Building a Paycheck in Retirement
The Semmax Way
For most of your working life, income is simple. A paycheck arrives on schedule and life gets built around it. Retirement ends that arrangement, and rebuilding a reliable monthly income from Social Security, pensions, and savings becomes the real work. Matt Landon, CFP®, CEO of Semmax Financial Group, sits down with Kyle Leonard, CFP®, to talk through how a retirement paycheck is built, why a change in withdrawal order affects your tax bill, how a large withdrawal can raise Medicare premiums two years later, and what changes when a spouse passes away. Key Takeaways: • Retirement...
info_outline
You've Built Wealth, What's Next?
The Semmax Way
You worked for decades to build your wealth. But what happens when it’s time to stop saving and start using it? Matt Landon, CFP®, and CEO of Semmax Financial Group, and Larry VanLandingham, CFP®, walk through the shift from accumulation to distribution, covering income planning, tax strategy, and the mindset changes most people are not fully prepared for. If you are within five years of retirement or already there, this conversation will help you understand where to start, what to watch for, and how to build a plan that gives you real confidence no matter what the markets are doing....
info_outline
Tax Season Is Over. Now What?
The Semmax Way
Tax season may be over, but the planning that shapes next year’s outcome is just beginning. In this conversation, Matt Landon, CFP® and CEO of Semmax Financial Group, and Jordan Shinsky, CFP®, discuss the difference between tax preparation and tax planning, why understanding the “why” behind your tax bill matters, and how proactive strategies can help reduce unnecessary taxes over time. From IRA distributions and Roth strategies to charitable giving and coordinating with trusted professionals, this episode highlights the value of taking a long-term, holistic approach to your...
info_outline
Financial Rainy Days: Pulling from Retirement Savings
The Semmax Way
Unexpected expenses don’t wait. And when they hit, retirement savings often become part of the conversation. Matt Landon, CFP® and CEO of Semmax Financial Group, and Kyle Leonard, CFP®, break down when it may make sense to pull from retirement accounts and when it can create bigger problems. They walk through real scenarios, from covering short-term gaps to helping family, and explain how taxes, penalties, and timing all factor into the decision. The focus stays simple. Know why you need the money, understand the tradeoffs, and protect the long-term plan wherever possible. Takeaways •...
info_outline
Buyouts, Layoffs, and Staying Calm in Uncertainty
The Semmax Way
Workplace uncertainty can shake even the most confident financial plans. Layoffs, corporate restructuring, and buyout offers often arrive with little warning, forcing families to make big decisions quickly. Matt Landon, CFP®, and Kyle Leonard, CFP®, unpack how to approach these moments with a clear head and a structured plan, rather than reacting out of fear. The discussion explores how buyouts and severance packages can reshape retirement timelines, career decisions, and long-term financial strategies. They explain why understanding your income needs, tax exposure, and...
info_outline
Money Conversations with Families
The Semmax Way
Money touches everything in a family. But for many households, it is the one topic that never gets discussed. In this conversation, Matt Landon, CFP®, and Larry VanLandingham, CFP®, tackle the real reason financial plans fail. It is not markets. It is not taxes. It is silence. They break down why couples often avoid honest discussions about pensions, income, and risk. And how that avoidance can leave a surviving spouse facing reduced income, higher taxes, and hard decisions at the worst possible time . The discussion moves beyond numbers. It explores what it means to be a good steward...
info_outline
Unique Tax Stretegies
The Semmax Way
Tax season might be annual, but the strategies to navigate it should be anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation, Matt Landon, CFP®, and Jordan Shinsky, CFP®, discuss the real-world tax plays they’ve seen, and helped clients implement, that go far beyond basic deductions. From stories of missed opportunities to smart, legal ways to reduce what’s owed, they explore why working with a CFP® isn’t just smart, it’s essential. You’ll hear about the fine line between strategy and audit risk, and why a personalized tax approach often leads to better outcomes. For...
info_outline
Insights for the Year Ahead
The Semmax Way
As the year comes to a close, Matt Landon, CFP®, Semmax CEO, encourages a thoughtful pause to reflect on where you have been financially and where you are headed next. This conversation focuses on reviewing the past year with clarity, identifying opportunities to simplify and align your finances, and making intentional decisions around investments, taxes, charitable giving, and long-term planning. Matt shares practical guidance on reducing complexity, adjusting to change, and building habits that support both financial confidence and peace of mind. The message is clear: a well-aligned plan...
info_outline
Giving While Living: Charitable Donations & the Benefits of a Donor Advised Fund
The Semmax Way
In this episode, CEO Matt Landon, CFP® of Semmax Financial Group, sits down with Phil Bastron, Senior Philanthropic Advisor at the Winston-Salem Foundation, to explore what it truly means to give while you live. Together, they dive into practical strategies for intentional giving, how to create a lasting community impact, maximize tax benefits, and ensure your charitable dollars are aligned with your values both during your lifetime and beyond. You’ll learn: The difference between reactive and intentional giving How tools like donor-advised funds, designated funds, and field...
info_outline
Refresh: Who is Semmax Financial Group
The Semmax Way
Matt Landon, CFP®, and CEO of Semmax Financial Group, shares a candid look at what makes Semmax unique, from its Greensboro roots to its nationwide reach. He walks through the firm’s 20-year evolution, its fiduciary foundation, and why it is important for Semmax to have financial advisors which hold the CFP® designation. Matt explains how technology, teamwork, and a human-first approach come together to simplify clients’ lives so they can focus on what truly matters. He also talks about Semmax’s holistic philosophy, spanning tax and estate planning to investment strategy and legacy...
info_outlineTax season may be over, but the planning that shapes next year’s outcome is just beginning.
In this conversation, Matt Landon, CFP® and CEO of Semmax Financial Group, and Jordan Shinsky, CFP®, discuss the difference between tax preparation and tax planning, why understanding the “why” behind your tax bill matters, and how proactive strategies can help reduce unnecessary taxes over time. From IRA distributions and Roth strategies to charitable giving and coordinating with trusted professionals, this episode highlights the value of taking a long-term, holistic approach to your financial life.
Takeaways
• The importance of post-tax season tax review
• Differences between tax preparation and tax planning
• Understanding your tax return and misconceptions
• The role of professional advisors in tax strategy
• Proactive vs reactive tax planning approaches
• Strategies for managing IRA distributions and taxes
• Holistic financial planning and tax implications
• The impact of tax laws and legislative changes on planning
• The importance of early and ongoing tax strategy
• Integrating estate planning with tax planning
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Post-Tax Season: Immediate Steps
02:45 Understanding Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning
05:52 Diagnosing Your Tax Burden: Key Insights
08:34 The Importance of Professional Coordination
11:18 Proactive vs. Reactive Tax Strategies
14:10 Utilizing Financial Tools Effectively
17:11 Holistic Financial Planning: The Big Picture
19:57 The Role of Charitable Giving in Tax Strategy
22:43 Understanding the Interplay of Taxes and Estate Planning
25:55 Conclusion: Continuous Learning and Adaptation
📞 Call us today: 336-856-0080
🌐 Visit our website: https://semmax.com
Disclosure
These materials are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, any tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making decisions about your financial situation. Advisory services offered through Semmax Financial Advisors, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisory firm. Insurance products and services offered through Semmax, Inc. Tax services offered through Semmax Tax, Inc.