Podcasts about step plan

What if the problem isn't your business? What if the problem is that you're trying to force yourself into a life you no longer want? In this episode, we have an honest conversation about something most business owners never talk about: what happens when you hate being a business owner. Some people are struggling because they simply haven't figured out their numbers yet. They love being a business owner but need to understand their Profit & Loss, pricing, debt, cash flow, and profitability. Others hate every aspect of business ownership. They hate sales. They hate marketing. They hate managing people. They hate the pressure and responsibility. Those are two completely different situations. The question is: Which bucket are you in? Today we're talking about how to know the difference and what to do next.

In this replay episode, we're exploring why boundaries are the secret ingredient to a joyful, restorative summer and a smoother transition back to school. We walk through practical ways to set healthy boundaries around time, technology, and task load so summer doesn't turn into “a quieter form of burnout.” Along the way, we talk about balancing recovery with back-to-school readiness, avoiding comparison traps on social media, creating realistic summer goals, and learning to say no without guilt. Whether you need permission to rest or a plan to head into August feeling more prepared, this episode will help you create a summer that feels both refreshing and intentional.Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-boundaries/Resources:Freebie: End of Year RoadmapResource: Back to School Pattern Block ActivitiesResource: Back to School Lego Activities Podcast: Happier with Gretchen RubinPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin the Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 131. To-Do List Magic - How to Prioritize Your Teacher Tasks This SummerEpisode 134. The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer BreakEpisode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer BreakEpisode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn't Feel Like WorkMentioned in this episode:Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

David McKnight kicks this episode off by explaining how, for decades, conventional financial wisdom has been saying that, as you approach retirement, you should begin dialing down your stock exposure and increasing your bond allocation. A 60-year-old, for example, would have 40% of their portfolio in stocks and 60% in bonds.  Historically, bonds served three primary functions: They provided income, they reduced portfolio volatility, and they protected retirees from so-called sequence of returns risk. David touches upon how the sequence of returns risk works. Retirees who get hit early often run out of money earlier – in some cases, even 15 years prior to life expectancy. The old approach to retirement planning assumes that bonds could provide meaningful returns while still acting as a stabilizer. However, recent years have shown that bonds are not risk-free. Back in 2022, for instance, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index lost 13%. Long-term treasuries did even worse, as many lost between 25 to 30% due to rapidly rising interest rates. David stresses that an annuity can do something bonds cannot do: It can guarantee income that you cannot outlive. It's important to realize that whenever your basic living expenses are covered, something profound happens psychologically: You stop depending on your investment portfolio to solve every problem. Furthermore, you feel as if you now have permission to spend. Studies show that those who have guaranteed lifetime income spend 22% more than those who rely strictly on a stock bond portfolio. A properly funded IUL can create a pool of tax-free money that's insulated from stock market loss and available during downturns. David unpacks a strategy that can increase the sustainable withdrawal rate on your stock portfolio from 4% to as high as 8% with a 95% success rate. When you combine guaranteed lifetime income from annuities with a volatility shield in the form of IUL, you are no longer reliant on bonds, says David. He also touches upon why retirees who adopt the no-bond power of zero approach begin to take a lot more risk in their stock market allocations. David wraps things up by sharing insights on what retirees should think about and do to increase the likelihood that, in retirement, their money will last as long as they do.     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 Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

Most business owners are busy. The question is: are they actually successful? In this episode, we talk about one of the biggest traps small business owners fall into—confusing activity with progress. Just because you're working long hours, running from job to job, and staying busy every day doesn't mean your business is growing or becoming more profitable. We discuss the difference between working IN your business versus working ON your business, why so many owners avoid looking at their numbers, and how failing to carve out time for planning keeps them stuck in the same cycle year after year. You'll learn why protecting time to review your business, improve systems, develop your team, and understand your Profit & Loss report may be the most important work you do all week. If you're tired of spinning your wheels and ready to build a more profitable business, this episode is for you. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

A recent landmark study from BlackRock caught David McKnight – he shares what it was all about and why you should care in this new episode of the Power of Zero Show. For decades, Americans were told that if they simply contributed faithfully to their 401(k) and avoided emotional decisions during market downturns, they would have enough money in retirement. According to the BlackRock study, retirees who incorporated guaranteed lifetime income in the form of an annuity into their retirement portfolio experienced an average increase of 22% in potential retirement spending. That number became approximately a 25% increase for lower income retirees! The increase came primarily from giving retirees greater confidence to spend money because a portion of their retirement income was guaranteed for life. David explains that, while 30 or 40 years ago retirees could rely on company pensions that provided predictable monthly income for life, the modern retirement system has shifted enormous responsibility onto the shoulders of ordinary Americans. Employers used to bear the responsibility for generating the income stream and ensuring that retirees did not outlive their money.  Today, however, pensions have all but disappeared, and most Americans now rely on 401(k) or other tax-qualified retirement plans. One of the big problems is the fact that such tax-affirmed accounts can help you build wealth, but don't come with instructions on how to make sure your money lasts a full 30-year retirement. The BlackRock study echoes something that David has stressed several times on the show: retirees spend more when at least a portion of their retirement income is guaranteed. David clarifies that when he talks about guaranteed lifetime income, he does not suggest retirees place all of their assets into annuities or eliminate market exposure altogether. David talks about 100% stock allocation and why you can be much more aggressive in your stock market allocation once you create an income floor in retirement. The current status quo of the American fiscal system – and exploding national debt – appears to be painting a picture where future tax rates will be significantly higher than they are today. David is a strong advocate for tax-free investment accounts in retirement. In particular, he points to six different tax-free income streams: Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, Roth conversions, RMDs up to standard deductions, certain types of cash value life insurance as a volatility shield in retirement and, if you can keep your provisional income low enough, your Social Security can be 100% tax-free. David touches upon a strategy that can give you guaranteed tax-free income for life. The old retirement model gave Americans confidence through company pensions. The modern model requires retirees to create their own personal private pension in the form of an annuity. It's important to understand that retirement isn't just about accumulating wealth, but also about creating a stream of lifetime income that's guaranteed to last as long as you do. David concludes by explaining what retirement planning should accomplish beyond merely maximizing account balances.     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 BlackRock BlackRock's paper Who Benefits From Guaranteed Lifetime Income?

