POPULARITY
Categories
Apply for a Retirement Consultation:https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the Digital Federal Retirement Guidebook:https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Take the Checklist Challenge:https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Subscribe for Weekly Federal Retirement Planning Content:https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterYou're 60, you have a federal pension and $1M saved — so why doesn't it feel like enough? The answer is 5 unmade decisions, not more dollars.If you are within a year or two of leaving federal service with a FERS pension and a healthy TSP balance, this is the time to stop asking "Am I okay?" and start asking "Have I decided?" In this video, Charles and Marcus break down the 5 Decisions Framework federal employees should work through before finalizing retirement: income order, taxes and RMDs, healthcare, investments, and purpose.Whether you are trying to decide when to file for Social Security, how to manage the tax window before RMDs begin at 73, or how FEHB and Medicare Part B fit together, this episode walks through the planning areas many federal employees overlook — including the two decisions that have nothing to do with a spreadsheet.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FEDERAL RETIREMENT RESOURCES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━OPM Retirement Center:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/Social Security Delayed Retirement Credits:https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TIMESTAMPS━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━0:00 Age 60 With a Federal Pension and $1M — Am I Okay?2:00 Why "Am I Okay?" Is the Wrong Question3:00 Decision 1: Income Order — Pension, Social Security, or TSP First?5:30 Decision 2: Taxes & RMDs — The Age 73 Cliff and Your Tax Window7:30 Decision 3: Healthcare — FEHB + Medicare Part B9:30 The Two Decisions That Aren't About Money10:00 Decision 4: Investments — From Accumulation to Distribution12:00 Decision 5: Purpose — The Tuesday at 10 AM Test14:00 What to Do This Month If Retirement Is Approaching16:30 "Have I Decided?" — The Real Question18:30 How to Get Answers for Your Specific Situation━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHO WE ARE━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━CD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, retirement income planning, and health-focused financial strategies.Our mission is simple:Help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content designed to help you better understand your benefits, avoid common planning gaps, and prepare for your next chapter with confidence.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. Federal retirement decisions depend on your individual service history, agency records, health coverage, survivor needs, retirement income goals, and personal circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals and review official OPM guidance before making retirement elections.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.retire at 60 federal employee, federal pension and TSP retirement, FERS retirement at 60, can I retire with 1 million and a pension, TSP withdrawal strategy, when to take Social Security federal employee, RMD age 73, Roth conversion before RMDs, FEHB and Medicare Part B, IRMAA surcharge, sequence of returns risk, retirement income order, federal retirement planning#federalretirement #FERS #retirement #TSP #federalemployees #retirementsavings #governmentemployee #RetireAt60 #FederalPension #CDFinancialSupport the show
The ASX 200 staged a remarkable comeback to finish down only 20 points at 8633 (-0.2%) after falling nearly 100 points in early trade. A stronger US futures market helped, as did a calming in the oil price and the absence of any collapse in Korea.Once again, though, we saw sector rotation, with the banks still under pressure. CBA fell 2.4%, WBC dropped 2.6%, and MQG eased 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket fell to $260.43 (-2.3%). Other financials performed slightly better, and insurers continued to do well, with QBE the star of the show, up 3.7%. REITs also gained, with CHC up 2.8% and SGP rising 3.3%. Industrials were a mixed bag. The rally in WES continues, and retail stocks held firm, with TLS up 0.4% and both WOW and COL continuing their strong winning streaks.Technology was once again very much on the nose, with tax-loss selling and ongoing pessimism surrounding SaaS business models. XRO fell 3.6%, WTC dropped 2.8%, and NXT was hit hard as well. Healthcare was a mixed bag of lollies, with CSL continuing to push higher, gaining another 4.2%. However, RMD fell 0.9%, while SIG continued to drift lower on concerns about a UK expansion push.Meanwhile, resources recovered some poise, although the move lacked conviction. BHP rose 1.0%, and some lithium names improved, with PLS rising alongside LTR, which enjoyed a strong day, up 4.2%. Gold stocks also found some support, with EVN up 2.1% and RMS also edging higher. Oil and gas stocks were stronger, with WDS up 1.6% and STO jumping 2.0%. While coal stocks recovered, uranium stocks continued to struggle.In corporate news, LLC rose 4.6% following the appointment of a new CEO and the maintenance of guidance between 28 cents and 34 cents. NST fell slightly as Elliott Investment Management called for further board changes. SXL dropped 4.4% after the company downgraded its full-year earnings outlook and announced 300 job cuts. AAI fell 8.3% following a warning about its Middle East operations.In economic news, the CBA said the RBA is likely to keep rates on hold for the first time this year. Australian wages rose 0.8% in May, with consistent growth recorded over the last 18 months.Asian markets weaker. Japan flat, Hong Kong down 1.0%, and China down 0.7%. South Korea fell slightly.US futures: Dow up 88 and Nasdaq up 150. Oil up 1.0%. Europe opening easier. ECB expected to hike rates today.Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
The ASX 200 closed down 21 points at 8604 (0.2%), well off its lows for the day, with most sectors rallying throughout the session and the banking sector staging a turnaround. CBA fell 0.3%, with the Big Bank Basket easing only slightly to $265.42 (0.4%). Financials were generally firm, with MQG up 0.7%, while the insurance sector also performed well, led by QBE up 0.9% and MPL higher. REITs enjoyed a solid session, with GMG up 0.3% and SCG rising 1.6%. TLS also had a strong day, gaining 2.2%, although REA was a disappointment, falling heavily. Both WOW and COL posted gains as defensive buying in the supermarket sector helped push them higher. Retail stocks were also in demand, led by WES up 1.3% and APE rising 4.3%.Healthcare was another bright spot, with CSL recovering a further 1.6% and RMD also posting gains. Elsewhere, technology stocks remained under pressure but recovered from their lows, with XRO down 1.1% and WTC off 4.6%, while the All-Tech Index fell 0.1%.It was a different story in resources, although the sector also bounced from early lows. BHP fell 1.9% and RIO dropped 1.8% as iron ore and copper prices weakened. Gold stocks were also under pressure, with NST down3.3% and NEM lower. Lithium stocks slipped away, with MIN falling 2.6% and LTR off 3.3%. In energy, WDS rose alongside STO, although gains were relatively muted. Uranium stocks came under heavy pressure, with PDN dropping 8.8% and DYL down 7.6% as short sellers gained the upper hand.In corporate news, OML had a good day, up 9.6%, after receiving yet another NBIO, this time from Bain Capital. QUB rose 0.4% after the PNG competition regulator backed the company's planned takeover by Macquarie. On the economic front, NAB is now saying the next move in local interest rates is likely to be a cut. Business confidence rebounded as price pressures softened, according to the NAB Business Survey. However, Australian consumer confidence slipped back towards record lows, with the Melbourne Institute-Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index falling to 80.6, one of the lowest readings in its history.Asian markets mixed. Japan up 2.1%, Hong Kong up 0.1%, and China up 0.8%. South Korea jumps 8%.US futures: Dow up 8 and Nasdaq up 170. Oil down 1.5%. Europe opening slightly easier. Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
Guest: John W. Ostrominski, MD, MPH Despite advances in glycemic management, blood pressure control, lipid lowering, and disease-modifying therapies, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes continue to face substantial residual cardiovascular risk. In this program, Dr. John Ostrominski reviews emerging evidence linking low-grade systemic inflammation to adverse cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk population, highlighting findings from the FIDELITY pooled analysis of FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD. Dr. Ostrominski is a fellow specializing in cardiovascular disease and obesity medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He spoke about this topic at the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.
Guest: Kimberly Narain, MD, MPH, PhD Cost-related medication nonadherence remains a significant but often hidden barrier to effective diabetes care, with out-of-pocket costs preventing patients from accessing essential therapies. Dr. Kimberly Narain joins us to explain why clinicians should look beyond insurance status alone and consider affordability challenges when developing strategies to improve diabetes outcomes. Dr. Narain is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, as well as the Director of Health Services and Health Optimization Research at the Iris Cantor UCLA Women's Health Center. She also spoke about this topic at the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.
In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss some of the most effective ways to lower taxes in retirement before the end of taxes 2026. Drawing from more than 150 client tax strategy meetings conducted by Peace of Mind Wealth Management, they break down the Retirement tax planning strategies that delivered the greatest benefits to retirees. From charitable giving opportunities to Roth conversion strategy analysis, this episode provides actionable insights designed to help retirees make smarter decisions about their future tax liability.Listen in to learn about proven tax strategies including Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Donor Advised Funds, Tax Efficient Investing, Tax Loss Harvesting, and RMD planning. Whether you're focused on reducing retirement income tax, preparing for future Required Minimum Distributions, creating a comprehensive retirement checklist, or looking for ways to secure your retirement, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you maximize your wealth and keep more of what you've worked so hard to save.In this episode, find out:How a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can help charitably inclined retirees reduce taxes in retirement while supporting causes they care about.Why a Donor Advised Fund may allow you to maximize charitable deductions and improve your overall tax planning strategy.How Tax Efficient Investing and Tax Loss Harvesting can potentially reduce taxes and improve after-tax portfolio returns.Why Roth conversion analysis can help lower future retirement income tax and reduce the impact of future Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).How proactive Retirement Planning and annual tax strategy reviews can help you plan for retirement, optimize your finances, and retire more confidently.Tweetable Quotes:"A Qualified Charitable Distribution is one of the few opportunities where you can put money into an IRA, receive the tax deduction, experience growth, and then ultimately distribute those dollars completely tax-free to charity." — Murs Tariq"Everyone should not do a Roth conversion, but everyone should do a Roth conversion analysis because the impact on lifetime tax savings can be substantial." — Radon StancilResources:If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.
Guest: Jaime Imitola, MD As stem cell therapies continue to generate significant interest among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinicians must be prepared to distinguish between approved treatments, investigational approaches, and unproven interventions marketed through stem cell tourism. Hear more as Dr. Jaime Imitola discusses the current landscape of stem cell therapies in MS, the risks associated with unregulated treatments, and the importance of patient education and evidence-based guidance. Dr. Imitola is the Vice Chair for Research of the Department of Neurology and the Director of the Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Translational Neuroimmunology at UConn Health. He also spoke about this topic at the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting.
Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Souptik Barua, PhD Guest: Emily Johnston, MPH, PhD Can older adults successfully engage with telehealth, wearable technology, and digital health tools to prevent type 2 diabetes? In this conversation with Dr. Steve Jackson, Ds. Emily Johnston and Dr. Souptik Barua discuss emerging insights on how these strategies could improve accessibility and engagement in a high-risk population. Dr. Johnston is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, and Dr. Barua is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Precision Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. They presented these findings at the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.
Guest: Jaime Imitola, MD As stem cell therapies continue to generate significant interest among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinicians must be prepared to distinguish between approved treatments, investigational approaches, and unproven interventions marketed through stem cell tourism. Hear more as Dr. Jaime Imitola discusses the current landscape of stem cell therapies in MS, the risks associated with unregulated treatments, and the importance of patient education and evidence-based guidance. Dr. Imitola is the Vice Chair for Research of the Department of Neurology and the Director of the Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Translational Neuroimmunology at UConn Health. He also spoke about this topic at the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting.
