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In the 197th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to go about figuring out what's important to clients (and how to help them figure it out for themselves). For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 196th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the role of "gut feelings" and intuition in decision-making after the data has been fully analyzed. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
Building a highly successful advisory platform is less about running every department yourself and more about finding the right operational partners to turn big ideas into a structured reality. Today's milestone episode explores the personal frameworks, scaling pain points, and core values that propelled a solo blog into a powerhouse industry platform. Michael Kitces, co-founder of the 26-person Kitces.com platform, turns the microphone around for our 500th episode to be interviewed by financial planning nerd Adam Van Deusen. Unpacking his personal approach to time management, Michael breaks down the "look at the tape" tracking framework that helps pinpoint an entrepreneur's highest and best use. He also details his transformative shift away from direct people management by partnering with an operational "integrator" (inspired by Gino Wickman's Rocket Fuel), and how building firm-wide metrics around the platform's QNR (Quality, Nerdy, Relevant) content standards gave him the confidence to hand off production. Listen in to hear raw lessons learned from navigating a painful 4X hyper-growth cycle, the exact 49-day interview process Michael uses to ensure cultural alignment, and how his definition of success has evolved after 500 episodes of interviewing industry leaders. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/500
In the 195th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to strike the right balance between proactive and reactive client communication. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
The SpaceX IPO, oil prices nearly doubling, and a spring selloff — a lot has happened so far in 2026. Market strategist Ryan Detrick returns for a mid-year check-in, sharing where things stand and what's driving the market now. You'll learn the biggest risk to the market (it's not what you think), what history says about midterm years, and why he's actually more optimistic. Want the full picture? Check out the Midyear Outlook 2026: https://mitlin.us/2026Outlook Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (02:07) Ryan's path to market strategist (05:02) The SpaceX IPO (09:58) Becoming a CNBC Contributor (15:44) How the first half of 2026 played out (20:51) Why he's optimistic for the rest of 2026 (24:47) The biggest risks ahead (28:27) Midterm year volatility (what to expect) (31:04) What brought you JOY today? If you're a writer who wants to take control of your finances, read Mitlin Financial's Write Your Financial Future: A Financial Guide for Authors: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/insights/blog/write-your-financial-future-a-financial-guide-for-authors/ Resources: Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/ Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/ Connect with Larry Sprung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung About Our Guest: As Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group and a CNBC contributor, Ryan Detrick brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong understanding of financial markets to guide the firm's strategic investment decisions. Leveraging market analysis and his passion for helping both advisors and clients navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, Ryan plays a pivotal role in shaping the investment strategies that help drive Carson Group's success. Ryan's career has been marked by a dedication to staying at the forefront of market trends and the role history plays in potential market moves. Prior to joining Carson Group, Ryan held key positions at several leading financial institutions, where he honed his skills in market analysis, risk management, and portfolio optimization. His ability to distill complex market information into actionable insights has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the financial industry, including being named one of Business Insider's Oracles of Wall Street in 2023 and again in 2025. A sought-after commentator, Ryan frequently shares his market perspectives through media appearances on CNBC, Fox Business, Yahoo! Finance, Bloomberg, and SiriusXM, speaking engagements, and written commentary. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of market trends, economic indicators, and investment opportunities, Ryan provides valuable insights that help empower clients to make informed decisions in an ever-evolving financial environment. Ryan also co-hosts a top-investing podcast, "Facts vs Feelings," alongside Carson Group colleague Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist. Each week on the show—which was named among the 23 Top Financial Advisor Podcasts to Listen to in 2026 by Kitces.com—they engage in insightful conversations exploring the intersection of data-driven market analysis and the human element in investment decision-making. Through "Facts vs Feelings," Ryan reaffirms his dedication to making finance more understandable. Connect with Ryan Detrick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandetrick/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/RyanDetrick/ Website: https://www.carsongroup.com/insights/blog/team-members/ryan-detrick/ Disclosure: Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site. This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com
