Podcasts about IRAS

Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCJoe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA are spitballing Roth conversions from every angle today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 597. John in Oklahoma is 75, sitting on a million dollars in traditional IRAs, and he's got a whole list of reasons NOT to convert to Roth. Is he right? Is it worth it as part of his retirement strategy? Jonathan and Jennifer in Phoenix have over six million dollars in tax-deferred accounts. How much should they convert, and where should they stop? J and C in Hawaii are both 38 and want to walk away from work at 55. How do they bridge the gap? And finally, are Bonnie and Clyde working for nothing if it all just turns into a giant tax bill?Retirement Accounts Guide - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/retirement-accounts-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-retirement-accounts-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep597-description-whitepaperUltimate Investing Guide - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/the-ultimate-investing-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-ultimate-investing-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep597-description-whitepaperOnce Retirees See This Data, They Stop Worrying About Investing - YMYW TV:https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/once-retirees-see-this-data-they-stop-worrying-about-investing/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep579-description-tv-s12e03Financial Blueprint (free, self-guided):https://bit.ly/YMYWblueprintCREQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/YMYWaskCDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/YMYWguidesCREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/YMYWblogCWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/YMYWvidsCSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWnewsletterCConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast00:55 - Roth at 75: Does the Math Actually Work? (John, OK)10:03 - 12M and Still Worried About Taxes: Roth Conversion Spitball (Jonathan & Jennifer, Phoenix AZ)16:47 - Retiring at 55 in Hawaii: When Do We Start the Taxable Account? (J & C, Hawaii)27:26 - Am I Just Working to Create a Bigger Tax Problem? (Bonnie & Clyde)34:20 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast36:53 - The Derails: Hart to Hart, Minutiae, and Levels of Fame

Tired of paying more to the IRS on your investment gains? A self-directed IRA can help you take advantage of tax-advantaged investing while giving you more control over where your retirement dollars go. Book a free 15-minute call with Directed IRA to learn more and get started In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark and Mat Sorensen break down the Rule of 72 and explain how investors can use this simple calculation to understand the power of compounding and the time it can take for an investment to double.The conversation explores how rate of return, taxes, fees, and the type of investment account can significantly impact long-term wealth. Mat and Mark use real-world examples to compare different rates of return and demonstrate how even seemingly small differences can create substantial gaps in portfolio growth over time.They also discuss how self-directed IRAs can give investors greater flexibility to choose from a broader range of investments, including real estate, private lending, private funds, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and other alternative assets. The episode highlights the importance of considering not only potential returns, but also tax efficiency and investment costs when evaluating long-term strategies.In this episode, they discuss:How the Rule of 72 estimates the time it takes for an investment to doubleWhy compounding can have such a significant impact on long-term wealthHow different rates of return can change the trajectory of an investmentThe potential impact of taxes and fees on investment growthWhy tax-advantaged accounts can help reduce the impact of taxes on investment returnsHow self-directed IRAs provide the flexibility to invest beyond traditional Wall Street assetsThe importance of evaluating investment opportunities based on long-term growth rather than short-term performanceThe episode ultimately focuses on a simple question for investors: How can their money work harder for them over the long term?For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

In this episode we answer emails from Kelly and Jose (Joe).  We discuss simple spreadsheet applications for organizing portfolios, review a planned risk-parity style portfolio, discuss issues with transitioning and international fund choices and proportions, and why you should not fear "high market valuations" because risk-parity portfolios already solve for that exact problem, unlike simplistic large-cap weighted portfolios.  In fact, that is one of the main reasons risk-parity style portfolios make for better retirement portfolios with higher safe withdrawal rates.Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page (please mention Risk Parity Radio in the comment section with your donation):  Donate - Father McKenna CenterRisk Parity Chronicles Free Portfolio Tracker and Explanatory Video:  How to use the RPC Capital Efficient Portfolio TrackerAfford Anything Risk Parity Portfolio Blueprint:  Afford Anything frank-vasquez-risk-parity-portfolio-BluePrint.pdf - Google DriveJeremy Grantham on the Long-View Podcast:  Jeremy Grantham ‘Almost Everything Looks More Attractive Than the US Equity Market' - YouTubeF. Vasquez EconoMe 2025 Slide Presentation:  F. Vasquez EconoMe 2025 Presentation.pdf - Google DriveBreathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Retiring soon and staring at market charts that look “too high” can mess with your head, even if your plan is solid. We hear that anxiety loud and clear in today's mailbag, and we respond with what actually helps: better visibility across accounts, clear asset allocation targets, and a process you can follow when emotions spike.First, we tackle the nuts-and-bolts problem almost every DIY investor hits: holdings scattered across IRAs, 401(k)s, and a taxable brokerage account. We share a simple way to track everything on one page using a Google Sheet that updates prices automatically, and we talk about how AI tools like Gemini NotebookLM can organize raw account statements into a clean spreadsheet, even adding details like unrealized capital gains. The point is not fancy software, it's seeing your true portfolio mix so you can rebalance with confidence and avoid constant tinkering.Then we get into portfolio construction: equity levels that feel conservative vs aggressive in a risk parity style setup, when Treasury bond exposure may be on the high side, and how to think about diversifiers like gold (GLDM) and managed futures (DBMF). We also answer practical questions about VTI and VXUS, whether adding a dedicated growth fund matters, and how to split small cap value between AVUV and AVDV without over-optimizing.Finally, we address the big fear: what happens if you invest or rebalance near all-time highs right before retirement? We walk through why a diversified risk parity style portfolio can reduce peak-valuation risk, how safe withdrawal rates look when you test retirement start dates near major market peaks, and why a written execution plan often beats trying to time the perfect day. If this helped, subscribe, share the show with a friend who's nearing retirement, and leave us a review on your podcast app.Support the show

Retirement spending can feel risky, even when your savings, income, and investments suggest that you are financially secure. After decades of careful saving, many retirees struggle to use money from their U.S. brokerage accounts, IRAs, and Israeli savings because they remain focused on uncertainty and the possibility of running out. A clear retirement plan can help separate responsible caution from unnecessary fear. Reviewing your assets, income, expenses, and accessible reserves can show whether your money can support meaningful spending without threatening your long-term financial security. Review your complete financial picture, including U.S. and Israeli accounts. Distinguish genuine financial risk from a long-standing fear of spending. Consider the cost of postponing important decisions and experiences. Set aside money specifically for planned, meaningful retirement spending. Sschedule your free introductory call to see if we're a good fit: https://profile-financial.com/call

Your IRA may not be as much yours as you think. This episode explores the hidden tax liability inside 401(k)s and IRAs, why the IRS can become a silent partner in your retirement, and how expiring tax laws could impact your future income. Nolan Baker and Danny Schauber break down Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Medicare IRMAA surcharges, Social Security taxation, and strategies designed to reduce lifetime taxes. They also discuss how recent SECURE Act changes affect inherited IRAs and why proactive tax planning may help preserve more wealth for your family. Learn why a tax "what-if" analysis can uncover opportunities before today's tax landscape changes. About America's Retirement Headquarters: We are dedicated to helping retirees achieve the retirement they deserve. From crafting personalized retirement income strategies to providing a single location for all your retirement solutions, our goal is to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the complexities of retirement so that you can enjoy financial confidence and peace of mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've recently inherited an IRA or need help getting the account established, Directed IRA can help you through the process and get your Inherited IRA opened: https://directedira.com/appointment/Need help establishing your estate plan? KKOS Lawyers can help you coordinate your estate plan, retirement accounts, beneficiary designations, trusts, powers of attorney, and other important estate-planning documents so your assets are positioned to pass according to your wishes: https://kkoslawyers.com/In this special collaboration between Directed IRA and KKOS Lawyers, Mat Sorensen, CEO of Directed IRA and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, sits down with Senior Attorney Ryan Tosto to break down what happens to your IRA or 401(k) when you die and how to make sure your retirement assets pass to the people you intend to receive them.Mat and Ryan cover the differences between spousal rollovers and inherited IRAs, the options beneficiaries have after inheriting an account, and how the 10-year rule can impact the timing and taxation of distributions. They also discuss important distinctions between inherited Traditional and Roth IRAs, including strategies for managing distributions and allowing tax-advantaged assets to continue growing. Other key topics include: How to properly open and handle an inherited IRA after someone passes away  Why the beneficiary designation form is one of the most important documents when it comes to passing down retirement accounts  How trusts can be used to provide greater control over when and how beneficiaries receive inherited wealth  Planning for minor children and beneficiaries who may not be financially prepared to receive a large inheritance  How beneficiary designations should be coordinated with your overall estate plan  The differences between Traditional and Roth inherited IRAs  Required minimum distributions and how they can affect inherited Traditional IRAs  How inherited IRAs containing real estate or other alternative assets can be handled  Common estate-planning mistakes involving divorce, remarriage, children, trusts, and outdated beneficiary designations The goal is to help investors and families better understand the rules surrounding inherited retirement accounts and take the necessary steps before and after an inheritance to avoid unnecessary taxes, mistakes, and complications.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Choosing between a Roth and Traditional IRA comes down to one question: what tax bracket do you expect to be in when you withdraw. Our favorite Bookkeeping Mensch, Paul Rosenblum, breaks down the tax treatment, contribution limits, and Required Minimum Distribution rules for both, plus a quick look at how inherited IRAs work differently. A short, practical primer for anyone weighing retirement savings alongside their business finances.Schwab IRA calculator: https://www.schwab.com/ira/ira-calculatorsSend us Fan MailSupport the showAbout the hostPaul Rosenblum has been doing hands-on bookkeeping for over 30 years, starting with QuickBooks Desktop and adapting to the world of cloud-based QuickBooks Online. He shares practical, in-the-weeds lessons from real client files every episode.

