Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast (Taylor Schulte, CFP®)

Today, Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club continues to fill in and will discuss the FI/RE movement sweeping through the personal finance community.

He talks about shifting thoughts around retirement strategies and ages, what the "safe withdrawal rate" is, and how to calculate your "retirement number".

Jeremy also answers a question from a listener on how to retire in 10 years!

Today I'm talking about I-Bonds, a type of savings bond that some call "the best kept secret in America."  

Specifically, I'm sharing:

• What they are
• Why successful retirement savers might NOT be racing out to buy them
• Who they might be a good fit for 

If you're interested in learning about a safe investment designed to combat inflation, today's episode is for you.

Learn how to:

• Lower your tax bill
• Optimize investments
• Improve retirement success

Click Here to Get Your FREE Retirement Assessment

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Today I'm sharing two simple tax planning tips.

These tips will help you catch common errors we're finding on 2020 tax returns.

I'm also sharing some fun (personal) news with our listeners! 😲

If you've filed your 2020 tax return and want to avoid any big surprises this year, today's episode is for you.

The average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.06%.

National home prices just reported their highest one-year gain in history.

The U.S. stock market is up ~700% since March 2009.

When everything seems risky and overbought, what do retirement savers do?

How do you earn a healthy 7-8% return over the next 10-20 years?

I break it all down in this week's episode.

👉  Click here to access show notes for this episode

Buying a home comes with huge financial implications, and many of them come into play well before you make an offer and close on your mortgage. You could spend months, years, or even decades saving up the down payment for your home — and that’s especially true if you plan to save 20% or more or if you live in an expensive area.

To make the most of your situation, you’ll need to focus on two main imperatives — figuring out where to save your down payment funds, and deciding on a mortgage that fits in with your budget and your goals.

Many people assume picking a mortgage is a piece of cake, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s easy to think you’ll just get a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage because that’s what all your friends and colleagues have done, a home purchase provides the perfect opportunity to think differently about what you really want.

In this podcast, we’ll go over my thoughts on where you should save your down payment during any timeline of less than ten years. But we’ll also talk about the mortgages available today — and how the obvious mortgage choice isn’t always the best.

Ready to start saving for your dream home? Listen to today’s podcast episode to learn how.

Show Notes & Links: www.youstaywealthy.com/42

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Want an easy way to learn how the "Roth 5-Year Rule" affects your unique situation? 

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive my one-page flowchart (PDF) for navigating this confusing rule.

👉 Click here to join the newsletter!

***

TODAY'S EPISODE:

The "Trump-era tax cuts" are set to expire in 2026.

In other words, retirement savers only have two more years to take advantage of today's lower tax rates.

One of the popular strategies to do this is through (aggressive) Roth conversions.

As a result, I’ve had more questions than ever about the wildly confusing “Roth IRA 5-year rule"...

...specifically as it relates to Roth conversions.

To help simplify this rule, I'm sharing TWO simple questions you can answer to understand how the rule works.

I'm also sharing several real-life examples + my thoughts on what an election year might mean for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Are you ready to get answers to some BIG retirement questions?

Questions such as:

➤ What role does the equity in my home play in my retirement plan?

➤ Why should I do Roth conversions to help mitigate taxes on my kids' inheritance?

➤ Are closed-end funds a good investment?

➤ How do I properly evaluate pension vs. lump-sum decisions?

Today on the show, I’m answering these questions (and more!) with my good friend, Roger Whitney.

I'm also providing an update on the Retirement Podcast Network after taking a hint from 1,000+ retirement savers.  

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter :) 

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today I'm talking about immediate annuities and dividend stocks as potential retirement income solutions.

Specifically, I'm sharing the what, why, and how behind each strategy.

I'm also sharing their pros + cons.

If you want to find out if annuities and dividends will solve your retirement paycheck puzzle, you're going to enjoy this episode!

👉  Click here to access show notes for this episode

Today I’m talking about inflation.

In 2021, consumer prices rose 7%...the largest increase in 39 years.

• Is this good news or bad news?
• What does this mean for retirement investors?
• How should our investment strategy change in response?

I’m answering these questions and more!

If you’re ready to address common inflation myths + learn how to take action, today’s episode is for you.

👉 Access the Show Notes for This Episode

Today I’m talking about the case for (and risk of!) deflation.

Specifically, I'm covering:

• What deflation is
• How deflation impacts our economy
• Why it’s a risk we should be considering 

If you’re ready to learn about the often-overlooked risk of deflation, you're going to enjoy this episode.

***

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In today’s episode, Jeremy Schneider explains what dividend stocks are and why he believes that chasing dividends will actually make you less wealthy in the long run.‎
‎
He recounts an example told by Warren Buffett explaining why Berkshire Hathaway has never paid a dividend.‎
‎
Jeremy also answers a user question about a better way to invest than the S&P 500 when saving for retirement.

Today I’m talking about how to combine roth conversions with charitable giving.

In fact, this strategy can help wipe out this year's tax bill, reduce future tax bills, and also support some good causes along the way.

The best part?

There's no minimum amount of net worth required to take action.

So if you want to make a smart tax move while also supporting a good cause, today’s episode is for you.

Did you know anyone can call themselves a financial advisor?

Or a financial planner, a wealth manager, an investment manager… the list goes on and on.

Believe it or not, these titles have no legal or regulatory meaning.

They’re not evidence of experience or education. They’re just marketing tools.

In fact, you could call yourself a wealth manager right now if you wanted!

That’s just one reason why finding a trained, experienced, and legitimate financial advisor who works in your best interest at all times and won’t sell you and products is tough.

But, I'm here to help!

Today, I'm talking about the 10 biggest mistakes to avoid (plus, the questions you need to ask!) before hiring a financial advisor to help with retirement.

Show Notes: www.youstaywealthy.com/38

Questions & Feedback: podcast@youstaywealthy.com 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Today I'm kicking off a multi-part series on Financial Advisors.

(I'm also sharing a BIG announcement with everyone! 🥳) 

Here in Part 1, I'm covering three things:

1. What is a financial advisor
2. Why the job title is meaningless
3. What financial advisors do (and don't do)

It doesn’t matter if you manage your own finances, happily work with a financial advisor, or work with 15 advisors...

