Podcasts about Kiplinger

4-0 Texas must defeat bye week. Paul & Randy break down the big win over Tennessee, praise Will Muschamp and the defense, wonder about Sark and the offense, and debate whether Colin Simmons is the greatest edge in Texas Longhorn history. Also, what things can you charge to the game, exactly? Big week coming. Let the hate start to build.... Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laura@andyallenteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

"The biggest mistake parents can make is passing down money without communicating the family values that drive your thinking." Our hosts, Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines, dig into Kiplinger's October cover story on "the great wealth transfer," the slow handoff of an estimated $124 trillion from Baby Boomers to their children and grandchildren. That number is a bit misleading considering more than half of that wealth sits with the richest 2% of households, and a quarter of parents expect to leave less than $100,000. Citing the magazine's survey, roughly two in five families have never discussed how the older generation plans to pass down assets, and more parents claim to have had "the talk" than their kids remember hearing it. This unwillingness to talk it out goes both ways. Parents worry that talking could breed entitlement. Adult children, meanwhile, sometimes make major life decisions (having kids, choosing careers, buying homes) without knowing whether money is coming, only to be upended when it does. Their fix, echoing financial psychologist Brad Klontz, is to skip the one big, dreaded conversation in favor of many small ones, paired with practical basics like where documents live. They also make the case for gifting during your lifetime rather than only at death. After all, inheritances typically land when recipients are already in their 60s, which is well past when the money would have mattered most. Underneath the tax talk and gifting strategy sits something more personal: as one advisor quoted in the piece puts it, the number attached to a life of saving is really the story of that life, and sharing it is what brings families closer.   Key Topics: One Big Talk vs. Many Little Conversations (05:49) Build the Plan, Then Adapt as Life Unfolds (06:42) IRAs, Roths, and the Ten-Year Clock (16:33) Gifting Now vs. Waiting Until You're Gone (17:57) Guardrails for Giving While You're Alive (20:44) Money Lessons That Stick: Envelopes and Gas Pumps (22:43) Sharing Knowledge and Family History (26:58)   Resources: Diane Harris Kiplinger Article: Why So Many Families Are Unprepared for the Great Wealth Transfer — and What You Can Do About it Take Back Retirement Episode 33: What Women Need to Know about the Estate and Gift Tax System Take Back Retirement Episode 114: Child-free Estate Planning: Picking the Right People for Key Roles – and What to do if You are Picked! with Patricia De Fonte Take Back Retirement Episode 78: The Essential Rules to Know When You Inherit an IRA   If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com   You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.   Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.  Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The Friday Five for September 25, 2026: CMS Rebrands ICHRA as CHOICE SCAN Announces Co-Branded Plan Locations CMS Temporary Moratorium on New ACA Agent/Broker Registration The Part D Cliff & Costs for CY 2027 Ritter Summits Recap   Get Connected:

Paul & Randy break down the UTSA game briefly, laugh at the media for creating another athlete zombie, and then look forward to huge SEC opener against the Vols. Randy hydrates enthusiastically throughout. Finally, they close by breaking down the exciting SEC matchups this weekend. OU gonna fire errybody?Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laura@andyallenteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

⭐Let's make your financial story a heroic one! Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, there are five keys to a retirement plan that actually hold up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter — which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. The goal is to build a retirement that holds up over the long haul. If you want to run through these Five D's with your own situation, that's exactly what Jude is here for. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: ⏳ Duration: Planning for a potentially long retirement

Tyler welcomes estate planning attorney Connor Kelly of Kelly Law Firm to break down the new Kansas Community Property Trust Act under House Bill 2590. Connor explains the trade-offs and benefits and why it may be worth a closer look for some families. For the right couple, this could open a valuable planning opportunity, but only if they understand exactly what they're signing up for. Here's what we cover in this episode: ⚖️ Property Systems: The difference between common law property and community property

Paul & Randy break down the improbable, clutch and amazing win over the #1 Buckeyes in Austin. Texas threaded the needle. How on earth did they do it? What were the vibes in like in the stadium? Randy was there in person and Paul watched a lot of All 22. They have thoughts! It's not enough that we succeed, our enemies must also fail. They also break down the Oklahoma-Michigan game and Randy also took in the Aggies live in College Station. How are they shaping up? Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laura@andyallenteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Do you really need a financial advisor in retirement? Jeremy Keil argues that the answer depends on a better question: What do you actually want a financial advisor to do for you? After reading responses from Kiplinger readers about whether they use financial advisors, Jeremy noticed that most people immediately focused on investment management—choosing investments, managing portfolios, or trying to improve returns. Real retirement planning extends well beyond investments. For retirees deciding whether professional advice is worthwhile, start by identifying the problems you need help solving. Once you know what you need from an advisor, you can make a much better decision about whether—and what kind of—financial planner is right for you. For disclosures and conflicts visit keilfp.com/disclosures.

#088.  What does it take to go from a negative $50,000 net worth to becoming a debt-free, mortgage-free millionaire — all while putting your family first? This week's guest has done exactly that, and he's here to show you how.Andy Hill is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage, Kids and Money — one of the most recognized family finance platforms in the personal finance space with over 10 million podcast downloads. He's been featured in CNBC, Forbes, Kiplinger's, and NBC News, and recently released his debut book, Own Your Time: 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind.In this episode, Andy shares his remarkable journey from corporate burnout to owning a 3-day workweek, and breaks down the exact steps he and his wife Nicole took to build family wealth without sacrificing the life they actually wanted to live.We cover:How Andy and Nicole got on the same page financially — including the "volcano fight" that led them to marriage counseling and ultimately to Coast FIREWhat Coast FIRE is and why it's the most realistic path to time freedom for busy parentsThe 3-day workweek — what it looks like in practice and how to pursue it whether you're an entrepreneur or still in a traditional jobHow to make your kids millionaires using Andy's 60/40 generational wealth planWhy letting your kids make money mistakes early is one of the best financial gifts you can give themThe one thing Andy recommends every overwhelmed parent do today — and it only takes 10 minutesIf you're a parent looking to build real wealth, reclaim your time, and show your kids what financial freedom actually looks like, this episode is for you.Pick up Andy's book Own Your Time on Amazon or at marriagekidsandmoney.comShow notes and more at:https://moneydadpodcast.com/session088Support the show

Paul & Randy break down the Texas State win and talk about the larger weekend in college football, including Michigan's secret official clock, the LSU beatdown of Clemson, LSU's general silliness, Notre Dame potentially lacking ceiling and much more. Then, before they talk about the vibes before Texas faces Ohio State, Paul generously allows Randy to discuss the difficult Longhorn baseball schedule BRIEFLY. Then it's all Buckeyes talk. Does Randy think we will win by double digits? Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: ⁠⁠⁠⁠dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠laura@andyallenteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Paul & Randy address a terrific hypothetical meant to create a dissonance between your intellect and the heart of a fan. Under what circumstances would we tolerate a playoff berth? Then they discuss what we should look for against the Texas State Bobcats. We want clean execution, but we're going to be converting 3rd and 21 with a Cam Coleman deep shot, aren't we? Also, is a Bobcat just a Wildcat? How can Paul boost his October preview sales? Is LSU is going to get their asses kicked out of the SEC? What colors announcers can we tolerate. Why doesn't Paul know what a brandy snifter is? A lot to unpack!Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: ⁠⁠⁠dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com⁠⁠⁠. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb⁠⁠⁠ Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or ⁠⁠⁠laura@andyallenteam.com⁠⁠⁠.

Football! Paul & Randy are ready for Week Zero and you may be surprised by our genuine enthusiasm to watch North Dakota State make their FBS debut in the Fargo Dome. Of course, we also talk Longhorns, what we learned from camp, and what talking season points we're tired of reading and hearing. Finally, what does QBing have in common with navigating your backyard and finding tarantulas in the Peruvian jungle?Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: ⁠dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com⁠. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! ⁠https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb⁠ Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or ⁠laura@andyallenteam.com⁠.

Paul and Randy battle through technical difficulties like brave warriors despite Randy possibly wearing a yellow shirt, talk about the new and old faces they're most excited to see, they game plan Ohio State a little, talk about the urgency of the 2026 football season and ponder that which is ponderable. Join us and LFG!Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors.The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retiremen...05109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com.

