Podcasts about roth conversions

Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: Should Roth conversion analysis look at marginal or effective tax rates ( 4:21 )His thoughts on why qualified Roth account distributions might eventually be included in certain measures of Modified Adjusted Gross Income ("MAGI") ( 8:28 )What other MAGIs are potentially impacted and should be watched out for with doing Roth conversions ( 12:38 )The difference between "directionality" and "precision" in retirement planning ( 20:40 )Is it reasonably for an advisor to charge you extra for outsourcing some of their investment management to a separately managed or sub-managed account ( 25:38 )His thoughts of reinvesting a deferred compensation plan to all cash when the plan will soon begin paying out its deferred payments ( 29:34 )His thoughts on using multiple dividend and fixed income funds to create a "high income sleeve" for near-term distribution needs ( 35:25 )Whether it's accurate that you can indirectly file a tax return extension simply by making an online tax payment and select "extension" as the reason for the payment ( 39:05 )Can a minor with less than $400 of self-employment income not file a tax return yet still be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA ( 44:56 )How he helps clients balance Fear of Missing Out ("FOMO") and Fear of Running Out ("FORU") ( 52:04 )How much of his planning work with clients is computational vs psychological ( 54:42 )His thoughts on the gamification of investing, and the prediction markets ( 58:11 )Why there are so many different funds like buffered ETFs and option trading ETFs, at higher expense ratios, when many can just invest in a few basic low-cost ETFs ( 1:00:36 )To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.comAndy's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andypanko/Links in this episode:Tenon Financial monthly newsletter/blog - Retirement Planning InsightsYouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.com

What does it really take to build a happy retirement? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they blend retirement planning research with listener questions to explore the financial and lifestyle choices that may help shape life after work. • Learn how the five-step Retire Sooner Method brings together the financial and personal sides of retirement planning. • See how retirement "green zones" may help you think about savings, income, liquidity, and mortgage decisions. • Explore why core pursuits, strong friendships, and even better sleep have been linked to greater retirement satisfaction. • Hear practical conversations about written financial plans and other habits that may help reduce money-related stress. • Get answers to listener questions about AI financial tools, Roth conversions, bond funds versus money markets, spousal IRAs, retirement income, paying off a mortgage, reverse mortgages, and annuities. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about retirement planning, retirement investing, and personal finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://purefinancial.com/lp/free-assessment/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=free-assessment&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep591-description-free-assessmentB and S in Maryland are in their mid-40s with $425,000 and a couple of rental properties. Can they retire early at 62? Vee in Oregon came to the US as a refugee with nothing and built a three and three-quarter million dollar portfolio from the ground up. Is his Roth conversion plan solid? And finally, Chandler and Monica in Texas are sitting on $1.4 million and hope they can walk away from work in 3 years. Will Roth conversions keep the tax man from taking a giant bite on their way out? That's all today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 591 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA.Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-591 (full show notes & episode transcript)Withdrawal Strategy Guide - free downloadhttps://purefinancial.com/white-papers/withdrawal-strategy-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-withdrawal-strategy-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep591-description-whitepaperThe Number One Spending Mistake Ruining Retirements - YMYW TVhttps://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/number-one-spending-mistake-ruining-retirements/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep591-description-tv-s12e01Financial Blueprint (free, self-guided):https://bit.ly/YMYWblueprintCREQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/YMYWaskCDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/YMYWguidesCREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/YMYWblogCWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/YMYWvidsCSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWnewsletterCConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast00:57 - Half a Million and Rental Properties in Our Mid-40s. Can We Retire Early? (B & S, Westminster, MD)12:48 - Refugee to $3.75M: Is My Roth Conversion Plan Actually Solid? (Vee, OR)25:55 - Can Friends with $1.4M and a Roth Conversion Puzzle Retire in 3 Years? (Chandler & Monica, TX)33:05 - Outro: Next Week on YMYW Podcast

Chasing performance feels like the easiest way to make money—but buying what has already gone up often means arriving late and leaving with less.In this episode of Talking Real Money, Tom and Don examine the “behavior gap”: the difference between an investment's return and what investors actually earn after buying high, selling low, and chasing the latest market story. They explain why disciplined diversification and a sensible asset allocation usually beat a portfolio built around hot ideas.They also answer listener questions about retirement withdrawal order, Roth conversions, reinsurance funds, high investment costs, and whether financial recommendations are influenced by commissions.00:20 Why buying what's hot usually means arriving late01:42 Chasing performance without ever catching it03:03 How Bitcoin rose while Bitcoin ETF investors lost money04:58 The costly confusion between “has gone up” and “is going up”05:53 Morningstar's “Mind the Gap” research06:44 AI, chips, and the latest performance-chasing cycle07:37 Asset allocation versus a collection of hot ideas09:21 Why trying to beat the market often backfires10:16 Listener Question: Retirement accounts and withdrawal order12:29 Taxable, pre-tax, or Roth—which money should come first?15:35 Listener Question: Do reinsurance funds belong in a portfolio?16:58 Catastrophe risk, complexity, and nearly 2% in expenses21:33 Listener Question: Are fund recommendations influenced by compensation?23:27 Why “trust us” isn't a convincing financial argumentQuestions? Comments? Click!

