging network help older adults in a way that respects their dignity as well as independence?
SPEAKER_04Well, in in many states, and and Sean, you mentioned it where elder justice can involve abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, scams, and very complicated family situations. In many states, the aging network makes up or it coordinates with the Adult Protective Services or APS system that responds to allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. And as a part of that, they are taught to respect the autonomy of the individual. This requires a very delicate balance between protection and respect. You know, often we hear of cases where APS will go into a home in response to a situation where the caller indicated an older person can't care for him or herself. But once they get in there, they find that the older individual is alert, aware, competent to make decisions and to express their desire to remain in that situation. So without clear evidence of having some type of harm to him or herself, the APS worker has to respect the older individual's decision and thereby abide by their wishes of and maintain their independence and dignity.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, you know, Edwin, over the years of me doing this show, uh, you know, I have evolved and learned so much from folks like you and Bob Lontato and many, many others. And one thing that I know is that older adults are not problems to be managed. All right. You know, they are people. They are people to be protected, people to be respected, and people to be heard, even still in their senior uh hood. From your years in the aging network, what is one older Americans act supported service that you believe still does not get enough credit for keeping older adults out of crises?
SPEAKER_04Well, Sean, I love you, but I'm not going to answer that question the way you asked it. Because research shows that in order to be successful and effective as the Older Americans Act is, there isn't just one service, but it's the ability to combine and coordinate services to meet the array of needs that an older individual may have. For instance, in our most well-known program, home delivered meals, or people call it meals on wheels, an individual is homebound and needs more than just a meal. That means that they may need a wellness check to ensure that they're really okay, or they may need that friendly visit from the person delivering the meal as a means of combating loneliness, which can have the the same negative health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Our programs work to address the full range of specific needs of individuals. Now to sort of answer your question, one area where additional attention is needed is certainly in the area of caregiving. According to research from the National Alliance for Caregiving and from AARP, sixty-three million American adults, or nearly one in four of us, now provide ongoing care to a family member or friend with a serious illness or disability, and that's just growing. The Older Americans Act uh underpins our nation's what we refer to as our home and community-based care system. And the National Family Caregivers Support Program, part of the Older Americans Act, is the only federal program that's dedicated specifically to supporting family caregivers. Uh it funds respite care, it provides training and counseling and information and referral services that caregivers rely on each and every day. So reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is essential to modernizing our country's infrastructure for today's increasing caregiving realities, and I will have to make this point, fully funding all parts of the Older Americans Act is necessary and would really be the way for Congress to show that older adults and their family caregivers are a priority.
SPEAKER_07Yeah. As you were talking, uh Edwin, uh what was coming to my mind was the phrase, and I may, I may, I may not have it just right, but you know, what's the phrase? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure or something along that line. I'm paraphrasing a little bit there, but you get my point there because you know, prevention doesn't get the applause uh when it works, right? Because the emergency never, you know, happened. But that's exactly why these services that fall under the umbrella of the Older Americans Act is so important. Whether you're in the city, in the suburbs, or in rural America, uh, we are all on the same boat when it comes to uh this particular act. So thank you, thank you, thank you, uh my friend. One of my final questions uh for you, uh Edwin, is uh for the listener who says, This sounds important, but I'm just one person, right? What can they do today, Edwin, you know, to support the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act?
