Unraveling the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) reveals a powerful tax-saving opportunity that many retirees completely miss. Starting with a client's confusion about Medicare eligibility versus RMD requirements, this episode dives deep into the strategic use of charitable giving from IRAs to minimize taxation while supporting causes you care about. The recent wave of retirement legislation has created a patchwork of different ag...
Jul 04, 2025•54 min
What if your entire retirement plan could collapse as easily as a line of dominoes? In this eye-opening episode, I share a painful personal story from Silver Dollar City that perfectly illustrates how one unexpected event can trigger a devastating financial chain reaction. Drawing from over 15 years of experience as a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Tax Planning Certified Professional, and Retirement Income Certified Professional, I reveal the hidden vulnerabilities lurking in seemingly rock-soli...
Jun 27, 2025•54 min
What does it mean when the creator of the 401(k) recommends putting half your retirement savings into annuities? Something revolutionary is happening in retirement planning, and it's backed by unanimous economic consensus. The financial world's most brilliant minds—PhDs from Wharton School of Business, world-renowned economists, and even the father of the 401(k) himself—are all delivering the same message: guaranteed lifetime income through annuities is mathematically superior to traditional inv...
Jun 19, 2025•48 min
Your retirement plan might be more fragile than you realize. Just as one falling domino can topple an entire sequence, a single unexpected event could devastate your financial security - regardless of how substantial your savings appear. I've spent 15 years as a retirement specialist examining thousands of financial plans, and I've discovered a troubling pattern: even the wealthiest clients can be shockingly vulnerable. Consider a couple earning $500,000 annually with substantial retirement savi...
Jun 12, 2025•52 min
Imagine having access to a growing reserve of tax-free retirement funds that most financial advisors never mention. For homeowners age 60 and older, this hidden "fourth bucket" of retirement money exists in your home equity - and it could be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over your lifetime. In this eye-opening conversation with reverse mortgage expert Don Graves, we explore seven powerful ways to use a federally-insured reverse mortgage to maximize Social Security benef...
May 20, 2025•33 min
The retirement landscape is changing dramatically as we navigate the "Peak 65" era—where over 11,200 Americans are turning 65 daily in 2025, the highest rate in history. How prepared are we for this unprecedented demographic shift? Jason Fichtner, former Deputy Commissioner of Social Security and Executive Director of the Retirement Income Institute for the Alliance for Lifetime Income, brings his remarkable expertise to tackle some of retirement planning's most misunderstood concepts. Drawing f...
May 11, 2025•54 min
Ever wonder what happens when economic theory meets real-world political change? I've witnessed it firsthand. After struggling to sell a property for four straight months in 2024 (even having to resort to owner financing), I listed another in 2025 following the election—it sold in ONE DAY with multiple cash offers above asking price. This stark contrast perfectly illustrates how leadership impacts economic confidence and your financial future. This revelation came on the heels of my extraordinar...
Apr 30, 2025•28 min
The financial world is undergoing a seismic shift as women stand poised to inherit an estimated $30-70 trillion in the coming decade. Yet many women remain unprepared to manage this wealth, often due to deeply ingrained money narratives formed in childhood. Lindsey Lewis, Managing Director for the Center for Women at the American College of Financial Services, takes us on a fascinating journey through the historical context that has shaped women's relationship with money. She reveals how Wall St...
Apr 25, 2025•43 min
Fear of running out of money in retirement is the number one financial concern for most Americans – and for good reason. As lifespans extend and traditional retirement vehicles prove increasingly vulnerable to market volatility, the search for guaranteed lifetime income has never been more crucial. In this eye-opening conversation with Sheryl Moore, the nation's foremost annuity expert and founder of Wink market research firm, we explore the frequently misunderstood world of fixed index annuitie...
Apr 19, 2025•37 min
The retirement landscape has fundamentally changed, and your old tax strategies might be setting you up for disaster. America's IRA expert Ed Slott delivers a wake-up call about the hidden dangers lurking in your tax-deferred accounts. Gone are the days when IRAs were valuable wealth transfer vehicles. Since the SECURE Act eliminated the stretch provision, these accounts have transformed into what Slott bluntly calls "the worst possible asset to own and build on." Now, most non-spouse beneficiar...