Michael Kitces has spent years studying what drives satisfaction among financial advisors, going beyond firm performance metrics to focus on personal wellbeing and career fulfillment. His latest research, the 2025 Advisor Wellbeing Study, reveals how advisor happiness has shifted in recent years and what factors are shaping those changes. Drawing from responses across the industry, the study highlights both encouraging trends and emerging concerns. One of the most notable findings is that overall advisor wellbeing has improved, largely due to more stable work environments and stronger market conditions. But not all advisors are experiencing that progress equally, as younger professionals report lower optimism and a weaker sense of purpose. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com, about what truly drives advisor wellbeing. He explains how experience, autonomy, compensation structure, and firm dynamics all shape long-term satisfaction and career direction. Key takeaways: How stabilized work environments and rising markets have contributed to improved advisor wellbeing since 2023 Why younger advisors report lower optimism and purpose, especially in firms with outside ownership structures The connection between experience, autonomy, and long-term satisfaction in advisory careers How compensation per hour, not total income, plays a key role in advisor happiness and fulfillment Why staff support and delegation are critical to reducing burnout and improving productivity outcomes Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Kitces Report On What Actually Contributes To Advisor Wellbeing 2025 Financial Advisor Success Podcast by Michael Kitces Connect With Michael Kitces: LinkedIn: Michael Kitces LinkedIn: Focus Partners Wealth Website: Focus Partners Wealth Website: Kitces.com Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton diana.britton@informa.com LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Michael E. Kitces is the Head of Planning Strategy for Focus Partners Wealth, a private wealth management firm located in St Louis, Missouri, that oversees more than $50 billion of client assets. In addition, he is the co-founder of the XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, fpPathfinder, and New Planner Recruiting, former practitioner editor of the Journal of Financial Planning, and the publisher of the e-newsletter The Kitces Report and the popular financial planning industry blog Nerd's Eye View through his website www.Kitces.com, dedicated to advancing knowledge in financial planning. Michael is also a popular speaker on financial planning and practice management topics, and can be seen presenting at 50-70 regional and national conferences for financial advisors every year. Michael is one of the 2010 recipients of the Financial Planning Association's “Heart of Financial Planning” awards for his dedication to advancing the financial planning profession. In addition, he has variously been recognized as financial planning’s “Deep Thinker,” a “Legacy Builder,” an “Influencer,” a “Mover & Shaker,” part of the “Power 20,” and a “Rising Star in Wealth Management” by industry publications. These awards were presented to honor Michael's active work in the financial planning community. Michael is also a co-founder of NexGen, a community of the next generation of financial planners that aims to ensure the transference of wisdom, tradition, and integrity from the pioneers of financial planning to the next generation of the profession.
In the 194th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the ongoing debate surrounding fear-based marketing tactics. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 193rd episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the challenge of motivating clients to take difficult but necessary action toward their goals. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
If you've been enjoying The Independent Advisors podcast for a while now and want to take the next step in your financial journey, I'd encourage you to head to our website, jessupwealthmanagement.com (https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/) . Matt offers a 15-minute initial call where you can discuss your financial goals and see if JWM is a good fit for your needs. Scheduling is easy—once you land at jessupwealthmanagement.com (https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/) just click “Schedule Initial Call” and select a time that works best for you! There's a quick survey to fill out that will help guide the conversation and ensure your time is used efficiently. If you're ready to learn more, visit jessupwealthmanagement.com (https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/) and book your call today! Take advantage of our partnership with LifeLock and get discounts using our link: https://lifelock.norton.com/offers?expid=LLONEYEAR&promocode= JSPW24&VENDORID= _JESSUPWM&om_ext_cid=ext_partner_ JSPW24_Productpage $) • Market Update & Fed Outlook (1:40–6:20) – Market performance, inflation data, and interest rate expectations. • Social Security Solvency (9:10–10:40) – Trust fund projections and potential benefit changes. • AI Spending & Tech Growth (13:30–15:00) – Rising AI infrastructure investment and its impact on tech stocks. • Consumer Wealth Trends (17:50–21:30) – Growth of the upper middle class and its influence on spending. • Bond Market Risks (23:30–26:50) – How interest rate changes affect bond prices and volatility. • College Savings Strategies (28:45–32:50) – Comparing 529 plans and brokerage accounts for education savings.Show Notes:Article from Lorie Konish on June 9th on CNBC titled “Social Security retirement trust fund may be