Podcasts about retirement plans

Movie stars and music artists get “royalties” for their past work. Can you do the same in retirement? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  Guest: Caroline Francis, EdS Director of UK Alumni Career Services Season 8, Episode 29 Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley sits down with Caroline Francis, director of the University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services Program, to discuss how to avoid failing at retirement and how retirement is being redefined for today's generations. They explore topics beyond finances, including: loss of identity, shrinking social networks, declining health, and lack of purpose. Sharing practical strategies that lead to successful retirement years, like starting a bucket list or curious journal, pursuing encore careers or volunteer roles, taking advantage of programs such as Donovan Scholars or the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program and prioritizing lifelong learning and health. Key takeaways include starting to plan 3–5 years ahead, building social connections and purpose, improving health before retirement, and finding role models to emulate for a successful transition. For more information visit the UK Alumni Association: Website Facebook For more information about programs mentioned during this episode: OLLI Program If you are over 65, ask about the Donavan Scholars Program at ANY state supported college or university in Kentucky for tuition waiver. Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS. Kentucky Extension Offices UK FCS Extension           Website           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel  

Are you ready for the year-end financial countdown? This episode with JoePat Roop dives into last-minute tax strategies, the pros and cons of Roth conversions, and how Social Security timing can impact your retirement plan. Discover why personalized planning matters, how new tax laws could affect your future, and what to consider when leaving a legacy for your loved ones. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes one size fits all is appropriate, but when it comes to retirement, just about everyone has at least a few unique circumstances or desires that can make personalized planning advantageous. On this episode we explore a few examples that just might hit home for you or someone you know. Glenn is available for in person and online meetings if you'd like to discuss or strategize about your personal situation. Simply give us a call at (336) 291-3535 or visit ScheduleSomeTime.com to get on his calendar. As always, please remember to click the “Share” button to share our podcast with friends, family and colleagues.   Investment advisory services offered through Horter Investment Management, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Adviser. Horter Investment Management does not provide legal or tax advice. Investment Adviser Representatives of Horter Investment Management may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered or exempt from registration requirements. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through Roadmap Financial Consulting, LLC. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through AXOS Advisor Services, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., and Nationwide Advisory Solutions.

An animated short film called ‘Retirement Plan' has made the shortlist for a nomination in next year's Oscars.The film has been receiving rave reviews, and is 7 minutes of a man named Ray, voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, listing off all the things he hopes to do upon reaching retirement.Its Director, John Kelly, joins Seán to discuss!

On this episode: Vanguard is offering a Target Date Fund with an annuity option. What could go wrong? Turns out, retirees want more stability than the stock market provides. If you DIY your retirement plan, what are the dangers? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

‘Tis the season for “best of,” “most,” and of course, “naughty and nice” list making.  In this episode Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) share theirs with regard to retirement plans.In that holiday classic “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,”Santa is said to be “making a list and checking it twice…” all with the purpose of finding out “who's naughty and nice.” Well, in this special holiday-inspired episode, Nevin and Fred share their lists.  So, who/what is going to wind up with a lump of coal in their stocking?Here are our lists:Naughty 1. Surveys that promote bogus data to generate business for themselves.  Scare techniques generally, including by those who use surveys and studies to do that.2. Frivolous lawsuits - given multiple chances to make their claim(s) - the forfeiture suits primarily (note:  some of that comes from apparent conflicts in the laws and regulations…for example, the IRS says that using forfeitures to offset contributions is possible, but the DOL says that, if left to discretion, it is a fiduciary duty that must be in the best interest of participants.3. Social Security looming shortfalls left unaddressed - and everyone says it won't be a problem.  4. The lack of any integrated fiduciary/institutional answer to retirement income. Although the steps taken, e.g., the SECURE Act, are “nice.”5. The complexity of the laws governing qualified plans, especially when it comes to small employers.Nice1. Signs that people are saving more and better. Evidence in PSCA, Vanguard and Fidelity surveys.  The very low costs of saving through 401(k) plans as compared to retail (andpartially the plaintiffs' attorneys who have contributed to that).2. DOL backing plan fiduciaries on the forfeiture reallocation suit.   3. More personalized target-date funds/managed accounts.4. Pooled Employer plans (though keep an eye on themarketing and administration of these programs down the road).5. Mandatory automatic enrollment for new 401(k) and 403(b) plans.6. Retirement issues continue to be a bipartisan issue mostly). Episode Resources:Misleading headlines/surveysTalking Points: Third Time No Charm in ‘Forgotten Account' FantasyTalking Points: IRA ‘Junk' BunkNo 'Magic' in These 401(k) Retirement NumbersTalking Points: A Red Flag for a ‘Red Flag' Report).Social Security'Nothing' Doing About Social Security?Forfeiture StuffDOL Backs HP in Forfeiture Reallocation Suit AppealSECURE 2.0 and Retirement IncomeSECURE Act and Guaranteed Income (Part 3) - Fred Reish6 Obstacles to Retirement Income AdoptionPEPsNevin & Fred: Could a Predominant PEPs Prediction Prove Positive?Automatic EnrollmentThe SECURE Act 2.0: The Most Impactful Provisions (#1–Automatic Plans) - Fred ReishThe SECURE Act 2.0: The Most Impactful Provisions #13 — Starter 401(k) Plans and Safe Harbor 403(b) Plans - Fred ReishThings I Worry About (6): Automatic Enrollment (5) and PEPs - Fred Reish 

Today, David is breaking down some of the year's biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward. 2026's headlines might look different, but the same drama will likely exist. So, what can you do? Aim to control your plan, your savings habits, and your long-term strategy. That's what can help turn a chaotic year into a confident retirement path.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

There are currently record numbers of dividend paying stocks being purchased. Why? Is it something you should look into? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

As retirement gets closer, the small financial issues you've ignored can start to pile up fast. In this episode, Craig walks through the most common "financial trash" people carry into retirement, and how to start the process of cleaning it up. What financial clutter should you clean up before retiring? If you want a clearer, more confident path into retirement, this episode shows where to start. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

