The HI Retirement Show

Providing Financial Education to the State of Hawaii

The HI Retirement Show is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning and financial education for all of those who call Hawaii home.

If you have a question or if there is a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast, email us at: aloha@hiretirementshow.com.

Hawaii Retirement Show Resources

FlowCharts and Checklists

HRS Episodes

Episode 73: What Issues Should I Consider During A Recession Or Market Correction?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, in light of the recent events, Jason discusses what issues to consider during a recession or market correction.  

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider During A Recession Or Market Correction?

Episode 72: Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down the eligibility and other considerations pertaining to social security benefits for divorced individuals. 

Flowchart: Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?

Episode 71: What Does Retirement Mean? And What's A Mini-Retirement?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason is joined once again by Chris Naffziger to discuss what retirement means in the modern age. Chris also shares his experience in taking a mini-retirement several years ago.

Episode 70: Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down the Social Security benefits available to surviving spouses.  "Survivor Benefit"  

Flowchart: Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?

Episode 69: Cognitive Decline but Confidence Remains

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses how most of us will suffer from cognitive decline as we age, and how this can impact financial decisions.   Jason also touches on how our confidence in decision making remains high as we age and the potential role a Single-Premium Immediate Annuity can play in someones financial plan later in life. 

Bonus Episode: Options for Federal Workers who have resigned or were laid off.

In this Bonus Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses some things to consider for any Federal Workers who have recently resigned or were laid off due to cuts.  

Episode 68: Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason briefly breaks down the Social Security Spousal benefits and who is eligible to collect them.  

Flowchart: Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?

Episode 67: Employer Retirement Account Rollovers & Pro-Rata Rule.

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses some things to consider regarding employer retirement account rollovers and the pro-rata rule.  

Episode 66: Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason the various ways in which your Social Security benefits may be reduced.  

Flowchart: Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?

Episode 65: Is My Rental Property Tax Deductible?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses things to consider as you determine whether or not your rental property expenses are tax deductible.  

Flowchart: Is My Rental Property Tax Deductible?

Episode 64: Health & Fitness in Retirement with Chris Naffziger.

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason is joined by Certified Personal Trainer, Chris Naffziger to discuss health and fitness in retirement. 

Episode 63: Can I Make A Backdoor Roth IRA Contribution?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the Backdoor Roth IRA.  

Flowchart: Can I Make A Backdoor Roth IRA Contribution?

Bonus Episode: Temporary Hazard Pay, State of Hawaii Employee Retirement System.

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason briefly talks through some things to consider regarding the State of Hawaii - Employees Retirement System recent Temporary Hazard Pay.  

Newsletter: ERS Winter 2024 Newsletter

Episode 62: What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Beneficiaries?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the Backdoor Roth IRA.  

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Beneficiaries?

Episode 61: Should I Contribute To My Roth IRA vs. My Traditional IRA?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down some considerations when deciding between Roth and Traditional contributions.

Flowchart: Should I Contribute To My Roth IRA vs. My Traditional IRA?

Episode 60: Will A Distribution From My Roth IRA Be Tax & Penalty Free?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason briefly breaks down how to determine if a distribution from a retirement account will be tax and penalty free.

Flowchart: Will A Distribution From My Roth IRA Be Tax & Penalty Free?

Episode 59: Will A Distribution From My Traditional IRA Be Penalty-Free?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the 10% penalty on Traditional IRA distributions and some of the exceptions to the penalty.  

Flowchart: Will A Distribution From My Traditional IRA Be Penalty-Free?

Episode 58: What Issues Should I Consider For My Aging Parents?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason various issues to consider as it relates to aging parents.  This includes issues related to cash flow & living arrangements, estate planning, insurance, tax planning, assets & debts, and more. 

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider For My Aging Parents?

Episode 57: Can I Contribute To A Roth IRA?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses how to determine whether or not someone can contribute to a Roth IRA. 

Flowchart: Can I Contribute To A Roth IRA?

Episode 56: Inflation Adjustment to E.R.S & FERS Pensions

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down the inflation adjustments to the State of Hawaii Employees Retirement System Pension as well as the Federal Employees Retirement System Pension.  

Episode 55: SEP-IRA vs Solo401(k)

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down the similiarities and differences between the SEP-IRA and the Solo401(k).  

