Episodes

Oct. 3, 2022

A Better Approach to Retirement Income Distributions

In today's show we are joined by Benjamin Brandt for a discussion about the 4% rule (and how it goes against human nature), using a dynamic spending approach, and building a retirement budget that actually works.  Connect with Benjamin Brandt on...

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Sept. 26, 2022

Living In Sin: When Remarriage Causes Financial Harm

Thinking about getting married again? Before you do, it's important to understand the financial implications (that aren't always obvious).  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John...

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Sept. 19, 2022

Should You Use A Break Even Calculator for Social Security?

Can a Social Security break even calculator help you decide the best age to file? Yes!  Just know…the results of this calculation alone cannot be the deciding factor when choosing the best filing age.  Deciding when to file...

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Sept. 12, 2022

Deadline Looming To Avoid The Estate Tax

The tax code is set to have big changes in 2026. If you want to avoid estate taxes when these rules change, there may be steps you need to take TODAY!  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage...

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Sept. 6, 2022

Should You Own An Airbnb for Retirement Income?

Airbnb has revolutionized the lodging industry. Today the value of Airbnb is only slightly less than Marriot, Hilton, and Intercontinental PUT TOGETHER!  Should you stake your claim in the nightly rental gold rush?  Joining us today is...

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Aug. 29, 2022

6 Social Security Mistakes That Can Damage Your Retirement

Some mistakes are easily recoverable. But others can cause long-lasting and near permanent damage. In today's episode John and Devin discuss the 6 Social Security mistakes that can damage your retirement.  Although this show does not provide...

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Aug. 22, 2022

Checkbook Control LLC: How To Own Alternatives In Your IRA

The "checkbook control LLC" can be a great tool for investors looking to diversify beyond the traditional investments normally offered in an IRA. PLUS...if this is structured correctly you can retain control of the assets.  Although this show...

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Aug. 12, 2022

The Fine Print of Beneficiary Designations

Beneficiary designations seem straightforward at first glance. Fill out a form naming the people you wish to inherit your account in the event that you pass away.  There is, however, some nuance contained within these designations that may result...

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Aug. 8, 2022

Think Twice About These Rules of Thumb

There are a few rules of thumb that should never be ignored, but you should always question if they are right for you and your unique situation.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin...

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Aug. 1, 2022

Asset Protection for Personal Property

If you've accumulated non-business assets like a second home or large brokerage account, there are steps you can take to protect those assets. Although this show does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through...

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July 29, 2022

And...we're back!

Our "farewell" episode was published in late 2019. We knew then that at some point we'd start recording again, but we had NO IDEA it would take this long. With that said, we're so excited to be back and can't wait to get back in your regular podcast...

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March 23, 2020

The Bear Market's Silver Lining

Bear markets bring about a lot of uncertainty. But with the right focus, this can be a time of massive opportunity. In today's episode Devin and John talk about why the current mixture of environments presents a perfect opportunity.

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March 1, 2020

Coronavirus and Your Retirement

How does the Coronavirus affect your Social Security benefit and overall retirement income? In today's show Devin and John are covering the ripple effect and talking about what you need to do.

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Dec. 20, 2019

The Secure Act: Part II

How will the the Secure Act impact your retirement plan? In this special episode Devin and John discuss the widely-reported basics of this new law and then cover some of the the advanced planning opportunities that will now be available.

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Nov. 13, 2019

The Future of Big Picture Retirement

It’s been a wonderful ride and we want to thank everyone for listening to the Big Picture Retirement Show. The success of John’s business () and Devin’s YouTube channel () have created as shortage of time to record new episodes. If you’d like...

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Sept. 9, 2019

Protecting Rental Property

When it comes to rental property, you have to protect yourself in two ways: Your business from your personal issues, and your personal life from your business issues. This week, Devin and John talk about the ways to protect your real estate interests....

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Aug. 26, 2019

New Laws for Inheriting Property Jointly

Not long ago, Devin and his brothers inherited some property. Thankfully, this deal went pretty smoothly because they all wanted to sell it. However, not all inheritances go as smoothly. Knowing about the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act should...

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July 8, 2019

Estate Planning for Pets

When you're talking about estate planning, and the care of pets, some interesting things can happen. It's not uncommon for people to want to provide for their pets in their wills, whether designating the person who will care for the pet, or providing...

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June 24, 2019

9 Steps If You Expect Your Will To Be Contested

Is it possible that your heirs might disagree with your will? There are many things you can do to reduce or even eliminate fights after you are gone. In this week's episode, elder lawyer John Ross talks about the dos and don'ts of writing a will when...

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June 3, 2019

5 Things To Know About The Secure Act of 2019

This week's episode includes some reader questions, and a review of the The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the SECURE Act). The SECURE Act has passed the House of Representatives, and a similar bill is working in...

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May 20, 2019

Will Trump Save Social Security

Current reports show there will only be enough money coming into Social Security to pay about 75% of Social Security Benefits. Even if we have record-setting economic numbers, we're very close to being too little, too late. Can a President make...

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May 6, 2019

The Financial Abusers Playbook: Learn Their Secrets

90% of contested probate cases were between the surviving wife and the children of the deceased man. We received an email from a listener whose widowed father met a new woman and let her into his life. However, the kids have some concerns about the...

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April 1, 2019

Spring Cleaning - the Financial Edition

Spring is here, and it's a great time to do some financial spring cleaning. Devin and John go over a few things you want to do: A fee audit Double-check your beneficiary designations. ...and more For more information, visit the show notes at

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March 18, 2019

Medicare Buy-In at 50

"Medicare for All" has been in the news a lot lately. Senator Bernie Sanders thinks insurance companies should be abolished and everyone should get Medicare. So this week, Devin and John talk about the pros and cons of different ideas about expanding...

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