Send us Fan MailAre you trading your health for money?  On this episode, I speak with Stevyn Guinnip, author of Grow Wellthy, about the idea of “health net worth,” the compounding effect of daily habits, and why retirement planning should focus on health span, not just life span. Key Takeaways:

In this episode, retirement expert Roger Whitney and Marie Kondo consultant Dr. Lindsey Hardegree explore the transformative power of decluttering. They discuss how clearing physical and emotional clutter can pave the way for a joyful and intentional retirement. Lindsey shares practical strategies from the Konmari method, focusing on identifying what truly sparks joy and letting go of the rest. This conversation is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their life and embrace a clutter-free future. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) Roger previews the episode, announces the June 18 Noodle Live event, and introduces the final installment of the decluttering series.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT WITH LINDSEY HARDEGREE(03:15) Roger frames retirement as a major life transition and explains how clutter extends beyond possessions into finances, commitments, and relationships.(06:40) Lindsey introduces the KonMari framework and explains why the first step is creating a clear vision for your ideal life before getting rid of anything.(09:14) Lindsey shares common scenarios that prompt people to seek out an organizer.(12:18) Roger and Lindsey discuss practical ways to define what you want your environment and future life to feel like.(15:31) Lindsey explains emotional attachment, sunk costs, and why gratitude can help people let go of possessions tied to previous seasons of life.(18:12) Why decluttering by category—not room—creates better long-term results and why sentimental items should come last.(25:00) Club members discuss challenges involving spouses, differing organizing styles, and when outside help may be more effective than family support.(30:53) Lindsey addresses difficult situations involving aging parents, inherited belongings, and navigating sentimental attachment during life transitions.(33:01) The discussion shifts toward handling deeply personal and sentimental items, including family keepsakes, clothing, photos, and children's memorabilia.(50:41) Lindsey explains why organization systems should fit the person using them and how overly rigid systems can create frustration instead of simplicity.(55:21) Resources and advice for finding professional organizers and deciding when support may be helpful.SMART SPRINT(59:27) Pick one very small category of personal items—pens, office supplies, coffee mugs, hair clips, or something similar—and spend time decluttering only that category. Focus on building momentum and decision-making reps rather than trying to organize everything at once.REFERENCESlivewithroger.com — Register for Noodle Live on June 18!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleMarie Kondo's Konmari MethodKonmari Certified OrganizersNational Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO)Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie KondoNote: The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized advice from licensed professionals.

Today's episode of The Power of Zero Show revolves around a question host David McKnight gets asked all the time: "Should I still be doing Roth conversions in my 60s, even if I'm already retired?" In short, David believes that you should not only do a Roth conversion in your 60s, it's actually one of the most optimal times in your entire life to do it. When doing a Roth conversion, you're choosing to pay the IRS its portion of your IRA now, on your terms, instead of paying it a much larger portion later, on their terms. That's why Roth conversions don't only make sense for younger people but for retired folks too. Remember: with Roth conversions, you're not catching up because you're not behind. You're locking in a lower tax rate today to avoid a much higher tax rate down the road. David explains why the so-called "retirement income valley" is a strategically perfect time to do a Roth conversion. The 32% tax bracket is David's least favorite tax bracket, which he recommends avoiding at all costs when doing Roth conversions. David touches upon the Penn Wharton Budget Model and why 2040, or so, will be the do-or-die date for these matters. What if you don't have extra cash sitting around? Would you still need to pay the taxes on your Roth conversion out of pocket? David illustrates what you can do if you find yourself in that situation. David goes over why you should want to get as much of your IRA into Roth as you possibly can – and what's the beauty of doing that in your 60s.     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 Congressional Budget Office Penn Wharton Budget Model

David McKnight unpacks the five most common objections to Roth conversions and why they simply don't hold up under scrutiny.  The first objection has to do with people not wanting to voluntarily pay taxes before the IRS requires them to. While on the surface, postponing this may sound logical, it ignores a fundamental aspect: the state of the U.S. national debt. It has just passed $39 trillion, and it's slated to grow by $2 trillion per year for the next 10 years, and $3 trillion after that. In other words, interest on the national debt is becoming one of the largest line items in the federal budget.  That means that by refusing to pay taxes today, you're making an insanely risky bet that taxes in the future will be lower than they are right now. All, while your IRA keeps growing and compounding over time. Thus, 10 years from now, not only could tax rates be higher, but your required minimum distributions could be dramatically larger. The second most common objection to Roth conversions revolves around people saying, "If I do Roth conversions, that additional income will force me to pay increasingly higher levels of IRMAA or cause my Social Security to be taxed." David points out that Roth conversions do increase your taxable income, which can trigger those additional expenses during the conversion period.  However, while it's true that you'll pay IRMAA and Social Security taxation in the short term, you'll get rid of those additional expenses for the rest of your life once your conversion period is over. Objection #3 is "There's too much opportunity cost, I won't have time to make up for the taxes I paid".  David explains that, despite sounding sophisticated, this objection is based on a flawed premise. Your IRA is a "business partnership" with the IRS – and every year they get to vote on what percentage of your profits they get to keep. So, when you do a Roth conversion, you're not losing money. You're simply buying out your "silent business partner" at today's historically low tax rates. David highlights that, if taxes double in the future, you'll be glad you bought them out while taxes were still on sale. The fourth objection – "In retirement, I'll be in a lower tax bracket" – is actually one of the most dangerous assumptions in all of retirement planning. People assume that when they retire, their taxes automatically go down. For many Americans, the exact opposite happens, though. Once required minimum distributions kick in, they can force huge amounts of taxable income onto your tax returns. David touches upon an additional issue almost nobody talks about: the so-called widow's penalty. The fifth objection to Roth conversions revolves around the question, "Won't the federal government tax Roth IRAs sometime down the road?" People don't realize that the government loves Roth IRAs because they generate tax revenue today – unlike traditional IRAs, which delay tax revenue. That's why, every time Congress needs money, they tend to pass legislation that makes Roth accounts even more attractive. Remember: Roth conversions are about taking advantage of the tax sale of a lifetime before catastrophic levels of debt force tax rates higher.     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

Gas prices go up… so should your prices go up too? This is a question many small business owners are asking, and the answer is not always simple. Today, we break down the pros and cons of passing along higher gas costs to your customers. You will learn when it makes sense to raise prices, when it might hurt your business, and how to think through the decision using your numbers. Pricing should never be based on emotion or panic. It should be based on understanding your costs, your margins, and your overall profitability. If you want to protect your profits and make smart pricing decisions, this is a conversation you need to have. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

As the school year winds down, it's important to find meaningful ways to celebrate the year with intention. Drawing on ideas from our Teacher Approved community, we explore countdowns, theme days, and creative class celebrations that bring both fun and purpose to those final weeks. These strategies will help keep students engaged, create lasting memories, and honor the classroom community you've built, so you can wrap up the year in a way that feels thoughtful, memorable, and manageable.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/last-week-of-school-activities-elementary/Resources:Summer Review PacketsDLITE Day PacketsYours Truly by Abby JimenezJane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie EdwardCheck out our book Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year ClosureEpisode 62. End of Year Awards: 5 Reasons You Should Rethink This Classroom TraditionEpisode 7. The Secret to End of Year SurvivalEpisode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer BreakMentioned in this episode:Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

