Retirement Trader Review: Scam or Legit?

As an experienced investment analyst with over seven years of consistent profitability in the financial markets, I’ve always prioritized strategies that balance risk and reward while delivering reliable income. When it comes to retirement-focused investing, finding a service that aligns with these principles can be challenging.

That’s why I decided to dive into Retirement Trader by Stansberry Research, a premium advisory service led by Dr. David Eifrig. Designed for investors who want steady income through low-risk options trading, this service promises to help retirees and conservative investors generate returns while protecting their capital.

In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with Retirement Trader, evaluating its strategies, performance, and whether it truly delivers on its promise of safe and consistent profits.

What is Retirement Trader?

Retirement Trader is a premium advisory service offered by Stansberry Research, tailored specifically for investors seeking steady returns with minimal risk—an ideal strategy for those managing retirement accounts. The service, led by Dr. David Eifrig, focuses on low-risk options trading, primarily selling covered calls and puts. These strategies allow investors to collect upfront cash while mitigating market volatility, making it suitable for conservative portfolios.

Subscribers receive twice-monthly trade recommendations along with detailed instructions on how to execute them. The service emphasizes using high-quality, blue-chip stocks as the foundation for its trades, ensuring stability even in turbulent markets. Additionally, Retirement Trader provides educational resources to help subscribers understand the mechanics of options trading, making it accessible even for those with limited experience in this area.

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Who Created Retirement Trader?

Retirement Trader was created by Dr. David Eifrig, a seasoned financial expert with a unique career path. Dr. Eifrig began his professional journey as a derivatives trader at Goldman Sachs, where he developed sophisticated investment strategies for high-net-worth clients. Later, he transitioned into medicine and became an eye surgeon before returning to the financial world as an editor at Stansberry Research.

Dr. Eifrig’s reputation within the investment community is solid, largely due to his ability to simplify complex financial strategies and his track record of delivering consistent results. He has authored several newsletters at Stansberry Research, including Retirement Millionaire and Income Intelligence, and has built a loyal following among investors seeking reliable income-generation methods. His background in both finance and medicine adds a unique perspective to his approach, emphasizing risk management and long-term stability.

Is Retirement Trader Legit?

Based on my analysis and experience with similar services, Retirement Trader appears to be legitimate. Dr. Eifrig’s credentials as a former Goldman Sachs trader and his long-standing role at Stansberry Research lend credibility to the advisory. Subscribers have reported high win rates on trades, largely due to the conservative nature of the strategies employed—rolling positions until they are profitable is a common practice within the service.

However, while the service boasts an impressive track record of successful trades, its returns have historically lagged behind broader market benchmarks like the S&P 500 over longer periods. This is primarily because the focus is on minimizing risk rather than maximizing growth. Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about the frequency of trade recommendations and the relatively high subscription cost.

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What is Included in Retirement Trader?

When you subscribe to Retirement Trader, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of resources and tools designed to help you execute low-risk options strategies effectively. Here’s what’s included:

• Twice-Monthly Newsletters: Detailed trade recommendations are sent out every two weeks, complete with step-by-step instructions for executing trades like selling covered calls and puts.
• Educational Content: Clear explanations of the strategies used, making it beginner-friendly for those new to options trading.
• Model Portfolio: Access to a portfolio showcasing all open and closed positions, helping you track performance and learn from past trades.
• Market Analysis: Insights into market trends and the rationale behind each recommendation.
• Customer Support: Assistance for subscribers who need clarification or guidance on implementing the strategies.

This package is designed to provide both actionable advice and educational value, making it useful for both novice and experienced investors.

Are Retirement Trader Members Getting Results?

From my research, many members report positive experiences with Retirement Trader. Dr. Eifrig’s conservative approach has led to an impressive track record, including a win streak of over 140 trades at one point. For example, one subscriber, Mike M., shared that he had “40+ straight winners and no losers” during his first year with the service.

Another review highlighted that the service averages annualized returns of around 12.1%, which is respectable for a low-risk strategy. However, some users note that while the win rate is high, it often involves rolling trades until they are profitable, which can tie up capital for extended periods. This means results may vary depending on individual expectations and portfolio size.

Overall, while the service has delivered consistent results for many subscribers, it’s important to understand the trade-offs between high win rates and potentially lower annualized returns compared to broader market benchmarks.

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How Much Does Retirement Trader Cost?

The annual subscription fee for Retirement Trader is $2,999 per year. This places it in the premium category of investment advisory services. While the cost may seem steep, it includes access to all trade recommendations, market insights, and educational materials.

Refund Policy: Stansberry Research offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied within the first 30 days of subscribing, you can request a full refund without any questions asked. This policy provides some peace of mind for those hesitant about committing to such a high upfront cost.

In my opinion, whether or not the price is justified depends on your portfolio size and how much you plan to engage with the strategies. For investors with larger portfolios who can implement these trades effectively, the subscription could pay for itself through consistent income generation.

Praises for Retirement Trader

Over my time reviewing Retirement Trader, I’ve found several standout features that make it appealing, especially for conservative investors looking to generate consistent income. Here are the key positives:

• High Win Rate: Dr. David Eifrig’s strategy boasts an impressive track record, with a reported win rate of over 90% on trades. This consistency is a major draw for those prioritizing steady, low-risk returns. For instance, some members have shared testimonials about earning thousands of dollars monthly while maintaining minimal risk.

• Educational Value: The service doesn’t just provide trade recommendations—it also educates subscribers on the mechanics of options trading. This makes it an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn how to execute strategies like selling covered calls and puts effectively.

• Focus on Capital Preservation: Unlike many high-risk trading advisories, Retirement Trader emphasizes safety by targeting blue-chip stocks and using conservative options strategies. This approach aligns well with retirees or anyone looking to preserve capital while generating income.

• Detailed Trade Instructions: Each recommendation comes with clear, step-by-step guidance, making it easy for subscribers to follow along, even if they’re new to options trading.

• Proven Track Record: Over the years, Dr. Eifrig has demonstrated his ability to deliver consistent results. Some trades have achieved annualized returns exceeding 100%, and his near-perfect win rate has been praised as one of the best in the newsletter industry.

Criticisms for Retirement Trader

While there’s much to like about Retirement Trader, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some criticisms I’ve observed:

• Underperformance vs. Benchmarks: Despite its high win rate, the service’s annualized returns often lag behind market benchmarks like the S&P 500. For example, in 2023, Retirement Trader delivered a 9.8% annualized return compared to the S&P 500’s 24.8% return. Over a five-year period, its annualized return was just 2.9%, far below the benchmark’s 12.1%. This makes it less appealing for those seeking growth-oriented strategies.

• High Subscription Cost: At $2,000–$5,000 per year depending on promotions, Retirement Trader is one of the more expensive advisory services available. For smaller portfolios, this cost can significantly eat into profits and may not be justifiable unless you’re managing a larger amount of capital.

• Limited Trade Frequency: Recommendations are issued only twice a month, which some subscribers find insufficient. A few users have expressed frustration with the lack of frequent opportunities and have questioned whether this reflects a lack of motivation or available trade ideas.

• Capital Requirements: To fully benefit from the service, Stansberry Research suggests having at least $50,000 in investable assets. This may exclude smaller investors who cannot allocate sufficient capital to execute these strategies effectively.

• Refund Policy Concerns: While there is a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, some customers have reported challenges in obtaining refunds or dissatisfaction with how Stansberry Research handles complaints about its services. This has raised concerns about customer service and transparency.

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Is Retirement Trader Worth It?

After thoroughly evaluating Retirement Trader, I believe whether it’s worth it depends on your financial goals and portfolio size. If you’re a conservative investor with at least $50,000 in capital and you prioritize safety and consistent income over aggressive growth, this service can be a valuable addition to your investment strategy. The high win rate, educational resources, and focus on capital preservation make it particularly appealing for retirees or those managing retirement accounts.

However, the annual subscription cost of $2,999 is steep, and the returns have historically underperformed market benchmarks like the S&P 500. If your goal is to maximize growth or if you’re working with a smaller portfolio, the subscription fee might outweigh the benefits. Additionally, while the strategies are conservative, they still require active participation in options trading, which may not suit everyone’s lifestyle or risk tolerance.

In my experience, Retirement Trader is best suited for investors who are comfortable with options trading and have the time and capital to execute these strategies effectively. For others looking for more affordable or passive ways to generate income, there may be better alternatives.

Retirement Trader Alternative to Make Passive Income

While Retirement Trader offers a structured approach to low-risk investing, I’ve found that building an online business can be an even better way to generate passive income—especially for those who want to avoid the risks associated with financial markets. One of the best platforms I’ve come across for this purpose is Wealthy Affiliate.

Wealthy Affiliate is a comprehensive training platform designed to teach individuals how to build profitable online businesses through affiliate marketing. Unlike investing in stocks or options, building an online business doesn’t require large upfront capital or exposure to market volatility. Here’s why I consider it a superior alternative:

• Low Risk: Starting an online business requires minimal financial investment compared to trading or investing. Wealthy Affiliate provides tools and training for as little as $49 per month (or less with annual plans), making it accessible for virtually anyone.

• Passive Income Potential: Once your affiliate website is established and generating traffic, it can provide consistent passive income without requiring constant management—something that’s hard to achieve with active trading strategies.

• Step-by-Step Training: Wealthy Affiliate offers beginner-friendly training courses that guide you through every step of building an affiliate marketing business. From choosing a niche to creating content and driving traffic, everything is covered in detail.

• Community Support: The platform has a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share insights and offer support, which can be invaluable for beginners.

• Scalability: Unlike options trading, where returns are often limited by your portfolio size, affiliate marketing allows you to scale your income exponentially as your website grows.

While investing can certainly be rewarding, it comes with inherent risks that aren’t suitable for everyone—especially those nearing retirement or looking for stable income sources. In contrast, building an online business through Wealthy Affiliate offers a safer and more sustainable path to financial independence without relying on unpredictable markets. For anyone seeking a reliable way to generate passive income, I highly recommend exploring Wealthy Affiliate as an alternative to Retirement Trader.

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