What if "giving back" isn't about writing bigger checks but about using what you're already great at? Most people think philanthropy is reserved for people with their names on buildings. That assumption keeps them from realizing they already have something valuable to give. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome John Studzinski, managing director at PIMCO and founder of the Genesis Foundation, for a conversation about generosity, purpose, and impact that actually applies to everyday Stackers. John challenges the whole concept of "philanthropy" as something for the ultra-wealthy and reframes giving as a muscle anyone can build using time, talent, and intention instead of just cash. The conversation reveals how you can create meaningful impact right now, regardless of your bank balance. Whether you're great at organizing, teaching, listening, or solving problems, those skills matter more than you think. John breaks down how to identify your personal talent for impact and why intentional giving beats reactive charity every single time. Then the show shifts to retirement planning, specifically how to design a glide path that works with your behavior instead of fighting it. Joe and OG break down how to manage risk as you age, why annuities keep showing up in retirement conversations, and why smart planning focuses less on chasing perfect returns and more on creating stability you can actually live with. Because the math might say one thing, but your ability to sleep at night matters just as much. Along the way, the crew takes a detour into ChatGPT's potential future, explores a few behavioral finance truths that hit uncomfortably close to home, and wraps with a pop culture review reminding us that money decisions never happen in a vacuum. This episode is about aligning your resources (financial and otherwise) with the life you actually want to live. What You'll Walk Away With: • Why "giving" is a better word than "philanthropy" and why that shift in language actually matters • How to identify your personal talent for impact even without significant wealth • Why generosity works best when it's intentional and strategic rather than reactive • How retirement glide paths actually work and why your behavior matters more than the math • The role annuities can play in reducing retirement anxiety without sacrificing everything • Why percentages can be misleading, real dollars tell better stories, and context is everything • How fear, FOMO, and age quietly shape your investment decisions in ways you might not notice • Permission to build a retirement plan around stability instead of maximum growth This Episode Is For You If: • You want to give back but think you need more money before you can make a real difference • You're approaching retirement and tired of advice that ignores how you actually feel about risk • You've wondered if annuities deserve their bad reputation or if there's something there • You want your money decisions to reflect your values, not just optimize for returns • You believe purpose and planning should work together, not compete Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What's a talent you already have that could create more impact than money alone? And when it comes to retirement investing, what decision do you know is emotional but still struggle with? Drop your answers in the comments because John's perspective on giving and the crew's take on retirement planning might shift how you think about both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Social Security Crisis: What Happens If the Money Runs Out?**Schedule your free virtual consultation

Today, we focus on building smarter financial strategies for business owners, retirees, and long-term investors navigating a changing market environment. Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren break down retirement plan options for the self-employed, including SEP IRAs, Individual 401(k)s, and SIMPLE plans—highlighting contribution limits, employee requirements, vesting rules, and costly mistakes business owners often overlook. The conversation expands into the BetterBuckets® System, explaining how aligning cash, income, and growth assets can reduce emotional decision-making and create clarity during market volatility. The hosts discuss why understanding why you own certain investments matters just as much as what you own—especially when markets fluctuate. They also examine recent market movement, interest-rate cuts, rotation between growth and value stocks, and what volatility really means for long-term planning. Rather than reacting to headlines, the episode emphasizes disciplined strategy, time horizon alignment, and using market pullbacks as planning opportunities—not panic moments.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Alex Lundgren ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

What if a single decision could make or break your retirement dreams? This episode dives into the unpredictable world of retirement planning—exploring how to protect a windfall, diversify investments, and secure guaranteed income. Discover why the right strategy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and learn how to prepare for the unknowns of market volatility, inflation, and taxes. Real stories and practical advice reveal how to build a resilient retirement plan that fits your life, not just your numbers. Get Your Complimentary Retirement Roadmap Your roadmap will include: A retirement income strategy A test to see how long your money will last A tax-planning strategy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being debt free would be great going into retirement…but will you hurt your retirement prospects by doing it? We discuss good debt and bad debt and how to make those decisions. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

Rate & review the Simply Financial Podcast on ITunesLink to the original episodeBuilt With Solid Gold Podcast ChannelTopics Discussed: Why real estate complements stocks, bonds, and retirement accountsHow to set clear, actionable wealth goalsWhy clarity beats complexity in financial planningHow to intentionally deploy your resourcesThe importance of building the right wealth teamCommon mistakes investors make — and how to avoid them

Most gym owners assume their gym is their retirement plan.That belief is dangerous.In this episode, Scott Carpenter and Andy Boimila break down a hard truth most fitness entrepreneurs avoid:

Perhaps the most critical step to retirement planning is making the most of our time. Chris Hoffman is the founder of Hoffman Financial Group and on this episode of Money Unleashed, he will walk you through practical retirement planning steps. Whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your plan, these small, intentional moves can have a meaningful impact on your future retirement.Visit UnleashYourMoney.com and sign up for your complimentary Portfolio X-Ray. Call 404-341-6767 to schedule your time to speak with the Hoffman Financial Group.

Americans will be allowed to contribute more of their money to 401(k) and similar retirement savings plans next year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said the maximum contribution that an individual can make in 2026 to a 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans will be $24,500. That's up from $23,500 this year. People aged 50 and over, who have the option to make additional "catch-up" contributions to 401(k) and similar plans, will be able to contribute up to $8,000 next year, up from $7,500 this year. That means a 401(k) saver who is 50 or older will be able to contribute a maximum of $32,500 to their retirement plan annually, starting in 2026. Workers between the ages of 60 and 63 will be allowed catch-up retirement plan contributions of up to $11,250 annually, unchanged from this year. The IRS also raised the 2026 annual contribution limits on individual retirement arrangements, or IRAs, to $7,500, up from $7,000 this year. The IRA "catch-up" contribution limit will include an annual cost-of-living adjustment of $100, increasing it to $1,100 in 2026. The changes, among others, announced by the IRS, make it easier for retirement savers who use these types of tax-advantaged plans to set aside more of their income toward building their nest egg. That's especially helpful for older workers who got started saving for retirement later in life and can benefit from higher contribution limits. Boosting the contribution rate on a 401(k) or IRA plan, even by 1%, can make a big difference over 10 or 20 years, assuming the saver remains employed and makes contributions the entire time. The IRS also increased for 2026 the income ranges for determining whether someone is eligible to make deductible contributions to traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, or to claim the "saver's credit," also known as the retirement savings contributions credit. Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If, during the year, either the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income, the IRS said. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

On this episode: Why is retirement so complicated? In down years in the stock market, does that mean you should cut back on your lifestyle? Without some planning and discussion, your 401(k) could be a tax trap. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

Retirement used to mean slowing down. Now it can mean staying active, starting new projects, traveling more, and building a “second act” that’s actually fun. In this episode of The Road to Retirement, Steve Sedahl sits down with retirement planner Tripp Limehouse of Limehouse Financial to talk about what modern retirement really looks like—and what it takes to fund it. Want to learn more or schedule a conversation? Visit limehousefinancial.com or call 800-940-6979.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The  Moose on The Loose helps Canadians to invest with more conviction so they can enjoy their retirement. Today, I discuss retirement planning by age (where you should be in your 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and before retirement age). We also talk about retiring each year. It's all about dividend growth investing! Subscribe to the best free dividend investing newsletter: https://thedividendguyblog.com/newsletter Get the 20 income products guide for retirees: https://retirementloop.ca/income/ Get your Investment roadmap: https://dividendstocksrock.com/roadmap

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 $)Show Notes:New Contribution Limits for Retirement Plans & Other Retirement Plan Changes for 2026https://www.plancorp.com/blog/new-contribution-limits330 Topics: Impact of Top Market Days: Missing the 10 best market days since 1928 could lead to a 21% loss on gains.Fed Interest Rates: Fed cut rates to 3.5%-3.75% with $40B monthly liquidity infusion to boost the economy.Tech Sector Volatility: NASDAQ 100 has seen five down years since 1995, highlighting the need for diverse portfolios.Wage Growth Trends: Wage growth normalizing at 3%-4%, aiding inflation control and reducing recession risk moving forward.Retirement Contribution Limits: 401(k) contribution limits rise to $24,500 in 2026, with Roth options for high earners mandated.