The ASX 200 fell 100 points to close at 8686 _1.1%), with losses across the board. Banks held up better, with CBA down 0.6%, and WBC the worst of the bunch, down 1.7%, with MQG also falling 1.1%. The Big Bank Basket dropped to $270.46 (-1.8%). Insurers were better as bond yields rose, with QBE up 1.2% and the rest of the financials losing ground. Tech stocks were struggling today, with XRO falling back to earth by 4.2% and the All-Tech Index falling 1.4% as profit-taking moved in after the recent bounce. In the industrials, we saw TLS fall 2.9%, although defensive stocks bucked the downtrend, with WOW and COL both positive, along with utilities ORG and APA. Healthcare stocks were showing some signs of life, with RMD finding a bottom, at least temporarily, up 2.6%, and CSL up 0.4%. The real damage, though, today was done in the resource sector, as the iron ore price came under pressure and profit-takers moved into the iron ore stocks, with BHP down 3.3%, RIO down 3.3%, and FMG down 4.1%. Elsewhere in the gold space, we saw selling again in NST, off 6.1%, and EVN falling 3.0%, with lithium and rare earth stocks all under pressure. PLS dropped 4.5%. Big losers today as well were the big winners yesterday in the uranium sector, with PDN falling 8.2% and DYL down 5.2%. The oil and gas space was modestly higher, with both Woodside and Santos rising, together with coal stocks, with WHC rising 3.0%.In corporate news today, PME secured a five-year renewal in the U.S. TWE had a very good day as it presented to investors with no downgrades and some optimistic outlook statements. IPX fell 4.6% after its DFS study for its Critical Minerals project in Tennessee.Nothing significant on the economic front, although we did have some international goods trade data out, showing exports increased 7.2%, driven by metal ores and minerals.Asian markets mixed. Japan down 1.5%, Hong Kong down 1.4%, and China down 0.6%. South Korea eases back around 1.6%US futures: Dow up 26 and Nasdaq down 151. Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
The ASX 200 jumped 61 points after a slow start to 8756, with GDP coming in a little light, giving the RBA room to hold rates. Banks rebounded, with CBA up 1.1% and ANZ doing well, up 1.9%, as the Big Bank Basket rose to $275.51 (+1.1%). Other financials were a little mixed, GQG fell 1.4%, AMP slid 2.0% and HUB fell 0.9%. Insurers were steady as she goes.Industrials firmed in places, with WES down 0.2 %, while WOW and COL did better. Healthcare remains in ICU, with CSL falling another 0.4% and RMD down 0.7%. Tech stocks were under pressure after a great run in recent days, with XRO down 3.5% and WTC falling 2.1%, while the All Tech Basket down 0.7%.Resources, and especially copper stocks, were the stars of the show again. BHP hit new records, up 2.4%, and RIO gained 1.6%. Rare earths got a boost, with LYC up 2.8% and ARU gaining %. Uranium stocks fired up on some Urenco news from the US, with PDN up 11.5% and BOE gaining 7.6% as the shorts ran for cover. STO had a good day too, while WDS was flat.In corporate news, SLC jumped 0.3% on an upgrade to earnings, MP1 entered a trading halt pending a large capital raising, ALD rallied 3.4% on watchdog approvals and INA soared 5.4% on earnings confirmation. TLC lowered guidance and slipped 1.5%. In economic news, GDP came in a little light at 0.3% for the quarter and 2.6% for the year, giving the RBA a good excuse to stay pat.Asian markets mixed. Japan up 2.8%, Hong Kong down 1.7%, and China up 1.6%. South Korea closed for local elections.US futures: Dow down 32 and Nasdaq down 13. Oil up 1.0%. Surprising given the hostilities in the Gulf.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
Guest: Javier Morales, MD, FACP, FACE From proactive screening to once-weekly insulin, the treatment landscape for type 1 diabetes is evolving rapidly. Join Dr. Javier Morales to hear about current and emerging care strategies in these patients, a topic he also discussed at the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. Dr. Morales is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Barbara and Donald Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and Northwell Health.
Guest: Javier Morales, MD, FACP, FACE For patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), emerging incretin-based therapies that target multiple metabolic pathways are producing meaningful weight-loss outcomes. To learn more about these care strategies, tune in as Dr. Javier Morales shares key updates from the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. Dr. Morales is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Barbara and Donald Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and Northwell Health.
In this episode, Anderson attorneys Amanda Wynalda, Esq., and Eliot Thomas, Esq., tackle eight listener questions on a wide range of tax topics. They open with a deep dive into the tax advantages of purchasing property in an Opportunity Zone, covering both the original program and the newly reinvigorated Opportunity Zone 2.0 launching January 1, 2027, including deferral periods, stepped-up basis benefits, and rural vs. urban pathways. They also explain required minimum distributions and the five-year Roth seasoning rules, the nuances of married filing separately in community property states, and strategies for reducing passive capital gains tax after a multifamily syndication sale. Amanda and Eliot break down Qualified Small Business Stock under Section 1202, including new tiered exclusion rates and documentation requirements, walk through K-1 preparation and 1065 filing for limited and general partnership structures, and cover the Accumulated Earnings Tax for C corporations. The episode wraps with guidance on claiming education expenses for new businesses, amending prior-year returns, and using C corporations as the right vehicle for startup cost deductions. Tune in for expert advice on these topics and more! Submit your tax question to taxtuesday@andersonadvisors.com Highlights/Topics: [00:00] — Intro and questions [10:04] "If I'm still working for the company that sponsors my 401k when I turn 73, even if it's part time, do I need to take RMDs or required minimum distributions from that account? And once my Roth 401k is quote unquote seasoned for 5 years, if I roll it over to another Roth IRA account I have already had for 5 years, am I still able to take out the profits tax free?" - Still employed means no RMD required unless you own over 5% of the business. [13:42] "I am looking at a couple different commercial rental properties. One of them is in an opportunity zone in Florida. What are the benefits slash tax advantages of purchasing a property in an opportunity zone? Are there any downsides?" –Opportunity Zones defer capital gains tax with stepped-up basis and potential ten-year appreciation exclusion. [22:08] "My husband and I file separately. I itemize and my accountant said because I itemize, my husband must also itemize, which is worse for him as he loses out on the standard deduction. Is there any way around this? In addition, the IRS wants to know my salary on his return, which then leads to him owing tons of additional taxes. How can this be? Why would he be taxed on my income? I'm already being taxed on my income. So this year he left my salary blank on his tax return. Will this come back to bite him and incur fees? We file separately for many reasons, including me having rentals and he has child support and other things affecting his return." - Community property states require spouses to split income; no double taxation occurs. [30:32] "I was a passive investor in a multifamily unit deal. The property was sold and my CPA informed me that I have capital gains tax of 55,000 for 2025. Anything I can do to reduce this tax? If not, what could I have done differently?" - Cost segregation on existing property can create passive losses to offset the gain. [36:57] "I'm investing 250k in a software startup pre Series A. The founders say it qualifies under section 1202 as a qualified small business stock or QSBS. Let's say the stock grows 10x over the next 10 years, so my stock becomes worth 2.5 million. Ten years from now, how do I prove to the IRS that the profit should be tax free under section 1202? Do I just document it now and hope they agree when I file an 8949 when I sell? It seems like there are no assurances they'll agree and the profits, though not subject to income tax, still become part of my estate, potentially subject to estate tax. Is it just easier investing using my Roth to ensure that all future gains will be income tax free?" – Thorough documentation of C corp status and assets under $75 million proves 1202 eligibility. [48:20] "Anderson created my limited partnership and general partnership structure. My questions are which entity has to create or issue a K1 and who prepares it for me? And when preparing the 1065 tax return, who do I list as the limited partner, me or the entity?" - The limited partnership files the 1065 and issues K-1s; list yourself as the limited partner. [50:16] "I invested in education for several businesses last year. None have come to fruition yet. Is the education able to be claimed on 2025 taxes? Also I filed without any of the education being claimed. So I was wondering if I could amend my taxes at some point this year." - Amend within three years; a C corp can claim education costs as deductible startup expenses. Resources: Tax and Asset Protection Events https://andersonadvisors.com/real-estate-asset-protection-workshop-training/?utm_source=the-tax-advantages-of-purchasing-a-property-in-an-opportunity-zone%20&utm_medium=podcast Schedule Your FREE Consultation https://andersonadvisors.com/strategy-session/?utm_source=the-tax-advantages-of-purchasing-a-property-in-an-opportunity-zone%20&utm_medium=podcast Anderson Advisors https://andersonadvisors.com/ Toby Mathis YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TobyMathis Toby Mathis TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tobymathisesq Clint Coons YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ClintCoons
Summary In part 1 Wade Borth and Rohit Punyani, founder of The Owner's Asset, explore how small business owners can use a cash balance plan to capture six-figure tax deductions while building a seven-figure guaranteed retirement. Rohit walks through the two schools of retirement thought, the mechanics of a pension compared to a 401(k), and the compelling opportunity to purchase whole life insurance inside a pension using pre-tax dollars. If you have been writing painful tax checks without a clear strategy, this conversation shows you where that money could go instead. Check part 1 of this conversation in here We continue this episode in part 2, as most business owners know they should be saving for retirement. What they don't know is how much the tax code has stacked the deck in their favor. In this episode, Wade and Rohit Punyani of The Owner's Asset dig into who a cash balance plan actually works for, why older business owners have the biggest advantage, and how to run a pension and a 401(k) together for maximum effect. Rohit also breaks down one of the most underused strategies in retirement planning: depositing required minimum distributions into a seasoned whole life policy to convert taxable income into accessible, non-taxable cash flow. If your business has been funding the IRS instead of your future, this conversation is for you. Part 3 ends up with Wade and Rohit, going deep in conversation to explore a strategy most advisors never mention. Together they walk through how sequence, guaranteed income, and a pension structure can reduce tax bills, fund whole life insurance at wholesale, and build a retirement income that removes the scarcity mindset. The conversation ties IBC, annuities, and pension design into a single framework built around clarity, perspective, and guidance. Check part 3 of this conversation in here Key Takeaways The ideal candidate: a stable business with consistent taxable income, quarterly estimated payments above $20,000 to $30,000 per quarter, and at least some active K-1, S-corp, or 1099 income. After age 52 or 53, the IRS tables allow deductions that can exceed your active income. A 60-year-old with $100,000 in side income may be able to deduct $250,000. A pension and a 401(k) can and should coexist. The 401(k) stays in the market for growth. The pension funds your guaranteed safety-first income. The pension contribution is a top-line deduction. A $200,000 contribution on $1 million in revenue means the IRS taxes you on $800,000, and it can drop you into a lower marginal bracket. Required minimum distributions should never be spent directly. Depositing an RMD into a seasoned whole life policy and drawing on the policy's cash value can convert a $40,000 taxable distribution into $100,000 or more of accessible, non-taxable cash flow. Links and Resources sagewealthstrategy.com Part 1: Six Figures Off, Seven Figures Built Keywords cash balance plan for business owners, who qualifies for a pension, K-1 income retirement, 1099 pension plan, self-employed retirement planning, age advantage cash balance plan, RMD strategy whole life insurance, infinite banking RMD, required minimum distributions whole life, pension and 401k together, business owner tax deduction, Wade Borth, Rohit Punyani, The Owner's Asset, Sage Wealth Strategy, solopreneur retirement, cash flow vs income IRS, top-line deduction, talent retention pension, small business pension plan Episode Highlights [00:04:35 - 00:05:46] Rohit defines the ideal candidate in human terms: a stable business writing quarterly estimated tax payments above $20,000 to $30,000 that could instead be flowing into a pension. [00:07:20 - 00:08:36] The age advantage: after 52 or 53, you can deduct more than your active income. A 60-year-old with $100,000 in side income can potentially deduct $250,000 and erase a tax bill entirely. [00:11:05 - 00:11:28] The 401(k) and pension should coexist. Stay in the markets with the 401(k). Use the pension to buy your safety-first guaranteed income. [00:13:48 - 00:14:53] Top-line deduction explained: a $200,000 contribution on $1,000,000 in revenue means the IRS taxes you on $800,000, and it can push you into a lower marginal tax bracket. [00:17:56 - 00:19:20] The catch-up concept: after years of building a business without contributing to retirement, a cash balance plan lets you redirect $200,000 to $300,000 a year and rebuild what was missed. [00:21:29 - 00:25:43] The RMD strategy: take a $40,000 distribution, deposit it into a seasoned whole life policy, use the policy's 3x to 4x release to pay taxes and keep the rest, turning $22,000 of after-tax income into $102,000 of cash flow.