Episode 54: Can I Make A Deductible IRA Contribution?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the questions you need to ask to determine whether or not you can make a deductible IRA contribution or not.  

Flowchart: Can I Make A Deductible IRA Contribution?

Episode 53: Focusing on the Burn vs the Earn

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the importance of not always focusing or chasing down more earnings and instead periodically checking back in on your burn (spending) to effectively better your overall financial position. 

Episode 52: Vegas Baby! The taxation of gambling winnings.

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the taxation of gambling winnings.  This includes the reporting requirements of gambling winnings as income, regular gambling withholdings, and deductions for gambling losses. 

Episode 51: FERS Unused Sick Leave

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses how unused sick leave is calculated and factored in to your years of service.  

Episode 50: Common Financial Professional Licenses and Certifications.

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the most common financial professional licenses and certifications. 

Episode 49: Four Factors Impacting Your Credit Score

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason discusses the four main factors that impact your credit score.  

Episode 48: Qualified Charitable Distributions

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down the basics of Qualified Charitable Distributions.

Flowchart: Can I Do A Qualified Charitable Distribution From My IRA?

Episode 47: All About RMDs

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason breaks down Required Minimum Distributions.  He discusses what they are, when they need to be taken, how they are calculated, and more. 

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My RMD?

Episode 46: The Emergency Fund

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason shares his perspective on having an emergency fund.   

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider When Establishing & Maintaining My Emergency Fund?

Episode 45: A First Principles Perspective of Life Insurance and Annuities

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason briefly breaks down Life Insurance and Annuities to their most basic and fundamental purpose.  

Episode 44: FERS Survivor Annuity Elections

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the different Survivor Annuity Elections for the FERS pension benefit.   This includes the Maximum Survivor Annuity, the Partial Survivor Annuity, the No Survivor Annuity, and a few others.  

Episode 43: 20 Most Common Investment Mistakes | Part 2

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss the “20 Most Common Investment Mistakes”. per the CFA Institute. In Part-2 of this two part series, they provide valuable insights into common mistakes 11 through 20 on the list.

CFA Institute: 20 Most Common Investing Mistakes

Episode 42: 20 Most Common Investment Mistakes | Part 1

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss the “20 Most Common Investment Mistakes” per the CFA Institute. In Part-1 of this two part series, they provide valuable insights into common mistakes 1 through 10 on the list.

CFA Institute: 20 Most Common Investing Mistakes

Episode 41: Q&A # 5

What is a Sweep account?  What are some plans to look into to set up my child’s college fund?

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider To Fund My Child’s College Education?

Episode 40: How Much Do I Need To Retire?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss one way of figuring out how much you need to retire.  They talk through the assumptions that need to be made, how to figure out your projected expenses in retirement, analyzing your inflation adjusted lifetime income such as Social Security or a Pension, and then talking through how your retirement accounts fit into the retirement equation.

Bonus Episode: Hawaii Island Savings Plan, 457 - ROTH Update

In this Bonus Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the recent ROTH update to the State of Hawaii’s 457, Island Savings Plan.  

Bonus Clip: Tax Preparation vs Tax Planning

In this Bonus Clip of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Andy Panko, CFP® to talk about the differences between "Tax Preparation" and "Tax Planning".

Episode 39: 2023 Holiday Episode

In this Holiday Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss ways to not overspend, charitable giving, and find the best deals during the holiday season.  They also touch on using this time of year to reflect and appreciate those closest to us.

Episode 38: Introduction to Social Security

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul provide our listeners with an introduction to Social Security.  Their conversation covers a few historical and current facts, who qualifies for Social Security, when you can collect your benefit, how much your benefit will be reduced or increased depending on when you claim, the importance of setting up your ssa.gov account, and how Social Security fits into a retirement plan.

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider With My Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Episode 37: Talking Taxes in Retirement with Andy Panko, CFP®

In this Retirement Insights Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Andy Panko, CFP® to talk about Taxes in Retirement.  The conversation covers a few different ways tax planning fits into retirement planning.  They discuss state taxes, the potential taxation of social security, IRMAA (Medicare Surcharges),  the use and taxation of brokerage accounts, and having tax diversification in your retirement.

Episode 36: A Perspective on Interest Rates - Part 2

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss the current state of interest rates as it relates to debt/liabilities.  Their conversation covers historical interest rates, how long interest rates may last, and things to consider regarding various interest rate environments.

