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 benefits versus other benefits for someone born in 1955. She’s been told she must repay two months of benefits because her earnings exceeded the limit. Are the SSA's guidelines accurate? Jane inquires if filing for Social Security at age 65 will affec...
Jul 22, 2024•36 min
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 mortgages and the conditions under which they can be beneficial. Paul's Inquiry: Using deferred annuities, specifically laddering Fixed Income Annuities with no fees, as alternatives to bonds to generate "safe" money in retirement. Pete's Scenario: The implication...
Jul 15, 2024•44 min
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 If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people, just like you, move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, ta...
Jul 08, 2024•40 min
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 contribute, even if the money is given out to charities gradually. Secondly, you have the freedom to decide when to donate. This means if you're facing a high tax bill one year, you can contribute more to your DAF and then distribute it to your chosen causes over time. In toda...
Jun 10, 2024•31 min
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 defective grantor trusts (IDGTs) and spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs). These trusts have traditionally been used to 'freeze' asset values for estate tax purposes while benefiting from more favorable individual income tax rates. But there’s a ...
Jun 03, 2024•39 min
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 the risks of having too much money in just a few of the index's top companies. Even though the index includes 500 stocks, a big chunk of its value comes from just a few big names like Microsoft. We'll explore how this uneven distribution can bring more risk than you migh...
May 28, 2024•23 min
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 IRA. We'll explore how converting too much can lead to higher taxes in retirement and cause missed opportunities later. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us suppor...
May 20, 2024•31 min
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 fortunes, their legacies diverged significantly due to their different approaches to wealth management and succession planning. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us sup...
May 13, 2024•27 min
Retirement has five distinct phases and each of them have their own unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding these distinct phases is important for anyone who is approaching retirement or has retired within the past year or two. If you know what to expect on the road ahead, it should lead to a much smoother and more fulfilling transition into this new part of your life. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This h...
May 06, 2024•30 min
In this episode, we dive into the concept of investment location—a tactical approach in asset allocation across various accounts like IRAs and joint accounts, which can significantly influence your tax liabilities. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, ...
Apr 29, 2024•33 min
In today's episode, we discuss the landmark $418 million settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its potential implications for the real estate industry. As retirees and others look to buy or sell homes, they're facing a big shift in how real estate services will be priced and delivered. Danny Devito video-https://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechotherpeoplesmoneydevito.html If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please conside...
Apr 01, 2024•32 min
Flat-fee financial advisors aren’t for everyone. In fact, there are three types of investors who should steer clear of flat-fee financial advisors. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about who should avoid hiring a flat fee advisor and either do it on their own or hire a traditional % of AUM advisor. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. J...
Mar 25, 2024•24 min
Could the solution to saving Social Security be so glaringly obvious that it has been overlooked, or perhaps even ignored, due to political power dynamics? The concern about the insolvency of the Social Security trust fund looms large as the program faces financial instability, raising fear of increased taxes or reduced benefits for future beneficiaries. However, there is a glimmer of hope. This system can be fixed without resorting to raising taxes or slashing benefits. If you’re thinking "I lo...
Mar 13, 2024•28 min
Description: In todays episode, we talk about the unexpected turns retirement can take, particularly when individuals find themselves in the role of raising a grandchild. This shift in family dynamics can significantly alter one’s retirement experience, extending far beyond the obvious impact on travel plans. We'll explore the various aspects that come into play, including the financial ramifications and the adjustments needed in estate planning If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirem...
Mar 04, 2024•41 min
In today's episode, we'll dive into the intriguing phenomenon of Grey Divorce, which refers to divorces occurring among individuals aged 50 and above. Surprisingly, while the overall divorce rate is on the decline, Grey Divorce is on the rise. Join us as we explore the reasons behind this trend and provide a few thoughts on how to proactively prevent it from happening or protect yourself if it does. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewi...
Feb 27, 2024•30 min
In this episode, we explore an unrefined, yet accurate, approach to determining your risk tolerance. Beyond traditional risk tolerance questionnaires that often fluctuate with market conditions, we introduce two key criteria: Freak Out Number - Discover how to assess your decline tolerance in dollar terms, examining at what point you'd feel the need to make significant changes to your portfolio. We address the impact of market fluctuations on risk perception and why it's essential to cut the 'fr...
Feb 19, 2024•22 min
Ever dreamed about retiring to a sunny beach or quaint village in another country? How about living a life of luxury for less than $3,000 per month? In today's episode, we're debunking common myths and discussing the challenges of living abroad, while also highlighting the top destinations to consider moving to in 2024. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a...
Feb 13, 2024•32 min
We’ve heard this hundreds of time... 'I wish someone had warned me about this when I retired.' More often than not, they're referring to one of five key challenges that catch many retirees by surprise. In today's episode, we're diving into each of these five areas. If you're on the cusp of retirement, this is crucial viewing to help you steer clear of unexpected hurdles and enter this new phase of life with confidence. Pay particular attention to the last point–it's the most frequently mentioned...
