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Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement

Retirement Starts Today

Release Date: 06/30/2025

Inside the new Tax Rules for Retirees show art Inside the new Tax Rules for Retirees

Retirement Starts Today

We’re going inside the new tax rules for retirees.  From a brand-new $6,000 deduction for seniors to major changes in how charitable giving is handled, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has reshaped key parts of the retirement tax landscape.  We’ll break down what’s changed, what’s just political spin, and what you can do right now to take advantage of these new rules.  After that, we answer a listener question: Have you ever wondered what the letters behind a Financial Advisor’s name mean? Resources: John Manganaro article from ThinkAdvisor: Article from Fidelity...

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Retirement Starts Today

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Retirement Starts Today

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Retirement Starts Today

New research from David Blanchett, head of retirement research at PGIM, challenges one of the biggest assumptions in retirement planning: that happiness in retirement depends on maintaining a constant—or even increasing—level of spending. ⬇️ Upon entering retirement, households experience a median consumption decline of about 20%. This drop is often viewed as a red flag in traditional financial planning models. However, Blanchett argues that this decline is not necessarily problematic, especially when you look at how financial well-being changes over time. ☎️ Then on our listener...

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Retirement Starts Today

There is a lot to cover in this episode, including new legislation that could impact your retirement. Plus, 6 More Retirement Financial Myths to Avoid, and a listener with substantial assets who wants to know how to pay for a new car. The OBBB The One Big Beautiful Bill became public law on July 4, 2025. Included are: Lower Tax Brackets Are Now Permanent 
Larger Standard Deduction New Senior Bonus Deduction (2025–2028)
 Above-the-Line Charitable Deduction (2026–2028)
 Expanded SALT Deduction
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info_outline Mailed, Stolen and Cashed: a $114,000 Retirement Check show art Mailed, Stolen and Cashed: a $114,000 Retirement Check

Retirement Starts Today

This week’s headline reads like a financial horror story — and unfortunately, it’s a true one. 😱 33-year-old Mr. Handy changed jobs and did what millions of Americans do every year: he requested a rollover of his 401(k). Paychex, the provider managing his old employer's plan mailed him two paper checks: one for his traditional 401(k), and one for his Roth 401(k). They were intercepted in the mail, and over $114,000 vanished. Gone. Just like that. This situation raises some serious questions. According to a recent report from Capitalize, 43% of people doing rollovers are still being...

info_outline Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement show art Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement

Retirement Starts Today

According to BankRate, 23% of Americans 60-78 have a side-hustle. Maurie Backman says in an article by Kiplinger that this would help with two key areas in retirement planning: It provides us with something fulfilling to do after our primary career and provide a little extra cash in retirement.   The benefits of a side hustle: Mental Engagement Extra Income Social Connection Sense of Purpose The Pitfalls of a side hustle: Tax Complications Outspending your retirement budget in search of business profits Medicare Premium Creep (IRMAA) Lifestyle Clash Time Commitment Also in this...

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Retirement Starts Today

info_outline The Father of the 4% Rule - an Interview with Bill Bengen show art The Father of the 4% Rule - an Interview with Bill Bengen

Retirement Starts Today

If you've been anywhere close to a retirement podcast over the last 10-20 years, you've heard of the 4% rule. And like many people, you might have questions about it. We're going to hear about it directly from the horse's mouth as we talk to Bill Bengen, who first articulated the 4% withdrawal rate as a rule of thumb for withdrawal rates from retirement accounts. The 4% rule is not a rigid rule but a guideline. Its application requires careful consideration of individual factors, including health, life expectancy, and specific financial circumstances. Bengen encourages retirees to tailor their...

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According to BankRate, 23% of Americans 60-78 have a side-hustle. Maurie Backman says in an article by Kiplinger that this would help with two key areas in retirement planning: It provides us with something fulfilling to do after our primary career and provide a little extra cash in retirement.  

The benefits of a side hustle:

  • Mental Engagement
  • Extra Income
  • Social Connection
  • Sense of Purpose

The Pitfalls of a side hustle:

  • Tax Complications
  • Outspending your retirement budget in search of business profits
  • Medicare Premium Creep (IRMAA)
  • Lifestyle Clash
  • Time Commitment

Also in this episode, we discuss a listener's question about global stock allocations - and asks if I think it's better to own a global fund or to own US & international equity separately. How can one balance simplicity and effectiveness in their plan? 

Resource: 
Article by Maurie Backman: Monetizing a Hobby in Retirement: The Benefits and Pitfalls
Article by Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/side-hustles-survey/

 

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