Could a tax surprise be waiting for you in retirement? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich explains why tax planning shouldn’t begin and end on April 15th. He discusses common reasons retirees may owe more in taxes than expected, including Social Security taxation, required minimum distributions, and inherited IRAs. Abe also explores buffered ETFs and structured notes, highlighting how some investors use these tools when seeking a balance between growth potential and risk management. Plus, hear real-world retirement planning examples and the importance of having a strategy that looks beyond tax filing season. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: TheRetirementKey.com Get a free copy of Abe’s book: The Retirement Mountain: The 7 Steps To A Long-Lasting Retirement Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a simple tax strategy create unexpected consequences if it's done incorrectly? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Mike Douglas discusses Roth conversions, backdoor Roth strategies, and the often-overlooked IRS rules that can catch retirees by surprise. He explains how tax planning fits into a broader retirement strategy, why today’s tax environment matters, and how long-term care planning can impact families and retirement savings. The conversation highlights the importance of coordinating tax, income, and legacy planning to help avoid costly mistakes and prepare for the future. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: MichigansRetirementCoach.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Andrew Barnhardt, CFP, and Brett Herron, CFP, take a deep dive into Roth conversions — what they are, why so many pre-retirees and retirees are asking about them, and when they do (and don't) make sense. Andrew and Brett walk through the core benefits of converting pre-tax retirement dollars to Roth, including lowering future required minimum distributions, creating a tax-free pot of money for large expenses, hedging against potential future tax increases, and leaving a tax-free inheritance to heirs. They also cover the practical side of paying the resulting tax bill, scenarios where converting may not be the right move — including charitable giving goals — and real examples of when conversions have paid off for clients. Throughout, they emphasize that Roth conversions are a personal, best-guess optimization strategy that should be made in coordination with a tax professional and financial advisor, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.Tune into this episode to also learn:● What a Roth conversion is and how it differs from a regular Roth contribution.● How Roth conversions can help reduce future required minimum distributions.● The most tax-efficient ways to pay for a Roth conversion when it comes due.● Why charitable giving goals can change whether a conversion makes sense.What we discussed● [00:00:31] Kicking off the episode: introducing today's topic, Roth conversions.● [00:00:50] What a Roth actually is — after-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free qualified withdrawals.● [00:03:27] What a Roth conversion is and how it differs from contributing directly to a Roth account.● [00:06:54] Advantage #1: how converting to Roth can lower future required minimum distributions (RMDs).● [00:09:13] Smoothing retirement income over time to avoid higher tax brackets and other income-based traps.● [00:09:54] Advantage #2: building a tax-free pot of money for large or unexpected expenses.● [00:11:46] Advantage #3: using conversions as a hedge against potential future tax rate increases.● [00:13:11] Advantage #4: tax-free inheritances and gifting Roth dollars to heirs.● [00:15:46] How to actually pay the tax bill on a conversion — cash, taxable accounts, and what to avoid.● [00:19:16] Three scenarios where a Roth conversion may not make sense.● [00:21:41] Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and leaving pre-tax IRAs to charity.● [00:23:36] A real client example: how consistent conversions during low-income years changed one business owner's retirement picture.● [00:24:13] Why peak earning years are usually the wrong time to convert.● [00:25:49] Closing thoughts: Roth conversions are a personal decision based on your own goals, not trends.3 Things To Remember1. Roth conversions are about optimization, not necessity — they're rarely what makes or breaks a retirement.2. Whether a conversion makes sense depends on your own tax bracket today versus your expected bracket later — not on trends or what your neighbor is doing.3. How you pay the tax on a conversion matters — paying from cash or a taxable account is generally more efficient than withholding from the conversion itself.Memorable moments:(00:06:54) "Roth conversions are a way of moving some of that income forward into your retirement to lower your RMDs, therefore lowering the tip that you give Uncle Sam."(00:11:46) "It's a hedge against future tax rate increases... if you convert money from pre-tax to Roth, you insulate yourself somewhat against some of those tax potentials in the future."(00:19:16) "If doing a Roth conversion is going to hurt you financially for your retirement, it would be more necessary to not do it."Useful LinksConnect with Brett Herron: bherron@hfmadvisors.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-herronConnect with Andrew Barnhardt: abarnhardt@hfmadvisors.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-barnhardt-cfpLike what you've heard...Learn more about HFM HERE: https://hfmadvisors.com/Schedule time to speak with us HERE: https://calendly.com/hfminquirycall/360102 WEST HIGH STREET, SUITE 200GLASSBORO, NJ 08028HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. 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. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Money Talks is hosted by Dr Nancy Lottridge Anderson, President of New Perspectives and Ryder Taff, Managing Partner at New Perspectives. To email a question to the show, send it to money@mpbonline.org.In this episode, we talk about Roth conversions, credit, and answer your finance questions.If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB. https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau dive into tax planning strategies, focusing on Roth conversions, effective marginal tax rates, and withdrawal strategies for retirement. They discuss the implications of current tax rates, the importance of blending techniques in tax planning, and the necessity of tax diversification for a successful retirement. The conversation is driven by listener questions, providing practical insights for navigating complex tax scenarios in retirement. The conversation dives into various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on Roth IRAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and annuities. They discuss the rules surrounding Roth IRAs, particularly the five-year requirement for qualified distributions. The conversation shifts to HSAs, highlighting their tax benefits and strategies for spending versus saving. Finally, they explore the complexities of managing annuities in relation to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), emphasizing the importance of understanding contract values and the implications of delaying income streams from annuities. Listen to now to learn more!    Takeaways  Roth conversions can be beneficial for legacy planning. You need to work through the math of conversions. Tax rates are at a historical low right now. Blending techniques can optimize your tax strategy. You can't just solve it mathematically. It's complicated; we need better software. What's my tax rate today versus in the future? Forty percent might be reasonable for Roth conversions. You want to always be blending your distributions. Tax diversification is crucial for retirement planning. You need to have had a Roth IRA open for at least five years. Inheriting HSAs can lead to tax implications for beneficiaries. HSAs provide tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses. It's important to keep receipts for HSA distributions. Using HSAs strategically can aid in tax planning during retirement. RMDs must be taken from both IRAs and annuities. Delaying income from annuities may not be the best strategy. Spending down annuity contract value can maximize benefits. Understanding contract value is crucial for annuity holders. RMDs from annuities can be complex and require careful planning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and World Cup Banter 01:49 Tax Planning Questions Begin 02:29 Roth Conversions and Tax Brackets 07:18 Analyzing Effective Marginal Tax Rates 11:23 Historical Tax Rates and Future Predictions 13:39 Withdrawal Strategies for Retirement 15:08 Blending Techniques in Tax Planning 21:08 The Importance of Tax Diversification 21:54 Understanding Roth IRA Rules 23:20 Navigating Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) 27:14 Tax Benefits of HSAs Explained 29:52 Strategies for Managing Annuities and RMDs   Links

A new retirement account is making headlines, but does it belong in your family’s financial plan? JoePat Roop discusses the new Trump Accounts, Social Security timing strategies, Roth conversions, and why a written retirement plan can help turn savings into lasting income and legacy opportunities. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money Monday has arrived, and Don kicks off a new weekly series based on his book Financial Fysics. The first “law” may surprise you: according to Don, every dollar ever earned comes from just three sources—luck, theft, or work. He and Tom debate where investing belongs, why entrepreneurship remains one of the best paths to wealth, and how much luck really contributes to financial success.Then they answer a listener's retirement planning question about whether to finance a Florida townhouse or withdraw money from a Roth IRA. Along the way they discuss Roth conversion strategy, Florida HOA reserve funds, special assessments, and why building a retirement plan should always come before deciding where the money comes from.00:00 Welcome to Money Monday00:12 A new weekly Financial Fysics series begins01:35 Why anonymous two-star book reviews are so frustrating02:40 Free Financial Fysics book giveaway03:50 Rule #1: There are only three ways to make money04:45 Luck—including investing, lotteries, and inheritance06:35 Theft, fraud, and unethical financial products07:55 Why successful investing combines work and luck10:30 How most great fortunes are actually built12:10 Entrepreneurship, risk, and creating wealth13:35 Understanding just how large a trillion dollars really is15:50 The biggest takeaway from Rule #117:15 Preview of next week's rule: Supply and Demand18:15 Why listener questions slow down during the summer19:15 Listener Question: Should a retiree finance a Florida townhouse or withdraw money from a Roth IRA?21:10 Florida HOA reserves and avoiding expensive surprises24:30 Why retirement planning comes before choosing an account26:00 Why the Roth IRA is probably the last account to tapQuestions? Comments? Click!

Do you want tax free income in retirement? Roth conversions are the way to go, but there is a method as to how to do them. Pat breaks down what they are and the strategy for doing them in the most tax advantaged way, so you save money both now and in the future.

We've all done it. Need to fix something around the house? Watch a YouTube video. Need to grill the perfect steak? There's a video. Need to build a backyard deck? Thousands of videos. But retirement planning isn't a weekend project. In this episode, Drew Stevens, Retirement Decision Strategist, explores one of the biggest mistakes pre-retirees make—believing that a Roth conversion is simply a tax decision. In reality, every retirement decision has a ripple effect. Roth conversions can influence Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA premiums, Required Minimum Distributions, cash flow, survivor income, and your long-term retirement strategy. The internet is an incredible source of information, but information without context can become expensive. If you're approaching retirement or already retired, this conversation will challenge the way you think about financial decisions and explain why comprehensive retirement planning is about much more than individual tactics. You'll walk away understanding why retirement success isn't built on isolated decisions—it's built on an integrated strategy. If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or family member preparing for retirement. To learn more or schedule your complimentary Retirement Decision Strategy Session, connect with Drew Stevens and discover what it means to Retire Wise. Retire Ready.