In this episode, Laura Lee and Randy Barkley dive into the common pitfalls business owners face when they rely solely on their business as their retirement plan. They discuss the importance of diversification, planning for the future, and the complexities of selling a business. With insights from financial planning experts, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to secure their financial future. Key Takeaways: The risks of viewing your business as your sole retirement asset. The importance of diversification in your financial portfolio. Planning for the sale of your business well in advance. Understanding the complexities of taxes and wealth transfer. If these topics resonate with you, consider reaching out to a certified financial planner to discuss a strategy that best serves your financial goals. #BusinessPlanning #FinancialSecurity #Entrepreneurship Reach out at contact@tricordadvisors.com Connect with Jeremiah: LinkedIn: / jeremiahjlee Email: Jeremiah@tricordadvisors.com Connect with Laura: LinkedIn: / laura-lee-59a83610 Email: Laura@tricordadv.com Connect with Randy: LinkedIn: / rkbarkley Email: Randy@tricordadv.com Information and ideas discussed are general comments and cannot be relied upon as pertaining to your specific situation, do not constitute legal/financial advice, and do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship. Examples discussed are fictional. You should consult your own advisor/attorney and do your own diligence prior to making any decisions. Investments involve risk and the possibility of loss, including the loss of principal. All situations are different, and results may vary. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent CA license # 0518567 and Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney and is responsible for this communication. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm.

On this episode, the GO crew shares their plans for gaming in retirement. Before that, they discuss the latest industry news and talk about the newest games they’ve been playing. Invite to Fuze social media platform Hollywood Outsider / Gaming Outsider Cruise Info ***Time stamps may not be exact depending on ad placement*** On This Episode (20:34) News (49:44) New Games (55:12) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch 2) (1:12:39) Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remastered (PS5) (1:18:30) Horses (PC) (1:36:05) Blood: Refreshed Supply (PS5) (1:42:52) “From the Outside In” Topic: Retirement Plans   Grab the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music and more. If you love this episode and want other gaming content you can't get anywhere else, please support us on Patreon! Also, don’t forget to check out our Discord Server and our web site, where you can read all of our written content.  

You Should Claim Social Security at 62! **Schedule your free virtual consultation

Sometimes, careers are built - or blown up - at office holiday parties, plus the advantages of planning your retirement well before you actually call it quits, and giving the gift of a Chicago food favorite this holiday season.

In this episode, Brian Skrobonja goes over the three main retirement mindsets that could negatively impact your retirement plans. He sheds light on what most retirees get wrong about retirement planning, why being confident doesn't eliminate investment risks, and what to consider when hiring a financial planner. Brian goes over three retirement mindsets that have the potential to derail even the best-laid retirement plans. He starts by explaining that there is more to the conversation around retirement than just having a permanent vacation. Retirement is not a destination; it's a transition into a new stage of life. The different mindsets you need when saving money and growing a nest egg versus spending and withdrawing money from your retirement accounts. Mindset #1 - The Idea That Annuities Are Bad. For Brian, retirement is about having a steady stream of income you can rely on no matter what Wall Street throws your way. Brian reveals that most retirees want consistency and predictability in retirement--they want to know exactly how much money they have coming in each month. Annuities are designed specifically to deliver this predictability and remove guesswork out of producing income for retirement. Remember, stock market risks are real and they don't disappear just because an investor is optimistic about what could potentially happen. Mindset #2 - The idea of the status quo of the stock market in retirement. Some people believe that a well-diversified portfolio will predictably turn out enough profit to sustain them throughout retirement. According to Brian, what is missing from this ideology is that the market doesn't go up in a straight line. If you experience a 50% loss, 50% in earnings will not get you back to even; you need 100%. And if you're making withdrawals, that only compounds the problem. Brian reveals why the stock market is a great tool for wealth creation--but only if you allow the money to grow and aren't making withdrawals for income purposes. Mindset #3 - Fee anchoring. What is a fee anchor? It's the amount someone has in their mind for what they should pay for financial related advice. When considering a fee for an advisor, it's important to understand that it's less about the fee and more about what you're getting in return. A fee is only an issue when there is a vacuum of value. For Brian, if you try to get an advisor to cut their fees, the more experienced and valued advisors will not take you as a client. Brian explains why finding the right advisor can be invaluable, especially when it comes to navigating complex financial products like annuities, private markets, or selling a business. Fees are important and you should understand them, but Brian encourages people to not use them as the primary consideration for making a decision.   Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify     Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC This material contains forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.  Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. Consider your risk tolerance and specific situation before investing. Investments in securities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Prices of securities may fluctuate from time to time and may even become valueless. Carefully read all of the relevant investment product's offering documents and information before investing. Seriously consider investment suitability by referencing your financial position, investment objectives, and risks profile before making any investment decision. Annuity guarantees rely on financial strength and claims-paying ability of issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by carrier.   Annuities are not FDIC insured.

In this episode, we delve into why many investors over 55 regret heavily contributing to deferred 401(k)s and other retirement plans, primarily due to future high tax brackets. We discuss alternative investment strategies like real estate, which offer immediate tax benefits, and caution against the long-term tax implications of deferred retirement plans. Tune in for insights on whether to keep money in qualified retirement plans or invest it elsewhere, and learn about our upcoming Hawaii retreat for deeper financial discussions.00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Deferred Retirement Plans00:42 Upcoming Hawaii Workshop Details01:53 Podcast Introduction: Rethinking 401Ks and IRAs02:01 Key Points on Retirement Plans and Taxes03:38 The Importance of Tax Benefits Today05:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts06:29 Join Our Annual Hawaii Retreat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do the Louvre heist and your retirement plan have in common? Sometimes, simple solutions leave you exposed. Mike Douglas unpacks the most common financial mistakes retirees make, from relying on one “bucket” of money to ignoring taxes, inflation, and family preparedness. Learn why a purposeful, diversified strategy is key to protecting your wealth and peace of mind—because in retirement, overlooking the details can be costly. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: MichigansRetirementCoach.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamal Kifafi v. Hilton Hotels Retirement Plan

On this episode: The “Tiny Dings” that could become bigger financial problems. A strange disconnect between financial advisors and their clients. Don’t be generous but foolish with your inheritance. Avoiding the “debt free” temptation. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

Your investment style can be as important as what you invest in. At the very least, it plays a critical role in your financial planning success. Eric Johnson and Kyle Allyn are the Vice Presidents of the Hoffman Financial Group and on this episode, they discuss the importance of refining your approach to investing, keeping tabs on your accounts, and setting your porfolio up for optimal performance.Visit UnleashYourMoney.com and sign up for your complimentary Portfolio X-Ray. Call 404-341-6767 to schedule your time to speak with the Hoffman Financial Group.

Dermot meets animator and film maker John Kelly whose short film ‘Retirement Plan' is one that will resonate with anyone with a ‘to do list'.

