A new tax bill has officially passed (you’ve probably heard it mentioned as the “Big Beautiful Bill”). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we’re focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam. Today, David breaks down key parts that are most likely to affect retirees. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Why that viral Social Security headlin...
Jul 10, 2025•17 min•Ep. 276
Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that can actually help move the needle in retirement. Today, David walks through four key factors you can control and how they could make a lasting difference in your financial future. From managing market risk and creating lifetime income to building tax-smart wealth and planning beyond Social Security, David explains how to sta...
Jun 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 275
This Father’s Day, give your family something that lasts: financial confidence. In this special episode, David outlines three essential financial steps every dad should prioritize, whether you’re chasing toddlers or preparing for retirement. From building a strong financial base to adjusting your budget as life changes, these timeless moves can help set your family up for long-term independence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 The budgeting mistake retirees often make 📉 The o...
Jun 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 274
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) might just be the most powerful and overlooked tool in your financial toolbox. Today, David is breaking down six key things everyone should know about HSAs, from eligibility and contributions to how they can grow over time and work across job changes. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🩺 Who qualifies and who doesn’t 💰 Maximize annual contributions the smart way 📈 Using an HAS as an investment 🧳 What happens if you change jobs 💳 Tax-free withdrawa...
May 29, 2025•20 min•Ep. 273
Retirement planning can feel like a whirlwind, flooded with choices, tight timelines, and the pressure to “get it right.” In this special mailbag episode, David answers real questions from listeners who are navigating this very moment. One is preparing to retire and feeling overwhelmed; the other is already retired and sorting through the complexities of Roth conversions. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📬 Structuring reliable retirement income from Social Security, pensions, and...
May 15, 2025•18 min•Ep. 272
Taxes don’t stop when your paycheck does, and they certainly don’t skip your heirs. In this episode, David tackles two common listener questions that reveal just how much tax strategy plays into smart retirement and estate planning. If you’ve been worried about how much your kids will owe in inheritance taxes or if you’re sitting on a pile of tax-deferred savings, David offers practical tips on ways to help you avoid getting a surprise tax bill. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾...
May 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 271
The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? Instead of guessing what’s next or obsessing over breaking news, David walks you through four critical questions every investor should ask during turbulent times. From re-evaluating your plan and risk tolerance to exploring rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting opportunities, this episode gives you practical ways t...
Apr 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 270
We’re back with another mailbag episode! In this week’s edition, we’re tackling 3 great questions from listeners like you. These episodes are some of David's favorites, as they provide a chance to dive deep into key topics and explore the finer details. Ted is curious about how to manage the wealth he'll leave behind for his children. Roger is wondering if setting up a trust is the best way to help minimize the tax burden on his kids when they inherit his accounts. There are valuable lessons for...
Apr 03, 2025•20 min•Ep. 269
Each year, David gets a lot of questions from his clients about required minimum distributions. Some are just beginning to take them, while others have been withdrawing for years but still have specific concerns. In this episode, he breaks down the 7 key things you need to know about RMDs. We’ll start with the basics, like what they are, when you need to start taking them, and which retirement accounts are affected. Then, we’ll dive into some of the trickier aspects, like how to calculate your R...
Mar 20, 2025•24 min•Ep. 268
Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns and challenges, their clients are facing today. Today we’re breaking down the four biggest concerns clients have about retirement and how to overcome them. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Outliving Your Assets – Why a written plan is crucial for financial security. 💰 Generating Reliable Income – How to create a paycheck-like cash...
Mar 06, 2025•32 min•Ep. 267
Today we are covering two different listener questions. James is asking about starting Social Security at 62. You might be amazed how many times I get that question in my office. And then Barry wants to talk through life insurance, seems to think he has a lot of it and wants to know whether he should cancel some of it. These are two core areas of planning so let’s talk through how they should come to a decision. Here’s some of what we di...
Feb 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 266
Well, the Kansas City Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl again. Their coach Andy Reid probably won’t be retiring anytime soon, but let’s still see what we can learn about retirement planning from these quotes from the Chiefs coach. Here are the quotes we discuss in this episode: “Every play is an opportunity. Make every snap count.” “We don’t focus on the scoreboard; we focus on the next play.” “Adjustments are not a sign of weakness; they are a sign of strategy.” For additional resources or to ...
Feb 06, 2025•22 min•Ep. 265
Today’s show is a little different than normal. Instead of diving into one topic, we’re going to tackle two separate planning items thanks to a couple questions from Bobby and Roy. Both questions involve important decisions that will impact retirement so let’s jump in. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The different ages that matter for Social Security benefits and what you need to know. The reasons why he might want to wait to claim. Why your ‘underperfomance’ might just be good d...
Jan 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 264
We’ve all seen stats about how much the average American has saved for retirement. But let’s be honest- being “average” when it comes to retirement savings isn’t likely to provide the lifestyle you want in your golden years. Instead, David will share some practical benchmarks you can use to measure your progress. He’ll also share some actionable steps to set yourself up for long-term success! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Benchmarks for retirement savings based on age and incom...
Jan 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 263
Join David for part two of our series on 2024 stocking stuffers for financial freedom. In this episode, we explore five actionable financial tips to help you wrap up the year and prepare for a prosperous 2025. From managing debt effectively to considering Roth conversions and utilizing Qualified Charitable Distributions, this episode will give you some areas to focus on. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The number of people that carry credit card debt is pretty shocking. Consider ...
Dec 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 262
The holiday season is here, and while you’re stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that can bring you closer to a secure retirement. Today, we’re unwrapping 10 bite-sized, actionable ideas to help you save smarter, invest better, and plan for the future you deserve. From maximizing your retirement contributions to revisiting your estate plan, learn how to make the most of your financial situation as we approach 2025. We have plenty of...
