The Power Of Zero Show
Tax rates 10 years from now are likely to be much higher than they are today. Is your retirement plan ready? Learn how to avoid the coming tax freight train and maximize your retirement dollars.
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Two Experts Debate When You Should Take Social Security—But here’s the TRUTH!
11/19/2025
Two Experts Debate When You Should Take Social Security—But here’s the TRUTH!
Today’s episode revolves around one of the biggest financial debates among pre-retirees and retirees: When should you take Social Security? Host David McKnight touches upon the recent debate of two of the smartest voices in the field – Dr. Laurence “Larry” Kotlikoff and Dr. Derek Tharp – on this exact question. Dr. Tharp, out of the University of Southern Maine, notes that economists commonly recommend delaying social security benefits until age 70. Boston University’s Dr. Kotlikoff agrees and explains that delaying can give you a 76% higher monthly benefit compared to taking it at age 62. Since Social Security is inflation-adjusted and guaranteed for life, it acts as longevity insurance. Hence, Dr. Kotlikoff thinks that waiting doesn’t only help you but your loved ones too. Dr. Tharp isn’t convinced: he points out that only about 10% of workers actually wait until age 70 to claim benefits. Overall, he sees studies that recommend delaying rely on overly conservative assumptions – they assume that retirees earn returns similar to Treasury inflation-protected securities. With this line of thinking, if your portfolio is earning 5% real returns instead of 2%, then delaying your benefits might not look as attractive mathematically… Dr. Kotlikoff cites Menahem Yaari’s 1965 paper, which suggests looking at delaying social security like buying insurance. It protects you from the catastrophic risk of living too long and running out of money. The debate continues with Dr. Tharp talking about the sequence of return risk. If the market drops early in retirement and you’re forced to withdraw more from your investments to delay Social Security, you can permanently damage your “nest egg”. Even though he acknowledges Dr. Tharp’s point, Dr. Kotlikoff points out that most retirees have options, such as continuing to work longer, cutting spending, downsizing, or borrowing temporarily instead of taking benefits early. Plus, he adds, the people most affected by sequence of returns risk are, generally, wealthier households… Dr. Tharp concludes the debate by citing a study showing that retirees tend to spend about 80% of predictable income streams like Social Security or pensions, but only about 50% of portfolio income. He also brings up Bill Perkins’ book Die With Zero into the conversation. Perkins believes that Americans often focus too much on lifespan and not enough on health span. Dr. Kotlikoff responds by stressing that some people underspend, while others overspend… and that’s exactly why there's a need for good planning software. For David, both Dr. Kotlikoff and Dr. Tharp make valid points, and it all boils down to a key question: how long are you going to live? If you’re likely to die at 63, then you should probably take Social Security at 62. If you’re going to live to age 100, it makes sense to wait until you’re 70. While there’s no accurate way to determine that, there’s currently a group of people who are in the business of figuring that out: life insurance actuaries. David shares two reasons why you may want to consider the additional benefits of life insurance, especially Indexed Universal Life (IUL). Mentioned in this episode: David’s new book, available now for pre-order: David’s national bestselling book: by David McKnight (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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What REALLY Happened with Kyle Busch's $8 Million Lawsuit against Pacific Life
11/12/2025
What REALLY Happened with Kyle Busch's $8 Million Lawsuit against Pacific Life
David McKnight looks at what happened when NASCAR legend Kyle Busch reportedly lost $8+ million in what was supposed to be a tax-free retirement plan. The plan Busch relied on was built around an indexed universal life insurance policy. According to Kyle and Samantha Busch’s lawsuit, they paid more than $10.4M into several IUL policies issued by Pacific Life Insurance between 2018 and 2022. While these policies were pitched as a safe, self-funding, tax-free retirement plan, things didn’t go as promised… Poor design, unrealistic expectations, a delayed 1035 exchange, and poor oversight are the key reasons why the Busch’s retirement plan ended up belly up. “If you’re going to do a 1035 exchange, make sure you do it at the start of the policy, not years into it”, warns David. David goes over the lessons that can be drawn from the Busch’s case. For instance, you should never enter into a contract that you don’t understand, nor should you do an IUL if you can’t overfund it from day one. David believes that you shouldn’t rely on the IUL alone… In his opinion, the Busch case is a cautionary tale about what happens when one strategy is positioned as a silver bullet retirement solution. In a balanced, comprehensive approach to tax-free retirement, which includes Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and Roth conversions, the IUL’s purpose is not to carry the whole load, but rather to act as a shock absorber. A recent Ernst & Young study demonstrated that a retirement income strategy that incorporates IUL provides far more income than a strategy that calls for investments alone. David shares a few tips on how to avoid the IUL trap that the Busches unfortunately fell into. Mentioned in this episode: David’s new book, available now for pre-order: David’s national bestselling book: by David McKnight (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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The Financial Guru Hall of Shame--Who's Leading You Off a Cliff?
11/05/2025
The Financial Guru Hall of Shame--Who's Leading You Off a Cliff?
David McKnight focuses on three of the biggest names in personal finance – Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman, and Ken Fisher – and why you should be careful with following their advice. David emphasizes that anyone trying to wring the most efficiency out of their retirement savings should focus on advice that’s backed by math… not soundbites. While David Ramsey is the right person for people who are making less than they are spending, the same can’t be said for his retirement planning advice. For instance, he claims that 100% of cash value life insurance sucks 100% of the time. For David, whenever someone gives you advice that claims it should be applied 100% of the time, you should run the other way! Remember: there’s no financial strategy that works for everyone all the time. According to an Ernst & Young study, by contributing 30% of your retirement savings to an IUL, you’ll dramatically increase your income in retirement over a stock market investing alone. Citing E&Y, David explains an approach that shields you from the sequence of returns risk and that has a 95% chance of your money lasting as long as you do. David points out that most Americans don’t have thousands of dollars lying around in savings accounts just to pay the taxes on a Roth conversion… David sees Dave Ramsey as someone who gives basic advice for people with basic problems and whose advice could potentially be catastrophic if you want to shield your retirement from higher taxes. When it comes to Suze Orman, David looks at her recent advice of keeping 3-5 years worth of living expenses in an emergency fund in retirement. While Orman is trying to safeguard against sequence of returns risk, she seems to be forgetting about inflation eating away at your purchasing power. As David shares his dislike of Orman’s advice, he touches upon a resource that can double your sustainable withdrawal rate from 4 to as high as 8%. Ken Fisher, on the other hand, has become the face of the “anti-annuity crusade”. The problem with Fisher’s approach? He’s primarily referring to variable annuities, completely disregarding fixed indexed annuities (which are a totally different animal). David discusses how replacing bonds with fixed annuities “can increase your returns, lower your risks, and give you a better outcome over time.” Beware of financial gurus saying “I hate annuities”, “100% of life insurance sucks 100% of the time”, or “never pay taxes from your IRA”! In his latest book The Guru Gap, David takes a deep dive into the flawed logic of financial gurus, and gives the full story with the math, the context, and the strategies they conveniently leave out in their content and speeches. Mentioned in this episode: David’s new book, available now for pre-order: David’s national bestselling book: by David McKnight (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Suze Orman Says 3%, Bill Bengen Says 4.7%--Who’s Right on Sustainable Withdrawal Rates?
