Episode 439 - 59½ and Counting … Making SMART Pre-Retirement Choices

On today's show, we're tackling three topics that could have a substantial impact on your financial future. First, we'll break down the new rules regarding inherited IRAs – what's changed, what's at stake, and how beneficiaries can avoid costly tax mistakes. Then, we'll dive in to the four strategic paths of concentrated stock positioning that can help in planning a coordinated strategy built around your financial goals. Finally, we unpack one of the most overlooked retirement threats – the difference between sequence of returns risk and sequence of withdrawals risk. Serious planning matters more than most investors realize. If you're nearing retirement, already retired or planning for the next generation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Retirement isn't always just about how much you save, it's about how much you plan. Tune in and take control!

There are so many financial topics to discuss these days, we're literally asking ourselves, "Where do we begin?" Let's dive in, shall we? We'll start today's show by reviewing the recent Kiplinger article, "Turning 59½: 5 Planning Moves Most Pre-Retirees Overlook," and discussing our options regarding withdrawing money from our retirement accounts. Next, Heidi will discuss "A SMART approach to tax-efficient investing," by the Capital Group. As the complexity of investing increases, so does the potential tax. She'll share several practical ideas to help you to focus on the reality of taxes on your investments. Nathan will then go over questions to ask a financial advisor when interviewing for a new relationship. And Beth will close the show with some very interesting stats! There's a lot of information to get through today, but we think this will prove to be very helpful. As always, we welcome your questions individually and over the radio. Tune in and take control!

Happy New Year! This week on the radio show, we're kicking things off by zooming out and taking a thoughtful look at long-term perspectives for the markets and the economy heading into 2026. With so much happening in the world, both what we're seeing firsthand and what our long-term relationship analysts at Capital Group are observing - it feels like the perfect moment for a deeper conversation. There's a lot to unpack, so Heidi, Nathan, and Dennis are each tackling a different piece of the puzzle. Will this keep you on the edge of your seat? Maybe, especially if it's a small seat. The topic might lean a little nerdy, but we promise it's packed with insights that matter and can help you think more clearly about the road ahead. Tune in and take control!

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!