SPEAKER_04I I would say a couple of things. One is, and they're very, very simple. Uh first, become involved in your local community, local agencies in your community. Second is to communicate the value of the programs to local leaders. They're the ones who uh make a difference. Third is to volunteer with local agencies. The o the beauty of the Older Americans Act, I mentioned it earlier, is ownership. It's it's it's it has hundreds of thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy each and every day, mostly older people who know of the value and want to see these programs continued, and they know that as they volunteer they're expanded to other people who need the service. And so I guess last I would say be your brothers and your sisters keeper. If you see something, you mentioned uh elder abuse and and and the Elder Justice Awareness Month. If you see something, say something. Elder abuse is not a family matter. We heard that for decades. Oh, I don't want to get involved, it's a family matter. It's really a society and a community matter, and it's something that we should all take responsibility to address.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. You know, uh you mentioned the word local, right? Because, you know, policy, it may start in Washington, Washington, DC, but momentum starts with people, right? Regular folks, families, caregivers, volunteers, advocates, and listeners who refuse to let older adults become uh invisible. And you have been part of that equation for you said 40 plus years uh now. So I want to thank you for all the work that you have done. People have not begun to see and feel the impact of the work that you have done, your body of work just speaks for itself. But people are benefiting around this entire country because of the work that you have done over the decade. So uh Edwin Walker, thank you, thank you, thank you for helping us better understand the Older Americans Act, just not as policy, but as real support for real people. Thank you, my friend. Thank you, sir. You are quite welcome. Family, whether it's meals, transportation, caregiver help, elder rights, or protection from abuse and exploitation, these services matter. And as we recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month, let's remember that protecting older adults is a responsibility, as Edwin mentioned, that we all share. Again, Edwin, thank you, my friend. Thank you, sir. All right, folks. Coming up next, we'll continue the conversation around aging, planning, and quality of life with Ben Milan right here on the Senior Zone. Stay with us. We'll be right back. This next break is brought to you by Compassion and Choices, empowering everyone to chart their own end of life journey. In life, choices matter.
SPEAKER_10Compassion and Choices is here to support you on your journey. Our organization provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate difficult decisions with compassion and understanding. Need guidance on end-of-life choices? Visit our website at compassionatechoices.org for a range of informative articles, toolkits, and personal stories. Our compassionate team is just a call away, ready to assist you. Because, let's face it, talking about death is not gonna kill you. Compassion and Choices, empowering you to make choices that reflect your values.
SPEAKER_03Hi, neighbor. I'm inviting you and your wife to my husband's 65th birthday party next week.
SPEAKER_06Great! Has he applied for Medicare yet?
SPEAKER_03Not yet. It's very confusing.
SPEAKER_06Call Montgomery County Ship. They help me with questions about my Medicare coverage.
SPEAKER_03What's Montgomery County Ship?
SPEAKER_06It's Ship, like a boat. Montgomery County State Health Insurance Assistance Program. They help seniors like us, or people with disabilities, or caregivers and families with Medicare insurance questions.
SPEAKER_03Can anyone call them?
SPEAKER_06Sure, as long as you live in Montgomery County. You can call them at 301-255-4250. Or check out their website at www.medicareabcd.org.
SPEAKER_03What's that number again?
SPEAKER_06Montgomery County Ship. 301 255 4250. Made possible with a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living through the state of Maryland and Montgomery County.
SPEAKER_09When you hear the chirp, it's time to do some work. Change the battery. Working smoke alarms save lives, including yours. For more information on smoke alarms And other fire prevention and safety tips, contact the DC Fire and EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at 202-727-1614. Or email us at FEMS.fireprevention at DC.gov.
Segment Two: Retirement Planning, Medicare, Social Security & Income Stability
SPEAKER_07Welcome back. This is the Senior Zone, and I am your host, Sean Perry. Now listen, one of the biggest fears many older adults have isn't just retirement itself. It's making the wrong decisions once retirement finally arrives. Folks spend 30, 40, sometimes 50 years working, saving, sacrificing, and then suddenly they're expected to understand Medicare, Social Security, taxes, long-term care, income planning, and market risk almost overnight. And let's be honest, a whole lot of people are confused. That's why today's conversation matters. My next guest has spent nearly two decades helping individuals and families transition from earning a paycheck to creating sustainable retirement income and long-term financial stability. He specializes in retirement income planning, Medicare guidance, Social Security timing, tax positioning, and helping people avoid costly mistakes that can follow them for years. So let's welcome Ben Malan, president of Serenity Retirement. Ben, welcome. Hello, Sean. Thanks for having me. It's a pleasure to have you here. Ben, before we get into numbers and strategies, I want to start here. Why do you think so many older adults feel anxious, uncertain, or even overwhelmed about retirement today?
SPEAKER_05Well, Sean, I think many adults feel overwhelmed about retirement because the responsibility now falls almost entirely on the individual. People are expected to navigate investment, taxes, healthcare, inflation, know what Irma is, long-term care, and income planning on their own, while also dealing with the market volatility and fear of outliving their money. On top of that, Sean, retirement is emotional, not just financial. People want clarity, confidence, and peace of mind, knowing their income will last their entire lifetime and that their family will be okay long after they are gone. That uncertainty is what creates anxiety today. This is why I created my company, Serenity Retirement, to give seniors serenity in retirement. Give them peace of mind. And in the end, that's all seniors want, Sean, is peace of mind.