Episode 35: A Perspective on Interest Rates - Part 1

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss the current state of interest rates as it relates to assets.  Their conversation covers historical interest rates, how long interest rates may last, and things to consider regarding various interest rate environments.

Episode 34: Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) Computation

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the different components of the computation used to determine the Federal Employee Retirement System benefit.   They discuss the “High-3 Average Salary”, Years of Service, and the Multiplier used in the benefit formula.  Lastly, they walk the listeners through an example computation.

Episode 33: State of Hawaii E.R.S. Computation

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the different components of the computation used to determine the State of Hawaii ERS benefits.   They discuss the “Average Final Compensation” (AFC), Years of Service, and the Multiplier used in the benefit formula.  Lastly, they walk the listeners through an example of the Hybrid Plan computation.

Bonus Clip: Reverse Mortgages in Hawaii

In this Bonus Clip of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Wendy Oshiro to talk about Reverse Mortgages in Hawaii. Check out the full conversation on Episode #32 "Talking Reverse Mortgages with Wendy Oshiro".

Episode 32: Talking Reverse Mortgages with Wendy Oshiro

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Wendy Oshiro.  The conversation includes an overview of what a Reverse Mortgage is, how they work, and things to consider in deciding if a Reverse Mortgage is right for you.

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider When Using A Reverse Mortgage?

Episode 31: Talking Diversification

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss “Diversification”.  Their conversation covers what Diversification is, why it is typically an integral part of investments for retirement planning, and how to look at Diversification as it relates to taxes. 

Episode 30: Talking F.I.R.E. with Cody Garrett

In this Retirement Insights Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Cody Garrett, CFP® to talk about F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early).  The conversation includes an overview of what F.I.R.E. is and the various forms it comes in.  They also discuss the importance of being intentional with your spending, investing, and retirement planning while at the same time not neglecting all the non-financial aspects of your life.

Episode 29: Q&A #4

Q&A Episode:  How much will my estimated benefit be for my ERS Pension?  How will WEP impact me as a Federal Employee?

Episode 28: State of Hawaii E.R.S. Eligibility

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the different age and years of service combinations to be eligible for the State of Hawaii ERS benefits. They discuss the normal and early retirement requirements for the various ERS plans including the Hybrid #1 (prior to July1, 2012), Hybrid #2 (after June 30, 2012), Non-Contributory, and the Contributory plans. 

Episode 27: FERS Eligibility

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the different age and years of service combinations to be eligible for the FERS benefits   This includes the four FERS benefit categories of Immediate, Early, Deferred, and Disability.  

Episode 26: Talking Medicare with Donne Soga

In this Retirement Insights Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Donne Soga of Premier Benefits Consultants to discuss all things Medicare.  The conversation includes an overview of the various parts of Medicare (Part A, B, C, & D),  how to apply for Medicare, things to consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan,  and reviewing or changing your Medicare Part C coverage.

Episode 25: What is Medicare?

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul provide an introduction to Medicare.  They discuss the history of Medicare, how you pay into and receive Medicare, the four main parts to Medicare (Parts A, B, C, & D), how Medicare works in conjunction with other insurance, and what Medicare does not cover. 

Episode 24: All About Life Insurance

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul talk all about life insurance.  They provide general overview of what life insurance is and discuss the similarities, differences, and general characteristics of the 4 main types of life insurance; Term, Whole Life, Universal Life, and Variable Life.  The episode concludes with a discussion on who needs life insurance and ways to determine how much life insurance someone might need.

Resource: Common Life Insurance Policies

Episode 23: Q&A #3

I worked for the state for 3 years, what do I do now that I left?  Should I put more into my TSP or pay down my mortgage?

Episode 22: All About The 403b

All about the 403b.  In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the 403b available to the University of Hawaii and Department of Education employees.  The topics covered in this episode include explaining what the 403b plan is, who has access to it, why and how you should contribute, contribution limits, distribution rules at retirement, the importance of naming beneficiaries, and more.

Episode 21: Retirement Insights with Kaipo Crowell

In this Retirement Insights Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Kaipo Crowell.  Kaipo is  the former Nuclear Engineering and Planning Manager at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and currently the Executive Director of Kakou Professional Development.  We discuss the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, how Kaipo views retirement as just another season in life, the importance of financial planning, and having a fulfilling retirement through finding opportunities to serve others. 