David McKnight dissects a topic that causes a lot of confusion for retirees and pre-retirees: How  Roth conversions affect social security taxation and Medicare premiums (IRMAA). Some warn against Roth conversions in retirement as they can cause your Social Security to become taxable and could also raise your Medicare premiums. While that's true, David believes that the long-term benefits of Roth conversions can far outweigh the temporary, short-term pain they can cause. In order to determine whether your Social Security benefits will be taxed, the IRS tracks the so-called provisional income. If you perform a Roth conversion after you begin collecting Social Security, that additional income can push you above certain thresholds that cause your Social Security benefits to become taxable. Medicare premiums are also influenced by your income through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), and they look at your income from two years earlier to determine your IRMAA bracket, Remember: A Roth conversion today could trigger higher Medicare premiums two years from now.  David also explains that Roth withdrawals are not included in provisional income. Not only do they not cause your Social Security benefits to become taxable, but they also do not count towards the income thresholds that trigger higher Medicare premiums. As David points out, with the approach discussed in this episode, you're essentially compressing the tax pain into a few years, so you can enjoy decades of tax-free income later on. The national debt continues to spiral out of control to the point where economists are now predicting massive tax increases within the next 10 to 20 years. If such predictions are accurate, the people who will benefit most are those who have already shifted large portions of their retirement savings into tax-free accounts like Roth IRAs. By performing Roth conversions today – while tax rates are historically low – you're effectively locking in today's tax rates and protecting yourself from the possibility of much higher rates down the road. When talking about Roth conversions affecting Social Security taxation and IRMAA, we have to remember that those impacts are temporary, while the tax-free benefits can last for the rest of your life. David touches upon two reasons why it may make sense to delay taking Social Security while you're performing Roth conversions. Increasing the likelihood that your money will last as long as you do should be the #1 goal of every retirement plan.     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

Feeling overwhelmed in your business? You might be trying to fix too much at once. Let's focus small and get big results! Today, we break down the 80/20 rule and how it applies directly to your business. The idea is simple. A small portion of what you do is responsible for the majority of your results. That means 20% of your products likely drive 80% of your sales. 20% of your processes may be causing 80% of your problems. And 20% of what is on your Profit & Loss could be driving most of your profit issues. Instead of spreading yourself thin, you need to narrow your focus. Find the few things that matter most and work on those first. When you do, you can create bigger results with less effort and finally start moving your business forward. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

Your clients don’t want a portfolio manager. They want someone who’ll catch them when they fall. That’s the truth most advisors are too busy chasing alpha to hear, and it’s exactly why Duncan MacPherson sits down with industry legend Steve Sandusky in this episode. Steve climbs mountains, and he’s spent decades teaching advisors that the most important rope in their practice isn’t tied to the markets. It’s the belay: the quiet discipline of holding the line so your client can keep climbing without fear of the fall. Get that right and you stop selling advice. You become the first call when life cracks open. Duncan and Steve unpack “Return on Life,” the framework reshaping the profession by measuring success not in basis points but in a client’s freedom, time, and meaning. They get into why story and symbolism build trust faster than any performance chart, how celestial navigation can steady clients (and you) when the markets blur, and what it takes to build a practice the AI tsunami can’t touch. Key takeaways: Using story and symbolism to forge trust that compounds Designing a purpose-driven practice that ages well Pricing human judgment in an AI-saturated market Knowing when to lean into technology and when to put it down Finding your North Star when every client is asking, “What now?” If you’re done competing on returns and ready to compete on meaning, this episode is the map. Outthink. Outcare. Outlast. Promotions: Pareto Systems: Turnkey Advisor Membership Pareto Systems Consulting: paretosystems.com/financial-advisor-coaching Connect With Duncan MacPherson: Website: ParetoSystems.com Toll Free: 1.866.593.8020 Learn More: Schedule a Call LinkedIn: Duncan MacPherson Connect With Steve Sanduski: LinkedIn: Steve Sanduski E-mail: ssanduski@belayadvisor.com Website: belayadvisor.com About Our Guest: Steve Sanduski, MBA, CFP® is the Founder and President of Belay Advisor, a financial advisor coaching, consulting, and marketing services company that works with individuals and firms to accelerate growth. For more than 20 years, he's been building businesses and helping professionals become more successful. Prior to founding Belay Advisor, Steve was the Managing Partner of Peak Advisor Alliance, a business coaching and training resources company that grew from 0 to 1,000 coaching clients during his 11 years of managing the company. Earlier in his career, he was a senior leader at an independent broker/dealer and helped build the firm's corporate RIA from $0 to nearly $2 billion in assets under management in a short period of time. An accomplished writer, Steve is a New York Times Bestselling author and the co-author of two books: Tested in the Trenches: A 9-Step Plan for Success as a New-Era Advisor (it has become one of the most sought after practice management books in the industry) Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth (became a New York Times bestseller and a Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller) Steve is also a frequent contributor to the trade press including Investment News. Financial Planning Magazine, and Financial Advisor Magazine. As a professional speaker, Steve has addressed audiences all over the country and he focuses on delivering practical ideas, strategies and tools that attendees can use immediately to reach higher levels of success. He's also the host of several podcasts including Between Now and Success and Barron's Advisor: The Way Forward podcast. On both podcasts, Steve interviews top financial industry leaders as well as other accomplished professional from around the world who have messages that can benefit financial advisors

David McKnight addresses one of the biggest threats to your retirement plan: sequence of returns risk. Are you retired or within 10 years of retirement? Sequence of returns risk may be the single most important concept you need to understand if you want to ensure your money lasts as long as you do. Sequence of returns risk refers to the danger of experiencing a market downturn early in retirement while you're simultaneously taking withdrawals from your portfolio. David explains why this risk is most dangerous during your first 10 years of retirement. Early in retirement, your money still needs to last 20 to 30 years – an early blow to your portfolio can significantly impact its ability to do so. To defend yourself in the most dangerous decade of retirement, you need an account that allows you to avoid touching your stock portfolio until the market has recovered. The reason for that is that, historically, most market downturns take 3-5 years to recover back to their previous peak. David discusses the 4% Rule and the "catch" that comes along with it. Some experts, like Suze Orman, recommend having 3-5 years' worth of expenses accumulated in an emergency fund. David goes over why it may not be a good idea.  David brings Indexed Universal Life insurance (IUL) and the concept of volatility buffer into the conversation. Remember: if you're within 10 years of retirement, now is the time to start thinking seriously about how you'll create a volatility buffer.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 Suze Orman

Jon drops into Pete Hegseth's live press conference on Project Freedom. Jon and Sam talk through some questionable snack combinations. One listener calls out Jon's Star Wars fandom and Jon turns his attention to Amy Klobuchar's gubernatorial campaign and fraud in Minnesota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon drops into Pete Hegseth's live press conference on Project Freedom. Jon and Sam talk through some questionable snack combinations. One listener calls out Jon's Star Wars fandom and Jon turns his attention to Amy Klobuchar's gubernatorial campaign and fraud in Minnesota.