SPEAKER_07Absolutely, absolutely. A lot of our listeners, Ben, are approaching Medicare age right now. So let's break it down in plain language. What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when signing up for Medicare?
SPEAKER_05Ah, great question, Sean. The biggest mistakes I see people make is assuming that it's simple or automatic. There's nothing simple or automatic about Medicare. They wait too long to get educated and become proactive, which often leads to costly mistakes. The most costly mistake I see is people not knowing that they have 90 days after they turn 65 and eligible for Medicare, that they either need to tell Social Security if they are going to take Medicare or if they're going to sign up for Part D prescription drug plan. See, most seniors assume that Social Security and Medicare are the same thing, but it is not. So if a senior isn't going to take Social Security out until they are 67 because they are still working, they assume they don't need to sign up for part A and let Medicare know that they won't take Part B because they have credible covers through their work. Because of this, they will inquire a 10% penalty added to their monthly Part B premium every 12 months. So every year. If you delay a two year, Sean, then it's 20%. Three years, 30%. This penalty will last for the rest of your life on Part B. So you see, Social Security and Medicare were born from the same law and is deeply intertwined in daily operations. You can think of them as siblings, but they are indeed separate. So that is the most mistake people make, is that. And what I also see, Sean, too, is seniors assume that Social Security and Medicare are the same. And because of this, they also wait too long. And because of this, it's very costly. So make sure when you are applying for Medicare, talk to someone who knows what they're talking about. Don't assume it's easy. That book that comes in the mail that's 100, 200 pages, that's too hard to understand. Get to a representative that knows what they're talking about.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, you know, we hear parts A, B, C, and D, right? All the alphabet. Uh the next thing you know, folks are completely lost and confused. But let's talk about uh Medicare penalties. I think you just mentioned it, but I want to go over it again. Some people don't realize missing deadlines can cost them for the rest of their lives. What should people know?
SPEAKER_05So Medicare is you pay into the system legally, all right, over the table for 10 years, and then you qualify for part A. If so I tell people, hey, if you want to go under the table, at least work over the table for at least 10 years, then you qualify for Medicare at age 65. Or if you become disabled, then you could get Medicare prior to 65. So that's one thing about it. It's not just 65. A lot of people are on Medicare prior to 65. Timing matters more than intent. So if you don't enroll during your initial period and you don't have a qualified employer coverage, like I said earlier, Medicare doesn't say, oh, well, too uh too bad you missed out on that. No, you really need to uh take care of that. One fact on deadlines is many people mistakenly think that they can sign up anytime. And once I like I said, Sean, you can't. You need to sign up during those initial periods or else uh you will get a penalty. And a lot of people say, Ben, I did not know. I did not know. Why didn't people educate me? And I said, Well, they probably don't educate you because I think secretly they want us to get a penalty so they could incur and help pay, you know, pay for the taxes and debt that we're in. But there is no I didn't know uh rule of thumb, Medicare. The deadlines is a deadline, and no matter what sob story you give, you need to sign up when you need to sign up, or it's a 10% penalty every year you delay for the rest of your life. I've seen people, Sean, to sign up at age 85 because a lot of people say, Why do I need a four? I'm super healthy. I'm super healthy. Why pay that premium of 2029? And then we're not always gonna be healthy, then we get sick, and 20 years you didn't pay, 20 years a penalty, and it's gonna hurt you in in the long run. So make sure that you sign up when you're supposed to sign up.
SPEAKER_07Yeah. And that right there is why planning ahead matters. And that's why we're having this conversation, uh, Ben. Now, Ben, Social Security timing has become a huge conversation. I'm in that window now, just I'm turning 63 uh soon. Uh so, but some folks claim early because they are afraid the money won't be there later, and others wait. How should people really think uh through that decision?