"People say 'I believe in vaccines.' Nobody says that about seatbelts." Aaron Siri is the managing partner of Siri & Glimstad and, by most measures, the most consequential vaccine litigator in America. He's the attorney behind the famous nine-hour deposition of Dr. Stanley Plotkin — the man they call the godfather of vaccines — lead counsel for the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), a 2025 Senate witness, and a central legal figure in the RFK-era reshaping of federal vaccine policy. His new book is Vaccines, Amen: The Religion of Vaccines — in his words, "a cross-examination in book form." This one steps outside the show's usual lane, and I want to be upfront: this is not medical advice, I'm not a doctor, and everything Aaron argues here is his own case — where it's contested by public-health bodies, treat it as one side of an open debate. What ties it to this show is the question we always ask: how do you know what's real when you're not allowed to check? From there we go deep — how a custody case led to the legendary Plotkin deposition; the Hepatitis B shot Aaron says was licensed on a trial of 147 kids, five days of monitoring, and no control group; the 1986 law he calls "the original sin" that handed vaccine makers liability immunity; the Ford Pinto and what punitive damages actually do; informed consent versus the right to refuse; whether vaccines really stop transmission; and the measles-mortality data he argues almost no one talks about. A conversation about evidence, incentives, and who gets to audit the people in charge. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Should you stop doing Roth conversions as part of your retirement planning after Senator Ron Wyden's new legislation targeting specific retirement accounts? David McKnight breaks down the key aspects of the proposal and what it actually means for the average American (and their retirement).  Show Notes In this episode, David McKnight looks at whether you should stop doing Roth conversions following Senator Ron Wyden's introduction of legislation for taxing Roth IRAs. For David, 99.9% of Americans should continue investing in Roth accounts with a high degree of confidence. One of the biggest misconceptions floating around is that Congress wants to start taxing everyone's Roth IRA.  However, that is simply not what Senator Wyden's proposal does, as its focus are so-called mega-retirement accounts. These are retirement accounts – whether traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, or Roth 401(k)s – that have grown to extraordinary sizes, often tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Senator Wyden's proposal only applies to taxpayers with very high incomes ($400,000 for individuals; $450,000 for married couples) and only if your combined retirement accounts exceed $10 million. In other words, if you don't have more than $10 million spread across your retirement accounts, the proposal doesn't apply to you. Do you exceed that threshold? Then, know that the proposal would require annual distributions from the excess amount. The rule becomes even more restrictive when balances exceed $20 million. David believes that the average American shouldn't be nervous about investing in Roth accounts – he shares four reasons why. Reason #1: Congress likes Roth accounts, because, from a Government's perspective, Roth accounts accelerate tax revenue. The second reason is the fact that Roth assets are still a relatively small piece of the retirement landscape. "Most retirement money in America is still sitting inside traditional tax-deferred accounts", he explains. Reason #3: the Government has always had an implicit agreement with America on Roth accounts. The fourth reason why David doesn't believe you should be nervous about investing in Roth accounts is that they're still your best protection against what's coming down the road. The national debt is set to grow by $2 trillion per year over the next 10 years and $3 trillion per year after that. According to a Penn Wharton study, once the country hits a debt-to-GDP of 200% in 2040, no combination of increasing taxes or cutting spending will prevent the nation's financial collapse. That's why, David is confident that around 2035 Congress will have little choice but to tax increases. Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Senator Ronald Wyden Penn Wharton (The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania)

Retirement tax planning isn't simply about following IRS rules or minimizing what you owe this year. Jeremy Keil answers three listener questions that demonstrate why focusing on one tax return at a time can lead retirees to miss opportunities to manage their taxes over the course of retirement. Jeremy breaks down two different five-year rules that can apply to Roth IRAs, including what happens when you complete a Roth conversion after having an existing Roth IRA for years. He then explains why taking only the required minimum distribution from an inherited IRA isn't automatically the best strategy under the 10-year rule, and how qualified charitable distributions may be available from inherited IRAs for eligible account owners. For disclosures and conflicts visit keilfp.com/disclosures.

When you're moving into retirement, you're most likely to be starting to ask yourself which investment accounts you should start drawing from first. There's really no universal answer—retirement withdrawal strategies are deeply personal and situation-dependent. But understanding the implications of each account type and the factors that influence withdrawal order can have a massive impact on your tax burden and the longevity of your assets.    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Retirement withdrawal strategy options [06:37] Roth IRA and taxable accounts [07:47] Tax implications for investment gains [14:12] Roth IRA conversion strategy [16:17] Real-life retirement income strategies [19:36] Importance of a withdrawal strategy   Understanding the Account Types and Their Tax Impact   The foundation of your strategic withdrawal plan begins with understanding how each investment account is taxed:   1. Pre-tax Retirement Accounts These include traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and similar plans. Contributions offer a tax deduction, and growth is tax-deferred, but withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are eventually subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), currently beginning at age 73 or 75, depending on your birth year. Withdrawals here not only increase your reported income but can also impact Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation.   2. Roth Accounts Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are funded with after-tax contributions. Qualified withdrawals are tax-free and—if the original contributor owns the account, not subject to RMDs in your lifetime. This makes Roth accounts especially valuable for flexible, later-stage withdrawals.   3. Taxable Brokerage Accounts These are standard investment accounts not designated for retirement. Withdrawals of principal do not create taxable events; only realized capital gains, dividends, and interest are reported for taxes. One major benefit: capital gains rates can be lower than ordinary income rates and may even reach 0% for some filers. Withdrawals can be easy to manage for opportunistic or requirement-driven needs.   Questions to Consider with Personalized Withdrawal Planning Several personal factors play into the best withdrawal order: Are you retiring before 65 and in need of Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance? Do you want to minimize future RMDs or leave assets to heirs? When will you begin Social Security or receive pension income? What is your preferred tax bracket and desired lifestyle flexibility?   These questions should be revisited regularly, as changes in tax law, health, or legacy wishes can affect your strategy.   Real-World Withdrawal Scenarios Coordinating Withdrawals for ACA Subsidies Jonathan retires at 57, pre-Medicare, and must carefully manage his modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to retain ACA health insurance subsidies. My suggested plan is to combine modest 401(k) withdrawals, reportable dividends, and money market interest to stay below the MAGI threshold. Additional cash needs are met from accounts, like the money market, which don't affect taxable income. This keeps his subsidy and aligns with income limits, demonstrating the need for multi-account coordination.   Reducing Future RMDs and Leaving a Legacy Walter and Amy, 62, want to avoid burdening their heirs with high-tax inheritance on pre-tax accounts. Instead of focusing solely on paying the least tax today, they prioritize Roth conversions while Social Security is delayed, taking advantage of lower brackets now to transfer wealth into tax-free vehicles. Over several years, they could convert hundreds of thousands into Roth IRAs, significantly reducing future RMDs while maximizing wealth transfer.   Minimizing Tax on Social Security Christian, 68, blends Social Security with distributions from non-taxable sources like his money market to avoid triggering federal taxes on his Social Security. Careful planning allows him to either keep Social Security tax-free or, with limited IRA withdrawals, incur only minimal tax.   The Importance of Ongoing Review and Professional Advice Your withdrawal strategy is not a "set-and-forget" plan. Tax laws, account balances, and individual goals will change over time. I suggest annual reviews and, ideally, working with a specialized financial advisor to continually adjust the plan for optimal tax efficiency and income sustainability. A thoughtful approach, tailored to your personal circumstances and updated regularly, will help you balance tax efficiency, income needs, and legacy goals.    Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE    Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

In this two-guest episode, Howard Farran sits down with two financial leaders from PracticeCFO. Wes Read is a CPA, Certified Financial Planner™, and Registered Investment Advisor who began his career in Big 4 accounting at Ernst & Young before founding PracticeCFO in 2009 to give practice-owning doctors access to CFO-level financial leadership. He's also the founder of Practice Orbit and creator of Associates On Fire, a free financial education platform for dental associates. Joining him is Paul Lipcius, a CPA, Series 65-licensed Investment Adviser Representative, and CFO Advisor at the firm with nearly a decade of experience, who focuses on higher-net-worth clients, capital markets, and portfolio strategy, and serves on PracticeCFO's board and investment committee. The conversation centers on investing philosophy for busy dentists who aren't watching the markets every day. Wes and Paul unpack how they define and manage risk in a practical, long-term sense rather than just as volatility, and what a good advisor actually does to create value beyond picking investments. They explore how dentists should think about retirement vehicles like 401(k)s, defined benefit plans, and IRAs, how to stay disciplined and avoid emotional decisions during market swings, and the unique advantage of integrating CPA services with investment management under one roof. The episode closes on the perennial industry debate over fees — whether advisors truly justify their cost, and how dentists can evaluate whether they're getting real value for their money.   Episode #1725 : Dentistry Uncensored with Howard Farran, Howard sits down with Wes Read, CPA, CFP® — Founder & CEO of PracticeCFO — and Paul Lipcius, CPA and CFO Advisor at the firm, for a deep dive into smart investing and wealth strategy for dentists. From defining real "risk" beyond market volatility, to the advantage of having your CPA and investment strategy under one roof, to whether advisor fees are truly worth it — this is straight talk on building lasting financial independence.