With nearly 40 years in tax and wealth management, Mark Miller helps business owners, executives, and high-net-worth individuals build, protect, and sustain their wealth. As a best-selling author, his book Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty reveals the investment and tax strategies used by Fortune 500 firms and the Hilton family.Featured in over 200 major publications, including Kiplinger's, The New York Times, and Money Magazine, Mark has also appeared as a financial expert on Fox News and national media. Recognized as a Presidential Businessman of the Year, he received a personal commendation from President George W. Bush.Miller is the Managing Director of the Hilton Family office and CEO of Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors, partnered with J. Bradley Hilton , the grandson of the legendary Hotelier Conrad Hilton. Via their Hilton TruWealth Portfolios™, Mark empowers clients with Smart Money level wealth-building strategies, ensuring financial security and lasting legacies. Hilton's mission is to help clients invest and grow wealth like an American DynastyLearn More: https://www.hiltonwealth.comInfluential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-mark-miller-president-and-ceo-of-hilton-wealth

With nearly 40 years in tax and wealth management, Mark Miller helps business owners, executives, and high-net-worth individuals build, protect, and sustain their wealth. As a best-selling author, his book Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty reveals the investment and tax strategies used by Fortune 500 firms and the Hilton family.Featured in over 200 major publications, including Kiplinger's, The New York Times, and Money Magazine, Mark has also appeared as a financial expert on Fox News and national media. Recognized as a Presidential Businessman of the Year, he received a personal commendation from President George W. Bush.Miller is the Managing Director of the Hilton Family office and CEO of Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors, partnered with J. Bradley Hilton , the grandson of the legendary Hotelier Conrad Hilton. Via their Hilton TruWealth Portfolios™, Mark empowers clients with Smart Money level wealth-building strategies, ensuring financial security and lasting legacies. Hilton's mission is to help clients invest and grow wealth like an American DynastyLearn More: https://www.hiltonwealth.comInfluential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-mark-miller-president-and-ceo-of-hilton-wealth

The Friday Five for August 7, 2026: ACA 2027 Certification Updates CY2027 ACA Premium Rate Filings So Far CMS 2027 Medicare Part D Bid Information 2027 Medicare Part B Cost Projections 2027 COLA Estimate   Get Connected:

You're in for a real treat! It's the "Ask the Experts" bonus episode. We feature two (un)retirement experts who know a lot about what's really important. What you are actually going to do in retirement that will be new, super fun, intellectually stimulating and meaningful?  This year, we give you the best of both worlds by tapping into retirement wisdom on both sides, the financial strategy and planning but also the equally important emotional side. In both interviews, the experts give us some solid practical advice. Far from boring, this episode will also give you some new perspectives to ponder for your second half of life. First, we have Chris Taylor, an experienced journalist who has written financial articles for Reuters, NBCNews, Kiplinger, Fortune, Money , AARP, Wall Street Journal and more. Chris and Carl play a fun game of Family Feud about MONEY! Carl then talks with Dan Haylett, our second expert and Carl's new friend across the pond (in England). Dan delves into the human side of "What's next after retirement?" He is the host of the widely recognized "Humans vs Retirement" podcast, author of book, "The Retirement You Didn't See Coming" and he also advocates inverting traditional retirement advising by focusing on an individual's personal purpose and desired lifestyle before mapping out the math. Carl gets there's an emotional side to retirement. It's big! Dan says many people tend to make the common mistake of what's "enough" to retire. He also encourages you to think about who you are without that job title, (you're not the boss any more) plus more top-tier advice! (04:16) Chris Taylor interview (36:30) Dan Haylett interview • More About Chris Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christaylornyc/ • More About Dan Haylett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-haylett-retirement-coach/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/chris-taylor-dan-haylett-interviews-3rd-annual-meet-the-un-retirement-experts • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tour 2027 Bordeaux, France: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to the the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe  

There are three words that quietly end up costing more than almost any bad investment: "he handles it." Not because delegating is wrong, but because somewhere between division of labor and total disengagement, a line gets crossed that most couples never notice until a crisis forces them to. This episode is about that line, and about the less obvious ways money stress shows up when it's not just a spreadsheet problem, it's a physical one. Jill Schlesinger and Kristy Talorico both join the show, and each brings something you didn't know you needed to hear.What You'll Walk Away WithThe real difference between splitting responsibilities and losing all visibility into your own financial lifeA simple, low-stakes way to start a money conversation with a partner who's checked out, without triggering defensivenessWhy financial advisors dread meeting a client's "uninvolved" spouse for the first time after a deathWhat actually happens to your financial life if your money-handling spouse suddenly can't do it anymoreHow financial stress physically changes your body, according to a major new health studyWhy the standard advice to "just put more in your 401k" completely misses people who are financially struggling right nowThe surprising first place financial counselors suggest looking before you take out any kind of loanA behind-the-scenes look at how employers are (and aren't) using workplace benefits to actually help peopleWhy This Matters NowIn your 40s, you're often the connective tissue for your whole household's financial life, sometimes for a spouse, sometimes for aging parents, sometimes for kids just starting out. It's easy to assume that as long as someone in the relationship understands the money, everyone's fine. But real financial confidence means everyone involved has at least a working map of where things stand. This episode isn't about becoming an expert. It's about making sure "I don't really know" is never the answer when it matters most.From the BasementDoug's trivia question drags in an unexpected lesson about knowing what things actually mean, not just recognizing the name, which somehow ties together German car history and financial literacy in the same segment. Basement logic, but it works.Resources MentionedMoney Moves with Jill Schlesinger — Jill's new podcast with Mark TalercioJill on Money podcast — Jill Schlesinger's long-running personal finance show"The Most Dangerous Words I Hear From Married Couples: 'He Handles It'" — the Kiplinger piece referenced in the episodeBrightside Financial Care — Kristy Talorico's company, financial care benefits for employersFindhelp.org — the free navigation tool for local financial and hardship resourcesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Interview recorded - 23rd of July, 2026On this episode of the WTFinance podcast I had the pleasure of welcoming back Liz Ann Sonders. Liz Ann Sonders is the Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, one of the most widely followed voices in markets, known for cutting through noise with rigour and clarity rather than hype.During we the conversation we spoke about the economic overview, secular shifts in the markets, economic strength, global markets and more. 0:00 - Introduction2:56 - Overview of the economy and markets4:28 - Secular shift8:10 - Market is frothy10:31 - Underperforming segments13:03 - Economic strength15:31 - No rate hike19:58 - Warsh impact25:41 - Market concerns?29:17 - Global Markets31:44 - One message to takeaway?Liz Ann Sonders has a range of investment strategy responsibilities, from market and economic analysis to investor education, all focused on the individual investor.Liz Ann is the cohost of the On Investing podcast and a keynote speaker at numerous company and industry conferences. Liz Ann is regularly quoted in financial publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron's, and the Financial Times, and she appears as a regular guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business News, and the Schwab Network. Barron's has named her to its "100 Most Influential Women in Finance" every year since the list's inception, and Investment Advisor has included her on the "IA 25," its list of the 25 most important people in and around the financial advisory profession. Liz Ann has been named "Best Market Strategist" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance and one of SmartMoney magazine's "Power 30." Liz Ann has also been named to Forbes' 50 Over 50.In 1999, Liz Ann joined U.S. Trust—which was acquired by Schwab in 2000—as a managing director and member of its Investment Policy Committee. Previously, Liz Ann was a managing director and senior portfolio manager at Avatar Associates, an original division of the Zweig/Avatar Group. She holds an MBA in Finance from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Delaware.Liz Ann Sonders Website - https://www.schwab.com/learn/author/liz-ann-sondersTwitter - https://x.com/lizannsonders?s=21&t=vCJTBKSb-nIJ8eFKe0YAxgLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizannsonders?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appWTFinance -Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wtfinancee/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/67rpmjG92PNBW0doLyPvfniTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtfinance/id1554934665?uo=4Twitter - https://twitter.com/AnthonyFatseas

According to a recent Kiplinger article, there are five keys to a retirement plan that hold up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter, which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. In this episode, Ryan walks through the “5 D's” of retirement planning and how each one plays a role in helping retirees build a plan that can hold up over time. Here's what we discuss in this episode:

Confused by all the estate planning lingo you hear tossed around? Estate planning comes with a language all its own, and many of the terms sound similar enough to create unnecessary confusion. In this episode, Connor Kelly, Estate Planning Attorney, clarifies some of the words and concepts that often leave families unsure about what their documents actually do and who is responsible for carrying out their wishes. Tune in and finally feel confident speaking the language of estate planning. Here's what we cover in this episode:

According to a recent Kiplinger article, there are five keys to a retirement plan that hold up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter, which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. In this episode, Phil walks through the “5 D's” of retirement planning and how each one plays a role in helping retirees build a plan that can hold up over time.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

Paul and Randy briefly catch up on their summers and then talk Texas Tech's tin ear before wondering about the future of G6 programs like Texas State and UTSA and then talk Texas football. Expectations, players that aren't getting enough love, program focusness. Newsflash: Rasheem Biles is THE MAN. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, there are five keys to a retirement plan that actually holds up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter- which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. Either way, the five D's are worth knowing. Read the Kiplinger article HERE.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, there are five keys to a retirement plan that actually holds up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter — which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. Either way, the five D's are worth knowing. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The new Trump Accounts are officially here—and with the rules now finalized, parents and grandparents have much more clarity about how these accounts actually work. While the promise of a $1,000 government contribution has captured plenty of attention, the real planning opportunities lie in understanding the fine print, tax treatment, contribution limits, and long-term strategies these accounts create. Today, Tyler Moison, CFP® sits in for Scott to break down the basics of these Trump Accounts and explain why this may be worth understanding alongside other savings options. Here's what we cover in this episode:

Don and Tom take apart a clickbait Kiplinger piece touting the “five top buy-and-hold investments to manage market volatility,” arguing that the list is a random grab-bag of recent winners rather than a coherent portfolio. They explain why the suggested mix—VOO, VXUS, a healthcare sector ETF, Apple stock, and gold—does little to reduce volatility and instead layers on concentration risk, sector bets, and performance chasing. From there, they broaden the discussion into a more useful question: where should investors actually go for trustworthy information, how should listeners think about evaluating a financial advisor, and what really matters when judging portfolio design. The back half of the episode features a thoughtful call about investing a spendthrift trust for two sons over a 12-year horizon, plus a warning that advisor performance can't be measured by returns alone without understanding risk, asset allocation, and the planning services being delivered.0:05 Cold open, podcast intros, and Tom's ever-growing aircraft museum1:40 Don tees up a Kiplinger clickbait article on the “five top buy-and-hold investments” for market volatility2:14 Why the article's opening about political uncertainty and inflation could apply to almost any year3:36 The one part they agree with: long-term wealth is built by disciplined exposure to quality assets, not reacting to headlines4:53 The rise of numbered clickbait headlines and whether numbers in titles actually matter5:53 Why “stability” and “stock picks” don't belong in the same sentence6:27 Kiplinger pick #1: VOO — fine as a broad U.S. stock fund, but hardly a volatility solution7:06 Kiplinger pick #2: VXUS — the one recommendation they think mostly holds up8:21 Kiplinger pick #3: XLV healthcare ETF — a sector bet masquerading as a defensive holding9:33 Why a healthcare sector fund lags a total-world approach while adding unnecessary concentration10:28 Kiplinger pick #4: Apple stock — and why adding a single stock you already own inside the S&P 500 makes little sense10:59 The problem with betting on one company instead of owning the economy through broad diversification12:20 Kiplinger pick #5: gold — and why recent gains don't make it a volatility manager12:48 Gold's long-term history, lack of fundamentals, and why its recent performance actually illustrates volatility rather than reducing it14:12 The bigger issue: how do you decide which financial publications or sources are worth trusting?15:26 Why Vanguard and Dimensional research tend to be more reliable than headline-driven finance content16:35 The real reason people click these articles: fear, underperformance anxiety, and the urge to “improve” a portfolio17:23 Why the Kiplinger portfolio is missing the one thing you'd expect in a true volatility-management portfolio: bonds18:51 Don and Tom's plea to listeners: follow evidence-based advice rather than clickbait lists19:30 Listener call from Brian in Bremerton about investing spendthrift trusts for his sons over a 12-year horizon20:55 The challenge: balancing growth with the possibility of distributions for education, cars, weddings, or a house23:08 Don's suggested framework: keep a cash/fixed-income reserve for near-term needs and invest the rest aggressively for growth24:48 Why a target-date fund may not be the best fit for this kind of trust structure25:37 A practical allocation idea: roughly 80/20 with a global equity fund plus a broad bond fund26:51 Brian explains that Roth IRA funding is already part of the family's gifting and estate strategy27:32 A listener from Seoul praises the show and begs them not to turn into a “humblebrag retirement call-in show”29:49 Listener question: how do you measure whether your financial advisor is performing well?30:42 Why advisor performance should not be judged by returns alone32:11 The importance of understanding what services you're actually paying for: planning, rebalancing, tax guidance, income strategy, and more33:11 What to examine in a portfolio besides returns: risk level, asset allocation, and whether key asset classes are missing34:11 Why even benchmark comparisons can be misleading if the portfolio isn't properly diversified35:18 The better question: is your advisor delivering the services and portfolio design you actually need?Questions? Comments? Click!

Is It Possible to Spend Too Little in Retirement? Episode 390 – It has been well documented that the biggest fear people have in retirement is running out of money. Incredibly, according to a 2024 survey done by Allianz Life, 63 percent of Americans are more fearful about running out of money than they are about dying. But is it possible to overdo it? More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 390 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual's SML Planning Minute. In today's episode: is it possible to spend too little in retirement? It has been well documented that the biggest fear people have in retirement is running out of money. Incredibly, according to a 2024 survey by Allianz Life, 63 percent of Americans were more fearful about running out of money than they were about dying.[1] That may be taking things to an extreme, but there's a valid point. It's perfectly reasonable to worry about running dry when you're used to a certain lifestyle and you no longer have a steady paycheck. And mortality tables these days are more favorable than many people realize. For example, the odds are better than 50-50, if you're a married couple both age 62, that at least one of you is going to live past age 90.[2] So, you may have to figure out a spending plan—without the employment income you've become used to—for potentially 30 years or more. Retirement is a huge turning point in most people's lives. You're switching from a savings and accumulation mindset to one where you're living (at least partially) off of those savings. You might have gotten used to seeing your net worth go up considerably over the last few years. But for most of us, those days are over once you make the crossover. It's a major psychological barrier, so of course you're going to be concerned about overspending. But how much is too much, or more appropriately, how little is too little? Do you think you might look back during your last years, and feel like you could have done more with your family, and you don't really need all that money you have now? The risks of overspending, particularly in the early years of retirement, should be obvious. But what exactly are the risks of underspending? According to an article by Greg Iacurci for CNBC, one big risk is “Not living as fulfilling a life as one could have.”[3] This could mean foregoing a big family trip, that could give your children and grandchildren memories to last a lifetime, because you're afraid you're going to run out of money years down the road. Then there's the issue of inheritance. Many parents hope to leave a certain amount of money to their children and grandchildren when they're gone. That could be a factor in your calculation. Cutting back on your spending now would likely benefit them later on. But is it worth it? But perhaps there's another way. How about purchasing some additional life insurance? The right amount of life insurance might make you more comfortable with the idea of living the life you've already earned. It's a straightforward idea: the more life insurance you have, the less you need to worry about your kids' inheritance. There is data to indicate that underspending is more common than people realize.[4] In a recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 33 percent of retirees still have 100 percent or more of their initial savings amount remaining by the time they get to their mid-80s.[5] Recent medical developments have complicated the equation. Progress against diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease could extend all of our lives further than we expected. That is, of course, great news. But it could cause some financial complications. Another approach, advanced by some, is that we need to adjust our spending based on what “phase” of retirement we are in. The argument goes that there are three “phases” of retirement: the “go-go,” the “slow-go” and the “no-go” years.[6] You're certainly less likely to be travelling the world during your declining years, so chances are you'll be spending less. It could be a way to justify spending more during the early “go-go” years, although you also need to consider the possibility of increased health care costs during your later “no go” years. So why wouldn't you spend a little extra while you have the opportunity to enjoy it? The truth is that every situation is different, and there's no one correct answer. It is possible to spend too little during retirement, but the consequences of spending too much can be far more significant. Perhaps the best you can do is focus on time with your family. Quality time creates lasting memories. That could mean a few vacations to exotic places, but it doesn't have to be that way. Sometimes a simple visit or gesture can go just as far. The transition to retirement is filled with uncertainty. “Have I saved enough?”, “How long will my savings last?”, “Can I afford to live it up a little bit?” Such questions will likely arise, but you don't need to go it alone. Your Security Mutual Life insurance agent can help. Your Security Mutual Life insurance agent can augment or help assemble your planning team. They'll help coordinate with your attorney and tax professional to review your situation and to determine the insurance plan that will best suit your needs and objectives. [1] Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. “Nearly 2 in 3 Americans Worry More about Running Out of Money than Death.” Allianzlife.com. https://www.allianzlife.com/about/newsroom/2024-Press-Releases/Nearly-2-in-3-Americans-Worry-More-about-Running-Out-of-Money-than-Death (accessed June 9, 2026). [2] Wohlner, Roger. “Living Past 90: How to Play the Long Game on Retirement, Tax Planning.” Thinkadvisor.com. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/26/how-to-plan-for-clients-who-might-live-to-90-and-beyond/ (accessed June10, 2026). [3] Iacurci, Greg. “Retirement ‘underspending' is risky, advisor says. Here's why.” Cnbc.com. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/08/retirement-risk-underspending.html (accessed June 9, 2026). [4] Id. [5] “New EBRI Research Finds Guaranteed Income Streams May Help Retirees Preserve Assets Later in Retirement.” Employee Benefit Research Institute.. https://www.ebri.org/retirement/content/summary/new-ebri-research-finds-guaranteed-income-streams-may-help-retirees-preserve-assets-later-in-retirement (accessed June 9, 2026). [6] Dougan, Scott M. “How to Plan for Retirement's Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go Years.” Kiplinger. https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/plan-for-retirement-go-go-slow-go-and-no-go-years (accessed June 9, 2026). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual's legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you've enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we'll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person's needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on delayed Social Security credits, annuity provider ratings, DIA versus QLAC income planning, and fixed indexed annuity (FIA) recommendations. (10:30) A listener shares a long delay in receiving additional Delayed Retirement Credits on their Social Security benefit and asks whether there are any further steps to take or whether patience is the best option. (26:00) Another listener passes along Kiplinger reader survey results on annuity providers and asks whether the information may be useful in a broader discussion about choosing an insurance company. (45:00) The guys are asked when a deferred income annuity (DIA) might be better than a qualified longevity annuity contract (QLAC) inside an IRA, especially given the potential RMD and tax advantages of a QLAC. (1:15:45) Jim and Chris respond to a listener nearing retirement who was advised to move TSP G Fund money into a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) and wants to understand whether that is better than keeping the funds in the TSP and using a withdrawal strategy. The post Social Security, Annuities, Income, Annuities: Q&A #2625 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Most investors think wealth preservation is about performance. At the high-net-worth level, the real conversation is about structure. Because the families that keep wealth across generations are not just trying to get better returns. They are thinking about education, tax strategy, access, capital protection, charitable planning, and the systems required to make wealth last beyond one person's lifetime. And once you understand that, the way you evaluate wealth starts to change. Most successful investors don't lose wealth because they have never learned how to make money. They lose it because the structure around the money was never built to preserve it. The next generation inherits assets without inheriting judgment. Tax strategy gets treated like an afterthought instead of part of the portfolio. And high-income earners often assume better tax outcomes require extreme lifestyle disruption, when the real issue may be access to more sophisticated planning. In this episode of Money School Elite, I sit down with Mark Miller of Hilton Wealth and the Hilton Family Office to unpack how wealthy families actually think about preserving capital, reducing tax drag, and building systems that last. Mark works inside the family office world, where the conversation is not about chasing returns. It is about protecting wealth, structuring it intelligently, and making sure the capital and the knowledge behind it survive over time.   About the Guest  Mark Miller is the co-founder of Hilton Tax & Wealth Advisors alongside Bradley J. Hilton, grandson of Conrad Hilton, and a partner in bringing family office-level wealth strategies to investors, business owners, and high-net-worth families. Mark's work focuses on helping clients understand how the wealthy preserve capital, reduce tax drag, structure portfolios, and build long-term wealth with the same principles used inside family office environments. He has been featured in Kiplinger's, The New York Times, Fox News, and more than 200 national outlets, and was honored as a Presidential Businessman of the Year with personal recognition from President George W. Bush. He is also the author of Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty and The Tax-Free Business Owner. To learn more, request a complimentary copy of Mark's books, or book a call with Hilton Wealth, visit http://HiltonWealth.com.   About Your Host From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America's #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™ and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier. His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works. Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.   Resources Private Money Guide:  https://go.moneyschoolrei.com/book-podcast Wealth Wednesday Webinar: https://go.moneyschoolrei.com/wednesday-webinar-podcast Mapping out the Millionaire Mystery:  https://go.moneyschoolrei.com/newbook-podcast    