SPEAKER_05So let me be direct, sure, sure. So so let me be direct with this question right here, okay? The age you take Social Security is one of the most important and impactful decisions you'll ever make in retirement. And most people get it wrong because they treat it, uh, because they treat it as a minor checkbox instead of what is uh except what it really is. It's a lifetime income decision worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. So here's a mash on that people ignore. If your benefit is about a thousand at full retirement age, taking it early at 62 can drop it around $750, $700 a month. Waiting until $70 can push it up to roughly $1,320 a month. The gap doesn't just matter, it compounds every uh over decades. Yet people still make the decision based on fear, misinformation, or what they hear at their office sharing gossip, talk at the cubicles, and they and then someone who has no idea what they're talking about will say, Hey, take it out early. The system's broke, the government's going down. Well, that advice, Sean, costs retirees a fortune. The reality is simple. Most couples today have a real chance that one spouse is going to live into their 90s. People are now living longer. That means this is not short-term decision, it's a long-term income strategy. So if you get this wrong, you can't fix it later. That just like Medicare, you get it wrong, you can't say, you know what, I don't want that penalty anymore. That's why this decision needs to be run through a financial professional and not to your coworkers sitting next to you at your cubicle. This is not guesswork. This is life-changing income. So the biggest thing here is life expectancy. So, Sean, I would ask, you know, you or any client, do your does your how long does your family live for? Does your family have longevity? Well, no, we die in our 50s and 60s. Okay, then you might want to take it out early. Oh no, our parents, our grandparents, we have a long line going in our 90s and 100. So it all depends on life expectancy. In general, though, the brand winner should delay until 67 or 66 or 67, depending on when you're born, or 70. Now, the reason why I say general is well, because everybody's different. All right. We need to look at health, medical conditions, and you really need to look at both husband and wife because sometimes the husband, okay, uh, will, or the spouse in general will make more money. So, whatever spouse makes more money, Sean, when when someone passes away, we're only gonna get one paycheck, not two. That's one thing that's very interesting about this whole system is we're used to two paychecks for Social Security. Then when one person passes away, we're only gonna get one paycheck. So I say uh delay the breadwinners, the highest breadwinners paycheck, because when that spouse dies, guess what? Now you're going to get the bigger check of the two. All right. So this is very, very important. And people might say, well, I need that money to come in now. What? Well, what my firm would do in this case is take take uh uh what you're getting from from Social Security, 401ks, IRAs, brokerage accounts, and bridge that gap with the guaranteed income. So by taking extra money out of these accounts, that's where we bridge that gap from Social Security to because let's say Sean that you want to wait from 62 and till 70, we have an eight-year gap. So we need to fill that gap. So how do we fill that gap so you can wait longer is making all the money that you save for a lifetime into guaranteed income. But if we need a now, then we use the money that you saved your whole lifetime and bridge that gap so we have more income coming in.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, and you know, and every person's situation is different, right? That's that's a given, which is why you know a one-size uh fits-all advice can be uh certainly uh dangerous. Uh Ben, let's move it, move forward with the time that we have left. You often talk about moving from accumulation to income distribution. Break that down for our audience and myself. What changes financially once retirement begins?
SPEAKER_05So, this is my favorite question of all. And this is what separates my firm from the rest of the firms. Is the biggest shift is that your financial system flips from building wealth to reliable, to reliably using wealth, and that changes almost everything. So during the accumulation phase, success is measured by growth. You're focused on contributions, market returns, tax deferred, compounding, and staying invested through volatility because time is on your side. Cash flow usually comes from your job. So market downturns aren't really an inconvenience or are not an immediate threatening. But once retirement begins, the center of gravity moves. Now the question isn't how much can I grow, but how do I turn what I've built into steady, predictable paycheck that lasts. That introduces a new set of priorities, sequence of return risk, income stability, tax efficient withdrawals, and coordination with source alike. I mentioned Social Security and also Medicare timing. Spending also becomes more intentional. Instead of saving first and spending what's left, like most Americans do, retirees have to have a different view. It's reversed. So now setting an income plan is first, then align investments to support it. That often means shifting from pure growth-oriented portfolios to a mixed design from liquidity income, generation, and volatility management. And one big thing about retirement is emotional decisions. Emotionally, it's different discipline too. In accumulation volatility, it can be your friend. Why? Because we still have time to invest. But once you retire, we're in a different category. It's now a distribution volatility. So when we're taking out money and the market drops, it can directly impact your paycheck big time.