depleted in 2032, new trustees report finds” with commentary from Kitces.com - https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/09/social-security-trustees-report-depletion-dates.html Post on X from Ryan Detrick on June 15th - https://x.com/RyanDetrick/status/2066551008654762075 - Article by Dalvin Brown in the Wall Street Journal titled “The Financial Planning Expert Who's Boycotting 529s for His Kids” - https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/the-financial-planning-expert-whos-boycotting-529s-for-his-kids-6c3e32fc?st=KgKuSt&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink- Article by Anna Garcia titled “Why Advisors don't Recommend 529s” outlines a different approach - https://thecollegefinanciallady.com/2026/01/27/why-advisors-dont-recommend-529s/Hosts: Mark McEvily - Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner Matthew Jessup – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Managing Partner Address: 35 Park Ave. Dayton, OH 45419 Phone: 937-938-9105 https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/ Social Media: Facebook: @JessupWealthManagement LinkedIn: @JessupWealthManagement Twitter: @jessupwealth Instagram: @jessupwealth https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/disclosures-page
In the 192nd episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how advisors can stay creative without losing sight of the business side of things. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 191st episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to navigate working with couples when one partner is checked out. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 190th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how artificial intelligence could reshape the industry—and why one possible outcome may not be as appealing as it seems. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 189th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to support and guide clients when things feel uncertain. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 188th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what steps advisors can begin taking today to position themselves for a successful sale in the future. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 187th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the safeguards firms can put in place to protect themselves from legal risk, especially as they grow. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 186th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss effective ways to convey the real value of financial planning so it genuinely resonates with clients. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 185th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what clients truly value in their relationships with financial advisors. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
Most financial planning is built around goals. Goals like: Retiring at 60 Spending more time traveling Leaving a legacy through philanthropy But there's a structural flaw in that model: human beings are notoriously poor predictors of their future preferences. What we think will make us happy at 60 often looks very different once we get there. Yet as Advisors, we routinely ask clients to define long-term goals without fully pressure-testing the assumptions behind them. In this episode, Meghaan Lurtz explains how we can shift away from the shortcomings of goals-based planning by focusing on the power of experiments. Instead of asking our clients to commit to big, static goals, we can help them design small, intentional experiments. Help them test the retirement, test the travel, and test the hobbies they “think” they'll enjoy one day. Because a client who has tried something knows what they want. And an Advisor who helps them get there becomes indispensable. If you want deeper conversations, more engaged retirees, and clients who actually use their money in ways that improve their lives, then this episode offers a practical framework you can implement immediately. You'll Learn: Why goals-based planning may be unintentionally limiting your clients' happiness The simple 4-step experiment framework that unlocks confident spending and clearer decisions How to help chronic under-spenders safely test higher spending without triggering fear Why debriefing client experiences may be more powerful than the financial plan itself Subscribe to the Wired Advisor newsletter packed with behavioral-backed resources to help you grow your business → Click Here Links To Resources Mentioned: “Helping Underspenders and Savers Understand They Can Spend More With 4 Stages Of Experiments” Connect With Brendan: RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier About Our Guest: Meghaan Lurtz, Ph.D., FBS™ is a globally recognized expert on the psychology of financial planning and the human dynamics of money. She is a partner at Beyond The Plan®. Dr. Lurtz is also a Professor of Practice at Kansas State University, teaching in the Advanced Financial Planning and Financial Therapy Certificate Programs, and a Lecturer at Columbia University, where she teaches Financial Psychology. Her academic and professional contributions include published research in Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Consumer Affairs, and Financial Planning Review, as well as regular columns on Kitces.com. Her expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Million Dollar Roundtable, New York Magazine, and more. She has co-authored chapters in the CFP Board's textbook Client Psychology and serves on multiple fintech boards bridging financial advice with mental health. Meghaan is a past President of the Financial Therapy Association.