Today, John and Nick dive into the Big Beautiful Bill and what its changes mean for retirees and pre-retirees as the year winds down. They break down updates to tax brackets, standard and senior deductions, SALT caps, and Roth conversion strategies, while sharing tips on avoiding common pitfalls. Plus, they touch on credits and deductions like charitable giving, auto loans, and solar panels to help listeners make the most of these changes.   Helpful Information: PFG Website: https://www.pfgprivatewealth.com/ Contact: 813-286-7776 Email: info@pfgprivatewealth.com   Disclaimer: PFG Private Wealth Management, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. The topics and information discussed during this podcast are not intended to provide tax or legal advice. Investments involve risk, and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed on this podcast. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.   Speaker 1: This week on Retirement Planning Redefined, still a lot of questions out there about the Big Beautiful Bill and what happened earlier this year and some of those changes. So, we thought we would talk about that and touch on that as the year is winding down here on the podcast. So, stick around. Let's get into it. Hey, everybody. Welcome into Retirement Planning Redefined with John and Nick from PFG Private Wealth. Find them online at pfgprivatewealth.com.   Guys, I know it's been around for a couple of months now, half a year or whatever, but still a lot of questions and things going on with the Big Beautiful Bill changes, especially as it affects retirees and pre-retirees. So, we thought we would dive back in and have a conversation on some of this and just maybe touch on some of the things you guys are still hearing a few months later and see if we can break this down a little bit for folks and help them out. John, how are you doing this week?   John: Hey, I'm doing all right. Just getting ready for Thanksgiving here and just looking for some downtime right now.   Speaker 1: Yeah, it's right here upon us. Nick, you're double whammy. You got Thanksgiving and then you got a wedding right after that. So, congratulations and happy holidays.   Nick: Thanks. Yeah, it's going to be a busy end of the year.   Speaker 1: Yeah, for sure. Well, speaking of, let's get into our topic here because there's lot of stuff that's happening and changes and whatnot. So, let's just dive into some of the things and break some things down. The big piece obviously was that the tax brackets that we were under the TCJA since 2017 got extended. All year, we were wondering if that was going to happen as the year was winding down. This stuff was going to wrap up at the end of this year, but they extended it and they made it permanent. So, talk to me about that, whoever wants to take this. That's interesting language and confusion for some people, but what's your thoughts on the tax brackets being extended?   John: Yeah, so the tax brackets from 2017 now remain in place where they were set to expire. So, they're as permanent as I guess you could be when it comes to tax brackets-   Speaker 1: To Washington.   John: ... to Congress. Yeah, exactly. So, obviously, Congress can make some changes at some point, but for right now, this is where we are. For retirees, important to take a look at historically where tax brackets have been and if you really pay attention where in some pretty low tax brackets if you look throughout time. So, now could be advantageous to some people to really develop some strategies to take advantage of this low tax bracket period for themselves because permanent doesn't mean too permanent as we just discussed. Depending on what happens, the next administration, things could not become permanent.   Speaker 1: So I mean, one of the things Roth conversions has been really on the radar for many people for the last number of years because to your point of the historical tax lows, so now you do have some time to Roth over time for at least a couple more years anyway, until what, '28 or '29 potentially.   John: Yeah, so Roth conversions is definitely something we implement for clients, and while this is going to be in place for the next few years. Maybe we get a little bit more aggressive and I think we're going to touch on it a little bit more in the podcast. We'll talk about some of the pitfalls to avoid with that because there are some new deductions that you want to remain below.   Speaker 1: Yeah, yeah, for sure. Well, Nick, let's have you just jump in and tackle some of that. So, talk to me about some of the deductions, the standard stuff, some of these other pieces that they locked into place and some things we might want to know and think about.   Nick: So for people that aren't familiar with the jargon when it comes to the tax or they don't prepare themselves, essentially people have two options. They can either use the standard deduction, which is what the majority of W-2 earners do especially or they can itemize. So, the reason that people would itemize historically is they would have enough expenses maybe through a business, maybe through interest from a mortgage or kids or different things that would allow them to itemize and there'd be a benefit to them from a tax perspective.   But when this was originally put into place and the standard deduction was increased, it really shifted it to people being able to just, for the most part, use the standard deduction, which previously about $29,500 for joint, $14,600 for single, and the updated number is going to be $31,500 for joint and then $15,750 for single. So, it's bumped up a little bit. Years ago, it was lower, and so there would be a lot of people that would get caught between the standard and the itemized, but it is a benefit for quite a bit of people.   Speaker 1: Yeah. I mean, there's some decent numbers here we're talking about. When you take the standard deductions, it's going to be hard to get there, but you could really make a big dent. We'll talk about some of the add-on deductions as well here in a second. Does the SALT cap change a lot of things for you guys in Florida? I'm not sure versus other states like New York or California, New Jersey, and I guess maybe to clarify, John, what is the SALT cap and can you break that down a little bit?   John: So I'll punt this to Nick. He just actually did this with a client. So, he can give a personal story, which is probably better than me.   Nick: Yeah. So, the SALT cap is really state and local tax. It is or historically has been much more relevant in states that have higher property tax and/or state income tax. So, a lot of the northeast states, really just a lot of states in general. Here in Florida, we don't necessarily run into this a ton, however, we do have quite a few clients that do the snowbird thing.   Speaker 1: Yeah, sure.   Nick: So they have to incorporate taxes in other states and that thing. So, the reality is that it had previously been a benefit for people that were paying a large state income and/or property taxes. They could use it to offset the tax that they paid against their federal income. I guess when the legislation was changed, I think it was like 2017, 2018, they had reduced that SALT cap to $10,000. So, that really had an impact from the perspective of especially high income earners in states that had those different taxes that were applicable. It did cause a decently effective increase in taxes for them.   So, with the good old lobbying that's done, they went ahead and increased that from the $10,000 that's been in place for the last five, six years to $40,000 cap for incomes below $500,000. So, although we don't see it here, we have recently had some clients moving into homes that do have pretty significant property taxes. Although they're not paying state income tax, the level of the property taxes where they've gotten with the run-up in real estate around this area, it has become a little bit more relevant than it was previously.   Speaker 1: And so that could make a difference. So, again, you want to make sure that of all these changes that are potentially there, you're talking with your financial professional and your CPAs and working together on making sure that you're being as effective as possible. So, John, you punted that one back over to Nick. I'll give you this one, the senior deduction. There was a lot of talk, obviously, a lot of campaigning on just getting rid of taxes on social security. They did their bartering and their deals and they came up with this senior citizen deduction. I mean, it's not bad for a number of years. It's like you're not paying social security taxes, but it's a little confusing for folks. So, can you break down some of the data on that?   John: Yeah, so it was initially discussed as, "Hey, we're going to eliminate social security tax." This has come up a little bit with some clients asking, "Hey, did they get rid of it?" And the answer is, your social security still is taxed, but if you're above the age of 65, you do get what they call a senior citizen deduction. That's $6,000 per person, $12,000 married filing jointly, and there are some income limits to it. The single is $75,000 and the joint is $150,000. So, I would say over the last few months, we have been doing quite a bit of planning to make sure people stay below these thresholds to maximize the deduction and when we're doing our projections for this year and upcoming years, for some people, it's a big difference.   It's a nice little benefit for these retirees who unfortunately over the last few years are really impacted with inflation. I mean, the cost of everything is up. I know CPI recently, I think last year was like 2 to 3% or something, which doesn't feel like that, but if you're on a fixed income, this is a pretty big deal. So, it's nice to see some of these retirees get some relief, but especially with this one more than others, I think if you can stay below those income thresholds, now's the time to do it because as of now, they're expiring in 2028. So, you really only have about two or three years to really take advantage of this.   Speaker 1: Be effective. Yeah. I mean to your point, Nick earlier was talking about the $31,500 for the standard, and then you slap another $12,000 for married, right? Then you slap another $12,000 on here. I mean, that's pretty hefty, right? So you could get really efficient with this. It's just a matter of making sure that you're, again, jumping in and taking advantage of it while you can. Any thoughts on that, Nick?   Nick: Yeah, no, just like anything else, what you can see a little bit with some of these changes are that there's certain gaps that it's stepped in to help with. The reality is a lot of times it's going to be people that are middle, upper middle class, but from a tax perspective, so if they can keep their income under the 150 for a joint household, that tends to be a middle, upper middle class family.   