..if you want to gain a better understanding of this important (yet confusing!) profession, this series is for you.

Want more retirement content? Join thousands of other listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy e-newsletter!

***

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A near-record number of tech stocks have fallen by 50% or more from their one-year highs. 

Is this the beginning of tech bubble 2.0? 

If so, how will other asset classes behave? 

How should retirement savers prepare?

One of our listeners, John H., recently reached out with these (great) questions.

If, like John, some of the recent headlines around tech & growth stocks have you concerned, you'll enjoy this listener mailbag episode.

Today I’m wrapping up our four-part series on investing in bonds by talking about...implementation!

My goal today is to help you take action.

To take what you’ve learned these last four weeks and make some meaningful improvements to your retirement portfolio.

So if you’re finally able to wrap your head around the basics of bond investing and ready to take action, today's episode is for you.

Inflation jumped 8.5% through March. 

This is the highest reported level since 1981. 😬

It was also the biggest monthly jump in prices since 2005.

However...there are some tentative signs that inflation may be slowing.

I share more in this episode + provide thoughts on how retirement savers might respond. 

👉  Learn more about our Free Retirement Assessment

For the episode show notes and links, click here.

In 2018, GE stock traded at $7/share—an 85% drop from its all-time high. 

Who was hit the hardest? 

Company retirees...including former factory workers who used equity compensation packages to save for retirement.

In part one of our equity comp series, I'm breaking down:

• What it is
• Why it exists
• How to manage the risks

Friend and fellow planner, Odaro Aisueni, also drops by to share his wisdom and expertise.

If you want to better understand equity compensation + learn about the overlooked risks of company stock, you’re going to love today’s episode.

👉 Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

Today I’m tackling part three of our stock market investing series. And, this is where we get to the fun stuff!

In this episode, I’m sharing what historical data you might use when trying to determine which stocks to invest in. 

In fact, this data is what many of the top money managers in the world use to intelligently allocate their clients’ assets. 

So if you want to learn how to research the stock market (in plain English!) and build a world-class retirement portfolio, this episode is for you.

Today I'm joined by Phil Huber, Chief Investment Officer at Savant Wealth Management.

Phil joins me to take the other side of the alternative investment debate and shares three big insights:

1.) What exactly defines an "alternative investment"

2.) Why traditional stock/bond portfolios will be challenged in the years ahead

3.) How alternatives can help to reduce risk and improve investment returns

He also addresses common misconceptions about this complex asset class.  

If you're looking to expand your investment knowledge and learn how alternatives might enhance your retirement portfolio, this episode is for you.

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

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As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📊  Get Your Free Retirement and Tax Analysis

Today I'm sharing a story about a couple who lost $2 million to an investment scam.

I'm also sharing (new!) resources to help protect your personal data in 2024.

Financial scams are getting more sophisticated and losses are skyrocketing.

In fact, last year, Americans lost $10 billion to financial scams.

That’s $1 billion more than 2022, and is the highest-ever reported annual loss in FTC history.

Everyone is at risk.

And everyone needs to regularly take proactive steps to stay safe.

Tune in to learn more.

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter :) 

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today, we are taking questions from you, the listener. We asked you what keeps you up at night and what's been on your mind and you responded with some fantastic questions.

Some of the topics we explore in today's episode include:

• Saving for retirement after you have maxed out your company plan (i.e. 401k, 457, 403b)
• Whole life insurance and why it's probably not a good savings tool
• The power of the HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Bitcoin and cowboy accounts
• Buying versus renting a home

Show notes: www.youstaywealthy.com/26 

Today I'm kicking off a two-part series on robo-advisors by sharing:

• What a robo-advisor is (in plain English!)
• Why I argue they've been around since the 1920's
• Who they are and aren't a good fit for

If you're a retirement saver who wants to learn more about these low-cost investing solutions + if they live up to the hype, this episode is for you.

Last June, inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.1%.

Since then, it’s been falling month over month, hitting 3.2% in July of this year.

The Fed’s aggressive rate hikes seemed to be doing their job, and their 2% inflation target appeared to be in sight.

But then, the August CPI report came out a few weeks ago...

...and we saw inflation spike, jumping up to 3.7%.

What happened? Where does inflation go from here? And should we be worried about this recent uptick?

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WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join thousands of listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

---

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Today I'm talking about market forecasts and predictions.

Why?

Unlike the core principles that create a successful investment outcome, the financial + economic environment is always changing.

And the current environment drives a lot of our assumptions and decisions about the future.

While I think investors should ignore most pundits, I do believe thoughtful forecasts are valuable.

If you want to learn more about how to approach stock market forecasts (which there is no shortage of right now!), this episode is for you.

👉 Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

How do we fix the housing affordability problem in the U.S.?

Will lower interest rates really improve the real estate market?

How have Zillow and Airbnb contributed to the current housing challenges?  

What are tariffs (+ benefits and drawbacks)?

What's next for the U.S. economy? 

These are just a few of the questions I'm exploring in this episode with author and economic expert, Kyla Scanlon. 

***

BOOK GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away 10 copies of Kyla's beautifully written and designed book, "In This Economy? How Money & Markets Actually Work."

To put your name in the hat and receive a free copy, be sure you're subscribed to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter by visiting https://www.youstaywealthy.com/email.

Next week, my team will randomly select 10 lucky readers to give our copies away to. 

👉 Join the newsletter!

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

As a bonus for subscribing to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter, you'll also receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today I'm responding to some constructive criticism I received from a listener.

I'm also sharing my conversation with Steve Chen, host of The NewRetirement Podcast.

Along with sharing a personal update on having three kids under age 5, we dig into:

• Tax planning opportunities + misconceptions
• What to do when you've saved more for retirement than you can spend
• Why people put off estate planning and how to take action

Be sure to stick around to the end where we answer a few listener questions and chat about the current state of the markets.

👉 Click here to access show notes for this episode

Today I’m continuing our 4-part series on investing in the stock market by talking about the two most effective ways to invest in stocks. 

I’m also sharing the pros and cons of each method so you can decide what’s best for you. 

