Podcasts about retirement plans

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

Kelley discusses various financial strategies for retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of making end-of-year financial moves, creating sustainable income plans, and addressing the needs of late starters. The discussion also includes listener questions, providing insights into real estate investing, managing high-interest debt, and the significance of diversification in a financial portfolio. Reach Kelley at 800-810-8060. California Wealth Advisors www.californiawealthadvisors.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marty discusses the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of starting early, saving adequately, and avoiding common financial missteps. He highlights the need for a comprehensive plan that accounts for various income sources, inflation, healthcare costs, and unexpected expenses. The discussion also covers investment strategies tailored to different life stages, the significance of long-term care planning, and the role of annuities in securing a stable income. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the necessity of having a flexible and adaptable retirement plan to navigate life's uncertainties. Reach Marty at 888-519-9096 Smart Money Solutions www.smartmoneysolutionsmn.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Rate & review the Simply Financial Podcast on ITunesSource of Topic info: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/survey-women-are-guessing-when-it-comes-to-retirement-planning-100049124.html

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!

Kelley discusses essential strategies for retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of having a comprehensive plan that addresses retirement concerns such as inflation, taxes, and healthcare costs. She reassures listeners that it's never too late to start saving for retirement, even if they are in their 50s or 60s. The conversation also covers the significance of market volatility and how to create a diversified portfolio to manage risks. Additionally, Kelley answers listener questions, providing real-life scenarios that highlight the importance of working with a financial advisor to navigate retirement successfully. Reach Kelley at 800-810-8060. California Wealth Advisors www.californiawealthadvisors.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.  

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'.

How Much Do I Need Saved For 5k Monthly Retirement Income?!?**Schedule your free virtual consultation

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.

Your 401(k) may be your biggest retirement asset. What are your options on how best to use it? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

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

Retirement Income From $500k: How Much Can You Really Get Each Month?**Schedule your free virtual consultation

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.

There are some ideas that look good on paper, but don’t turn out that way in real life. There are plenty of financial products that fit that bill and you should know about them. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!

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.

Does purchasing gold make sense as a retirement plan? With surging prices, it may seem like a no-brainer, but how does it perform as part of a long-term retirement plan? Let's find out.Learn more at https://altcoinirareview.com/how-to-start-a-self-directed-gold-roth-ira-steps-to-invest-online-in-a-gold-ira/ Gold and Altcoin IRA Review City: Cushing Address: 2340 East Main Street Website: https://altcoinirareview.com/

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

Is your emergency account considered safe money? How does your pension fit in? One retiree is confused about the messages the financial industry is sending. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Doherty, Principal at Wolf and Company discusses the implications of the Big, Beautiful Bill that was signed on July 4th for bankers and their commercial and retail customers. We spend some time in this episode discussing President Trump's Executive Order to open defined contribution retirement plans to alternative investments like crypto currency and private equity investments.Send us a textPresented by Remedy ConsultingFor more information on BankTalk:BankTalk WebsiteSubscribe to BankTalk NewsRemedy Consulting WebsiteRemedy LinkedInTo speak on the BankTalk Podcast, please email us.

Pat begins by looking back at financial bad habits to try and break when getting close to retirement, then gets into how to build a five star retirement plan that covers all five major areas to be accounted for, including income, taxes, growth, health care and legacy planning.

I'm 61 with 150k Saved For Retirement, When Can I Retire?!?**Schedule your free virtual consultation