Speaker 1: Well, it's funny you say that because there was so much argument about, "Oh, they're going to do stuff for just the wealthy," but a lot of the changes that were put in on the Big Beautiful Bill really actually do help lower and middle class like these. So, I mean, I think there's some good benefits to the bill for everybody. There's some things that obviously are a little weird too.   Nick: Oh, for sure.   Speaker 1: You got to be effective with it.   Nick: Yeah, yeah, for sure. The devil's always in the details. Absolutely. That's the case with any legislation that is this large and this comprehensive. But those are the standard deduction and the senior citizen deduction are definitely two that are going to have a pretty substantial impact on a large group of people.   Speaker 1: John, I'm going to go back to you for a minute because we were talking about the Roth earlier. We tossed that in there at the beginning piece there. Again, clearly, this is a good time to think about the fact that it is still alive for a little bit. So, again, Rothing over time is back on that table as we talked about, and so that may be a really effective part of your strategy. You do not want to ignore it because it still could be a limited window.   John: Correct, yeah. So, definitely that's one thing we're looking at currently is what's the right amount of Roth conversions to be doing at this time. So, it is a great time to-   Speaker 1: Any traps in there? Any pitfalls we should be aware of?   John: Yeah, so I was going to say there's definitely a good time to be aggressive with it, but with this new senior citizen deduction, if you're doing some conversions, you want to make sure you stay below those thresholds to take advantage of that additional $6,000 per person. So, now is a great time to be aggressive with this, but at the same time, you want to be cautious because there are some things you could be missing out on if you get too aggressive. So, like we've always said, look at the plan, talk to your CPA, talk to your financial advisor. One of the most important things going into retirement is avoid unnecessary taxes. So, it's just an eroding factor on your money. So, if you can avoid it, that just helps you overall.   Speaker 1: Well, people tend to stay confused if we don't do this about the whole brackets and the steps anyway, right? Because I think a lot of people think, "Oh, I'm in the 22% bracket. That stayed. Yay, cool. I'm still there. I don't have to go up," but every dollar is taxed at that and that's not how it works. That's what I think confuses people. So, when you're talking about maximizing your Roth or something like that, you want to maximize those steps in that bucket, if you will. So, that you just don't pop into the next bracket if you can. Is that accurate?   John: Correct, yes. You definitely want stay within the bracket, not really jump up, and sometimes it's okay to jump up as long as you understand how much-   Speaker 1: Yeah, not every dollar is going to be at 24 if you popped up to 24.   John: Correct, yeah. I mean, we have some clients that are doing some Roth conversions from an inheritance standpoint, so they look at it and say, "Well, I'll pay 22 so my kid doesn't have to pay 30, whatever, whatever it is."   Speaker 1: Right, yeah.   John: Depending on your situation, you really want to pay attention to what bracket you'll be, what your effective rate is, and just don't do it willy-nilly. You want a strategy.   Speaker 1: Yeah, if you have $1 million you want to convert from a traditional 401 over to a Roth, you want to make sure that you're not going bracket busting on that, right? Don't do it all at one time. Again, Roth over time, right? That's the conversation piece there. So, what else is of note in the bills, guys? Nick, what's some other things that jumped out at you?   Nick: Yeah, I think it's definitely less applicable for many people, but they did bring back bonus depreciation for... It's typically used by small businesses or landlords, oftentimes applies to qualified business expense or rental property purchase. For example, it can have to do with vehicles, large equipment where a company can accelerate the depreciation into the year, instead of spreading it out over multiple times, which can help offset if they're having a really good year from an income perspective or just bring down the taxes in general.   From the standpoint of a couple of other things, I'll have John speak to the EV credit because he took advantage of pretty much all the EV stuff that you could. But one of the deductions, additional deductions that they had put in place is for auto loan interest deduction. So, it's an above the line. It applies to cars purchased in 2025 or later, and the car has to have final assembly in the US.   Speaker 1: That's a funny one right there. It's like how much of that this qualifies, right? So what's final assembly mean? Is there a percentage break?   Nick: There's definitely cheat sheets out there. Ask your local AI machine.   Speaker 1: Or dealership I suppose.   Nick: Yeah, yeah, the dealers will definitely know, but once again, there's an income threshold on that. So, income above $100,000 won't qualify. From a charitable giving standpoint, there is an above the line deduction for people that do not itemize. So, $1,000 per person or $2,000 for married filed and jointly.   Speaker 1: It's not a lot, but I mean it's still something, especially in the season of giving, right? It's above the line. So, give some money.   Nick: Yeah, exactly.   John: Better than nothing.   Speaker 1: Yeah, exactly.   Nick: For sure.   Speaker 1: Yeah, for sure. Well, what about that EV thing, John?   John: Yeah, so the vehicle EV credit went away at the end of September, so that one can no longer be used. So, that was if you bought new, there was a tax credit you could obtain and then if you bought used, there was something you could actually get as well depending on the value of the car. If you were actually leasing, basically, the dealership got the credit, which would hopefully reduce your payment depending on how good you are at negotiating.   Speaker 1: Got you.   John: But the big one that we've been talking to clients about, and I did myself, which Nick was referencing, was solar panels. So, after 12/31/2025, you will not get that 30% reduction for solar panel installation on your house.   Speaker 1: Yeah, it might not be enough time now, huh? I wonder if you could get that done.   John: It depends how quick your contractor is. I'll tell you, by the time I agreed to mine, I thought it'd be about a month out and I think within two to three weeks, they got me on the calendar and put it in. So, I had mine in much faster than anticipated, which I was happy about, but it's a 30% tax credit. If you put some solar panels on the roof, it just has to be installed by 12/31. It doesn't have to pass inspection or anything as far as I know. It needs to be installed by that date. But I'll tell you, for those that are comparing this, I just got my first bill from the energy company and there still is a fee to be on their grid.   In Florida here, apparently with these hurricanes, there's additional fees that we're getting charged to build the grid back up and to pay for the emergency services. A funny conversation with the person, I said, "Well, when it's built back up, does this go away or whenever we're done paying for the cost of the emergency services?" Yeah, that's a good question.   Speaker 1: That's a question.   John: Well, let's take a look at that.   Speaker 1: On ours here in North Carolina, we have storm repair tax or whatever. It's been on there for a number of years now, and it's like, but when the storms are repaired, what then? Ongoing storm.   John: I'm like, "Okay, so this is just an ongoing bill-"   Speaker 1: Pretty much.   John: ... regardless of my usage that I'm doing here.   Speaker 1: Another way for them to just hit us with something and go, "Oh, but it's necessary." Yeah. Okay. All right. Well, final one here I thought was interesting was the no tax on tips one, right? Might not affect necessarily your client base, but maybe their kids or grandkids, especially a lot of service industry in Florida. So, no tax on tips up to 25 grand, I think, and that's temporary as well, but that could be interesting. Any final thoughts as we go to wrap this up guys? Anything, Nick, on something we should do now or be effective as the year's winding down?   Nick: I mean, I wouldn't say that there's a lot to do before the end of the year when it relates to this. I think this is a good example though, and one of the conversations that we have with people is that just because a certain strategy is best now doesn't mean it's going to be best in 5 years or 10 years or 15 years. So, when you see a bill like this and with the different changes, something's becoming permanent, something's changing, new rules that are built into sunset, it just shows you how important it's to plan, to build in flexibility, have options both now or later on in retirement, have different buckets of money and really just have a strategy moving forward so that you can benefit no matter what's happening.   Speaker 1: All right. John, final thoughts from you?   John: Not too much. I think we hit mostly everything. I think just being aware of where we are. Historically, tax brackets to me is something to take a look at because I think part of this new bill added, I think, 2.4 trillion of new debt over the next 10 years and I think 4 trillion increase in debt ceiling. So, there's a lot of-   Speaker 1: Future tax liability.   John: There's a lot of trillions getting created here. So, just be wary of what's down the road. So, it's good to just take a look at your overall strategy.   Speaker 1: Yeah, good point. Timelines, definitely got still a couple of years left, but just be effective and get on it as soon as possible because we all know time just zings it right by. So, if you've got some questions, need some help, reach out to the team at pfgprivatewealth.com That's pfgprivatewealth.com and have a conversation with John and Nick and the whole team today and just get started. Don't forget to subscribe to Retirement Planning Redefined on Apple or Spotify or whatever podcasting app you enjoy.   You can find all that information again at the website as well or check the show links. There's some just stuff in the descriptions there. So, pfgprivatewealth.com. Guys, thanks for hanging out. Appreciate it. Hope everybody has a great holiday season and happy Thanksgiving everyone. We'll see you next time here on the podcast.  