The ASX 200 rallied hard off lows to close down 5 pts at 8724 (0.1%). CBA turned around, recovering well, the Big Bank Basket closed at $269.61 (- 0.8%). Insurers slipped, led by QBE off 1.3% and IAG down 2.2%. REITs too were under pressure, GMG off 0.4% and CHC falling 1.0%. Healthcare remains in the kennel, CSL falling another 1.7% with RMD off 2.1% and COH down 4.3%. Industrials slipped a little, BXB down 1.6% and ALQ falling 1.1%. Retail stocks were also on the nose following the minimum pay award update. JBH crumbled 5.4%, NCK down 3.1%. DMP dropped 5.9% on the wage news. Tech stocks were the stars of the show again today, WTC up 7.9% and XRO jumping 7.5%, with the All-Tech Index up 3.9%. REA had a good day, as did CAR.BHP and RIO once again pushed higher on copper exposure, the Big Australian hitting new records, up 1.4%. Gold miners recovered, with NST shooting the lights out as activist shareholder Elliott took a big position and called for change. Uranium stocks eased back again, PDN down 5.9% and DYL falling 5.3%.In corporate news, SRG jumped 16.6% on $1.85bn in new contracts. TEA soared 16.2% on an acquisition, DRO up 3.6% on a new $24.1m contract, and 4DX had a bad day on CT news. NST jumped on calls for change. On the economic front, consumer sentiment rose and the BoP fell as exports eased back. Asian markets mixed. Japan down 0.5%, Hong Kong up 1.8%, and China up 1.3%. US futures: Dow down 172 and Nasdaq down 83. Oil up 1.2%.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
The ASX 200 consolidated Friday's gains with a loss of 2 point to 8729. Tech stocks were the star attraction, with REA up 1.5%, WTC up 8.7% and XRO rising 7.6%. The All-Tech Index rose 3.8%. Healthcare remains on the nose, with CSL dropping another 2.5% and RMD pummeled down 7.6%. REITs also slid, with CHC off % and SCG falling %. Banks were mixed, with CBA down 1.0% and WBC up 0.4%, leaving the Big Bank Basket down to $271.87 (-0.6%). Financials were mostly better, with ZIP rallying 5.2% as tech took off. Industrials were a mixed bag. TCL fell 1.8% and LNW dropped 1.0%, while BXB rallied 1.4% and CPU rose 0.9%.In resources, BHP was slightly firmer, RIO rose 1.6% and FMG improved. Gold miners were generally better, with EVN up 2.4% and CMM rallying 1.3%. Lithium stocks were on a charge, with PLS up 4.3% after huge rebalancing volumes last week, LTR up 3.3% and MIN up 1.2%. WDS and STO both made modest gains, as did uranium and coal stocks.In corporate news, LLC lost 5.5% after agreeing to sell the development rights in the Milano Santa Giulia mixed-use project in Milan. SYR soared 16.2% after its offtake dispute with Tesla was resolved, with the electric vehicle maker accepting that the alleged default conditions had been cured. MYX fell 2.9% as it expanded its US commercial footprint. CTT rose 25.5% as it moved to expand its presence in China through the launch of a flagship store on Tmall Global.On the economic front, ANZ-Indeed Australian job ads lifted 1.8%. Asian markets eased. Japan up 0.9%, HK up 0.8% and China down 0.6%. Korea up 4.1%.US futures up slightly, Dow up 49 and Nasdaq up 175. European markets set to open flat. Oil up 2.5%.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor and ex-spouse benefits, using annuity income to satisfy RMDs, and annuity laddering strategies for both SPIAs and DIAs and MYGAs. (6:30) George writes in about a cousin who turns 62 in November 2026 and whose ex-spouse recently passed away — he wants to know what survivor and ex-spouse Social Security claiming options may be available. (19:45) A listener asks whether annuity income payments from a qualified annuity can be used to satisfy the RMD requirement on a separate IRA, potentially eliminating the need to take distributions from the IRA altogether. 43:15) The guys hear from a long-term buy-and-hold investor at the start of his transition from accumulation to decumulation who is drawn to the idea of purchasing SPIAs or DIAs in multiple chunks rather than a single lump sum and is curious about tradeoffs as well as how to apply a dollar-cost averaging mindset to annuity income. (1:01:00) Jim and Chris take a question from a listener about 2.5 years from retirement who is considering laddering MYGAs through his 401(k) and wants to know whether the yield advantage of A-rated carriers is worth the added risk compared to sticking with A+ or higher, and whether CD laddering might be a simpler alternative. The post Social Security, Annuity RMDs, Annuity Laddering: Q&A #2622 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.
這一篇是關於退休花用心理的最後一集,也可以說是前面幾篇討論的延伸。前面我們談到,退休者會替不同來源的錢貼上不同標籤,有些錢被看成收入,有些錢被看成投資本金,有些錢則被看成不能亂動的老本。問題是,退休生活真正要面對的,不只是資產有多少,而是這些資產最後能不能變成生活裡可以安心使用的現金流。 這篇參考的研究主題,可以理解為退休者對「終身收入」與「儲蓄資產」的不同反應。研究裡面一個很有意思的觀察是,人們面對像收入一樣進來的錢,通常比較願意花;但面對帳戶裡面一大筆存款或投資資產,往往會變得非常保守。這不是簡單的理性或不理性,而是人的心理帳戶在運作。你以為自己是在做財務決策,其實很多時候是在跟「我是不是正在吃老本」這種感受拔河。 大綱 1.退休帳戶不是不能花 2.為什麼帳戶資產會變成老本 3.收入感如何改變花錢行為 4.RMD與強制提領的心理作用 5.4%提領率最大的難題 6.高股息與期權ETF存在的原因 7.現金流不是唯一答案但有功能 8.退休規劃要從累積走向使用 9.錢用得到才是財產 10.結語:設計自己敢用的現金流 關鍵字 #退休理財 #現金流 #心理帳戶 #高股息ETF #期權ETF #提領率 #退休金 #財富使用 #資產配置 #生活品質 第721集,2026/04/26錄製 #威利研究室單元 YouTube 搜尋: 威利財經角|Podcast 搜尋: Awesome_Money 收看頻道會員節目: https://cutt.ly/HeRTJFB2 加入頻道會員: https://cutt.ly/zwTJf5e0 方格子: https://vocus.cc/willy03/home Blogger: https://katono5566.blogspot.com/ 節目 Line 社群: https://forms.gle/CabjyDhux35utmyU9 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
Guest: Elizabeth S. Gromisch, PhD Cognitive changes are a common but complex aspect of multiple sclerosis care, making practical and accessible screening strategies essential. In this program, Dr. Elizabeth Gromisch explores both traditional and digital cognitive screening tools for MS and shares real-world insights on selecting and implementing assessments across a range of clinical settings. Dr. Gromisch is a research neuropsychologist at the Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care and Neuroscience Research at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health of New England. She also discussed this topic at the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting.
Guest: Elizabeth S. Gromisch, PhD Cognitive changes are a common but complex aspect of multiple sclerosis care, making practical and accessible screening strategies essential. In this program, Dr. Elizabeth Gromisch explores both traditional and digital cognitive screening tools for MS and shares real-world insights on selecting and implementing assessments across a range of clinical settings. Dr. Gromisch is a research neuropsychologist at the Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care and Neuroscience Research at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health of New England. She also discussed this topic at the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting.