Dec 05, 2024•21 min•Ep. 261
The election is finally behind us and it’s hard to believe that we didn’t have a long, drawn-out process to determine the winner. Now that Trump is returning to the White House, it’s time to start looking at what policies his administration is considering and what those decisions could mean for your portfolio. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Could the proposed tariffs be inflationary for the US economy? What does David think will happen with the tax cuts set to expire at the end ...
Nov 14, 2024•22 min•Ep. 260
Building a nest egg or inheriting one can involve a lot of moving parts. You want to be strategic and make wise decisions to prepare you for the future and protect your assets against the possibility of a market crash. In today’s podcast, David answers three questions from the mailbag, all facing different financial situations. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: When to stop contributing to a 401(k) and pay off debt instead. Mailbag: How worried should I be about a market c...
Oct 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 259
As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial to ensure your financial health is in top shape. In today’s podcast, David provides an essential checklist to help you optimize your financial strategy. Whether you're a retiree or still in the workforce, these practical tips will guide you towards a prosperous 2025. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Fully funding your retirement accounts. Remember to make a Roth IRA contribution with money earned, even as retirees. Rebalance before ...
Oct 17, 2024•15 min•Ep. 258
Following the news of the rate cuts last week with the Fed, you may be wondering what that means. Is that a good thing? How could it impact your daily life? David breaks down what it means now and what has happened after rate cuts in the past. Based on that, he shares some financial possibilities for the near future and what the market outlook is. For investors, this short and sweet podcast packs a lot of valuable info in. Before you make any bold moves, David suggests a cautious approach as we ...
Oct 03, 2024•13 min•Ep. 257
Whether you're facing a layoff, planning a financial gift for a new grandchild, or dealing with an inheritance, today’s podcast offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Beyond helping you save for retirement, as a financial advisor, David answers countless financial questions that come up over the course of his clients’ lives. Find out what he has to say when answering three questions from the mailbag! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: How to handle unexpected layof...
Sep 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 256
As we grow older (and wiser), it's natural to reflect on the decisions we've made and consider what we could have done differently in the past. In today’s episode, we delve into the top five retirement regrets of people in their seventies, inspired by a recent YouTube video created by someone else in their 70s. David shares his insight and advice for anyone in their fifties or sixties looking to avoid these common financial pitfalls. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: People wish th...
Sep 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 255
When it comes to planning for retirement, many people turn to target-date maturity funds for their set-it-and-forget-it appeal. In fact, if you have a 401k or an IRA rollover, chances are you have a target-date maturity fund. These are designed to automatically adjust your investment mix as you approach retirement, gradually shifting from a higher allocation of stocks to a more conservative mix of bonds and cash. This sounds ideal, but is it? In this episode, David and Walter discuss an interest...
Aug 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 254
When it comes to your investments, there are a lot of avenues you can take. How can you know you’re taking the best one for you? David answers three questions from listeners who are asking about accounting for taxes in retirement, putting money in a 401(k) or elsewhere, and managing an inherited IRA. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Roth IRAs and preparing for rising taxes. How much to contribute to a 401(k) and when to pivot. Managing inherited IRAs. For additional resources or t...
Aug 08, 2024•19 min•Ep. 253
Procrastination is a common temptation, but when it comes to your finances, it can have serious consequences. Whether you're in your twenties, thirties, or already nearing retirement, it's never too early or too late to start planning. By addressing these key areas and avoiding procrastination, you can secure a more stable and enjoyable financial future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The dangers of financial procrastination. Deferring taxes could be costly in the future. Elimin...
Jul 25, 2024•21 min•Ep. 252
When your heirs inherit a Roth IRA, they are not required to take distributions, which allows the account to continue growing tax-free for up to ten years. This flexibility can be a significant financial boon, especially if your heirs are in their prime earning years and want to defer withdrawals until they are in a lower tax bracket. The question is, should you do a Roth conversion now? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Is inheriting a Roth IRA a real positive? What are the primar...
Jul 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 251
If you’ve listened to David for long, you’ve heard his affinity for the Roth, but does that apply to everyone ? When it comes to planning for retirement, high earners need to decide whether to contribute to a Roth account or a traditional IRA. But first, who is considered a high earner? And why does a Roth matter? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The two ways to get money into a Roth. How taxes make a big difference on the decision. Why a Roth conversion can be a solid strategy. W...
Jun 20, 2024•27 min•Ep. 250
When planning for retirement, most people focus on the rate of return their investments will yield. However, there's an often overlooked risk that can significantly impact your financial future: the sequence of returns. In this podcast episode, David explains why the order in which you earn returns can arguably be more important than the rate itself. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What is sequence of return risk, and why is it important in financial planning? How does the order ...
Jun 06, 2024•23 min•Ep. 249
The choices we make with our money often come down to more than mere numbers. David answers three questions from listeners who are facing different situations in life and looking for what to do next. From wanting to retire ASAP to coming into a financial windfall, it’s important to have a strategy in place to make sure the money works toward your goals. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: Can I retire right now? Mailbag: Should I rollover my 401(k)? Mailbag: What should I do...
May 23, 2024•17 min•Ep. 248
Are you ready for a retirement income literacy quiz ? David recently took the quiz himself to see how he did and puts Walter on the spot for a few of the questions. After you listen and take the quiz yourself, you can identify what you do know and what you don’t! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How much a negative single year return in your retirement portfolio impacts. How to improve your retirement security. The best strategy with Social Security benefits. The average life expe...
May 09, 2024•25 min•Ep. 247