SPEAKER_07Yeah, yeah. You know, one thing I've learned here is, you know, retirement isn't just about having money saved, right? Uh the more the better, right. But it's about making sure that it lasts.
SPEAKER_05A simple, a, a, a, a simple thing I say. In short, accumulation is about building a pool, and retirement is about drawing from it in a way that never lets it run dry.
SPEAKER_07There you go. There you go. We've also seen so much market uh volatility uh these last uh few years, uh Ben. For older adults already retired or close to retirement, how do they protect themselves emotionally? Have you mentioned that a few times already, and financially during uncertain times?
SPEAKER_05Well, with all the volatility we've seen lately, retirees and pre-retirees need to understand that retirement planning is completely different, like I said, from accumulation planning. During your working years, market downturns are usually temporary because you still have time and income on your side. But once you retire and start taking withdrawals, volatility becomes much more dangerous because of sequence of returns, meaning large losses and early retirement can permanently damage how long your money will last. That's why I believe retirement should be built around income planning first, not just portfolio growth. Retirement is really about cash flow engineering. The question isn't simply how much money do you have, it's how do we create a reliable income that can survive market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, and longevity. So the first thing I do with clients to identify their income gap is the difference between their essential expenses and guaranteed income sources like Social Security or pensions. Then my firm will strategically fill that gap with protected income so they're not forced to sell investments during market downturns just to pay their bills. This is also why Social Security timing matters so much, like I mentioned earlier. Many people don't realize benefits increase roughly 8% per year in Social Security. So if you can delay claiming between full retirement age and 70, we can apply the same philosophy to retirement income planning. On the core, income needs are covered. Clients can actually invest the rest of their portfolio more confidently. Well, we have to watch our emotional decisions, Sean. This changes everything. Most retirement anxiety comes from uncertain uh uncertainty around their income, not just market swings. But when someone has a written income strategy, tax strategy, long-term care plan, they're far less likely to panic during volatility. The biggest mistake I see is people retiring are still investing like they're in the pure accumulation mode. As retirement approaches, the focus has to shift from maximizing returns to protecting income, preserving lifestyle, and creating stability. And if you do this, you will have less stress in your life. And it's been proven that less stress will make you live a longer life.
SPEAKER_07Absolutely. I'm all about less stress and peace of mind, uh, Ben. Let's talk taxes uh for a minute, uh, my friend. Many retirees are shocked to discover retirement incomes can still create uh tax problems, right? What are some of the common tax mistakes retirees make? And we're running out of time, so make this one quick, my friend.
SPEAKER_05Uh, the biggest tax mistake people make is not understanding what they're doing. Uh uh the number one thing is we put too much money in our qualified accounts, uh, 401ks, 402Bs, uh, anything that's tax deferred, not knowing that when we withdraw from Ishan, it's gonna add to our overall income. So, for example, let's say you have $2 million in your 401k, right? And you want to delay Social Security. So now we need to uh uh uh um have income coming in because our Social Security is not enough to fill our income gap. So they're pulling money out of their qualified accounts, and guess what? Now that counts towards income. See, we were told, Sean, that if we work when we retire, we're gonna have a less income, so we're gonna pay less in taxes. I said yes, if you never saved in your life and strictly on Medicaid. But if you actually saved your entire lifetime and did the right thing, then guess what? We're actually gonna be in a higher tax bracket because now we're pulling it from all our taxable accounts. And by pulling from our taxable accounts, that counts as income. So if you pull $200,000 from your 401k, it told Uncle Sam you made $200,000, which raises in the uh, you know, your Irma and all that stuff. So people are not properly looking at their overall accounts and getting the proper tax advice. Now, I'm no tax expert, but I just use common sense. And all we gotta do is go and look at the tax brackets online and look, hey, do I really need to put money in that form? Okay, this year is it really saving money on taxes? Because remember, we're not saving money on taxes, Sean. We're delaying it. That's why I like to work with retirees because they realize if I knew what I knew now, I would not have put so much money in my taxable accounts. I would have waited longer. Absolutely. I would have put more money in the tax-free bucket.
SPEAKER_07Ben, we are out of time, my friend. But how can folks get in touch with you, Serenity Retirement?