Think you need a high end business or a lottery-ticket stock win to hit a $1 million net worth? Think again. Clark breaks down key insights of first-time millionaires. While old-school wealth looked like owning a successful service business, modern data from Kiplinger and Fidelity proves that regular people working everyday jobs—like teachers and government employees—are achieving financial independence.  Plus, Clark examines a growing real estate trend: the rise of the "accidental landlord." According to Zillow, more home sellers than ever are turning into landlords because their houses aren't selling and they can't afford to cut the price. Drawing from his own 43 years of wild landlord adventures—including non-paying tenants and unexpected damages—Clark explains why you should never take this decision lightly. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 17, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Everyday Millionaires Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Involuntary Landlords: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How ‘Everyday' Workers Are Becoming Millionaires 5 Key Insights We Learned From 50 First-Time Millionaires How Long Would $1 Million Last YOU in Retirement? Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open - Clark Howard Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap  Their Home Wouldn't Sell, So They Became America's Latest Accidental Landlords -WSJ The Hidden Reasons Your House Isn't Selling (And How to Fix It) Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for Cash Back and Travel  Scam Alert: New 'Party Invite' Message Can Empty Your Bank Account  To help prevent spam calendar invites on Google calendars: 1. Open Google Calendar and click the gear icon, then Settings 2. In the left menu, click Event settings 3. Change "Add invitations to my calendar" from "From everyone" to either "Only if the sender is known" or "When I respond to the invitation in email". The "Only if the sender is known" option works well for most — limiting auto-added events to contacts and people you've interacted with before, so random spammers can't drop events onto your calendar anymore. Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dealing with the Latest Financial Trend: Spending Your Kids' Inheritance Episode 388 – Financial trends come and go, but the latest, “SKI,” or Spending Kids' Inheritance, is likely to have a lasting impact. Are you prepared? There are some ways to learn how to “SKI” without getting hurt. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 388 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual's SML Planning Minute. In today's episode, dealing with the latest financial trend: spending your kids' inheritance. Have you heard of the latest movement in personal finance? It's called “SKI,” or “Spending Kids' Inheritance.” Not surprisingly, it can create conflict across generations. It wasn't that long ago that people commonly followed the same financial plan: save money during your high earning years, spend carefully during retirement, and leave a decent inheritance for your kids so that they can live a better life than you did. But according to a recent article in Kiplinger, those plans are changing. Rather than focusing on what they'll eventually leave behind, more people are trying to spend their money while they’re still here to enjoy it. Today, new retirees are spending more on experiences, including “bucket list” travel.[1] In many ways, it's simply recognizing that your health, longevity and energy levels are going to run out someday, and maybe it's best to experience some fun while you still have the chance. And it's having an effect on the travel industry. The trend has become noticeable enough that it's “beginning to reshape how affluent travelers are spending their money on luxury travel.”[2] It's understandable why this is happening. As we've documented in previous episodes, longevity is on the rise. But there's also evidence to suggest that healthspans aren't keeping up. Healthspan can be defined as the number of years a person lives a “healthy, active, disease-free life.”[3] Research by the World Health Organization indicates that there's a growing disparity between lifespan and healthspan. The average gap between lifespan and healthspan is estimated at approximately 12.5 years in the United States, which is 13 percent higher than it was in the year 2000. In other words, over time, people are gaining extra years of life faster than they are gaining years of good health.[4] Perhaps one other reason for the upswing in SKI is that a surprising number of heirs end up wasting their inheritance. According to a recent survey by Texas Tech University and the University of Alabama, a substantial portion of heirs spend all of their inheritance in the first year. By then, a full 42 percent had seen their net worth drop back to or below what it had been before the inheritance.[5] As one of the authors wrote, “This propensity to immediately spend the entire inheritance is high. In fact, it's higher than with ANY OTHER type of financial windfall (when controlling for windfall size).” There are certainly some risks built into the SKI trend. For one thing, if you're not careful, you could easily spend your own retirement savings too quickly and be forced to adjust to a lower standard of living. And so many people underestimate the eventual cost of health care and long-term care. Also, it's easy to let small upgrades in your lifestyle add up to a much bigger problem later on, a phenomenon known as “lifestyle creep.” Kiplinger goes on to suggest some ideas for how to SKI intelligently. First, you need to set a baseline. Not for what you want to spend, but for what you want to keep. This should help maintain some peace of mind for both you and your heirs.[6] Next, they suggest doing some extra budgeting when it comes to travel. Make travel a specific factor in your overall retirement plan. The author also feels that a bucket list trip doesn't have to be to an exotic place on the other side of the world. It just has to be meaningful. In the long run, a memorable shared experience while you're living can have a greater impact than a bigger inheritance.[7] And finally, maybe you can still make some gifts to your heirs from time to time. The belief is that a smaller financial gift, at the right time, can have an oversized impact. So can bringing some of your heirs along with you on some of your trips. The memory might end up being more important than the money.[8] An important question remains, however: how to deal with SKI? There's one potential solution they fail to mention: life insurance. It's there to provide that extra cushion. If you've got enough of it, you can feel free to spend a good chunk of your kids' inheritance without much guilt. It's as if you've addressed the inheritance part prior to your retirement spending. Purchasing life insurance, and early, can be one of those instances where you really can get the best of both worlds during your working years and in retirement. And as you probably realize, the older you get, the higher life insurance premiums become. So, the sooner you start, the better. Do you have enough life insurance that your heirs will be OK if you decide to go “Skiing?” Your Security Mutual Life insurance agent can help. Your Security Mutual Life insurance agent will augment or assemble your team and coordinate with your attorney and tax professional to review your situation and to determine the insurance plan that will best suit your needs and objectives. [1] Maddox, Choncé. “The SKI Travel Trend Is Reshaping Retirement Spending.” Kiplinger.com. https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/ski-retirement-travel-trend (accessed April 28, 2026). [2] Kompanik, Noreen. “The SKI trend that's reshaping travel.” GMtoday.com. https://www.gmtoday.com/travel/the-ski-trend-that-s-reshaping-travel/article_07ca7b72-0eb4-43fc-b8ec-e69fef82a694.html (accessed April 29, 2026). [3] Buckles, Susan. “The global divide between longer life and good health.” Mayoclinic.org. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-global-divide-between-longer-life-and-good-health/ (accessed April 28, 2026). [4] Borst, Heidi. “Longevity In The U.S.: The Gap Between Lifespan and Health Span.” Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/health/wellness/longevity-life-expectancy/ (accessed April 28, 2026). [5] Brin, Dinah Wisenberg. “Heirs Beware: 42% Spend Inheritance Within a Year, Study Finds.” Thinkadvisor.com. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/04/07/heirs-beware-42-spend-inheritance-within-a-year-study-finds/ (accessed April 28, 2026). [6] Maddox, Choncé. “The SKI Travel Trend Is Reshaping Retirement Spending.” Kiplinger.com. https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/ski-retirement-travel-trend (accessed April 28, 2026). [7] Id. [8] Id. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual's legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you've enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we'll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person's needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