After a short summer break, Pilot's Portfolio is back with a refreshed format and a new Season (4)!This next run of episodes is built around real questions Timothy P. Pope, CFP® receives from professional pilots and their families in planning conversations.This is a two-part deep-dive on one of the biggest questions professional pilots bring to the planning table: “How can we pay less in taxes?”Whether the number is six figures or simply higher than expected, the starting point is understanding what that number actually represents.In Part 1, Tim starts with the first step: understanding what the tax number actually means.Is it total tax liability, withholding, a large April payment, or income that changed unexpectedly?Tim discusses how W-2 income, spouse income, upgrades, premium flying, capital gains, property sales, inherited IRAs, and deductions can shape the tax picture, while explaining why a write-off should support a sound financial decision rather than drive one.Follow Pilot's Portfolio for Part 2, where the conversation moves into tax-efficient investing, tax-loss harvesting, and planning beyond one tax year.If you're enjoying Pilot's Portfolio and finding these conversations helpful, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review on your podcast platform of choice. It helps more professional pilots and their families discover the show:- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilots-portfolio/id1718915375- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5p2Tkf16Q9lV693lHV4Zo9Have a question you'd like Tim to address, or want to explore how 360 Aviation Advisors helps professional pilots plan around taxes, retirement, investments, and life transitions? Schedule An AppointmentOur Practice's WebsiteContact Us: info@pilotsportfolio.comThis episode is sponsored by: Beacon RelocationBeacon Relocation is a real estate firm helping pilots and air traffic controllers save money on their real estate transactions. By tapping into their network of over 1500 real estate agents across the country, pilots can save 20% of the real estate agent's commission towards your closing cost on the sale or purchase of your home. Visit https://www.beaconrelocation.com/ to learn more. Timothy P. Pope is a Certified Financial Planner™and principal owner of 360 Aviation Advisors, LLC (“360 Aviation Advisors”), a registered investment advisory firm. Investment advisory services are provided through 360 Aviation Advisors, in its separate and individual capacity as a registered investment adviser. Podcast episodes are provided through Pilot's Portfolio, in its separate and individual capacity.We try to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of publishing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents. We assume no responsibility for information contained on this website and disclaim all liability in respect of such information, including but not limited to any liability for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or misleading or defamatory statements.Links to external websites are provided solely for your convenience. We accept no liability for any linked sites or their content and remind you that we have no control over their content. When visiting external web sites, users should review those websites' privacy policies and other terms of use to learn more about, what, why and how they collect and use any personally identifiable information.Usage of this content constitutes an explicit understanding and acceptance of the terms of this disclaimer. 

On this episode of The Crypto Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes Adam Bergman, founder of IRA Financial, to the Crypto Hot Seat for a deep dive into crypto, taxes and retirement accounts. They discuss why investors may want crypto exposure in their IRAs, the potential tax advantages of trading crypto and options in retirement accounts, buying Bitcoin directly versus using ETFs and digital asset treasury companies, the role of gold alongside crypto, and whether investor attention is shifting from digital assets toward AI and other hot equities. Then we head into the dog days of summer with a decidedly quiet crypto market. We break down the latest activity in Bitcoin, IBIT and MSTR before venturing into the altcoin universe for ETH, BMNR, CRCL, PURR, Solana, XRP, DOGE and more. Plus, we examine where options traders are still finding opportunities as volatility and trading activity cool off for the summer.

This episode focuses on a question that follows many professionals in academic medicine, healthcare, and research: “Can I actually retire?” Jon Gay and Amy Walls explain that the stress behind this question often does not come from a lack of money. It comes from a lack of visibility. Retirement accounts, pensions, 403(b)s, 457 plans, IRAs, and Social Security all produce separate statements. But none of those statements show how everything works together. That leaves people with pieces of information, but not a complete picture. Amy explains that the common instinct is to start with a number. People want to know how many millions they need before they can retire. But a number by itself does not answer the real question. Retirement planning has to start with life. What does life cost right now? What expenses will go away after retirement? What expenses have been postponed for years and will finally appear? For people whose identity is closely tied to their work, retirement can also feel like a loss before it feels like freedom. That makes it important to define the next chapter before deciding what financial number is enough. Retirement planning is more complicated for people in healthcare academia. A pension can be the centerpiece, but it often requires an irreversible decision between lifetime monthly income and a lump sum. That decision depends on health, a spouse, other income, investment accounts, and taxes. Amy also explains that 457 plans are often misunderstood. Governmental 457 plans can usually be accessed after separation from service without an early withdrawal penalty, while non-governmental plans work differently. That difference can change the order in which accounts should be used. Real confidence comes from testing the plan. Retirement readiness should not stay a feeling or a hypothesis. The plan needs to be stressed against hard questions. What happens if the market drops 30 percent in year two? What if someone lives to 97? What if long-term care is needed? When the plan still works under pressure, the question shifts from “Am I ready?” to “I am ready.” We share the example of a physician researcher who believed she was behind because her peers in private practice had built business equity. Once her full financial picture was mapped against her actual life and goals, she was comfortably on track. Nothing changed financially in that conversation. What changed was her relationship to the information. A retirement plan is not a one-time snapshot. Life changes, tax laws shift, markets move, and planning needs a rhythm. Annual reviews and updates help keep the plan connected to real life. The relief does not come from hitting a magic number. It comes from finally seeing the whole picture. (00:00) Intro (00:54) Why retirement uncertainty is really about visibility, not just money (02:31) Why starting with a “magic number” is usually the wrong approach (02:50) How to build retirement planning around actual life costs (03:25) Why retirement can feel like a loss before it feels like freedom (04:05) How pensions, 403(b)s, and 457 plans need to be viewed together (07:15) How stress testing turns “Am I ready?” into “I am ready” (10:06) Why retirement planning needs regular review, not a one-time snapshot To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.The ThimbleberryU Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions - https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

On this episode of The Crypto Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes Adam Bergman, founder of IRA Financial, to the Crypto Hot Seat for a deep dive into crypto, taxes and retirement accounts. They discuss why investors may want crypto exposure in their IRAs, the potential tax advantages of trading crypto and options in retirement accounts, buying Bitcoin directly versus using ETFs and digital asset treasury companies, the role of gold alongside crypto, and whether investor attention is shifting from digital assets toward AI and other hot equities. Then we head into the dog days of summer with a decidedly quiet crypto market. We break down the latest activity in Bitcoin, IBIT and MSTR before venturing into the altcoin universe for ETH, BMNR, CRCL, PURR, Solana, XRP, DOGE and more. Plus, we examine where options traders are still finding opportunities as volatility and trading activity cool off for the summer.

Welcome to The Crypto Podcast. You can find all our episodes on thecryptopodcast.org. My guest today spent years inside the room where crypto's rules actually get written. As a regulatory crypto attorney, he's advised leading exchanges on exactly what they could and couldn't legally offer, and he helped launch the first crypto ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Now he's on the other side of the table as CEO of Yield School and founder of New Market Trading, helping everyday investors get access to the primary markets that most retail traders never know exist. Please welcome Frank Hepworth. In this episode, Roy and Frank cover the regulatory landscape shaping crypto today, including the Genius Act, the pending Clarity Act, and why Frank believes Europe's MiCA legislation forced crypto into traditional finance and backfired. Frank explains how New Market Trading uses smart contract technology so clients retain full self-custody while still getting professional portfolio management, why institutional ETF buyers have been buying the top and selling the bottom like retail investors, and how he evaluates which crypto assets are worth investing in using a commodity-versus-business framework. The conversation closes with a detailed, refreshingly honest breakdown of why real estate tokenization is far less advanced than people assume, and why native on-chain companies, not tokenized off-chain assets, are where Frank believes the space is actually heading. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:02 - Welcome to The Crypto Podcast, intro to Frank Hepworth 0:48 - Frank's path into crypto and law simultaneously, starting in 2017 3:03 - Getting hired by a top law firm during the 2020-2021 bull run 4:53 - The Genius Act, the Clarity Act, and why Frank thinks MiCA backfired 11:47 - How Yield School teaches DeFi investing vs. how New Market Trading manages it 13:44 - How the smart contract investment account makes theft technologically impossible 17:45 - Helping US clients set up checkbook IRAs for tax-exempt crypto investing 24:56 - Why big institutions have been buying the top and selling the bottom 27:42 - How Frank decides which crypto assets are worth investing in: commodity vs. business framework 31:00 - Where NFTs are headed, and why early blue-chip collections may hold value 32:12 - Why real estate tokenization is far less advanced than most people assume 37:17 - Cypherpunks who operate entirely outside the fiat system 41:20 - Frank's honest take on his role in launching the first Toronto Stock Exchange crypto ETF 41:38 - Where to find Frank Hepworth and connect with his team About Frank Hepworth Frank Hepworth is a former crypto regulatory attorney who advised leading exchanges on legal compliance and contributed to the listing documentation for the first crypto ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange. He is now CEO of Yield School, which teaches investors how to navigate decentralized finance directly, and founder of New Market Trading, which uses ERC-4337 smart contract technology to give clients professional portfolio management while retaining full self-custody of their crypto. Frank currently serves primarily US-based clients. Connect with Frank Hepworth

Where you invest your money is only part of the equation. Which accounts hold those investments, how they're taxed, and where you eventually take income from can have just as much impact on your financial plan. Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates begin with a listener looking for conservative retirement income, breaking down Treasury bills, notes and bonds, buying at auction versus the secondary market, bond ladders, CDs, annuities, interest-rate risk, and why avoiding state income tax shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing an investment. The conversation then turns to asset location and retirement income—how taxable accounts, traditional IRAs, 401(k)s and Roth IRAs should work together, and how taxes can influence which accounts you spend from in retirement. The hosts also discuss staying disciplined through market volatility, investing for younger generations, and compare Trump Accounts with 529 plans and custodial accounts. The show closes with listener questions on Backdoor Roth IRAs, the pro-rata rule, consolidating old retirement accounts, and how to fund large retirement expenses without creating unnecessary taxes.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