In this episode, you’ll learn three BIG things:

1. Why individual stocks have higher expected rates of return than funds
2. What hidden costs you need to look out for when investing
3. How to decide between individual stocks vs. mutual funds vs. ETFs

If you want to make sure you fully understand the different vehicles you can choose when investing in the stock market for retirement, you’ll enjoy this episode. 

Today I’m talking about investing and planning for retirement during uncertain times.

In fact, I was recently invited to discuss this topic with Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief at Investopedia.

Caleb hosts the Investopedia Express Podcast and has had conversations with everyone from Ray Dalio & Liz-Ann Sonders to Eli Manning & David Rubenstein.

Needless to say, it was an honor to be on his show and share:

• How to build a plan for your cash and why it’s so important
• What mistakes investors should watch out for in today’s choppy markets
• How to create a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy in retirement 

I also shared my “hottest” 2023 investing take, my favorite financial term, and what the future of financial planning looks like.

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join thousands of listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📊  Get Your Free Retirement and Tax Analysis

📘  Pre-Order the More Than Money Book

Bonds are on track for their worst year in history.

In response, retirement investors are concerned (rightfully so) and questioning their bond allocation.

To help address those concerns, I’m covering three things today:

1. Why bond yields are NOT moving in lockstep with interest rates set by the Fed
2. How long it takes for bond losses to recover
3. Why retirement savers should maintain exposure to bonds for the long run

I'm also sharing the pros & cons of laddering bank CDs as a bond fund alternative.

Want more retirement content? Join thousands of other listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy e-newsletter!

***

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

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The current yield on a one-year U.S.Treasury bond is 4%.

But the yield on a ten-year Treasury bond is only…3.5%. 

Why is this?

What does it mean for retirement savers?

And how should investors respond?

That’s what I’m tackling today on the show!

***

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

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It's an election year.

As a result, many retirement investors believe that the market MUST be in for a wild ride.

But is that true? 

Over the last 100 years, how have markets behaved during election years?

What have been the best and worst returns? 

How has the market performed during every 4-year presidential term since 1929?

And is it "different this time?" 

To help retirement savers invest wisely during this period of heightened uncertainty, I'm answering these questions (and more).

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I'll be sending the 12-page PDF to all newsletter readers this week and next 😊

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---

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Today I'm talking about the U.S. National Debt which currently sits at ~$28 trillion.

While that is a GIANT number, I'm sharing why current debt levels are not as big of a problem as most think.

If you want to learn why (in plain English!), you're going to love today's episode. 

👉  Click here to access show notes for this episode

Today I’m sharing 3 simple tax planning strategies to consider before year-end.

We have two weeks left in 2020 and my goal is to help you take action before it’s too late.

So if you want to lower your tax bill today and reduce your future taxes in retirement, today’s episode is for you.  

Today, Jeremy Schneider shares the four biggest lies told by stock market charts.

He breaks down "lost decades" and why your investment returns likely don't match what you see in stock market charts. 

Jeremy also answers two questions from listeners on shifting investing strategies after becoming wealthy and Roth IRAs vs brokerage accounts.

If your retirement dollars are invested in the stock market, today's episode is for you. 

Today is Jeremy Schneider's last episode as guest host before Taylor returns. 

He reveals the seven deadly sins of investing, including the most deadly...number seven!

Jeremy dives deep into which factors can predict future investment performance and compares two similar investors...one who ends up with $1.2M and the other with less than $7,000!

Today I'm diving into the tariff-induced market mania that has been dominating every news headline.

Specifically, I'm joined by Cullen Roche, monetary economics expert and founder of Discipline Funds, to discuss three important things:

► How tariffs actually work and why economists across the political spectrum overwhelmingly agree they are bad

► What the recent tariff proposal means for the economy (and American consumers)

► What yesterday’s "90-day pause" means for the markets going forward

We also discuss how retirement investors should approach their portfolios during this period of economic uncertainty + what changes are prudent to make.

***

2025 TAX CHEATSHEET

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you,  you'll receive my recently updated 2025 Tax Cheatsheet (PDF). 

You'll also receive weekly retirement and investing tips from yours truly.

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***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

Almost every day, I (guest host Jeremy Schneider) hear someone mention their credit score.

After being in school our entire young lives, we must all crave for someone to give us another grade.

And when the ol’ FICO corporation is slapping a big number on all of us...

...we excitedly spend every waking moment trying to improve (or maintain) it.

But here’s the problem: Focusing on your credit score is a TERRIBLE way to win with money.

You’re putting your energy towards precisely the wrong thing.

In today's episode, I'm sharing why you shouldn't care about your credit score + what you should be focusing on instead!

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join thousands of listeners around the country and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

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Jan van Eck is the CEO of VanEck, a $50 billion asset manager (as of 2019).

Last month, Jan's team became concerned about the global markets.

COVID-19 was (and still is) causing economic uncertainty...and the markets hate uncertainty.

In today's episode, Jan breaks down:

• The current state of the global financial markets
• His base case for clarity around COVID-19
• What's needed for this market to recover
• Investing in China and Emerging Markets
• How to think about investing in gold

If you're interested in a simple explanation of the technical details around current market events, today's episode is for you.

Just about everyone saving for retirement is faced with the option: Traditional or Roth. 

It doesn't matter if you are saving for retirement through an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or a company-sponsored plan like a 401(k) or 403(b).

You typically have the ability to choose between these two options.

Unfortunately, most people default to choosing the wrong option and they could be missing out on tens of thousands of extra dollars in their retirement accounts.

In today's episode, you will learn:

• Why we put money in retirement accounts to begin with
• The rules of thumb for choosing a retirement account and why you might not want to follow them
• Which type of retirement account - Traditional or Roth - is the best option (for most people)
• The flipside of the argument so you make an informed decision about what is best for you
• A common misconception about retirement accounts and how to address this
• One super simple trick for choosing the best investment options in your retirement account

If you want to save more money, reduce your future tax bill, and invest smarter, you don't want to miss today's episode.  

Show notes: www.youstaywealthy.com/24 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Today I'm answering a great question from one of our listeners:

"Are we in a stock market bubble?" ~Nancy K., Minnesota

In this episode, I share:

• What a bubble is
• How to measure stock market valuations
• My answer to answer to Nancy's question!

