What if the biggest risk in retirement planning isn’t market volatility—but believing you’re prepared when you’re not?

In Episode 38 of the Tao of Chao Podcast, Renee Scherzer interviews Philip Chao on the core philosophy behind his book From Save to Safe.

Drawing on decades of fiduciary experience, Philip challenges the traditional “401(k) mindset” and outlines a path to reach sustainable retirement income.

While modern systems have made it easier than ever to save, Philip argues they have most still under save and the system has not solved for what actually matters: opportunities and distribution methodologies in generating sustainable income in retirement.

Using the Save to Safe framework, this conversation explores how “mindless participation” under the current employer sponsor defined contribution set up —combined with system design—can create a false sense of security and leave participants underprepared.

Key insights include:
• Why saving is only the first phase—not the outcome
• How the current system can create the illusion of readiness
• The hidden risks behind mindless participation
• Why fiduciary responsibility must extend beyond plan design
• How behavior and system structure together shape outcomes

📘 Get the book From Save to Safe: https://www.amazon.com/Save-Safe-Personalized-Fragility-Resilience-ebook/dp/B0FWXCMGQD

Listen to the full episode to understand why retirement planning doesn’t end with saving—and what it really takes to move from Save to Safe.

👓 Learn more about our HOST

Philip Chao
Website: https://philipchao.us
Follow Philip on LinkedIn

DISCLOSURE: Views expressed in the Tao of Chao podcasts are individual opinions and they do not represent the employers of each guest or the firm with which each guest is associated. Our podcasts are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be deemed or viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Please consult your personal financial advisor, investment expert, or investment fiduciary before taking any actions about your plan and investments.

Is the comfortable path actually the riskiest choice we can make?

In Episode 37 of the Tao of Chao Podcast, Philip Chao welcomes entrepreneur Lily Vittayarukskul for a conversation about risk, resilience, and the courage to step outside expected paths.

Lily’s journey began unusually early — starting college at 14 and interning at NASA as a teenager. After a family health crisis reshaped her perspective, she redirected her ambitions toward building technology solutions that address systemic challenges in healthcare.

Key insights include:

• Why comfort can disguise long-term risk
• How unconventional paths create unexpected opportunities
• The role of personal experiences in shaping entrepreneurial missions
• Why founders must embrace uncertainty rather than avoid it
• How individuals can rethink risk in careers and life

This episode explores how purpose, risk, and growth often emerge when we move beyond what feels comfortable.

👓 Learn more about our HOST

Philip Chao
Website: https://philipchao.us
Follow Philip on LinkedIn

DISCLOSURE: Views expressed in the Tao of Chao podcasts are individual opinions and they do not represent the employers of each guest or the firm with which each guest is associated. Our podcasts are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be deemed or viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Please consult your personal financial advisor, investment expert, or investment fiduciary before taking any actions about your plan and investments.

In Episode 36 of the Tao of Chao Podcast, Philip Chao sits down with Paula Campbell Roberts of KKR to unpack the economic realities shaping American households.

With a data-driven and human-centered perspective, the conversation dives into:
• The uneven impact of inflation and why asset holders fared differently
• What rising credit card and auto delinquencies signal about consumer stress
• How wage growth, labor participation, and job switching have evolved
• Shifts in household savings post-COVID
• Why behavioral insights matter as much as economic indicators

Tune in for a grounded look at how consumers are navigating today’s economy—and what the data is really telling us.

👓 Learn more about our HOST

Philip Chao
Website: https://philipchao.us
Follow Philip on LinkedIn

DISCLOSURE: Views expressed in the Tao of Chao podcasts are individual opinions and they do not represent the employers of each guest or the firm with which each guest is associated. Our podcasts are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be deemed or viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Please consult your personal financial advisor, investment expert, or investment fiduciary before taking any actions about your plan and investments.