Hiring a financial advisor isn’t about credentials alone, it’s about timing. And for many people, getting that timing wrong can cost years of freedom.

Ari explores when it doesn’t make sense to hire a financial advisor, when it absolutely does, and why the decision often has less to do with intelligence or interest in finances and more to do with stress, life stage, and opportunity cost. Drawing from personal experience, real client conversations, and a story from his own life, Ari explains why pushing back, asking questions, and trusting your instincts matter just as much as spreadsheets and projections.

The discussion reframes financial advice away from credentials and rules of thumb and toward partnership, value, and peace of mind. Some people genuinely enjoy managing their own finances and are well-equipped to do so — until complexity, time constraints, or major transitions enter the picture. Others reach a point where the cost of doing everything themselves quietly becomes higher than the cost of professional help.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, Ari breaks down the signals that matter most: losing sleep, worrying about missed opportunities, navigating retirement timing, tax strategy, healthcare decisions, or coordinating finances with a spouse. The goal isn’t to convince anyone to hire an advisor — it’s to help people make the decision intentionally, with clarity and confidence.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered whether they’re doing just fine on their own, or whether having the right partner could help them work less, worry less, and live more.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Most people think the safest path to retirement is to keep saving more, no matter how close they are to the finish line. But what if there comes a point where saving actually matters less, and investing well, living well, and spending with intention matter more?

In this end-of-year episode, Ari shares why many near-retirees may need to rethink their instinct to “just keep saving.” He breaks down the surprising point where portfolio growth outweighs new contributions, why being “qualified-rich and cash-poor” can limit your freedom, and how over-saving can quietly eat into the healthiest, most meaningful years of your life. Through honest stories, real math, and a clear look at how 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts support early retirement, this episode challenges the belief that more saving is always better.

If you’re wondering when to stop maxing every account, when to shift dollars into a taxable “superhero” account, or how to balance retirement planning with actually enjoying your life right now, this conversation offers a different way forward — one rooted in confidence, not guilt.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Choosing when to collect Social Security is one of the most stressful retirement decisions people face, and it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, Ari breaks down how most people actually decide when to claim Social Security, why there is no single “best” age, and how to think about the decision without fear or guesswork. Using real data and real-world scenarios, the focus stays on understanding trade-offs rather than chasing a perfect answer.

Listen as Ari explains why some people claim as early as 62, why others wait until full retirement age or later, and how factors like income needs, longevity, and spousal considerations influence the decision. It also highlights why calculators alone often miss what matters most, and why peace of mind plays a bigger role than people expect.

This is for anyone approaching retirement who wants a clearer, calmer way to think about Social Security and make a confident decision that fits their life.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy Here

Get access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy here

Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.