So if you're a retirement investor concerned about current stock market levels, you're going to love today's episode.

Today I'm kicking off a multi-part series on creating a reliable income stream in retirement.

To help set the stage for this series, Michael Kitces drops in to share why most retirees will NEVER draw down their portfolio.

In fact, he shares how the 4% rule is more likely to quintuple wealth than deplete it over 30-years.

If you're ready to learn everything you need to know about creating a retirement paycheck, this series is for you. 

👉 Click here to access show notes for this episode

Think you don’t have anything of value online? Think again. The reality is, almost everyone who uses the internet in any capacity has digital assets to protect.

Digital assets can include any account or information you preserve on the web — things like email accounts and your social media accounts. A digital asset could also be anything you own online, such as a personal blog or a website for your business.

If your goal is protecting yourself and your heirs from modern pitfalls like having your bank account hacked, having fraudulent purchases charged to old credit cards, or identity theft, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to protect your digital assets while you’re alive and once you’re gone. And that’s what today’s podcast is about.

To help you hatch a plan to care for the digital assets we often forget about, I interviewed estate planning expert Jamie Hopkins.

In today’s show, our expert explains the importance of digital assets in our modern lives as well as steps we can take to prevent unnecessary stress on the people we love the most.

Ready to protect your online information? Listen to today’s podcast episode to learn how.

Show Notes & Links www.youstaywealthy.com/40 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Today I'm talking about inflation.

While inflation has historically averaged ~3%, the most recent CPI report showed an annual rate of 5.4%. 😲

But I’m going to share why that number doesn't tell the whole story.

I'm also sharing how some people are using the recent CPI report to try and scare you before Halloween even starts.

Finally, I'll be providing tips for how retirement investors can improve their portfolios if moderately high inflation persists.

If you want to know what the current inflation numbers mean for your retirement + how to combat this BIG SCARY threat, today’s episode is for you.

👉 Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

Today we’re diving into ESG investing.

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance.

And because the world of ESG is messy and complicated, I asked Liz Simmie, co-founder of Honeytree Investment Management, to help us break it down.

Liz is wildly knowledgeable about purpose driven investing and addresses three big questions in this episode:

1. What is ESG investing (in plain English!)
2. How retirement savers should approach fees when investing in ESG funds
3. What is the most important data point to screen for when choosing an ESG strategy

If you want to learn the right way to approach ESG investing and how to integrate it into your retirement portfolio, you’re going to love this episode.

👉 Click here to access show notes for this episode

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 for most retirement savers.

These forced withdrawals can be a burden for those who don't need (or want) the taxable income.

Since they are “required,” many assume that they don't have any control over their RMDs.

But that’s not necessarily the case.

In fact, one of the 5 strategies I'm sharing with you today allows you to delay unwanted (mandatory) distributions well past age 73 😳

Applying these strategies and gaining control of your RMDs can potentially help you:

➤ Lower lifetime taxes

➤ Reduce catastrophic risks 

➤ Improve risk-adjusted investment returns

It doesn't matter if you're still working or already taking RMDs—if you want to optimize your long-term plan, you'll enjoy today's episode.

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter :) 

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today, guest host Jeremy Schneider covers three BIG topics:

1. When market timing works
2. How to invest a windfall of money
3. What to do if you're afraid to invest in the stock market

If you're a nervous retirement investor concerned about investing at market highs, this episode is for you! 

👉  Click here to access show notes for this episode

Today Jeremy Schneider dives into Vanguard Target Retirement funds (and the tax problems they're causing).  

Specifically, he's sharing:

• What happened at Vanguard to trigger this giant tax issue
• Why this occurred in the first place
• What to do when it happens again  

He's also answering two (2) BIG questions from listeners!

If you’re ready to learn how to avoid future mutual fund tax surprises so you don't overpay the IRS, today's episode is for you.

Over age 50? Need retirement + tax planning help? 

👉 Get Started With a Free Retirement Assessment 

To grab the links mentioned in today's episode, visit the show notes page.

Today on the show I'm answering a fantastic question from Stay Wealthy listener, Chris M.

Chris asked about how he should think about his allocation to stocks versus bonds as he gets closer to retirement. 

"Do I have to increase my allocation to bonds? Is it dangerous to continue to hold stocks?"

If retirement is in the next 5-10 years and you want to better understand how to invest during the most vulnerable period of your financial life, this episode is for you. 

Today I'm going to share what retirement savers need to know about variable annuities.

Insurance products are great and all.

But this confusing product was charging my client $15,000 per year in hidden fees for benefits she didn’t even need.

If you own a variable annuity, or you have considered purchasing one to save for retirement, today's episode is for you.

When it comes to investing, historical returns show us that, for the most part, a buy-and-hold strategy will always outperform an active one. This means that, once you have a concrete investing plan in place, you should stick with it through thick and thin — and no matter what the market does on any given day.

But that doesn’t mean you can randomly buy stocks and bonds and expect things to go your way. Well, you can, I guess...but you will likely regret it for years to come if you do.

In today’s podcast, I interviewed Peter Lazaroff, financial expert and author of Making Money Simple: The Complete Guide to Getting Your Financial House in Order and Keeping It That Way Forever to find out the biggest mistakes even the most well-intentioned investors make with their portfolios over time.

His answers may surprise you, so you don’t want to miss out. 

Show Notes & Links: www.youstaywealthy.com/43

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

The markets are off to the worst start since 1939!

Given that, I’m answering three (3) BIG questions from listeners today:

1. Why are stocks AND bonds down at the same time + what should investors be doing right now to protect their portfolio?
2. How can we improve our mindset and gain optimism in the face of negative economic outlooks?
3. What is the correct order of operations when withdrawing money in retirement?

If you're asking similar questions and concerned about the current state of the markets, you're going to love this episode. 

Want to Lower Your Tax Bill + Improve Retirement Success?

👉 Click Here to Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis

To grab the links and resources for today's episode, click here.

Today I’m talking about investing.