Why should a customer choose you over your competition? If you cannot answer that clearly, you are making it harder than it needs to be to grow your business. In this video, we talk about what it really takes to stand out. Whether it is choosing a niche, delivering exceptional customer service, or solving a specific problem better than anyone else, your goal is to become the obvious choice. We also talk about how your competition is not the enemy. It is actually one of your best teachers. Study what they do well, not just what they do wrong, and use those insights to improve your own business. At the end of the day, standing out is not about being louder. It is about understanding what your customers truly want and becoming the business that delivers it best. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

David McKnight breaks down the approach he would follow if he were to invest a $2 million 401(k) in retirement. David points out that when you retire, you're no longer just investing for growth; you're investing for income.  Remember: If you get this wrong, you don't get a do-over. In the case David discusses, many financial advisors would recommend investing the $2 million in the market and withdrawing whatever your lifestyle requires. The problem with that way of doing things, however, is the exposure to the sequence of returns risk. If the market crashes early in retirement and you're pulling money out at the same time, your portfolio could go into a death spiral from which it never recovers. The main trap those planning their retirement and retirees should avoid is running out of money before running out of life. David touches upon the role that a guaranteed lifetime income annuity plays in retirement planning. As far as annuities are concerned, he's in favor of annuities that have what he refers to as "piecemeal internal Roth conversion feature." That means being able to gradually convert that annuity from tax-deferred to tax-free during the annuity's deferral period. David recommends investing discretionary funds with the following ratio: 70% in a total U.S. stock index, 30% in a total international stock index. He would automatically rebalance if his allocations ever got more than about 5% out of alignment. The reason why David's approach lacks bonds is simple: if your portfolio goes down in your retirement years, your guaranteed lifetime income gives you the luxury of watching it recover before you take further distributions. Long-term care is a piece of the strategy that most advisors completely ignore – David explains why it shouldn't be overlooked. Moreover, the cash value inside that policy can also act as a volatility buffer. David brings up a move that can increase the sustainable withdrawal rate on your stock portfolio from 4% to as high as 8% with a 95% confidence rate. "I believe we're currently experiencing the lowest tax rates we're likely to see in our lifetime," says David. Many experts believe that by 2035, when the debt-to-GDP ratio will hit about 150%, the Federal Government would have to begin phasing in tax increases over time to avoid an all-out economic crisis. That's why David would like to convert his IRA to Roth, little by little, over the next 10 years in the most tax-efficient way possible. David provides a bird's eye view of the entire strategy, which by his own admission, "checks every single box." An Ernst & Young study looked at this type of strategy combining investments with insurance-based solutions like annuities and life insurance – David discusses its findings. "I'm proposing a strategy that gives you certainty where you need it most, your income and tax-free flexibility everywhere else," he adds.  Such an approach allows you to neutralize longevity risk and tax rate risks all in one cohesive strategy.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 Ernst & Young

Your sales are up… but your profit is down. What is going on? Too many business owners find themselves working harder, bringing in more revenue, and still making less money. The first step to fixing it is not guessing. It is going straight to your Profit & Loss and comparing it to previous time periods. Most people jump straight to cutting expenses, and yes, that matters. But the real issue for many businesses is sitting in payroll, payroll taxes, and subcontractors. Instead of improving processes and developing their team, they keep adding more people. And now payroll is eating up all the profit. Today, we break down where to look, what trends to watch for, and how to address the real problem so your business can become more efficient and more profitable. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

He opened his bank account… and it was negative. His daughter needed diapers… and he couldn't afford them. That moment changed everything. From broke… to becoming a highly consistent trader—this is his story. https://tradingnut.com/humble-trader - Humble Trader's Links

David McKnight explores the so-called "22% Roth conversion mistake," which he considers a common and costly mistake when it comes to Roth conversions. He points out that, despite Trump tax cuts being made permanent with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, tax rates can change at any time with a simple act of Congress. That's why he refers to this as a "temporary permanent tax cut." The $200 trillion underfunding of entitlement programs and the exploding interest on the national debt makes it clear that tax rates are unlikely to stay this low for long. Many Americans currently find themselves in the 22% bracket and refuse to bump into the 24% bracket for Roth conversion purposes – because they've been told to stay in their current bracket. However, if you stay in the 22% bracket, you are unlikely to be able to convert a meaningful amount of your IRA to Roth before tax rates go up for good. David shares an example that illustrates why, by trying to save a little bit on taxes today, you actually set yourself up for a massive tax bill down the road. The other scenario – where you allowed yourself to rise into the 24% bracket – buys you the ability to convert a lot more money every single year. Even though most people would be willing to pay 2% more in taxes today if it meant avoiding potentially much higher tax rates in the future, most people don't consider this option.  That's because they have been conditioned to believe that any move into a higher tax bracket during the Roth conversion period is inherently bad… 10 years from now, you are probably going to look back at the 24% tax bracket as a good deal of historic proportions… Remember: you are not trying to minimize taxes this year, you are trying to minimize taxes over the rest of your life. For David, you shouldn't let the 22% Roth conversion mistake keep you from fully insulating your hard-earned retirement savings from the impact of future higher taxes. The goal, he reminds everyone, should be to get to the 0% tax bracket in retirement.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Getting your first paying client doesn't require more preparation—it requires different action. In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact process I've used and taught to help beginners move from “figuring it out” to actually getting paid. We're focusing on what matters (and cutting everything that doesn't) so you can validate your offer, build confidence, and start generating real momentum in your business. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why you don't need a website, content, or branding to get your first client The exact 4-step process to land your first paying client Why working with beta clients (for free) is actually strategic How to create a simple offer that people will say yes to How to turn free work into paid clients quickly Links & Resources:

So you want to spend $500 in your business, but when will you make your money back?  Maybe it is advertising, people, a course, or even a lunch. Everything you spend comes at a cost. Don't make this mistake so many folks make in thinking the first $500 will pay you back. It doesn't work like that.  -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

David McKnight discusses the three biggest retirement planning mistakes that show up over and over again. Avoiding them will dramatically increase the likelihood that your retirement savings will last as long as you do.  Mistake #1 pertains to over-accumulating in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs – a mistake that surprises many people as they feel they're doing everything right. The problem here is that you're taking a deduction at historically low tax rates only to postpone the payment of those taxes to a point in the future where tax rates are likely to be much higher than they are today. The moment you hit age 73 or 75, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) kick in. In other words, the IRS is forcing you to take money out, whether you need it or not. Those RMDs get combined with all your other sources of income: The taxable portion of your social security, your pension(s), and your investment income. David notes that, before long, you can find yourself in a higher tax bracket in retirement than you were during your working years. Remember, RMDs count as provisional income, which can cause up to 85% of your social security to become taxable – plus, it can trigger IRMAA surcharges on your Medicare premiums too. Building a retirement plan that is almost entirely tax-deferred looks good on paper but leaves you entirely exposed to the impact of higher taxes in the future. The second mistake is waiting too long to execute Roth conversions. David touches upon the so-called "retirement income valley," the ideal window within which to fully execute your Roth conversion. Many people ignore it. They're hesitant, reluctant to pay a tax to the IRS before it's absolutely required of them. Failing to take advantage of the "retirement income valley" puts you at risk of having your social security become taxable, while also paying higher Medicare premiums for the rest of your life. When it comes to Roth conversions, David recommends having a "rip the band-aid off" approach.  It may hurt a little during the conversion period but once that money is in the Roth bucket, it's tax-free for the rest of your life. The third big mistake David sees over and over again is underestimating future tax rates and overestimating your control over them. Most retirement plans today are built on the dangerous assumption that tax rates in the future will look a lot like they do today. However, David stresses that looking at the fiscal trajectory of our country paints a different picture. The national debt will grow by $2 trillion per year over the next 10 years, and $3 trillion per year after that. With the rising interest costs and $200 trillion in unfunded obligations for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, there will be a financial day of reckoning where tax rates will be forced higher. David predicts that to be around 2035 – which gives you around 10 years to plan and execute on your plan. People spend their entire lives focusing on building as big a retirement nest egg as possible, but they give almost no thought to the type of accounts within which that nest egg is being built. The lack of consideration for the tax implications upon distributions is a huge oversight, says David.  At the end of the day, the only thing that really matters in retirement is how much money you get to spend after taxes. David concludes by highlighting that the best way to regain control over your after-tax income retirement is to pay taxes on it preemptively at historically low tax rates and on your terms (rather than on the IRS' terms).     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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

