Inbox Questions | IRA Income & Medicaid Eligibility: Will Too Much Disqualify You?
Big Picture Retirement®
Dan asks: If monthly income from an IRA exceeds $2,908 for a single person, would that result in disqualification for Medicaid? We break down the income limits, potential strategies to navigate Medicaid eligibility, and how certain tools—like Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts)—can help individuals qualify despite exceeding the income cap. Tune in for a clear explanation of how Medicaid rules apply to retirement accounts and long-term care planning. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual...
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REPLAY | 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Retirement
Big Picture Retirement®
We’ve heard this hundreds of time... 'I wish someone had warned me about this when I retired.' More often than not, they're referring to one of five key challenges that catch many retirees by surprise. In today's episode, we're diving into each of these five areas. If you're on the cusp of retirement, this is crucial viewing to help you steer clear of unexpected hurdles and enter this new phase of life with confidence. Pay particular attention to the last point–it's the most frequently mentioned and the most impactful. Being unprepared for this could have significant consequences, so make...
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Inbox Questions | Should We Consider Roth Conversions with a High Income?
Big Picture Retirement®
In this episode, Tammy asks about the pros and cons of doing Roth conversions in retirement to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) down the road. With $2.9 million in combined IRAs and current income of $196,000, she’s concerned about future tax implications. While we can’t give personal advice, we’ll break down the potential benefits, drawbacks, and factors retirees like Tammy should consider when deciding if Roth conversions make sense. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us...
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What Happens to Your Crypto When You Die? Estate Planning for Digital Assets
Big Picture Retirement®
Cryptocurrency has changed the financial landscape, and that includes estate planning. Unlike traditional assets, crypto presents unique challenges—there’s no customer service line to recover lost passwords, and without proper planning, your digital assets could be lost forever. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a...
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Inbox Questions | Cryonics and Trusts: Planning for a Future You?
Big Picture Retirement®
In this episode, we dive into Stephen’s fascinating question about estate planning for the far future—trusts designed to preserve wealth for individuals who undergo cryonic preservation. Is this cutting-edge legal strategy realistic, or is it more science fiction than practical planning? John can barely contain his excitement as we explore the legal, financial, and philosophical implications of planning for a revival hundreds of years down the line. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support...
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The 4 Mindsets That Shape Your Retirement Success
Big Picture Retirement®
Your mindset can make or break your retirement. Are you a Pollyanna, Delegator, Controller, or Realist? In this episode, we dive into the four common mindsets retirees bring to the table and how each one impacts their financial, tax, and legal decisions. From blind optimism to overconfidence, we explore the strengths and pitfalls of each mindset—and how you can evolve to make better choices. Whether you're just starting to plan or reevaluating your approach, this episode will help you identify your mindset and build a strategy for long-term success. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big...
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Inbox Questions | Why Use Your IRA First for Long-Term Care Expenses?
Big Picture Retirement®
In this episode, we tackle Richard’s question about why it might make sense to use IRA (non-Roth) accounts first to pay for long-term care expenses. We’ll explain the reasoning behind this strategy, including the tax implications, potential benefits for your overall financial plan, and how it fits into managing your retirement assets. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and...
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Tariffs: Balancing the Pros and Cons
Big Picture Retirement®
From President Trump’s upcoming tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China to the historical legacy of the “Chicken Tax,” tariffs have shaped economies and industries in ways both expected and unforeseen. In this episode, we dive into the purpose, pros, and cons of tariffs, exploring their impact on consumers, businesses, and global trade. Learn how these taxes can stimulate domestic production, drive up consumer costs, and even transform entire industries, like the U.S. auto market. Whether you're curious about the economic trade-offs or the quirky history of a chicken trade war, this episode...
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Inbox Questions | Should Early Social Security Factor Into Retirement Calculations?
Big Picture Retirement®
In this episode, we address Joe’s question about how claiming Social Security benefits early can reduce withdrawals from retirement accounts and potentially lead to greater long-term growth. Joe shares his calculation comparing the cumulative Social Security benefit difference with the investment growth of withdrawals saved by filing early. Is he onto something, or is there a missing piece? Tune in to explore how Social Security timing fits into a Big Picture retirement strategy and hear our take on Joe’s approach. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!”...
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Supreme Court Ruling: The Hidden Risks in Life-Insurance Buy-Sell Agreements
Big Picture Retirement®
A recent Supreme Court decision in Connelly v. United States has sent shockwaves through closely held businesses employing life-insurance-funded redemption-type buy-sell agreements. In this episode, we break down the case, the tax implications, and why the IRS may not respect your agreed-upon valuation. Discover why it’s critical to review and, if necessary, restructure your buy-sell agreements to avoid unexpected estate tax burdens. We'll explore alternatives like cross-purchase agreements and address key considerations for life insurance ownership. Don’t miss this discussion for business...
info_outlineIn this episode, we break down simple strategies to protect your retirement savings when the market gets rough. We’ll start with why staying calm is key and how planning ahead can help you avoid emotional decisions. You'll learn how to match your investments with both your comfort level and your financial goals, plus why a balanced mix and a short-term “spending bucket” can keep you from selling at the wrong time. We’ll also cover how fees impact your savings and why it’s worth checking if they’re delivering good value. Finally, we’ll share the benefits of regularly reviewing your plan and how smart tax strategies can give you a boost during downturns.
If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!
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Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517
Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.
Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.
Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/
Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/