Specifically, I’m joined by data scientist and author, Nick Maggiulli, and we’re talking about:

• How to invest in high inflationary environments
• Why you shouldn't “buy the dip”
• A unique formula for investing during market drawdowns

If you’re ready to dive into data and get answers to some of the biggest investing questions, this episode is for you.

👉 Click here to learn more about our Free Retirement Assessment

For the episode show notes and links, click here.

Today, I'm talking about navigating the risks of concentrated investments.

Specifically, Peter Lazaroff, CIO of Plancorp, joins me to answer three BIG questions:

➤ How do you know if you have a "concentrated investment?"

➤ What are some little-known risks investors aren't considering?

➤How do you (tax-efficiently) diversify concentrated investments?

I also share a specific exercise investors can follow to decide if they should sell some or all of their concentrated holding(s).

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter!

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today we're talking about the Backdoor Roth IRA.

Specifically, guest host Jeremy Schneider is sharing:

• What the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy is
• Why you should (or shouldn't) pursue it
• How to execute it the right way

If you're interested in learning more about this unique strategy for getting more money into a Roth IRA, this episode is for you.

***

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Join thousands of listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

👉  Follow Jeremy Schneider on Instagram

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out My New Book: More Than Money

📊  Get Your Free Retirement and Tax Analysis

Life insurance is wildly misunderstood and often oversold. 

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the world of life insurance to show you how to buy it the right way, saving you money, time, and future headaches. 

We discuss:

• Why we buy life insurance to begin with
• How to know when you need it
• What types of life insurance you should consider
• Where to buy it to make sure you're getting a good deal.
• Plus, why you might not want to buy life insurance through your employer.

As a bonus, we also share some resources for finding insurance money out there that you are entitled to.

We also tackle a listener question about 529 college savings plans and the proper way to get one set up for kids and grandkids.

Links, show notes, and resources for this episode: www.youstaywealthy.com/29 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Due to recent tax reform, only 10% of Americans itemized their deductions in 2018 compared to 30% in 2017.

This has significantly impacted the tax benefits of charitable giving. Or has it?  

In today's episode, I'm discussing:

1. Exactly what a Donor-Advised Fund is in its simplest form
2. Who is the right fit for using a Donor-Advised Fund
3. If you are a potential candidate, what the absolute best strategy is for funding one
4. Where to open a Donor-Advised Fund + a handful of really important things to look out for

Show Notes & Links: https://youstaywealthy.com/50 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services. Speak to your tax professional and financial advisor before taking any action. 

Today I'm sharing the hot off the press results of the annual "Mind the Gap" study.

Once again, over the last 10 years, investors earned ~2% per year less than the funds they invested in.

(Hint: It's not because of fees or taxes.)

If you want to learn...

• Why this return gap exists
• What asset classes are most at risk
• And how you can improve your returns

...you'll love this episode.

👉  Click here to access show notes for this episode

Today I’m sharing details about a (new) popular financial scam.

To help you stay safe, I’m also sharing 3 ways to stay safe and protect yourself in retirement.

(Hint: your "complex" password may not be as secure as you think. 😲)

If you want to learn about this sophisticated financial scam + tips for protecting your family, this episode is for you.

Need Retirement & Tax Planning help? 

Click here to learn more about our Free Retirement Assessment™.

For the episode show notes and links, click here.

Today I'm talking about alternative investments.

An "alternative" is an asset that doesn't fall into one of the three traditional investment categories (stocks, bonds, and cash).

For example, private equity, venture capital, and managed futures.

These complex strategies often claim to reduce risk + deliver "uncorrelated" returns. 

But do they live up to the hype?

Do they provide compelling risk-adjusted returns? 

Should retirement savers include alternative investments in their portfolio? 

I'm answering those questions (and more) in this episode.

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

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As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📊  Get Your Free Retirement and Tax Analysis

📘  Pre-Order the More Than Money Book

Today I’m continuing with our series on tax-loss harvesting.

Here in part 2, I’m sharing:

• Who should consider tax-loss harvesting
• Who should stay away from it
• The (top) 3 things that can boost your tax savings

I’m also presenting situations where tax loss harvesting can backfire, and do more harm than good. 😬

If you're a retirement saver ready to learn how this tax strategy can be maximized, you're going to love today's episode. 

***

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📬  Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Newsletter!

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis

Today I’m wrapping up our mini-series on Portfolio Rebalancing.

Specifically, I'm sharing the 5 biggest pitfalls to watch out for.

Why?

Because making just one of these mistakes could wipe away the benefits of rebalancing entirely.

So before you process your next rebalance (or let a computer handle it!), tune in to learn what they are and how to avoid them. 

Today I'm going to explain exactly what Per Stirpes is. 

Per-what?!

Yes, it's a funny Latin legal term but it recently saved my client from sending a healthy six-figure sum to the wrong beneficiary.

And she didn't even need to hire an attorney to fix it!

If you want to make sure your money is inherited by the right people when you are gone, you’ll enjoy today’s episode.

For all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit www.youstaywealthy.com/61 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services. 

Homeowners insurance is more than just another bill the mortgage company makes us pay every year.

It’s the price we pay for peace of mind if our property is damaged in a fire or destroyed by a natural disaster.

Unfortunately, homeowners insurance isn’t cheap. And if you don’t take steps to mitigate the cost of this coverage, you could wind up paying A LOT more than you need to.

Auto insurance isn’t any different. It’s costly but wildly important.

The good news is you have more control over your policy than you might think. A few tweaks can save you hundreds of dollars per year and, more importantly, provide you and your family with more protection.

In today’s episode, I’m going to share three things:

1. How to optimize your policies by improving your coverage and reducing your costs
2. Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
3. Where to shop for insurance to make sure you are getting the best deal without putting yourself at risk

Listen to today’s podcast episode to learn more!

Show Notes & Links: www.youstaywealthy.com/46 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Today I'm kicking off a multi-part series on Dividend Investing.

While dividends are a normal occurrence in the global markets, their role in a retirement portfolio is often misunderstood.

➤ What is a dividend, and why do some companies pay them? 

➤ How do they affect an investor's return?

➤ Where do dividends fit in the portfolio construction process? 

➤ What are the little-known problems with this investment strategy?

