Episode 433 - Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

On today's show, we're rolling out the red carpet for none other than Ed Slott, bringing you the kind of retirement insight only a CPA with his depth of experience and education can deliver. The Wall Street Journal calls Ed "the best source of IRA advice," and we couldn't agree more. That's exactly why we invite him back time and again. As proud members of Ed Slott's Master Elite Advisor Group, we have the privilege to tap into Ed's expertise regularly and pass that knowledge on to our clients. And today, he's here to share that knowledge with you, our listening audience. We'll dive into current tax laws, Roth conversions, maximizing your tax bracket and so much more! So, buckle up, it's going to be an exciting ride! Tune in and take control!

Welcome back! We hope you had a warm, joyful Thanksgiving surrounded by family, friends, and maybe just a little too much pumpkin pie. As we ease our way out of our first holiday haze and gear ourselves up for the next, we've got a great show lined up for you this week, one that's all about planning ahead and making smart moves for your financial future. We're diving into two big topics that can make a real difference as you look toward the year ahead. First, we'll unpack the tax benefits of lifetime giving strategies and how thoughtful giving can support the people and causes you care about while simultaneously offering some serious tax advantages. Then, we'll shift gears into something a lot of you have been asking about – what it takes to retire early, especially with the economic and policy changes set for 2026. If early retirement is on your radar, you'll want to stick around for this essential guide. So, settle in, refill that coffee, and let's jump right into it. Tune in and take control!

On this week's show, we'll dive into the question many people are asking: Are we in a bubble stock market? We'll delve into the aspects of this and uncover what analysts are saying about today's economy, what history teaches us and current stock market valuations compared to other market tops. We'll discuss the prevailing trend of "Made in America" and what that means for the U.S. and the world in terms of trade imbalances and whether this will be boon for our economy. Last, Beth will discuss the new contribution limits for 2026, and the benefits of maxing out our retirement plans. While that may be a challenge for sure, this will be a great opportunity for you to hear what your limits are and how that might help you to have more freedom later. So much to discuss and so little time, and your questions are always welcome! Tune in and take control!

We're thrilled to welcome Bob Simpson back to the studio for another insightful journey through the world of Social Security. Recently retired but far from slowing down Bob is a familiar name to many in our community. On today's show, Bob will draw on his decades of experience as Northern Michigan District Manager of the Social Security Administration, to share fresh insights and discuss what's really happening with Social Security: what's new, what to plan for, and how to make sure you're getting the benefits you've earned. Whether you're approaching retirement, planning for the future, or simply curious about how Social Security fits into your long-term goals, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in and take control!

As Gen Z steps fully onto the investment scene, we're seeing some fascinating shifts developing, some of which people say even echo the Roaring '20s. Though today's frenzy isn't fueled by cars, radios and airplanes, it's powered by generative AI, ever-evolving tech and the rise of crypto. With these innovations reshaping the market, the how and why behind investing is changing too. On today's show, we'll dive into the effects of these forces and explore some of today's unstoppable market trends. Will they boom or bust? Also, with the new tax laws and legislation taking shape this year, we'll unpack the top questions financial professionals are asking as they prepare for 2026. Pay attention, yours just might be on the list. We'll wrap up with some key stats and take a look back at some of 2025's defining market moments. Tune in and take control!

"The falling leaves drift by the window …" as Nat King Cole so brilliantly put it. It is fall after all, and this week we appear to be at maximum color. Such a short time ago the leaves were just coming out, now they are falling. What else could fall? An obvious question! On today's show, we'll discuss a very good article from the recent late summer edition of the CPWA journal called "A Bear Market Survival Kit." Just when you thought it was safe to go outside … here enters the bear, possibly. Given the reality of how high the stock market is, now is a good time to review how to "win the war before the battle is fought." On the other side, Heidi Cartwright will discuss the "Five forces that could stimulate the U.S. economy" and how U.S. economic growth has continuously surprised to the upside. And Nathan will highlight the year-end retirement account planning highlights you'll want to pay attention to and possibly employ for your own best retirement planning by year end of 2025. Can you believe it? Here we are with about nine weeks left in the year. Lastly, Beth will close us out with some great tips to retire by from Warren Buffett along with some interesting factoids to round things out. Let's get crackin! Tune in and take control!

We have an absolute powerhouse lineup joining us in the studio today! We're thrilled to welcome Dawn McConnell, Laverna Witkop, and Alicia Ford from Ford Insurance Agency, here to talk about all things Medicare. With decades of experience navigating the ins, outs, ups and downs of the Medicare system, this expert trio is ready to break it all down, from the basics to the fine print. They'll walk us through prescription drug plans, Medigap coverage, key enrollment dates, and so much more. Have questions? You won't want to miss this one. It's going to be informative, engaging, and yes, maybe even a little fun! Tune in, take notes, and take control!

As prospects for a government shutdown increase, people, especially investors, want to know what a shutdown might mean for the stock market. In addition, you might be asking, "How far into my life does the Federal government need to intrude?" This is what we'll ask and ponder on today's show. If not for the fact that it's loud, noisy and newsy at that. The center stage seems to be taken up with, among other things, whether the government will shut down. The axiom, "Don't watch while the sausage is being made, just enjoy the product of the mix," comes to mind. We all know our legislative body's work can be ugly, but hopefully the outcome will be better than the predictions would indicate. We'll also go into the details of "whither" interest rates and the very real impact that will have on your pocket. So fun, we know. Tune and take control while we explore the adventure of life and your finances! 

For months now, everyone's been talking about the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4th of this year. At nearly 900 pages long, the OBBBA brings quite a few changes to U.S. tax laws. Though some of these changes are big, others, eh, not so big. But one thing's for sure, this law adds a new layer of complexity that could cause headaches for many taxpayers in the years ahead. On today's show, we're joined by local CPA Jon Sluis to break down this big, beautiful piece of legislation and explain how these new policies could impact you. We'll take a look at the new senior deductions, the raised estate tax threshold, and two major changes affecting many today – no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. And if we've got time, we'll see what else we can dig into regarding the OBBBA. So, join us for this big, beautiful hour … won't you? Tune in and take control! 

On today's show, we pause to remember a day that forever changed our nation – September 11, 2001. We dedicate this show to the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost, the unwavering bravery of our first responders, the strength of our armed forces, and the countless acts of courage and compassion that rose from the ashes of tragedy that day. Today, we are honored to welcome Ms. Heather Cartwright, retired Director of the Federal Crimes Victims Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. On that fateful morning, she was on the front lines in Washington, D.C., coordinating critical support for victims and their families in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Ms. Cartwright will share an extraordinary, behind-the-scenes account of how our nation responded, not just with force, but with humanity. Her powerful story offers a rare and moving glimpse into the heart of our government's efforts during one of the darkest days in American history and the relationships cultivated in the face of devastation that continue to live on today. This is more than a presentation. It's a tribute to resilience, a reflection on sacrifice, and a reminder that even in our darkest hour, the light of unity and service shines through. Won't you join us for this unforgettable moment of remembrance and reflection.