The Real Retirement Podcast

What are the real financial strategies retirees need to know to make their retirement successful? Join Stephen H. Nelson, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charterholder, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, and President of Birchwood Capital, as he helps you retire confidently.

Overrated Tax Strategies 01/01/2026

Overrated Tax Strategies Hey friends, We're back! After pushing pause for 6 months, we are back and better than ever. I have my colleague, Matt Higbie, CFA, CFP joining us. Today's episode touches on tax strategies that are overrated. Thanks for listening! To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodfamilyoffice.com/ /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/39525605

How to Get a Deal on a Car 06/01/2025

How to Get a Deal on a Car Most folks need to make car purchases over the course of their retirement. If stepping onto a dealer lot makes your palms sweat or you find yourself agreeing to paying big dealer mark-ups, then buckle up because I think I can help you save some money off your next car purchase by knowing a few strategies. To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/36800310

What a Real Retirement Portfolio Looks Like 05/01/2025

What a Real Retirement Portfolio Looks Like Today, let me share what a real retirement portfolio looks like. Yes, actually! This is what I use at my firm for my clients. Referenced WSJ article: Learn more about Birchwood: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/36347510

How to Redeem Your Money 04/01/2025

How to Redeem Your Money If you've saved, invested, and achieved some level of wealth through hard work and luck, you might still feel a bit weird for having more money than most. How should we deal with this? Read more at: https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/ /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/35877930

Tiny Habits to Create Lasting Value 03/01/2025

Tiny Habits to Create Lasting Value In this month's episode, we discuss how we can actually achieve the goals that we want: saving for retirement college wedding building friendships traveling, being a generous person Learn more at https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/ /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/35503500

I'll Take My Gov't Pension Now With More Social Security, Please 02/01/2025

I'll Take My Gov't Pension Now With More Social Security, Please Today's episode we chat through the Social Security Fairness Act and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you worked in the private and public sector (teacher, police officer, fire fighter), then perk your ears up. This is HUGE! Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/34901320

When To Do a Roth Conversion vs. a Roth IRA Contribution 10/01/2024

When To Do a Roth Conversion vs. a Roth IRA Contribution Today we discuss Roth Conversions vs. Roth Contributions. You'll be able to tell the difference between the two and when to implement each one. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/33270552

Back-To-Basics: How to Invest | E5 09/01/2024

Back-To-Basics: How to Invest | E5 Last episode in our back-to-basics series. Today, it's all about how to invest. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/32780592

Back-To-Basics: How to Avoid Fee Tragedy | E4 08/01/2024

Back-To-Basics: How to Avoid Fee Tragedy | E4 Back-to-basics serious continues! Today, it's all about fees. I share a story highlighting the effects of fees on an investment portfolio. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/32356272

Back-to-Basics: Why Money Makes Us Anxious | E3 07/01/2024

Back-to-Basics: Why Money Makes Us Anxious | E3 We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this 3rd episode. Today, we're talking about Why Money Makes Us Anxious Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/31829367

Back-to-Basics: Saving | E2 06/01/2024

Back-to-Basics: Saving | E2 We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this second episode. Today, we're talking about "savings." Where to do it How much to save How to become a saver And how to knock 7 years off your mortgage Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/31542017

Back-to-Basics: Wealth & Budgeting | E1 05/01/2024

Back-to-Basics: Wealth & Budgeting | E1 Today we’re kicking off our back to basics series. Where I’m going through different personal finance topics. Things like: net worth, budgeting, debt, savings, and investing. You might think that you’re beyond these and maybe so, but in putting this together even I found some great reminders about the basics. So let this be a reinforcement of what you believe or an opportunity to share it with someone else. Maybe a son, daughter, grandkid or family friend. Today, we’re talking about wealth, budgets and spending plans. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/31042473

How To Earn Tax-Free Income 04/01/2024

How To Earn Tax-Free Income Today we discuss how to earn tax-free income from your bond and money market funds. You may be familiar with Treasury or Municipal bonds, but you might not be getting the tax credit that you are owed. This is especially important in places like California! Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/30463878

What Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire? 03/01/2024

What Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire? Today, we discuss the main issues you need to have nailed down before you retire. Cash Flow Healthcare Investment issues Tax issues Long-term planning issue Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/30139363

Is My Money Safe at my Brokerage Firm/Custodian? 02/01/2024

Is My Money Safe at my Brokerage Firm/Custodian? On today's episode, we're talking about what happens to your investments if a brokerage firm like Charles Schwab or Fidelity failed? Is there something we need to do in case this should happen? What protections are in place to help me not lose my money? Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/29703828

How to Read Financial News 01/15/2024

How to Read Financial News Today, I share how we currently absorb financial news is detrimental to our long-term strategies. And I offer a better way! Resources: /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/29447388