Bloomberg is reporting that one of the key signals driving the AI trade is losing its reliability — and that raises a critical question for investors who've built positions around AI infrastructure, chips, and related names. When the narrative cracks, understanding what's driving valuations underneath becomes more important than ever.Today's Stocks & Topics: SAP SE (SAP), Market Wrap, Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (SIRI), AI Tokens, Terex Corporation (TEX), What Happens When the AI Bubble Pops? The Trade Is Losing Its North Star, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT), Adobe Inc. (ADBE), SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE), ROTH Conversions, Hyperscalers.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Are Roth conversions good for YOU? Why - or why not? Today's AMA episode is all about that topic.  Looking for a financial planner?  → PlanWithJesse.com In this Ask Me Anything episode, Jesse answers a wide range of listener questions about Roth conversions, moving beyond the basic mechanics to explore the nuanced trade-offs that determine whether a conversion creates value or simply accelerates taxes unnecessarily. He begins by reviewing the core Roth conversion framework, explaining that the strategy works best when investors can intentionally pay taxes today at significantly lower rates than they expect to face in the future, emphasizing that tax arbitrage—not tax avoidance—is the primary objective. From there, he tackles common questions about whether Roth conversions are truly necessary, arguing that even ideal candidates often view conversions as optimization opportunities rather than make-or-break retirement decisions. He explores the merits of micro-conversions versus larger bracket-filling conversions, the concept of "neutral" Roth conversions where tax rates remain unchanged, and the non-mathematical benefits that may justify them, including reduced future RMDs, protection against the widow's tax trap, estate-planning simplicity, and greater certainty around future tax policy. Jesse also examines whether retirees should prioritize Roth assets for heirs, cautioning that aggressive conversion strategies can sometimes leave both retirees and beneficiaries worse off if the taxes paid today outweigh future savings. Additional listener questions address the timing of Roth conversions, the dangers of trying to time the market, the elimination of conversion reversals under current tax law, and the importance of factoring state income taxes into conversion decisions, particularly for retirees planning interstate moves. He concludes with a comprehensive Roth conversion checklist covering tax bracket management, break-even analysis, Social Security taxation, IRMAA surcharges, ACA healthcare subsidies, charitable giving strategies, estate planning considerations, and numerous other interactions that can dramatically alter the value of a conversion. Throughout the episode, Jesse argues that Roth conversions are neither universally beneficial nor inherently necessary, but instead represent one of many planning levers that should be evaluated carefully through the lens of taxes, timing, opportunity cost, and long-term financial goals. Key Takeaways: • Roth conversions work best when current tax rates are meaningfully lower than future tax rates. • Roth conversions are often oversold as a universal solution. The correct Roth conversion amount is sometimes zero. • Roth assets are generally more attractive to heirs than traditional IRA assets. • Social Security taxation and IRMAA surcharges can dramatically increase the effective cost of conversions. • ACA healthcare subsidies can be reduced or eliminated by Roth conversion income. • Roth conversions should be evaluated within the context of a complete financial plan rather than as a standalone strategy. Key Timestamps: (01:20) – The Basics of Roth Conversions (04:31) – When to Do a Roth Conversion (09:08) – Roth Conversions Are Oversold (10:46) – Q1: Should I Just Not Bother with Roth Conversions? (15:28) – Q2: Should I Err on the Side of Too Small a Conversion? (19:23) – Q3: What About Neutral Roth Conversions? (24:57) – Q4: Should I Leave Roth Dollars for My Heirs? (28:48) – Q5: Dollar-Cost Averaging vs. Lump-Sum Roth Conversion? (32:59) – Q6: Can You Undo Roth Conversions? (36:33) – Q7: In What State Should I Do Roth Conversions? (41:26) – Q8: How Do Roth Conversions Interact with Social Security & IRMAA? (42:53) – The Roth Conversion Checklist Key Topics Discussed:The Best Interest, Jesse Cramer, Wealth Management Rochester NY, Financial Planning for Families, Fiduciary Financial Advisor, Comprehensive Financial Planning, Retirement Planning Advice, Tax-Efficient Investing, Risk Management for Investors, Generational Wealth Transfer Planning, Financial Strategies for High Earners, Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs, Behavioral Finance Insights, Asset Allocation Strategies, Advanced Estate Planning Techniques More of The Best Interest: Check out the Best Interest Blog at https://bestinterest.blog/ Contact me at jesse@bestinterest.blog Need a financial planner?  → PlanWithJesse.com  The Best Interest Podcast is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Mid-year is a smart time to model conversions before year-end tax planning gets rushed. A practical walkthrough of who benefits, how to size a conversion, and the bracket-management math that makes it work.Today's Stocks & Topics: Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), Market Wrap, ATI Inc. (ATI), Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (LEG), AT&T Inc. (T), Capital Flows, Vanguard Health Care Index Fund ETF Shares (VHT), The Roth Conversion Window, CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA), ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (XOM), MicroStrategy (MSTR).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Our guests on the podcast today are Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney. They're both advice-only financial planners, and they're the co-authors of a new book called Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement. Cody is a certified financial planner and the founder of Measure Twice Money, where he helps DIY investors make informed decisions aligned with their values. He also leads Measure Twice Planners, which is an educational community for financial planners. Sean Mullaney is a certified public accountant and head of Mullaney Financial & Tax. He also writes the blog, TheFITaxGuy.com, which is focused on the intersection between financial independence and taxes. Episode Highlights 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:27 Defining Early Retirement, the 4% Rule, and Withdrawal Strategies 00:11:03 Fear-Based Tax Narratives and Retirement Calculators 00:15:10 Rethinking Future Tax Rate Assumptions 00:23:14 Retirement Savings Tax Trade-Offs 00:30:08 Taxable Accounts in Early Retirement 00:32:29 Backdoor Roth IRAs, Asset Allocation, and Sequence Risk 00:44:03 RMDs, Roth Conversions, and Retirement Planning Tools More From Morningstar Bill Bengen: ‘Inflation Is the Greatest Enemy of Retirees' A Tax-Smart Plan for In-Retirement Withdrawals in 3 Steps Morningstar's Tax-Planning and IRA Resources for 2026 If you have a comment or a guest idea, please email us at TheLongView@Morningstar.com. Follow Christine Benz (@christine_benz) and Ben Johnson (@MstarBenJohnson) on X, and Christine Benz, Amy Arnott, and Ben Johnson on LinkedIn. Visit Morningstar.com for new research and insights from Christine, Ben, and Amy. Subscribe to Christine's weekly newsletter, Improving Your Finances. If you want more Morningstar podcasts, check out The Morning Filter and Investing Insights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Medicare brings peace of mind to millions of retirees, but for those with higher incomes, there's an added layer of complexity called IRMAA—the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses certain thresholds, you may end up paying substantially more for your Medicare Part B and Part D coverage. In this article, we break down how IRMAA works, outline common scenarios that may unexpectedly raise your premiums, and offer actionable strategies to help you avoid unnecessary costs during your retirement years.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [02:14] How IRMAA works [04:09] IRMAA income brackets and premium increases  [05:43] General strategies and limitations for avoiding IRMAA [09:49] Managing Capital Gains and Medicare costs [10:41] Understanding the possibility of unexpected large gains pushing income higher  [12:37] Impact of spouse passing on taxes [14:54] Avoiding IRMAA surcharge   What Is IRMAA, and How Does It Work? IRMAA adds a surcharge to your standard Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds specific limits. The calculation uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your federal tax return for the prior two years. For example, your 2026 Medicare premium is determined by your 2024 tax return figures. This "two-year lag" means financial decisions made today could impact your healthcare costs down the line. In 2024, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month. However, single filers reporting over $109,000 or married couples filing jointly above $218,000 pay $284 each per month, per person. Surpassing $137,000 (single) or $274,000 (joint) pushes your premium to $405.90—more than double the baseline. Part D premiums are also subject to surcharges, ranging from $14.50 to $91 per month at the highest income levels.   Seven Scenarios That Can Trigger IRMAA—and How to Prepare While some situations are unpreventable, being aware of these common scenarios can help you make informed choices and potentially minimize your IRMAA exposure.   1. Municipal Bond Income: Not as Tax-Free as You Think Many investors favor municipal bonds for their federal tax-exempt status. Unfortunately, while this income is absent from your regular AGI, it is added back into your MAGI when calculating IRMAA. If you're relying heavily on munis in retirement, this could unexpectedly inflate your Medicare premiums. Consider alternative investments or relocating those assets into accounts or vehicles where this income is shielded, like certain annuities, after consulting with a qualified financial advisor.   2. Capital Gains on Your Home Sale When selling your primary residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain if single or $500,000 if married, provided you meet the two-out-of-five-years residency rule. Gains above these thresholds are taxable and count toward your MAGI. Good record-keeping for home improvements can help increase your cost basis and reduce the taxable gain, but there aren't many strategies to avoid this spike if a large gain is unavoidable.   3. Profits from Investment Property Sales Selling an investment property can generate significant capital gains. But unique to investment real estate, the IRS allows you to defer these gains through a 1031 exchange—selling one investment property and reinvesting the proceeds into another. This move postpones the tax hit and the associated IRMAA impact, possibly indefinitely if you use the stepped-up basis at death.   4. Surprise Mutual Fund Capital Gains If you own mutual funds outside retirement accounts, unexpected capital gains distributions from within the fund (for example, after large stock sales like Apple) could spike your MAGI. To mitigate this, consider shifting from mutual funds to individual stocks, bonds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which typically generate fewer surprise capital gains.   5. Roth Conversions are Great for Taxes, But Be Careful While Roth conversions can be powerful tax strategies, converting a sizable sum from a pretax IRA to a Roth IRA counts as income for IRMAA purposes. Carefully plan the size and timing of conversions to avoid pushing yourself into a higher premium bracket without realizing it.   6. The Financial Impact of Losing a Spouse Widowhood or widowerhood can be doubly difficult; not only do you suffer personal loss, but your filing status shifts to single, drastically lowering the income thresholds for IRMAA. If you expect changes in income or status, make proactive plans with your advisor to help smooth your MAGI.   7. Large, One-Time Retirement Account Withdrawals Big withdrawals from IRAs or 401(k)s—perhaps to buy a car or fund a vacation home—could catapult your income into a higher IRMAA tier. Consider spreading large purchases over several years or evaluating alternative financing options to keep retirement account withdrawals more manageable.   Small Decisions Add Up While IRMAA might not be avoidable for everyone, being strategic about income sources, withdrawals, and investment choices can reduce surprises and keep more of your retirement income where it belongs—with you. Always consult with a financial advisor familiar with your unique situation before making significant financial moves. Keep your knowledge current and your planning proactive to support a more cost-effective retirement.   Resources Mentioned   Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  2026 Medicare Part B Premium Surprises, #282 7 Ways to Lower Your Income and Avoid the IRMAA Medicare Surcharge, #142 Mistakes To Avoid During Medicare Open Enrollment with Danielle Roberts, #229      Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan  