Risk is almost always something you face when making financial decisions. Investing in the market? Risk. Putting all your money under your mattress? A different kind of risk, but still risk. A recent article from Kiplinger's talks about risk management in different decades of your life, so let's see how much Logan agrees with their recommendations…  Contact Information: Website: https://legacyrootswm.com/ Phone: 888-823-7526

Norman Calvo explains how he found a third act in retirement by going against the norm and choosing adventure instead of a typical retirement. https://youtu.be/81atmTUjBWE One of the questions I ask people as they approach retirement is deceptively simple: What are you retiring to? Most retirement planning conversations focus on finances. That’s understandable. People want to know if they’ve saved enough, whether their investments are positioned correctly, how Social Security fits into the picture, and what taxes might look like in retirement. Those are important questions, and they’re exactly the kinds of issues my team helps clients navigate. But once the financial pieces are in place, another challenge emerges—one that often receives far less attention. What will make retirement meaningful? Norman Calvo and I dug deeper into how he was able to find meaning in retirement after decades as a successful business owner in this week's episode of the Retire Today podcast. Norman discovered an entirely new chapter of life after work. His true retirement story illustrates a lesson I’ve seen repeatedly among retirees: financial independence creates freedom, but it doesn’t automatically create purpose. The Risk Nobody Plans For Most people spend years preparing for the financial risks of retirement. They plan for market volatility.They prepare for inflation.They consider healthcare costs.They evaluate longevity risk. Yet many people never prepare for a different risk altogether: drift. Drift rarely happens intentionally. In fact, most retirees who experience it worked incredibly hard to earn the freedom they now possess. The challenge is that work provides structure. It creates goals, deadlines, responsibilities, relationships, and a sense of progress. For decades, many professionals wake up knowing exactly what needs to be accomplished that day. Then retirement arrives. The calendar empties. The obligations disappear. The structure that guided daily life for years suddenly vanishes. For some retirees, that freedom feels exhilarating. For others, it becomes surprisingly disorienting. Why Purpose Doesn’t Automatically Appear Norman explained how many people gradually lose touch with the activities that once excited them. Careers expand, family responsibilities increase, and life’s demands naturally push hobbies and interests to the side. By the time retirement arrives, some people have forgotten what they enjoyed doing before work consumed most of their attention. As a result, retirement can unintentionally become a period of maintenance rather than growth. Days become predictable. Weeks begin to blend together. And while there’s nothing wrong with relaxation, most people don’t spend decades saving and investing simply to become passive observers in their own lives. The Power of One New Decision Norman’s transformation didn’t begin with a grand retirement vision. It started with a single decision. A coworker encouraged him to train for a half marathon. At the time, he weighed 247 pounds, worked long hours, and had never been a runner. He wasn’t looking for a new identity. He simply agreed to try something different. That one decision led to another. Running led to additional races, including the New York City Marathon. Along the way, he discovered interests and opportunities he never would have anticipated. He joined a choir, performed in cabaret productions, taught English overseas, and even began learning handstands in his seventies. What stands out isn’t the specific activities. It’s the willingness to remain curious. Too often we assume retirement is a time to narrow our world. Norman’s experience suggests the opposite may be true. Retirement can be a time to expand it. Create a Plan for Your Life Throughout our working years, we create plans for almost everything. Businesses have strategic plans.Families have financial plans.Organizations establish goals and objectives. Yet many retirees never develop a plan for how they want to spend the freedom they’ve worked so hard to create. That doesn’t mean every hour needs to be scheduled. It does mean thinking intentionally about questions such as: What experiences would I regret never having? What skills would I like to develop? What interests have I neglected? What challenges would energize me? What relationships deserve more of my attention? These questions may seem less urgent than investment allocation or tax planning, but they often determine whether retirement feels fulfilling. Retirement Is More Than Financial Independence Many successful retirees continue to grow long after they stop working. They volunteer.They mentor.They travel.They learn.They teach.They pursue interests that were postponed for decades. Not because they have to. Because they can. Financial independence gives people options. The real challenge is deciding how to use those options in a way that creates a life that remains engaging and meaningful. The Bottom Line When people think about retirement, they often focus on what they’re leaving behind. Work.Commutes.Deadlines.Stress. But retirement is ultimately less about what you’re leaving and more about what you’re building next. The financial plan creates the opportunity. The life you create afterward is what gives that opportunity meaning. As Norman’s story demonstrates, some of the most rewarding experiences in life may not happen before retirement. They may happen because of it. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Norman Calvo's Substack “Against the Norm” podcast AgainstTheNorm.net  Email Norman Calvo Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Paul and Randy talk Texas baseball, sports gambling, the seemingly inevitable push towards CFP expansion and the unintended Pandora's Box that it might unleash on fan investment in the sport. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Joe Schmitz Jr. and Jeremy Keil explore the 2% Club of retirees and the unique challenges that come with significant retirement savings and a pension. https://youtu.be/G04JKpKyLJ0 Most retirement conversations focus on one question: Will I have enough? But there's another retirement challenge that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: What happens when you've done everything right? Joe Schmitz Jr. has been working with a very specific group of retirees he calls the 2% Club. His definition: People who have both: A pension And $1 million or more saved for retirement That combination creates opportunities. But it also creates a different set of retirement decisions. Success Creates Different Problems For decades, these retirees did what they were told: Saved consistently Avoided lifestyle inflation Built meaningful retirement assets Earned pensions Stayed disciplined Now retirement arrives… …and suddenly the challenge isn't accumulating wealth. It's using it wisely. Joe shared one statistic that stood out: “80% of people out there will pay no federal income taxes in retirement… while this 2% club is part of that 20% that will have to pay taxes and typically much more.” That means retirement planning shifts. Less focus on accumulation. More focus on: Taxes Spending Distribution strategy Legacy Purpose Why High-Income Retirees Can Accidentally Become Under-Spenders One of the most interesting parts of this conversation was Joe's concept of the Midwestern Millionaire. His description: Hard-working.Frugal.Disciplined. Excellent savers. Often reluctant spenders. And that creates an unexpected retirement problem. People who spent 40 years training themselves to save don't automatically become comfortable spending. Even when they can afford it. Joe described clients who had millions saved but still struggled emotionally to use their money because restraint had become part of their identity. That's where retirement planning becomes less about spreadsheets and more about permission. The Four Places Your Money Can Go Joe offered a simple framework. Your money ultimately goes somewhere. You can: Spend it Gift it Give it Pay taxes on it That framework creates an important question: If you're not spending your money intentionally… where is it going? That doesn't mean everyone should spend aggressively. But it does mean retirees should think intentionally about: Lifestyle Family impact Charitable goals Taxes Because choosing not to decide is still a decision. Pension Decisions Deserve More Attention Than Most People Give Them Joe also emphasized something I see frequently: People often make pension elections based on coworkers. Someone retires.Takes a lump sum.Everyone follows. But pension elections are often irreversible. Joe's advice was simple: Run the numbers. Questions like these matter: Lump sum or monthly pension? Survivor benefits? Age differences between spouses? Existing assets? Insurance needs? The right answer isn't universal. It's personal. Don't Let Tax Fear Control Retirement For some retirees, fear of crossing an income threshold and triggering Medicare IRMAA surcharges becomes bigger than the actual cost itself. Joe's point wasn't to ignore taxes. It was to understand them. Tax planning matters. But taxes shouldn't become the only goal. Because avoiding taxes at all costs can sometimes prevent people from living the retirement they actually built. The Real Goal One story Joe shared captured this perfectly. A retired couple promised each other they'd spend intentionally during their early retirement years. Two years later… They had spent nothing. Not because they couldn't. Because they hadn't learned how. Eventually they created a spending plan and began enjoying experiences they had delayed for decades. That's the shift retirement requires. You don't stop being disciplined. You simply redirect that discipline. The Bottom Line Retirement success isn't measured by how much money you leave untouched. It's measured by whether your money helps support the life you actually wanted. Because after decades of saving… Retirement planning becomes deciding what your wealth is for. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “How Much Taxes Will Retirees Owe on Their Retirement Income?” – Center for Retirement Research at Boston College Peak Retirement Planning Joe Schmitz Jr. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peakretirementplanninginc.  Articles by Joe Schmitz Jr. on Kiplinger “Joe Knows Retirement” podcast with Joe Schmitz Jr.  Books by Joe Schmitz Jr.  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Jesse Cramer and Jeremy Keil detail 7 real world lessons learned from working with hundreds of retirees. There's a big difference between studying retirement… …and actually sitting across the table from retirees for years. This week I sat down with Jesse Cramer and instead of doing a typical “Retire Today” interview, we decided to compare notes from working with hundreds of retirement clients and shared the lessons that rarely show up in textbooks or headlines. Experiences often speak louder than theory, so let's dive into the 7 main lessons. Lesson #1: Most Retirees Don't Have a “Purpose Crisis” If you spend time searching YouTube or Amazon for retirement advice, you'll likely come across the “retirement purpose crisis.” In our real-world experience working with retiree, this doesn't seem to show up the way financial media suggests. Yes, some retirees need time to adjust. But most aren't spiraling into an identity crisis after leaving work. Why? Because many workers weren't necessarily emotionally attached to the structure of their jobs—they were looking forward to having control of their time again. A lot of retirees quickly find purpose in: Family Grandkids Community Travel Hobbies Freedom itself The bigger adjustment often isn't purpose. It's learning how to structure time differently. Lesson #2: Most People Start Planning Too Late One of the clearest themes in the conversation was timing. Many people first show up to retirement planning webinars only months before retirement—or even after they've already retired. That creates problems. Important decisions around: Social Security Investments Pensions Healthcare Spending levels Taxes …all work better when there's time to think through options. Jesse's recommendation was simple: Start seriously planning at least 12 months before retirement—and ideally earlier. Not because every detail must be finalized years in advance, but because retirement works best when decisions are intentional instead of rushed. Lesson #3: Couples Need to Get on the Same Page Retirement isn't an individual decision when you're married. But many couples approach it that way. We find it is common for spouses to have completely different views on: Retirement timing Spending Investment risk Social Security Lifestyle expectations Sometimes one spouse wants maximum security. The other wants maximum freedom. And if those conversations don't happen early, conflict can show up later. I've seen couples who struggle with spending expectations and pension decisions because both people weren't fully involved in the planning process. The takeaway was clear: Retirement planning works better when both spouses understand the plan—even if only one person enjoys the financial details. Lesson #4: Social Security Can Be Flexible One of Jesse's most interesting ideas was describing Social Security as a “pressure release valve.” Instead of viewing Social Security as a rigid decision with one perfect claiming age, retirees can think about it more dynamically. For example: Delay benefits while markets are strong But turn benefits on earlier if market declines create stress on the portfolio That flexibility can help reduce sequence of returns risk—the danger of withdrawing heavily from investments during a market downturn early in retirement. The key insight? Retirement planning isn't static. Good plans adapt. Lesson #5: Too Much Stability Can Become a Risk Many retirees focus heavily on avoiding losses. That's understandable. But Jesse shared a cautionary example of a retiree with roughly 90% of investable assets in annuity products because she wanted maximum stability. The problem? Over-emphasizing one risk can create others. Oftentimes retirees “over-index” against market risk while unintentionally increasing: Inflation risk Liquidity risk Longevity risk Safety itself can become risky if growth disappears entirely. Lesson #6: One Big Mistake Can Change Retirement Forever I once had a client who wanted 10% retirement income and concentrated his entire portfolio into one high-dividend bank stock. Within days: The dividend disappeared The stock collapsed Half the retirement savings vanished It was a reminder that retirement success often comes less from finding perfect strategies… …and more from avoiding catastrophic mistakes. As Jesse referenced through Charlie Munger's thinking:Sometimes the smartest retirement planning question is: “What should I absolutely avoid doing?” Lesson #7: Retirees Often Need Permission to Spend This may have been the most emotional lesson in the episode. Many retirees struggle to switch from saver to spender—even when the math clearly says they can afford it. I once worked with a widow with more than $1 million saved who refused to withdraw money to visit her grandchildren because emotionally she couldn't bring herself to spend her savings. That's where framing matters. As Jesse summarized:You're not changing identities from “saver” to “spender.” You've always been a retirement planner. Earlier in life, prudent planning meant saving. Now, prudent planning may mean spending intentionally on things that matter. The Bottom Line Retirement planning isn't just math. It's behavior.It's psychology.It's communication.It's flexibility. And many of the most important lessons aren't learned from spreadsheets. They're learned from real retirees living real lives. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps BestInterest.blog  Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors – Jesse Cramer's podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