What if financial freedom isn't reserved for the wealthy—but is built one intentional decision at a time?In this comprehensive episode of the Life to the Fullest Podcast, we unpack the timeless principles, proven strategies, and practical frameworks that can help you build lasting wealth, reduce financial stress, and create a future defined by freedom rather than limitation.Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to take your wealth-building strategy to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can transform the way you think about money, investing, and long-term success.Together, we'll explore:Why paying yourself first is the single most important financial habit you can develop.How to use leverage wisely to accelerate wealth creation while managing risk.The Rule of 72 and how to quickly estimate how long it takes your investments to double.The 50/30/20 Rule for intentionally allocating every dollar you earn.The 25× Rule for determining how much you'll need to achieve financial independence.The 4% Retirement Rule and how to generate sustainable retirement income without quickly depleting your savings.How much to invest in stocks, real estate, cash, and alternative investments based on your goals and stage of life.Building a retirement roadmap—from employer-sponsored plans and IRAs to taxable brokerage accounts, investment selection, contribution strategies, and determining how much you may need to retire comfortably.The power of compound interest and why starting today is more valuable than trying to perfectly time the market.Good debt vs. bad debt and how leverage can become a powerful wealth-building tool when used responsibly.The 20/4/10 Rule for buying vehicles without sacrificing your long-term financial future.Psychology-based hacks to avoid impulse buying, buyer's remorse, and emotional spending that quietly erodes wealth.Creating multiple streams of income through investing, real estate, and ownership of appreciating assets.Common financial mistakes that keep people trapped living paycheck to paycheck—and how to avoid them.Most people spend decades working for money.The financially free learn how to make money work for them.Financial freedom isn't about having the biggest house, the nicest car, or the highest income. It's about creating options. It's about gaining the freedom to spend more time with your family, pursue your calling, serve others generously, and live with purpose instead of financial pressure.Your future won't be determined by one big decision—it will be shaped by thousands of small, intentional choices made consistently over time.Pay yourself first.Invest consistently.Use leverage wisely.Own appreciating assets.Think long-term.And begin building a life where your money becomes a tool to create opportunity, generosity, and lasting impact.The best investment you'll ever make is the one you make in your future.Check out my book Winning With Money: Dollars & $ense: A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Freedom & Peace on www.ef3life.com or Amazon.comFollow @ef3life

What happens when you inherit an IRA—and what could it cost you if you make the wrong move? On this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explain the often-overlooked tax rules surrounding inherited IRAs and why the decisions you make today can have a lasting financial impact. From the SECURE Act's 10-year distribution rule to the special exceptions for spouses and other eligible beneficiaries, Hans breaks down complex IRS regulations into practical, easy-to-understand guidance. You'll also learn why beneficiary designations are one of the most important parts of your retirement plan, how poor planning can create unnecessary taxes for your loved ones, and why seeking wise counsel before making decisions can protect the inheritance you've worked so hard to leave. Whether you've recently inherited an IRA or you're planning your own legacy, this episode offers valuable biblical insight and practical financial wisdom to help you become a faithful steward of God's blessings. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

Don opens with a spirited defense of AI as a creative tool—especially when it makes ideas possible that would otherwise be too expensive or time-consuming. Technology changes the jobs around us, but learning to direct it responsibly can expand what one person can make.Then it's on to listener questions: how charitable giving from a retirement account might work better through an IRA and qualified charitable distributions, whether dividends and bond interest should be reinvested, and why money generally belongs at work instead of waiting in cash.Finally, Don weighs a COLA-adjusted pension against a lump sum, considers a low-cost new 401(k) versus an IRA, gives a hard no to illiquid Why Refi promissory notes, and compares simple flexible retirement withdrawals with advisor-managed guardrails.03:40 — AI as a creative tool07:01 — Charitable giving, IRAs, and QCDs09:55 — Reinvesting dividends and bond interest11:37 — Pension or lump sum? Plus the next 401(k)14:52 — Why Refi and the danger of “magical” returns17:56 — Flexible withdrawals versus guardrailsQuestions? Comments? Click!

In the game of Monopoly, Joe Pizzuro never wanted the green houses — he went straight for the red hotel. That same instinct took him from skipping single-family real estate entirely to building a $100 million portfolio of more than 5,000 multifamily and self-storage units, raising over $30 million in capital in just six years, during a market cycle that weeded out a lot of the competition. In this episode, Joe breaks down how he pulled in five or six co-GPs to fund his very first deal, why he pivoted into self-storage when rising rates made multifamily debt too expensive to cash flow, and how showing 26 consecutive months of investor distributions without a single miss became the track record that built his credibility. He also shares why doctors have become his go-to investor avatar, how educating investors on self-directed IRAs and 1031 exchanges unlocks capital they didn't realize they had, and the disciplined, conservative underwriting approach he uses to make sure a deal works even if the market gets worse, not better. Whether you're raising your first dollar of capital or scaling toward your next $100 million, Joe's journey from a single multifamily deal to a diversified, vertically integrated portfolio is packed with hard-earned, tactical advice.Five key takeaways:Skip the small deals if you can find the right partners. Joe went straight for larger multifamily acquisitions instead of starting with single-family, comparing it to choosing Monopoly's red hotel over the green houses — and pulling in five or six co-GPs made his very first raise possible.Diversify into cash-flowing assets when the market shifts. When rising rates made multifamily debt too expensive to cash flow, Joe pivoted into self-storage — lower overhead, easier to acquire, less capital required — even though it comes with less equity upside and weaker depreciation benefits than apartments.Build credibility through a track record, not just a pitch. Joe points to 26 consecutive months of investor distributions without a single miss, with payouts steadily increasing, as the proof that speaks louder than any resume.Educate investors to unlock capital they don't know they have. Hosting sessions on self-directed IRAs and 1031 exchanges has turned investors who thought they had no liquidity into active participants in Joe's deals.Underwrite for a worse market, not a better one. Joe's rule is to assume conditions stay flat or get slightly worse when running the numbers — if the deal still works under that scenario, he moves forward, rather than betting on a market recovery to bail him out.About Tim MaiTim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares. He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.Connect with TimWebsite: Capital Raising PartyFacebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation Instagram: @timmaicomTwitter: @timmaiLinkedIn: Tim MaiYouTube: Tim Mai

For many British expats in America, building wealth in a taxable brokerage account often means accepting that a meaningful chunk of returns will be lost to tax each year. But with the right tools, that erosion can be meaningfully reduced, and for those with sizable accounts, the savings can potentially be substantial.  In this From the Trenches episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Plan First Wealth, and business partner James Boyle explores tax loss harvesting and its more powerful cousin, direct indexing. They explain how deliberately realizing losses and reinvesting into similar holdings can lower taxable income, offset future gains, and compound into significant savings over time, and why this only applies to taxable brokerage accounts rather than IRAs, 401(k)s or UK SIPPs.  Richard and James go on to unpack direct indexing, a strategy made possible by the rise of fractional shares and low-cost trading, which allows an index to be rebuilt stock by stock rather than held through a single ETF. This gives far more opportunities to harvest losses at an individual position level and offers added flexibility for expats who may eventually leave the US and want more control over their holdings.  Along the way, they touch on the broader market backdrop, including the unwinding SpaceX hype, hyperscalers shifting from cash to debt to fund AI expansion, and a cautionary real-world story about a green card holder who came dangerously close to missing long-term residency and exit tax obligations entirely.  Whether you hold a brokerage account in the US, are weighing up whether these strategies apply to you, or simply want to better understand how tax efficiency fits into a long-term investment plan, this episode breaks down a topic that is often misunderstood but increasingly relevant for expats building wealth across borders. 

"We need Bitcoiners to fight for Bitcoin. If no one fights for Bitcoin, Bitcoin will very soon be dead." Hodlonaut is a Bitcoin citizen journalist, the founder of the Citadel21 zine, the man behind the 2019 Lightning Torch, and the person who told the simple truth about Craig Wright and then stood in the fire for five years over it. Most recently he is the author of the Capture series, a deep investigation into how informal power over Bitcoin Core was assembled, exercised, and defended. We recorded this on August 2, 2026, in the middle of the ColdCard fallout, and the grief of that moment runs underneath the whole conversation. From there we go all the way back: how he found Bitcoin in 2013, the Pirate Bay ethos, Citadel21, and the birth of Hodlonaut and the Space Cat. We get into the Lightning Torch as a three-month experiment in trust, the Craig Wright war and how stoicism carried him through it, and then the heart of it: the Capture series, the "priesthood" narrative around Core, the OP_RETURN uncap, the DEI and "extractive" playbook used to shut down criticism, why every line of code must serve monetary sovereignty, and his return to fully supporting BIP-110. This is a conversation about the human layer of Bitcoin, and why we have to fight for it. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

One spouse passes away, and suddenly the survivor is filing alone, pushed into tax brackets they never saw coming. David McKnight explains why a Roth conversion, done now through smart retirement planning, could spare your loved ones the painful surprise known as Widow's Penalty. Show Notes In this episode, David McKnight discusses something that could cause your taxes to rise dramatically even if Congress never raises taxes by a single percentage point! That's the so-called Widow's Penalty, and it's a critical piece of retirement planning that too many people overlook. The U.S. national debt consists of hundreds of trillions of dollars in unfunded obligations for programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. At some point, David points out, the Government is going to need huge infusions of cash to meet those obligations. Most people don't realize that a surviving spouse often inherits a tax problem at the moment in life when they're least equipped to deal with it – David explains the repercussions of this common scenario and why a Roth conversion can help. David stresses that one of the most important retirement planning windows in your entire lifetime occurs during the years when both spouses are still alive and filing jointly. During those years, you have an opportunity to take advantage of wider tax brackets and proactively reposition money from tax-deferred accounts into tax-free accounts through a Roth conversion. When people contemplate the prospect of future higher taxes or the widow's penalty, they often panic and reflexively convert all of their IRAs and 401(k)s to Roth over one or several years. That's an approach to Roth conversion that causes you to pay much more taxes than was really required. The key to avoiding that, as part of any sound retirement planning strategy, is to move money slowly enough that you don't rise into a tax bracket that gives you heartburn. And, on the other hand, move money quickly enough that you get all the heavy lifting done before tax rates increase for good. Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube  