In this episode we talk about the importance of using key performance indicators beyond just investment performance to gauge the health of one's retirement plan. There are five crucial data points that form the foundation of a successful retirement strategy: passive income, effective tax rate, cash flow ratio, banking capacity, and horizontal asset allocation. By focusing on these metrics, you can adopt a comprehensive approach to retirement planning that factors in various financial variables and bridges the gaps in your financial plan. Business owners use KPIs or key performance indicators to track and understand the health of their business and marketing efforts. Those planning for retirement should consider their retirement KPIs to help measure the health of their financial situation. People often make the mistake of substituting investment performance for more meaningful key performance indicators. ROI is not the only KPI you should be paying attention to. People often view their finances in silos and tend to make standalone decisions about what to do while leaving out other important variables concerning their situation, which can result in having gaps in their overall retirement plan design. For example, the stock market can go down, but that doesn't necessarily mean your plan should change. The flipside is also true: the market may be up, but that could mean you need to make adjustments. Knowing what KPIs to use and how to use them can help measure the health of your overall financial situation, not just track portfolio performance. A KPI is simply a collection of data points that helps provide a consistent method for measuring and monitoring the health of your retirement plan. In my experience, there are five key data points needed to measure the effectiveness of a retirement plan. The first is passive income. Income is an obvious component and the central theme of a retirement plan. Income is not growth of a share or unit of a particular investment. It is the income generated from the share or unit of an investment. If there is a retirement income gap of $5,000 each month, the goal of the retirement plan is to not simply cash out investments each month or spend down savings to meet the goal. It is to create passive income sources that can consistently provide the cash flow. Missing this point can be catastrophic to the longevity of a retirement plan. The second is the effective tax rate. Tax rates in the United States of America are progressive. The more you make, the higher the marginal rate is on portions of your income. Marginal rates have their place when filing a return or making decisions about asset positioning. The effective tax rate is a single rate that's calculated using the total taxes that are paid against the gross income. This percentage gives us a better overall understanding of the impact taxes are having on retirement income. If the retirement income gap is $5,000 each month and the effective tax rate is 30%, we can determine the additional amount of income required to cover the tax liabilities. The more tax mitigation techniques you incorporate into a retirement plan, the less pressure there is on your assets to generate additional income just to pay the tax. The third is cash flow ratio. People often define cash flow too narrowly and often exclude things like taxes, retirement savings and health insurance premiums, which leaves gaps in understanding. It is also important to know the ratio of income to bank payments, taxes, savings insurance, as well as fixed and variable expenses. It's also important to know the earned income versus passive income ratio along with the number of different income sources you rely on to fund your lifestyle. The fourth is your banking capacity. When it comes to asset allocation, there is often the out-of-the-box structure where assets are divided up between investments and bank accounts. This approach oversimplifies a more complex situation and overlooks the realities of life and how people actually use and spend money. There are many factors to consider outside of just growing assets and covering emergencies, such as big ticket purchases and other family needs, that could benefit from incorporating a family bank into the financial plan. A family bank, aka Build Banking, is a specially designed life insurance contract that enables a family to have banking capabilities within their own financial ecosystem without relying on an actual bank outside of their financial situation. This piece is usually missing from most retirement plans. The fifth is horizontal asset allocation. Most people think of diversification as a vertical landscape of public market investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds or ETFs, but that's the wrong idea. Asset allocation is similar to gardening. It requires diversity in many different forms to help manage growth, produce income, minimize risk and mitigate taxes. Adding things such as real estate businesses, private equity, life insurance, annuities, amongst other things, can provide characteristics and other elements of stability to help support a retirement plan. To develop a retirement plan, you must first identify the gaps in your existing situation, and then begin to work out on strategies to help fill those gaps. Having a way to measure passive income tax exposure, cashflow, asset allocation, and your baking capacity are the most important metrics to start with.     Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BrianSkrobonja.com/thegapreportstart      Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. 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.

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

Is your retirement plan built to weather any storm—or just hoping for the best? This episode of Financial Straight Talk with Jim Fox tackles the reality behind economic buzzwords like stagflation, why personal planning matters more than headlines, and how to prepare for unexpected life events that can derail your future. Learn why having a solid, customized plan is the key to meeting your retirement needs—no matter what the market or government does. Discover how to focus on what truly matters, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions for your family. Ready to connect with Jim today? Get some Financial Straight Talk! Follow us on social media: YouTube | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://vimeo.com/1137253138?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci https://www.currentfederaltaxdevelopments.com/podcasts/2025/11/15/2025-11-17-retirement-plan-and-ira-inflation-numbers This week we look at: Annual Adjustments to Retirement Plan Limitations Ensuring Investment Trust Status for Digital Asset Staking Entities Examining Penalties in Microcaptive Transactions Ownership Requirements for Non-Business Theft Losses Defining the Scope of I.R.C. § 172(b)(3) Carryback Waivers