The ASX 200 took a dive today, down another 125pts at 8593 (1.4%), as the peace deal in the Gulf is starting to slide away. Banks and gold bore the brunt of the selling, with CBA off 2.1% and WBC down 1.3%, with the Big Bank Basket at $269.32 (-1.9%). Insurers also fell hard, QBE down 2.8% and IAG off 1.6%, with financials generally easier, while ASX continues lower.REITs also fell as bond yields rose, GMG off 1.2% and SCG down 0.8%. Old-school platforms remained under pressure, SEK down 3.9% and REA off 1.1%. Tech fell hard too, XRO off 2.6% and WTC falling 1.6%. The All-Tech Index dropped 1.1%. Healthcare was also under pressure, CSL fell 1.7% and RMD down 1.4%. Supermarkets held up. Industrials slid, BXB down 2.5% and QAN falling 1.5% as oil prices rose.Resources were sold down as bullion fell heavily and gold stocks turned nasty, NEM down 7.5% and EVN off 7.7%. Lithium stocks held up, PLS up 0.3%, while rare earths fell, LYC off 2.5%. Uranium stocks drifted lower, PDN down 1.7%. The big iron ore miners were also under pressure, BHP down 1.2% and RIO falling 2.5%.In corporate news, SDR rallied 8.6% after a new partnership deal. CSL dropped again despite the new CEO topping up his holding. VUL rose 2.3% as its financing package closed. And EOS had a good day, up 4.2% on some new director signings.On the economic front, April household spending collapsed much more sharply than expected, down 1.1% over the month.Asian markets eased. Japan off 0.5%, HK down 1.4% and China off 0.1%.US futures down slightly, Dow down 12 and Nasdaq off 141. European markets set to open around 0.7% lower. Oil up 3% on renewed hostilities.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
Retirement planning extends well beyond simply saving enough during your working years—it plays out with every decision you make once you stop working. One crucial, sometimes overlooked, aspect is managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. If you have a retirement account approaching your RMD age, this episode breaks down the essential rules based on your birth year, how to calculate your distribution using the IRS tables, and key tax implications to keep in mind. You'll also get actionable tips to help minimize your future RMDs, from optimizing your income plan and leveraging Roth conversions to using qualified charitable distributions. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] RMD rules and calculations [05:10] RMDs and distribution timing [09:03] Retirement accounts and RMD rules [14:22] Tax strategies for retirement planning [17:00] Common RMD mistakes and solutions [19:21] Proper charitable distribution process What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)? RMDs are the minimum amounts you must withdraw annually from certain retirement accounts starting at a specific age, as mandated by the IRS. These distributions apply to traditional IRAs, rollover IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, and profit-sharing plans. Importantly, Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are exempt from RMDs, and regular taxable investment accounts are not impacted. The required age for beginning RMDs now depends on your birth year: If you were born between January 1, 1951, and December 31, 1959, RMDs start at age 73. If born on January 1, 1960, or later, RMDs begin at age 75. Tax Implications of RMDs RMDs are taxed as ordinary income. If you're not careful, withdrawals can bump you into a higher tax bracket, increase how much of your Social Security is taxable, or trigger additional Medicare Part B and Part D premiums due to IRMAA. Failing to withdraw the required amount carries a steep penalty—25%, reduced to 10% if corrected within two years. Strategies to Lower Your RMDs Don't put all your savings in pre-tax accounts. Split between traditional and Roth accounts or invest some in taxable brokerage accounts, which aren't subject to RMDs. It can be useful to collaborate with a financial advisor to create a withdrawal strategy that minimizes taxes by pulling funds strategically from different account types. You can also convert portions of your pre-tax accounts to Roth IRAs in years when your income (and tax bracket) is lower, helping "fill the bucket" at the lowest rates. If you retire early, delaying Social Security until age 70 increases your benefit and can create years of low taxable income—perfect for executing Roth conversions. If you're 70½ or older, you can also donate up to $100,000 per year directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. These gifts count toward your RMD but are excluded from taxable income. Enjoying a Comfortable Retirement Navigating RMDs isn't just about following IRS rules—it's an ongoing strategy to keep your taxes low and your retirement income steady. By understanding your obligations and using the available tools, you can maximize your retirement savings and create a more secure future. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan
Retirement isn’t as complex as the big banks want you to think, but transitioning from collecting a paycheck to generating your own requires a completely different strategy. Host Charisse Rivers breaks down the realities of the decumulation phase, exposing why traditional 60/40 portfolios fall short. Learn how to navigate the physical and mental phases of aging, optimize Social Security timing, and outsmart Uncle Sam’s lurking RMD tax traps. Whether you are a hands-on investor or a financial novice, it is time to turn the market noise into a structured, reliable income plan. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
You've worked hard, saved well, and now you're thinking about giving back—maybe to your kids, your grandkids, or a cause you care about. But should you wait and pass that wealth on later, or give while you're still around to enjoy the impact? Let's talk about how to make that decision with confidence. 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. Marc: Welcome in once again to another edition of Retirement Planning, Redefined with John and Nick, and we're going to talk about gifting money while you're alive or leaving a legacy. You work hard, you saved well, so let's talk about how to gift and leave a legacy. Welcome into the podcast everybody. Thanks for hanging out with John and Nick and myself as we talk about these topics this week. And guys, it's gifting, right? So I want to go over some basics here. It seems like there's been a trend the last couple of years for people to enjoy their retirement legacy with the family versus the old way of you pass and you'll leave a check, right? Here's your inheritance, we're gone, that kind of thing. So let's talk about that a little bit this week on the show and just kind of see what you guys are seeing in your neck of the woods. How you doing this week, Nick? Nick: Good, good. How about yourself? Marc: Doing pretty good's. How's the wedding action coming? Nick: Planning's moving along. Marc: Nice. Nick: Did some, hopefully we got the food picked out, so trying to check off all the big things, so. Marc: That's important. Got to have that good food going on for sure. Well, good. Kudos. Good. Glad to hear that. And John, my friend, how are you this week? John: I'm good. I'm good. Summer just started for the kids, so getting used to waking up in the morning and they're hanging out with me as I'm getting ready for work- Marc: And they're ready to go. John: Versus me just dropping them off. Yeah. Marc: That's right. John: It's a lot of fun. Marc: There you go. Are you guys seeing this trend that I talked about, not necessarily a new trend. It's been going on for a number of years now, but I think where people just want to maybe enjoy some experiences with their loved ones while they're still here versus just leaving that check, so to speak? Are you guys seeing that in your practice as well? Nick: Yeah, I'd say so. We've had, what are we on now? A 14, 15 year bull run from the standpoint of people have kind of exceeded what their perspective on goals was for the money that they might have in retirement and, so especially I would say, at least from what I've seen, the vacation side of things is kind of the biggest thing that people have been doing where they'll do a large family vacation and pay for the kids and their families to go so that they can all enjoy that together. Marc: Yeah, that's very cool. And we'll talk about some of the numbers and things in just a few minutes, but John, I'll kick this over to you. I'd say the first step probably still should be, make sure you are covered first, right? We all want to leave and do things for our kids and loved ones, but don't sacrifice your own retirement in order just to do that. Is that a fair place to start? John: That is 100% where you should start. The last thing you want to do is start gifting and spending money on a vacation, and then you look at it and you're like, "Oh man, I don't have enough money to live anymore." So first thing we do in this situation where it comes up with clients is like most things we say, we look at the plan and we will stress test it and look at different scenarios to make sure, hey, if this were to happen, how does your plan react to it? So we'll throw out some scenarios out there, whether it's healthcare, inflation, social security, things like that. And if the plan looks solid, we will typically give somewhat of a green light of, we think you should budget X amount for this. Or we can also look at scenarios where Nick talked about vacation, but we've seen some others where it's like, "Hey, I want to help my son, daughter with a home purchase." And with the way prices are going now, it's very difficult for first time homeowners to be buying houses. So we've seen a lot of people basically lending, not giving money to their kids for buying homes. So we will put that in the plan and say, "Hey, what does your plan look like if you were to give X amount for a down payment?" Marc: Gotcha. Okay. And we'll talk about some of those numbers and ways to do that here in a few minutes. So I would say if step number one, as John pointed out is make sure you are covered. The next step number two is maybe just kind of clarify your motivation. He kind of touched on that a little bit, but why are you giving, I mean, again, we all love our kids. We want to help, but what's the purpose? Is that an important kind of factor to decide through? Nick: Yeah, I've had some recent conversations where maybe there's specific topics like, okay, we're off conversions, and because somebody has read or seen an article or something like that, the thought process is, all right, well let's go ahead and let's convert all of our qualified money to Roth accounts and leave the money to them. And a tricky thing with that can be, as an example, is maybe their kids are not in the same sort of economic space as they are and they're not going to ever make nearly the same amount of money. Them taking a hit right away from a tax perspective maybe doesn't make sense, so try to take them back to the initial point in, Hey, what's your motivation? What are you trying to do? What's most important to you? Is it making sure that your plan is structured well to protect you first and then start to do some giving while you're alive? Or is it more focused on you want to give after you pass away and let's structure your assets accordingly? So just so many things, making sure that you fully understand what your objectives are because it can be a little bit of the shiny new thing or a shiny new strategy that weren't familiar with at first or initially, and then once you go through and evaluate it in more detail, maybe it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But yeah, really understanding how account types work, what your goals are and really what your focus is really important. Marc: And of course, working with a financial professional is going to help you identify that because often we're not going to know what the account types and the rules and the taxation things are going to be, so that's why you want to turn to the pros on that. So let's get into some of the numbers a little bit, guys, because I actually want to point out a couple of things that based on what you've said so far, and just kind of ask you some clarifying questions on that. But let's start with understanding the gifting rules. So John, what's some of the numbers that we need to know if we just want to gift money in general? John: So you want to look at what is the gifting amount before you trigger having to file a gift tax return or putting that on your return that you gifted money. So this number changes from year to year typically, and in 2025, it's $19,000 per person. So example, let's say you have a mother, father, and they want to gift to a child. They can each give $19,000 apiece. Marc: So married couples 38 grand, right? John: Yes. So that's a good starting point. And then if you have grandkids involved or whatever, you can start gifting to that. So it's $19,000 per person per year without triggering the gift tax filing. Marc: And that's hefty. Now I'm sure somebody listens going, "I love my kids, but I ain't giving them 38 grand." John: Again, everyone's situation's different. Marc: And you can do that. And it doesn't matter if it doesn't have to be family either, right? This could be anybody, right? You can give 19,000. John: It can be anybody. Yeah. If you want to just find a random person in the street, you're more than welcome to- Marc: Your favorite podcast host. I mean, podcast hosts need love too, so I'm just saying. John: Yeah. So that's definitely the starting point. If you're going to be gifting money to any particular individual. If you want to help out with tuition and medical expenses, as long as it's paid directly towards those institutions, you don't have to file any type of gift tax return. Marc: Now, I wanted to ask you about that because a minute ago you guys were talking about helping with school. Now you can't gift the money and pay the loan, right? It's not paying the student loan, it's paying the tuition. There is a difference there, correct? Nick: Yeah. And you want to pay it directly to the institution. Marc: Gotcha. Okay. That's important to know too, right? I'm sure from a tax standpoint as well. All right. What about QCDs, John? Can we do that in that arena as well? If you want to do some gifting? John: Yeah. So let's explain what that is. So it's qualified charitable distributions from your IRAs. Nick and I use this quite a bit. So when we're doing the fact-finding with clients, one of the main, not one of the main, but one of the questions we go through is, do you do any charitable gifting? And if they check that box, we'll typically find out what institutions and how much they're giving. And once someone hits RMD age, a great way to save on taxes is gifts directly from your IRA. So you could save quite a bit depending on how much someone's gifting. So example, we have someone that doesn't necessarily need their distribution from the IRA, and they were just taking money out of just cash flow, whether it was social security or pension, they were gifting it to their church. What we would typically do is say, "Hey, let's kind of switch this. Let's go to, let's pull out of the IRA." Let's just use number. Maybe it's 10 or 15 grand and we're going to go directly from the IRA to the charitable institution. In this example, it's a church, and you don't pay any taxes on that amount that came out. Marc: That's ideal, right? And Nick, thinking about how you, if you're a charitably minded person and talking about leaving a legacy, since this kind of rolls into this conversation, people often ask, "Well, which account should I use for what?" And John mentioned that earlier. So if you're thinking about leaving money to your kids and you've got money in a Roth, you might want to leave the kids that right? And then maybe QCD some money from the IRA over to the church, for example, because that's a tax benefit to everybody. Correct? Nick: Yeah, for sure. That makes sense. I would say to one kind of red flag, or at least something to be very aware of and had this conversation recently with a client is, while you're alive, if you're in a position to be able to gift and if you're in a position to be able to choose where you want to gift money from, avoid gifting from highly appreciated assets from the standpoint of let's say there's a property or there's a taxable brokerage account that maybe you've held 10 different stocks for 20 years and they have a substantial gain. If you gift that while alive, then the recipient, when they sell those is going to pay taxes on the gain versus if you gift it after you pass away, those investments will get a step-up in cost basis, which can save a significant amount of money from a tax perspective. So I would say where you gift from is absolutely, probably if this is something that's important to you, that's where the largest amount of strategy comes into play and doing it from the right place. Marc: Nick, any other things we missed as far as with the QCD or some of the numbers there? Nick: Yeah, one thing that we have run into is that some custodians, including the one that we use, Charles Schwab, they don't send out a specific tax document when somebody processes a qualified charitable distribution. So that's something that you want to keep records of and indicate that you've done that with your tax preparer. We've had a couple of clients where they were anticipating that they were going to receive a specific document that laid out exactly what they did, who it paid to, and that sort of thing and that was not the case. It shows the distribution via the 10-99, but they have to notify the tax preparer and usually provide some sort of documentation showing that they made that gift to a charity. So just from a best practice sort of standpoint, that's something to keep in mind. Marc: All right. All right. Good stuff guys. So as always, if you've got questions and concerns, need some help when it comes to any kind of the financial pieces, the X's and O's when it comes to retirement, you always want to check with qualified financial professionals who do this day in and day out. And John and Nick certainly do so if you need some help, reach out to them online at pfgprivatewealth.com. That's pfgprivatewealth.com and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify or whatever podcasting app you enjoy using. You can reach out to the guys on the website. You can also call them at (813) 286-7776. And don't forget to tune in for new episodes as they come out. I appreciate the time guys. Thanks so much for being here and we'll catch you next time here on Retirement Planning, Redefined with John and Nick. Get yourself a plan, get yourself a strategy. Reach out to John and Nick today at pfgprivatewealth.com, that's pfgprivatewealth.com, to get started on your situation or to tweak your situation and dive into that process with the guys. You can reach out to them at 813-286-7776. Or again, find them online at pfgprivatewealth.com. Don't forget to subscribe to us on the podcast on Apple or Spotify, or whatever platform you like using. We'll see you next time here on Retirement Planning Redefined with John and Nick.