In the 184th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how artificial intelligence has made content marketing simultaneously more accessible and more challenging than ever. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 183rd episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss whether it's more effective to give clients clear, step-by-step guidance or empower them to become the heroes of their own stories. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
Will 2026 deliver another strong bull-market year — or a long-overdue reality check as AI, market valuations, and global shifts collide? In this episode, we discuss: 2026 S&P 500 predictions (15.2% vs. 6.7%) AI's explosive growth The Magnificent Seven's shrinking dominance Why equal-weighted investing reduces volatility Why bonds, gold, and diversification matter again How pre-retirees can protect gains while staying invested Today's article is from Kitces.com titled, 10 Charts To Help Explain The 2026 Market To Clients. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/545
In the 182nd episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the happiest time in an advisor's career—and how that may be fueling the industry's succession planning gap. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
Our guests on the podcast today are Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney. They're both advice-only financial planners, and they're the co-authors of a new book called Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement. Cody is a certified financial planner and the founder of Measure Twice Money, where he helped DIY investors make informed decisions aligned with their values. He also leads Measure Twice Planners, which is an educational community for financial planners. Sean Mullaney is a certified public accountant and head of Mullaney Financial & Tax. He also writes the blog, FITaxGuy.com, which is focused on the intersection between financial independence and taxes.BackgroundSean MullaneyCody GarrettMeasure Twice MoneyMeasure Twice FinancialMeasure Twice PlannersMullaney Financial & TaxFITaxGuy.comTax Planning and Early RetirementTax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, by Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney“The Backdoor Roth IRA After an Excess Contribution to a Roth IRA,” Sean Mullaney, FITaxGuy.com, Dec 16, 2025“Why I Don't Worry Much About Sequence of Returns Risk,” Sean Mullaney, FITaxGuy.com, Jun 10, 2025“The Tax Planning World Has Changed,” by Sean Mullaney, FITaxGuy.com, Sep. 22, 2025“Bogleheads on Investing® with Cody Garrett, CFP®, and Sean Mullaney, CPA on tax planning to and through retirement: Episode 89″ by Bogleheads on Investing® podcast, BogleCenter.net, Dec. 7, 2025“Managing Taxes in Retirement with Sean Mullaney,” by the White Coat Investor Podcast, WhiteCoatInvestor.com, Nov 20, 2025.Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life―A Revolutionary Approach to Maximizing Life Experiences Over Accumulating Wealth, by Bill Perkins“Reframing Risk In Retirement As “Over- And Under-Spending” To Better Communicate Decisions To Clients, And Finding “Best Guess” Spending Level,” by Michael Kitces, Kitces.com, Apr. 24 2024.More on Early Retirement and FIRE“My Baptism by FIRE: Lessons on Financial Independence,” by Christine Benz, Morningstar.com, May 29, 2025.“Aiming to ‘Die with Zero'? Here Are the Implications for Portfolio Construction and Retirement Spending,” by Jess Bebel, Morningstar.com, Apri. 6, 2025"Derek Tharp: An Alternative Approach to Calculating In-Retirement Withdrawals," The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Feb. 21, 2023 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
You saved diligently for decades — so why does giving yourself permission to spend still feel so hard? In this episode, we discuss: Why many retirees underspend despite having a secure financial plan Emotional and psychological barriers to spending How lifelong, "saver" habits impact retirement decisions Low-risk strategies to help build spending confidence Today's article is from the Kitces blog titled, Helping Underspenders And "Savers" Understand They CAN Spend More With 4 Stages Of "Experiments". Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/542
In the 181st episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to thoughtfully address client fears and uncertainties about the rapidly evolving AI landscape. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 180th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the four sources of capital—and how the way you use them reveals your true priorities versus your stated ones. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
Episode 100 — A License to Spend: How to Use Your Money to Create Compounding MemoriesOverviewWelcome to the 100th episode of the One for the Money podcast! In this milestone episode, we explore the driving force behind our work with clients: giving them permission—a license—to spend intentionally so they can create a richer, more meaningful life.While compound interest is powerful, the compound effect of memories is even greater. We discuss why now—not someday—is the time to invest in the experiences that matter most. From family road trips to sabbaticals, from national parks to international adventures, this episode dives into the intersection of money, time, and health, and how better planning leads to a better life.In the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies segment, we break down six research-backed ways money can buy happiness—when used intentionally.What You'll LearnWhy memories compound better than moneyThe importance of spending earlier, not laterHow health, time, and money intersect—and why waiting until retirement is