Your Profit & Loss statement is more than just a report. It is a roadmap to better decisions and higher profits. Today, we walk through how to review the last 3 months of your P&L and use it to spot trends that matter. You will learn how to compare your most recent month to prior months, look at year to date performance, and compare it to last year to see what is really changing in your business. We also talk about how to find hidden profits, identify profit leaks, review payroll, and uncover broken processes that are costing you money. Your numbers will show you exactly where the problems and opportunities are if you take the time to look. If you want a more profitable business, start by understanding the trends in your numbers. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

Thinking about quitting drinking for 30 days but not sure where to start? In this episode, I break down a simple, practical step-by-step plan to help men go alcohol-free for 30 days without white-knuckling it or relying on willpower alone. This isn't about perfection — it's about discipline, clarity, and building momentum. You'll learn: • Why most men fail to quit drinking• The biggest mistake guys make in the first week• How to prepare your environment for success• What to expect during the first 30 days• How to stay consistent when motivation drops If you're tired of starting over every Monday, this episode will give you a clear path forward. And if you're ready to take action, I created the 30-Day Sober Performance Challenge — a simple daily plan designed to help men build discipline, improve performance, and gain control of their habits. Try our 30-Day Sober Performance Challenge — https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rebranding your podcast can feel like a risk—especially when you've built momentum and don't want to disrupt your audience growth. But staying misaligned as your business evolves can quietly limit your audience growth far more than making a strategic change. Because this isn't just about a name—it's about positioning your podcast to support long-term audience growth in a way that actually reflects where you're going.This episode breaks down a clear, strategic process for rebranding your podcast without losing trust or traction. You'll learn how to choose a name rooted in search behavior and podcast marketing, not just creativity, so your show becomes easier to find and aligned with your audience's needs. We also explore how to design cover art that signals relevance within your category, improving podcast download growth and strengthening your overall content marketing approach.From there, you'll walk through a three-episode rollout designed to build trust, not confusion—an approach that supports stronger podcast engagement strategies while reinforcing your positioning. And this is where most creators get it wrong: it's not about making a dramatic shift overnight, it's about bringing your audience into the evolution so your audience growth continues to build with clarity.We also simplify the backend so you can focus on what actually drives results inside your online business, from podcast monetization to building evergreen revenue through podcasting for business growth. Go back to listen to episode 39, then press play and move forward with a podcast that's fully aligned with where you're headed.Ready to Turn Your Podcast Into a Revenue Stream?If you want to build a business that works when you're offline, your podcast can become one of the most powerful evergreen marketing tools in your business.Inside my Podcast Growth Strategy, I'll help you optimize your podcast for search so it attracts the right listeners, grows your audience, and turns your show into a discoverable marketing asset that keeps working long after you hit publish.This is a done-for-you strategy designed to help you grow your show, increase your online visibility, and create income without social media.

David McKnight explores a retirement planning phenomenon that almost nobody discusses, but that has been documented repeatedly in academic research. It's the idea that when retirees convert some of their savings into guaranteed lifetime income through an annuity, they actually spend more money and enjoy retirement more than those who rely on their liquid retirement savings alone. Even though many people assume that doing so would make retirees more conservative with their spending, research actually shows the opposite. According to academic studies, when retirees have reliable lifetime income, they actually feel more comfortable spending money. Moreover, when retirees rely purely on investment accounts for income, they often underspend even when they have more than enough money to support their lifestyle. One of the findings of David Blanchett's and Michael Finke's License to Spend research has found that retirees treat guaranteed income very differently than they treat investment portfolios. In some cases, those who have money sitting in investment accounts – rather than guaranteed income – spend about 40 to 50% of what financial models say they could safely withdraw from their portfolios. Behavioral economics, and the so-called loss aversion, more specifically, highlight the fact that human beings are wired to fear loss more than they value gain. David notes that guaranteed lifetime income annuities can actually increase the amount retirees spend and enjoy during retirement. David breaks down the concept of the Retirement Consumption Puzzle. People are comfortable spending income but are terrified of spending principle. In other words, if you give someone a monthly payment, they treat it as income and spend it freely.  On the other hand, if you give them a large investment account and tell them to withdraw money from it each year, they all of a sudden become cautious and tighten up the purse strings. When it comes to the stock portfolio, David suggests allocating 70% to a total U.S. stock market index and 30% toward a total international stock market index – and rebalance every time that allocation gets more than 5% out of whack.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 David Blanchett Michael Finke Fidelity  The Urban Institute Ken Fisher

Are you handling your subcontractors the right way when you pay them? This is one area where small mistakes can turn into big problems. Let's break down the difference between a subcontractor and an employee, and why it matters for your business. We also walk through the correct way to pay subcontractors, what information you need to collect, and why getting a W9 is not optional. If you skip these steps, you could end up paying more in taxes or even violating the law. This is not about making things complicated. It is about protecting your business and doing things the right way from the start. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

David McKnight touches upon what he considers the most overlooked tax-free income stream. What he's referring to is to leave enough money in your traditional IRA so that your required minimum distributions can be completely offset by your standard deduction in retirement. David believes that focusing on tax-free retirement strategies is more crucial than ever, since it's becoming increasingly clear that taxes are likely to rise dramatically in the future. The United States is $39 trillion in debt and, as interest on that debt continues to grow and compound, the Government will eventually have to find ways to service it. Historically, when Governments face massive debt burdens, they typically do a combination of two things: cut spending or raise taxes. David lists what he considers the best tools for tax-free income in retirement – and why you can justify their inclusion in your balanced, comprehensive tax-free retirement plan. The first resource is Roth IRAs, which allow your money to grow tax-free and be distributed tax-free in retirement. Plus, they provide tremendous liquidity too. Then there are Roth 401(k)s. They have many of the same tax-free benefits as Roth IRAs, but also have an additional advantage.  Many employers provide matching Roth 401(k)s contributions in their retirement plans. Hence, you can receive free money from your employer while still building tax-free retirement income. When it comes to Roth conversions, they're beneficial in that they allow you to convert money from tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs or 401(k)s into Roth accounts. Additionally, Roth conversions don't have limits on how much money you can convert each year – as long as you're willing to pay the taxes today, you can shift large amounts of money into the tax-free bucket. When designed correctly, cash value life insurance policies allow money to grow tax-deferred and to be accessed tax-free through policy loans. Moreover, they also provide a death benefit that you can receive in advance of your death for the purpose of paying for long-term care. In case you need a volatility buffer, you can use cash value life insurance to draw money from the policy after a down year on the market instead of selling stocks at depressed prices.  Leaving enough money in your traditional IRA so that your required minimum distributions can be completely offset by your standard deduction in retirement is the most overlooked tax-free income stream – David illustrates "the Holy Grail of financial planning". HSAs, health saving accounts, are the only other financial tool that allows contributions to be tax-deductible, the growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals can be tax-free if used for qualified medical purposes. However, HSAs come with certain restrictions on how the money must be spent… David notes that, in a perfect retirement plan, you may have as many as six different streams of tax-free income. The idea behind it is to take advantage of every nook and cranny in the IRS tax code instead of relying on just one tax-free account.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 Mitt Romney