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PFR Nation,I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! It's been a while since we did a Whiteboard Retirement Plan breakdown, so lets get this back in the rotation! In this scenario, we are looking at a baseline scenario for Jack and Barbara, who have saved $2.3million for retirement, mostly in tax-deferred accounts. They would like to retire at 61 (2026), but they are very concerned about financial legacy for their two adult children. In fact, not only do they want to protect and preserve their assets, but they also want to do so on an inflation-adjusted basis! Let's see how they are tracking with the baseline plan, and let's see what levers they need to pull in order to achieve their retirement AND legacy objectives. And I'd love to hear from you all. What levers would YOU pull if you were Jack and Barbara? Thanks for tuning in and please make sure to leave us a nice review if you are finding value in the content! -Kevin Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness Questionnaire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Or,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ visit my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with me here:​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join My Company Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This is for general education purposes only and should not be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.

What does mailbox money really mean for your retirement—and how do you build income you can count on? This episode of Financial Straight Talk with Jim Fox breaks down the realities behind annuities, market risk, and the art of balancing income with expectations. Hear why celebrity paychecks aren’t so different from yours, and discover how to find the right mix of investments for your personality and goals. Get a candid look at the math, the mindset, and the decisions that shape a retirement. Ready to connect with Jim today? Get some Financial Straight Talk! Follow us on social media: YouTube | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens if you leave your retirement plan on autopilot? This episode of the Retirement For Living podcast with JoePat Roop reveals the risks of “paralysis analysis” and the consequences of not having a clear financial strategy. Learn what to look for in a financial advisor, why credentials and fiduciary responsibility matter, and how a simple, personalized plan can help you avoid costly mistakes. Discover the importance of understanding your goals and building a roadmap that fits your life. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk with hundreds of individuals and families every year, and many of the questions they ask come back to one core concern. Can my retirement plan really survive the messy, unpredictable situations that happen in real life. Instead of only looking at straight line projections or average returns, Chad and Allison walk through how to "stress test" your plan with real world what if scenarios so you can build confidence before a crisis hits.  In this episode, you will hear three of the biggest what if questions clients have been asking over the past year. What happens if there is a major market crash right as you retire? What if you retire earlier than expected, either by choice or by force? What if there is a major health shock for you or your spouse? Rather than focusing on doom and gloom, the goal is to rehearse these situations on paper so that when life happens, you already have a plan for how to respond. We also share a simple three-step framework you can use to run your own retirement stress test at home. You will learn how to identify the what-ifs that matter most to you, estimate their impact on your spending and timeline, and choose proactive moves that make your plan more resilient. Along the way, they discuss sequence of returns risk, health insurance bridges before Medicare, using taxable brokerage accounts strategically, and how to think about funding future healthcare needs without overpaying for insurance you may not need. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Retirement stress testing. [04:50] Key questions to ask about a 25 to 50 percent portfolio decline, spending flexibility, and your safety bucket. [09:20] Transition to scenario two, early retirement before age 65 and why health insurance is such a critical factor. [13:30] Cash in the bank versus long term growth. [17:20] Healthcare shocks and long term care needs that can show up later in retirement. [21:00] How HSAs, disability insurance, and understanding your deductibles and out of pocket maximums fit into the picture. ***********