This week we look at:Annual Adjustments to Retirement Plan LimitationsEnsuring Investment Trust Status for Digital Asset Staking EntitiesExamining Penalties in Microcaptive TransactionsOwnership Requirements for Non-Business Theft LossesDefining the Scope of I.R.C. § 172(b)(3) Carryback WaiversYou can stream or download this week's audio version of the broadcast below. A PDF with this week's updates can be downloaded via the link below.2025-11-17 Current Federal Tax Developments

This week we look at: Annual Adjustments to Retirement Plan Limitations Ensuring Investment Trust Status for Digital Asset Staking Entities Examining Penalties in Microcaptive Transactions Ownership Requirements for Non-Business Theft Losses Defining the Scope of I.R.C. § 172(b)(3) Carryback Waivers

Leave a voice message for me here: https://www.speakpipe.com/timschmoyerI recently had the opportunity to speak about the “father, elder, ruler” progression at a men's breakfast. Afterwards, with tears in his eyes, an older man told me this:“I used to be a leader in my career and in my home, but now that I'm retired and my kids are grown up, all I do is sit at home and care for the dog.”Something in my heart broke for this man. I didn't say it to him, but something in me wanted to say, “No! This is a tragedy! You've spent your life acquiring wisdom and your city desperately needs it. They don't even know how much they need it. That's why they're not asking for it. And you have grandkids who desperately need your attention instead of a random day care employee.”This is a great lie we've sold to Christian men: that the elder years are for withdrawal. For finally putting your feet up after decades of labor. For letting younger men take over while you fade into comfortable irrelevance.The tears in this man's eyes told me he longed for something different. He wanted a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in his latter years, but didn't have a vision for what it could look like or, even if he did, how to change societal norms to get there. Cities don't have gates for elders anymore.As a 45-year-old father, I realize I'm speaking about something I have not yet experienced, but it seems to me that the grandfather years are essential to the health of a family and a city.Here's the modern vision I see for the elder years vs. what I think the Bible portrays.Modern Vision: The Tragedy of Voluntary ExileWhen a man reaches his sixties or seventies, he's finally arrived at something our culture has trained him to abandon: the culmination of decades spent acquiring wisdom, navigating crises, building things, leading people, and failing enough times to recognize patterns that younger men can't see yet. He's paid for his education in the currency of mistakes, setbacks, victories, and long nights wrestling with problems that don't have easy answers.And then we tell him to go home and care for a dog while his aging body becomes a burden to the family.The man who talked to me after that men's breakfast had actually said something profound, though he didn't mean it this way: he had become a leader in his career and home. Past tense. As if leadership was something you graduated from, like college or braces. As if wisdom had an expiration date.But here's what's actually happening: his grandchildren are forming their understanding of manhood, marriage, work, and faith right now. His city is being shaped by whatever values its influential families have, without his influence. The next generation of men in his church are trying to navigate fatherhood and business and marriage without access to the forty years of pattern recognition sitting unused in his living room.His retirement isn't rest. It's desertion. And it's not his fault. This is what society expects.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).Biblical Vision: The Elder Years Are Not for SpectatingScripture doesn't describe a stage of life where faithful men become spectators. The progression isn't father to retiree. It's father in the home, elder in the city, ruler in the Kingdom. And that third stage doesn't begin when you die. It begins when you've proven faithful with the first two.Remember Proverbs 31:23:“Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.”This isn't describing a young father. This is a man who has already led his household well, who now sits in the place of governance and wisdom. The gates were where disputes were settled, where guidance was sought, where the direction of the city was determined.These weren't honorary positions for guys who wanted to feel important. These were men whose families and businesses proved they could govern well—and their cities needed that capacity.Or look at Titus 1, where Paul describes elder qualifications. These aren't requirements for young men trying to prove themselves. They're descriptions of men who have already managed their households well, whose children are believers, who have demonstrated self-control and wisdom over decades. The elder years aren't the retirement party after fruitful governance — they're the deployment of everything that fruitful governance built.When a man becomes a grandfather, he hasn't graduated from leadership. He's (hopefully) finally qualified for its highest form.In fact, the Jewish community holds the belief that if a word isn't found in the Bible, then it's a man-made word and isn't a concept from God. Since the word nor the concept for “retirement” is found in scripture, many Torah-observing Jews have the idea that, until they die, they will always be generating value for their family and their community.Personally, this makes sense to me. It doesn't mean I'll always be generating financial value or doing a young man's work, but I'll always be generating value for my family and city until I no longer can. In his book, “Thou Shall Prosper,” (affiliate) Rabbi Daniel Lapin describes it like a golf swing. A good swing doesn't slow down when it reaches its goal of making contact with the ball (i.e., retirement). Instead, it follows through and keeps swinging even after the ball is on its way.Now, I'm not saying every grandfather should pursue formal church eldership. That's a specific office with specific responsibilities. But the qualifications for that office describe something broader: the kind of man whose life earns him natural authority. Whether you're ever appointed as an elder or not, if you've managed your household faithfully, your family and community need the wisdom and influence that faithfulness has produced.The challenge, of course, is that our cities don't have literal gates anymore. There's no cultural script for this today. You won't receive a formal invitation to govern, which means the elder years require the humility to initiate where you're not expected and the wisdom to discern which family is “fruitful soil” and is worth sowing into.What Your Family Actually NeedsYour adult children need you.