Episode 367 - Strategies Regarding Defined Benefit/Contribution Plans and Withdrawals

Social Security! Just when you thought you could do without it, here comes the check in the mail! (Just kidding, of course.)  Last year at this time, we had Bob Simpson, Manager of our local Social Security office, on the show to speak about Social Security and the COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) that was announced. On today's show, Bob will talk about another recent COLA made for those taking benefits starting January of 2025. While this is helpful information, there are several other changes being made to Social Security that we need to discuss, as well as benefit questions we continue to receive from our clients that you should be made aware of. As always, your questions are always welcome as we continue to navigate the complexities of retirement together. Bob is an extremely knowledgeable Social Security representative who should be helpful in answering your questions. Tune in and take control!  

The financial world is complex, and it is not uncommon to feel “in over your head” when trying to tread through the vast, turbulent waters of IRS regulations, tax planning and financial portfolios.  So much to learn. So much to know. So many questions. Join us on today’s show as Dennis highlights some of the top financial questions from financial professionals from around the country. We’ll test your financial knowledge as we embark on crucial questions with not-so-obvious answers. Next, Heidi will unpack and explain Section 327 of the SECURE 2.0 Act, which changed the rules for spouse beneficiaries. Although there has been confusion about this section, the IRS has successfully clarified Section 327 with new proposed regulations. Finally, Deann will share stats in regard to the hot topic of AI and the realities of such a lofty endeavor.  Tune in and take control!

On today’s show, we’re excited to delve into the meat and potatoes of finance with you and tackle questions like, “What are the chances of a soft landing in this economy?”  And, “What about those final RMD regulations being issued we’ve heard so much about?” (Well … maybe not so much on the RMDs.) Still, we intend to explore the recent tax law changes and provide you the stats we think could be helpful regarding the economic front. In the end, we think discussing these issues and answering your questions is well worth your time. So whatever it is you’re looking for on the financial planning front, we’re here to help! As always, Deann will conclude the show with stats related to the economic content.  Tune in and take control!

On today’s show, we commemorate the events of September 11, 2001, and honor all the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others’ acts of service to defend our nation’s freedom.  We are excited to invite you to hear a phenomenal live presentation by Heather Cartwright, retired Director for the Federal Crimes Victims Division, who served in the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001. Ms. Cartwright was responsible for coordinating support for victims of the surprise attack on our country, which took the lives of 3,000 innocent victims. This extraordinary first-hand account will take us all behind the scenes and give a closer look at the U.S. government’s response to the largest mass violence attack ever by a foreign terrorist organization on our shores.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, as of April 2024, approximately 67 million people are enrolled in Medicare, an increase of  2 million people since 2023. Deciding on healthcare is a significant part in planning for your retirement. There are many factors to consider when educating oneself in the complex field of Medicare. Fortunately, there are professionals who specialize in this and can help navigate eligible enrollees through the process … and we know two of them! Laverna Witkop and Dawn McConnell from Ford Insurance Agency will join us LIVE on the show today. They will cover all the basics of Medicare as well as talk about the open enrollment period, known as the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual election period, or AEP, which is October 15 through December 7. It’s time to review and pay attention to changes. This also might be a good time to jump in! Open enrollment for individual health insurance plans is November 1 to January 15, 2025. Now’s the time to ask the experts, so have your questions ready. Tune in and take control!

Today, help us welcome Ed Slott as we discuss his unique perspective on the retirement landscape only a CPA with his depth of experience and education can bring. The Wall Street Journal refers to Ed as “The best source of IRA advice.” That’s one of many reasons we’re having Ed join us as we do periodically. As members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group, which includes about 500 advisors around the nation, we ask Ed to update you, our listening audience, and share from his perspective. Dennis Prout, Heidi Cartwright and Nathan Prout are all members of this group through Ed Slott and Company. We’ll discuss the most recent updates of the SECURE 2.0 Act, if Roth conversions still make sense and, among other things, discuss the current tax laws and how they might benefit you from an income tax and estate tax planning standpoint.  Tune in and take control!

There’s a lot going on for today’s show! First, we’ll look at the potential changes to our estate and individual tax rates and discuss how that could impact us all with the sunset of the current tax law at the end of 2025. So many of us have already adjusted our estate plans and are planning for increased taxes on a variety of fronts. What else can we do and how should we approach it? Second, we’ll discuss what to do if you’re middle aged and behind in your savings. And finally, we'll wrap up the show with some relevant stats for today's economy.  Tune in and take control!

Did the Fed cut interest rates too much? What kind of impact might we anticipate? Sometimes to look forward it behooves us to look back. Today, we will discuss an article, from the Wall Street Journal, that takes us back to the 1980s. What can history teach us? Viewing previous market reactions and economic reactions to a decline in interest rates, might give us a glimpse into the future and how this might impact you and your finances. Although it has been a while since we’ve seen interest rates decline, it should be noted that history doesn’t repeat itself, however, it does tend to rhyme. Today, given the multiple bumps in the road and world changes, is a great time to look closer at what the impact might be and how you could respond.  Tune in and take control!

Trying to think more deeply about your financial future with so many economic uncertainties feels more like a non sequitur rather than a financial plan. “Where’s the stock market headed?” “What will tax rates be?” “Is our currency stable enough?” These are probably the most common themes that you are trying not to overthink. However, the one thing that we can be certain of is change. Stocks will fluctuate, interest rates will change, and tax rates will increase and decrease. On today’s show, we will discuss two articles: “Investing in Companies at Times of Crisis,” by Capital Group, and “Are You Using the Right Tax Breaks to Boost Investment Returns,” published in The Wall Street Journal. Our hope in discussing these articles is to bring you a bit more logic, clarity and confidence in your investing. This is edge of your seat information you won’t want to miss! Okay … maybe not “edge of your seat,” but certainly good food for thought.  Tune in and take control!

Roth! Roth! Roth! Can you hear the steady chant from the financial advisors and tax experts around the world? Ed Slott, a Roth enthusiast, believes we have entered a rothification era. On today’s show, we’re about to blow your mind by playing the devil’s advocate. Dare we question the Roth? Is there ever a time when a Roth or Roth conversion may not be the best financial move? Yes. Jon Sluis, CPA and tax expert, from Intrust will join our show and guide us through a lively discussion about the tax implications of Roth conversions. Being wise with money and saving for your financial future is not easy and the answer is not always black and white; there’s a lot of emotion attached to the green stuff. If you dare, join us as we discuss the “other side” of the Roth. Tune in and take control!