➤ And what does my upcoming birthday have to do with dividends? 🥳

I'm covering all of these questions (and more!) in this investing series. 

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter :) 

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022.

Today, inflation is hovering around 3%.

If inflation is back in line with long-term historical averages, why does everything still feel so expensive?

When voters were asked what they would most like to see improved in our economy...

...why did 64% of them say "lower prices?" 

In this episode, I'm digging into the current state of inflation, why prices still feel high, and where inflation might be headed.

I'm also sharing tactics for how to successfully navigate challenging time periods.

If, like most retirement savers, things still feel outrageously expensive to you, you're going to enjoy this episode. 

***

RETIREMENT & TAX PLANNING TOOLS:

Join 5,000+ listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter :) 

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

We all know 2020 is an election year.

And, it's not uncommon for investors to assume that because it's an election year, the stock must be in for a wild ride.

Even more, some suggest that if the party they favor wins the election, it will be good for the markets.

And if the other party wins, it will tank them.

I'm not going to pretend to have a crystal ball.

But, looking back at 90+ years of data can be incredibly helpful in making informed decisions about our money and retirement portfolio.

For the 14-page PDF I put together for our awesome listeners + all the resources mentioned in this episode, visit www.youstaywealthy.com/59

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services

Today I'm wrapping up our two-part series on robo-advisors.

Specifically, I'm sharing THREE things:

1. The pros and cons of using a robo-advisor
2. Major pitfalls to watch out for
3. How to choose the right one

If you currently use a robo-advisor – or you’re considering one in the near future – this episode will help you better understand if it’s a good fit + how to avoid costly mistakes.

Today I’m sharing what the recent spike in inflation will do to your tax bill. 

Why?

Because the higher inflation is, the more uneven its impact is on taxes owed by retirement savers.

And nobody likes it when Uncle Sam catches them off guard!

If you want to know the 6 ways inflation might impact your taxes this year, you're going to love this episode.

👉 Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

But instead of talking about why they’re so great...

...I'm sharing 5 reasons why you might NOT do them.

To help, Steven Jarvis, CPA, joins me. Together, we share a handful of often-overlooked reasons that might make you pause.

If you’re ready to learn why you might pass on Roth conversions (today or in the future!), today’s episode is for you.

👉  Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

Today I'm talking about car ownership. 

Specifically, I'm sharing:

• The Total Lifetime Cost of Owning a Car
• How Buying New Can Cost the Same as Buying Used
• Why Leasing a Car Isn't Always the Wrong Decision

I also let you in on a little secret about my personal approach to car ownership. 😲

If you want to better understand the true cost of owning a car (and hear my public confession!), today's episode is for you.

👉 Click here to access show notes for this episode

Two weeks ago, my wife and I came home to a major water leak.

We’ve been bouncing around between Airbnb’s with three kids and a dog since then.

Fortunately, the $50,0000 (and counting!) in damages are being covered by insurance.

But I learned that’s not always the case.

I learned that some VERY large insurance companies have recently stopped covering this type of loss.

If you want to learn more about my current situation + how you can ensure your home is properly protected, this episode is for you.

And if you want to throw your name in the hat for a custom, high-quality Stay Wealthy hoodie, click here.

(I'll be drawing names on January 3rd and shipping them off!)

👉  Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

Grab your Tax Planning Cheatsheet (updated for 2025!) by clicking here.

The 2-page PDF guide includes every important number you'll need for your retirement & tax planning next year.

Updated federal income tax brackets, AMT annual limits, standard deductions, Social Security taxation summary, estate and gift tax annual limits…and more.

👉 Download it now. 

***

In our final episode of the year, I'm taking a break from the usual nerdy retirement planning talk to share twelve (12) insightful, fun, and humourous investing statistics. 

These stats cover topics such as:

➤ The McRib Effect: Can a fast-food favorite influence markets?

➤ Shiller P/E Ratio History: What does this popular valuation signal suggest for the market's future?

➤ Netflix Drawdowns: A stock’s wild history of recovery.

➤ Berkshire Hathaway: A long-term (unbelievable) investment story unfolds.

➤ Pet Spending: A surprising shift in American priorities.

Whether you’re a market enthusiast or just here for the entertaining stories, you’ll love this lighthearted yet insightful end-of-year episode.

Thank YOU for making this year so special by tuning in and engaging with the show.

Enjoy the holidays, reflect on the year behind us, and prepare to dive into 2025 with fresh market insights and retirement planning strategies. 

Here’s to "staying wealthy" next year and beyond! 🎉

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today, I’m discussing the challenges of spending money in retirement. 

To help, Brian Portnoy, one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of money, joins us to discuss three big things:

➤ Why it’s so difficult for retirement savers to transition from saving to spending

➤ What you can do to prepare for the (well-documented!) challenges of retirement spending 

➤ How to use Brian’s “Four C’s” to achieve true wealth in retirement

We also delve into the meaning behind Brian’s famous quote, “Diversification always means having to say your sorry,” and how it can help you make better investing decisions.

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter!

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

I hope you, your family, and friends are staying safe during these difficult times. 

In today's bonus episode, I'm discussing COVID-19 and sharing some thoughts on the current state of the financial markets.

I'm also sharing three actions to consider taking right now with your investments and retirement plan. 

“Better start planning for college!” – Every financial planner when you tell them you’re having a baby

Speaking of having a baby, my second son was born the day this podcast episode was recorded.

Please welcome Sutton Cole! He weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces, he’s sleeping like a champ, and he doesn’t have a 529 college saving account. 

While planning for college is important, there are three things more important than opening a 529 college savings account when you have a child.

Listen to today's show to learn the critical financial planning moves new parents (or parents that haven't started planning) need to make. 

If you have any more questions, please contact us at podcast@staywealthsandiego.com

Thanks for Listening

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Android, or wherever you get your podcasts.  And feel free to drop us a line at podcast@staywealthsandiego.com

Find show notes and more information at http://www.staywealthysandiego.com/33

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Today, I'm sharing key takeaways from three of the BEST retirement articles I read this month.

1️⃣ The first article is about the future of taxes in this country and specifically makes a strong case for why they will be higher.