Apr 15, 2025•37 min
The Social Security landscape is changing dramatically with the recent passing of the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates two long-standing provisions that have affected millions of public employees. Retirement income expert Heather Schreiber joins us to unpack what this means for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others who've earned pensions from non-covered employment. We discover how this legislation retroactively benefits those previously denied spousal or survivor ben...
Apr 04, 2025•54 min
The Horizons Conference by the American College of Financial Services gathers the world's best financial experts to share cutting-edge retirement strategies and revolutionary planning approaches with financial professionals. • Lindsay Lewis explores retirement challenges facing women, including healthcare expenses and the importance of HSAs as triple tax-free accounts • Jason Fichtner, former Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, explains why delaying benefits creates a 77% increase in monthly...
Mar 28, 2025•46 min
The world's foremost retirement planning experts reveal game-changing strategies that could transform your financial future in this extraordinary episode recorded at the American College of Financial Services' inaugural Horizons Conference. After attending financial conferences for over 17 years, I've never experienced anything like this gathering of retirement planning luminaries. In this first installment of a special two-part series, I sit down with four distinguished guests whose research sh...
Mar 21, 2025•39 min
We tackle the top five retirement planning questions that can make or break your financial future, focusing on keeping your hard-earned money safe and providing guaranteed lifetime income. • Early retirement considerations beyond savings, including health insurance costs until Medicare eligibility • Critical health insurance planning for those retiring before 65 • Tax implications and potential penalties on early withdrawals from retirement accounts • Social Security filing strategies based on m...
Mar 14, 2025•38 min
Step into the world of retirement planning with our latest episode featuring Joseph Jordan, a financial maestro with over 50 years of experience! Discover how longevity impacts our approach to living after work and the importance of crafting a life filled with purpose and joy. The conversation goes deeper to discuss how the aging population affects financial strategies and how emotional and mental well-being in retirement is vital for success. We shed light on innovative financial planning techn...
Mar 07, 2025•54 min
Join us for an enlightening episode of Safe Money Radio, where we explore the vital connection between real estate and retirement planning. Our expert guest, Tonya Murfin, brings 23 years of real estate experience to the table, (Listen to her podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-episodes-of-simply-authentic-a-leadership-journey/id1691563941?i=1000693880621 ) sharing invaluable insights on how homeowners can leverage their properties for financial security. With homeownership o...
Feb 28, 2025•54 min
Brad Pistole and Paul Morrison dive deep into the complexities of IRMA, exposing how Medicare surcharges can significantly impact retirees' net income and Social Security benefits. Their discussion dispels common myths surrounding IRMA and highlights real-life stories of individuals caught off-guard by unexpected changes in their retirement planning. • Introduction to IRMA and its implications on retirement • Analysis of misconceptions surrounding IRMA and wealth • Real-life examples highlightin...
Feb 21, 2025•54 min
This episode of Safe Money Radio focuses on five major purchases retirees should avoid: brand new vehicles, RVs, timeshares, boats, and multiple properties. Each item is discussed in detail, highlighting the financial drawbacks and long-term impacts on retirement income. The discussion encourages listeners to rethink their spending habits to preserve their retirement savings effectively. • Discussing the importance of smart financial decisions in retirement • Highlighting brand new vehicles as a...
Feb 14, 2025•54 min
Best-selling author David McKnight takes center stage to question the financial advice that gurus like Dave Ramsey and Ken Fisher have been imparting for decades. Could these famous figures be leading you astray? We unravel McKnight’s groundbreaking insights from his latest book, "The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray and How to Get Back on Track," as he challenges traditional retirement strategies and explores the hidden motivations behind popular financial advice. ...
Feb 07, 2025•54 min
This episode explores the financial fears and anxieties that even wealthy retirees face regarding outliving their savings and managing spending. Practical strategies are discussed, along with expert insights, to help listeners construct a robust retirement income plan that incorporates long-term care considerations while allowing enjoyment in their golden years. • Examining the impact of market downturns on retirement savings • Understanding required minimum distributions and spending habits • I...