Nick Hopwood, CFP®, and Jim Pilat, CFP®, join host Ryan Ermanni on the latest episode of The No Lazy Money Show on WJR to discuss Roth conversions, retirement planning, mortgage payoff strategies, investing, and the latest SpaceX news. They also share a practical midyear financial review with tips to help you evaluate your portfolio, reduce taxes, and stay on track toward your long term financial goals. If you are looking for expert financial planning advice and retirement strategies, this episode is packed with timely insights you can use. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing education and guidance, we inspire our clients to make great decisions so they can Retire With Peace of Mind Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth  

What if your biggest retirement risk isn’t the market—but the tax bill waiting for you? JoePat Roop discusses financial independence, rising national debt, Roth conversions, tax-efficient retirement income, and why large IRAs can become future tax burdens. He breaks down strategies designed to simplify retirement planning and help retirees understand where their income and taxes may come from in the years ahead. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With two big pensions in the mix, and a big pot of pre-tax money, should Roth conversions be the priority?Have a money question? Email us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jill on Money LIVE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jill on Money Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jillonmoney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jillonmoney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Jill on Money" theme music is by Joel Goodman, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.joelgoodman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat dive into a $5M client case study on the hidden dangers of stock concentration and explain why a $1.5M Roth conversion might be your smartest tax move. They also tackle direct indexing and welcome Allworth partner advisor Victoria Bogner to share the story of "Jim and Karen." You'll hear how this retired couple unknowingly had 35% of their $5 million portfolio tied up in just eight stocks—and how a shift in "asset location" saved them six figures in projected taxes. Key Topics Included: -Roth Conversion Strategies: Managing large pre-tax balances at age 65. -Direct Indexing vs. Cash: Understanding the risks and tax-loss harvesting. -The "Asset Location" Secret: Why the right account type matters for your bottom line. -The Saver's Mindset: Transitioning from building wealth to enjoying it.   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.

On this episode: Most people believe they will be in a lower tax bracket and will get tax refunds in retirement. That may not be true. Is it time to pull back on your market risk when you retire? Financial advisors get paid in many ways. What is right for you? Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David McKnight kicks off this Power of Zero Show episode by stressing that, in his opinion, tax rates in the future are likely to be much higher than they are today. Why? Because the U.S. has a national debt that continues to grow at an alarming rate. It has hundreds of trillions of dollars in unfunded obligations for programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. At some point, the Government is going to need huge infusions of cash to meet such obligations. The so-called "Widow's Penalty" is a very compelling reason, David believes, to consider doing Roth conversions while today's tax rates are still around. And that's true even if you don't think that future tax rates will be higher than the current ones… David explains how, when a spouse passes away before the other, the surviving spouse often inherits a tax problem at a moment in life when they're least equipped to deal with it. The ugly truth is that, in many cases, surviving spouses earn nearly the same amount of income as before while being forced to operate within a less favorable tax framework. That means that income that previously fit comfortably inside the 24% tax bracket can suddenly spill over into the 32%, 35% or even 37% bracket! David touches upon the fact that one of the most important tax planning windows in their entire lifetime occurs during the years when both spouses are still alive and filing taxes jointly. Remember: this topic is crucial because tax consequences don't necessarily end with the surviving spouse.  Whatever remains in your IRA may pass on to your children. David's advice is to move money slowly enough that you don't rise into a tax bracket that gives you heartburn, but quickly enough that you get all the heavy lifting done before tax rates go up for good.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book: The Secret Order of Millionaires David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track Tax-Free Income for Life: A Step-by-Step Plan for a Secure Retirement by David McKnight DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com