2️⃣ The second reveals why investors missed out on 15% of investment returns over the last decade. 😳

3️⃣ Lastly, the third article is a real-life account of what it actually feels like to transition from the working world into retirement.

Didn’t get a chance to read everything that was published last month?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

***

FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING RESOURCES:

Subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter!

As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter!

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheets.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

Today I'm talking about stock market predictions.

Specifically, I'm sharing:

‣ What happened in the markets in 2023

‣ What may lie ahead for us in 2024

‣ Why we should prepare for the biggest crash of our lifetime

I'm also sharing an exciting announcement that will directly benefit you! 😊

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join 5,000+ listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2024 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

-----

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your Free Retirement + Tax Analysis

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network

The stock market has been screaming upwards for over 10 years.

In fact, the S&P 500 just crossed 4,000!

Many retirement savers are starting to get worried, thinking we must be due for a crash.

Is it dangerous to invest at market highs?

Should you wait for a correction before investing more money in stocks?

What if you're retired? Should you be investing in stocks at all?

If you've been asking yourself these same questions lately and feeling a bit nervous about the stock market, today's episode is for you.

Today I'm talking about the bond market.

Specifically, what it's currently telling us about where the economy might be headed.

In fact, we've never seen bond yields sound the recession alarm this loudly. 🚨

But, how reliable is the bond market?

What does this "recession warning" mean for retirement savers?

And how might the current environment impact investment decisions?

I'm answering these questions (and more) in this episode!

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join thousands of listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📘  Check Out the More Than Money Book

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📊  Get Your Free Retirement and Tax Analysis

Today I’m kicking off a 4-part series on investing in the stock market. And, I don’t think I could have found a better guest to get us started.

My favorite personal finance writer, Morgan Housel, joins us to talk about three BIG things:

• Why the 60/40 portfolio isn’t dead
• The history of the 4% rule and how it applies to retirement savers today
• How the psychology of money applies to everyone, from boring index fund investors to stock pickers and day traders

This is my favorite interview of 2020. Period.

If you want to learn about investing from one of the smartest thinkers out there, today’s episode is for you.

Today I’m sharing key findings from a 22-year study on investing in real estate.

In general, there are three primary ways you can invest in real estate:

1. Direct ownership
2. Listed real estate
3. Unlisted real estate 

Most investors agree that allocating to real estate is prudent.

But they don't always agree on the best investment vehicle to use.

If you continue to wrestle with how to invest in real estate, you’ll enjoy the recent results I’m sharing from a 22-year study on this popular asset class.

👉  Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

*** NOTE: The show notes page I reference in the audio of this episode is incorrect. The correct episode number is 135 and the show notes can be found by going to www.youstaywealthy.com/135 ***

Today I'm tackling part 2 of our life insurance in retirement series.

To help, friend and fellow financial planner, Stephanie McCullough stops by.

Together, we cover three main things:

1. An academic use case for permanent life insurance to create retirement income
2. A step-by-step process for evaluating an existing policy
3. Tips and resources for getting conflict-free help

We also break down 1035 exchanges + how you can help family members with old insurance policies.

If you're ready to get into the technical weeds today and tie a bow on permanent insurance in retirement, this episode is for you!

👉  Click Here to Access Show Notes and Links for This Episode

The most common question about Social Security is "when should I take it?" 

It’s a simple question but there are a number of factors that need to be considered before you can accurately answer.

If you're already taking Social Security, don't panic. There may be a solution for you if you want to change the timing of your benefits after listening to this episode.

To summarize, today on the show I'm talking about:

1. The optimal time for most people to take Social Security
2. Why your investment strategy might impact when you decide to take your benefits
3. How to fix a common Social Security mistake

Show Notes & Links www.youstaywealthy.com/41 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services. 

Today I'm discussing risk.

Specifically, a type of risk known as "tail risk."

As Morgan Housel puts it, it's the hardest for people to understand...

...and it's the only one that really matters. 

If you want to learn what tail risk is, why it's important, and how to mitigate it, today's episode is for you.

WANT MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join thousands of listeners and subscribe to the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter.

As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📊  Get Your Free Retirement and Tax Analysis

📘  Pre-Order the More Than Money Book

Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) is all the rage right now.

"10%+ growth potential. Guaranteed security against market risk. Tax-free retirement income."

These policies are confusing. And they sound WAY too good to be true.

So to get to the bottom of it ... I bought one!

I read the fine print. Did the math. And uncovered the ugly truth. 

In this episode, I'm sharing the 10 lies told during the IUL sales pitch + the actual financial outcome of buying one.

I'm also answering two questions from listeners, including one about using a 3-fund portfolio for retirement investing. 

Over age 50? Need retirement + tax planning help? 

👉 Get Started With a Free Retirement Assessment 

To grab the links mentioned in today's episode, visit the show notes page.

Today I'm joined by Dave Goetsch, the executive producer and writer for "The Big Bang Theory." 

Dave has battled with anxiety around money and investments for most of his life.

In fact, he sat in cash through 2008/2009 convinced the world was going to end!

Eventually, he latched on to an investing philosophy that shifted his mindset and alleviated his stress and worry.

Dave has also found a unique way of applying investing lessons he has adopted over the years to current events we are up against today.

If you're nervous about the financial markets and the global economy, you are going to love this episode.

Today I’m tackling part four of our series on financial advisors.

Specifically, I’m covering three BIG things:

1. What is a fiduciary financial advisor (and should investors work with one)
2. How are 'fee-only' advisors different from 'fee-based'
3. Where can retirement savers search for a financial advisor based on their needs

If you want to understand some of the most misunderstood financial terms + learn how to find a qualified advisor, today’s episode is for you.

NEED TAX + RETIREMENT PLANNING HELP?

Click to Learn more about our FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis

We specialize in helping people aged 50+ lower taxes, invest smarter, and (safely) create a retirement paycheck.

Our Free Retirement Assessment™ will help you evaluate our firm and others you might be considering.

👉 Learn more here!

***

Episode Resources:

📬  Join the Stay Wealthy E-Newsletter

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📘  Pre-Order the More Than Money Book

Emerging Markets are the world’s primary drivers of global growth (and wealth accumulation).

