Episodes

Nov. 4, 2024

What Your Will WON’T Do

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 …

Episode page
Oct. 29, 2024

5 Ways to Make Your Retirement Recession-Ready

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 …

Episode page
Oct. 21, 2024

Is Downsizing Right for Your Retirement?

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...

Episode page
Oct. 14, 2024

How Long Will I Live? Planning for Longevity in Retirement

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 …

Episode page
Oct. 7, 2024

3 Ways to Pay for Long-Term Care

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 …

Episode page
Sept. 30, 2024

Monte Carlo Simulations: Is Your “Probability of Success” Trustworthy?

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 …

Episode page
Sept. 23, 2024

The Stock Market Gamble Most Investors Lose

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...

Episode page
Sept. 16, 2024

How Kamala Harris’s Housing Plan Could Drastically Change Wealth Tran…

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...

Episode page
Sept. 16, 2024

How Kamala Harris’s Housing Plan Could Drastically Change Wealth Tran…

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...

Episode page
Sept. 9, 2024

Ed Slott Explains How to Outmaneuver the Tax Trap in Retirement

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 …

Episode page
Sept. 3, 2024

Listener Voicemails: Super-funding 529s, Sophisticated Trusts, and Bo…

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...

Episode page
Aug. 26, 2024

Listener Q&A: Demystifying Brokerage Statements, Retirement Readiness…

Today, Devin and Alexander are back answering listener questions. Tune in as we explore: Jamie's request for a detailed walkthrough of a monthly brokerage account statement, explaining where to find and understand fees, and demystifying various...

Episode page
Aug. 19, 2024

Listener Voicemails: Social Security, Trusts, and IRA Math Mysteries

In this episode we’re answering listener voicemails and tackling some tough questions about Social Security, RMDs, estate planning, and more. First up, we help Diane, whose husband is a minister, figure out why his Social Security benefits don’t...

Episode page
Aug. 12, 2024

Listener Q&A: Navigating RMDs, Investment Strategies, and Retirement …

In this episode of Big Picture Retirement, Devin is joined by Alexander Davis, a financial advisor at Carroll Advisory Group, to address some of the most pressing questions from our listeners. Together, they answer a range of questions, including: ...

Episode page
Aug. 5, 2024

Listener Q&A: Tax Strategies, Inheritances, Annuities, and More

In this episode, Devin and John dive into a variety of listener questions, discussing annuities, maxing out retirement plans, why HSAs aren't widely talked about, IRMAA, and more. Tune in as we explore: Claudia's Situation: Understanding the...

Episode page
July 29, 2024

Listener Q&A: Navigating Taxes, Trusts, and More

In this episode of Big Picture Retirement, we’re back answering more of our listener-submitted questions. Join us as we cover: Anna's Query: When will NESARA begin? Ron's Question: Clarification on calculating taxes on Social Security benefits...

Episode page
July 22, 2024

Navigating Social Security: Listener Questions Answered

In this episode of the Big Picture Retirement podcast, we dive into listener questions about Social Security, tackling a wide range of scenarios to help you navigate the complexities of your benefits. Lois asks about the earnings limit for survivor...

Episode page
July 15, 2024

Listener Questions Answered: Reverse Mortgages, Healthcare Before Med…

In this episode, we tackle a diverse range of listener questions from reverse mortgages, annuities, Roth conversions, healthcare before the Medicare age, and a lot more. Tune in as we discuss: Al's Question: Recommendations for reverse...

Episode page
July 8, 2024

Answering Listener Questions on Social Security

In this episode, Devin dives deep into the Social Security questions sent in by our listeners. Topics include questions on the earnings limit, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and the big one...how future benefit cuts could impact retirees...

Episode page
June 10, 2024

The Power of Donor Advised Funds

If you regularly donate to your church or other charities, donor advised funds (DAFs) might be something you want to look into. These funds offer some big perks. First off, you get a potential tax deduction in the year you …

Episode page
June 3, 2024

Unpacking the New IRS Estate Planning Memo

In today's episode, we examine the recent IRS Chief Counsel Memorandum, which introduces significant changes to one of the cornerstone strategies in estate planning. We explore how these new guidelines impact assets placed in trusts like intentionally...

Episode page
May 28, 2024

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Lots of investors use the S&P 500 index as a key part of their investment plan, thinking it spreads their money out well among America's biggest companies. But in this episode, we're going to question that idea by looking at …

Episode page
May 20, 2024

When Roth IRA Conversions Go Too Far

Roth IRA conversions can be a powerful tool for retirement planning, offering tax-free growth and withdrawals. However, there's a fine line between optimizing and overdoing it. In this episode, we talk about the dangers of over-converting to a Roth...

Episode page
May 13, 2024

Estate Planning Lessons from the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts

Are there lessons we should learn from the comparison of the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts? In this episode, we look at the contrasting estate planning tactics of two of America's wealthiest dynasties. While both families amassed incredible...

Episode page