10/29/2025
Suze Orman Says 3%, Bill Bengen Says 4.7%--Who’s Right on Sustainable Withdrawal Rates?
David McKnight compares the approach of some of the biggest names in personal finance: Suze Orman, and William “Bill” Bengen (the man who invented the 4% Rule). In a recent interview covered by MSN, Suze Orman declared flat out that the 4% Rule is dead since markets are volatile, interest rates fluctuate, and people are living longer. David shares the “origin story” of how the 4% Rule came to be – and its creator Bill Bengen. Interviewed by MSN, Bengen updated his research and concluded that, based on current data, a 4.7% withdrawal rate is now sustainable. David compares Orman’s views on the 4% Rule with those of Bengen. As explained by David, when you purchase a guaranteed lifetime income annuity, you’re transferring a portion of your retirement savings to an insurance company in exchange for a guaranteed paycheck for life. Remember: not all annuities are created equal – that’s why you need to understand fees, credit ratings, inflation writers and surrender periods. Mentioned in this episode: David’s new book, available now for pre-order: David’s national bestselling book: by David McKnight (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Why Dave Ramsey’s Roth Conversion Advice Could Cost You a Fortune
10/22/2025
Why Dave Ramsey’s Roth Conversion Advice Could Cost You a Fortune
David McKnight discusses one of the most destructive pieces of retirement advice he has ever heard: that you should never do a Roth conversion in retirement or within five years of retiring. Dave Ramsey believes you should forego doing a Roth conversion if you’re within five years of retirement or are already retired – because of the so-called Five-Year Rule. The problem with this approach, according to David, is that Ramsey is misinterpreting what that rule actually means, in addition to confusing multiple rules and applying them to the wrong people. Ramsey’s advice, continues David, encourages retirees to make choices that could cost them a fortune and taxes over time. The bigger issue, however, is the fact that Ramsey is focusing on the wrong thing – what he should really focus on is where tax rates are headed in the future. The current historically low tax rates won’t last, as the U.S. national debt is on track to hit $63 trillion by 2035. If that were to happen, the U.S. Congress won’t have the luxury of keeping tax rates low anymore. According to former Comptroller General David Walker, tax rates will likely need to double just to keep the Government solvent. A recent Penn Wharton study found that if the U.S. doesn't get its house in order by 2040, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will arrest the financial collapse of the nation. David warns that if you’re still contributing to or sitting on a big tax-deferred nest egg like a 401(k) or IRA, you’re setting yourself up to pay massive taxes in the future. Remember: 2035 is your Roth conversion deadline. David goes through his suggested strategies to avoid paying higher tax rates and potential penalties in the future. Something good to keep in mind is that if you’re in the 0% tax bracket and tax rates double, two times zero is still zero… David sees Dave Ramsey as the go-to expert for get-out-of-debt advice, not retirement planning strategy. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Four Ways to Pay Tax on Your Roth Conversion
10/15/2025
Four Ways to Pay Tax on Your Roth Conversion
David McKnight addresses something that can make or break your Roth conversion strategy: how you actually pay the tax. David kicks things off by sharing that Federal and state estimated tax payments are usually made in four equal installments: April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th of the following year. Did you know that doing a Roth conversion in December, like many people do, will lead to the IRS pretending that income was earned evenly throughout the year? If you don’t account for that, you could get hit with an underpayment penalty (8% of the underpaid amount). David goes over different ways you can handle the tax payment. The first way is to pay it using cash or a taxable brokerage account – this allows the full conversion amount to move from IRA to Roth IRA. By doing that, you’re essentially using your least efficient dollars, from a tax efficiency perspective, to catapult 100% of the converted amount into the Roth IRA. David touches upon the IRS Form 2210 Schedule AI, which informs the IRS of the fact that your income was uneven and it can wipe out the penalty for the first three quarters of a year. The second way is to withhold the tax at the time of conversion. While this method helps prevent the risk of penalty (and you don’t have to file extra forms) it comes with a downside: less money ends up in the Roth IRA. Thirdly, you could make a second IRA distribution and withhold 100% for taxes. David shares a word of caution: when using this approach, you don’t want to bump up into a higher tax bracket, especially if it’s a jump from the 24 to the dreaded 32% bracket. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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I’m 52 Years Old and Have No Bonds in My Portfolio (Smart or Dangerous?)
10/08/2025
I’m 52 Years Old and Have No Bonds in My Portfolio (Smart or Dangerous?)
David McKnight explains why he has chosen to avoid bonds entirely and why you might want to rethink how you protect your portfolio as you approach retirement. David kicks things off by illustrating the so-called sequence of returns risk. According to conventional wisdom, bonds tend to be less volatile, so they help smooth out the rough years in the stock market. However, bonds aren’t the safety net they used to be. And over long periods of time, bonds tend to underperform stocks by a wide margin. David warns against “stuffing your portfolio with bonds just to be safe.” The reason for that is that you’re not only capping your upside, you’re also taking on risks of your own: inflation risk, interest rate risk, and the risk of simply not having enough growth to fund a long-term retirement. Instead of watering down his stock portfolio with bonds, David uses a volatility buffer. He keeps 3-5 years' worth of living expenses in a separate, safe, and productive account – his go-to option is Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL). An IUL gives you safety from market downturns because it’s linked to an index but has a floor that protects you from losses. In other words, an IUL has potential for reasonable growth without the full downside risk of stocks. David discusses a scenario in which he’s retired and living off his investments when the market suddenly drops by 30%... The approach David relies on enables him to have peace of mind – something that really helps because, as he puts it, “The more you can take emotion out of the equation, the better your investment returns.” David goes over what to consider and do to get started with a volatility buffer. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Dave Ramsey is Right About Bonds, but Not for the Reasons He Thinks
10/01/2025
Dave Ramsey is Right About Bonds, but Not for the Reasons He Thinks
David McKnight addresses something Dave Ramsey has been saying for years: “You should NEVER own bonds in retirement!” David points out that the tool that actually solves the problem Ramsey has been trying to avoid is the same one he spent years mocking on his call-in show: the Fixed-Indexed Annuity. Ramsey’s argument is that stocks outperform bonds over time – hence, bonds should be avoided as they’re “slow, underperforming, and risky.” David indicates what Ramsey is half right about, as well as something he’s missing the mark on… David discusses how bonds can act as a sort of volatility buffer, despite what Ramsey preaches. The irony is that the best alternative to bonds is something that Ramsey has derided for years (the Fixed-Indexed Annuity). David goes through the key differences between a Fixed-Indexed Annuity and a bond. In years when your stock portfolio is down, you can draw from your annuity – this gives your stock time to recover before you start taking further distributions. That act alone can increase your sustainable withdrawal rate on the stock portion of your portfolio from 4% to as high as 8% with a 95% success rate. David’s disagreement with Dave Ramsey isn’t so much with the suggestion of getting rid of bonds, something David actually agrees with, but it’s missing the most important part: what you replace bonds with matters. Remember: there’s no better bond alternative in the retirement space than the Fixed-Indexed Annuity. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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What is the Power of Zero Retirement Philosophy?