[Replay] Preparing the Family for the Assets 01/01/2024

[Replay] Preparing the Family for the Assets If you've done a good job preparing the assets for the family (completed an estate plan), how's it going preparing the family for the assets? We'll discuss a huge unstoppable hurdle that's coming for us all as we age. And we'll lay out 2 easy steps to get started with answering this question. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/29044568

[Replay] Are You a Real Investor? 12/15/2023

[Replay] Are You a Real Investor? If we are going to have a chance at building wealth and making our money last through retirement, then we’d darn well better know what it means to actually be an investor. How most people define what an investor is could put your retirement in jeopardy. After this episode, you'll know how to be real investors because that’s what will put you in the best position to achieve your retirement goals. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/29044533

Tax Moves to Consider Now 12/01/2023

Tax Moves to Consider Now We discuss from the WSJ about tax moves retirees need to consider now before 2026. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/28874363

Should I Own Individual Bonds or Bond Funds? 11/15/2023

Should I Own Individual Bonds or Bond Funds? Today we'll be discussing the differences between owning individual bonds or a bond fund. Is one better than the other? /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/28433801

How Much Can I Gift? 11/01/2023

How Much Can I Gift? Today we'll be discussing gifting. How much can you gift? Will it be taxable? Will it affect my IRMAA premiums? To learn more, head on over to . /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/28379639

Should You Pay Tax Estimates? 10/15/2023

Should You Pay Tax Estimates? On today's episode, we discuss tax estimates. Should you pay them? When do you pay them? How much should you pay? Learn more at /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/28292579

What a Meeting With an Advisor Looks Like 10/01/2023

What a Meeting With an Advisor Looks Like On this episode, I share how I structure my client and guest meetings. If you've never worked with an advisor before, this might alleviate some hesitation due to wondering what actually takes place in a meeting. /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/28149554

The Roth IRA 5-Year Rules You Need to Know 09/15/2023

The Roth IRA 5-Year Rules You Need to Know Today, I'll be sharing with you the Roth IRA 5-Year Rules. Yes, there's 2 of them. One for contributions and one for conversions. As you approach retirement you need to make sure you are not running afoul of these rules or else your earnings could be taxable along with a 10% penalty. That completely washes out the benefits of doing a Roth IRA in the first place! Making this episode made me realize how confusing this part of Roth's can be. Now at least you'll know to watch out! Read more: Sources: /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/28036782

How to Become a Millionaire - Part 2 09/01/2023

How to Become a Millionaire - Part 2 2 Part of the series on one of my favorite books: The Millionaire Next Door. Today it's all about how millionaires: Buy cars Help their children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own Part 1 covers: Building wealth. See episode 36 Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 47 /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/27717606

How to Become a Millionaire - Part 1 08/15/2023

How to Become a Millionaire - Part 1 Over the next two episodes, we’re talking about one of my favorite books: The Millionaire Next Door If you’ve ever wondered - how do people become wealthy? Or how do I become a millionaire? And... After I am wealthy how do I help my children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own? Part 1 covers: Building wealth Check out Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 47 /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/27716844

The Problem with ESG Funds 08/01/2023

The Problem with ESG Funds Today, I’m going to share with you the problems of ESG - or Environmental , Social, & Governance funds. The case for ESG makes sense: we want to put our money into companies that share our values. The issue is this: Wall Street likes to say that you can do this AND earn a good return or even a higher return! I review 3 problems with ESG investing and some ideas for what we can do. Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/27503412

The Case for Funding a Roth IRA Over a Traditional IRA 07/15/2023

The Case for Funding a Roth IRA Over a Traditional IRA Today, I give an argument for contributing to a Roth IRA vs. a Traditional IRA. Read more: /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/27459960

An Investing Lesson from Beethoven + Listener Question 07/01/2023

An Investing Lesson from Beethoven + Listener Question Today, we learn a lesson from musical composer: Beethoven. And we're answering listener questions! "If one has surplus income, is it advisable to put that towards paying down a mortgage to increase home equity, or rather just invest it instead and keep your mortgage as is?" Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapital.com Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/27329154

Can You Save Too Much in a Pre-tax IRA/401k? 06/15/2023

Can You Save Too Much in a Pre-tax IRA/401k? Today, we answer the question: should you ever stop saving for retirement in your traditional IRA or traditional 401k? And we're answering listener questions! Can combining investments with your spouse increase your returns? What are the pros/cons of contributing beyond your employer's match in your 401k versus putting the excess in a taxable account? Email questions to: Read more: /episode/index/show/therealretirementpodcast/id/27162537

The Real Retirement Podcast

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