Money Matters with Ken Moraif

Retirement has a “red zone”: the 5 years before and the 5 years after you retire. Decisions in this window can shape the rest of your financial life. In this episode, Ken Moraif and CIO Jordan Roach discuss why this decade matters, how major market drawdowns have impacted real families, and practical ways to think about risk, withdrawals, and planning so your savings can support your goals for the long run.RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.The “Invest and Protect Strategy” (the “Strategy”) refers to a strategy that Retirement Planners of America fundamentally employs for its clients. Retirement Planners of America previously employed a similar strategy that it referred to as the “buy, hold, and sell” strategy or “buy hold, and protect” strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Therefore, current or prospective clients should not assume that the future performance of the Strategy, any specific investment, or any other investment strategy that Retirement Planners of America recommends will be profitable or equal to past performance levels. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. References to recommendations made under the Strategy that predate 2011; and statements such as and similar to: “we told our clients to be out of the market in 2007 and 2008,” “we told our clients to get back into the market in 2009,” and “clients that followed our advice were out of the market in 2008;” refer to strategies collectively employed and recommendations collectively made by Retirement Planners of America's principals while employed at Eagle Strategies, LLC., and also at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Three of the five principals remain as principals today, including the Retirement Planners of America's founder, Ken Moraif. Retirement Planners of America has been employing the Strategy since its inception in 2011. Therefore, any references to Retirement Planners of America's performance or its investment advisory recommendations predating 2011 generally refer to recommendations made by Retirement Planners of America's principals at the respective other firms described above. Like all investment strategies, the Strategy is not guaranteed. It is possible that it can incorrectly predict a bear market (generally accepted as a 20% drop in a market index), which has, in-fact, happened before at Retirement Planners of America and affected its clients accordingly. When the sell / “protect” portion of the Strategy is implemented, affected investors will incur transaction costs and taxable accounts will incur tax consequences. However, when implementing that portion of the Strategy, Retirement Planners of America believes that the benefit of avoiding bear markets outweighs the burden of these transaction costs and tax consequences.

Many families are surprised to learn that while life insurance proceeds are generally income-tax free, they can still be included in your taxable estate if ownership and premium rules aren't handled correctly. In this episode, Ken and Jeremy break down when a policy may be pulled into your estate and how a properly structured Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can help. We also cover the three IRS “ownership/incidents/premiums” tests, the “three-year rule,” and why Crummey notices matter.RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Protecting an inheritance for children and grandkids can be done thoughtfully and within the law. In this episode, we unpack how dynasty (aka generation-skipping) trusts are structured, what they can and cannot do, and why some families use them to help insulate assets from lawsuits, divorce, bankruptcy, and potential estate taxes—subject to state rules and careful drafting. This discussion is educational, not legal advice. Please consult a qualified estate-planning attorney about your situation.RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Thinking about how to pass your home to family the right way? In this episode, Ken and Jeremy walk through the Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT)—what it is, when it's considered, key trade-offs, and common pitfalls to avoid. You'll learn high-level concepts like present-value discounting, trust timelines, living arrangements, and why professional advice is essential.What we cover:• What a QPRT is (at a high level)• Why some families explore a QPRT for a primary residence• The trade-offs (control, timelines, and irrevocability)• “What if I outlive the trust term?” considerations• Selling and moving (e.g., replacing the residence within the trust)• Why you must speak with an experienced estate attorney and tax professionalImportant: This video is educational and not legal, tax, or financial advice. Trusts and tax rules are complex and change over time. Outcomes vary based on your situation. Please consult a qualified professional before making decisions.RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Thinking about excluding an heir from your estate? This video gives you a clear, education-focused guide to what's involved, what commonly goes wrong, and legal tools that may help (like living trusts).What you'll see in the video:• Why disinheritance is almost always emotional, not just financial• Risks to your plan if you don't set up documents carefully• How a living trust can help avoid surprises or challenges• The importance of honesty and communication with your familyRPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

✍️ Estate planning may not be the most glamorous topic—but it's one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your legacy. Without a plan, you risk letting the government decide what happens to your wealth, or worse, creating family conflicts that last for generations.In this episode of the Retirement Planners of America Podcast, Ken Moraif and Jeremy Thornton break down:✅ The basics of wills and why every retiree should have one✅ What happens if you die intestate (without a will)✅ How A/B trusts and dynasty trusts protect your heirs and minimize estate taxes✅ When to consider a living trust—and how it helps avoid costly probate✅ Power of Attorney documents you should have to protect yourself while alive✅ Common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid themEstate planning is more than a legal exercise—it's an act of love that can save your family money, time, and heartache.

If you're not careful, the way you take money out of your retirement accounts could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes. The good news? With the right strategy, you can keep more of your hard-earned savings.In this episode, Ken Moraif (Founder & CEO of Retirement Planners of America) and CIO Jordan Roach cover:✅ The biggest withdrawal mistakes retirees make✅ How tax treatment differs across IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and brokerage accounts✅ Why sequencing your withdrawals can make (or break) your tax bill✅ How withdrawals impact Social Security and Medicare costs✅ Tips to maximize after-tax retirement income and avoid “stealth taxes”Every dollar you save in taxes is another dollar you can spend on travel, family, or simply enjoying your second childhood without parental supervision.