Rule Four of Financial Physics says everything eventually rises—not every stock, not every year, but human productivity and global economic output over time. Don and Tom explain why buying the broad market is ownership in thousands of businesses, not a trip to the casino, and why international diversification matters when nobody knows which country will lead the next century.Then Kenneth asks whether a tiny slice of his emergency fund belongs in stocks. The answer is still no: emergencies tend to arrive when markets are already falling. The guys also look at using qualified charitable distributions from inherited IRAs and why smart tax planning should not let the tax tail wag the financial dog.Finally, they compare BND with TIPS and ultra-short bond funds, unpack the trade-off between price stability and durable yield, and explain why preferred stocks cannot replace the ballast in a 60/40 portfolio.00:44 AI music, a low-budget show, and big-money topics02:46 Financial Physics Rule Four: everything eventually rises04:05 Stocks are ownership, not a casino bet05:13 Macroeconomic gravity and two centuries of productivity07:45 From $48 to $90,000 of U.S. output per person08:22 Letting thousands of companies do the heavy lifting09:18 AI, global output, and a Social Security token tax11:03 Why the next century demands global diversification13:35 Should emergency-fund money ever go into stocks?19:56 Inherited IRAs and qualified charitable distributions21:40 BND versus TIPS and ultra-short bond funds26:59 Why preferred stocks are not bond substitutes29:13 Theme-song experiments and the Talking Real Money singersQuestions? Comments? Click!

New Trump accounts are now open for enrollment, and the question we're hearing from clients isn't whether they're worth considering. It's how they stack up against the accounts families have already been using for years, 529 plans, UTMA and UGMA custodial accounts, brokerage accounts, and Roth or traditional IRAs for kids. This episode is the follow-up to our first Trump accounts conversation, and it's the one to listen to if you're trying to figure out which account, or which combination of accounts, actually fits your family's goals.Taylor Wolverton, our Director of Financial Planning and Tax Strategy, joins Murs Tariq again to walk through each option side by side. They cover contribution limits, tax treatment, distribution restrictions, and the one detail about Roth IRAs that most social media advice leaves out entirely. There's no single best account here, and that's the point. The right strategy usually combines two or three of these tools, and this episode gives you the framework to figure out which ones belong in yours.In this episode, find out:Why Trump accounts don't require your child to have earned income, and how that changes the math compared to a Roth IRAHow the Trump-account-to-Roth conversion works once your child turns 18, and why timing it right could mean decades of tax-free growthWhat's changed about 529 plans that makes them far more flexible than the version most parents remember, including the new Roth rollover optionThe real trade-off behind UTMA and UGMA custodial accounts, and why control matters more than most families realize until it's goneThe one requirement missing from nearly every "open your kid a Roth IRA" post you see online, and what to do about it if your kids aren't earning yetTweetable Quotes:"There's not one that's just like, quote unquote, best. It really depends on what your goal is with these accounts and what you're trying to accomplish." — Taylor Wolverton"The Trump account kind of helps you navigate building that wealth without having to worry as much about earned income." — Murs TariqResources:If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of the most widely used retirement savings vehicles, yet many investors are unsure how they work. Mark Riepe breaks down IRA basics, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, contribution limits, tax advantages, withdrawal rules, and eligibility requirements. He also explains key differences between IRA types and offers a framework for evaluating which option may fit your retirement-planning goals. Whether you're opening your first IRA or comparing retirement account options, this episode provides a practical guide to understanding the fundamentals. After you listen: Read the article "What Is an IRA? Traditional, Roth, and Other Types of IRAs." Learn more about IRAs and what to consider for your retirement planning. Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.  If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show. Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes. Important Disclosures This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Roth IRA conversions require a 5-year holding period before earnings can be withdrawn tax free and subsequent conversions will require their own 5-year holding period. In addition, earnings distributions prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to an early withdrawal penalty. Withdrawals and distributions of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and, if made prior to age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty, sometimes referred to as an additional income tax.  You generally have to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) no later than April 1st of the year following the calendar year you reach age 73 or retire, whichever is later. If you were born on or before June 30, 1949, the required minimum distribution age is 70½. If you were born after June 30, 1949 and before January 1, 1951, the required minimum distribution age is 72. If you own 5% or more of the business sponsoring the Plan, other provisions may apply. Refer to your Plan document for details. However, you are not required to take a minimum distribution from your Roth accounts during your lifetime. A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options, which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment-related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. ​Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 0826-RTYC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1039. Laura answers a listener's question about managing multiple 401(k)s with her current and previous employers. Find out the pros and cons of holding old retirement plans, how to streamline your strategy, and simultaneously reach other financial goals, like homeownership.Key takeawaysConsolidating old retirement plans into one low-cost IRA or your current employer's plan simplifies your asset allocation and protects your retirement growth from redundant account fees.Always request a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover when moving funds between retirement accounts to eliminate the risk of missing the strict 60-day deadline.Workplace retirement plans offer federal protection against creditors with no dollar limit. IRAs are protected by state-specific laws, making plan-to-plan rollovers an attractive choice for those prioritizing maximum creditor protection. First-time homebuyers can withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free (but not tax-free) from an IRA ($20,000 for qualifying married couples) for a primary residence.Early retirement withdrawals for a home down payment should generally be secondary to building a dedicated home down payment savings fund.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookMoney Girl NewsletterThe Money Stack NewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An individual retirement account, or IRA, can be a valuable tool for long-term saving. But like any financial tool, it needs to be understood and used wisely. Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” That's good wisdom for every area of life, including how we manage money. As stewards, we don't want to make financial decisions simply because an account is popular or because someone told us we ought to have one. We want to understand the tools available to us and use them with wisdom, patience, and trust in the Lord. So, how well do you really know your IRA? Let's walk through a few common misconceptions with a simple true-or-false quiz. True or false: You can contribute to an IRA even if you already have a retirement plan through your employer. True. You can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA even if you also participate in a 401(k), 403(b), or another workplace retirement plan. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute across all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined is $7,500, or $8,600 if you're age 50 or older. You'll need enough taxable compensation to support your contribution, and income limits may affect whether you can deduct a traditional IRA contribution or contribute directly to a Roth IRA. The important point is that having access to a workplace retirement plan does not necessarily prevent you from contributing to an IRA. These accounts can often work together as part of a thoughtful long-term strategy. True or false: An IRA is an account that holds investments, not an investment by itself. True. Think of an IRA as a container. The account itself provides certain tax advantages, but what happens to the money depends largely on the investments you choose to hold inside it. Depending on your IRA custodian, those investments might include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, money market funds, or other investment options. That distinction matters. Sometimes someone will say, “I bought an IRA,” when what they really mean is that they opened an IRA and then invested the money inside it. The IRA is the account. The investments within that account determine how the money is put to work. There are also limits on what an IRA can hold. IRA funds generally cannot be invested in life insurance or collectibles. Certain precious metals may qualify if they meet specific IRS requirements and are held properly. Self-directed IRAs can provide access to more specialized investments, but greater flexibility can also bring greater complexity and risk. As with any financial decision, it's important to understand what you own and why you own it. True or false: Your will determines who receives your IRA, regardless of the beneficiary listed on the account. False. An IRA allows you to name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the account when you die. Those assets generally transfer directly to the beneficiaries outside of probate. In most cases, the beneficiary designation on the account takes precedence over what your will says. That's why beneficiary designations shouldn't be treated as something you set once and forget. Review them periodically, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the birth or adoption of a child. Estate planning is about more than documents. It's about making your intentions clear and preparing well for those who may one day steward what you leave behind. True or false: Traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions. True. Traditional IRAs are generally subject to required minimum distributions, commonly called RMDs. For those subject to the current age-73 rule, the first distribution generally must be taken by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73. After that, annual RMDs are typically due by December 31. Failing to withdraw the required amount can result in a significant tax penalty, though that penalty may be reduced when the mistake is corrected promptly. Roth IRAs work differently. The original owner generally does not have to take required minimum distributions during his or her lifetime. Because contributions are made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals can also be tax-free. Those differences are important when deciding how various retirement accounts may fit into your broader financial plan. Retirement Accounts Are Tools, Not Our Security So, how did you do on the quiz? The goal isn't to become a retirement expert overnight. It's to keep growing in wisdom. An IRA can be a useful tool for preparing for the future, but no retirement account can provide ultimate security. Our hope is not in an IRA, a pension, a 401(k), or the number on a balance sheet. Our hope is in Christ. That changes the deeper question we ask about retirement planning. Instead of simply asking, “How much can I accumulate?” we can also ask, “Am I using what God has entrusted to me in a way that reflects faithfulness, generosity, and eternal priorities?” Retirement accounts are simply tools in the hands of a steward. Understanding how they work helps us use them wisely—but remembering whom they ultimately belong to helps us use them faithfully. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 68, and my husband is 71. We're retired with about $500,000 invested, a $100,000 mortgage at 2.75%, and a $30,000 car loan at 4.99%. We wanted to pay them off from our investments, but our advisor says the tax bill would be about $37,000 and recommends using a HELOC instead, then making one annual payment from our investments. Does that strategy make sense? He also recommends a trust, but we already have wills and our final arrangements paid for. Why might we still need one? My grandson is moving to Bali for two years for work. Should he send his earnings back to the U.S., or open a local bank account and keep the money there? I'm 61 and hope to retire at 63. About 80% of our retirement savings is pre-tax, and 20% is Roth. If we withdraw from pre-tax accounts first, our income could exceed the ACA subsidy limits. Should we consider Roth conversions or use Roth withdrawals earlier to better manage our MAGI and healthcare costs? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How well do you know your IRA? An Individual Retirement Account can be a helpful tool for long-term saving; however, like any financial tool, it needs to be understood and used wisely. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West walks through a few common misunderstandings, and he may even clear up some uncertainty along the way. Then, it’s on to calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live—where biblical wisdom meets today’s financial decisions—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Funding, not deals, is often the real bottleneck in real estate investing. If you've been relying on banks or hard money lenders, you already know how slow, expensive, and restrictive they can be. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jay Conner, who has flipped and rehabbed over 500 single-family properties in eastern North Carolina and automated his seven‑figure business down to less than 10 hours a week, shows you a different path: private money. Since 2009, Jay hasn't missed out on a single deal due to lack of funding. He breaks down exactly what private money is (and what it's not), how it differs from hard money and bank financing, and why working directly with individual private lenders can transform your speed, flexibility, and profit margins. You'll discover how everyday people, often using self-directed IRAs, can become your lenders, earning solid, secured returns while you gain fast, reliable funding for your flips, rehabs, and single-family projects. Jay walks through his relationship-first approach to finding and educating private lenders, including how he “diagnoses” whether someone has an investment problem before ever offering a solution. You'll hear why the old saying “get the deal and the money will show up” is dangerous, and how Jay instead lines up capital first, then uses his signature “good news phone call” to place his lenders' money, without ever “asking for money.” He also shares his preferred strategies for single-family deals, from flipping and MLS resales to lease options, rent-to-own, and work-for-equity exits. You'll learn his simple formula for not overpaying for properties, how he protects his lenders with conservative loan-to-value (LTV) limits, proper collateralization, and why he often gets paid to buy houses by borrowing up to 75% of the after-repaired value (ARV). Jay explains how strong relationships with attorneys, title companies, and lenders allow him to confidently offer seven-day closings that sellers love. https://youtu.be/LttbnLZFK8M?si=Sbsqi0MAtm0LPx45 Jay also highlights his national best-selling book, Where To Get The Money Now: How and Where to Get Money for Your Real Estate Deals Without Relying on Traditional (or Hard Money) Lenders, which lays out his full system for raising and structuring private money. Combined with his scripts, frameworks, and real-world examples, this episode shows that raising private capital doesn't have to be complicated or salesy; it can be a straightforward, repeatable system that fuels your deals and builds real wealth for both you and your lenders. Quotes: “One of the biggest lies in real estate is ‘get the deal under contract, and the money will show up.' That's the most stupid thing I ever heard in my life.” “I want my private lenders to think of themselves as the bank. They're secured by a note, a deed of trust, insurance, and title; just like the bank would be.” “Private money is a simple business once you understand the moving parts; most new investors fail because they overcomplicate it.” Contact Details: Visit Jay Conner's website and Discover Proven Private Money Strategies Secure your Seat at the Private Money Conference Connect with Jay Conner on LinkedIn for Expert Insights on Private Money Lending Follow Jay Conner on Facebook for Expert Tips on Private Money Apple Podcasts: Raising Private Money with Jay Conner Subscribe to Jay Conner's YouTube Channel to Start Learning Private Money Funding Tips Follow Jay Conner on Instagram for Insights on Private Money Grab your Copy of Jay Conner's Book Unlock Jay Conner's Proven Private Money Scripts by Downloading them for Free Today! Where To Get The Money Now on Amazon

