A recent Supreme Court decision in Connelly v. United States has sent shockwaves through closely held businesses employing life-insurance-funded redemption-type buy-sell agreements. In this episode, we break down the case, the tax implications, and...
In this episode, we answer Lori’s question about whether the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will increase her survivor benefits and how it could impact benefits for those with similar circumstances. We also address Jesus’s concern...
Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you may end up retiring earlier than planned. In this episode, we dive into JP Morgan’s data on why people retire earlier than expected and discuss how to prepare for the unexpected. Learn why having …
In this episode, we tackle Kay's questions about managing her IRA and Roth accounts in retirement. With significant assets, no LTC insurance, and children in differing financial circumstances, Kay wants to minimize taxes while preparing for required...
Retirement can be stressful, especially when the markets are unpredictable. In this episode, we’ll talk about a simple strategy to give you peace of mind and financial stability in retirement. You’ll learn how to set aside five years of income …
Today’s episode is part rant, part answer to Mike’s question about the high cost of prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. We dive into why these costs are so steep, explore alternatives like Canadian pharmacies, and discuss what you can …
Financial planning often feels like a numbers game—follow the math, and you’ll make the best decisions, right? But what happens when the spreadsheet says one thing, and your peace of mind says another? In this episode, we share the personal …
Today, we tackle a question many retirees face: Can you manage your taxes with DIY software like TurboTax, or is it time to bring in a professional? We'll explore the challenges of navigating tax complexities in retirement, including 401(k) rollovers,...
We answer a question from a 44-year-old Pittsburgh bus driver earning over six figures annually who maxes out a Roth IRA, contributes 10.5% to a 457 plan, and is covered by a pension. He owns five rental properties in his …
Could 2025 be a stormy year for the stock market? In this episode, we explore five potential triggers that could send markets into turmoil. From the unpredictability of Trump-era “tape bombs” to a potential bursting of the AI bubble, we …
Today, we tackle a question from Patrick about the nuances of capital gains taxes on the sale of a primary residence. We break down how community property laws can impact your tax liability, the role of improvements in calculating your …
How could Trump’s tax policies impact your retirement plans? In this episode, we break down the potential changes, from tax cuts to shifting brackets, and discuss what they could mean for your savings, Social Security, and investment...
In this episode, we’re diving into the latest legal drama surrounding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked this law, which would have required U.S. businesses to report detailed information about...
In this episode, we’re breaking down common myths about what a Will can actually take care of. A lot of people think a will covers everything, but it’s not that simple! We’ll explain how probate works, why some assets don’t …
In this episode, we break down simple strategies to protect your retirement savings when the market gets rough. We’ll start with why staying calm is key and how planning ahead can help you avoid emotional decisions. You'll learn how to …
Today we discuss the pros and cons of downsizing in retirement. We discuss how selling your home can reduce expenses, simplify your lifestyle, and free up money for travel or investments. But we also cover the potential downsides, like emotional...
In this episode, we talk about an important part of retirement planning that many people overlook—figuring out how long you might live. We explain why using average life expectancy or guessing based on family history can be risky, and why …
Long-term care is a reality that many retirees will face, but the question is—how will you pay for it? In this episode, we break down the three primary ways to cover long-term care expenses. We’ll walk you through the pros …
In this episode, we take a closer look at Monte Carlo simulations—a tool used in retirement planning to estimate your chances of success. But are those percentages really reliable? Can an 85% or 90% success rate give you confidence in …
In this episode, we explore the realities of stock-picking, revealing that it’s a gamble where the odds are heavily stacked against the average investor. Studies show that most individual stocks underperform or lose value over time, so we make a...
In this episode, we unpack Vice President Kamala Harris’s ambitious plan to lower housing costs, which would be funded by adopting Senator Elizabeth Warren’s sweeping estate tax overhaul. We explore the major changes proposed, including reducing...
In this episode, we unpack Vice President Kamala Harris’s ambitious plan to lower housing costs, which would be funded by adopting Senator Elizabeth Warren’s sweeping estate tax overhaul. We explore the major changes proposed, including...
Today we're joined by Ed Slott, the expert’s expert on retirement planning, to talk about how to make the most of your retirement savings and avoid costly tax surprises. Ed explains why converting to Roth IRAs could be a smart …
In this episode, we’re answering more listener voicemails about Social Security, gifting money, and estate planning. First, we help a listener who’s trying to figure out the best way to maximize his wife’s Social Security benefits. He’s...