Do You Need a "Magic Number" to Retire? The Math May Surprise You

Is retirement really the most financially complex time of your life? That's what Fiona Greig, Vanguard's Global Head of Investor Research thinks. Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert dive into this question and unpack why the transition from saving to spending is more than just a financial shift—it’s an emotional and strategic overhaul. They explore how identity, income, taxes, estate planning, and long-term care all collide in retirement, and why working with a “phase two fiduciary” is critical to avoid costly missteps. Hear how one investor’s $14 million Bitcoin decision turned into a tax nightmare, and why timing and planning matter. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t market crashes or investment fees—but taxes? In this episode, Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert reveal how overlooked tax planning can quietly drain 30–40% of your retirement income. They discuss how some advisors miss critical opportunities to protect your wealth and explain why diversifying your tax exposure is just as vital as diversifying your portfolio—and how a simple shift could mean thousands saved. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your retirement plan is built on numbers that don’t actually apply to you? In this episode, Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert expose the pitfalls of generic financial advice—like buying annuities without knowing your real income needs. Through stories of retirees overspending, over-saving, and overpaying in taxes, they show how personalized planning can prevent costly mistakes. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the average spend for a household in retirement aged 65-74 is $5,400 per month. Mike Canet and Lawrence Kiely break down this and other data points including the average Social Security benefit for a couple and explain the emotional and financial crossroads of retirement planning. They cover income and tax buckets, as well as Roth conversion considerations. Mike and Lawrence highlight a real-world example of a federal employee that revealed how pensions, TSP balances and timing decisions come together to answer the question of, "Do I have enough in retirement?" Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the most misunderstood financial tool could be your retirement game-changer?In this episode, Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely unpack the evolving role of annuities in retirement planning. From outdated reputations to modern innovations, they explore why more advisors—and retirees—are turning to fixed index annuities for reliable income. Learn how annuities compare to dividend portfolios, how they help transfer risk, and why they might require less of your savings to secure lifelong income. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens to your retirement plan when life throws you curveballs? In this episode, Katherine Groce and Samantha Nash explore how life’s unexpected detours—like long-term care needs, helping adult children, or spontaneous relocations—can throw off even the best-laid retirement plans. Through real client stories and practical strategies, they show how to adapt your financial roadmap to stay on course to meet your retirement goals. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a 15-minute call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the market drops 20% in a week, what do you do—panic or plan? Mike Canet and Lawrence Kiely explore the emotional rollercoaster of investing and the real-life story of a savvy retiree who sought clarity amid volatility. From the pitfalls of the 4% rule to the pros and cons of annuities, they break down how to build a retirement income strategy that fits your lifestyle and risk tolerance—without relying on guesswork. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could retire with zero taxes? In this episode, Mike Canet & Lawrence Kiely unpack the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its real impact on Social Security, Roth conversions, and long-term tax planning. They break down how seniors can leverage new deductions, why tax efficiency is more critical than ever, and how proactive planning today could potentially save your heirs hundreds of thousands of dollars tomorrow. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about keeping more of what you’ve earned. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely dive into the 50th anniversary of Jaws—and use it as a metaphor for the hidden dangers lurking in retirement accounts. From Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to Roth conversions, they break down how tax planning can be the “bigger boat” you need to stay afloat in retirement. Learn how a proactive tax strategy could potentially save you hundreds of thousands—even millions—over your lifetime. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your million-dollar retirement plan is only worth half that? Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely unpack the hidden costs of financial fees and taxes that can quietly erode your nest egg. They break down the real cost of “free” financial advice, the myth of lower taxes in retirement, and why communication with your advisor matters more than ever. Ryan and Lawrence reveal how to spot value in financial planning and avoid the trap of one-size-fits-all portfolios. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Schedule a call with us here: 📅 https://bit.ly/3Rq2d9i Follow us for more helpful insights: 🖱️ Facebook- https://bit.ly/3PmJcSt 🖱️ LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/44T88a9 🖱️ X - https://bit.ly/3PHxqDJSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.