Jan 31, 2025•54 min
This episode emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for retirement, highlighting the need for sustainable income streams and the role of patience in wealth accumulation. Key strategies discussed include understanding financial products like annuities, ensuring adequate planning for market fluctuations, and preparing for future healthcare costs. • Importance of having a plan for retirement income • The Rule of 72 and its implications for wealth building • The utility of annuities in guar...
Jan 24, 2025•54 min
Retirement timing and claiming Social Security are interconnected decisions that can significantly affect financial stability. The discussion features insights from Dr. David Blanchett and highlights the importance of delaying Social Security claims to secure a better income during retirement. • Correlation between retirement age and Social Security claiming age • 75% of retirees claim Social Security benefits at the same time they retire • Claiming Social Security at age 62 results in reduced b...
Jan 16, 2025•54 min
What if you could transform your financial future by understanding the secrets of secure retirement planning? This episode of Safe Money Radio with Brad Pistole promises to equip you with essential insights into navigating financial market volatility and its effects on retirement accounts like 401ks and 403bs. Listen as Brad shares an inspiring client story from Michigan that underscores the importance of proactive financial planning and education, particularly through the strategic use of annui...
Jan 10, 2025•54 min
In this episode of Safe Money Radio, host Brad Pistole and IRA expert Andy Ives discuss the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). They clarify the rules surrounding these topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding how they interact and the implications for tax planning. The conversation highlights the need for financial education and the value of expert guidance in navigating these confusing ...
Dec 31, 2024•54 min
The episode focuses on the transformative power of essential reading for financial security and personal growth. It explores must-read books that provide insights into successful retirement planning, investment strategies, and the importance of mindset in navigating financial challenges. • Importance of preparing for market downturns • Personal journey from financial struggle to success • Key takeaways from "Don't Worry, Retire Happy" by Tom Hegna • Insights from "The Retirement Savings Time Bom...
Dec 26, 2024•54 min
Unlock the secrets to protecting your retirement income as we tackle the complex world of Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) with Medicare expert Paul Morrison. Ever wondered how your taxable income might be silently eroding your Social Security benefits? Our discussion shines a spotlight on the little-known IRMAA and its potential to reduce your net retirement income, urging both retirees and financial advisors to be more aware of these hidden costs. Together with Paul Morrison, ...
Dec 21, 2024•54 min
Ever wonder if you're truly prepared for retirement? Discover essential strategies with Sheryl Moore, a leading expert in insurance and annuities, who shares her profound knowledge on sustaining financial independence in later years. As president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, Sheryl offers her expertise on maintaining a secure retirement plan, highlighting the importance of informed planning. We tackle the primary concern for retirees—outliving their money—and debunk common myths about a...
Dec 13, 2024•54 min
What if you could safeguard your retirement savings against unpredictable market downturns? Join me as we embark on an enlightening exploration of retirement planning with insights from financial titans like Ed Slott and Heather Schreiber. We'll uncover the core investment principles essential for protecting your financial future and dive into my unforgettable journey through the historic corridors of the New York Stock Exchange. This episode promises to enhance your understanding of the financi...
Dec 06, 2024•54 min
Unlock the secrets to a secure retirement as we explore the world of annuities and the essential role of financial fiduciaries. This episode of Safe Money Radio brings you real-life stories, including a cautionary tale about a listener who nearly fell for an unsuitable annuity product. Tune in to hear how my personal experiences with multiple annuities have highlighted the importance of aligning your financial goals with the right products, especially during the holiday season when financial off...
Nov 29, 2024•54 min
What happens when financial planning meets the world of drug and alcohol prevention? Join me, Brad Pistole, as I sit down with a unique guest, my daughter, Autumn Brooke Newman, who brings her expertise in both fields to the table. Together, we navigate the complexities of financial education for children using tools like Roth IRAs, while also shining a light on Autumn's impactful work with the Partnerships for Success program. Her role as Director focuses on substance prevention across seven Mi...
Nov 22, 2024•54 min