What actually separates people who build lasting wealth from everyone else? Not the tips. Not the apps. The habits. Joe put the question to a panel of financial planners, coaches, and bloggers -- and turned it into a game. Seven habits, three rounds, two points up for grabs. Monica Scudieri, who paid off $257,000 in debt and reached financial independence in 10 years, joined OG and Jesse Cramer to find out how well the conventional wisdom matches what actually works.What You'll Walk Away WithThe seven millionaire habits Kiplinger identified -- and which ones the panel nailed, missed, and argued aboutWhy continuously educating yourself about money remains one of the highest-leverage habits at any income levelThe networking truth wealthy people understand that most people don't -- and why "who not how" changes everything about how you approach your career and financesMonica's story: how she turned a divorce, $257,000 in debt, and three rounds of unemployment into financial independence in a decadeWhy living below your means isn't about deprivation -- it's about creating the margin that makes every other habit possibleThe pay yourself first argument that actually holds up when your budget is genuinely tightWhy OG thinks waking up early is the worst advice in personal finance -- and what he thinks actually matters insteadThe book recommendations that shaped each panelist's financial philosophy -- including a deep dive on why passive investing still winsWhy diversifying your income streams landed on the millionaire habits list -- and what that looks like in practiceThe complete list of seven habits, revealed at the end -- including the two the panel never guessedWhy This Matters NowMillionaire habits get discussed constantly and followed inconsistently. The gap isn't usually knowledge -- it's the unsexy reality that these habits have to run in the background for years before the results become visible. This roundtable is worth listening to not because the list is surprising, but because the people talking about it have actually lived it.From the BasementJoe, OG, Jesse Cramer, and Monica Scudieri from Grab Your Slice play two rounds of the millionaire habits game while the year-long trivia competition quietly shifts -- Monica guesses closest on a 1940 McDonald's complete meal price and earns Paula Pant's first point in a while. OG extends his lead. Jesse goes 0 for the day and seems fine about it. Doug intervenes on the trivia question to add a milkshake, which turns out to be decisive.Resources MentionedGrab Your Slice of Financial Independence by Monica Scudieri -- available wherever books are soldMonica Scudieri financial coaching -- schedule a free 30-minute call at grabyourslice.comPersonal Finance for Long-Term Investors -- Jesse Cramer's podcast, wherever you listen; upcoming two-part series on the 14 risks retirees faceAutomatic Wealth by Michael Masterson -- recommended by Monica as her foundational bookA Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel -- recommended by JesseThe War of Art by Steven Pressfield and Essentialism by Greg McKeown -- recommended by OGThe Truth About Money by Ric Edelman -- recommended by JoeNetworking With the Affluent by Dr. Thomas Stanley -- referenced in discussionStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementStacking Benjamins "Benjamins After Dark" Meetups -- stackingbenjamins.com/BADSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Summary In this thought-provoking episode, Spencer Shaw and Kim Butler unpack a growing financial concern highlighted by a recent Kiplinger article: why even high-net-worth individuals with millions saved still don't feel confident about retirement. The conversation explores how inflation, increased longevity, rising living costs, and outdated retirement assumptions are creating anxiety for wealthy Americans. Kim challenges the traditional concept of retirement itself, arguing that humans are designed to continue serving, solving problems, and creating value throughout life rather than simply "stopping work" at a socially constructed retirement age. The episode dives into practical retirement planning strategies, including cash flow bridges, required minimum distributions (RMDs), stock market withdrawal timing, and the role of whole life insurance in long-term tax planning. More importantly, the discussion reframes retirement from an end goal into an evolving lifestyle centered around purpose, flexibility, and intentional financial management. This episode is both philosophical and tactical — blending mindset shifts with actionable financial concepts for individuals navigating retirement uncertainty in an inflationary world. Links & Resources Mentioned For resources and additional information of this episode go toEmpower Your Finances With Our Prosperity Podcast Empowering Parents, Nurturing Futures - Prosperity Parents Kim D. H. Butler Rich but Restless: Why Your $5M Portfolio Isn't Buying Retirement Confidence Keywords retirement planning, inflation, financial freedom, Kim Butler, Spencer Shaw, Prosperity Thinkers, wealth management, retirement confidence, RMDs, required minimum distributions, whole life insurance, financial education, cash flow bridge, high net worth, longevity planning, retirement anxiety, tax strategy, financial mindset, Kiplinger, wealth preservation Episode Highlights 00:00–00:00:39 – Spencer introduces the Kiplinger article discussing why even wealthy individuals feel unprepared for retirement. 00:00:39–00:02:03 – Kim explains how inflation dramatically changes retirement expense projections over time. 00:02:03–00:03:16 – Discussion about longevity, technology, and why future living expenses may continue increasing. 00:03:16–00:04:26 – Spencer outlines how older generations failed to anticipate modern inflation and extended lifespans. 00:04:26–00:05:19 – Kim argues that the traditional concept of retirement is fundamentally flawed. 00:05:19–00:06:06 – The conversation explores how purpose, work, and solving problems contribute to fulfillment later in life. 00:06:11–00:07:14 – Spencer shares a story about a retired man in Mexico who became deeply bored despite financial freedom. 00:07:42–00:08:27 – Discussion begins around retirement withdrawal strategies and written financial plans. 00:08:27–00:10:11 – Kim explains the "cash flow bridge" strategy for avoiding withdrawals during stock market downturns. 00:10:11–00:11:00 – Kim introduces the "Pay Down Permission" report and explains how it supports retirement cash flow planning. 00:11:02–00:11:46 – Spencer raises concerns about Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age requirements. 00:11:46–00:13:18 – Kim explains why many retirees should withdraw more than just their RMDs. 00:13:18–00:13:55 – Discussion about reducing future tax burdens through strategic wealth repositioning and whole life insurance. 00:13:55–00:14:41 – Spencer closes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the full financial picture and seeking education.