Don and Tom tackle the blurry line between free speech and market manipulation after the conviction of prominent short seller Andrew Left. They debate whether financial influencers should be allowed to profit from public stock recommendations, discuss why members of Congress continue trading individual stocks despite widespread public opposition, and explain why ordinary investors should avoid trying to outsmart people with superior information or influence.The conversation then shifts into listener questions covering Roth employer matches, Roth IRA withdrawal rules, Roth conversion strategies for retirees, and whether paying taxes now simply to benefit heirs makes financial sense. Along the way, there's plenty of lighthearted banter about soccer, politics, podcast reviews, and Don's growing passion for his Litreading short story podcast.00:05 – Introduction and Independence Day reflections01:27 – Andrew Left convicted of stock market manipulation03:24 – Is market manipulation protected free speech?06:56 – Why Don opposes congressional stock trading09:18 – Congress made over 13,000 stock trades in 202512:29 – Why public officials should be held to a higher standard14:12 – The lesson for ordinary investors: you can't beat insiders15:27 – Podcast reviews, politics, and avoiding crypto17:12 – Florida's proposed property tax amendment18:22 – Transition to listener questions19:38 – Employer Roth 401(k) matching contributions20:10 – Can you withdraw Roth IRA money before age 59½?21:49 – Should retirees convert large IRAs to Roth accounts?24:52 – Soccer, World Cup talk, and the “laws” of the game26:44 – Don promotes Litreading and Short StoryversesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Could a Roth conversion save you from a bigger tax bill later? Art McPherson explores the buzz surrounding the SpaceX IPO, how retirees should think about speculative investments, Social Security timing strategies, and why tax diversification matters. Art Mark also discusses Roth conversions, retirement income planning, and the surprising tax traps many retirees overlook when managing IRAs, Roth accounts, and taxable investments. For more information visit www.artofmoney.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you support your adult children without derailing your retirement? In this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat dive into the financial realities of a caller with a nearly $10M net worth who is spending $75,000 a year to support his adult daughter. They break down the math on his retirement timeline and uncover a common "tax efficiency" mistake that could be costing him significant returns. Also in this episode: The "Shell Game" of State Budgets: How budget constraints in states like California could impact your long-term security. Roth Conversions & Moving States: Why a move from California to Nevada completely changes the math on Roth conversions and RMD management. The "Payroll" Pitfall: The hidden risks of putting family members on your business payroll for tax benefits. Investing "Backwards": Why your 401(k) and brokerage account allocations might be working against each other. 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.    

This week's Friday Q&A is packed with six listener questions covering some of the biggest financial decisions people face before and during retirement. Topics include whether actively managed bond funds are worth the extra cost, how the new senior tax deduction may affect Roth conversions, whether a 24-year-old should keep a whole life insurance policy, financial planning before marriage, the role of mid-cap funds, and whether it's worth abandoning a target-date fund before retirement. If you've ever wondered whether you're making your portfolio more complicated than it needs to be, this episode is for you.00:00 Welcome and Fourth of July schedule update02:21 Active vs. passive bond funds: Avantis, Dimensional, or BND?05:00 Using the new senior deduction to reduce Roth conversion taxes08:01 Does a 24-year-old need whole life insurance?10:35 Money conversations every engaged couple should have15:53 Are mid-cap funds worth owning?17:52 Should you leave a target-date fund before retirement?23:37 How to submit your own questionsQuestions? Comments? Click!

Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment11 rapid-fire spitballs today from Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA, on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 587, on everything from Roth conversions and RMDs to whether a guy named Wayne can finally treat himself to a seventy-five-thousand-dollar Audi. Aaron in Syracuse just hit a million bucks in his 401(k) and realizes he needs a spitball on keeping his RMDs low. Do new Roth conversions restart the 5-year clock? 72-year-old Mike in Texas wants to know. Marion inherited a not-yet-five-year-old Roth, and an IRMAA problem along with it. Lu and Stephen each argue that the fellas' conversion and retirement spitball math might be misleading. Teachers Tony and his wife have pensions that cover everything, so should they even keep saving? John and Peggy need a retirement spitball, Rajesh wonders if he should pay off his mortgage or convert to Roth, and Mike in San Marcos asks about funding a Roth with pension money.Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-587 (full show notes & episode transcript)Retirement Accounts Guide - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/retirement-accounts-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-retirement-accounts-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep587-description-whitepaper401(k) vs. IRA vs. Equity Compensation: The Real Math - YMYW TV:https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/recipe-for-retirement-retirement-plans-explained/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep587-description-tv-s10e12Financial Blueprint (free, self-guided):https://purefinancial.com/financialblueprint/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=financial-blueprint&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep587-description-blueprintREQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAlDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/PureGuidesREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/PureFinBlogWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/PureEdVideosSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletterConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast01:32 - $1.1 Million in My 401(k) at 56: Should I Do Roth Conversions Before RMDs Hit? (Aaron, Syracuse, NY04:51 - Can You Fund a Roth IRA With Pension Money? (Mike, San Marcos, CA)06:14 - Can You Roll an UTMA Into a 529 for Tax-Free Education Savings? (Bob the Builder, Westchester, NY)10:29 - I'm 72 With a 25-Year-Old Roth. Do New Conversions Trigger the 5-Year Clock for Roth Withdrawals? (Mike, TX)11:43 - Inherited a Roth Less Than 5 Years Old: Are the Earnings Taxable? Can IRMAA Be Avoided? (Marion)15:59 - You Ignore Future Income! How to Spitball Spending When a Pension and Social Security Are Coming (Stephen)21:02 - Are Your Roth Conversion Calculations Misleading? Why Future RMDs Need an Inflation Check (Lu)24:57 - We're Teachers With Pensions That Cover Everything. Should We Stop Saving and Fund the 529s? (Tony, NY28:23 - $4 Million and Ready to Exit the Rat Race at 61. Do the Numbers Work? (John and Peggy, San Jose, CA34:37 - $4 Million 401(k) and a 6.5% Rental Mortgage: Pay It Off or Convert to Roth? (Rajesh)38:42 - We're 62 With $1 Million. Can I Finally Buy the $75K Audi, or Should I Lease? (Wayne, Long Beach, NY)43:17 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

In this final part of the Retire With Style Live Q&A, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia answer a wide range of retirement planning questions covering annuities and life insurance surrender charges, the financial impact of losing a spouse, Roth conversions as a hedge against the "widow's tax penalty," tax-loss harvesting through direct indexing, dividend reinvestment strategies in retirement accounts versus taxable accounts, HSA withdrawal rules after age 65, and appropriate cash allocations in retirement portfolios. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of tax planning, understanding how different retirement income strategies align with personal preferences, and avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches when managing retirement assets and income. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Surrendering an annuity early can trigger surrender charges, while permanent life insurance policies often take many years before cash value exceeds premiums paid. The death of a spouse can create significant tax challenges because the surviving spouse typically moves from married filing jointly to single tax brackets. Roth conversions can be an effective strategy for reducing future RMD burdens and mitigating the "widow's tax penalty" for a surviving spouse. Direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting allow investors to capture losses while remaining invested, potentially creating future tax benefits and improving after-tax outcomes. Tax-loss harvesting is no longer just for ultra-high-net-worth investors, as technology has made these strategies more accessible and scalable. In IRA accounts, continuing to reinvest dividends during retirement generally remains the simplest and most efficient approach. In taxable brokerage accounts, turning off automatic dividend reinvestment can make rebalancing and distribution planning more tax-efficient. HSA funds can be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses at any age, while after age 65 non-qualified withdrawals avoid the 20% penalty but still incur income tax. Medicare Part B, Part C (Advantage), Part D premiums, and IRMAA surcharges can generally be reimbursed from an HSA, but Medigap premiums cannot. Holding 40% of a retirement portfolio in cash may be excessive when annual withdrawal needs are relatively low, and could indicate a mismatch between an investor's retirement income strategy and personal preferences.   Chapters 00:00 Tax Considerations in Asset Sales 01:57 Understanding Life Insurance and Annuities 04:03 Financial Implications of Spousal Death 06:23 Roth Conversions and Widow's Penalty 07:36 Tax Loss Harvesting Strategies 17:12 Dividend Reinvestment in Retirement Accounts 22:48 Using HSA Distributions for Medical Expenses 25:52 Cash Reserves in Retirement Planning   Links  Looking for a retirement strategy that's actually built for you? Join Alex Murguia on July 1 at 1 PM ET for a FREE Retirement Researcher webinar, Are You Sure Your Retirement Strategy Fits?, where he'll walk through the four major retirement income approaches and show how the RISA® Framework can help you identify the strategy that best aligns with your goals, preferences, and vision for retirement. Register here: retirewithstyle.com/podcast