Learn how to start a video podcast that makes money in 2026! ☎️ Posting but not growing? Let's fix your YouTube strategy → Apply for Coaching ➡️ http://ViralVideoCoach.comThis video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

One of the BIGGEST reasons you feel like you're constantly spinning you wheels and not hitting your goals, is because you don't actually have a real plan to get there.You're setting goals and then just showing up willy nilly posting content, hoping that you hit them. But the truth is, failing to plan is planning to fail. Period.Showing up and winging everything in your business could be the SOLE factor holding you back in your business currently. Switching how you show up in your business from random to INTENTIONAL is the key to reaching the big goals in your business.In this episode I teach you the power of a a real plan and walk you through my signature planning strategy to reverse engineer any goal down to the daily TASKS you need to do to get there.Want to connect?Did you try out this strategy or did it just totally blow your mind? Hop over to Instagram and let me know @bossladyhaileyReady to go ALL in on scaling your business like a mother and want personalized strategy and hands on coaching directly from me to help you do it? Apply to join The Joyful MAMA Coach. This is where you scale your coaching business while being the present and joyful mama you want to be at home. Want to work with me and learn business strategies that work for your life as a mom without committing your entire life or wallet? Join The Business Mama INSIDER!

Igor Pejic is an author, speaker, and banker focusing on the tech sector, currently leading the mobile apps team for one of the largest banks in Europe. His new book, "Tech Money", uncovers the rules of investing in the age of artificial intelligence. He appears regularly in the New York Times, American Banker, Forbes, and Bloomberg. His Substack newsletter is called "The New Frontier", analyzing the latest trends in tech and finance. Pejic has taught at the University of Vienna and has spoken for the Financial Post, German Banking Association, UK Finance, and Centre for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. Learn more at https://www.igorpejic.net/. This episode is brought to you by Bryan Kuderna's new book, "Simply Wealthy: The 4-Step Plan for Financial Freedom". Click here to order your copy today-- https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/823475/simply-wealthy-by-bryan-kuderna/.

When you receive a gift you KNOW you'll never use, it's hard to know what to do…especially when that person is always visiting or asking you where it is! In today's episode I'm walking you through how to navigate these difficult conversations while holding your ground and keeping your home clutter-free! Resources Mentioned: Get my weekly newsletter with decluttering tips, resources, favorite recipes, and more! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/newsletter.   Related Episodes: Episode 14: Is Your Family Pressuring You Into Holding Onto Stuff You Don't Want? Say Goodbye to Guilt with These 3 Tips   Episode 59: Your 5-Step Plan to Declutter Unwanted Gifts Guilt-Free   Episode 228: How to Navigate Gift-Giving with Generous Family Members - with Small Space Coach Khrystyne Jaspers   *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com  Podcast -＞ https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/ Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ Get podcast playlists for decluttering mindset, tactical decluttering tips, ADHD, getting kids & family on board, and more! https://www.listennotes.com/@momsovercomingoverwhelm/playlists/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person decluttering and organization coaching (Washington DC metro area)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Alina Kastner, an expert in narcissistic relationships and author, to dive into how to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns, why they're so hard to leave, and what true healing actually looks like. You will learn: How to recognize the signs of a narcissistic relationship Why you may feel unworthy, unlovable, or like something is wrong with you Why it's so hard to leave and the fear of being alone The steps to begin breaking free from unhealthy relationship patterns How to heal, rebuild your confidence, and reconnect with yourself Connect with Dr. Alina Kastner's HERE.  Check out Dr. Alina Kastner's books through these Amazon affiliate links: By using these links to purchase, you're supporting the podcast without any extra cost to you.   Break Up with Narcissism: How to Break Free and Stay Free ― The 4-Step Plan for Surviving Narcissistic Abuse My Toxic Breakup A Guided Journal Dr. Alina Kastner's Book Recommendations:  Psychopath Free (Expanded Edition): Recovering from Emotionally Abusive Relationships With Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People A Simpler Life: A guide to greater serenity, ease, and clarity  The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself Subscribe HERE and get a free 5-day journal to begin closing the chapter on what doesn't serve you and open the door to the real you. Connect with Kristen: Get Kristen's newsletter, packed with tangible tools, resources, and inspiration Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Kristen on Instagram   Kristen's TikTok   Have Kristen Speak at Your Event  Disclaimer This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about ideas on stress management and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not psychotherapy/counseling in any form. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. For counseling services near Indianapolis, IN, visit www.pathwaystohealingcounseling.com. Pathways to Healing Counseling's vision is to provide warm, caring, compassionate and life-changing counseling services and educational programs to individuals, couples and families in order to create learning, healing and growth.      

David McKnight addresses an issue he sees more and more in his conversations with retirees and pre-retirees: the so-called Roth over-conversion trap.  The problem stems from converting too much money with the result of shortening the lifespan of your retirement savings. David believes that the reason why many Americans are racing to convert everything they have in their IRAs and 401(k)s has to do with the fear about where the country is headed financially. Penn Wharton has warned repeatedly that, if we don't right our fiscal ship by 2043, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will arrest the financial collapse of the country. According to former Comptroller General of the U.S. Government David M. Walker tax rates could have to double to pay for the country's massive $200 trillion unfunded obligations for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The debt-to-GPD ratio, which is one of the simplest measures of a nation's financial health, keeps climbing higher: By 2035 it will be at 150%, while by 2043 at nearly 200%. David warns that what most people don't realize is that in their zeal to avoid higher taxes, they may actually be marching straight into an over-conversion trap – which is just as dangerous as not converting enough money into tax-free. If you end up not having taxable income left to be offset by your standard deduction, you'll end up having a tax shield with nothing to protect. In other words, your deduction will sit idle, completely unused, and will go to waste every single year. That's why David suggests leaving a small, strategic amount of money in your tax-deferred bucket. The idea is to want enough in your IRA or 401(k) so that when required minimum distributions begin at age 73 or 75, those distributions are offset by your standard deduction.  David touches upon what he refers to as the "Holy Grail of retirement planning:" You got a deduction on the way in, you grew your money tax-deferred and then you took the money out 100% tax-free by offsetting it with a standard deduction. The million dollar question is how much should you leave in your IRA or 401(k) to make everything work? That's roughly $400,000 for married couples, around $200,000 for single retirees. If you aren't strategic with your retirement planning approach, you may have up to 85% of your Social Security taxable at your highest marginal tax bracket. David sees ensuring your money lasts as long as you do as the #1 retirement planning goal.  Remember: you shouldn't reflexively convert 100% of your tax-deferred retirement savings to tax-free. You want to be aware of how the standard deduction in retirement works and execute your Roth conversion strategy accordingly.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 Penn Wharton David M. Walker