09/24/2025
What is the Power of Zero Retirement Philosophy?
David McKnight walks you through what he believes to be the retirement strategy of the future: the Power of Zero approach. Congress recently passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which makes the Trump tax cuts permanent. The brackets were set to expire in 2026, but now we’re told they’re here to stay… By 2035, the U.S. will need massive infusions of cash just to cover the interest on the debt of $37 trillion, not to mention Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and defense. When the Government needs money and no one else will loan it the money, it does the one thing it’s always done in the past: raise taxes. Remember: even though tax rates are low today, they won’t stay that way forever. Congress can change the rules anytime it needs more revenue. David illustrates the main goal of the Power of Zero approach and how it works: it’s all about creating multiple streams of tax-free income, none of which show up on the IRS’ radar, but all of which contribute to you being in the 0% tax bracket. Beware: this idea that we’ve locked in low tax rates forever is an illusion. Just because Congress called these tax cuts permanent doesn’t mean they won’t reverse them the minute they need more revenue. According to Dr. Larry Kotlikoff of Boston University, the unfunded obligations for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, interest on the national debt, and the general cost of running the Federal Government over the next 75 years, are over $200 trillion. Right now, you have a chance to strategically reposition your retirement savings to be tax-free. Shift that money slowly enough that you don’t rise into a tax bracket that gives you heartburn, but quickly enough that you get all the heavy lifting done before tax rates go up for good. David believes that you have a chance to strategically reposition your retirement savings tax-free. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Greatest Retirement Mistake
09/17/2025
Greatest Retirement Mistake
While on the golf course with his son, David McKnight got asked a question, by a couple of men in their early 70s, every pre-retiree and retiree wonders at some point: “What’s the biggest mistake people make when preparing for retirement?” Many people spend their entire career saving money in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. As that balance grows larger every year, it’s easy to get the illusion that all that money belongs to you, while a larger portion actually belongs to the IRS. How much of that sum you ultimately get to keep depends on what tax rates happen to be in the year you take that money out. David believes that the #1 mistake you can make in retirement is failing to plan for taxes. Remember: if you arrive in retirement with the vast majority of your wealth sitting in tax-affirmed accounts, you’ve put yourself in a position where the government gets to decide what percentage of your money you actually get to keep. Keep deferring, as you know you’ll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, has been traditional wisdom for quite some time, but the math doesn’t work out anymore. David touches upon the repercussions of the increasing tax rates caused by the nation’s skyrocketing and unfunded obligations. His recommended step is to start shifting money from tax-affirmed to tax-free accounts. David discusses the approach you should take and reminds you that retirement isn’t just about how much money you’ve saved… it’s about how much of that money you actually get to spend. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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The Hidden Costs of Whole Life Insurance
09/10/2025
The Hidden Costs of Whole Life Insurance
For many people, an approach that incorporates whole life insurance has become part of their broader retirement strategy. Is that a good way to go? That’s what David McKnight addresses in this episode. While Whole Life has some legitimate applications, especially for people who are risk-averse and are looking for guaranteed steady accumulation, there’s an option that does the job more effectively: Indexed Universal Life (IUL). David touches upon why you may want to opt for IUL instead of Whole Life, including the fact that, with IUL, you can access your cash value in retirement without having to pay loan interest. That gives you more flexibility and more efficiency when using IUL as a source of income. David compares Whole Life and Indexed Universal Life. If your goal is to shield your retirement portfolio from market downturns, then Whole Life is like taking the scenic route: You’ll get there. but it will cost you more time, fuel, and money. IUL, by contrast, is like taking the express lane: Same destination, just faster, cheaper, and more efficient. “If efficiency matters to you, and you’re trying to increase the likelihood that your money will last as long as you do, then Indexed Universal Life is the superior alternative”, says David. David goes over what happens when you borrow money from your Whole Life policy vs. from your IUL. It’s good to know that some IUL policies have wash loans or zero-cost loans that make accessing your money more predictable and sustainable. David believes that, when it comes to retirement income and the volatility buffer concept, the IUL is more efficient and effective, as it gives you higher growth potential and more favorable loan features. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Why You Should Replace Your Bonds with an Annuity
09/03/2025
Why You Should Replace Your Bonds with an Annuity
In this episode of The Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight discusses why it may make sense to replace the bonds in your retirement portfolio with a Fixed Index Annuity, and how doing so could lead to a much better outcome for your retirement. For decades, financial advisors have followed the conventional wisdom of the 60-40, 60% stocks, 40% bonds. As you approach retirement, that ratio shifts even further in favor of bonds… …however, the problem is that today’s bond market isn’t built like it used to be, and bond yields are still below their historical averages. David touches upon the Fixed Indexed Annuity or FIA. Remember: when you replace the bonds in your portfolio with Fixed Index Annuities, you’re not just getting similar safety. You’re actually improving your outcomes across the board. David stresses that, in retirement, it’s not all about rates of return. It’s about how consistent that return is. Something good to keep in mind: bonds can and do lose value. If interest rates spike, bond prices fall. If inflation spikes, bond purchasing power falls. Are you 5-10 years away from retirement or already retired? If so, it’s time to reevaluate the role of bonds in your portfolio. The reason for that is that bonds aren’t offering the returns they once did, carry more risk than most people, and they may no longer be the best way to reduce volatility or protect your portfolio. David puts it bluntly: “If you aren’t using Fixed Index Annuities as a bond alternative, you could be missing out on one of the most powerful safe money strategies available today.” Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Where Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman Fit and Where They Don't
08/27/2025
Where Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman Fit and Where They Don't
David sits down with John Manganaro to unpack the advice of financial gurus like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman. While their guidance has helped countless Americans get out of debt, David explains why their cookie-cutter approach to retirement income planning can fall short. Why “hope over math” is a dangerous foundation for retirement planning—David explains why advice built on optimistic return assumptions leaves disciplined savers exposed to massive disappointment later. Learn how Dave Ramsey’s 8% withdrawal and 12% return claims mislead investors and why following them could drain your retirement accounts too quickly. David explains why saving $1,000 a month isn’t realistic for most families and how financial gurus use overly rosy scenarios to make the math appear more approachable. David shares how gurus water down complex retirement math into sound bites that might inspire beginners, but fail those with real assets at stake. Why one-size-fits-all advice collapses under scrutiny. For example, what works for paying down credit card debt doesn’t translate to sustainable retirement income. David highlights the power of guaranteed lifetime income annuities and why they’re often a more efficient way to purge longevity risk than relying only on the stock market. Learn how combining annuities with traditional investments can actually increase income while improving the odds that your portfolio lasts through life expectancy. David shares how cash value life insurance can be used as a volatility shield—giving your stock portfolio time to recover after downturns instead of locking in losses. Why guaranteed income changes retiree behavior. Research shows people with guaranteed income tend to spend more, worry less, and even live longer. Why longevity risk is often underestimated by retirees—David reveals the benefits of planning for a 30–35 year retirement. David explains how tax-free planning integrates with Social Security and why keeping provisional income below thresholds can keep benefits 100% tax-free. Why the investing “holy grail” is leaving just enough in an IRA so RMDs are offset by the standard deduction—allowing tax-deferred money to come out tax-free. How to build six different streams of tax-free income so none show up on the IRS radar, putting you effectively in the 0% tax bracket. David highlights the fiscal reality ahead—with debt-to-GDP ratios soaring, he warns that tax rates are likely to be dramatically higher within the next decade. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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If A.I. Leads to Universal Basic Income, How High Will Taxes Have to Go to Pay for It?