* They still need to watch you work on something difficult and not quit.* They still need to be reminded why integrity matters when no one is watching.* They still need to see you pray and actually mean it.* They still need to watch you love their mother well after fifty years when love isn't always feelings anymore, it's covenant.And your grandchildren don't need another daycare worker or another hour of screen time. They need access to you, too. They need you to teach them things:* How to use tools* How to think through problems* How to speak with respect* How to handle money* How to read Scripture like it actually matters.Not because you're trying to relive your glory days through them, but because formation happens through proximity to someone further down the road.Your son or daughter is trying to raise these kids while navigating careers and mortgages and marriage. They're drinking from a firehose every day. But you have time now. You have perspective. You have the leisure to invest in formation that their parents don't always have bandwidth for.And here's what's actually at stake: your grandchildren will either inherit your presence or your absence. They'll either grow up with access to a man who shows them what biblical masculinity looks like across decades, or, if their father follows your lead and is also absent, they'll piece together their understanding of manhood from YouTube, their peers, and whatever messages the culture happens to be selling that week.The question isn't whether they'll be formed. The question is by whom.Now, I realize there's complexity in this. If your adult children have created distance, if they're not eager for your involvement, that's data worth listening to. The first work of eldership might be examining why that gap exists and whether you need to earn back trust before you can govern well. But don't mistake complexity for impossibility. Strained relationships can be rebuilt, even if it takes years of effort (and even professional therapy) to get there.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).Your City Doesn't Know It Needs YouPart of governing your city means influencing its families, one family at a time, and right now families in your city are making big decisions:* Public school vs. Homeschool* Opening another credit card vs. Paying down the one they have* Staying in the same industry vs. Changing careers* Giving up on their marriage vs. sticking with itMost of those families don't have people consistently speaking into their lives. Sometimes it's because they don't have the maturity to open up and receive it, but other times it's just because everyone else is “too busy” or “too humble” to help.But you're not too busy anymore.And whether you realize it or not, you have something these families don't: you've spent decades watching decisions play out over time. You've seen leadership fail and succeed. You've watched marriages come and go. You've managed people, budgets, conflicts, crises. You've acquired pattern recognition that takes a lifetime to build.The families in your city need that.Not because you're smarter than everyone else, but because wisdom isn't information—it's the ability to see how things connect over time. The young finance guy sees the projected tax revenue from that new building development. You see what happened the last three times your city approved something similar. The activist pushing the new policy sees the immediate problem it solves. You see the future consequences they haven't considered.This is what elders do. They don't just show up in people's lives to feel important. They show up because their presence governs—it shapes what the future of the city looks like, one family at a time.Ruling Starts Before the Kingdom ComesJesus told a parable in Luke 19 about a nobleman who gave his servants resources to manage while he was away. When he returned, he rewarded the faithful ones with authority:“Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in very little, take charge over ten cities.”The servants who managed the little well were given cities to rule. Not as a retirement bonus—as the natural deployment of proven capacity.This is the trajectory Scripture describes for faithful men: current stewardship determines future authority. The man who governs his household well is qualified to govern the city. The man who governs the city well is being prepared to rule in the Kingdom.Your grand-parenting years aren't the end of this progression. They're where it culminates.The Work That Brings MeaningSo what does this actually look like?It looks like blocking out regular time with each grandchild, not as babysitting favors to their parents, but as intentional formation. Teaching them to pray. Reading Scripture with them. Taking them on errands and narrating how you think through decisions. Inviting them into projects where they can learn skills and see work ethic modeled.It looks like mentoring younger men in your church who are trying to navigate the same challenges you faced twenty years ago. The young father drowning in toddler chaos who needs to hear from someone who survived it. The entrepreneur making mistakes you already made. The couple considering divorce who needs perspective from someone whose marriage outlasted feelings.It looks like using your time and resources to serve needs you can finally see because you're not consumed by career climbing. The widow who needs help with her house. The single mom whose car keeps breaking down. The community project that needs someone with project management experience.This isn't about becoming a workaholic in your seventies. It's about recognizing that the elder years are when you finally have the wisdom, time, and position to govern most effectively, and that your family and city desperately need you to do exactly that.The Choice In Front of YouI think about the man who talked to me at the men's breakfast. He didn't realize he was describing a tragedy. He thought he was describing a normal retirement, but his tears told me he knew something was broken.Our culture celebrates this kind of withdrawal. We call it “enjoying retirement” and “finally relaxing after years of hard work.” But biblical eldership doesn't retire. It deploys.So start small. Call one of your adult children this week, not to advise, just to build the relationship and catch up. Find one younger family in your church who seems hungry for input and invite them to dinner. Show up to one thing where younger fathers gather and make yourself available.You won't rebuild the gates overnight. But you can start sitting in them tomorrow.And your dog, as much as he loves you, will never miss you the way your grandchildren will. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit read.timschmoyer.com