Just over 50% of the world's economic output comes from these countries. 🤯

They play a crucial role in shaping global economic trends...

...but most retirement investors don't fully understand this asset class.

To help break it down for us, Emerging Markets expert and founder of Life + Liberty Indexes, Perth Tolle, stops by to discuss: 

➤ What Emerging Markets are and why retirement savers should consider investing in this asset class

➤ Why traditional, low-cost Emerging Market funds may produce lower returns

➤ The pros/cons of excluding countries like China and Russia from an Emerging Markets fund 

We also discuss why "freedom" plays an important role in this asset class and how investors can (potentially) use freedom metrics to capture higher returns. 

***

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As a thank you, you'll receive three (3) of my MOST popular retirement & tax cheatsheets. 

You'll also receive my weekly retirement newsletter!

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***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Last year, I published an episode titled, 5 Reasons Not to Do a Roth Conversion. 

The 5 reasons shared were:

1️⃣ - Shadow taxes 

2️⃣ - No undo button 

3️⃣ - Lack of cash flow to pay the tax bill 

4️⃣ - You just don’t want to :) 

5️⃣ - Future charitable giving goals

Today I'm sharing three (more) reasons not to convert + why it might be ok to leave money in your pre-tax IRA.

Roth conversions can be a wildly beneficial tax planning move for the right person...

...but they aren't a "no-brainer" for everyone. 

If you want to learn more about situations when converting money to a Roth IRA does NOT make sense, today's episode is for you. 

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***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Interest rates are at record low levels.

The bond market in an almost 40-year year bull market.

It's very possible you have heard some version of the following statement:

"If (or when) interest rates rise, bonds will lose money."

If you're a listener of this retirement podcast, you might know that it’s not entirely incorrect.

Bonds and interest rates do have an inverse relationship.

But it's complex.

Learn what really happens to a long-term bond portfolio if we enter a rising interest rate environment.

The answer may surprise you!

For all the links and resources mentioned in this episode, visit www.youstaywealthy.com/57

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services

Today I'm joined by the one and only Tyrone Ross. 

Tyrone is a financial consultant, early-stage start-up advisor, entrepreneur, and athlete.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Financial literacy problems and solutions
• What we can do as individuals to effectively and constructively help people in need
• The power of proximity (one of my favorites)

We also touch on many of the issues our world is currently faced with today.

Without question, you have heard of Exchange Traded Funds, also commonly referred to as ETFs.

It's a complex topic so I brought in the best person I know to help us break it down, in plain English. 

Ryan Kirlin is the Head of Capital Markets for Alpha Architect. He's also a national-caliber rowing athlete and his claim to fame is having been tested at a resting heart rate of 38 while on the U.S. team for rowing. It was the second-lowest resting heart rate recorded by the US team doctors in 40 years!

Today, with Ryan's help, we’ll dig into:

• What exactly an ETF is
• How ETFs are different from a mutual fund
• The tax benefits of an ETF versus a mutual fund
• Why their popularity won't be slowing down any time soon

Show Notes & Links: www.youstaywealthy.com/54

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.

Today I'm joined by Cullen Roche who is best known for his work on monetary economics and portfolio construction. 

I asked Cullen to join us and share his unique take on what’s happening in the financial markets today.

Specifically:

• Where we might be headed
• What retirement investors can do in response
• The impacts of a $2 trillion stimulus package

I hit record and told him not to hold back today. You may need to listen to this one twice!

Today I'm sharing the highlights from last week's webinar with Dimensional Funds.

Specifically, I'm covering three things:

1. Why do we invest in the stock market when we know how bad it feels to watch our money go up and down
2. How has the market responded during previous crises
3. What should you be doing with your investments right now

If you're interested in using nerdy historical data to help make some sense out of the current market environment, today's episode is for you.

Navigating the Medicare world is confusing and challenging. 

As a result, many retirees make Medicare decisions without clearly understanding the long-term implications.

Long-term implications that, in worst-case scenarios, can put a retirement plan in jeopardy.

To help you avoid making costly Medicare mistakes, I'm sharing three (3) big pitfalls to avoid in this episode.

If you want to brush up on your Medicare knowledge before turning 65—or you're looking to change your current Medicare plan—you'll love today’s episode.

***

NAVIGATING IRMAA (2024 UPDATED)

Click here to view the 2024 IRMAA brackets and learn how to avoid this surcharge. 

***

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As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of my 2023 Tax Planning Cheatsheet.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your cheatsheet.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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📘  Read My New Book: More Than Money

Today, guest host Jeremy Schneider talks about retirement accounts.

Specifically, he shares why having all of your money locked up in them is a problem + how to access your funds early.

He also answers a listener question about where to prioritize investing in a 403(b).

If you invest in any type of retirement account (e.g., IRA, 401k, etc.), you don't want to miss his VERY last episode.

👉  Click here to access show notes for this episode (Including a unique Stay Wealthy discount code for Jeremy's  investing course!)

In today's episode, Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club talks about the true cost of buying a car.

He breaks down the long term financial impact of a car payment and tells the story of how his ’99 Ford Explorer has made him over $91,000.

He also answers two listener questions live on the podcast!

If you have ever wondered how you should approach buying a car and what traps and pitfalls to watch out for, you're going to love this episode.

Worried about Medicare IRMAA eating into your retirement savings? 

Whether you're 10+ years away from Medicare or already enrolled, this episode will help you navigate this pesky surcharge and protect your retirement savings.

Key topics covered:

► Updated 2025 IRMAA brackets 

► Answers to common planning questions 

► 3 strategies to minimize (or avoid) IRMAA

You'll also learn how to project future IRMAA brackets for better planning.

If you want a clear roadmap for making informed decisions about your future healthcare costs, you'll enjoy today's episode.

***

RETIREMENT & TAX PLANNING:

Looking to hire a financial planner with retirement & tax planning expertise?

My team and I only have a few more openings for Discovery Meetings with new clients. 

If you're seeking professional help, we would love to have a conversation!

👉 Learn more about our process and grab one of the remaining slots.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

📊  Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Analysis!

✏️  Grab the Episode Show Notes

📘  Check Out the Retirement Podcast Network