08/20/2025
If A.I. Leads to Universal Basic Income, How High Will Taxes Have to Go to Pay for It?
David explains why A.I. could make Universal Basic Income (UBI) a reality sooner than you think. As machines take over more jobs—especially white-collar ones—we may need a new safety net just to keep society stable. Why UBI is no longer a fringe idea but a serious policy being considered in Washington. It promises monthly cash payments to every adult, regardless of their job or income. David highlights the staggering cost of UBI if implemented today. At $12,000 per adult annually, the total price tag would hit $3.1 trillion a year—equal to all Social Security and Medicare spending combined. How to wrap your head around what that means for taxes. To fund UBI, the government would need to raise taxes by at least seven percentage points across the board. David shares what that looks like in real life. If you’re in the 22% tax bracket now, that could jump to 29%—even before you factor in state taxes or future hikes. With rising national debt and shrinking tax bases due to A.I., David believes higher taxes may become the new normal. David explains how this affects your retirement plan. If you're deferring taxes in a traditional IRA or 401(k), you may be setting yourself up for a bigger tax hit down the road. How to avoid that painful surprise later. Today's low tax rates could be the best deal you'll ever get—so delaying taxes could mean missing the window. David shares the smart move more Americans should be making right now. Start shifting money into tax-free accounts like Roth IRAs while the current tax laws still work in your favor. David covers a powerful example to bring this to life. Imagine you’re 55 with $1 million in a traditional IRA and expect to pay 22% in taxes. If taxes go up by 20 points in the next decade, you could lose hundreds of thousands more to the IRS than you need to. Why waiting for retirement to convert to Roth might be a big mistake. The longer you wait, the larger your account grows—and the more you’ll owe when rates are higher. How to protect yourself from what David calls a “perfect storm” of higher taxes and shrinking benefits. You can’t control what Congress does—but you can control where and how your money grows. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Social Security and Medicare Trustees Just Dropped a Bombshell (New Dates for Insolvency)
08/13/2025
Social Security and Medicare Trustees Just Dropped a Bombshell (New Dates for Insolvency)
David starts by talking about the apocalyptic headwinds facing Social Security and Medicare and what it means for your retirement plan. The Social Security and Medicare trust funds are projected to be insolvent by 2033, with the combined Social Security trust fund gone by 2034. David explains why this isn’t just a distant problem: Without intervention, roughly 70 million Americans will face major benefit cuts—23% for Social Security, 11% for Medicare. How this impacts you personally: If you're 59 today, you’ll reach full retirement age right as the trust fund runs dry. If you’re already retired, you may be affected in the next 8 years. David outlines the government’s dilemma: Once the trust funds are depleted, benefits must be paid from incoming payroll taxes alone—which won’t be enough to cover promised amounts. David shares why printing money isn’t a fix. Social Security and Medicare are tied to inflation, so printing more money only drives costs up. Why taxing the rich is not the answer. Even if the government confiscated 100% of billionaire wealth, it would only fund the federal government for 11 months—not solve the long-term problem. David reveals what you can do now. Start saving as much as you can today. Even a small increase—automated every 6 months—can plug the future gap in your benefits. How to use tax-free accounts strategically. Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and properly structured life insurance can help shield your retirement from rising taxes. David explains that Roth withdrawals don’t count as provisional income—keeping your Social Security potentially 100% tax-free. How to soften the blow of benefit cuts: Keeping your Social Security tax-free preserves more of your income and helps offset reductions in government programs. With Trump’s tax cuts possibly extended, you could have until 2033 to shift your retirement savings while tax rates remain historically low. How to avoid future tax pain: David recommends shifting to tax-free accounts slowly enough to avoid “tax bracket heartburn,” but fast enough to finish before tax rates rise. Why aiming for the 0% tax bracket matters: If tax rates double in the future, two times zero is still zero. The less taxable income you have, the more secure your retirement. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Five Mathematical Reasons to Delay Retirement by Five Years
08/06/2025
Five Mathematical Reasons to Delay Retirement by Five Years
How could postponing your retirement by just five years transform your retirement picture? David McKnight shares mathematical reasons that could help. Reason #1 is compounding. As David explains, “When you delay retirement, your money has more time to grow.” The second reason for considering the postponement of your retirement has to do with the fact that an extra 5 years would give you more time to save. Reason #3: Worried that your money won’t last as long as you do? Just remember that it doesn’t need to last as long. If you retired at 65 and lived to 95, you’ll need your retirement savings to last 30 years. In case you were to retire at 70, then you’d only need your savings to last 25 years. The fourth reason for postponing retirement is a potentially higher withdrawal rate. David touches upon the 4% Rule. The rule states that if you’d like to have a higher chance of lasting a full 30-year retirement, you should never take more than 4% of your day #1 retirement balance, adjusted every year thereafter for inflation. Studies show that your new sustainable withdrawal rate would be closer to 5%. The final mathematical reason to delay retirement is to “boost your Social Security benefit.” It’s important to know that every year you delay Social Security after full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8% until age 70. Since Social Security is guaranteed, and inflation-adjusted, that becomes a reliable, predictable stream of income that complements all of your other streams of retirement. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Vanguard--4 to 5% Stock Market Growth Over Next 10 Years (Should You Change Your Retirement Strategy?)
07/30/2025
Vanguard--4 to 5% Stock Market Growth Over Next 10 Years (Should You Change Your Retirement Strategy?)
In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, David McKnight looks at headlines, such as those from Vanguard, BlackRock or Morningstar, that have predicted a dismal forecast for stock market returns over the next decade. Since such articles predict 4-5% annual growth for the next decade, many investors are pondering whether they should take some chips off the table. Back in 2015, those same institutions and companies stressed that valuations were too high and that, since the markets had a great run, it couldn’t possibly continue anymore. Vanguard forecasted 4-6% returns, BlackRock predicted 4.5-5% returns, while Research Affiliates predicted an anemic 1.5-2% returns. However, from 2015 through 2024, the S&P 500 posted a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of roughly 11.9% - proving those predictions wrong! In fact, such forecasts by stock market research institutions turned out to be off by 5-6%. David believes that financial institutions making failed predictions about the future of the stock market isn’t just the exception, it’s the rule. In the 2015-2024 timespan, we had a global pandemic that shut down entire economies, interest rates fell to zero, then spiked in record time, massive government stimulus, a tech boom, a crypto craze, and the rise of AI. - How many of those events could have been predicted in 2015? David doesn’t recommend putting too much stock in long-term market forecasts by large financial institutions because, even if they might be well-researched, they’re still guesses. For David, you shouldn’t let fear drive your investment behavior. Not only should you stay invested over the next 10 years, but you should focus on investing inside tax-free accounts. Think about a balanced, comprehensive tax-fee approach that takes advantage of every nook and cranny in the IRS tax code. David refers to tools such as Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and some properly structured cash value life insurance policies like Indexed Universal Life. What drives long-term stock market returns? “It isn’t predictions, emotions, or headlines, it’s innovation and productivity. If you look around, you can see that those things are accelerating, not slowing down,” says David. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Should You Take Social Security Early Given the Scary Trust Fund Report?
07/23/2025
Should You Take Social Security Early Given the Scary Trust Fund Report?
The 2025 Social Security Trustees Report is out and the news is bleak. This episode of the Power of Zero Show looks at the potential repercussions if nothing changes by 2033. If things don't improve, Social Security will face a cash flow deficit that triggers a 23% across-the-board benefit cut - and that's one year earlier than predicted. But that's not all… in fact, it gets far worse, says host David McKnight. The system is already $72.8 trillion in the red, an unfunded liability that's twice the size of the national debt and $10 trillion worse than 2024. This is by no means a temporary funding glitch, it's a permanent structural crisis. The first finding of the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report is that the Trust Fund goes insolvent a year earlier than anticipated in last year's report. And there's no wiggle room: Absent intervention on the part of Congress, benefits will drop automatically by 23% for all recipients. The next noteworthy aspect is the program's unfunded obligations, the present value of future benefits not covered by future taxes. That gap is a staggering $72.8 trillion, which is $10 trillion more compared to 2024. The cause for this $10 trillion jump? The removal of some pension offsets and benefit boosting by last year's Social Security Fairness Act… The final revelation of the report is that trustees chose to focus on the 75-year deficit and ignored the infinite horizon that is so relevant in a pay-as-you-go system. The main tool to try to change the status quo and fix the issue is either cutting benefits, raising taxes, or some combination of the two. David addresses all three scenarios. The first one revolves around Congress permanently okaying a 30% across-the-board cut starting today - alternatively, they could wait until 2033 and implement a 23% cut by default. The second scenario sees an increase of the Social Security's FICA payroll tax from 12.4% to 17.6%. Thirdly, a combination of smaller tax increases and moderate benefit cuts. David touches upon the possible consequences of not addressing these issues immediately. The 1983 Greenspan Commission only patched half of the long-term hole in Social Security, leading to the problem being 2.5 times bigger today and requiring even more aggressive solutions to create a permanent fix. David explains that, if you count all the government's off-the-book promises, Medicare, defense, debt service, the fiscal gap is around 7% of GDP. That translates to the country having a fiscal shortfall year in and year out of 7% of GDP FOREVER. How bad is the situation? "You'd have to fire every federal employee, cancel every NASA mission, basically shut everything down… and you still wouldn't plug in the hole in our long-term fiscal outlook," says David. David is very clear on what's needed: Major structural reform to healthcare entitlements, taxes and benefits. David shares two things to consider before you decide to draw your Social Security benefits early. A quote by Dr. Larry Kotlikoff highlights the fact that taking benefits early won't protect you from reduced benefits later, and that the reduction could indeed be less for those who waited in order to provide equity with those who collected early. David recommends saving as much as you can so that you can compensate for any future cuts to Social Security, as well as modeling multiple scenarios (drawing now vs. drawing later), keeping an eye on Congress and the news, and to focus on other risks your retirement may face - think longevity risk and tax rate risk, for instance. In conclusion: notwithstanding all that bad news from an actuarial standpoint, it still makes sense to push off Social Security just as long as you can. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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The Vindication of Indexed Universal Life and Fixed Indexed Annuities: What the Ernst & Young Study Finally Proves
07/16/2025
The Vindication of Indexed Universal Life and Fixed Indexed Annuities: What the Ernst & Young Study Finally Proves
Ernst & Young recently came out with a new updated study, which is likely to scandalize mainstream financial experts like they did with their 2021 study. Back then, they asked the question, “Is the stock market-only retirement approach really the strategy that gives you the highest levels of income and the best outcomes over a 30-year retirement?” In their new study, on the other hand, they substituted Indexed Universal Life for Whole Life, and Fixed Index Annuities for Deferred Income Annuities – a move that led to unexpected and spectacular results. Host David McKnight explains that by going beyond the investment-only playbook and by integrating tools like Whole Life and Deferred Income Annuities into your retirement strategy, you get higher levels of income and a higher likelihood of your money lasting through life expectancy and beyond. For years, Indexed Universal Life and Fixed Index Annuities have been misrepresented by many (inexperienced) insurance agents, have been vilified by media personalities using a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and have been ignored by investment-only advisors. In the latest iteration of their study, Ernst & Young ran three case studies: one featuring a 35-year-old couple just starting their financial journey, one involving a 45-year-old couple, and the last one looking at a 65-year-old couple on the doorstep of retirement. David asks why, if the E&Y case studies show that IULs and FIAs can dramatically improve income levels and the likelihood of money lasting through life expectancy and wealth to heirs, they have been so frequently demonized? David touches upon three distinct reasons why he believes the critiques occur. “Together, the IUL and FIA act as the stabilizers on your retirement journey,” says David. Utilized in conjunction with your investment portfolio, IUL and FIA increase your income, the likelihood your money lasts through life expectancy, and they increase the money that gets passed on to your heirs. For David, data proves that cash value life insurance and annuities work whether you’re just getting started or are stepping into retirement. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Can Republicans Actually Make the Trump Tax Cuts Permanent?
07/09/2025
Can Republicans Actually Make the Trump Tax Cuts Permanent?
President Trump’s proposed Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), which has been getting everyone’s attention of late, is the topic of this episode of The Power of Zero Show. Host David McKnight points out that the “crown jewel” of the BBB is the extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCGA) brought about cuts to individual income taxes, corporate taxes, and a dramatic expansion of the estate tax exemption. While corporate tax cuts were made permanent – going from 35% to 21% – the tax cuts for individuals and estates had an expiration date. If the status quo stays unchanged, those tax rates will revert back to their 2017 levels on January 1st, 2026. David goes over how Republicans could make the tax cuts permanents through some outside the box accounting techniques. Since Republicans don’t have a supermajority in the House or Senate, they would have to rely on a special Senate process known as Budget Reconciliation. A few fiscal conservatives such as Representative Thomas Massie and David Schweikert, as well as Senator Susan Collins and Rand Paul may not be on board with such an approach… Their main concern? The fact that making these tax cuts permanent would add between 4.6 and 5.5 trillion dollars to the national debt over the next 10 years. David addresses the single greatest obstacle preventing Republicans from making the Trump tax cuts permanent: the Bird Roll. The Bird Roll states that budget reconciliation bills cannot increase the federal deficit beyond the budget window, which is typically 10 years. In other words, to make the tax cuts permanent, Republicans would have to find a way to pay for them. Cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamps Program), as well as tariffs on imports are how Republicans are trying to go about things. Some Republicans suggest that the tax cuts won’t increase the national debt over the next decade and beyond, for the fact that they’ll actually spark economic growth. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost of the 2017 tax cuts was $1.9 trillion over an eight-year period, while the tax cuts themselves only increased revenue by about $400 billion. As David stresses, “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ended up increasing the debt by about $1.5 trillion, meaning that the tax cuts were in no way self-financing.” If Trump tax cuts were to be made permanent, it will almost certainly increase the likelihood that taxes will have to skyrocket by the year 2035. According to a Penn Wharton study, when the country’s debt-to-GDP reaches 200%, we’ve passed the point of no return. If that were to happen, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending would arrest the financial collapse of the nation. Former Comptroller General of the Federal Government, David M. Walker, has even suggested that tax rates could have to double to keep the U.S. solvent. This means that even if Republicans make the tax cuts permanent, they will have to raise taxes eventually… For David, this may lead to Congress being forced to raise taxes in dramatic fashion in 2035 in an effort to avoid a financial apocalypse in 2040. David believes that, if you have the lion’s share of your retirement savings swirling away in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, you should take advantage of what’s likely going to be 8 to 10 years more of historically low tax rates. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Doug Andrew: Consider Rolling Your IRA into an IUL (Good idea?)
07/02/2025
Doug Andrew: Consider Rolling Your IRA into an IUL (Good idea?)
David McKnight addresses Doug Andrew’s recommendation of turning your IRA into an IUL. David agrees with some of Andrew’s views, including his objection to rolling a 401(k) into an IRA, and then leaving it there until you die. Given the exploding national debt, most experts predict that taxes 10 years from now will have to rise dramatically to keep the U.S. solvent… Doug Andrew lists Indexed Universal Life as his “favorite financial vehicle because of liquidity, safety, predictable rates of return, and tax-free growth”. David is skeptical of advice that denigrates every tax-free alternative within the IRS tax code in an attempt to glorify the IUL – which happens to be the product Andrew sells. While David recognizes some admirable qualities that are unique to IUL (and that no other financial tool has), he doesn’t recommend having an IUL as the only prong in your tax-free strategy. David’s preference is for you to opt for an approach that takes advantage of every tax-free nook and cranny within the IRS tax code. Many gurus are “married” to and recommend only one strategy. David, on the other hand, prefers “multiple streams of tax-free income, none of which show up on the IRS’ radar, that contribute to you being in the 0% tax bracket.” David lists the unique qualities of financial tools such as Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, Roth Conversions, and IULs. If you’re someone who’s looking for advice, David recommends being careful whenever someone recommends you liquidate a retirement account you’ve been saving into your entire life and move it wholesale into an IUL! Your ideal goal should be to have multiple tax-free income streams that will land you in or near the 0% tax bracket in retirement. Why is that so important? Because even if tax rates were to double, two times zero is still ZERO. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Financial Collapse in 3 Years?
06/25/2025
Financial Collapse in 3 Years?
This episode of The Power of Zero Show revolves around a recent Ray Dalio video in which he issued warnings about the U.S. debt crisis. In the clip, Dalio appears to be giving America three years to get their act together and to right the fiscal ship of state. Dalio mentions the draft of his new book that goes through the mechanics of the debt – and highlights the supply-demand problem he believes will occur if the deficit doesn’t go from the current 7.2% of GDP to about 3% of GDP. Dalio touches upon what people should do when there isn’t an adequate supply-demand balance. He believes that looking back at history will show you that the current problems are the results of history repeating itself. A recession isn’t the one thing Dalio is afraid of… the breakdown of the monetary order is! Host David McKnight talks about the bid other countries may have on the U.S. fiscal debt, as well as the related crisis of confidence of sorts. According to a recent Penn Wharton study, if the U.S. doesn't right their fiscal ship of state by 2040, no combination of raising taxes and/or reducing spending will arrest the financial collapse of the nation. David believes that in the next 10 to 15 years, the U.S. is likely to need huge infusions of capital to avoid a financial collapse, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Great Depression. What should you do? If you have the lion’s share of your Retirement Savings, IRAs or 401(k)s, you need to act now while tax rates are historically low. Since we’re on the cusp of Trump extending his tax cuts for another 8 years, it’s important to know that, if you count 2025, we’ll have historically-low tax rates for another 9 years. David is in favor of taking action before tax rates increase, also because he believes that, come 2034, tax rates aren't going to simply revert back to what they were in 2017. If the American fiscal ship doesn’t get right on time, we could go back to seeing high tax rates that were part of the past – such as 94% in the last two years of World War II, or 89% as it was throughout the entire decade of the 70s. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Will Safe Harbor Rules Protect You If You Do a 4th Quarter Roth Conversion?
06/18/2025
Will Safe Harbor Rules Protect You If You Do a 4th Quarter Roth Conversion?
David McKnight looks at why many people wait until the fourth quarter to do a Roth conversion, the potential penalties, and what can be done to avoid having to pay underpayment penalties to the IRS. David begins the episode by highlighting the fact that a lot of investors wait until Q4 before they do a Roth conversion – and they prefer to pay taxes on it in cash instead of simply having the taxes withheld by the IRS. From a mathematical standpoint, it’s the correct thing to do because it allows you to get 100% of the converted dollars into your tax-free account. However, if you didn’t pay quarterly taxes on that income evenly throughout the year, the IRS can charge you an underpayment penalty! The IRS’ safe harbor rules can spare you from any underpayment penalty for a Q4 Roth conversion, if certain requirements are met… David goes over two scenarios in which you wouldn’t have to pay an underpayment penalty, as well as when, and why, you may need to file Form 2210 A1. Make sure to familiarize yourself with Form 2210 A1 because, as David puts it, it will “become your best friend if you’re hoping to avoid underpayment penalties on a fourth quarter Roth conversion.” Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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How to Avoid the Roth Over-Conversion Trap
06/11/2025
How to Avoid the Roth Over-Conversion Trap
In today’s episode, David McKnight focuses on whether you should do a Roth conversion, how much you should convert per year, and whether it’s possible to over-convert to Roth. David explains that an effective tax rate is the actual percentage of your income that you pay in taxes after accounting for deductions, exemptions, and credits. For David, the only reason you should do a Roth conversion is if you believe that your effective tax rate in retirement will be higher than your marginal tax rate today. David touches upon a couple of reasons why your effective tax rate in retirement could be higher than your marginal tax rate today. Remember: the national debt is projected to be $57 trillion by 2035. If Trump extends his tax cuts, you can layer another $5 trillion right on top of that… According to a recent Penn Wharton study, if the U.S. doesn't right its fiscal ship of state by 2040, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will arrest the nation’s financial collapse. Before undertaking your Roth conversion strategy, you have to remember that in retirement, absent any other deduction, the IRS will give you a deduction called standard deduction. The standard deduction is $30,000 if you retired today as a married couple and $15,000 as a single filer. David illustrates a scenario that can lead you to fall into the Roth IRA over-conversion trap. Your goal should be to keep your balance in your IRA or 401(k) low enough that required minimum distributions in retirement are equal to or less than your standard deduction, but also low enough that they don’t cause Social Security taxation. David has done the math: if you don’t have a pension or other residual taxable income, you want to keep between $300,00 and $400,000 in your 401(k) or IRA in retirement. Got a sizable pension or another significant source of taxable income? Then, your ideal balance would be much closer to zero. It’s crucial that, when converting your money, you do it slowly enough that you don’t rise into a tax bracket that gives you heartburn, but quickly enough that you get all the heavy lifting done before tax rates go up for good. If Trump ends up extending his tax cuts, they’ll expire at the end of 2033. That means that somewhere between 2034 and 2040 tax rates will likely rise in dramatic fashion. By including the 2025 tax year, that gives you nine full years during which you can execute your Roth conversion strategy. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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The Problem with Target Date Funds
06/04/2025
The Problem with Target Date Funds
David McKnight looks at Target Date Funds (TDFs) and why their set-it-and-forget-it approach to investing is NOT something you should rely on. David kicks things off by explaining how TDFs work, including why they tend to be a popular option for novice investors. While it sounds like an excellent approach, David points out two major flaws. “A lot of the problems with TDFs come down to sustainable withdrawal rates in retirement,” says David. The 4% Rule consists of you being able to withdraw 4% of your day one balance in retirement, adjusted every year thereafter for inflation. Unfortunately, a TDF is fundamentally incompatible with the 4% Rule. Since the 4% Rule is the most expensive way to ensure that you don’t run out of money in retirement, David suggests doing something else. He recommends figuring out what your retirement shortfall is and then buying a Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity to help bridge your income gap. While being on a glide path or relying on a set-it-and-forget-it approach may sound like a good idea, it actually isn’t conducive to evaluating the strategies that will help you reap the most efficiency from your retirement savings. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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I've Maxed Out My 401(k), Now What?
05/28/2025
I've Maxed Out My 401(k), Now What?
In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight discusses the scenario in which you have maxed out your 401(k) and are wondering where you should invest the rest of your money. The episode kicks off with David addressing the type of 401(k)s you should be investing in first. There are two types of 401(k)s: the traditional pre-tax 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Should you go for a traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k)? It all depends on whether you think your tax bracket is likely to be lower or higher in retirement… With the national debt set to hit $62 trillion by the year 2035, David believes that, “There isn’t any way the Federal Government can service that type of debt without increasing taxes.” Planning on retiring past 2035 and you’re currently in the 24% tax bracket? Then, David recommends opting for a Roth 401(k). This year, you can put $23,500 into your Roth 401(k) if you’re younger than 50, and $31,000 if you’re over the age of 50. David talks about what to do if you’re married and have maxed out your Roth 401(k), as well as what you can do if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $246,000 as a married couple, or $161,000 as a single filer. David illustrates the scenario in which relying on a LIRP (Life Insurance Retirement Plan) would make sense. According to a recent Ernst & Young study, if you can save between 3 and 5 years worth of living expenses in your LIRP by day 1 of retirement, you can increase the sustainable withdrawal rate of your stock portfolio from 4% to as high as 8%. David points out that there’s no limit on how much you can put into your LIRP and, unlike with what happens with Roth contributions, you are not constrained by your modified adjusted gross income level. Another point in favor of opting for a LIRP is the fact that it grows safely and productively – the growth of the money in your LIRP is linked to the upward movement of a stock market index. Whatever that index does in any given year, you get to keep up to a cap that’s typically between 10% and 12%. Index going down? Then, you’re simply credited a zero. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Why Does the Incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins Have 54 Life Insurance Policies?
05/21/2025
Why Does the Incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins Have 54 Life Insurance Policies?
In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight addresses the claim that sees Paul Atkins owning 54 life insurance policies for an astounding 10% of his $327 million net worth. Someone may ask themselves why someone with such a massive net worth would own so many life insurance policies…and even why someone who has equity in Chinese tech giant Alibaba, holdings in cryptocurrency, and stakes in venture capital firms would also want their wealth growing in cash value life insurance policies. Looking at Atkins, who’s President Trump’s nominee to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission, can help understand how the ultra-wealthy view taxes and wealth accumulation. One possibility could be that Paul Atkins may have exhausted all of the usual sources of tax-deferred and tax-free growth available to him through government-sponsored retirement plans. Something worth remembering: Cash Value Life Insurance policies don’t have any income threshold, and they have no contribution limits at all. A second potential scenario that has led Atkins to have over 50 life insurance policies is that he might be looking for a way to diversify his holdings. David points out to the fact that owning shares in single stocks like Alibaba – like Atkins does – can be a fairly risky proposition. Cash value and life insurance policies like whole life or IULs, on the other hand, aren’t exposed to market risk. There’s yet another possibility: Atkins may not be the insured on all the policies. According to the ethics filings, the cash value of the policies in question ranges from as low as $1,000 to well over $1 million. For some experts, that may be a sign that Atkins is investing in life settlements. The final potential scenario is the one in which Atkins owns all the policies for the purpose of estate planning. David points out that there are many more efficient ways to purchase life insurance policies than buying 54 separate contracts David shares that he understands the concept of wanting to spread your risk out among multiple carriers, but feels that doing so through the purchase of 54 different policies is a bit extreme. David points out that diversifying away from the stock market with some of your portfolio is, typically, a good idea. Want safe and productive growth without the risks associated with traditional bond allocations? Look at cash value life insurance policies, says David. Remember: cash value life insurance can also be beneficial because many carriers allow you to receive your death benefit in advance of your death. While it’s true that cash value life insurance isn’t for everyone, Paul Atkins ethics disclosure shows that it can play a critical role in someone’s long-term wealth-building strategy. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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The 8 Taxes You Could Pay When Doing a Roth Conversion (Is it worth it?)