What if you could receive your Social Security tax free? Sounds too good to be true — but for millions of retirees, new rules could make it possible until 2029.In this episode, Ken Moraif (Founder & CEO of Retirement Planners of America) and CIO Jordan Roach break down:✅ How Social Security is taxed using provisional income✅ The new $6,000 deduction per person — and what it means for retirees✅ How retirees can structure withdrawals to avoid unnecessary taxes✅ Common mistakes that cost retirees thousands (and how to avoid them)✅ Why planning IRA vs. non-IRA withdrawals matters more than everThe bottom line: with the right strategies, up to 88% of retirees may owe nothing on Social Security taxes. But time is limited, and every retiree's situation is unique.

President Trump just signed an executive order that could allow cryptocurrency, real estate, and private equity inside your 401(k).But what does this mean for retirees and those nearing retirement? Is it a golden opportunity—or a risky move?In this episode of the Retirement Planners of America Podcast, Ken Moraif and Chief Investment Officer Jordan Roach break it all down:• The potential benefits of adding crypto, real estate, and private equity to your 401(k)• The major risks you need to understand before jumping in• How diversification really works (and common mistakes retirees make)• Why risk tolerance matters more than ever with new asset classesWhether you're excited about the possibilities—or cautious about the risks—this discussion will help you make sense of what this change could mean for your retirement plan.

Retirement Planners of America's Senior Retirement Planner Ken Moraif reviews the economy and market events for August 15, 2025. Learn more or sign up for RPOA's weekly Market Alerts at https://RetirementPlannersofAmerica.com​. Invest and Protect Episode: https://youtu.be/gdBNBICvKww Economic indicators and stock market performance cannot be predicted. Opinions expressed regarding the economy and the stock market belong solely to Ken Moraif on behalf of Retirement Planners of America and may not accurately portray actual future performance of the economy or stock market outcomes. Opinions expressed in this video is intended to be for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as investment advice for individuals who are not clients of Retirement Planners of America. All content provided is the opinion of Ken Moraif, CEO and Founder of RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America ) (“Retirement Planners of America”, "RPOA"). ©Copyright 2025 A full list of RPOA's disclosures can be found here: https://www.rpoa.com/disclosures/

Retirement Planners of America's Senior Retirement Planner Ken Moraif reviews the economy and market events for July 4, 2025. Learn more or sign up for RPOA's weekly Market Alerts at https://RetirementPlannersofAmerica.com​. Economic indicators and stock market performance cannot be predicted. Opinions expressed regarding the economy and the stock market belong solely to Ken Moraif on behalf of Retirement Planners of America and may not accurately portray actual future performance of the economy or stock market outcomes. Opinions expressed in this video is intended to be for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as investment advice for individuals who are not clients of Retirement Planners of America. All content provided is the opinion of Ken Moraif, CEO and Founder of RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America ) (“Retirement Planners of America”, "RPOA"). ©Copyright 2025 A full list of RPOA's disclosures can be found here: https://www.rpoa.com/disclosures/

Retirement Planners of America's Senior Retirement Planner Ken Moraif reviews the economy and market events for June 6, 2025. Learn more or sign up for RPOA's weekly Market Alerts at https://RetirementPlannersofAmerica.com​. #retirementplanning​​​Economic indicators and stock market performance cannot be predicted. Opinions expressed regarding the economy and the stock market belong solely to Ken Moraif on behalf of Retirement Planners of America and may not accurately portray actual future performance of the economy or stock market outcomes. Opinions expressed in this video is intended to be for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as investment advice for individuals who are not clients of Retirement Planners of America. All content provided is the opinion of Ken Moraif, CEO and Founder of RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America ) (“Retirement Planners of America”, "RPOA"). ©Copyright 2025 A full list of RPOA's disclosures can be found here: https://www.rpoa.com/disclosures/

In this episode of the Retirement Planners of America Podcast, Ken Moraif breaks down the often-misunderstood world of capital gains taxes—what they are, how they differ from ordinary income taxes, and why they play a critical role in a smart retirement strategy. Joined by co-host Jeremy, Ken explains how proper tax planning can help your money last longer by minimizing the taxes you pay on investment income. Learn the difference between IRA, non-IRA, and Roth IRA accounts—and how the order in which you draw from them can significantly impact your financial future.RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America ) (“Retirement Planners of America”, “RPOA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with a primary business location in Plano, Texas. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that Retirement Planners of America has attained a certain level of skill, training, or ability. The “Invest and Protect Strategy” (the “Strategy”) refers to a strategy that Retirement Planners of America fundamentally employs for its clients. Retirement Planners of America previously employed a similar strategy that it referred to as the “buy, hold, and sell” strategy or “buy hold, and protect” strategy. These videos are presented for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, or tax advice. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Retirement Planners of America as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Past performance discussed in these videos is no guarantee of future results. Indicators such as the yield curve, building permits, investor sentiment, and credit conditions discussed herein are used for illustrative purposes only and are not reliable predictors of market performance or economic conditions.Viewers should consult their own financial, tax, or investment professionals before making investment decisions. Any reference to specific market events or historical examples is for context only and does not imply an assurance of future results or performance.For more detailed information about Retirement Planners of America's services, investment strategies, and risks, please review our Form ADV Part 2A, available upon request or at adviserinfo.sec.gov.