Jeremy Keil walks through three critical questions future retirees can answer before their paycheck stops Most people spend decades preparing for retirement by focusing on one number: How much have I saved? But retirement isn't really about the size of your portfolio. It's about whether you can turn that portfolio into reliable income that supports the life you want. That transition—from saving money to living on it—is where retirement planning becomes real. And if you're retiring within the next 12 months, there are three questions you can answer before your paycheck stops. Question #1: How Much Monthly Income Do I Actually Need? Unfortunately, this is where many people start with the wrong approach. Most retirees try building a budget from scratch. They estimate utilities, groceries, gas, dining out, subscriptions, and dozens of other categories. The problem? Those budgets are almost always wrong. They tend to assume: Nothing unexpected happens You never spend impulsively You never travel more than expected You never have major one-time expenses Instead of trying to build a perfect budget from zero, Jeremy recommends a simpler and often more accurate approach: Look at what already happened. Specifically:What actually went into your checking account over the last 12–24 months? Because in most households, what goes into checking eventually gets spent. That “take-home pay” becomes a much better starting point for estimating retirement income needs. But there are a few important adjustments. Don't Forget These Costs Your paycheck today already has several things removed before it hits your checking account: Taxes Health insurance Retirement savings contributions Once you retire: You may stop saving for retirement Your health insurance costs may change Your tax situation will likely change That means your gross salary is not the same as your retirement income need. Many find it valuable to separate out: Mortgage costs Annual expenses (property taxes, insurance, vacations) Large one-time expenses Pre-65 vs. post-65 healthcare costs Retirement spending isn't just monthly bills. It's the full picture. Question #2: When Should I Take Social Security? Most people already have an answer to this question before they ever run the numbers. And often, that decision is emotional. Maybe a parent died young. Maybe a friend claimed at 62. Maybe someone simply wants to “get their money.” But what if you about Social Security differently? Not as an investment. As insurance. The official name of the program is Old-age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. That framing matters. Social Security exists to help: If you live longer than expected If one spouse dies earlier than expected If inflation remains high If markets struggle during retirement In other words, Social Security is there to protect against things not going according to plan. That's why filing decisions shouldn't be based only on “break-even” calculators. The better question is:What role does Social Security play in protecting your retirement? Question #3: How Should I Adjust My Investments Before Retirement? One of the biggest mistakes retirees make is treating retirement like a light switch. They assume:Growth before retirement.Income after retirement. But markets don't work on your timeline. Jeremy shared a powerful example from 2020:People planning to retire within a year stayed fully invested in stocks because markets had been performing well. Then COVID hit. Markets dropped sharply, and many panicked—selling near the bottom because they suddenly realized they needed that money soon. The issue wasn't just the market drop. It was that their investments weren't aligned with their time horizon. Your Investments Should Be Ready Early Get your investments ready to retire three years before retirement. Why? Because roughly half of retirees stop working earlier than expected. If your investments are prepared ahead of time: Market volatility becomes less stressful You have short-term money available if needed You're less likely to panic during downturns You gain flexibility if retirement comes sooner than planned But there's balance here too. Retirement doesn't mean abandoning long-term growth entirely. If retirement could last 25–30 years, some money still needs long-term growth potential. The key is having: Short-term money for near-term needs Long-term money for future growth Not all one or all the other. The Bottom Line Retirement isn't just about stopping work. It's about replacing a paycheck with a plan. And before your paycheck disappears, you should know: What your lifestyle actually costs What role Social Security plays in your plan Whether your investments are prepared for retirement realities Because when those three pieces work together, retirement becomes much more than a date on the calendar. It becomes sustainable. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Retiring in the Next 12 Months? Answer These 3 Questions Before Your Paycheck Stops” – by Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger Magazine 5StepRetirementplan.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Author, podcaster and financial advisor Tyson Ray explains the importance of knowing your financial advisor's succession plan and what happens to you when they retire. “If something happens to you, what happens to me?” It's a simple question. But it's one most people don't ask. When you hire a financial advisor, you're not just hiring a strategy. You're hiring a relationship. Someone who understands your goals, your family, your history, and your financial life. But what happens when that person is no longer there? This week on the “Retire Today” podcast I sat down with Tyson Ray and we explored a topic that doesn't get enough attention: advisor succession planning—and why it matters for your retirement. The Reality Most Clients Don't Think About At some point, every advisor will step away from their business. It might be planned. It might be unexpected. But it will happen. As Tyson pointed out, a large portion of the financial advisory industry is approaching retirement at the same time. That means many clients will experience a transition—whether they're prepared for it or not. The problem isn't that advisors retire. The problem is how that transition is handled. When the Client Isn't the Priority Tyson shared a concern that drove him to write his book: In many succession plans, the client isn't the focus. Firms are bought and sold. Advisors retire. Businesses merge. And in the process, decisions are often driven by valuation, growth, or internal strategy. But those decisions can create unintended consequences. In some cases, clients are simply informed after the fact:Your advisor is gone. Here's your new one. That kind of transition can feel abrupt—and it raises an important question: Was this designed with your best interest in mind? Why Succession Is a Fiduciary Responsibility One of the most important ideas Tyson introduced is this: Succession planning isn't optional. It's a fiduciary responsibility. A fiduciary is someone who puts the client's interests first. And that responsibility doesn't stop with investment recommendations or financial planning. It extends to what happens when the advisor is no longer there. “You've entrusted your life savings… to an advisor,” Tyson said. That level of trust deserves a plan. Not just for today—but for the future. The Right Way to Think About Transition So what does a good succession plan look like? It starts with intention. Tyson framed it this way: “How can I do this in such a way that… 5 to 10 years after I've made this transition… they thank me for it?” That's a powerful standard. Because it shifts the focus from:What's best for the business? To:What's best for the client? A thoughtful transition should: Be communicated clearly Introduce new advisors before the change happens Maintain continuity in philosophy and service And ultimately leave the client better off Why This Matters More in Retirement This topic becomes even more important in retirement. As Tyson pointed out, the older you get, the harder it becomes to make changes—especially when it comes to trusted relationships. Switching advisors at age 45 is one thing. Switching at 75 is something else entirely. That's why having a plan—and understanding that plan—is so important. The “Caretaker” Model One approach Tyson described is building a team around the client. Instead of replacing the advisor entirely, firms can introduce additional team members—often younger advisors—who become part of the relationship over time. These team members act as an extension of the original advisor, not a replacement. That way, if something changes, the client isn't starting over. They already know the people who will continue serving them. What You Should Ask Your Advisor If you take one action from this conversation, let it be this: Ask your advisor a simple question: “If something happens to you, what happens to me?” The answer should be clear. And if it's not, that's a signal. Because a good advisor isn't just planning your retirement. They're planning for what happens if they're no longer there to guide it. The Bottom Line Succession planning isn't just a business decision. It's a client decision. It affects your experience, your confidence, and your financial future. The best advisors don't just serve you today. They make sure you're taken care of tomorrow, too. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Tyson Ray on LinkedIn “Total Succession” by Tyson Ray “Total Succession Show” podcast Form Wealth Advisors Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

