I’m 59½, What Should I Do With My 401(k)?
Money Wisdom
Turning 59½ opens the door to a set of retirement decisions many people don’t realize they have. In this episode, Nick is joined by Eric Hogarth, Senior Partner Johnson Brunetti, to discuss why 59½ is a major planning milestone and what options become available for your 401(k). If you’re approaching 59½ and want more control, flexibility, and clarity around your retirement savings, this conversation will help you understand what to consider before making any 401(k) moves. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎂 Age 59½ Rule: penalty-free access creates new planning options ...
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5 Must-Know Social Security Rules Before You File
Money Wisdom
Social Security isn’t just about picking an age and calling it a day, it’s one of the biggest financial choices you’ll make, with lots of rules and personal factors to consider. In this episode, Nick walks you through exactly how your benefit gets calculated and breaks down the essential rules you really need to know. If retirement is on the horizon, Nick’s clear and practical advice will help you ask the right questions and feel more confident in your Social Security decisions. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Benefit Calculation: based on your highest 35 earning years...
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10+ Retirement Bucket List Ideas
Money Wisdom
Why do so many retirees struggle to spend, even when they’ve saved enough? In this episode, Jake and Nick explore bucket list goals and why so many retirees struggle to give themselves permission to enjoy the money they’ve spent years saving. They talk about purpose, community, and building a plan that gives you confidence to spend intentionally rather than fearfully. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📝 Bucket Lists & Money: how dream goals fit into a financial plan ✈️ Popular Retirement Goals: travel, experiences, and lifelong “someday” ideas 💵 Spending...
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Am I Holding Too Much Cash in Retirement?
Money Wisdom
Jake and Nick tackle a surprisingly common question, whether retirees are holding too much cash and what “safe” really means once your paycheck stops. They walk through how cash fits into a healthy retirement plan, where it can help, and where it can quietly hold you back. Ever wondered how much cash is “too much?” Tune in to hear some clear guidelines to help you decide. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💵 Cash in Retirement: why people lean toward cash—and the real question behind it ⚖️ Balancing Cash & Investments: finding the mix that supports flexibility...
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Should I Work 5 More Years or Retire Early?
Money Wisdom
How do you know if you can support your lifestyle after retirement without a paycheck? Deciding when to retire isn’t just about the date on the calendar, it’s about confidence, clarity, and knowing whether your lifestyle can truly support the transition. In this episode, Nick and Jake explore the factors that shape the “work longer or retire early” decision and the answer often has less to do with money than people expect. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Assessing Lifestyle Support: determining what it really takes to fund daily life 💵 Income & Expense...
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5 Tax Moves to Make Before December 31
Money Wisdom
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to double-check your tax strategy and make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term savings, not just short-term deductions. Today, Nick and Jake break down five smart tax moves worth considering before December 31st. A few intentional decisions now can save you money this year and put you in a better position for the years ahead. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Maximize retirement contributions: use the remaining weeks to hit 401(k) and IRA limits 💵 RMD Planning: avoid penalties and plan ahead for future RMD years ...
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What is Considered Good Debt vs Bad Debt?
Money Wisdom
Is all debt truly harmful, or can it actually help you achieve your retirement goals? In this episode, Nick and Jake reveal how understanding the difference between good and bad debt can reshape your financial future. Discover whether being debt-free is always best, or if keeping certain debts could boost your flexibility and security in retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💡 Understanding Debt: What separates good debt from bad debt in today’s economy 📚 Real-Life Examples: When mortgages, business loans, and credit cards help or hurt 📈 Planning Ahead:...
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Long Term Care Planning: How to Protect Your Assets
Money Wisdom
As we age, one of the biggest financial threats isn’t the market, it’s the cost of long-term care. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down the real facts behind long-term care insurance, hybrid policy options, and ways to protect what you’ve built. Are you prepared for the “what ifs” of retirement, whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond? Tune in to find out. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏥 Insurance Options: Traditional, hybrid, and annuity-based LTC plans explained ⚖️ Legal Protection: How trusts and other legal tools can safeguard assets 💸...
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What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs?
Money Wisdom
Changing jobs is more common than ever, but what happens to your old 401(k) when you move on? In this episode, Jake and Nick break down your four main options and the pros and cons of each. They’ll explain when to leave it, when to roll it, and when to rethink your entire retirement strategy. Don’t just “set it and forget it.” Use your new position as a chance to simplify, consolidate, and get your money working smarter for your future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💰Tax Awareness: how rollovers and withdrawals affect your future income 🏢 New Employer’s Plan:...
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5 Financial Lessons from Stevie Nicks
Money Wisdom
What could Fleetwood Mac possibly teach you about retirement planning? Turns out, plenty. Today, Jake and Nick take five classic Stevie Nicks songs and translate them into powerful financial lessons about independence, communication, and learning how to plan unexpected “landslides.” You’ll learn why flexibility matters, how to avoid regret, and how to make your money work in harmony with your goals and dreams. Great financial planning, like great music, never goes out of style. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Tax Efficiency: manage withdrawals and investments to minimize...
info_outlineChanging jobs is more common than ever, but what happens to your old 401(k) when you move on? In this episode, Jake and Nick break down your four main options and the pros and cons of each. They’ll explain when to leave it, when to roll it, and when to rethink your entire retirement strategy. Don’t just “set it and forget it.” Use your new position as a chance to simplify, consolidate, and get your money working smarter for your future.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
💰Tax Awareness: how rollovers and withdrawals affect your future income
🏢 New Employer’s Plan: pros and cons of rolling funds into your new 401(k)
🚫 Cashing Out: understanding the taxes and penalties before you act
💌 Mailbag Minute: answering real listener questions about job changes and retirement plans
🧭 Work With a Pro: make sure your next move fits your bigger plan
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