On this episode: Many retirement plans fail in the first 5 years of retirement…why? Is an IRA-to-Roth conversion a good move for you? One article says be careful. How one man had to wait 5 years to settle his father’s estate, only to find out about a big tax surprise. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode! Check out Fire Your Financial Advisor on YouTube! Learn more at GoldenReserve.com or follow on social: Facebook & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are today’s booming markets flashing warning signs from the past? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich breaks down comparisons between today’s market surge and historical downturns, and what that could mean for those nearing or in retirement. He highlights the importance of staying cautious during strong market runs, rethinking Roth conversion strategies beyond simple projections, and preparing for potential tax changes. The conversation also covers building flexible retirement income plans designed to adapt to market swings, inflation, and evolving personal goals. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: TheRetirementKey.com Get a free copy of Abe’s book: The Retirement Mountain: The 7 Steps To A Long-Lasting Retirement Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many retirees assume they've missed their chance to take advantage of Roth conversions, but the reality is that age 65 may be one of the best times to start the conversation. Today, Nick and Eric explain how Roth conversions work and how strategic conversions may help reduce overall tax exposure. Roth conversions may not be beneficial for everyone, but every retiree deserves to explore whether this powerful strategy fits into their retirement plan. Here's what we discuss in this episode:

Schedule a free financial assessment with an experienced professional at Pure Financial Advsiors: https://purefinancial.com/lp/free-assessment/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=free-assessment&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep586-description-free-assessment“Walter and Skyler” in Iowa ask if they're on track to retire early, or if they're just "cooking up overconfidence?" And how aggressively should they convert their retirement savings to tax-free Roth money before the pension and Social Security kick in? California Dreamin' has it down to one decision: convert to the top of the 22 percent tax bracket, or push into the 24? “Mike and Carol” in Florida ask, when you're weighing a conversion, should you be looking at your tax bracket, or your actual effective tax rate? Finally, is it worth the cost for “Westley and Buttercup” to use the brand new option to turn a big employer contribution into Roth money? Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA from Pure Financial Advisors spitball on all of these questions, today on YMYW podcast 586.Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-586 (full show notes & episode transcript)10 Common Roth IRA Mistakes That Can Cost You $50,000 (or More!) - YMYW TV:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/roth-ira-white-paper/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-ultimate-guide-to-roth-iras&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep586-description-whitepaperThe Ultimate Guide to Roth IRAs - free download:https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/10-common-roth-ira-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-50000-or-more/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep586-description-tv-s12e04Financial Blueprint (self-guided):https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprintREQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAlDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/PureGuidesREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/PureFinBlogWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/PureEdVideosSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletterConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast01:10 - Early Retirement Overconfidence? Aggressive Roth Conversions? (Walter & Skyler, Iowa)13:25 - Roth Conversion Bracket Call: 22% or 24%? (CA Dreamin', Central Coast)22:27 - Tax Bracket vs. Effective Rate: The Roth Math Most People Get Wrong (Mike & Carol, FL)32:16 - Should the NEC Go to the Roth? The 401(k) Decision (Westley & Buttercup, TX)42:28 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

Are today’s low tax rates creating an opportunity—or a future challenge? This episode with Matt Deaton explores Roth conversions and why relying solely on projections and assumptions can lead to flawed decisions. The discussion focuses on understanding current versus future tax rates, how income sources shape your tax picture, and why every strategy needs to be personalized. You’ll also hear how taxes, income planning, and long-term projections work together, along with the role of consistency and discipline in navigating the ups and downs of retirement planning. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-680-6868 or visit www.successinthenewretirement.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this Live listener Q&A episode, Wade Pfau and Alex Murguia tackle several retirement planning topics, including Social Security claiming strategies for spouses with age differences, how younger workers should think about Social Security's long-term solvency, whether to assume future benefit cuts in retirement projections, the impact of the "widow's penalty" on tax planning and Roth conversions, evaluating an older variable annuity with high fees, tax considerations when selling investments in a taxable account, and how to think about maintaining portfolio discipline during retirement. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize balancing planning conservatism with practicality, avoiding unnecessary forecasting, and making decisions that support long-term retirement goals rather than reacting to headlines or uncertainty.   Takeaways When spouses have similar Social Security benefits, but one spouse is significantly older, the older spouse often has the strongest case for delaying benefits until age 70 because that higher benefit is more likely to become the survivor benefit. Younger workers may not need to heavily discount future Social Security estimates because projected wage growth could offset a significant portion of any future benefit reductions. For retirees already near claiming age, assuming a 25% reduction in future Social Security benefits can be a reasonably conservative planning assumption. The eventual Social Security reform package is unlikely to rely solely on benefit cuts and will more likely include a combination of tax increases and benefit adjustments. The "widow's penalty" can significantly increase taxes for a surviving spouse because income often remains similar while tax brackets and Medicare thresholds become less favorable. Potential future tax increases and the widow's penalty are both compelling reasons to consider Roth conversions even when current projections suggest little immediate tax benefit. High-fee variable annuities should be evaluated carefully, especially to determine whether valuable income guarantees justify the ongoing costs. If guaranteed income sources such as pensions and Social Security already cover essential expenses, a variable annuity can potentially serve as a bridge strategy to delay Social Security benefits. When selling investments from a taxable account, maintaining the portfolio's target asset allocation is generally more important than trying to predict which investments will perform best or worst next. Tax-efficient selling decisions often come down to managing capital gains by choosing whether to realize gains from low-basis or high-basis shares depending on the investor's broader tax situation.   Chapters 00:00 Social Security Strategies for Couples 06:28 Concerns About Social Security Reliability 10:16 Planning for Future Social Security Benefits 13:20 Roth Conversions and Tax Planning 18:18 Evaluating Variable Annuities 22:24 Taxable Account Management Strategies 25:05 Maintaining Asset Allocation Discipline 27:53 Tax Considerations in Asset Sales   Links