Your home may be more than a place to live in retirement. For some homeowners, it can also become a strategic financial resource—one that may help manage taxable income, protect investments during market downturns, and create greater flexibility around retirement withdrawals. Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to explain how a reverse mortgage—specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—can fit into a thoughtful retirement income strategy. A reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. But when used carefully as part of a broader financial plan, home equity may provide retirees with options they would not otherwise have. Why Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Are Different From Income One of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that homeowners sell or give up ownership of their homes. That is not the case. A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the home, and the homeowner retains title as long as the requirements of the loan are met. Because the money received through a reverse mortgage is generally considered loan proceeds rather than earned or investment income, it is not typically included as taxable income on a federal income tax return. That distinction can be significant in retirement. Many retirees rely on a combination of Social Security, pensions, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s. Withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts generally increase taxable income, potentially affecting tax brackets and other income-based thresholds. Home equity can provide another source of cash. Instead of withdrawing every needed dollar from a traditional IRA or 401(k), a retiree may be able to strategically use home equity for a portion of living expenses. That could reduce the amount that must be withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts in a given year. The goal is not simply to avoid taxes. It is to thoughtfully manage when and how taxable income is recognized. Managing Retirement Withdrawals More Strategically Taxes in retirement are often about timing. Withdraw too much from a traditional retirement account in one year, and you may move into a higher tax bracket or cross other important income thresholds. Later in retirement, required minimum distributions can further limit how much control retirees have over taxable withdrawals. Social Security also adds another consideration. Depending on a retiree's income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. That makes coordinating income sources especially important. For some retirees, access to home equity may allow them to take smaller taxable distributions during certain years while drawing on a reverse mortgage for additional cash needs. Meanwhile, money that remains invested has more opportunity to continue growing. That does not mean borrowing against a home is always preferable to withdrawing from investments. Reverse mortgages have costs, interest accrues on the loan balance, and using home equity reduces the equity that may otherwise remain available later. The question is whether strategically combining these resources could produce a better overall retirement outcome. Creating Flexibility for Roth Conversions Home equity may also play a role in Roth conversion planning. A Roth conversion involves moving money from a traditional IRA or other eligible tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA. The amount converted is generally taxable in the year of the conversion, but qualified Roth withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. For some retirees, converting portions of traditional retirement accounts during lower-income years can make sense. The challenge is paying the resulting tax bill. Suppose someone converts a significant amount from a traditional IRA and then withdraws even more from that IRA to pay the taxes. That additional withdrawal can create additional taxable income, potentially making the strategy less efficient. A reverse mortgage may provide another option. Home equity could potentially be used to cover living expenses or the tax liability associated with a Roth conversion, allowing the retiree to better control how much is withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts. Over time, carefully planned conversions can also reduce the amount remaining in traditional accounts that may eventually be subject to required minimum distributions. Roth conversions involve many variables—including current and future tax rates, income needs, Medicare considerations, estate goals, and the retiree's overall financial picture—so they should be evaluated with qualified tax and financial professionals. Protecting Investments During Market Downturns Another potential use of a reverse mortgage is addressing what financial planners call sequence-of-returns risk. Sequence risk refers to the danger of experiencing significant investment losses early in retirement while simultaneously withdrawing money from the portfolio. Imagine that the market falls sharply and a retiree must sell investments to pay living expenses. Those shares are sold at depressed prices and are no longer invested when markets eventually recover. That combination of losses and withdrawals can make it much harder for a portfolio to recover. For retirees with sufficient home equity, a reverse mortgage line of credit may serve as what some planners call a buffer asset. Instead of selling investments during a severe market decline, a retiree might temporarily draw from home equity. When markets recover, withdrawals could shift back to the investment portfolio. Depending on the loan and financial circumstances, homeowners may also choose to repay some of what they borrowed, preserving greater home equity for future use. The broader principle is diversification—not merely among investments, but among the resources available to fund retirement. Home Equity Is a Tool, Not the Goal For many Americans, their home represents one of their largest financial assets. Yet traditional retirement planning often treats that wealth as untouchable until the home is sold or passed to heirs. A reverse mortgage can provide another option. That does not mean every retiree should borrow against a home. The costs, interest, estate implications, housing plans, and long-term needs all matter. Homeowners must also continue meeting loan requirements, including paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintaining the property. But for the right household, home equity may become one piece of a coordinated retirement strategy—helping manage taxable withdrawals, create flexibility for Roth conversions, or avoid selling investments at an unfavorable time. As stewards, the goal is not simply to preserve every dollar of home equity or maximize every investment account. It is to wisely consider all the resources God has entrusted to us and use them with purpose. A home is first a place to live. But in retirement, it may also be a financial resource worth thoughtfully considering as part of the bigger picture. To learn more about reverse mortgages and Movement Mortgage, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My daughter turns 20 in December and recently earned her nail technician license, but she isn't working yet. How can I help her start building credit and develop good saving habits? My husband and I are considering a reverse mortgage. Would we still own our home, and could we eventually sell it to a family member if we want to keep it in the family? I live on Social Security, have a paid-off home, a four-month emergency fund, and $75,000 in a CD. I received an offer to buy $5 gold pieces for $469 each, with a minimum purchase of five. Would buying gold like this be a wise move for me? My husband passed away, I used up my savings, and now I'm overwhelmed by debt. I enrolled in a debt-relief program that promised to lower my interest rates, but I'm not seeing much progress. What should I do next? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Movement Mortgage Capital One Savor Rewards Card for Students Bankrate | NerdWallet Open Hands Finance FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What should you do when a large sum of money suddenly comes your way? In this episode of Without the Bank, Mary Jo Irmen explains pratical financial strategies and how to think through a lump sum from an inheritance, business sale, real estate transaction, oil or mineral income, death benefit, or other unexpected source of money. Mary Jo compares different ways to structure and manage a lump sum, including IRAs, annuities, CDs, brokerage accounts, and properly designed life insurance. She discusses liquidity, taxes, market risk, required distributions, long-term care, future cash flow, and how your decisions may affect the money you leave to your heirs. The central question is not simply, "Where should I put the money?" It is: "What is this money supposed to accomplish, and how can I structure it around my life, cash flow, and legacy goals?" Mary Jo also shares examples involving oil income, inherited wealth, and a potential $17 million death benefit to illustrate why large sums require careful planning rather than an impulse purchase or a rushed investment decision. Chapters 00:00 Don't Blow the Windfall 00:26 Welcome and Big Money Questions 00:52 What Counts as a Lump Sum 01:27 Small Windfalls and Premium Reality 03:17 Single Premium and Tax Tradeoffs 03:51 Oil Money and Irregular Income 05:29 Where to Park Extra Cash 11:05 Spending Traps and Lottery Lessons 12:47 Skepticism on High Return Promises 17:21 Why Life Insurance Wins Long Term 18:55 Long Term Care and Legacy Goals 21:18 Key Takeaways and Next Steps