often too lateHow experiences become lifelong “dividends” to your future selfInsights from Die with Zero by Bill PerkinsWhy Americans struggle to take vacation—and why that needs to changeSix evidence-based ways money can truly enhance happinessHow better planning gives you a “license to spend”Key TakeawaysMemories compound over time and are often worth more than the dollars saved.You can't get your health or your kids' childhood back. Use your money when you have both time and vitality.Spending intentionally—especially on experiences—yields long-term happiness.A financial plan exists to help you live well, not simply to help you accumulate more.Don't wait until retirement to enjoy life. Balance smart saving with purposeful spending.Resources MentionedBook: Die with Zero by Bill PerkinsArticle: “6 Ways Money Can Buy Happiness” — Ronald Sier on Kitces.comPodcast inspiration: Tim Ferriss Show (question on most-gifted book)Concept: “Sharpen the Saw” — Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleSix Research-Backed Ways Money Can Buy HappinessSpend on others, not just yourselfSpend to buy time and reduce stressSpend now, enjoy later — the power of anticipationSpend on experiences, not thingsSpend on small pleasures more oftenSpend to support fundamental human needs — growth, connection, purposeQuotes From This Episode“Memories compound better than money.”“A financial plan is not just about avoiding running out of money—it's about avoiding running out of time.”“Life is a choice. Choose consciously. Choose wisely. Choose memories.”
In the 179th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the common angst advisors feel about the idea of their associate advisors eventually leaving to build teams of their own. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 178th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why many retirees struggle to spend the money they spent a lifetime saving—and how advisors can help. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 177th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why learning to say "no" can be game-changing—and how to do it without all the guilt. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
If something promises higher returns, it comes with higher risk — even if that risk isn't easy to see. And if something promises to protect your downside, it's usually charging you for it through fees, limited upside, or long-term lockups. Today's headline from Ben Henry-Moreland fits that idea perfectly. "Why 'Downside Protection' ETFs Don't Protect Portfolios As Well As A Stock-Bond Mix (In The Long Term)". After that, I'll answer a listener question about taxes & avoiding underpayment penalties from a surprise inheritance. Should they make an extra quarterly payment to the IRS to avoid penalties, or is there a smarter way to handle it? I'll explain how the safe-harbor rules work, and why a simple IRA-withholding trick can sometimes do the same job even better. Resource: Article by Ben Henry-Moreland on Kitces.com: Why "Downside Protection" ETFs Don't Protect Portfolios As Well As A Stock-Bond Mix (In The Long Term) Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement
In the 176th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to support clients who need financial guidance but can't afford traditional advisory fees. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 175th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how sketches can spark more meaningful money conversations. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
What if the common advice to wait until age 70 for Social Security isn't always the best move? Could claiming earlier actually give you more freedom and peace of mind in retirement? In this episode, we discuss: Risks of “blanketed” Social Security advice Determining your expected value vs. expected utility Mortality, sequence of returns, and policy risks Pinpointing your “personalized discount rate” Today's article is from the Kitces.com blog titled, Why Delaying Social Security Benefits Isn't Always The Best Decision. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/526
Only about 4% of retirees actually wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, despite the financial benefits of delaying them. This comes from an article by Derek Tharp at Kitces.com titled “The Flaws In Using A 0% Discount Rate To Justify Delaying Social Security”. It takes a hard look at why the common advice to “wait until 70” might not always hold up in the real world. Tharp argues that the assumptions baked into much of the research—especially the idea that a future Social Security dollar is worth the same as a dollar today—can tilt the math toward delay, while ignoring very real risks like mortality, sequence of returns, policy changes, and even health-span. I'll share the points and give my commentary on the topic. Thanks for hitting the Play button! Then in our listener question segment: We'll talk about whether it ever makes sense to use a SPIA to bridge the gap until Social Security. What are the pros and cons, and would I ever recommend one? Resource: Article from Derek Tharp on Kitces.com: Why Delaying Social Security Benefits Isn't Always The Best Decision Connect with Benjamin Brandt Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement
In the 174th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what they'd say if they could talk directly to money—and what money might say back. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 173rd episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to handle receiving the "soft no" after meeting with a client who seems like a great fit. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 172nd episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what research reveals as the key driver of productivity among financial advisors. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 171st episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss advisor burnout—and the hidden culprit that could be fueling it. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In the 170th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how financial advisors can help clients navigate career uncertainty caused by AI disruption by focusing on actionable items, offering flexibility vs long-term growth, and being more proactive in planning strategies. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
What does the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” mean for your retirement? Find out how the latest tax legislation—from permanent TCJA extensions to surprising changes in charitable giving, Social Security taxation, 529 plan use, and more—could affect your tax strategy for years to come. In this episode, we discuss: Updated inflation adjustments Capital gains nuance Enhanced standard deduction for seniors Social Security misconceptions New “below-the-line" deductions Today's article is from the Kitces.com blog titled, Breaking Down The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”: Impact Of New Laws On Tax Planning. Listen in as Founder and CEO of Howard Bailey Financial, Casey Weade, breaks down the article and provides thoughtful insights and advice on how it applies to your unique financial situation. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/513
In the 169th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards explore how AI is set to transform the roles advisors play and the unique value they provide in client relationships. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 168th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss whether it's more effective to dive deep in the first client meeting or to focus on the immediate issue and reserve the more emotional conversations for future sessions. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 167th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the complex emotions money can stir up—and how a client's level of wealth can shape an advisor's happiness in their own life. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 166th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to help clients unlearn unhelpful lessons and shift from relying on luck-based decisions to making strategic, informed choices. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 165th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards explore strategies for breaking down complex ideas into clear, simple explanations that clients can easily grasp. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 164th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to strike the right balance between technical accuracy and clear, client-friendly communication. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 163rd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to handle when clients not only ignore advice but actively push back against it. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
In our 162nd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how a virtual assistant can support management responsibilities—and how to identify what tasks are worth delegating in the first place. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
Will your taxes go up? Stay the same? Go down, even? Jeffrey Levine is Chief Planning Officer at Focus Partners, Professor of Practice in Taxation at the American College of Financial Services, and the Lead Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com. In other words, he's one of the savviest tax minds in the country. Jeff returns to the show today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 524 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA, with his thoughts on what will happen to taxes under the new administration, saving for retirement in a Roth IRA vs. a traditional IRA, managing inherited retirement accounts, and the future viability of Social Security. Plus, what should you do with required minimum distributions when you don't need the money to live on? How do you calculate the maximum amount you should convert from your retirement account to a tax-free Roth account, and how much should you convert - or not - to keep RMDs under control? Finally, how can minor beneficiaries avoid probate? Free financial resources & episode transcript: https://bit.ly/ymyw-524 LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER: DOWNLOAD The DIY Retirement Guide by Friday April 11, 2025! WATCH Take Control of Your Retirement Plan on YMYW TV ASK Joe & Big Al for your Retirement Spitball Analysis SCHEDULE your Free Financial Assessment SUBSCRIBE to YMYW on YouTube DOWNLOAD more free guides READ financial blogs WATCH educational videos SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast 01:05 - Will These Historic Low Tax Rates Be Extended? Insight from Jeff Levine, CFP®, CPA/PFS, ChFC®, RICP®, CWS, AIF, BFA™, MSA 19:54 - Make These 3 Investments for a Happy Retirement and Watch Take Control of Your Retirement Plan on YMYW TV 21:06 - What to Do With Required Minimum Distributions When You Don't Need the Money to Live On? (Judi, San Diego) 24:40 - How Much NOT to Convert to Roth to Keep RMDs Under Control? (DH from SoCal) 32:26 - LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER: Download the DIY Retirement Guide by Friday, April 11, 2025! 33:39 - How to Calculate How Much Roth Conversion I Should Do? (Joe, voice) 38:42 - How Can I Reduce My Required Minimum Distributions? (Joel, CA) 40:18 - How Can Minor Beneficiaries Avoid Probate? (Esther, San Francisco) 46:04 - YMYW Podcast Outro