→ Free Body Recomp Strategy Call | Most people struggle to get (and stay) lean because they lack a phasic approach.Today we're walking through exactly what the process of going from 20% to 10% body fat looks like and how to apply it to your own situation. (Hint: It's not just eating in a calorie deficit for a year straight.) You'll learn:Aggressive vs. moderate fat loss phases and when to use eachHow to structure fat loss phases based on your dieting and training historyHow to use recomp and maintenance phases to keep fat loss progressing long termHow to transition out of a cut and away from tracking macros without losing your progressWhy getting to 10% and sustaining it are two very different goalsIf you've been stuck between 15 and 20% and can't seem to break through, this episode is for you.→ Get a FREE Month of Coaching (Podcast Special)→ Book a Free Body Recomp Strategy Call→ Get My Free Body Recomp Guide→ Follow Kade on Instagram

You've tried the diets. You've made the plans. And yet, there you are at 3pm, or after a brutal clinic day, or standing in the hotel breakfast buffet, eating more than you meant to — and feeling awful about it after. Here's what nobody has told you: the problem isn't that you can't stick to a plan. It's that every plan you've been given has been pointed at the wrong target. In this episode, I'm sharing a four-step "start here" plan that actually works.  We're not talking about what to eat or what to cut out. We're talking about understanding why you eat the way you do — and how to actually change it in a way that doesn't require more willpower or more energy you don't have. I cover why shame is the first thing that has to go, how to find the patterns hiding in your last two weeks of eating, why you should absolutely start with the easiest thing (not the hardest), and why failure is not only expected but actually part of the plan.  If you can't figure out why you keep hitting the drive through (even though you know it isn't healthy) then this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell sits down with Christine Trimpe, founder of the SugarFreed® Method and author of SugarFreed: Stop Losing the Weight Loss Battle, Start Gaining the Victory, to unpack the real reason so many high-achieving women feel stuck when it comes to their health. Christine shares her powerful personal story of losing over 100 pounds and breaking free from years of sugar addiction, revealing why traditional dieting fails and what it actually takes to create lasting transformation. This conversation goes beyond food and fitness, diving into burnout, perfectionism, emotional health, and the deeper connection between faith and wellness. Together, they explore how ambition can quietly sabotage health, why body composition matters more than the scale, and how women can finally break free from what Christine calls "sugar shackles" to reclaim their energy, clarity, and purpose. If you've been doing all the "right things" but still feel exhausted, stuck, or frustrated with your health, this episode will challenge your thinking—and give you a new path forward. What we discuss in this episode: • Christine's 100-pound weight loss journey and what finally worked • What "sugar shackles" are and how they impact your body and brain • The hidden link between burnout, ambition, and poor health • Why dieting alone doesn't solve weight or energy issues • The importance of body composition and metabolic health • How to break destructive eating patterns and emotional cycles • The role of faith in healing and sustainable transformation • Why community and accountability are essential for long-term success Key takeaways: • High-achieving women often ignore early health warning signs until burnout hits • Sugar addiction is not about lack of willpower—it's a deeper physiological and emotional cycle • Lasting weight loss requires addressing mindset, habits, and internal healing • Sustainable health comes from aligning physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being • True transformation happens when you shift identity—not just behavior Notable quotes from the episode: • You can't outwork a broken relationship with food • Sugar isn't just a habit, it's a stronghold for many women • Burnout is often the result of success without sustainability • Your body is not the enemy—it's the messenger • Real change starts when you stop chasing results and start rebuilding your foundation About the guest: Christine Trimpe is a wellness leader dedicated to helping professional Christian women reclaim their health through a faith-based, holistic approach. After overcoming her own struggles with sugar addiction and weight loss, she created the SugarFreed® Method to help women break free from cycles of dieting, burnout, and frustration. Her work has been featured on Christian Broadcasting Network's Healthy Living and in national publications like Woman's World and First for Women. Free resources: Break the Sugar Cycle – 7 Step Plan https://pages.christinetrimpe.net/break-sugar-cycle-plan-2026-1 Free Chapter of SugarFreed https://pages.christinetrimpe.net/sugarfreed-free-chapter3 Crush Your Cravings Wellness Guide https://pages.christinetrimpe.net/free-guide-1-podcasts1465441 Learn more: Website https://www.christinetrimpe.com Book https://christinetrimpe.com/sugarfreed/ 21 Day SugarFreed Detox https://christinetrimpe.com/weight-loss-detox/ SugarFreed 13 Week Program https://christinetrimpe.com/weight-loss/ Speaking https://christinetrimpe.com/speaking/ Connect with Christine: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coachchristinetrimpe/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChristineTrimpeLLC YouTube https://youtube.com/christinetrimpe LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-trimpe-07123299/ Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/coachchristinetrimpe/ X (Twitter) https://x.com/TrimpeChristine If this episode spoke to you, share it with a woman in your life who's been silently struggling. Real change doesn't come from doing more—it comes from doing things differently.  

In this episode of the Power of Zero Show David McKnight gives you a blueprint with the key steps to follow for a successful and stress-free retirement if you're about five years away. The first step is figuring out your retirement income shortfall, the income you'll need every month in retirement, as well as how much of that will be covered by sources like Social Security and pensions. The retirement income shortfall represents the amount of income your retirement assets need to produce in order to fund your lifestyle. One strategy many retirees rely on is taking a portion of their liquid retirement savings, often from a traditional IRA or 401(k), and rolling it into an annuity designed to produce inflation-adjusted lifetime income. The second pillar of the blueprint discussed by David are investments: Roughly 70% to a total U.S. stock market index fund, and 30% to a total international stock market index fund. While things like paying the electric bill or putting food on the table are covered by your guaranteed income sources, this portfolio is designed to fund discretionary expenses (e.g. taking the grandkids to Disneyland, traveling, etc.) and unexpected shock expenses. David emphasizes that, by investing this discretionary bucket entirely in stocks rather than bonds, you increase the likelihood that the portfolio will last through your actuarial life expectancy. "When properly structured and funded, an index universal life policy or IUL can serve as a volatility buffer within your retirement plan", says David. Furthermore, a IUL policy can also provide a death benefit that can be accessed in advance of your death for the purpose of paying for long-term care… Remember: Retirement planning isn't about guessing what the market will do, it's about building a system where your basic needs are guaranteed, your growth assets continue compounding and you have the tools in place to manage volatility and unexpected risks.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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

Not every business owner wants to build a big company with employees and layers of management. Some people simply want a profitable business they can run themselves. And that is completely valid. Let's talk about the realities of staying solo in business. There are challenges, including the lack of income security when work slows down. But there are also powerful advantages if you run the business intentionally. We discuss how solo business owners can maximize their profits by focusing on efficiency, pricing correctly, and knowing exactly what financial goal they are working toward. When you understand your numbers and work backward from the income you want to earn, you can build a small business that is both simple and highly profitable. You do not have to build a huge company to win. You just need a plan and a clear focus on profit. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