COULD YOUR WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY HURT YOUR RETIREMENT? WATCH ON YOUTUBE Tyler Cunningham, CFP®, CEPS, CDFA® Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Could your retirement withdrawal strategy have a greater impact than your investment returns? In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about sequence of returns risk and why the timing of withdrawals can significantly influence retirement outcomes. Although two retirees may earn the same average rate of return, the order in which those returns occur can produce very different long-term results. Tyler explains why creating cash reserves, strategically structuring retirement income, and understanding distribution options can help reduce unnecessary risk. He also discusses when rolling assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan to an IRA may provide greater flexibility for managing retirement income. To learn more about BWFA’s Financial Planning services, visit our Financial Planning page. Read Full Description Two retirees can have nearly identical portfolios and earn the same average rate of return. Yet one may reach a very different financial outcome than the other. One reason is sequence of returns risk, which refers to the order in which investment gains and losses occur after retirement. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about why withdrawal timing matters. Tyler explains how taking retirement distributions during a market decline can permanently reduce a portfolio’s value. He also discusses why preparing before retirement is just as important as selecting the right investments. The conversation explores practical strategies that may help reduce sequence of returns risk. Tyler explains why maintaining cash reserves or fixed income investments can help retirees avoid selling investments during market downturns. He also discusses how creating separate income “buckets” may improve long-term retirement outcomes. The episode also examines the differences between employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs. Tyler explains why IRAs often provide greater flexibility when selecting which investments to sell for retirement income. In addition, he discusses common withdrawal mistakes and why distribution planning should consider both investment performance and taxes.

Most of the folks at Fox News last week looked like they would rather endure a drug-free root canal performed by a trained chimpanzee than talk about Trump's disastrous war in Iran. The conflict that was supposed to be over in a matter of weeks has dragged on for months with no real end in sight.More American troops have paid the ultimate sacrifice as Iran managed to strike U.S. a military base in Jordan. As soon as the first retaliatory strike was launched at an Iranian target gas prices spiked.As the midterm elections loom Trump is dropping like a stone in the polls. Most of the president's campaign promises have not materialized as grocery prices remain stubbornly high, mortgage rates have spiked, Black and Latino unemployment are higher now than when Trump started his second term, the national debt has increasedand residential electricity rates have gone up in nearly every state.The war in the Middle East will only make everything worse for Trump as it has caused an increase in the price of petroleum-based fuels along with fertilizer. His plan to add additional tariffs to nearly every country on planet earth won't ease the affordability crisis.The president continues to boast to the American public about a booming stock market, but the average citizen won't touch most of their investments until retirement. The gains they might see in their 401(k) plans, IRAs or stock portfolios are just Monopoly money until they sell.Trump is slowly sinking a ship he managed to pull out of the depths of his party's losses in 2020 and the riot on January 6th.Last week Fox News hosts openly called the war unpopular and questioned how the so called decimated Iranian military was able to strike U.S. targets. Jesse Watters was the only Fox News hosts who has not lost faith. Even Sean Hannity couldn't muster much enthusiasm for the conflict.Producers at The Five decided the war wasn't even worth covering so it wasn't mentioned for most of the week. Laura Ingraham spent more time discussing the woke leadership at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.The network put far more focus on trashing Democrats last week than covering a regional Middle East conflict that could spiral out of control at any moment. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decodingfoxnews.substack.com/subscribe

Most investors think retirement accounts are only for stocks and mutual funds. Adam Bergman, founder of IRA Financial, explains how wealthy investors use self-directed IRAs, Roth IRAs, and alternative investments like private equity and real estate to build long-term wealth. Learn the biggest retirement investing mistakes, key IRS rules, and strategies that can help you maximize your retirement portfolio.Have more questions, or want more resources like a tax calculator? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://investlikeabillionaire.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  to learn more about our community. Check out Ben & Bob's company and invest along at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aspenfunds.us/

For many Americans, the idea of retiring before age 59 and a half often seems out of reach, particularly when the bulk of their savings sits in an employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) plan. Traditionally, the tax code penalizes early withdrawals from these accounts. However, the Rule of 55 could open the door to a more flexible, penalty-free early retirement. On this episode, I'll share more about this IRS provision, who qualifies, how to use it wisely, and potential hazards to avoid.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Overview of the Rule of 55 and its relevance to retirement savers [02:20] IRS provision allowing penalty-free withdrawals before age 59½ [05:03] Withdrawing from employer 401k early [07:19] Understanding the Rule of 55 [10:06] Common scenarios where Rule of 55 is useful [12:11] Does not apply if funds are rolled into an IRA    A Deep Dive Into the Rule of 55 The IRS usually limits penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans until you are 59½. Withdrawals before then typically face a 10% early withdrawal penalty on top of regular income taxes. The Rule of 55 is an exception, allowing people who leave their jobs in or after the calendar year they turn 55 to access funds from their employer's plan without being penalized.   There are several conditions to qualify: You must have left (voluntarily or involuntarily) your employer on or after reaching age 55 within the same calendar year. The funds must remain in the retirement plan of your most recent employer; this rule does not apply to old 401(k)s or IRAs.   Who Qualifies for the Rule of 55? To benefit from the Rule of 55, you must separate from your employer (by retiring, being laid off, or quitting) in the year you turn 55 or later. Importantly, the provision only applies to the plan at your most recent employer. If you have funds in 401(k)s from previous jobs, they are not eligible—unless you move those funds into your current employer's plan before you separate. This rule does not apply to IRAs of any kind.   Strategic Considerations Before Using the Rule Accessing your retirement funds early can provide flexibility, but there may also be drawbacks. Consider the following aspects before making withdrawals:   1. Plan-Specific Rules Not every employer allows post-separation distributions that leverage the Rule of 55. Check your plan document or HR department to confirm eligibility. Some plans may even restrict withdrawals to lump-sum distributions—a move that could trigger a significant tax event.   2. Tax Implications The Rule of 55 lets you avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty, but income taxes still apply to distributions from pre-tax 401(k)s. If you're withdrawing from a Roth 401(k), only qualified distributions escape taxation, earnings could still be taxed if the account isn't at least five years old or you haven't reached 59½.   3. Returning to Work You can still take penalty-free withdrawals from your old plan and work elsewhere, you just can't return to the same employer and continue penalty-free distributions from that plan.   4. Preserving Your Nest Egg Large or ill-timed withdrawals can erode your investments and disrupt your long-term retirement security. It's crucial to view withdrawals in the context of a potential 25- to 35-year retirement span.   Common Scenarios and Use Cases   Unexpected Job Loss: After an unexpected layoff at age 57, you can supplement your income using penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals until age 59½. Bridging Pension Gaps: If your pension doesn't kick in until 60 but you retire at 56, the Rule of 55 can provide necessary cash flow for those interim years. Semi-Retirement Transitions: Those shifting to part-time work or consulting may use partial withdrawals to cover living expenses while ramping up new income streams.   Using the Rule of 55 requires careful planning and a clear understanding of your plan's rules and your long-term income needs. Before making any moves, consult with a financial advisor to develop a sustainable retirement withdrawal strategy. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Topic no. 558, Additional tax on early distributions from retirement plans other than IRAs   Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan  

There is over $33 trillion sitting in U.S. retirement accounts, yet millions of Americans leave their financial futures entirely in the hands of Wall Street. In this episode, Kris Krohn sits down with attorney and self-directed IRA expert Mat Sorensen to discuss how you can take total control of your retirement funds. Learn how to leverage self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s to build tax-free wealth through real estate and alternative investments, avoid costly legal mistakes, and stop settling for mediocre returns.