Federal retirement planning at 60: if you're a year or two from retiring from federal service with a FERS pension, Social Security, and about $1M saved in your TSP, here are 5 decisions to make before you retire — so you stop asking "Am I okay?" and start building the retirement you actually want.This covers income order, TSP taxes and RMDs, Roth conversions, FEHB and Medicare timing, and IRMAA — gaps many federal employees miss before retiring.Apply for a Retirement Consultation: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=THE 5 DECISIONSYour numbers look fine — but you still don't feel okay. That's the gap we're closing.1) Income order — You've got three engines: your FERS pension, Social Security, and TSP. The pension turns on the day you retire. Social Security has a filing window from 62 to 70 — thousands of dollars a month for life. TSP is the lever you control. The real question: which do you draw from first, and which do you let grow?2) Taxes & RMDs — Required minimum distributions start between age 73 and 75 (depending on your birth year) from your Traditional TSP, IRA, and 401(k). They land on top of your pension and Social Security, which can push you into a higher bracket in retirement. The years before then are your Roth conversion / sequencing window. And IRMAA is a real Medicare surcharge that hits about two years later.3) Healthcare — FEHB is gold and stays with you in retirement. Medicare enters at 65: do you take Part B, skip it, or coordinate with FEHB? Miss the enrollment window and there's a late-enrollment penalty. Decide before the deadline, not after.4) Investments — You're shifting from accumulation to distribution. The portfolio that got you here often isn't the one that should carry you through retirement. Rethink risk and your TSP fund mix so a bad market doesn't force you to sell at the wrong time.5) Purpose — Plan what you're retiring TO, not just what you're retiring from. We've seen federal employees retire with $1M and go back to work in six months — no Monday-morning plan. Money is half the equation; structure, identity, and what's on your calendar are the other half.WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH: Lock your exact retirement date. Run three tax pictures (year one, when Social Security starts, when TSP/IRA withdrawals begin — and how much to withhold). Map your income order. Make the FEHB + Medicare call early. Write down your first 90 days on a calendar, not a spreadsheet. Do it intentionally, not perfectly.CHAPTERS0:00 Age 60, a Federal Pension, and $1M Saved — What Comes Next?0:27 Your Numbers Look Fine but Still Feel Unclear0:38 Decision 1 — Your Federal Retirement Income Order (Pension, SS, TSP)1:46 Decision 2 — TSP Taxes, RMDs, Roth Conversions & IRMAA2:46 Decision 3 — FEHB, Medicare Part B & Healthcare Timing3:34 Decision 4 — Shifting From Accumulation to Distribution5:38 Decision 5 — Planning What You're Retiring To6:19 What to Do This Month Before You Retire6:42 Apply for a Federal Retirement ConsultationMORE RESOURCESFederal Retirement Guidebook: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-book/Take the Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Weekly Federal Retirement Planning Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterOPM Retirement Center: https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/OPM FERS Information: https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/Social Security Full Retirement Age: https://www.ssa.gov/retirement/full-retirement-ageMedicare Late Enrollment Penalties: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penaltiesWHO WE ARECD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, and retirement income planning. Our mission: help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content designed to help you understand your benefits, avoid common planning gaps, and prepare for your next chapter.DISCLAIMERThis video is for educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. Federal retirement decisions depend on your individual service history, agency records, health coverage, survivor needs, income goals, and personal circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals and review official OPM guidance before making retirement elections.Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Adviser in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed are solely those of CD Financial. Information herein is derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness.#FederalRetirement #FERSRetirement #FederalEmployees #RetirementPlanningSupport the show

From new “Trump accounts” for kids to market comparisons with past crashes, this episode with Art McPherson covers a wide range of financial topics shaping today’s landscape. You’ll hear insight into long-term investing, compound growth, and how market conditions compare to historical periods like 1929. The conversation also addresses layoffs, retirement readiness, and practical ways to evaluate income if plans change unexpectedly. Plus, a look at Roth conversion strategies, tax efficiency, and why consistent saving and disciplined planning can influence outcomes over time. For more information visit www.artofmoney.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

When does a Roth Conversion make sense—and when could it be a costly mistake? In this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat tackle one of the most common retirement planning questions: whether a Roth Conversion is the right move for your financial future. They break down a real-life caller's situation involving IRAs, pensions, charitable giving, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and the tax implications of converting retirement assets. The show also features an emotional conversation with Laura, a member of the “sandwich generation” who is balancing retirement planning while supporting aging parents and a special-needs child. Scott and Pat discuss pension decisions, reverse mortgages, life insurance needs, and how to navigate competing financial priorities without sacrificing long-term security. Plus, they explore tax-efficient investing strategies, asset location, charitable giving through donor-advised funds, and why taxes may be one of the biggest threats to your retirement wealth. If you've ever wondered whether a Roth Conversion belongs in your retirement plan, this episode is packed with practical insights. What You'll Learn: -Roth Conversions & Retirement Tax Planning -Tax-Efficient Investing Strategies -Retirement Planning for the Sandwich Generation -Reverse Mortgages & Aging Parent Care -Charitable Giving, RMDs & Retirement Income Planning   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.

Don answers a diverse collection of listener questions covering Roth conversions, indexed annuities, emergency fund management, TSP contributions, inherited money, and portfolio construction. He delivers a forceful warning about indexed annuities and commission-driven insurance sales after one listener considers using an annuity bonus to offset Roth conversion taxes. Other questions explore whether short-term bond funds belong inside a Roth IRA, how much attention investors should pay to taxes, investing a potential $200,000 windfall, Roth versus traditional TSP contributions, and Paul Merriman's popular Two-Fund for Life strategy. Along the way, Don shares his appreciation for readers of The Line Uncrossed and reminds listeners how to submit questions through the new Talking Real Money website.0:05 Summer question slowdown, Friday Q&A format, and submitting questions through the new website1:41 Listener asks about using an indexed annuity bonus to help fund a Roth conversion3:14 Why indexed annuities are often misleading and how insurance commissions create conflicts5:01 The risks of moving an entire retirement portfolio to cash at retirement6:30 Why a comprehensive fiduciary financial plan may be essential for this listener8:16 Question about holding VFSTX as part of an emergency fund strategy10:36 Why taxes are often a minor concern compared with investment allocation11:03 Why a short-term bond fund may not belong inside a 42-year-old's Roth IRA12:17 Balancing growth, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs13:22 TSP lifecycle funds, Roth contributions, and planning for a possible $200,000 windfall15:03 Separating travel money from long-term investment assets16:09 Paul Merriman's Two-Fund for Life strategy17:38 The role of small-cap value funds alongside target-date funds18:13 Fama-French factor investing and the tradeoff between simplicity and optimization19:15 Closing thoughts on listener questions and participation20:26 What makes a fiduciary advisor different from a commissioned salesperson21:13 Update on The Line Uncrossed and request for listener reviewsQuestions? Comments? Click!

Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):https://bit.ly/PureAssessmentFree Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-585 (full show notes & episode transcript)Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 585, Joe and Big Al spitball for folks who are already winning and thinking about getting fancy with it. Reno in Oregon is 50, and his pension is so big he's not sure how to invest or why he would need to convert to Roth. Michael is considering taking out a half-million-dollar margin loan to juice investment returns. What do the fellas think? Tune in for the surprising debate. Husker Fans just pocketed two million from selling their business here come the product pitches: should they buy annuities, set up a charitable trust, or just swallow the tax? What do the fellas think of whole life insurance? And finally, John and Lib on Waltons Mountain - or rather, the Catskills - aren't sure if they've saved too little or too much. Can they bridge the gap until their pension?Emotionless Investing Guide - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/emotionless-investing-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-emotionless-investing-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep585-description-whitepaperFinancial Blueprint - free, self-guided:https://purefinancial.com/financialblueprint/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=financial-blueprint&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep585-description-blueprintRetirement Rebound: 5 Plays to Help You Score a Comeback - YMYW TV:https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/retirement-rebound-5-plays-help-score-comeback/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep585-description-tv-s10e11REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAlDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/PureGuidesREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/PureFinBlogWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/PureEdVideosSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletterConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast00:58 - How Should a Pension-Rich 50-Year-Old Invest? Should They Even Bother with Roth Conversions? (Reno, OR)10:30 - Should I Borrow $500K in a Margin Loan to Invest? (Michael, VA)23:01 - We're Getting $2M From Selling the Business. Annuity, Charitable Trust, or Bite the Tax? What About Whole Life Insurance? (Husker Fans, Nebraska)34:14 - Can a Frugal Mountain Couple Bridge the Gap to a $60K Pension? (John & Lib, NY Catskills)41:13 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

