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It's a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer: how often should you actually check your investment portfolio? For many investors, it becomes a habit, sometimes daily, sometimes even hourly. But that constant monitoring can create more harm than good, leading to emotional decisions that derail long-term results. Nick and Jake elaborate on the real dangers of checking your portfolio too often, and the equally important risks of ignoring it altogether. Tune in to hear how a clear plan can help you stay focused on what actually drives long-term success. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 👀 Portfolio Habits: Many investors check too often without realizing the impact ⚠️ Over-checking Risk: Frequent monitoring can lead to emotional, impulsive decisions 🙈 Ignoring Risk: Never checking can allow imbalances and missed opportunities 🧭 Find the Balance: A consistent, intentional review schedule works best 📊 Plan Over Panic: A clear strategy reduces the urge to react to short-term noise   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Financial decisions don't exist in a vacuum, and the cost of getting them wrong can quietly add up over time. Studies show that a lack of financial knowledge costs the average adult hundreds of dollars each year, often through missed tax opportunities, poor allocation decisions, or simply not understanding how different pieces of a plan work together. Today, Jake and Nick break down five practical ways to sharpen your financial IQ, especially as retirement approaches. It's not about knowing everything, it's about knowing enough to make smarter moves and avoid preventable mistakes. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📘 Financial Literacy: Small knowledge gaps can lead to real costs 🔄 Retirement Phases: The strategy shifts once paychecks stop 📊 Know Your Numbers: Taxes and income planning go hand-in-hand 💬 Money Conversations: Talking openly improves decision-making 🤝 Advisor Partnership: Guidance helps connect knowledge to action   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

If you're nearing retirement with a solid nest egg, the next big question isn't how much you've saved, it's how much you'll actually keep. In this episode, Nick answers a listener question from a 62-year-old with $800,000 saved who wants to know how to lower taxes in retirement. It's a scenario many people face, and the decisions made in these final working years can have a major impact on long-term outcomes. The takeaway is simple: retirement planning isn't just about investments, it's about building a tax strategy that works for decades. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Tax Strategy: Why where your money sits matters just as much as how much you have 🏥 Healthcare Gap: Planning for insurance before Medicare kicks in 📅 Income Timing: When to take Social Security and start withdrawals 💸 Lower Taxes Now: Using contributions and deductions while still working 🔄 Roth Conversions: Moving money strategically to reduce future tax burdens   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai 

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:  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211008005269/en/Make-Way-for-Women-Investors-Record-Numbers-Higher-Returns---Fidelity-Study-Finds-50-Increase-in-Women-Investing-Outside-of-Retirement-New-10-Year-Analysis-Reveals-Women-Out-Performing-Men  XX   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

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: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai