Money Wisdom
Listen to Johnson Brunetti's Money Wisdom with Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP®. Whether you’re approaching retirement or recently retired, Money Wisdom offers key financial insights to help you make informed decisions for you and your family. In a world full of financial noise, Jake and Nick aim to provide clarity, peace of mind, and practical guidance on your journey toward a secure, fulfilling retirement. Tune in each week as they address your questions and shine a light on the real financial challenges facing today’s retirees.
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Tracking Down a Lost 401(k)
03/27/2026
Tracking Down a Lost 401(k)
It sounds unbelievable, but millions of Americans have lost track of old retirement accounts, and the total adds up to over a trillion dollars. If you’ve changed jobs over the years, there’s a real chance money could still be sitting with a former employer. In this episode, Nick walks through how to recover these lost accounts, because nothing feels better than “found money” especially when it’s your retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📍 Where to Look – Employers, providers, state databases 🪜 Step-by-Step Search – Practical recovery checklist 📊 Planning Matters – Don’t just find it, structure it 💬 Retirement Q&A – Managing 401(k)s after retiring 🔄 Rollovers & Roth – Taxes, timing, and strategy Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Why Women Investors Outperform Men
03/20/2026
Why Women Investors Outperform Men
To celebrate Women’s Day, Nick is joined by his colleague and financial advisor Jen Killilea to explore why women investors often outperform men, drawing on insights from a major Fidelity study. They highlight the behavioral advantages many women bring to investing and why those traits can lead to stronger long-term results. You’ll also hear about the unique financial challenges women face, from longer life expectancy and wage gaps to caregiving interruptions and healthcare and long-term care costs. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Investing Psychology: Behavior drives long-term outcomes ⏳ Patience Wins: Staying the course beats frequent trading 📉 Less Trading: Fewer moves can lead to better results 🏥 Healthcare Planning: Longer lives require deeper planning 📚 Financial Education: Simple guidance builds confidence Check out the study here: XX Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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How Can I Increase My Social Security Benefit?
03/13/2026
How Can I Increase My Social Security Benefit?
Social Security might be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s rarely as simple as “take it early” or “wait until 70.” Nick is joined by Eric Hogarth, CFPⓇ and senior partner at Johnson Brunetti, to walk through how filing decisions affect income, taxes, and long-term retirement confidence. With hundreds of potential filing combinations and real consequences for spouses and families, this is not a decision to guess on. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💍 Spousal Benefits: Half of primary benefit 🛡 Survivor Rules: Larger benefit continues 💰 Tax Planning: Managing retirement taxation 🏢 Working While Collecting: Income limits and FICA 📬 Mailbag Q&A: Pension and Medicare questions Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What is the Rule of 55?
03/06/2026
What is the Rule of 55?
If you’re thinking about retiring before 59½, you’ve probably assumed your 401(k) is locked up. Not always. Nick unpacks the Rule of 55, a lesser-known provision that can allow penalty-free withdrawals from certain employer retirement plans starting at age 55. But like most tax rules, the opportunity comes with caveats. Used correctly, the Rule of 55 can create flexibility. Used carelessly, it can limit your options. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📘 Rule of 55: Penalty-free access explained 👥 Who Benefits: Early retirees with 401(k)s ⚠️ Limitations: Plan rules and restrictions 🧾 Tax Strategy: Income timing matters 📬 Mailbag Q&A: Roth, Medicare, estate planning Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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5 Money Habits to Break
02/27/2026
5 Money Habits to Break
New year. New goals. Same money habits? In this episode, Nick is joined by special guest Eric Hogarth, senior partner and CFP®, to talk about five financial habits that can quietly derail retirement, especially during the transition from saving to spending. The strategies that helped you build wealth during your working years don’t always serve you the same way once the paychecks stop. Suddenly, risk looks different and taxes hit differently. Retirement isn’t just about having enough, it’s about making smart adjustments once you get there. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Risk & Return: Balance growth and safety 🧾 Tax Planning: Long-term efficiency matters 🧠 Emotional Decisions: How to avoid fear-based moves 🔄 Plan Reviews: Adjust annually and proactively ❓ Mailbag Questions: Social Security, Roth, Medicare Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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How to Train Your Finances Like an Olympic Athlete
02/20/2026
How to Train Your Finances Like an Olympic Athlete
Olympic athletes don’t rely on talent alone. They prepare, adjust, and stay disciplined long before the moment arrives. In this episode, Nick and Jake use the Olympics as a lens to talk about what real retirement preparation looks like. The conversation centers on setting clear targets, staying consistent, and managing emotions when conditions change. It’s a practical reminder that confidence in retirement is built long before the finish line. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Clear Goals: Making plans measurable and realistic 🔄 Plan Adjustments: Reviewing and refining over time 🧠 Emotional Discipline: Managing fear and confidence 🏆 Wins & Setbacks: Learning from every season Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What's Your Retirement Relationship Status?
02/13/2026
What's Your Retirement Relationship Status?
Love is in the air, and so is smart retirement planning. In this Valentine’s Day edition, Nick and Jake show you how to move from a “day‑to‑day fling” with your finances to a long‑term, committed retirement plan by really knowing your numbers and your income needs. They break down how to balance safety, income, and growth so you can enjoy life now while still being prepared for curveballs like healthcare costs, inflation, and taxes. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Financial Clarity: Knowing your numbers builds confidence ⚖️ Income Balance: Coordinating safety, income, and growth 🛡️ Unexpected Events: Planning for healthcare, taxes, and inflation 🎓 Next Generation: Encouraging financial literacy early 🎒 529s & Trusts: Understanding education and legacy tools Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What 59% of Retirees Wish They’d Known About Taxes
01/23/2026
What 59% of Retirees Wish They’d Known About Taxes
Unlock the secrets most retirees wish they’d known about taxes before leaving the workforce. This episode cuts through the confusion and dives into smart, proactive tax planning for your retirement years. Join Jake and Nick for essential strategies and eye-opening insights that could safeguard your nest egg. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Survey Insights – Why retirees underestimated tax impact 💰 Social Security Taxes – Were benefits taxed more than expected? ⏰ RMDs – Required withdrawals may be triggering higher taxes 🏥 Medicare Premiums – Income pushing healthcare costs higher 🔁 Roth Strategies – Conversions to manage future tax bills 📬 Mailbag Minute – Quick answers to common tax questions Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Can I Trust AI for Financial Advice?
01/16/2026
Can I Trust AI for Financial Advice?
AI can answer questions instantly, but should it be trusted with your financial future? Dive into today’s episode as Jake and Nick tackle whether AI can truly replace human financial advisors. You’ll hear the real risks, and hidden potential when using AI for money decisions. Tune in and learn what to ask before trusting your finances to technology! Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🤖 AI in Financial Advice: What artificial intelligence can (and can’t) do 🧠 The Human Element: Why context and experience still matter in planning 🧰 Using AI the Right Way: How to treat AI as a research assistant, not a decision-maker 📬 Mailbag Minute: Quick answers to listener questions on Social Security and retirement withdrawals Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What’s Changed About Retirement in the Last 10 Years
01/09/2026
What’s Changed About Retirement in the Last 10 Years
How has retirement changed over the last decade, and why does it matter now? If you’re planning for retirement the same way people did ten years ago, you may be relying on assumptions that no longer apply. In this episode, Nick and Jake discuss how retirement planning has fundamentally shifted over the past decade and what those changes could mean for your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: ⏳ Delayed Retirement: Why more people are working longer by choice…or necessity 🏥 Healthcare Reality: Medical costs reshaping retirement timelines 🏃♂️ Longer, Active Lives: Planning for decades, not years, of retirement 📈 Inflation Pressure: Rising costs meet uncertain income sources 🧭 Planning Challenges: New risks require new solutions Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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6 Steps To Financial Fitness
01/02/2026
6 Steps To Financial Fitness
Every January, people focus on getting back in shape, but what about their finances? In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through six practical steps to improving your financial fitness as retirement approaches. The conversation reframes what it really means to be “financially fit” and offers tips on a clear path forward. Tune in if you’re looking for a smarter reset and a more confident way to start 2026. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Mindset Shift: Redefining financial success 📂 Consult Prep: What to bring and why for best results 🧩 Fund Segmentation: Giving each dollar a job ⚠️ Client Concerns: Addressing fear and uncertainty 💵 Income Planning: How you’ll replace your paycheck Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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I’m 59½, What Should I Do With My 401(k)?
12/26/2025
I’m 59½, What Should I Do With My 401(k)?
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 🔄 IRA Rollovers: gaining flexibility, control, and broader investment choices 🏢 Staying Put: when keeping money in a 401(k) may still make sense 🔁 Roth Conversions: using lower-tax windows to your advantage 📉 Market Context: why timing and risk matter more as retirement nears Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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5 Must-Know Social Security Rules Before You File
12/19/2025
5 Must-Know Social Security Rules Before You File
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 📅 Claiming Ages: early, full retirement age, and delayed options 💻 Working Impact: how earned income can reduce benefits 💑 Spousal Rules: benefits tied to marriage and survivorship 🏦 Taxes: when Social Security becomes taxable 🗨️ Q&A: pensions, survivors, and common filing questions Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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10+ Retirement Bucket List Ideas
12/12/2025
10+ Retirement Bucket List Ideas
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 Anxiety: why it’s hard for retirees to use their own savings 🤝 Finding Community: purpose, connection, and staying engaged 🧭 Planning the Path: practical steps to fund the lifestyle you want Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Am I Holding Too Much Cash in Retirement?
12/05/2025
Am I Holding Too Much Cash in Retirement?
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 and growth 🔥 Inflation Risk: the hidden cost of holding too much for too long 📆 RMD Rules: what to know as you approach your early 70s 🔄 Roth vs. Traditional: choosing the right tax treatment for your future Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Should I Work 5 More Years or Retire Early?
11/28/2025
Should I Work 5 More Years or Retire Early?
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 Planning: aligning withdrawals and income sources with your needs 🎯 Goal-Based Investing: knowing when continued work supports bigger dreams ⚖️ Lifestyle & Tax Balance: finding the sweet spot between comfort and efficiency 🧭 Practical Retirement Guidance: simple steps for making a confident transition 📬 Mailbag Minute: rapid-fire answers to real listener questions Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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5 Tax Moves to Make Before December 31
11/21/2025
5 Tax Moves to Make Before December 31
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 🎗️ Charitable giving strategies: QCDs, appreciated stock, and tax-efficient donations 🧾 Tax opportunities: pairing gains and losses to reduce what you owe ⏳ Roth conversion timing: why December 31 matters and when conversions make sense Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What is Considered Good Debt vs Bad Debt?
11/14/2025
What is Considered Good Debt vs Bad Debt?
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: Integrating debt reduction into a full retirement plan 🧾 Tax Considerations: When paying off debt could actually cost you more 📬 Mailbag Minute: The team answers real listener questions about managing debt in retirement Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Long Term Care Planning: How to Protect Your Assets
11/07/2025
Long Term Care Planning: How to Protect Your Assets
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 💸 Gifting Rules: Understanding Medicaid lookback periods and eligibility 🧮 Asset Strategy: Balancing self-insurance, hybrid policies, and Medicaid planning 📚 Mailbag Minute: Listeners’ most common long-term care questions answered Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs?
10/31/2025
What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs?
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: 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 Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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5 Financial Lessons from Stevie Nicks
10/24/2025
5 Financial Lessons from Stevie Nicks
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 surprises 🧾 Estate Planning: know when (and if) an irrevocable trust makes sense 🪞 Self-Reflection: the best plans are personal, intentional, and adaptable 🎵 Go Your Own Way: embrace flexibility and financial independence 🔗 The Chain: build strong, trustworthy relationships with fiduciary advisors Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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The Triple Tax Advantage: 3 Smart Ways to Use an HSA
10/17/2025
The Triple Tax Advantage: 3 Smart Ways to Use an HSA
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) might be one of the most underrated tools in all of financial planning and today we’re going to tell you why. Nick and Jake will explain the three major benefits of an HSA and how to use it strategically before and during retirement. You’ll learn how to make the most of this “triple tax advantage,” including deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals. There aren’t many financial tools that give you three layers of tax advantages, but the Health Savings Account (HSA) is one of them. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏥 What an HSA really is and how it works 🧾 Why HSAs beat most other tax-advantaged accounts 💳 Using an HSA for immediate medical expenses 🧠 The long-term strategy: treating it like an investment account Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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What Kind of Insurance Do I Need in Retirement?
10/10/2025
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need in Retirement?
Retirement brings freedom, but navigating health insurance can quickly become one of the most confusing parts of the transition. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through the key types of insurance every retiree should evaluate, from health and long-term care to life, homeowners, and umbrella coverage. Find out how each fits into your retirement plan and which policies make sense depending on your income and assets. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💊 Retirees may be able to save thousands on premiums 🧾 Traditional vs. hybrid long-term care coverage 🏠 Homeowners and auto coverage: what to review 🔍 The pros and cons of long-term care insurance Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Traditional vs Roth: Which is Right For You?
10/03/2025
Traditional vs Roth: Which is Right For You?
Want to pay less tax now, or never pay tax again? That’s the real question behind the Traditional vs. Roth debate. When it comes to saving for retirement, few questions get asked more often than: Should I use a traditional account or a Roth? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Jake and Nick unpack the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. They explain how income limits affect your ability to contribute, why tax brackets matter, and how Roth contributions can provide long-term tax-free growth. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧮 Four keys to consider: income, age, taxes, goals 📊 Why income & tax brackets may shape your decision 🔄 Using backdoor Roths and Roth conversions as planning tools 🧭 How to blend both accounts for long-term strategy Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Can You Really Pay Less Taxes on Social Security?
09/26/2025
Can You Really Pay Less Taxes on Social Security?
For many retirees, Social Security is one of the most important income streams, but also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to taxes. In this episode, Jake and Nick break down the rules around how Social Security benefits are taxed at both the federal and state level, and what strategies might help you keep more of what you’ve earned. Find out how the One Big Beautiful Bill reshaped standard deduction rules, creating new planning opportunities (and pitfalls to watch for). As Jake points out, extracting money in retirement is often far more complicated than accumulating it. That’s why tax planning and income planning go hand-in-hand if you want to minimize surprises and maximize your retirement paycheck. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📜 How federal and state rules impact Social Security taxation 🧾 Why modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) matters 🏦 How withdrawal timing and Roth conversions influence taxes 🏛️ Big Beautiful Bill: what it means for federal taxation Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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How Do Interest Rates Work?
09/19/2025
How Do Interest Rates Work?
Get your customized Money Map: Interest rates are in the headlines as people await the next Fed meeting, but what do they really mean for you? Interest rates ripple through nearly every aspect of your financial life, from mortgages and credit cards to savings accounts and even the stock market. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down how they work, why the Fed adjusts them, and what those moves mean for borrowers, savers, and investors. You’ll hear historical lessons from times when rates were sky-high or near zero, plus practical strategies for tackling high-interest debt and deciding whether to pay off your mortgage early. One small shift in interest rates can shake the entire economy, and this conversation shows you how to stay ahead. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏦 Why the Fed raises or lowers interest rates 💳 How borrowing costs change with rates 💰 Why high rates can help savers but often hurt spenders 📉 The link between interest rates and the stock market 🎯 Strategies for handling high-interest debt Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Social Security Changes for 2026: What Retirees Need to Know
09/12/2025
Social Security Changes for 2026: What Retirees Need to Know
Social Security will look different in 2026, and while the adjustments may seem minor on the surface, they can carry real weight over the course of retirement. Today we’ll explain what’s changing and why it matters for your long-term planning. Join Jake and Nick as they discuss how benefits are shifting, why retirement ages continue to move later, and the impact of higher costs tied to healthcare and taxes. More importantly, they highlight how these changes fit into the bigger picture. Social Security was never meant to be a stand-alone retirement plan, and relying on it exclusively can leave you vulnerable to inflation, rising medical expenses, and legislative tweaks like the ones we’re seeing now. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📈 2026 COLA: 2.7% raise, still trails inflation ⏳ A later full retirement age means planning for longer lifespans and income needs 🏥 Healthcare costs keep climbing with Medicare premium hikes 🧭 Small changes add up, so planning ahead is essential Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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5 Financial Strategies from the NFL Playbook
09/05/2025
5 Financial Strategies from the NFL Playbook
Football season is here, and so are the lessons we can borrow from the field to improve our financial game plan. Just like an NFL team can’t win without balance, your retirement strategy needs more than one play. In this episode, Jake and Nick draw from the NFL playbook to show how offense, defense, special teams, coaching staff, and even audibles translate into smart money moves. But football isn’t just about winning games. It’s about adapting, relying on your team, and preparing for the unexpected. That’s where retirement planning parallels real life: your goals, your risks, and your “game day” decisions need a plan that adjusts when life throws a surprise blitz. Plus, you’ll hear how managing inflation and building safeguards against risk can help keep you moving the ball down the field towards a confident retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏈 Offense & growth – You must keep scoring points with growth-oriented assets to outpace inflation 🛡️ Defense & protection – Avoiding losses is critical, but being too conservative can hurt just as much 🚨 Special teams – Tax planning, insurance, and estate strategies are as essential as investing 👥 Team coordination – Household members and professional advisors must work together seamlessly 📣 Be flexible – Life will throw curveballs, and your financial plan must adapt Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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Is Your 401(k) Enough for Retirement?
08/29/2025
Is Your 401(k) Enough for Retirement?
For many people, the 401k is their largest retirement asset, but is it enough to carry you through decades without a paycheck? Today, Jake and Nick unpack one of the most common questions they hear: “Will my 401k be enough for retirement?” Find out why simply looking at the balance isn’t enough. You need to know your numbers, which means identifying income sources like Social Security, pensions, or rental income, understanding your monthly expenses, and then calculating what gap your savings must cover. Plus, we’ll break down the latest contribution limits, catch-up rules, and the growing importance of Roth options. And does it make sense to move money from a 401k to an IRA? We’ll tell you what the benefits could be and why most people make that move to provide more options in retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💵 2025 contribution limits and catch-up rules explained 🔀 When to consider rolling a 401k to an IRA ⚖️ Roth vs. pre-tax: what to know now 🛠️ Why control and flexibility matter most in retirement Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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5 Must Know Numbers (Before You Retire)
08/22/2025
5 Must Know Numbers (Before You Retire)
Retirement success isn’t about luck, it’s about knowing your numbers before you take the leap. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down the five must-know numbers before you retire so you can step into your next chapter with confidence instead of scrambling. They’ll walk you through why it’s critical to know your exact monthly and annual expenses (including the “fun” costs), what guaranteed income streams you can count on, and how much you’ve actually accumulated in retirement accounts, savings, and investments. You’ll also learn why estimating healthcare costs is more important than ever and how understanding your withdrawal rate—before and after taxes—can keep your plan sustainable for decades. Packed with practical tips, this conversation shows how each number connects to your bigger financial picture. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏗️ Why expenses are your retirement foundation 💰 Mapping out guaranteed income sources 📈 Knowing your total retirement savings 🩺 Estimating lifetime healthcare costs ⏳ Understanding withdrawal rates before and after taxes Our website: Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: Get your customized Money Map: Join us for our next financial workshop: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Check us out on YouTube:
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