Guest: Ibrahim Hussain, M.D. Neurological spine surgeon Dr. Ibrahim Hussain explains how expandable cages are being used in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions to optimize patient outcomes. These cages can be inserted with a very low profile to restore height and lordosis, and enable a faster recovery. At Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, surgeons are pursuing innovative solutions to provide a better quality of life for patients with degenerative disc disease and other spine conditions. © 2026 NewYork-Presbyterian
What if you could retire from the military at 50, bridge a decade of income, and pay less in taxes than you ever expected? It sounds too good to be true — but it's written right into the tax code. Spencer and Rob walk through exactly how a Roth conversion ladder works, who it's built for, and whether a simple brokerage account might actually beat it. Spencer Reese interviews Rob Moore, Army veteran, CFP candidate, and founder of Everman Wealth and Prosperity. Topics Discussed What a Roth Conversion Ladder is — moving funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA each year before military retirement to create penalty-free supplemental income during the bridge period between military retirement and age 59½ Who it's for — service members retiring before 59½ who need to bridge their income gap, and those in the FIRE community with lower taxable income Contribution vs. Conversion — contributions can be withdrawn penalty/tax-free anytime; conversions require a five-year waiting period per conversion year The Five-Year Rule — each conversion starts its own five-year clock on January 1st of the conversion year; after five years, the converted amount can be withdrawn penalty and tax-free TSP limitations — Roth conversion ladders live entirely in the IRA universe; TSP rules are different and don't qualify (though the new TSP Roth conversion feature, live in 2026, is noted as a separate benefit) Practical example — a service member at age 49, five years from retirement, converts $20,000/year; at retirement (age 54), the first conversion is available penalty/tax-free, with each subsequent year unlocking the next rung Alternatives to the Roth ladder: Rule 72(t) / SEPP — rigid but allows early retirement account access Rule of 55 — penalty-free TSP access if retiring in the year you turn 55 Taxable brokerage account — flexible, no rules, and often more tax-efficient than people assume Brokerage vs. tax-deferred comparison — Rob's case study on a retiring O-5 showed the brokerage account came out ~$13,000 ahead in aggregate taxes over 16 years vs. a Roth conversion ladder strategy Tax bracket inflation adjustment — a reminder that brackets adjust for inflation, so projecting future RMD tax burden in today's dollar terms overstates the hit Backdoor Roth contributions — briefly mentioned as an option for those without existing traditional IRA funds; subject to the same five-year conversion rule and annual limits ($7,500/person, $15,000/couple in 2026) Resources Mentioned Fiscal Foxhole Podcast https://www.instagram.com/fiscalfoxhole— co-hosted by Rob Moore and Oman Quavo; available on all major podcast platforms Everman Wealth and Prosperity https://www.prosperwitheverman.com/— Rob's financial planning firm (Northern Virginia, fee-only) How Tax-Advantaged is Tax-Deferred? https://www.prosperwitheverman.com/podcastarticles/how-tax-advantaged-is-tax-deferred— Rob's article comparing brokerage vs. tax-deferred retirement savings Moneychimp.com http://www.moneychimp.com — simple compound interest/tax calculator mentioned by Spencer Military Money Manual Podcast Ep. 216 — prior interview with Oman Quavo Military Money Manual Podcast Ep. 162 — backdoor Roth IRA deep dive with Brian Alf O'Neill of Winged Wealth Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 22,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Military Money Manual may receive compensation from JPMC. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.
In this episode we answer emails from Geraldo, Rock, Ute. We discuss how to give well, shifting from big-name school donations to smaller charities with immediate impact, moving from individual stocks to a Golden Butterfly style portfolio with less stress, treating Roth conversions as optional and highly personal rather than automatic, using a conservative Interactive Brokers margin loan as a temporary cash buffer, lowering margin-call risk with diversification and alternatives, and pressure-testing inflation claims for retirees and comparing U.S. data with and older study from The Netherlands.And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Additional Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page: Donate - Father McKenna CenterWCI Podcast Episode re Charitable Giving with Rebecca Herbst: How to Maximize the Impact of Your Charitable Giving - WCI Podcast #470Referenced Inflation Study Paper: S1474747216000202jra 85..109J.P Morgan Inflation Study: JP_Morgan_White_Paper_Three_Retirement_Spending_Surprises.pdf - Google DriveRAND Inflation Study: Spending Trajectories After Age 65: Variation by Initial Wealth | RANDBreathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:You can be “right” about taxes and still be wrong about living. We dig into three listener emails that expose a common trap for smart investors: turning retirement into an endless optimization project, while the real goal is a calmer portfolio, a sustainable withdrawal plan, and a life you actually want to spend money on.First, we walk through a practical way to transition from individual stocks to a Golden Butterfly portfolio without getting paralyzed by detail. We talk about why macro allocation matters more than the exact ticker list, how to think about growth vs value exposure, and why simplifying inside retirement accounts is usually easier than in taxable accounts where capital gains can bite. We also share what we'd try to eliminate first when someone is de-risking for retirement.Next, we zoom out to retirement tax planning and charitable giving. We discuss why blanket advice on Roth conversion strategy and withdrawal order often fails, what it means to “disgorge” traditional IRAs before RMD age, and how qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) can be a quietly powerful tool for charitably inclined retirees.Then we tackle margin as a tool, not a lifestyle. We break down using a conservative Interactive Brokers margin backstop, how diversification can reduce drawdowns and margin-call risk, and why assets like Treasuries, gold, and managed futures show up again in risk parity style thinking. We also address a listener challenge on retiree inflation and why country, data vintage, and healthcare systems can flip the conclusion.If you like clear portfolio mechanics with real-world tradeoffs, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more DIY investors can find us.Support the show
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on the SSA-44 and IRMAA process for a couple approaching Medicare, Social Security survivor benefit strategy, tax diversification for young investors, HSA vs. IRA prioritization and spending strategy during the delay period, and inherited IRA RMD rules for non-eligible beneficiaries. (15:30) A listener approaching Medicare asks how the SSA-44 process applies when one spouse is retiring while the other continues to work, and whether their planned Roth conversions could complicate the IRMAA appeal filing. (33:15) Georgette wonders whether she can start her own Social Security at 67, switch to a lower survivor benefit if her husband passes, and then return to her own larger benefit at 70. (41:00) The guys hear from a parent helping his adult children decide whether to convert their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs or preserve a mix of account types for tax diversification in retirement. (57:45) Jim and Chris address two questions: (1) whether HSA contributions should be prioritized over IRA contributions for retirement savings, and (2) how to bridge a cash flow gap when brokerage funds run out during the delay period without undermining ongoing Roth conversions. (1:26:15) A listener asks whether a non-eligible beneficiary who inherits a traditional IRA before the decedent’s required beginning date must still take RMDs, given that the decedent had already taken one RMD in the year they turned 73. The post IRMAA, Social Security, Tax Diversification, Delay Period, Inherited IRA: Q&A #2620 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.
Don opens this Friday Q&A episode with a personal reflection on finally releasing his historical fiction novel The Line Uncrossed, inspired by his great-great-grandfather's imprisonment at Andersonville during the Civil War. Listener questions then cover the wisdom (or insanity) of converting millions from a traditional IRA to a Roth all at once, the evolving role of “538” savings accounts, why covered calls and options strategies often disappoint despite sounding clever, skepticism over the show's repeated praise of Avantis and Dimensional funds, and the surprisingly massive dollar amounts collected in ETF management fees. Throughout, Don leans hard into skepticism, simplicity, evidence-based investing, and the dangers of overcomplicating portfolios or tax planning.0:05 Friday Q&A tradition and how listeners submit spoken questions1:28 Don talks about releasing The Line Uncrossed next week2:22 Andersonville inspiration and writing historical fiction3:29 Listener asks about converting $4.1M traditional IRA to Roth to avoid RMDs5:55 Why a massive one-time Roth conversion could be financially disastrous7:17 RMD misconceptions and the need for professional tax planning8:13 Discussion of proposed “538” accounts and Roth conversion possibilities10:40 Listener asks about covered calls, selling puts, and options strategies12:06 Why buying options is gambling and covered calls eventually fail13:28 The illusion of downside protection with covered calls14:58 Skeptic questions repeated mentions of Avantis and Dimensional funds17:31 Don explains factor investing, Fama/French research, and fee tradeoffs20:30 Why TRM recommends Avantis and Dimensional despite higher costs20:38 Don responds directly to accusations of compensation or sponsorship21:47 Listener shocked by millions paid in ETF management fees22:26 What ETF management fees actually pay for behind the scenes23:27 Why large ETF operations require huge staffs and compliance teams24:33 Final call for listener questions and advisor meetingsQuestions? Comments? Click!
Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Matthew J. Matasar, MD Guest: Tycel Phillips, MD This is a non-certified educational series produced and controlled by ReachMD. Timely referral for CAR T-cell therapy remains a critical challenge for patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL). From communication gaps between providers to logistical challenges and delays, barriers throughout the treatment pathway can limit timely access to care. Tune in to learn about evolving strategies that can help us streamline coordination and expand access to CAR T-cell therapy as Dr. Steve Jackson speaks with Dr. Matthew Matasar and Dr. Tycel Phillips. Dr. Matasar is the Chief of Blood Disorders at Rutgers Cancer Institute and a Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. Phillips is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation at City of Hope in Duarte, California.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sarah Sammons, MD Despite advances in the treatment of HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, patients with PIK3CA-mutated disease who progress after a CDK4/6 inhibitor still face limited effective and tolerable treatment options.1 This unmet need has fueled interest in zovegalisib (formerly RLY-2608), a next generation, pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor designed to spare wild-type protein and potentially reduce class-related toxicities.2 Dr. Sarah Sammons joins Dr. Charles Turck to review key findings from the first-in-human ReDiscover trial of zovegalisib + fulvestrant that supported initiation of the Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 study3,4, which is currently enrolling. They also discuss ReDiscover-2 eligibility criteria, along with patient selection and screening considerations, using hypothetical case scenarios. Dr. Sammons is the Associate Director of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. References: Mishra R, Patel H, Alanazi S, Kilroy MK, Garrett JT. PI3K inhibitors in cancer: clinical implications and adverse effects. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7)doi:10.3390/ijms22073464 Varkaris A, Pazolli E, Gunaydin H, et al. Discovery and clinical proof-of-concept of RLY-2608, a first-in-class mutant-selective allosteric PI3Kα inhibitor that decouples antitumor activity from hyperinsulinemia. Cancer Discovery. 2024;14(2):240–257. doi:10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0944 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06982521. Accessed April 12, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06982521 Rugo HS, Saura C, Jhaveri K, et al. Poster PS5-08-25: …
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sarah Sammons, MD Despite advances in the treatment of HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, patients with PIK3CA-mutated disease who progress after a CDK4/6 inhibitor still face limited effective and tolerable treatment options.1 This unmet need has fueled interest in zovegalisib (formerly RLY-2608), a next generation, pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor designed to spare wild-type protein and potentially reduce class-related toxicities.2 Dr. Sarah Sammons joins Dr. Charles Turck to review key findings from the first-in-human ReDiscover trial of zovegalisib + fulvestrant that supported initiation of the Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 study3,4, which is currently enrolling. They also discuss ReDiscover-2 eligibility criteria, along with patient selection and screening considerations, using hypothetical case scenarios. Dr. Sammons is the Associate Director of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. References: Mishra R, Patel H, Alanazi S, Kilroy MK, Garrett JT. PI3K inhibitors in cancer: clinical implications and adverse effects. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7)doi:10.3390/ijms22073464 Varkaris A, Pazolli E, Gunaydin H, et al. Discovery and clinical proof-of-concept of RLY-2608, a first-in-class mutant-selective allosteric PI3Kα inhibitor that decouples antitumor activity from hyperinsulinemia. Cancer Discovery. 2024;14(2):240–257. doi:10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0944 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06982521. Accessed April 12, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06982521 Rugo HS, Saura C, Jhaveri K, et al. Poster PS5-08-25: …
Guest: Mirella Mourad, M.D. On this episode of Advances in Care, host Erin Welsh is joined by Dr. Mirella Mourad, maternal-fetal medicine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian and co-director of the Preterm Birth Prevention Center at Columbia, to explore a groundbreaking new technology aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of preterm birth. Preterm birth impacts approximately 1 in 10 pregnancies in the United States, making it a leading cause of neonatal complications and long-term health challenges. But despite its prevalence and associated risks, innovative solutions to address the condition have lagged behind. To address this gap, Dr. Mourad and her collaborator, Dr. Kristin Meyers, a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia's School of Engineering, are developing a new tool: a patient-specific “digital twin” of the cervix. This advanced technology has the potential to revolutionize obstetric care for patients by allowing clinicians to test new treatment methods, collect data to better understand why certain people are at risk for preterm birth, and overall, catalyze innovation in the historically under-researched field of maternal-fetal medicine, ultimately helping to drive better outcomes and successful pregnancies. Dr. Mourad also discusses how this digital twin can potentially assist with identifying women with placenta accreta spectrum disorder and inform more precise and …
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Petros Grivas, MD, PhD Could emerging biomarkers redefine how we assess response and recurrence risk in muscle-invasive bladder cancer? To find out, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Petros Grivas about the key findings from the phase 3 NIAGARA trial. Together, they explore how perioperative durvalumab impacts circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) clearance and clinical outcomes, including event-free and overall survival. Their conversation also highlights the prognostic value of ctDNA and the potential for urinary tumor DNA to more closely correlate with pathologic complete response. Dr. Grivas is a Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, as well as the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where he's also the Medical Director of the International Program and of local and regional outreach.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Maggie Emerson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC Guiding patients and caregivers through the fast-moving landscape of digital therapeutics can be a challenging but worthwhile part of providing effective and accessible care. That's why Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Maggie Emerson about how we can best partner with patients and caregivers around this relatively new treatment in mental health care. Dr. Emerson is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing in Omaha.
In this episode of Retire with Style, Wade and Alex continue their discussion of retirement tax pitfalls. They focus on how small increases in income can trigger disproportionately large financial consequences through lost benefits and higher effective tax rates. The conversation highlights key risks such as Affordable Care Act subsidy cliffs, Medicare IRMA surcharges, required minimum distributions, and deduction phaseouts, emphasizing that careful income management is essential to avoid cascading tax impacts in retirement. Listen now to learn more! Key Takeaways Exceeding the ACA income threshold by even $1 can eliminate tens of thousands of dollars in health insurance subsidies. Pre-Medicare retirees must carefully manage income to avoid losing ACA benefits. Income at ages 63–64 can both reduce ACA subsidies now and increase Medicare premiums later. Small increases in income can create extremely high effective marginal tax rates due to benefit cliffs. Required minimum distributions can force unwanted income that triggers multiple tax consequences. The RMD “cliff” is really a series of overlapping tax effects rather than a single event. Roth conversions can help reduce future tax burdens by lowering tax-deferred account balances. Qualified charitable distributions are more tax-efficient than taking withdrawals and donating afterward. Deduction phaseouts can quietly increase effective tax rates beyond stated tax brackets. Strategic income sourcing can help retirees avoid triggering costly tax thresholds. Chapters 00:00 – Why Retirement Taxes Are More Than Just Tax Brackets 01:35 – The ACA Subsidy Cliff (The $1 Mistake That Costs $20K+) 08:35 – The Double Hit: ACA + IRMA 11:35 – The RMD “Cliff” and Forced Income Problems 17:55 – Smart Mitigation Strategies (Roth Conversions + QCDs) 20:45 – Hidden Tax Traps: Deduction Phaseouts 30:00 – The Big Picture: Managing Income to Avoid Tax Cascades Links
Episode: The Tom Dupree Show | Host: Tom Dupree | Co-host: Mike Johnson Episode Summary Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson tackle one of the most common misconceptions in retirement planning: that a 401(k) balance is a retirement plan. It isn’t. It’s a savings vehicle — and a very good one — but it was designed to collect money, not distribute it. This episode explains what that distinction means in practical terms, and what steps to take before retirement to make sure your savings can actually do the job you’re counting on them to do. Topics Covered in This Episode Why a 401(k) is an accumulation vehicle, not a retirement plan The problem with applying a growth portfolio to a withdrawal strategy How rolling a 401(k) into an IRA opens up income-oriented investment options The three-legged stool: income, growth of income, and price appreciation Why selling shares to fund expenses works in a rising market — and fails in a flat or declining one The case for consolidating multiple old 401(k) accounts before retirement How dividend income shifts the focus from watching the balance to watching the cash flow Why pure asset allocation models limit flexibility in retirement The psychological value of knowing what you own and why you own it Key Takeaways The 401(k) did its job — now it needs a different tool. A 401(k) is structured for dollar-cost averaging and tax-deferred growth. That design is a poor match for generating predictable monthly income in retirement. A bigger balance is not a plan. Knowing your account value is not the same as knowing what that value will produce for you each month, for how long, and under what market conditions. Income-first investing changes the math. When a portfolio generates enough dividend income to cover living expenses, you are not forced to sell shares during market downturns — and that distinction is what protects long-term wealth. Rolling to an IRA opens up your options. The investment menu inside a 401(k) is limited by plan design. An IRA allows access to individual dividend-paying stocks and income-generating vehicles that most 401(k) plans don’t offer. Scattered accounts are a retirement hazard. The average person approaching retirement holds three to five old 401(k) accounts. Consolidating simplifies beneficiary designations, RMD calculations, and day-to-day management. Watch cash flow, not just the balance. In retirement, the number that matters most is what the portfolio produces each month — not what it’s worth on any given day. Know what you own and why you own it. Clients who understand their holdings don’t panic when markets get choppy, because they know the income side of the equation hasn’t changed even if the price has. Three Questions Worth Answering Before You Retire Tom closed the episode with three questions every listener should be able to answer: Do you know what fees you’re paying? Do you know what income your portfolio is currently producing? Do you know what you own and why you own it? If you can’t answer even one of those with confidence, that’s worth addressing before retirement — not after. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a 401(k) and a retirement plan? A 401(k) is a tax-deferred savings vehicle offered through your employer. It is designed to accumulate money during your working years. A retirement plan is a personalized strategy that determines how you will generate income from your savings throughout retirement — including what you own, how much you withdraw, how taxes are managed, and how long your money needs to last. The 401(k) is one piece of that plan, not the plan itself. Should I roll my 401(k) into an IRA when I retire? For most retirees, rolling a 401(k) into an IRA makes sense because an IRA offers a much wider range of investment options — including individual dividend-paying stocks and income-focused strategies that most 401(k) plan menus don’t include. Pre-tax contributions roll into a Traditional IRA; Roth contributions roll into a Roth IRA. The rollover should always be done institution-to-institution to avoid taxes and penalties. Every situation is different, so it’s worth reviewing your specific plan before making the move. What is wrong with leaving my 401(k) invested in an S&P 500 index fund in retirement? The S&P 500 yields just over 1% in dividends — not enough to cover most retirees’ living expenses. That means you’d need to sell shares regularly to generate cash. When the market is rising, that works. When the market is flat or declining, you’re forced to sell more shares to get the same dollar amount, which depletes your principal at the worst possible time. Over a 20- or 30-year retirement, that pattern can quietly cause serious damage to a portfolio. What is an income-focused retirement portfolio? An income-focused portfolio is built around investments that generate regular cash flow — primarily dividend-paying stocks in companies with long track records of consistent and growing dividends. The goal is for the income produced by the portfolio to cover living expenses, so you are not dependent on selling shares to fund retirement. Price appreciation is still part of the picture, but it’s the third priority, not the first. How many 401(k) accounts should I have going into retirement? Ideally, as few as possible. The average person approaching retirement holds three to five old 401(k) accounts from previous employers. Consolidating them into one or two IRAs — one Traditional, one Roth if applicable — simplifies beneficiary designations, required minimum distribution calculations, and overall portfolio management. It also makes it much harder to lose track of money you’ve worked decades to save. What is a safe withdrawal rate in retirement? A commonly referenced figure is 4% per year, which comes from historical research suggesting that withdrawal rate has a high probability of lasting 30 years across most market environments. However, the right withdrawal rate depends on your specific expenses, other income sources like Social Security or a pension, your tax situation, and how your portfolio is structured. An income-focused portfolio where dividends cover most expenses may allow for more flexibility than a pure growth portfolio using a fixed percentage rule. What does Dupree Financial Group do differently from a typical 401(k) plan? Dupree Financial Group is a fee-only, fiduciary RIA that manages separately managed accounts — meaning your investments are held in your name, not pooled into a fund. The firm builds income-focused portfolios around dividend-paying companies selected for their financial strength, cash flow, and dividend history. There are no products sold, no commissions, and no conflicts of interest. The focus is entirely on building a portfolio that generates reliable income and protects principal over a long retirement. About The Tom Dupree Show The Tom Dupree Show is hosted by Tom Dupree, founder of Dupree Financial Group and a 47-year veteran of the investment business. Each episode covers the financial topics that matter most to retirees and those approaching retirement — in plain English, without the Wall Street spin. Dupree Financial Group is a fee-only, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisory firm based in Lexington, Kentucky. The firm manages separately managed accounts focused on income-generating, dividend-paying portfolios — no products sold, no commissions, no conflicts of interest. Past episodes are available at dupreefinancial.com under the Radio tab. Schedule a Complimentary Portfolio Review If you’re not sure whether your 401(k) can actually support the retirement you’ve planned, we’ll take a look. No charge. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about what you own and whether it’s working for you. Call: 859-233-0400 | Visit: dupreefinancial.com The post Your 401(k) Is Not a Retirement Plan appeared first on Dupree Financial.
Drew is joined by Leo this week as they talk to callers and answer questions regarding the withholding on a house sale for MD non-residents, credits for infrastructure projects like wind farms, inherited Roth IRA Pre-2020 rules and what happens if you missed an RMD, and more! Download and enjoy!
Guest host Mark Rosinski, CFP®, CPA, RICP®, from Dunes Financial does a "hot topics" episode where he talks about:US Government obligation interest and what to look for on your consolidated 1099 to make sure you properly reflect the state income tax treatment on your tax return ( 9:06 )Understanding and tracking after-tax "basis" in inherited IRAs ( 20:14 )Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") aggregation rules ( 25:03 )Potentially doubling up contributions to governmental 457 employer retirement plans, and other unique aspects of 457 plans ( 33:27 )Different approaches for investing money during the period where income from working has stopped but Social Security has not yet been started. Options include total return, bond ladders, bucket strategies, and hybrid approaches ( 46:35 )To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.comLinks in this episode:Mark's company's website - https://www.dunesfinancial.com/Mark's first time on the Retirement Planning Education podcast - #146 – Retirement planner chat, with Mark Rosinski from Dunes FinancialMark's second time on the Retirement Planning Education podcast - #165 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Mark Rosinski talk about different withdrawal strategies, rule of 55 distributions, allocating the stock portion of a portfolio and MORE!Andy's YouTube video - IRA after-tax "basis," the pro rata rule and Form 8606Tenon Financial monthly newsletter/blog - Retirement Planning InsightsFacebook group - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Taxes in Retirement)YouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.com
Who really had it harder: millennials or boomers? In this episode, we break down the generational money debate (and why the answer isn't so simple). We also cover a big win for retirement savers as more small business employees gain access to 401(k)s, plus a surprising stat: most Americans plan to ignore one of the most talked-about Social Security strategies. Check Out Our Investor Guide Series: https://www.premieriwm.com/investor-guides Get started on your path to financial freedom: www.premieriwm.com Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional. Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Consult your tax professional about eligibility to Roth and Traditional IRA contributions. Contributions and earnings in a Roth IRA can be withdrawn without paying taxes and penalties if the account owner is at least 59 ½ and has held their Roth IRA for at least five years. Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of the conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.
Many investors think about what they own, but not always about how that ownership can be used for good. Yet investing is not only about returns—it can also be about responsibility. For those who want their financial decisions to reflect their values, one important tool is something called corporate engagement. Today, we were joined by Chris Meyer, Stewardship Investing, Research, and Advocacy Manager at Praxis Investment Management, who shared how this process works and why it matters for everyday investors. What Is Corporate Engagement? Corporate engagement means using the rights and privileges of ownership to communicate with company leadership and encourage better policies and practices. Rather than simply avoiding companies that conflict with certain values, engagement seeks to influence them toward positive change. Chris Meyer described it as an extension of stewardship. Investors are not only seeking financial returns—they are also considering how their investments can create social impact and promote human flourishing. That perspective reflects the biblical principle found in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” At Praxis, engagement efforts currently center around three broad themes: Creation care Human rights Ethics in technology Within those categories, they look for areas where companies face meaningful risks or opportunities for improvement, and where investor influence could realistically lead to progress. Why Collaboration Matters Corporate engagement is rarely done alone. Faith-based investors often work together in coalitions, combining their voices for greater impact. When multiple investors raise the same concerns, companies tend to listen more carefully. Collaboration also brings together different expertise and perspectives, helping investors engage more thoughtfully and effectively. Before engaging a company, extensive research is required. Investors seek to understand: The issue itself How it connects to the company's operations The company's business model Realistic opportunities for improvement What measurable progress could look like Once conversations begin, the goal is not confrontation or public shaming. Instead, engagement is rooted in respect, patience, and long-term relationship building. Many of these discussions continue over multiple years. Does It Really Make a Difference? According to Meyer, yes—but usually through incremental progress rather than dramatic overnight change. He shared that companies often adopt new policies, improve transparency, or take meaningful corrective actions because investors remain engaged over time. Change tends to happen through persistence and partnership. One current focus involves retailers and apparel companies with global supply chains. Investors are encouraging these businesses to strengthen oversight, improve worker protections, and provide clearer reporting on their responses to labor violations. This includes asking tough but constructive questions: How are suppliers audited? What happens when abuse is discovered? What corrective steps are taken? How transparent is the company with investors? These efforts can take time, but progress is possible. Of course, engagement is not endless. If a company refuses to address serious concerns or shows no willingness to improve practices that are clearly at odds with its stated values, investors may decide to divest. In that sense, engagement and screening can work together—one seeks transformation, while the other establishes boundaries. Why This Matters for Everyday Investors Many people do not realize that when they invest through mutual funds, they are often part owners of companies. Ownership carries influence, even when exercised through fund managers on behalf of shareholders. That means your investments can do more than grow wealth. They can help encourage better business practices, greater accountability, and positive change in the world. As believers, stewardship does not stop with what we own—it extends to how what we own is used. Investing can become one more way to love our neighbors, seek justice, and reflect God's heart in the marketplace. When approached thoughtfully, your portfolio can become more than a financial tool. It can become a witness. If you'd like to learn more about values-aligned investing and the impact strategies discussed in this conversation, Praxis Investment Management has been helping everyday investors pursue both financial stewardship and positive change since 1994. You can explore their funds, impact reports, and resources by visiting PraxisInvests.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm turning 73 and taking my RMD. For charitable giving, should the IRA check be sent to me first or sent directly to the charity? I've been living on Social Security, and now I'm getting calls saying I owe back taxes on it. Are these calls legitimate, and do I really owe taxes on Social Security? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Praxis Investment Management Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris tackles two of the most misunderstood—and most impactful—areas of financial and estate planning.First, Joel breaks down a common myth: your will does not control where most of your money goes. Instead, beneficiary designations quietly determine who inherits retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities, and many investment and bank accounts. With trillions of dollars passing outside of wills every year, Joel explains why outdated or overlooked beneficiary forms can create costly mistakes—and what simple steps you can take today to make sure your assets end up exactly where you intend.Next, Joel dives into one of his favorite planning strategies: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). If you're charitably inclined and over age 70½, this powerful tool allows you to support causes you care about while significantly reducing your tax burden. Joel walks through how QCDs work, the rules you must follow, common pitfalls to avoid, and why they can be far more tax‑efficient than writing a check—especially when it comes to required minimum distributions, Medicare premiums, and Social Security taxation.Along the way, Joel also shares timely market perspective during earnings season, highlights the importance of staying organized with financial documents, and explains how thoughtful planning can reduce stress, cost, and conflict for the people you love.If you've ever wondered whether your estate plan is really doing what you think it is—or how to give charitably in the most tax‑smart way—this episode is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss.
It's Q&A Wednesday, and we're tackling the questions that matter most right now—markets at all-time highs despite geopolitical tension, whether this rally can hold, and where investors should be positioned if volatility returns. Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff also dive into real-world portfolio decisions: how to think about inflation hedges like I-Bonds and TIPS, strategies around QLACs and RMDs, tax considerations in ETFs, and where to park cash in today's environment. Along the way, we break down emerging risks and opportunities, from private credit exposure and national debt concerns to IPO dynamics and structural market changes. If you're trying to make sense of a market that seems disconnected from headlines while still planning for long-term outcomes, this episode connects the dots. Key topics include: 0:00 - INTRO 0:58 - Kevin Warsh & Iran Blockade 5:03 - Can Markets' Rally Be Maintained? 9:45 - I-Bonds & Tips 12:45 - QLAC's & RMD's 15:30 - What Would You Have Done Differently in Last Downturn? 17:35 - What Tax Benefits are Provided with SPYI ETF? 18:49 - NASDAQ-100 Fast Entry Rule Change 20:22 - Private Investment IPO's 22:05 - When Markets Pull Back, to what sectors will money rotate? 23:34 - What is the Private Credit Risk to Insurance Companies? 25:25 - What is the future impact of the National Debt? 28:40 - Space-X IPO 29:35 - Auto-callable Growth ETF's 36:01 - What Vehicles are Used for Cash Positions? 38:14 - Why is S&P at All-time Highs w Hormuz Strait Still Closed? ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/yFe9x3vjJn0 ------- REGISTER for our next Candid Coffee, Saturday, May 16: "Financial Organization Made Simple:" https://streamyard.com/watch/SA6aj2aMdMhf -------- Watch our previous show, "Financial Illiteracy: Too Big to Ignore" https://youtube.com/live/jAHYTG9JFDg ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Buy the Dip or Wait?" is here: https://youtu.be/70nOJWV4YDI ------- Resources Mentioned in Today's Show: "Short Covering Rally Or Is The Bull Market Back?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/short-covering-rally-or-correction-over/ "Market Lesson: Why Panic Is A Costly Mistake" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/market-lesson-dont-waste-being-bailed-out/ ------- Download Lance's Latest e-book, "Laws of Money & Wealth:"https://realinvestmentadvice.com/ria-e-guide-library/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #BuyTheDip #MarketOutlook #TradingStrategy #Investing #FinancialPlanning #Retirement #MarketAnalysis
It's Q&A Wednesday, and we're tackling the questions that matter most right now—markets at all-time highs despite geopolitical tension, whether this rally can hold, and where investors should be positioned if volatility returns. Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff also dive into real-world portfolio decisions: how to think about inflation hedges like I-Bonds and TIPS, strategies around QLACs and RMDs, tax considerations in ETFs, and where to park cash in today's environment. Along the way, we break down emerging risks and opportunities, from private credit exposure and national debt concerns to IPO dynamics and structural market changes. If you're trying to make sense of a market that seems disconnected from headlines while still planning for long-term outcomes, this episode connects the dots. Key topics include: 0:00 - INTRO 0:58 - Kevin Warsh & Iran Blockade 5:03 - Can Markets' Rally Be Maintained? 9:45 - I-Bonds & Tips 12:45 - QLAC's & RMD's 15:30 - What Would You Have Done Differently in Last Downturn? 17:35 - What Tax Benefits are Provided with SPYI ETF? 18:49 - NASDAQ-100 Fast Entry Rule Change 20:22 - Private Investment IPO's 22:05 - When Markets Pull Back, to what sectors will money rotate? 23:34 - What is the Private Credit Risk to Insurance Companies? 25:25 - What is the future impact of the National Debt? 28:40 - Space-X IPO 29:35 - Auto-callable Growth ETF's 36:01 - What Vehicles are Used for Cash Positions? 38:14 - Why is S&P at All-time Highs w Hormuz Strait Still Closed? ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/yFe9x3vjJn0 ------- REGISTER for our next Candid Coffee, Saturday, May 16: "Financial Organization Made Simple:" https://streamyard.com/watch/SA6aj2aMdMhf -------- Watch our previous show, "Financial Illiteracy: Too Big to Ignore" https://youtube.com/live/jAHYTG9JFDg ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Buy the Dip or Wait?" is here: https://youtu.be/70nOJWV4YDI ------- Resources Mentioned in Today's Show: "Short Covering Rally Or Is The Bull Market Back?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/short-covering-rally-or-correction-over/ "Market Lesson: Why Panic Is A Costly Mistake" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/market-lesson-dont-waste-being-bailed-out/ ------- Download Lance's Latest e-book, "Laws of Money & Wealth:"https://realinvestmentadvice.com/ria-e-guide-library/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #BuyTheDip #MarketOutlook #TradingStrategy #Investing #FinancialPlanning #Retirement #MarketAnalysis
Your CPA Is Looking in the Rearview MirrorTax preparation records what already happened. Tax planning changes what will happen. Here's the difference — and why it might be costing you tens of thousands of dollars a year.Nobody loves taxes. But the people who hate them the most are usually the ones overpaying. This episode is about closing that gap — using the exact same strategies that high-income earners and savvy business owners have always used, most of which your tax preparer has never once brought up.40%of U.S. households pay zero federal income tax40.4%of all federal taxes paid by the top 1% of earners97%of federal income taxes paid by the top 50% of earners300K+projected CPA shortage in the U.S. over the next decade⏱What's covered in this episode0:00Cold open — why everyone hates taxes (and why you're still listening)2:30What your taxes actually pay for — and the government's "flexible" relationship with efficiency5:00The stats: who actually pays federal income tax in America8:00How tax brackets really work — and busting the biggest myth in personal finance11:30Tax preparation vs. tax planning — the core difference14:00Deductions every business owner should be taking (home office, vehicle, travel)19:00Advanced strategies for high earners: state tax credits, historic preservation22:30Roth vs. pre-tax: paying taxes when rates are lowest25:30The RMD time bomb — and how to defuse it before it goes off1How tax brackets actually workBefore any strategy makes sense, you have to understand the system. The U.S. uses a progressive, marginal tax structure — meaning higher rates only apply to dollars above each threshold. This is the most misunderstood fact in personal finance.The myth that costs people real money"I don't want to earn more — it'll push me into a higher bracket." This is wrong. You cannot take home less money by earning more. The higher rate only applies to the next dollar above the threshold, never to everything below it.Standard deduction — your free pass (2025, married filing jointly)You only pay taxes on income above the standard deduction. For 2025, that's $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. A couple earning $131,500 only pays taxes on $100,000 of it.2025 federal tax brackets — married filing jointlyRateTaxable income rangeTax on this portion10%$0 – $23,850$2,385 max12%$23,850 – $96,950$8,772 max22%$96,950 – $206,700$24,134 max24%$206,700 – $394,600$45,096 max32%$394,600 – $501,050$34,064 max35%$501,050 – $751,600$87,693 max37%Above $751,60037¢ on every dollar aboveWorked exampleA married couple with $150,000 in taxable income pays: $2,385 (10%) + $8,772 (12%) + $11,671 (22%) =$22,828 total. That's an effective rate of 15.2% — not 22%. Their marginal rate is 22%, but that's only on the last dollars earned.2Deductions every business owner should be takingHome office deduction✓Must be used regularly andexclusivelyfor business — the IRS is strict on this✓Two methods: Simplified ($5/sq ft, up to $1,500 max) or Actual Expense — actual almost always wins for homeowners✓W-2 employees: not deductible since 2018's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — this surprises people constantly✓S-corp owners: have the corporation pay you rent for the space — deductible to the business, potentially tax-free to you✓Hidden risk: depreciation recapture when you sell the home — most preparers never warn clients about thisBusiness use of vehicle✓Standard mileage rate: 70 cents/mile in 2025 — the simplest method, requires a contemporaneous log✓Apps like MileIQ make logging effortless — documentation is the difference between keeping and losing the deduction in an audit✓Heavy SUVs over 6,000 lbs GVWR qualify for Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation — potentially a massive first-year write-offBusiness travel — turning a trip into a deduction✓If the trip's primary purpose is business, transportation is fully deductible — even if you add personal days at the end✓Structure: business meetings at the front of the trip, personal time at the back. Sequence matters — plan before you book.✓Spouse/family travel generally not deductible unless they have a genuine, documented business role✓International trips: if personal days exceed 25% of the trip, transportation costs must be allocated proportionally3Advanced strategies for high earnersState tax credits — the strategy most advisors don't know aboutUnlike deductions (which reduce taxable income), credits reduce your actual tax liability dollar-for-dollar. Many states — including South Carolina and Georgia — offer transferable or refundable credits for affordable housing, historic rehabilitation, film production, and economic development zones.High-income taxpayers can purchase these credits from developers at a discount — buying $1.00 of tax credit for $0.85 creates an immediate 15% return before the tax savings even kick in. This is entirely legal and widely used by high earners who have proactive advisors.Historic preservation & conservation easementsThe Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) offers a 20% credit on qualified rehabilitation of certified historic structures. Conservation easements — where a landowner donates development rights to a land trust — can generate substantial charitable deductions.Important distinctionSyndicated conservation easements have been scrutinized by the IRS when promoters inflated valuations. The strategy itself is legitimate — what drew enforcement action were manufactured transactions with 4:1 or 5:1 deduction-to-investment ratios. Due diligence on the appraiser and structure is essential.Other strategies worth knowing✓Qualified Opportunity Zones:defer and potentially eliminate capital gains by reinvesting within 180 days of a sale✓Cash Balance / Defined Benefit Plans:contributions can exceed $200,000/year for high-earning self-employed individuals✓Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT):sell a highly appreciated asset without immediate capital gains, receive an income stream, get a partial charitable deduction✓The Augusta Rule (Section 280A):rent your personal home to your own business for up to 14 days/year — tax-free to you, deductible to the business4Pay taxes when the rate is lowest — Roth vs. pre-taxEvery dollar you earn will be taxed — either on the way in, or on the way out. The only question is when, and at what rate. That's the entire game.The core conceptPre-tax accounts (Traditional IRA, 401k): deduct now, pay taxes on every withdrawal in retirement. Roth: pay taxes now at today's rates, then never pay taxes on that money or its growth again. The math is identical if your rate stays the same — the strategy is about predicting the rate differential.The Roth conversion opportunityYou can convert any amount from a Traditional IRA or 401(k) to Roth in any year — you pay ordinary income tax on the converted amount. The strategy is "filling the bracket" — converting just enough to reach the top of your current bracket without crossing into the next one.A married couple with $150,000 in taxable income has roughly $56,000 of room in the 22% bracket (which runs to $206,700). Converting $56,000 at 22% today could mean avoiding 32%, 35%, or higher rates on those same dollars later.The RMD time bombRequired Minimum Distributions kick in at age 73 — the IRS forces you to withdraw a percentage of your traditional IRA balance every year, whether you need the money or not. On a $2 million IRA, that's potentially $80,000–$100,000+ of forced taxable income annually, often pushing retirees into higher brackets than when they were working.Proactive Roth conversions in the years before RMDs begin can dramatically reduce or eliminate this problem. A preparer sees the RMD on a 1099-R and enters it. A planner sees it coming 15 years out and builds a strategy around it.Key takeaways from this episode01Tax preparation is compliance. Tax planning is strategy. By the time you're sitting with your CPA in February, every decision that affects your return has already been made.0240% of households pay zero federal income tax. If you're a business owner or high earner, the tax code was not designed to protect you — proactive planning is the only protection you have.03Brackets are marginal — you never lose money by earning more. Your effective rate and your marginal rate are different things, and confusing them costs people real money every year.04Home office, vehicle, and travel deductions are available to almost every business owner and are routinely missed due to poor documentation or a purely reactive tax relationship.05State tax credits, historic preservation, opportunity zones, and cash balance plans are legal, proven strategies used by high earners everywhere — they're just unknown to those without proactive advisors.06The Roth conversion strategy is not a one-time decision — it's...
As Talking Real Money moves into its final week on terrestrial radio, Don and Tom mix transition talk with a practical rundown of common retirement myths. They push back on the idea that expenses automatically fall in retirement, warn that Social Security was never meant to cover everything, and explain why relying on the market alone can be dangerous when withdrawals begin. Callers bring in questions about the sketchy-sounding Quantum X trading platform, required minimum distributions, whether a high-income worker can retire at 62, ETF bid/ask spreads, and where to hold bonds when a 401(k) offers outrageously expensive fund options. The episode also doubles as a preview of how listeners can keep calling and interacting once the show becomes podcast-only. 0:04 Final countdown to the end of the radio show and shift to podcast-only 1:55 Retirement myths theme introduced 2:37 Myth #1: You'll need less money in retirement 4:02 Myth #2: Social Security will cover most of your needs 5:41 Myth #3: The market will do all the heavy lifting 7:21 Caller asks about Quantum X; Don and Tom warn it looks like nonsense or worse 9:27 Simple alternative offered: broad diversification with VT 10:52 Caller asks about RMD confusion across multiple accounts 12:01 Advice to simplify scattered retirement accounts 13:58 More digging into Quantum X raises additional scam concerns 16:13 Caller asks if he can retire at 62 with substantial savings and pension income 17:21 Don presses on actual spending, not income, as the key retirement measure 21:23 Myth #4: You'll be able to work as long as you want 23:34 Myth #5: Taxes will be much lower in retirement 26:13 Podcast listening gets easier through the website and apps 29:22 Caller asks about ETF bid/ask spreads, especially DFAW versus VT 32:55 Caller asks where to hold bonds when 401(k) bond fund costs are absurdly high 35:12 After-hours pricing explains bizarre ETF spread quotes 36:37 Example of a shockingly expensive Transamerica bond fund 38:04 How listeners can keep calling and participating after radio ends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Questions? Comments?As Talking Real Money moves into its final week on terrestrial radio, Don and Tom mix transition talk with a practical rundown of common retirement myths. They push back on the idea that expenses automatically fall in retirement, warn that Social Security was never meant to cover everything, and explain why relying on the market alone can be dangerous when withdrawals begin. Callers bring in questions about the sketchy-sounding Quantum X trading platform, required minimum distributions, whether a high-income worker can retire at 62, ETF bid/ask spreads, and where to hold bonds when a 401(k) offers outrageously expensive fund options. The episode also doubles as a preview of how listeners can keep calling and interacting once the show becomes podcast-only.0:04 Final countdown to the end of the radio show and shift to podcast-only1:55 Retirement myths theme introduced2:37 Myth #1: You'll need less money in retirement4:02 Myth #2: Social Security will cover most of your needs5:41 Myth #3: The market will do all the heavy lifting7:21 Caller asks about Quantum X; Don and Tom warn it looks like nonsense or worse9:27 Simple alternative offered: broad diversification with VT10:52 Caller asks about RMD confusion across multiple accounts12:01 Advice to simplify scattered retirement accounts13:58 More digging into Quantum X raises additional scam concerns16:13 Caller asks if he can retire at 62 with substantial savings and pension income17:21 Don presses on actual spending, not income, as the key retirement measure21:23 Myth #4: You'll be able to work as long as you want23:34 Myth #5: Taxes will be much lower in retirement26:13 Podcast listening gets easier through the website and apps29:22 Caller asks about ETF bid/ask spreads, especially DFAW versus VT32:55 Caller asks where to hold bonds when 401(k) bond fund costs are absurdly high35:12 After-hours pricing explains bizarre ETF spread quotes36:37 Example of a shockingly expensive Transamerica bond fund38:04 How listeners can keep calling and participating after radio endsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat break down real-world tax strategies for high net worth investors dealing with multi-million dollar IRAs, brokerage accounts, and rising future tax liabilities. They walk through detailed listener cases—including a couple with over $18 million in assets trying to minimize RMD taxes, IRMAA surcharges, and legacy tax burdens—while sharing actionable tax strategies for high net worth investors. Here's what you'll learn: How to handle upcoming RMDs on multi-million dollar retirement accounts Why Roth conversions may have limited impact at higher income levels How gifting appreciated assets can reduce your taxable estate When to use a donor-advised fund instead of giving cash Why you should stop reinvesting dividends in taxable accounts How tax-loss harvesting technology can improve portfolio efficiency The importance of asset location (and how mistakes can cost you) How to better prepare large portfolios for generational wealth transfer Why AI can assist—but not replace—real financial advice If you're serious about optimizing your wealth, understanding the right tax strategies for high net worth investors can help you reduce taxes, protect your assets, and build a more efficient long-term plan. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.