SPEAKER_05Uh, they can get in contact with me. Uh, my website is SerenityHyphen Retirement, just like it sounds SerenityRetirement.com. And also my phone number is 323-702-9551-323-702-9551. One thing about me that's unique is you will get me, uh, not a staff person. Uh, so I will work with you and I even pick a phones on vacation. So the only time don't call me is from Sundown, Friday, Sundown, Saturday. But that's my information right there.
SPEAKER_07Gotcha, folks. Serenityment.com. That's SerenityHyphen Retirement.com. Our guest today has been Ben Malan, president of Serenity Retirement. Ben, thank you, thank you, thank you so much for joining us here on the Senior Zone. Thank you for your time, Sean. Appreciate it.
SPEAKER_05Thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_07Thank you as well. And family, don't go anywhere. We've got more great conversation ahead right here on the senior zone. This next break is brought to you by AARP DC, your wise friend and fierce defender in Washington, D.C. When we return, it's birthdays of the week, followed by Dear Grave Woman, featuring Joelle Simone. And then it's your later life lowdown, news and resources here in the DMV. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_10Today is your day to connect with AARP in DC. AARP is here in the District of Columbia working hard to make it an even better place to live, work, and play for people of all ages, and you can help. Put your skills and talents to good use as an AARP volunteer where you can help lead local events or become an advocate for the issues that matter in your community, like funding for programs that help district residents age with dignity and independence. AARP is also helping you get the most out of life. Check out their educational workshops, where they can help you grow as a caregiver, find a job, and teach you about the latest technology, or enjoy the night out at any of their exciting local events, like their happy hours and free movie screenings. Today is your day to connect with your community and with AARP. So let's take one today and every day. Learn more at a rp.org slash PC.
Birthdays of the Week
SPEAKER_07And before we close out today's show, you already know what time it is. This is one of my favorite parts of the senior zone because we don't just talk about aging around here. We celebrate it every day, every year, every chapter, every birthday is a blessing. And today we get a chance to lift up some folks in our senior zone family. So first up, we have Bob King, 80 years young. Today, Monday, June 15th from Washington, D.C. Happy, happy birthday, Bob. John Mons, 65, Medicare Eligible today as well, June 15th from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Happy birthday, John, a childhood friend here. William Ziggler, 64 on Tuesday, June 16th from Los Angeles, California now. Colleen Smith, 65, Medicare Eligible. Tuesday, June 16th from Indian Head, Maryland. Happy birthday, Colleen. Elizabeth Evans Gordon is 72 on Wednesday, June 17th from Silver Spring, Maryland. Happy birthday, Elizabeth. Ricky Fairley is 69 on Wednesday, June 17th from Annapolis, Maryland. Happy birthday, Ricky. Kevin Satterfield, 71 on Saturday, June 20th from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Happy birthday, Kevin. Amanda Taylor is 82. God bless you. Saturday, June 20th from Washington, D.C., happy birthday, Amanda Ron Thompson, 71. Saturday, June 20th from Bowie, Maryland. Happy, happy birthday. Ron Ruby Longmire, 71. Sunday, June 21st from Lotonia, Georgia. Thank you for listening. Uh Ruby and happy birthday. Baritas Thompson, last one today. Baritas Thompson 66 on Sunday, June 21st from Chicago, Illinois. Happy birthday, Baritas, to each and every one of you again, and from all of us here at the Senior Zone. Happy, happy birthday. And remember, you're not getting older, you're getting richer in wisdom, deeper in purpose, and more valuable to the people blessed enough to know you.
Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone
SPEAKER_07And now, family, as we continue to move through this final stretch of the hour, we turn our attention to a voice that helps us look at grief, love, memory, and healing with a little more honesty and a little more tenderness. It's time now for Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simone, a reminder that grief doesn't always arrive neatly, healing doesn't always happen quickly, and sometimes the words we need most are the ones that give us permission to feel the way we feel. Joelle, take it away, my friend.
SPEAKER_00Hello everyone, and welcome back to Dear Grave Woman. I am your host, Joelle Simone, also known as the Grave Woman. And this is your three-minute segment here on the Senior Zone where we talk about life, death, grief, pre-planning for the end, and everything in between. I had an interesting conversation this past week at a professional conference, and the topic was three common mistakes people make when pre-planning for funerals or burials. And these are mistakes that happen because information is not always explained clearly in conversations with providers. And since you have access to a professional who's license as a funeral director and insurance agents in two days, I figured I'd share some of what we talked about. Number one, the first mistake is using a plan based on emotion instead of alignment with actual wishes and culture. I've seen this a lot of times when people make decisions in a moment of grief urgency or disorder with morality. And then we disflecting services that you don't reflect your culture. Number two is assuming everything is covered without reading the fine reading of the contractor. This is rare. What items are those third party items because it is created between expectation and reality. Or the last and final mistake that we'll talk about today is not telling the right people or documenting where it can be found. And when I say it, I mean your plan. A plan is only useful if it can be accessed when needed. One of the biggest breakdowns or barriers happens is when loved ones don't know that the plans exist, they don't know where they're stored, or they can't access them quickly. Without clear communication and documentation, even a well-designed plan can get overridden or ignored. And so I encourage you to take all of these into consideration as you move forward in considering making your pre-arrangements. Sean, back to you for the later life lowdown.
SPEAKER_07And ladies and gentlemen, that was Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simone. Thank you, Joel. Always thoughtful, always honest, and always reminding us that the more we understand the end of life, the more intentional we can be about living the life that we still have. And
Later Life Lowdown
SPEAKER_07now, ladies and gentlemen, it is time for your later life lowdown. A few resources, reminders, and community notes for older adults, caregivers, and families across the DMV. First up in Washington, D.C., June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Family, this is a serious one. Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or neglect related. And sometimes the person suffering is too embarrassed, too afraid, or too isolated to speak up. If you're in DC and you need help or suspect abuse, you can contact the DC Department of Aging and Community Living and Disability Resource Center at 202-724-5626. That's 202-724-5626. And with SUMA officially arriving this week, DC residents should also stay mindful of heat, hydration, transportation, and wellness. If you're an older adult, a caregiver, or someone living with a disability and you're not sure where to begin, call the DC Department of Aging and Community 11 again at 202-724-5626. That's 202-724-5626 and ask what services may be available to help you remain safe, supported, and connected. Now in Maryland, the Maryland Access Point, also known as MAP, remains one of the best starting places for older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families who are trying to navigate services. So whether you need information on transportation, meals, caregiver support, long-term care planning, or help understanding options, call 844-627-5465. That's 844-627-5465. And in Northern Virginia, for our Fairfax County listeners, the Aging, Disabilities, and Caregiver Resources line is a helpful first call for older adults, caregivers, adults with disabilities, and families. That number is 703-324-7948. That's 703-324-7948. They can help connect you with information on caregiver support, adult services, Medicare counseling, transportation options, and other aging-related resources. And folks, no matter where you live, in DC, Maryland, Virginia, or beyond, don't forget about benefitscheckup.org. It's a website.org. It's a free tool that helps older adults and people with disabilities see whether they may qualify for benefits that can help with food, medicine, utilities, health care, and other daily expenses. Again, that website is benefitscheckup.org.
Closing Remarks
SPEAKER_07Well, family, as we close out today's edition of the Sing the Zone, I want to thank you for spending your part of this Monday with us. And I hope something you've heard today stays with you. Maybe it was a resource. Maybe it was a reminder. Maybe it was a phone number you need to share with somebody else. Or maybe it was simply the understanding that you are not alone and that help is still out there. That's what the senior zone has always been about. Community, conversation, connection, and making sure our older adults and caregivers are not forgotten. And one more thing, if you missed something today, want to share it with a friend, or simply want to revisit today's conversation, just search the senior zone wherever you listen to podcasts. And as always, thank you to our guests, to our listeners, and to our partners, and thank you to everyone who continues to believe in this work. So until we meet again, keep your head high, keep your heart full, and always be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow. Love you, peace.
SPEAKER_11Be sure to join us on our next broadcast.
SPEAKER_02Until then, live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.
SPEAKER_11Have a wonderful week, and God willing, the senior zone will be here for another informative and entertaining hour next Monday morning at 10 a.m.
SPEAKER_12To love one another. In their hearts. And his word will be our salvation. Lift up our heart to be thankful.
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