05/14/2025
The 8 Taxes You Could Pay When Doing a Roth Conversion (Is it worth it?)
In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight looks at every possible tax or cost that may result from a Roth conversion. The first tax you’ll have to pay when executing a Roth conversion is federal income tax. Whatever portion of your IRA you convert to Roth is realized as ordinary income and piled right on top of all your other income. David is an advocate for not converting to Roth unless you think your federal tax rate in retirement is likely to be higher than it is today. The second tax you could end up paying when doing a Roth conversion is state tax. The situation will vary depending on where you live – in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, you don’t have to pay state tax, including on Roth conversion. Do you live in Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, or Pennsylvania? Then, you’ll have to pay state tax, but Roth conversions are exempted. If you’re thinking about moving to one of these states to avoid paying these taxes, just know that, while they may not charge income tax on Roth conversions, they do make up for it in other ways (sales and property tax, for example). IRMAA – the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – is the third cost you could end up paying when doing a Roth conversion. IRMAA represents an additional charge you could be required to pay on your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. The next potential tax you could pay as a result of doing a Roth conversion is Social Security taxation. The fifth cost you could incur because of a Roth conversion is NIIT (Net Investment Income Tax) – also known as the Obamacare surtax. NIIT is a 3.8% surtax on the lesser of your net investment income or the amount of your modified adjusted gross income that exceeds the threshold of $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married filing jointly. The sixth tax you could potentially pay as a result of doing a Roth conversion is an indirect one and results from the phase out of certain credits or deductions. The list of credits and deductions includes child tax credits, student loan interest deductions, the saver’s credit, and education credits. Underpayment penalties is the seventh tax you could potentially pay by doing a Roth conversion. David explains that many people opt to pay taxes on their Roth conversion in the fourth quarter. The problem, however, lies in the fact that when you pay the taxes on your Roth conversion out of cash in the fourth quarter, the IRS expects you to have paid taxes on that Roth conversion evenly throughout the year. The eighth and final tax you could end up paying as a result of doing a Roth conversion applies to those who are getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Does your Roth conversion push you above the subsidy threshold? If so, know that you could have a partial or total loss of subsidies or may have to repay subsidies at tax time. “Think of all of these additional taxes or costs as tradeoffs, not problems or unintended consequences,” says David. For example, you may pay increased Social Security taxation during your Roth conversion period, but will then eliminate Social Security taxation altogether by the time your conversion is complete. If President Trump extends his tax cuts, then the national debt will grow to $62 trillion by 2035. Most experts believe that the only way we can service this massive debt load is to dramatically increase income tax rates. According to a recent Penn Wharton study, if the U.S. doesn't right its fiscal ship by 2040, no combination of raising taxes or reducing spending will prevent the nation’s financial collapse. Remember: while it’s true that Roth conversions do cause you to pay additional taxes and expenses in the short term, they do dramatically reduce those costs over the balance of your life, once your conversion is complete. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Should You Take More Risk in Your Roth Accounts Than Your Other Investments?
05/07/2025
Should You Take More Risk in Your Roth Accounts Than Your Other Investments?
This episode of the Power of Zero show explores whether you should be taking more risks in your Roth accounts than in your other investments. Host David McKnight kicks things off by stating that if you have Roth IRAs or Roth 401(k)s in your portfolio, you should be allocating 100% of these dollars to a stock allocation. That’s because these are your most tax-efficient investments and they’ll remain tax-free right up until your death – and even 10 years beyond. Remember: you want the biggest returns in your portfolio to take place in a tax-free environment. David explains which of your assets you should be allocating towards bonds. David isn’t a huge fan of bonds because of three words: fixed index annuities. He uses a study by the University of Chicago’s Dr. Roger Ibbotson to illustrate his preference for fixed index annuities over bonds. Ibbotson’s research showed that the stock FIA portfolio did not just increase, but it did so with less risk, while also protecting the investor to some extent from irrational investment behavior that erodes returns over time. David is all in favor of allocating your Roth IRAs to your most aggressive investments, as he thinks you should want your tax-free accounts to house your most explosive investments. While conventional wisdom advises people to allocate the rest of their assets to bonds, David believes in a better alternative: incorporating a fixed index annuity into your overall strategy. By doing so you’ll increase your return, lower your risk, lower the standard deviation of your entire portfolio, and give yourself a better outcome over time. David concludes by pointing out that you don’t have to love annuities for this strategy to work – you just have to love the idea of increasing the likelihood that your money will last as long as you do. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at
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Debunking Doug Andrew’s Roth IRA Hit Job Video
04/30/2025
Debunking Doug Andrew’s Roth IRA Hit Job Video
In this episode of The Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight looks at Doug Andrew’s recent video in which he implored his audience to never use a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k) again. Andrew sees Indexed Universal Life insurance (IUL) as far superior and believes it should be the source of the vast majority of your distributions in retirement. While David likes IUL in certain circumstances, he isn’t a fan of sales strategies that debase every other viable tax-free alternative in an effort to exalt IULs. For David, the video is riffed with errors, exaggerations and omissions. Moreover, Andrew’s video appears to have an obvious pre-commitment to persuading you to reposition the lion’s share of your retirement savings into an IUL. In the video, Doug Andrew’s liking for IUL as the top investment vehicle is evident. At the beginning of his video, Andrew says that he will explain why the IUL is far superior to the Roth IRA. David believes that the choice should never be between a Roth IRA and an IUL or between a Roth 401(k) and an IUL. Remember: your tax-free strategy can incorporate as many as SIX DIFFERENT STREAMS of tax-free income, not just the IUL… And every one of these tax-free income strategies has unique qualities that set them apart from all the others. Don’t forget about what your #1 goal should be: to take advantage of every tax-free nook and cranny in the IRS tax code. David lists the qualities that tools such as Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s and Roth conversions have and that IULs do not have. One of the unique things about IULs is that they give you a death benefit that doubles as long-term care and helps grow your money safely and productively. David touches upon what he considers “wild claims” featured in Doug Andrew’s video. An example of inaccurate or untrue information shared by Andrew is that the IUL’s expenses will be paid out of the money that would have otherwise gone to pay a tax… which is wrong! Contributions to Roth IRAs and IULs are both made with after-tax dollars. “If anyone ever debases a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k) in an attempt to sell you an IUL, you should run – not walk – the other way,” concludes David. Mentioned in this episode: David’s national bestselling book: (free video series) on Twitter on Instagram on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at Doug’s video -
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