What's the best financial advice you've ever received? Not the trendiest tip or the hottest stock pick; what's the wisdom that actually holds up over a lifetime? That's exactly the question Diane Harris, Deputy Editor of Kiplinger, put to 35 of the most trusted voices in personal finance…and the answers are as practical as they are profound. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "spend less than you make" is still the foundation of everything, and what Jean says happens when you don't Peter Lynch's "elevator pitch" test for any stock you own (and why most people fail it) Teresa Ghilarducci's one-date-a-year rule for protecting yourself from panic-selling Why Christine Benz says paying off your mortgage early makes sense, even if the math says otherwise Diane's number one personal finance tip she learned from taking care of her mother Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul is going solo and empties his notebook on the Texas Spring game (err, event). Have a listen and find out what he thinks about the various position groups, the transfers, and some young up and comers. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Talking NFL Draft. More specifically, where did the 2026 Longhorns get drafted, what's the fit, what does the 2027 Draft look like, how Texas could have as many as 4 1st rounders next year, and what does the NFL Draft tell us more broadly about the future of CFB. Facts, trends, and analysis incoming. Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Why is it so hard to spend the money you spent a lifetime saving? This is a question from Janet Bodnar in a Kiplinger article. She admits that one of her guilty pleasures in retirement is treating herself to a casual lunch while she's out running errands. Why does she feel so guilty? Christine Benz from Morningstar is quoted in the article, which we discuss at length in this episode. Then a listener asks a question I think a lot of you are wondering: "How am I supposed to figure out what I want to do in retirement when I can barely find time to do laundry while I'm still working?" Great question! And in our "Retire To Something" segment, Lois from the Southeast turned a lifelong love of animals into a retirement packed with purpose — volunteering at a zoo, working part-time at an aquarium, and spending half the year with manatees! Resource: Article by Janet Bodnar in Kiplinger: Stop Sweating the Small Stuff When You Spend Your Retirement Money
   Connect with Benjamin Brandt: Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Schloss is heading into a maroon, rural hornet's nest with the Texas baseball team this weekend while the unabashed Kool Aid drinking continues for Texas Football. We think we know where the Horns are strong, but where are they potentially weak? Join us in convo, join us at Inside Texas, and support our excellent sponsors. The time is now for your new mortgage or refi with Gabe Winslow at 832-557-1095 or MortgagesbyGabe. Then get your financial life in order with advisor David McClellan 312-933-8823 with a free consult: dmcclellan@forumfinancial.com. Read his retirement tax bomb series at Kiplinger! https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/605109/is-your-retirement-portfolio-a-tax-bomb Need a great CenTex realtor? Contact Laura Baker at 512-784-0505 or laura@andyallenteam.com. 

Don and Tom tear into Kiplinger's roundup of “best money advice,” separating the genuinely useful from the obvious, the flawed, and the downright silly. They agree that core principles like living below your means, automating investing, and seeking qualified fiduciary advice still reign supreme, while pushing back on oversimplified takes about debt, life decisions, and self-auditing. The conversation reinforces a familiar truth: personal finance isn't about clever hacks—it's about consistent behavior, smart systems, and avoiding the many ways people sabotage themselves. Listener questions cover fund-of-funds expense ratios (no stacking), high-yield savings tradeoffs, and the real cost of chasing slightly better interest rates.0:05 Chasing the “best money advice of all time” (and where it definitely isn't)1:44 Kiplinger roundup sparks review of popular financial advice3:10 Dave Ramsey basics—simple, correct, and incomplete4:29 The myth of easy money and cultural obsession with getting rich quick5:18 Getting help from professionals (and why most aren't actually professionals)6:07 “Good vs. bad debt” debate and the problem with vague advice7:32 Aligning money with values… or just saying something that sounds nice7:39 “Marry wisely” as financial advice (yes, really)9:02 Automating finances as one of the most effective strategies10:40 Why friends and family are often terrible sources of financial advice10:53 Should life decisions be based on money? (spoiler: they usually are)12:33 Self-audits vs. professional guidance—can you really judge yourself?13:42 The foundational rule: spend less than you make14:31 Most people don't know what they actually spend15:00 Listener question: AVGE / AVGV expense ratios—no fee stacking17:50 PI Bank high-yield savings—rate vs. usability tradeoffs19:25 Wire transfer fees and when higher yields actually matter21:31 Practical ways to manage savings movement costs22:17 Don's Financial FYSICS book—pricing, Kindle version, and Amazon quirksQuestions? Comments? Click!

A Kiplinger study of 1,000+ everyday millionaires found four traits that kept showing up. None of them involve a big salary, a hot stock tip, or a lucky break. This week Len Penzo, OG, and Joe dig into what those habits actually look like in practice, how to train yourself to spend with intention, and how to find a financial advisor who does what you actually need.In this episode:The "Midwest millionaire" traits anyone can adopt, why becoming a great saver can make you a terrible spender, the monthly money habit that takes 20 minutes and changes everything, and exactly what to say when you're interviewing financial advisors.Biggest takeaways:Frugality without intention is just suffering. The millionaires in this study were the last to spend on themselves and the first to give generously to others. Not cheap. Intentional.Set a money goal big enough to compete with impulse spending. Once you have a real why, "I deserve this" stops winning.When looking for a financial advisor, lead with exactly what you want in the first five minutes. A real professional will tell you if it's not their specialty.Resources mentioned:Len Penzo's blog and book True Money Stories at lenpenzo.com The Stacking Benjamins scorecard: stackingbenjamins.com/scorecard The Vault (budget and net worth tracker): stackingbenjamins.com/vaultFULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-live-like-a-midwestern-millionaire-1825Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Kiplinger study of 1,000+ everyday millionaires found four traits that kept showing up. None of them involve a big salary, a hot stock tip, or a lucky break. This week Len Penzo, OG, and Joe dig into what those habits actually look like in practice, how to train yourself to spend with intention, and how to find a financial advisor who does what you actually need. In this episode: The "Midwest millionaire" traits anyone can adopt, why becoming a great saver can make you a terrible spender, the monthly money habit that takes 20 minutes and changes everything, and exactly what to say when you're interviewing financial advisors. Biggest takeaways: Frugality without intention is just suffering. The millionaires in this study were the last to spend on themselves and the first to give generously to others. Not cheap. Intentional. Set a money goal big enough to compete with impulse spending. Once you have a real why, "I deserve this" stops winning. When looking for a financial advisor, lead with exactly what you want in the first five minutes. A real professional will tell you if it's not their specialty. Resources mentioned: Len Penzo's blog and book True Money Stories at lenpenso.com The Stacking Benjamins scorecard: stackingbenjamins.com/scorecard The Vault (budget and net worth tracker): stackingbenjamins.com/vault FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-live-like-a-midwestern-millionaire-1825 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh kicks things off with a behind-the-scenes look at a whirlwind week in journalism and media. She shares highlights from her recent interview with Senator Cory Booker about his bold new “Keep Your Pay Act” proposal, which would eliminate federal income tax on the first $75,000 of income, and discusses what that could mean for working Americans. She also reflects on being featured in Kiplinger's latest issue on the best financial advice experts have ever received, sharing a career lesson that shaped her own path: learning to earn money not just from what you do, but from what you know. Plus, Farnoosh announces her upcoming free webinar on March 26 about how to land a big book deal (register using the link).Then, a quick breakdown of the latest money headlines that matter for your wallet: mortgage rates climbing back above 6% and what that means for today's “frozen” housing market, the widening K-shaped economy separating households that are thriving from those struggling with rising costs, and early signs that the once-hot job market may be cooling—along with why now is a good time for a financial check-up.In the mailbag, Farnoosh tackles listener questions including: • Should high earners prioritize Roth 401(k) contributions or diversify across other retirement strategies? • What to watch out for when a financial advisor pushes variable universal life insurance instead of traditional investing. • Creative ways families are making childcare and daycare costs more manageable. • How a teenager's part-time income and assets can affect FAFSA eligibility and college financial aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.