Connect With ChazIn January 2009, Jay Conner had two houses under contract and a banker who had just told him his line of credit was closed. No warning. No grace period. The global financial crisis had arrived and Jay was not prepared.He asked himself one question: who do I know who can help me with this problem? Nine days later he had raised $2,150,000 in private money without asking a single person for it. Since then he has never asked anyone for money. He currently has $8.5 million in private money available and has completed over $52 million in real estate transactions across more than 500 homes rehabbed.In this conversation with Chaz Wolfe, Jay breaks down his exact private money framework: the mindset shift that separates desperate fundraising from confident education, the two-conversation rule that eliminates awkwardness entirely, the good news phone call script that funds deals without pitching, and why there is more money available right now than most people will ever access because they are asking the wrong question the wrong way.Key Takeaways:The single most powerful question in business: who do you know who can help you with this problem? Not how. Who.Desperation has a smell. The moment you teach the program and pitch the deal in the same conversation, your potential lender smells it even when you do not intend to.Separate the conversations. Conversation one: teach the program. How it works, what the interest rate is, how they get their money back, the maximum loan to value. No deal mentioned. Conversation two: the good news phone call. Only happens when you have a deal ready to fund.The good news phone call script is four sentences. Here is a house I have under contract. Here is the after-repaired value. Here is the funding required. Here is when I need the wire. End of conversation. Do not ask if they want to fund the deal. Of course they do. They have been waiting for the call.There is currently $31 trillion in investment capital and retirement funds sitting on the sidelines in the United States. Most of it belongs to people who do not know what to do with it and are getting poor returns or taking stock market risk they do not want.Self-directed IRAs are the funding vehicle most real estate investors have never heard of and most financial advisors have never explained. They allow individuals to loan retirement funds directly to real estate investors, earning returns either tax-deferred or tax-free.You make the rules in private lending. You set the interest rate, the loan-to-value, the terms, the timeline. You are not begging a bank. You are offering an opportunity to someone who needs somewhere to put their money.There are more dollars available than there are deals. Abundance is not a mindset exercise. It is a fact. $31 trillion in idle capital says so.100 percent of Jay's private lenders have been paid exactly what the promissory note said. That track record is the entire marketing strategy.Real estate between your ears comes before real estate on the ground. If you are not confident about what you are offering, no one will trust you enough to hand you their retirement savings.If you are a contractor business owner doing $1M+ and you feel stuck in the day-to-day, we built GTK for you.Through peer mastermind and 1:1 coaching, we help you:increase profitinstall real systemsbuild a team that runs the businessget your time backVisit www.gatheringthekings.com for information on how to apply.Connect with Chaz Wolfe (Host):WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTube Vacation With Entrepreneurial FamiliesEntrepreneur families grow closer, dream bigger, & build legacy together. Join our Family Vacation.Profit Starts with Better Books!Clean books. Clear reports. Monthly bookkeeping built by business owners, for business owners.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLike what you heard? Share this episode with a friend and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Join the conversation by visiting GatheringTheKings.com and apply to connect with other high-performing entrepreneurs and their families.

"Bitcoin secures over a trillion dollars in value. It has no security team." Luke de Wolf is a cybersecurity professional and author of Defending Bitcoin. Luke spent his career defending critical infrastructure, the control systems behind power grids and gas pipelines. His claim: Bitcoin is the world's first decentralized critical infrastructure, and it should be defended with the same risk-management frameworks that protect the physical world. A trillion-dollar network with no security team. And Luke is a former BIP-110 skeptic who flipped to supporting it making him a moderate who pisses off both sides. We get into the CIA triad and why availability is the whole game, people as the weakest link and the Stuxnet lesson, the real cost of running a node over time, spam as a DDoS and the hidden tax on Bitcoin, the two CVEs behind inscriptions, and the full BIP-110 fight. We discuss why he flipped, the game theory of activation, soft fork vs hard fork, the intolerant minority, and whether BIP-110 even has a failed state. This is the defender's case for Bitcoin, and the fight is happening right now. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

What does it really take to build a happy retirement? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they blend retirement planning research with listener questions to explore the financial and lifestyle choices that may help shape life after work. • Learn how the five-step Retire Sooner Method brings together the financial and personal sides of retirement planning. • See how retirement "green zones" may help you think about savings, income, liquidity, and mortgage decisions. • Explore why core pursuits, strong friendships, and even better sleep have been linked to greater retirement satisfaction. • Hear practical conversations about written financial plans and other habits that may help reduce money-related stress. • Get answers to listener questions about AI financial tools, Roth conversions, bond funds versus money markets, spousal IRAs, retirement income, paying off a mortgage, reverse mortgages, and annuities. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about retirement planning, retirement investing, and personal finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to take more control of your retirement investments? Directed IRA helps investors diversify beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds by investing retirement funds into alternative assets like real estate, private funds, private lending, startups, crypto, and more. Schedule a call to get started: https://directedira.com/appointment/We've also published a detailed breakdown of the proposed legislation and what it could mean for self-directed IRA investors:https://directedira.com/new-legislation-targeting-self-directed-iras/Self-directed IRAs have helped investors build wealth by investing in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, private lending, crypto, and more. Now, a newly proposed bill in Washington, D.C. has sparked concerns about the future of retirement accounts.In this video, we break down the proposed legislation, why it was introduced, who it targets, and what it could mean for self-directed IRA investors. We also discuss what the proposal does not change, including the ability to continue self-directing your retirement account under current law.Whether you're already investing with a self-directed IRA or just exploring your options, this episode will help you understand the facts behind the headlines and what to watch as the proposal moves through Congress.In this video, you'll learn:• What the proposed legislation aims to change• Who could be affected by the bill• Why retirement accounts over $10 million are being targeted• What remains unchanged for most self-directed IRA investors• What to keep an eye on as the proposal developsFollow for more education on self-directed IRAs, alternative investments, and retirement strategies to help you invest with confidence.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

If you're a business owner looking to give your child a head start with their retirement, book a call with Directed IRA to learn more about the Kid's Roth!: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Open a Trump Account here: https://trumpaccounts.gov/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down one of the newest retirement savings vehicles available to families: the Trump Account. They explain who qualifies, how the account works, and why they believe it has the potential to become a powerful long-term wealth-building tool for children. The discussion goes beyond the basics, covering tax strategies, Roth conversion opportunities, employer contribution rules, and how parents can use these accounts to teach their children the importance of investing from an early age.Main Topics CoveredWhat a Trump Account is and who is eligible to open one.How the government's $1,000 contribution works for qualifying children.Annual contribution limits and who can contribute to the account.Why starting to invest early can lead to significant long-term growth through compounding.The tax treatment of Trump Accounts and why Roth conversions can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.How to navigate the "kiddie tax" and strategies for minimizing taxes during Roth conversions.Employer contribution opportunities and how business owners can potentially create tax deductions while funding a child's account.How Trump Accounts compare to the Kids Roth IRA strategy and when each may make sense.Why investment flexibility after age 18 can create even greater wealth-building opportunities through self-directed IRAs.The importance of teaching children about investing so they understand how to preserve and grow their retirement savings for the future.Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or business owner, this episode provides practical strategies for helping the next generation build wealth while taking advantage of new tax-advantaged opportunities.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

P.M. Edition for July 22. WSJ special writer Theo Francis explains how startup founders, hedge-fund managers and Silicon Valley insiders are using IRAs to supercharge their wealth. Plus, trade uncertainty comes roaring back. WSJ trade and economic policy reporter Gavin Bade explains the Trump administration's new front on tariffs. And Journal reporter Sam Federman explains how the New York Mets turned baseball's highest payroll into its biggest waste of money. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Most of the money problems we talk about with Bitcoin — they're not money problems. They're time problems." Scott Dedels — founder of Block Rewards and author of The Age of Time — says the clock is a technology. It was invented about 600 years ago, and somewhere along the way we forgot it was ever invented at all. His claim: the problem of time is upstream of the problem of money. Fiat was downstream of a civilization that had already agreed to be ruled by a machine that only moves forward, in the direction of consumption. We went from asking what is time to only ever asking what time is it. We get into the Prague Orloj and the birth of mechanical time, the 1944 essay that turned time into a commodity, Saturn as civilization's invisible operating system, why we stopped building 300-year cathedrals, AI and the information hyperstream — and Bitcoin as a ten-minute heartbeat no one controls. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – There are millions of real people wondering how they'll pay rent, afford groceries, purchase medication, or simply retire with dignity. President Trump recently signed an executive order establishing TrumpIRA.gov, a Treasury Department initiative designed to connect workers with high-quality, low-cost private-sector IRAs while expanding...

Can you really overhaul 50 years of money habits — and are the drivers paying the highest prices per gallon actually the ones hurting most from rising gas prices? Host Sean Pyles, CFP© and Elizabeth Ayoola are joined by senior news writer Anna Helhoski and joined by data studies Nerd, Kurt Woock, to unpack why the price on the sign at the gas station doesn't tell the whole story about how gas prices hit your budget. They break down why states like Wyoming, Oklahoma, Montana and Utah saw the biggest jumps in weekly gas spending this year — even though they don't have the highest prices at the pump — and why total spending, not the price per gallon, is what really matters when you're budgeting. Then, Sean and Elizabeth answer a question from a 50-year-old listener named David, who's trying to reset a lifetime of impulse spending and build a real retirement plan on a later timeline. They walk through catch-up contributions for IRAs, 401(k)s and HSAs, why automated savings buckets and an emergency fund matter more than ever at this stage, and how to think through the tradeoffs of claiming Social Security early versus waiting. Gas Costs (Not Just Pump Prices) Hit Some States Harder: https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-gas-prices-costs Catch-Up Contributions: How They Work and 2026 Limits: https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/catch-up-contributions Average Retirement Savings by Age: https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/the-average-retirement-savings-by-age-and-why-you-need-more Retirement Calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/retirement-calculator How to Invest With Your HSA — And Why You Should: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-invest-hsa NerdWallet Wealth Partners, fee-only financial advisors: https://nerdwalletwealthpartners.com/smart Smart Money's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@nerdwalletsmartmoney Subscribe to our podcast's free email newsletter for bonus content and more from our hosts at https://smartmoney-nerdwallet.beehiiv.com/ Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this highlight episode of Ask KT and Suze Anything, Suze answered your questions about beneficiaries of IRAs, student loans, filing taxes as a married couple and so much more. Learn more about the Ultimate Scam Protection here: SuzeOrman.com Watch Suze’s YouTube Channel Jumpstart financial wellness for your employees: https://bit.ly/SecureSave Protect your financial future with the Must Have Docs: https://bit.ly/3Vq1V3G Help with the Must Have Docs: Email:support@musthavedocuments.zendesk.com Phone: 888-510-0510 Get your savings going with Alliant Credit Union: https://bit.ly/3rg0Yio Get Suze’s special offers for podcast listeners at suzeorman.com/offer Join Suze’s Women & Money Community for FREE and ASK SUZE your questions which may just end up on the podcast. Download the app by following one of these links: CLICK HERE FOR APPLE: https://apple.co/2KcAHbH CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE PLAY: https://bit.ly/3curfMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.