Feb 05, 2024•34 min
In today's episode, Devin reveals a significant transformation in his professional approach — the transition to a flat fee structure. After a period of subtle hints, the change is now official and marks a new chapter for his firm. Join Devin and John as they discuss the motivations behind this decision, the considerable reduction in firm revenue to make the shift, and the reasons behind the growing popularity of this business model. They'll also dive into why consumers should seriously contempla...
Jan 16, 2024•40 min
Taxing the richest's unearned income—why should it matter to you? This episode peels back the complexities of the proposed legislation targeting billionaires' unrealized capital gains to examine its broader consequences. We get into how this potential tax shift could create waves that may lap at the financial foundations of everyday investors. If you’re thinking "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just l...
Jan 08, 2024•21 min
The calculation the IRS uses to determine how you pay taxes on retirement income creates this danger zone where taxes can be SIGNIFICANTLY amplified. And if you fall into this danger zone, you could pay a MUCH higher tax rate on some of your retirement income. In this encore episode, we talk about how you can avoid the pitfall of paying way too much in taxes on that income. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their in...
Jan 02, 2024•43 min
How about this for a New Year's resolution - PROTECT YOUR ASSETS! In today's show, we bring back one of our most downloaded episodes where John covered the details on what to do with your personal property that could be exposed to creditors and ambulance-chasing attorneys. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ Contact John’s team at https:/...
Dec 26, 2023•40 min
In today's encore episode, we're talking about how to avoid the six most common Social Security mistakes. Some of these mistakes can be easily corrected. However, others can result in long-term or even permanent damage. In today's episode, John and I talk about: Small missteps that cause overpayment notices Miscalculating spousal and survivor benefits Avoidable earning’s record errors The Social Security tax bomb Relying on the SSA for your advice Using software to make decisions Although this s...
Dec 18, 2023•51 min
Another special encore episode just in time for year end. Managing taxes in retirement may have a greater impact than any other single cost-saving measure you take. Today, we're replaying our epsiode with Andy Panko for a discussion into tax loss harvesting, and one that doesn't get a lot of attention... tax GAIN harvesting. Visit Andy's Facebook group Taxes In Retirement https://www.facebook.com/groups/495122561395942 Listen to Andy's podcast Retirement Planning Education at https://podcasts.ap...
Dec 11, 2023•35 min
Today we're bringing back a fan favorite from 2022. The Fine Print of Beneficiary Designations. This is something that seems straightforward at first glance - just fill out a form naming the people you wish to inherit your account in the event that you pass away. Seems simple enough, right? What lurks in the background is some nuance contained within these designations that may result in unexpected outcomes. Two examples: -Not properly designating per stirpes vs. pro rata can actually lead to ac...
Dec 04, 2023•40 min
Today we're bringing back one of our most downloaded episodes: The Three Reasons for Roth Conversions. We released this back in May of 2023 and it’s already shot up to be one of the most listened-to episodes we’ve ever recorded. That’s really no surprise because Roth conversions have become a hot topic, and for good reason too. After paying taxes for all the years you’ve worked, who doesn’t want to try to reduce the taxes they’ll pay in retirement? But…a Roth conversion doesn’t make sense for ev...
Nov 28, 2023•30 min
In today's episode, we discuss an eye-opening study from Vanguard, a leader in the DIY investing space. In this report, they cover how partnering with a financial advisor could potentially amplify your average annual return by a notable 3%. (Hint…it’s more than just “doing your investments.”) We'll break down the methodology behind this report and explore the nuances of the value an advisor brings to the table. To get on the same page, you can find the report here: https://advisors.vanguard.com/...
Nov 20, 2023•32 min
In 2021, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted with the goal of unveiling hidden ownership structures and counter illicit financial undertakings. Yet, while its implications are far-reaching, the conversation has largely missed a pivotal audience: owners and operators of LLCs and small businesses. These groups, despite being at the heart of the Act's purview, have received little guidance or clarity on the changes ahead. With the CTA's effective date of January 1, 2024, rapidly approa...
Nov 13, 2023•29 min
In this episode, we open the phone lines and talk directly with our listeners to answer their burning questions. Kristen from California is at a crossroads post-retirement. At 61, she's contemplating drawing from her Social Security benefits but is held back by the perplexing windfall provision. Dive in as we shed light on its legislative history and the possible shift to the Public Servant Fairness Formula. Blair in Florida, a proud dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., kicks off his call with s...
Nov 07, 2023•29 min
For countless retirees, the greatest challenge isn't saving money, but spending it. After years of diligent saving, the transition to drawing down those hard-earned funds can be fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. But what if there was a way to ease this tension? In this episode, we explore the often unexpected emotional hurdles of retirement spending and reveal the antidote: a well-defined plan. With the right roadmap, retirees can grant themselves permission to spend, savoring the fruits of ...
Oct 30, 2023•36 min