In this episode Jeff and Brian discuss 7 signs your retirement plan may not be right for you and what to know about 25 and 26 taxes.

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

Jane Buchan, an alternative investments expert and investor, now chairs the industry's standards board. She explains the different types of alternative investments, how they work, and what they can and cannot do in individual retirement accounts. WEALTHTRACK episode 2219, broadcast on 11-7-25

Most families just drift from one year to the next, hoping things get better financially. But kingdom-centered families don't just drift along, hoping for the best. They make intentional data-driven decisions.  In this episode, we walk through the annual family financial review: how to lead your home through the numbers, the goals, the giving, and the vision. This is vital because this isn't just about money—it's about stewardship. Your family is a part of God's kingdom. Lead it like one. Links in this Episode Creative Colorful, Color Analysis Peter Attia Podcast Chapters (00:00:00) - A Review of the S&P500(00:01:03) - Mark On Dressing Like A Man(00:03:31) - An Annual Review of Your Financial Condition(00:08:43) - A Financial Report for the Family(00:10:26) - Good Job(00:15:58) - Family Vision(00:18:21) - Have You Reached Your Goals?(00:19:35) - How to Plan Your Financial Life(00:25:11) - How to Approach a Retirement Plan with a Careful Mind(00:32:01) - How to Check in on Your Generosity(00:37:01) - Your Home and Auto Insurance--Blast!(00:38:44) - Taxes and Budgeting(00:45:12) - Has Our Capacity to Spend Expanded or Shrunk?(00:46:00) - Re-evaluating Your Family's Mission