New Fed Chair, Lower Rates? What Retirees Need to Know Now

What happens to your retirement savings when interest rates change — and how could a new Federal Reserve Chair impact your financial future?

In this episode of Leibel On Fire!, Freddie Bell sits down with portfolio manager and bestselling author Leibel Sternbach to discuss the potential appointment of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair and what it could mean for high-yield savings accounts, CDs, and retirement income strategies.

They explore how Federal Reserve leadership influences interest-rate policy, why governments often prefer lower rates, and the delicate balance between economic growth and inflation. Leibel explains the Fed’s dual mandate, the importance of central bank independence, and how policy decisions can ripple through markets and retirement portfolios.

Most importantly, this episode focuses on what retirees and pre-retirees should actually do. Lower interest rates may force investors to take on more risk to generate income, which can increase vulnerability during market corrections. That’s why Leibel shares how he’s preparing clients for potential volatility using his “3-2-1 retirement plan,” a strategy designed to protect income while maintaining long-term growth potential.

If you’re planning for retirement or already retired, understanding how interest-rate policy affects your savings strategy is essential.