Today's episode of the Power of Zero Show sees David McKnight address one of the most important decisions you'll ever make in retirement: where you should withdraw money from first. It's important to note that the sequence in which you draw down your retirement dollars can dramatically affect how long your money lasts and how much of it you get to keep. Since the Trump tax cuts were permanently extended on July 4th, 2025, retirees have been presented with one of the most significant tax planning windows they may ever see. The national debt continues to grow – with Social Security and Medicare obligations expanding every year, and interest on the national debt taking up a larger and larger share of the federal budget. Analysts at the Congressional Budget Office and several independent economists agree that, although the 2025 extension has delayed the inevitable, it has not solved the underlying math… In or around 2035, the Government will have to raise revenue to keep pace with rising expenditures. Every dollar you withdraw from tax-deferred accounts – like IRAs, 401(k)s, 403bs, 457s – is a dollar tax rate that may be the lowest you're likely to see in your lifetime. "The goal isn't to eliminate RMDs entirely but to shrink your tax-deferred bucket to the point where these distributions are completely absorbed by your standard deduction", says David. "That means tax-free distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s. Many experts have warned people: if the U.S. doesn't right its fiscal ship of state by 2043, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will arrest the financial collapse of the country. You're living in a decade where taxes are as low as you've seen in your lifetime… …and even though the tax cuts were extended indefinitely, the long-term fiscal math still points in one clear direction.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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

Many small business owners get excited about sales numbers, but sales alone do not determine success. The real measure of a healthy business is profit. In this episode we talk about the difference between the top line and the bottom line. You will learn why focusing only on sales can leave you working harder without actually making more money. A business with strong sales but weak profits will struggle to pay bills, invest in growth, or pay the owner what they deserve. If you want a successful business, you have to pay attention to your numbers and focus on building profitable sales. Because at the end of the day, the bottom line is what truly matters. -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

What if you had just seven years to retire and nothing prepared? Most will tell you it's too late, lower your expectations, and settle for less. Omar knows that's wrong. In this Q&A Wednesday episode, Omar answers a question from Vicki, a 53‑year‑old former accountant and empty nester, who is starting late but determined to retire in seven years. Instead of the usual “save harder and sacrifice more” advice, Omar shares the unconventional approach he used himself to turn zero savings into a comfortable retirement. He explains why traditional thinking won't cut it, how to shift from defense to offense, and what really matters when time isn't on your side. If you want to start planning your own seven‑year retirement roadmap, press play at the top of this page and learn the exact steps you can take today. MBA2750 How To Retire In 7 Years Starting With $0 (Proven Step-By-Step Plan) Recommended episode to explore:How To Make Your First Million Dollars In One Year Without Getting Lucky (No Matter Your Circumstances) Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David McKnight discusses the allocation of $1M if he had it to invest in 2026.  David sees a taxable brokerage account as the least efficient investment account you could possibly own – since it's taxed every year and it's exposed to both short- and long-term capital gains. While this type of account is liquid and can serve as an excellent emergency fund, it's the most tax-unfriendly of all the investment alternatives. The goal, says David, isn't to grow wealth within this type of account, rather to use it as a funding source to systematically build multiple tax-free income streams for retirement. Roth IRAs, which can be funded for a combined $17,200 per year (for your and your spouse's Roth IRA) is the first place David believes the money should go. Next, you should aim at maxing out your Roth 401(k)s – which is $24,500 a person for people under 50 and $32,500 per person. David explains how you can convert taxable money into tax-free money without triggering a massive taxable event and without disrupting your lifestyle. 70% total U.S. stock market index fund, 30% total international stock market index fund is the only allocation you'll ever need, says David. Having to properly structure and fully fund an indexed universal life policy (IUL) is the most misunderstood piece of the strategy discussed by David. The idea is to see an IUL as a way to grow a portion of the $1M portfolio safely and productively, and not to use it as an investment replacement or stock alternative… Historically, IULs have grown 5-7% in net fees over time – with zero stock market risks. The goal of day one of retirement is to have 3-5 years of living expenses sitting in your IUL's cash value, tax-free. This is your volatility buffer. According to a recent Ernst & Young study, the strategy discussed in this episode provides far more income, a far greater likelihood that your money will last through life expectancy and far more money to the next generation compared to the investment-only approach. Suze Orman recommends the exact same strategy but with a difference: Instead of using an IUL she suggests using a savings account that has rock bottom taxable rates of return. However, an IUL is a more effective tool, as it grows far more productively as tax-free, protects your principal, and the death benefit can double as long-term care protection. David's strategy doesn't include bonds as an IUL is safer: No sequence of returns risk early in retirement, not being forced to sell stocks in a down market. "I generally don't ever recommend bonds. There are far better instruments that are safer, more productive, and more tax-efficient tools, with IUL being one of them", illustrates David.  Many experts expect tax rates to rise dramatically by 2035 to pay interest on the national debt, bail out Social Security, and bail out Medicare and Medicaid. When that happens, you just don't want to be sitting on a massive taxable account..! The goal is to shift as much as possible from the $1M portfolio into tax-free accounts before 2035 – you want to have them in your Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and IUL cash value. Conversely, you only want about six months' worth of living expenses sitting in your taxable account.     Mentioned in this episode: David's new book, available now for pre-order: 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 Dave Ramsey Ernst & Young Suze Orman

How much can you pay yourself in your small business? The answer isn't a guess, it starts with knowing your numbers. Too many business owners pull money out daily for food, gas, or personal expenses without realizing they're already paying themselves… just without a plan. If your pricing doesn't include your labor hours, you're underpaying yourself before you even start. Your Profit & Loss statement shows you the real flow of money in and out of your business and helps you determine what's actually available. In this video, we break down how to think about paying yourself both as an "employee" in your business and as the owner. Whether it's salary, owner draws, or both! It all starts with understanding your current situation and building a plan around real numbers. If you want to get paid consistently and confidently, your numbers have to lead the way.   -----------------------------   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

Here's my step-by-step plan for becoming a social media manager an earning your first $5K a month! Join the Social Media Management Accelerator: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/smmaThanks to Metricool for sponsoring this episode. Get 30 days free on any Metricool plan with code LATASHA using this link: ⁠https://metricool.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20260227_latasha-james_sign-up_en&utm_content=video&utm_term=q1Try HoneyBook FREE for 7 days + 30% off for your first year: http://share.honeybook.com/latasha 

If you are dealing with a narcissist in divorce, custody battles, business, or a toxic relationship, this episode reveals a proven 4-step strategy to take your power back. Learn the psychology behind narcissistic manipulation, love bombing, trauma bonding, smear campaigns, and how to negotiate effectively using the SLAY method. This is a masterclass in narcissism recovery, high-conflict negotiation, and emotional self-defense.

If you feel like you're constantly cleaning the same spot in your house — and it never stays fixed — this episode is for you. Why does clutter keep coming back? In this episode, I'm sharing a simple shift that costs almost nothing and has quietly lowered friction in several areas of my home. No overhaul. No expensive organizing bins. Just one small adjustment that makes it easier for things to land where they belong. This idea came from my mom during a recent holiday visit — and I've been slowly applying it ever since in the little “hot-spots” that tend to collect towels, pantry items, homeschool supplies, and bathroom clutter. If you're craving calmer, more intentional days — especially in a full, real-life season — this is a gentle place to start. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV) Quick favor: If you'd like to share what feels heavy in your life right now, and potentially have me create an episode for you, I created a short questionnaire to help guide future episodes. As a thank you, anyone who fills it out will be entered into a drawing for a copy of my Movie Schooling book at the end of the semester. (Email is optional — only needed if you want to be entered to win.) https://forms.gle/xcgmPWHDqnDbeRYU6 XOXO, Katie Would you like to bless and support this show? Consider buying a coffee!