How do you make smart financial decisions after you've already built significant wealth? In this week's episode of Allworth's Money Matters, Scott and Pat help a retired couple with an $11 million portfolio evaluate Roth conversions, estate planning, charitable giving, and strategies to improve tax efficiency. Then they speak with a 52-year-old listener navigating uncertainty in the alcohol industry while balancing retirement savings, college expenses, and cash reserves. Should he use taxable assets to maximize his 401(k) contributions? Scott and Pat weigh in. The episode also features Allworth advisor Laurie Ingwersen, who explains how investors with concentrated stock positions can reduce risk while improving tax efficiency. Laurie shares a real-world case study of a client whose portfolio was 70% invested in a single stock and the strategies used to diversify, manage taxes, and preserve long-term wealth.   What You'll Learn: -Whether Roth conversions still make sense for high-net-worth retirees -How to improve tax efficiency through smarter asset location and portfolio design -When it makes sense to use taxable assets to maximize retirement savings -Strategies for reducing risk in concentrated stock positions -How to balance wealth preservation, charitable giving, and legacy planning   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.  

Andy discusses the various areas of consideration and analysis that go into deciding whether Roth conversions might potentially be of value. Furthermore, he explains why it's impossible to actually quantify how much tax savings, if any, Roth conversions might potentially create. And what to consider when figuring out how much to convert in any given yearLinks in this episode:Vanguard's "Break Even Tax Rate" Roth conversion analysis white paper - hereTenon Financial's June 2026 Newsletter/blog - Roth conversion analysis: more than meets the eyeTenon Financial monthly e-newsletter - 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.comTo send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Retirement planning doesn't always follow a straight line, and this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast tackles the pressing money decisions families are talking about. Join Wes Moss and guest host Mallory Boggs for a lively conversation about helping adult children buy homes, Roth conversions, Social Security timing, investing, taxes, and the lifestyle choices often associated with a happy retirement. • Explore the financial and emotional tradeoffs that may come with helping adult children buy a home while still protecting your own retirement goals. • Examine how higher home prices, rising mortgage rates, and ongoing family support may help shape retirement planning and financial flexibility. • Evaluate Roth conversions, Social Security claiming strategies, IRA withdrawals, and HELOC financing through the lens of taxes and long-term retirement income planning. • Reconsider how spending on travel, family experiences, health, hobbies, and social connections may play a role in retirement satisfaction. • Assess portfolio diversification considerations beyond concentrated “Magnificent 7” exposure while tackling listener questions on IRAs, emergency funds, taxable accounts, and retirement investing. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more conversations on retirement planning, investing, taxes, and navigating today's financial landscape with a practical long-term perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 1, 2026 – Explore the often-overlooked impact of state taxes on retirement strategies with Jim Puplava and Brendan McMurtrie. This episode dives into sophisticated approaches to Roth IRA conversions, highlighting the advantages and pitfalls...

Don and Tom tackle some of the most common retirement planning mistakes, with a particular focus on taxes and the danger of becoming overly obsessed with them. They discuss taxable Social Security benefits, the importance of diversifying across account types, Roth conversion considerations, tax-loss harvesting, and why most retirement decisions ultimately fall into the category of “it depends.” They also answer a listener question about navigating poor 403(b) plan options and the advantages of a 457 plan for educators. Finally, they dive deep into a thoughtful challenge from a listener regarding Avantis and Dimensional factor funds versus traditional Vanguard index funds, examining the evidence for factor tilts, the role of risk premiums, costs, and whether higher expected returns justify modestly higher expense ratios.0:05 Retirement planning mistakes, taxes, retirement income, financial independence, retirement readiness1:58 Tax obsession, retirement taxes, income planning, financial priorities, wealth management2:43 Social Security taxation, taxable benefits, retirement income, Social Security myths, tax planning5:14 Tax diversification, traditional 401(k), Roth accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement savings7:57 Roth IRA, young investors, compound growth, retirement investing, tax-free income9:11 Tax-loss harvesting, brokerage accounts, capital gains, tax strategy, investment management10:03 Roth conversions, Medicare IRMAA, retirement taxes, financial planning, tax efficiency12:03 Inherited IRAs, heirs, estate planning, retirement accounts, legacy planning13:35 403(b) plans, 457 plans, retirement savings, school employees, listener question15:29 403(b) Wise, 457B Wiser, educator retirement plans, high fees, retirement options18:35 Roth IRA investing, small-cap funds, emerging markets, diversification, asset allocation19:38 Avantis funds, Dimensional funds, Vanguard funds, factor investing, index investing23:55 Fama-French research, small-value premium, indexing, active management, factor premiums26:08 Rules-based investing, passive investing, factor tilts, portfolio construction, diversification27:02 Small-cap value investing, fund performance, index comparisons, advisor value, investment returns30:25 International small value, emerging markets, factor premiums, diversification, expected returns32:55 Academic investing research, Nobel Prize economics, risk premiums, value investing, factor investing35:18 Portfolio construction, asset allocation, diversification, retirement planning, investment strategy36:16 Free portfolio review, financial advice, portfolio allocation, retirement readiness, fiduciary planningQuestions? Comments? Click!

What if waiting just a few years could cost you over $1 million in retirement wealth? In this episode, Tiffany breaks down one of the biggest Roth conversion mistakes business owners make—and why timing matters more than most people think. You'll learn how Roth conversions work, when they can create major tax savings, and why waiting until retirement may not be the best move. Tiffany also shares important tax planning insights, common mistakes to avoid, and smart strategies that could help you build more tax-free wealth over time.

After decades of saving and investing, how do you know when it's okay to truly enjoy your money? In this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat help a couple with nearly $8 million determine how much home they can comfortably afford after relocating to Florida, while another listener with more than $12 million asks whether Roth conversions still make sense given today's tax rules and retirement tax planning environment. They discuss retirement tax planning strategies, the dangers of chasing “popular” AI stocks, and how AI-powered scams are targeting investors and older Americans. What You'll Learn: -When Roth conversions can help lower future taxes -How much house people can realistically afford -Better retirement tax planning strategies -How to invest more tax efficiently -Warning signs of today's most common financial scams 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.

Analysts are raising concerns that a wave of mega-IPOs from companies like SpaceX and OpenAI could be signaling a market top — a pattern that has appeared at prior market peaks. We explore the history of IPO booms, what they reveal about market sentiment, and how investors should think about participating.Today's Stocks & Topics: CarMax, Inc. (KMX), Market Wrap, EQT Corporation (EQT), ONEOK, Inc. (OKE), Trailing Stop, Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), SpaceX, OpenAI, and the IPO Boom: Is a Wave of Mega-Floats a Market Top Warning?, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Xtrackers Nifty 500 India ETF (IND), iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA), Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (VCSH), Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (BND), NetEase, Inc. (NTES), Roth Conversion.Our Next Wealth Webinar: “Beyond the Yield: How to Invest for Your Income Needs” June 30th, 2026 - 12:00 pmTo sign up: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5717793889555/WN_XuoDgMVwSv6wZXXurrZTLgOur Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic and use my code Claude.ai/invest for a great deal: https://www.anthropic.com* Check out Plaud AI and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://plaud.ai* Check out Scribe and use my code scribe.how/invest for a great deal: https://scribe.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands