Podcast Summary: "Suze Orman Changes Her Mind on Working to 70" (SB1807)

The Stacking Benjamins Show – February 23, 2026
Host: Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Doug, Guest Host: Len Penzo (LenPenzo.com)
Special Topic: Suze Orman’s new stance on the traditional advice to work until 70

Overview

In this engaging, laughter-filled episode, Joe, OG, Doug, and guest Len Penzo break down Suze Orman's recent shift away from her long-held advice to work until 70 for the best retirement outcome. They explore why financial advice evolves, discuss real-world retirement planning, and emphasize that time is our most precious resource. With stories, personal anecdotes, and a memorable TikTok clip, they provide nuanced perspectives on Social Security, retirement flexibility, stress-testing your plan, and finding purpose after work.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Suze Orman’s Change: No Longer Pushing 'Work to 70'

• [09:38-11:04] The team reacts to Suze Orman’s shift:
  • Previously: Work until 70 to maximize Social Security and retirement security.
  • Now: Recognizes that may not be the best or most realistic recommendation for everyone.
  • Joe: "She previously advocated for not retiring before 70...but she seems to have softened her stance." (09:55)
  • Doug (joking): “She’s like 74 now…she’s like this sucks.” (11:04)

Why the Change?

• Aging changes perspective; math still makes sense, but 'work' at 70 feels different.
• Not everyone's job is fulfilling or easy to continue (e.g., manual labor vs. business owner).
• OG: "You don't need as much money to retire if you work till you're 87. It’s like, well, true. Also, you’re working till you're 87.” (11:16)

Social Security Timing: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

• [12:59-16:40] Suze now advocates “bridge strategies”—use savings first, delay Social Security if possible.
• Len Penzo shares his plan:
  • "I'm holding off until 70...I want that bigger number." (14:18)
  • But: "It’s always crazy when somebody gives...a one size fits all answer. We all have different goals and financial situations." (13:32)
  • Longevity, health, spousal benefits—many variables.
  • OG: "For most people, it’s not just about you…Whoever dies first gets the bigger number." (15:19)
  • Len: Shares mother-in-law’s story; she took Social Security due to health issues but outlived her prognosis by 16 years. “You don’t know…so many unknowns.” (16:40)

Suze’s "New" Retirement Rules (and Why They Matter)

1. Stress-Test Your Retirement Plan

• [17:54-22:04] Plan for worst- and best-case scenarios:
  • Don’t assume your current income source will last (e.g., sudden drop in blogging income from $40k to $3k/year).
  • Monte Carlo simulations: understand when you might need to make adjustments, not just if your plan ‘fails.’
  • Enjoy life if portfolio outperforms—don’t just accumulate for the sake of it.
  • Len: “Try not to include Social Security at all…if you can hit that number, anything you earn in Social Security…is just gravy.” (13:53)

2. Maintain Liquidity

• [25:57-30:49] Suze recommends access to cash.
  • Panel agrees, but clarifies: not all assets need to be in cash; just make sure you can access what you need.
  • Real illiquid assets (real estate, private equity) may limit flexibility.
  • Joe: “You don’t have to be so religious about it…money is money, right? If you have enough, you’re good.” (28:58)
  • Len: Shares minor hiccup with his first IRA withdrawal—lesson learned, but manageable. (29:38-30:49)

3. Prioritize Peace of Mind & 'Purpose'

• [35:52-49:22] Featured TikTok Minute (Bill on Retirement):

  • Bill describes the evolution from needing every moment to be meaningful, to simply enjoying ‘spending’ time—finding fulfillment without maximizing every minute.
  • Len: “Time becomes more obviously precious the older you get…to me, the only wasting time is doing things you don’t want to do.” (37:20-39:09)
  • Panel discusses the myth that you need a ‘grand purpose’ after retirement; happiness often comes from simply enjoying your time and not filling it with things you dislike.

  “If you aren’t happy with what you have, you’re not going to be happy with what you get.” — Doug (44:34)

  • The panel acknowledges research supports some need for new purpose after work—‘Little p’ purpose is fine. Don’t stress about finding one grand mission.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• OG on the changing definition of work:
  “Len’s retired from your corporate job, but I bet you still do some work, right? You still have your writing and occasional media appearances on the Stacking Benjamins show... Fully paid, of course, in IOUs.” (12:34)

• Len’s take on Social Security planning:
  "Try not to include Social Security at all…if you can hit that number, anything you earn in Social Security…is just gravy." (13:53)

• On spending in retirement:
  “If you’re slaying it because you make extra blog income… or because your portfolio did better… like, what are we doing? Like, just accumulating money for the sake of accumulating it?” — Joe (21:44)

• On time in retirement:
  “Time is priceless… you realize more the older you get it’s the most precious thing you do have.” — Len (37:20)

• On happiness & purpose:
  “It is so possible to be content and happy with what you have… without having some major second or third chapter.” — Doug (45:17)

Practical Takeaways

• There is no universal rule for when to take Social Security or when to retire—know your numbers, your health, and your family situation.
• Regularly stress-test your plan for negative surprises and upside opportunities; be flexible and ready to adjust.
• Liquidity matters but doesn’t require hoarding cash—just make sure you can access funds when needed.
• Time is more precious than money in retirement; don’t feel pressured to maximize every minute—value what makes you happy.
• Don’t chase a ‘big P’ purpose unless it comes naturally; being at peace with how you spend your time is a valid goal.

Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

• [09:38] – Suze Orman’s Big Retirement Advice Shift
• [12:59] – Social Security Timing: Debunking One-Size-Fits-All
• [17:54] – Stress-Testing Your Retirement Plan
• [25:57] – The Realities of Liquidity in Retirement
• [35:52] – TikTok Minute: The Value of Time in Retirement
• [44:34] – Discussion: Do You Need a Grand Purpose to Be Happy?
• [47:09] – Research vs. Real Life: Happiness, Purpose, and Retirement Satisfaction

Community Moments

• Celebration in the Stacking Benjamins Facebook Group (“The Basement”) for a member (“Articulate Apricot”) reaching a $1M net worth (50:14-54:00).
• Crowd shares that becoming a millionaire is a huge but not widely discussed milestone.
• Fun, candid discussions about unexpected retirement expenses (pet subscriptions, squirrel food!) in the after show. (59:05-62:47)

Tone & Style

The episode maintains Stacking Benjamins’ hallmark light, witty, and conversational tone—a “financial roundtable” full of both laughs and pragmatic advice. The hosts freely share personal stories, bad puns, and relatable mishaps, making even complex financial concepts accessible and engaging.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with the nuances of retirement—especially if you’ve ever worried that you might be ‘doing it wrong’ if you aren’t working until 70 or don’t have a big ‘purpose’ planned. Suze Orman’s pivot opens up a thoughtful, human-centric conversation: flex for your lifestyle, focus on what makes you comfortable, and above all, honor the value of your time.

[End of Summary]