In this compilation program, Justin Klein and Luke Guerrero field a variety of finance and investment questions from callers across the United States and around the World.Today's Stocks & Topics: I-R-As, 401k Plan, Compound Frequency, Is It Good Time to Buy Stocks, Fidelity 401k Plan, Small Cap Stocks, Fed Rate Cuts, Relative Strength, Young Investor Looking for Advised, Silver, Start Taking Equity, Financial Terminology, Fundamental Analysis, 457 Retirement Plan.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: https://incogni.com/investtalk* Check out Invest529: https://www.invest529.com* Check out NordProtect: https://nordprotect.com/investalk* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/INVEST* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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Are you risking your retirement by following advice from friends or outdated strategies? This episode exposes common misconceptions and costly mistakes that can derail your financial future. Damon Roberts and Matt Deaton reveal why maximizing income—not chasing risky returns—is the key to lasting retirement security. Learn how to avoid emotional decisions, minimize taxes, and build a plan that works in any market. Real client stories illustrate the importance of professional guidance and making tough choices for your financial well-being. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-680-6868 or visit www.successinthenewretirement.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market, but the unexpected curveballs life throws your way? In this episode, Jim Fox and the team break down why true financial stability means more than just collecting products—it’s about building a flexible, personalized plan that adapts to surprises, from inflation and taxes to family needs and dream purchases. Discover how “Semper Gumby”—always flexible—can help you prepare for the unknown and enjoy retirement with confidence. Ready to connect with Jim today? Get some Financial Straight Talk! Follow us on social media: YouTube | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We went live, the chat exploded, and a listener voiced what so many feel but rarely say out loud: “I've followed the rules—so why doesn't my Retirement Plan feel safe?” https://www.youtube.com/live/gFQYEJWlWpI Bruce gave me the look that says, “Let's tell the truth.” Because we've seen it over and over: neat projections, tidy averages, and a plan that works—until the world doesn't. Markets don't ask permission. Inflation doesn't use a calendar. Life throws curveballs, blessings, and bills. If your Retirement Plan only survives in a spreadsheet, it's not a plan—it's a hope. Today, let's trade hope for structure and anxiety for action. What You'll Gain From This GuideYour Retirement Plan Isn't Just Math—It's LifeRetirement Planning Risks You Can't IgnoreSequence of Returns RiskInflation and the Cost-of-Living SqueezeTaxes (The Leak You Don't See)Is the 4% Rule Still Useful? The 4% Rule Is a Guide, Not a GuaranteeThe Cash-Flow ToolkitFoundations — Guaranteed Income in RetirementFlexibility — Cash Value Life InsuranceDiversifiers — Alternative Income InvestmentsRetirement Plan Buckets Liquidity / “Free” Bucket (safety net)Income Bucket (essentials)Growth / Equity Bucket (long-term engine)Estate / Legacy Layer (optional)Taxes: Design for Control, Not SurpriseBehavior, Purpose, and Work You LoveInfinite Banking—Where It Fits in a Retirement PlanWhat Makes a Strong Retirement Plan?Take the Next StepBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat makes a strong retirement plan?Is the 4% rule safe for my retirement plan?How do taxes impact my retirement plan?Can whole life fit into a retirement plan?What are retirement income buckets?How can I protect my retirement from inflation?What's the role of annuities vs bonds in a retirement plan?Who qualifies as an accredited investor? What You'll Gain From This Guide In this article, Bruce and I break down what actually makes a strong Retirement Plan for real families: Why accumulation-only thinking creates a false sense of security—and how to pivot toward reliable income. The big retirement planning risks to plan for: sequence of returns risk, inflation and retirement, and taxes. Why the 4% rule retirement guideline is a starting point, not a promise. How to use retirement income buckets—in the same language we used on the show—to avoid selling at the worst time. Where guaranteed income in retirement, cash value life insurance, and (when appropriate) alternative income fit. How Roth conversions, withdrawal sequencing, and structure put you back in control. You'll walk away with a practical framework to move from “big balance” thinking to a Retirement Plan you can live on—calmly. Your Retirement Plan Isn't Just Math—It's Life Static models vs dynamic lives.As Bruce said, no family is static. Monte Carlo averages over 50–100 years don't describe your next 20. Averages hide timing risk. If poor returns arrive early while you're withdrawing, “average” performance won't save the plan—cash flow will. From accumulation to income.Most of us were trained to chase a number. But the goal of a Retirement Plan isn't a pile—it's predictable cash flow you can spend without gutting your future. That shift—from “How big?” to “How dependable?”—changes the tools you choose and the peace you feel. Use the LIFE purpose filter.We run every dollar through a purpose lens: Liquid, Income, Flexible, Estate. When each bucket has a job, decisions get simpler and outcomes get sturdier. Retirement Planning Risks You Can't Ignore Sequence of Returns Risk How Your Retirement Plan Avoids Selling Low Sequence risk is the danger of bad returns showing up early in retirement. If your portfolio drops while you're taking income, you must sell more shares to fund the same lifestyle. That shrinks the engine that's supposed to recover—and can cut years off a plan. Your protection: hold dedicated reserves and reliable income so market dips don't force sales. (We'll detail our buckets in a moment—exactly as we discussed on the show.) Inflation and the Cost-of-Living Squeeze Build Inflation Awareness Into Your Retirement Plan Prices don't rise politely. Even modest inflation, compounded, squeezes fixed withdrawals. Bond yields, dividend cuts, and rising living costs can collide. Your protection: blend growth and income that can adjust, avoid locking everything into fixed payouts that lose purchasing power, and review spending annually so your Retirement Plan keeps pace with reality. Taxes (The Leak You Don't See) Retirement Plan Tax Strategy & Withdrawal Sequencing Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts are ordinary income. That can: Push you into higher brackets Trigger IRMAA Medicare surcharges Increase the taxation of Social Security Complicate capital gains planning Your protection: design taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free buckets; use Roth conversions in favorable years; and sequence withdrawals to manage brackets and RMDs—not the other way around. Is the 4% Rule Still Useful? The 4% Rule Is a Guide, Not a Guarantee Stress-Test Withdrawal Rates You Can Actually Live With We don't hate the 4% rule; we just refuse to outsource your life to it. Yields, inflation, fees, and timing change the math. When low-yield years pushed chatter toward “2.8%,” it proved the point. A better approach: Stress-test 3%–5% withdrawal rates. Add non-market income (pensions, annuities vs bonds, business/real-asset cash flow). Keep dedicated reserves so you don't sell at the bottom. Turn a rule of thumb into a plan. The Cash-Flow Toolkit Foundations — Guaranteed Income in Retirement Cover Essentials, Then Take Prudent Risk A predictable floor is priceless. Pensions, Social Security, and income annuities can cover core expenses so volatility doesn't dictate your grocery list. You trade some upside for contractual certainty—and many families prefer sleeping well to chasing every basis point. Flexibility — Cash Value Life Insurance Downturn Buffer, Tax-Advantaged Access, and Legacy Backfill Done properly, this can strengthen a plan: Downturn buffer: use cash value to fund spending during market slides—avoid selling equities at a loss. Tax-advantaged access: policy loans/distributions (managed correctly) can supplement income without spiking taxable income. Legacy backfill: the death benefit protects a spouse and replenishes assets for heirs, letting you spend with confidence. This is one reason infinite banking retirement thinking resonates: control and optionality matter when life isn't linear. Diversifiers — Alternative Income Investments Accredited Investor Rules, Liquidity, and Position Size For those who qualify under accredited investor rules, private credit, income-oriented real estate, or operating businesses can provide alternative income investments with lower correlation to public markets. They're not risk-free and often lack daily liquidity—so size positions prudently. The draw is simple: steadier cash flow vs accumulation. Retirement Plan Buckets We didn't frame them by time horizons on the episode; we framed them by purpose. Here's the exact structure we discussed and use with families: Liquidity / “Free” Bucket (safety net) Cash, money market, CDs, cash value life insurance.Purpose: fund spending and surprises without touching equities during a downturn; bridge timing gaps so sequence risk doesn't bite. Income Bucket (essentials) Social Security, pensions, annuity income, bond ladders, durable dividend payers.Purpose: dependable monthly cash flow for core lifestyle needs so markets don't control your paycheck. Growth / Equity Bucket (long-term engine) Broad equity exposure and other long-term growth assets.Purpose: outpace inflation and periodically refill income/liquidity buckets. Estate / Legacy Layer (optional) Life insurance death benefit, beneficiary designations, trusts.Purpose: protect a spouse and pass values + capital with clarity. Taxes: Design for Control, Not Surprise Roth conversions:Convert slices of tax-deferred money when brackets are favorable to grow your tax-free bucket. Withdrawal sequencing:Blend taxable/Roth/tax-deferred withdrawals to target bracket thresholds, manage IRMAA, and soften RMDs later. Give with intention:If charitable, consider appreciated assets or bunching strategies; align with your estate plan. We also coordinate tax buckets—taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free (Roth/cash value)—so your Retirement Plan controls brackets, IRMAA, and RMDs rather than the other way around. A tax-smart Retirement Plan can add years of sustainability without asking for more market risk. Behavior, Purpose, and Work You Love Clarity about why the money matters anchors behavior when markets wobble. Travel with grandkids? Fund ministry? Launch a family venture? Purpose steadies the hand. And one more lever: if you enjoy your work, consider delaying full retirement. Each extra year can improve the math dramatically—more contributions, fewer withdrawal years, and potentially higher Social Security benefits. Infinite Banking—Where It Fits in a Retirement Plan Lenders profit from your lifetime financing. Strengthening your family's “bank” can keep more control in your hands: Finance major purchases through your system rather than outside lenders—recapture more interest. Maintain cash value as a volatility buffer. Use the death benefit to protect a spouse and fund legacy goals. It's not magic. It's discipline and design—complementary to the rest of your Retirement Plan. What Makes a Strong Retirement Plan? Built for dynamic lives, not static spreadsheets. Prioritizes cash flow you can spend, not just a big balance. Plans around sequence risk, inflation, and taxes—on purpose.