Episode 20: Stages of Financial Life

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul discuss the stages of a financial life as well as the three stages of retirement.  The stages of a financial life are broken-down into the accumulation, transition, and decumulation phases. This episode provides a general overview of the characteristics and things to consider during each phase.

Bonus Clip: Getting Organized for Estate Planning

In this bonus episode, Travis Agustin of Agustin Hawaii Law talks about getting organized and best practices for an individual looking to get started with their Estate Planning.

Episode 19: What is a 401k?

What is a 401K?  In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the basic characteristics of a 401K. They discuss the rise in popularity of the 401K, Roth vs Traditional,  contribution limits, employer matching, vesting, distributions, RMDs, and more.

Episode 18: TSP Investment Options

The TSP investment options.   In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the various funds and investment options available within the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).  They provide a brief summary of the six core offerings consisting of the G-Fund, I-Fund, S-Fund, C-Fund, F-Fund, and L-Fund.  They also provide some insight and consideration for the recently added TSP Mutual Fund Window. 

Episode 17: Estate Planning Basics, Travis Agustin

In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul are joined by Travis Agustin of Agustin Hawaii Law to breakdown the basics of Estate Planning.  Travis is an Estate Planning attorney based out of Honolulu and provides our listeners with brief overview of the most common documents and considerations within an Estate Plan.  Some of the Estate Planning topics covered include a Will, a Trust, an Advanced Health Care Directive, Powers of Attorney, and more. 

Checklist: What Issues Should I Consider When Creating My Estate Plan?

Episode 16: All About The 457

All about the 457.  In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the 457 (Deferred Compensation Plan) available to the State of Hawaii and City & County employees.  The topics covered in this episode include explaining what the 457 plan is, who has access to it, why and how you should contribute, contribution limits, distribution rules at retirement, the importance of naming beneficiaries, and more.

Episode 15: Q&A #2

What Should I Do With My Old 401k?  When Should I Look For Long-Term Care (LTC)?  

Episode 14: What is an Annuity?

What is an Annuity?  In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul give a broad overview of what Annuities are. They discuss the fundamentals of annuities including how they work, the different types, the payout options, the risks & fees associated with annuities, and more.

Resource: Common Annuity Products

Episode 13: What is a Pension?

What is a Pension?  In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul give a broad overview of what a Pension is. They discuss the history, how they work, how they are taxed, vesting, and more.

Episode 12: All About The TSP

All About the TSP.   In this Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul breakdown the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).  The TSP topics covered in this episode include participation, matching contributions, contribution limits, Roth vs Traditional, plan loans, vesting, distribution options at retirement, and beneficiaries. 

Episode 11: Q & A #1

Should I Rent or Own in Retirement?  Who Really Needs a Financial Advisor?  

Episode 10: What is a Roth IRA?

What is a Roth IRA?  In our 10th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul go over what a Roth IRA is. They discuss the tax implications, the contributions limits, who can contribute, withdrawal rules, required minimum distributions, and more.

Episode 9: Introduction to the State of Hawaii Employees Retirement System (ERS)

An introduction to the State of Hawaii Employees Retirement System (ERS).   In the 9th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul introduce the State of Hawaii Employees Retirement System and what listeners can expect from future ERS episodes.  

Episode 8: What is a Traditional IRA?

What is a Traditional IRA?  In our 8th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul go over what a Traditional IRA is. They discuss the tax implications, the contributions limits, who can contribute, withdrawal rules, required minimum distributions, and more.

Episode 7: Introduction to the Federal Employees Retirement System ( FERS)

An introduction to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).   In the 7th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul introduce the Federal Employees Retirement System and what listeners can expect from future FERS episodes.  

Episode 6: What is a Mutual Fund and an ETF?

What is a Mutual Fund and an ETF?  In our 6th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul tell us what Mutual Funds and ETFs are and discuss the similarities and differences between the two.

Episode 5: What is a Bond?

What is a Bond?  In our 5th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul tell us a little bit about what a bond is, why companies issue bonds, different types of bonds, and some of the characteristics of bonds.

Episode 4: What is a Stock?

What is a Stock?  In our 4th Episode of the HI Retirement Show, Jason and Paul tell us a little bit about what a stock is, why companies issue stocks, and briefly touch on the different types and characteristics of stocks.