Students at Rice can get a free beer for the game this weekend, Leonardo DiCaprio at first didn't want to Jack in the movie Titanic, Air traffic controllers are receiving a 10K bonus, and the Coast Guard reclassifying hate symbols, Travis Kelce retirement plans? How much would you pay for penny?

On this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Jared Gross, Head of Institutional Portfolio Strategy, who brings over 30 years of experience providing insights and solutions to institutional clients—including corporate and public pensions, endowments and foundations—and Tina Anstett, ERISA Strategist, and an attorney with more than three decades of expertise in workplace retirement plans. Together, they will discuss the implications of the President's recent executive order, “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors” and address the questions that have emerged as a result. They will explore what this order means for retirement plans and who stands to be affected, and weigh the potential benefits and risks of adding alternative assets to plan portfolios. For more resources on Alternatives, visit our Guide to Alternatives and Principles of Alternatives Investing Listen to the audio version of the Alternative Realities podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

There are important changes coming to 401 (k), 403 (b), and 457 retirement plans in 2026, so I'm focusing on how these updates may impact catch-up contributions for individuals over age 50. With the Secure Act 2.0 on the horizon, higher earners will soon have to make their catch-up contributions as Roth (post-tax) rather than pre-tax contributions, potentially affecting their take-home pay and tax strategies. Tune in as I walk you through what you need to know, how to prepare for these new rules, and actionable steps to make the most of your retirement savings.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] 2025 retirement contribution limits. [05:26] Roth 401(k) catch-up contribution. [08:05] 2026 salary tax example analysis. [11:37] Tax impact on pre/post contributions. [14:20] Tax-free Roth options. Navigating the 2026 Catch-Up Contribution Changes Employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k), 403(b), and 457, have long offered "catch-up contributions" for participants aged 50 and above. These extra contributions serve as a valuable tool for bolstering retirement savings during peak earning years. The catch-up contribution limits for 2025 will allow participants to contribute an additional $7,500 on top of the standard $23,500 annual maximum, totaling $31,000. There's also a "super catch-up" for those aged 60-63, which jumps to $11,250. But starting in 2026, the Secure Act 2.0 introduces a pivotal change: If you earned over $145,000 in 2025: You'll be required to make catch-up (and super catch-up) contributions after tax to Roth accounts, not as pre-tax traditional contributions. For those earning under $145,000, it's business as usual; you can still make catch-up contributions pre-tax if you choose. How These Changes Impact Retirement Savers The biggest impact? High-income earners will see an immediate difference in their take-home pay. Traditional pre-tax contributions typically reduce taxable income in the year made, lowering both federal and state taxes. Roth contributions, however, do not offer this upfront tax savings; instead, they provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. This means that someone earning $170,000 could see their annual tax bill rise by nearly $2,300 when $8,000 of their retirement saving shifts from pre-tax to post-tax Roth dollars. If you earn even more, say, $300,000, the annual difference climbs above $3,500, all while saving the same amount. The tax diversification benefit of Roth accounts remains, but the immediate budget hit is real. Preparing for the 2026 Transition These are my top tips for getting ready for 2026: 1. Check Your Plan's Roth Options: Verify with your HR or retirement plan administrator whether your employer plan supports Roth 401(k) (or equivalent) contributions. If it doesn't, advocate for plan amendments, employers have until 2026 to comply. 2. Assess Payroll Impact: Use online paycheck calculators to estimate your net pay under the new rules.. 3. Consider Alternatives if Roth Isn't Available: If your employer doesn't offer Roth options, you can still open a Roth IRA, though income limits may apply. Those exceeding these limits can explore the "backdoor" Roth IRA strategy or even simply invest in a taxable brokerage account with tax-efficient ETFs. The Long-Term Upside of Roth Savings While losing the immediate tax break feels like a setback, forced Roth contributions offer unique advantages: Tax-Free Growth: Money in Roth accounts grows tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free. Estate Planning Boost: Funds left in Roth accounts can pass to heirs with minimal tax consequences. Retirement Flexibility: Roth assets aren't subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the account owner's lifetime. A consistent series of $8,000 annual Roth catch-up contributions, invested over a decade at 6-8% returns, could grow to $105,000 - $115,000 tax-free, with possible doubling over the next two decades if left untouched. Change is coming to catch-up contributions for high earners, beginning in 2026. By understanding these new rules and taking proactive steps now, you can minimize disruption and position yourself for long-term retirement success. The road to retirement is always evolving, make sure your strategy evolves with it. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Salary Paycheck Calculator – Calculate Net Income  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

We've got a deep dive into how the global scramble for rare earth and battery-metals is igniting a stock-boom, and what investors need to know. Today's Stocks & Topics: Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB), Market Wrap, eBay Inc. (EBAY), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM), Critical Minerals, Critical Moment: Rare Earths Stocks Set to Surge, DraftKings Inc. (DKNG), Avantis All International Markets Value ETF (AVNV), Benchmark Numbers, Federal Reserve Survey, 457 Retirement Plan, Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA), Critical Minerals Policy Uncertainty.Our Sponsors:* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/investtalk* Check out Invest529: https://www.invest529.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands