Advertise on podcast: Finishing Well

Planning for retirement isn't just about building wealth—it's about knowing how to use it wisely. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Host Robby Dilmore explain the importance of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and why having a strategy long before they're required can help you avoid unnecessary taxes, Medicare premium increases, and costly surprises. Hans breaks down when RMDs begin, how they work, and why proactive planning in your 60s can make a significant difference. He also discusses practical strategies such as Roth conversions, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), tax bracket planning, and ways to reduce the long-term tax burden on both you and your heirs. Along the way, you'll discover how thoughtful financial stewardship can align with biblical wisdom while helping you preserve more of your retirement savings. Whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, or helping a loved one prepare for the future, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and finish well with confidence. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner and bestselling author Hans Scheil and Host Robby Dilmore explores an innovative and alternative approach to securing long-term care protection: funding through annuities. Highlighting that many individuals find themselves unable to qualify for traditional long-term care insurance due to sudden health events or strict medical underwriting, Scheil introduces a solution that offers a much more flexible path forward. Listeners will gain practical insights into how long-term care annuities utilize simplified health statements rather than invasive underwriting, making coverage accessible even for individuals managing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or cirrhosis of the liver. The conversation breaks down the mechanics of leveraging existing assets, explaining how a section 1035 exchange allows individuals to roll over older life insurance or annuity policies into a new long-term care annuity tax-free—preserving accumulated growth while instantly multiplying their coverage benefits. Throughout the episode, Scheil shares real-life client examples that illustrate how different funding levels work in practice, detailing the safety net provided by fixed, predictable structures and indemnity-based monthly payouts. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

Join Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Host Robby Dilmore for an essential conversation about one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions you'll make in retirement. In this episode of Finishing Well, Hans breaks down the seven key things everyone should know about Medicare before enrolling or making changes to their coverage. From understanding the critical differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage to avoiding costly enrollment penalties, navigating Part D prescription drug coverage, understanding IRMAA income surcharges, and knowing when you can make changes during Medicare enrollment periods, this episode provides practical guidance to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you're approaching age 65, already enrolled in Medicare, or helping a loved one through the process, this discussion offers valuable insights that could save you money, reduce stress, and ensure you have the coverage you need when it matters most. Learn why education is your greatest asset when planning for healthcare in retirement—and discover how making the right choices today can protect both your health and your financial future. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore unpack one of the most misunderstood areas of retirement planning: Social Security spousal benefits. While many people focus only on maximizing their own benefit, Hans explains why the smartest strategy often comes from looking at Social Security as a household decision rather than an individual one. Through practical, real-life examples, you'll discover how spouses, surviving spouses, and even divorced individuals may qualify for benefits they never realized were available. Hans illustrates how proper timing and claiming strategies can significantly increase lifetime income, helping couples create greater financial security while reducing unnecessary taxes and preserving retirement savings. If you're married, widowed, divorced, or approaching retirement, this conversation could help you avoid costly mistakes and better understand how your Social Security decisions affect both you and your family. Don't leave money on the table—learn how thoughtful planning today can make a lasting difference throughout retirement. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

In retirement, taxes don't just affect your annual return—they influence nearly every financial decision you make. In this episode of Finishing Well, Hans and host Robbie explore why tax planning is one of the most overlooked, yet most important, aspects of a successful retirement strategy. Using a real-life case study, they walk through how taxes impact the "Seven Worries of Retirement," including Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth conversions, estate planning, and charitable giving. You'll discover how proactive planning today can potentially reduce lifetime taxes, preserve more wealth for your family, and help you avoid costly surprises later in retirement. Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, this conversation offers practical, biblically grounded financial wisdom to help you make informed decisions and keep more of what you've worked so hard to earn. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

Discover why Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) are becoming an increasingly popular option for retirees and conservative investors looking for stability in an uncertain financial landscape. In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore explain how MYGAs work, how they compare to traditional bank CDs, and why they may offer an attractive combination of guaranteed interest rates, tax-deferred growth, and financial security when used as part of a well-rounded retirement plan. Hans and the team discuss the importance of choosing highly rated insurance companies, the advantages of creating a MYGA ladder, options for generating monthly income, and how these products can help diversify the fixed-income portion of a retirement portfolio. They also address common concerns about safety, liquidity, penalties, and how MYGAs fit alongside IRAs and other retirement assets. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore break down the new IRC Section 530A Savings Accounts for Children, also known as Trump Accounts, and explains how these new accounts could provide a powerful financial head start for the next generation. Hans and Robbie explore who qualifies, how eligible children can receive government-funded contributions, and how some families may also benefit from additional private foundation incentives. You'll learn who can open these accounts, contribution limits, investment guidelines, withdrawal rules, and how these new savings vehicles compare to traditional options like 529 education plans and UGMA/UTMA accounts. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply looking for ways to help build a stronger financial future for your family, this episode offers practical insights into making the most of this unique opportunity. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

In this episode of Finishing Well, Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of long-term care planning: tax-qualified long-term care insurance under IRS Code 7702B. While the topic may sound technical, the conversation reveals how these IRS guidelines were actually designed to protect families by ensuring long-term care benefits can be received tax-free when they're needed most. Hans explains the simple but critical qualifications for filing a long-term care claim, walks through the six Activities of Daily Living, and shares practical insights from helping his own mother navigate Alzheimer's care. The discussion also explores the differences between traditional tax-qualified long-term care policies, hybrid policies, and life insurance with chronic illness riders (101G), helping listeners understand which solutions may best fit their family's needs. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

When it comes to Medicare, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between Original Medicare with a Plan G Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan. But what's the real difference—and which option is right for you? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dimore break down the key distinctions between these two popular Medicare paths. As Annual Enrollment approaches, Hans explains how each option works, what costs you can expect, and why the decision is about much more than monthly premiums. From deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses to provider networks, pre-authorizations, and access to specialized care, this conversation equips you with the knowledge you need to make an informed choice. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

When should you claim Social Security? It's one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make—and the right answer isn't the same for everyone. In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore breaks down the seven essential factors everyone should understand before filing for Social Security. From choosing the best age to claim benefits to understanding spousal benefits, cost-of-living adjustments, taxes, and survivor planning, Hans explains how these key decisions can impact not only your retirement income but your family's financial future as well. Whether you're approaching retirement, already collecting benefits, or helping a loved one navigate the process, this practical conversation offers valuable insights to help you make informed, confident decisions. Discover why timing matters, how a well-thought-out strategy can maximize lifetime benefits, and why Social Security planning should never be treated as a one-size-fits-all decision. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

Most people focus on reducing this year's tax bill—but what if you could create a strategy that reduces taxes over your entire lifetime while leaving more for the people you love? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore explore eight practical, biblically-minded strategies designed to help you become a wiser steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. From Roth conversions and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to charitable giving, Medicare IRMAA planning, and preparing for the "widow's penalty," you'll discover why thoughtful planning today can make a lasting impact on future generations. Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, this conversation offers valuable insights that could help you minimize unnecessary taxes, maximize your legacy, and provide greater financial confidence for your family. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

No one likes to think about losing a spouse—but having a plan is one of the greatest acts of love you can leave behind. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore explore the critical financial and estate planning decisions every married couple should make before it's too late. Drawing inspiration from King David's careful preparation for Solomon, they discuss how thoughtful planning can protect the surviving spouse while creating a lasting legacy for future generations. You'll learn how the loss of a spouse impacts Social Security, Medicare, taxes, IRAs, long-term care, investments, and estate planning—and why proactive strategies like Roth conversions, beneficiary reviews, and life insurance can make all the difference. Whether you're in a first marriage, a blended family, or simply want peace of mind, this conversation offers practical wisdom rooted in biblical principles. Because the best estate plan isn't just about passing on possessions—it's about caring for the people you love most.

One of retirement's biggest fears is simple: What if I outlive my money? On this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explore practical strategies that can help create a dependable stream of lifetime income while reducing the stress of market uncertainty. Drawing from the biblical account of Elijah being faithfully provided for at the Brook Cherith, Hans and Robbie connect God's provision with wise financial planning. You'll discover how income annuities can fit into a well-balanced retirement plan, how they work alongside Social Security, why they may provide peace of mind for married couples, and why they're just one of many tools—not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're approaching retirement or already living it, this conversation offers valuable insight into creating greater financial confidence while remembering that our ultimate security comes from God's faithful provision. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

What happens when you inherit an IRA—and what could it cost you if you make the wrong move? On this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explain the often-overlooked tax rules surrounding inherited IRAs and why the decisions you make today can have a lasting financial impact. From the SECURE Act's 10-year distribution rule to the special exceptions for spouses and other eligible beneficiaries, Hans breaks down complex IRS regulations into practical, easy-to-understand guidance. You'll also learn why beneficiary designations are one of the most important parts of your retirement plan, how poor planning can create unnecessary taxes for your loved ones, and why seeking wise counsel before making decisions can protect the inheritance you've worked so hard to leave. Whether you've recently inherited an IRA or you're planning your own legacy, this episode offers valuable biblical insight and practical financial wisdom to help you become a faithful steward of God's blessings. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

As the Baby Boomer generation enters its later years, one question is becoming increasingly important: Who will carry the load? In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore explore the growing need for long-term care planning as millions of Americans face the realities of aging. Hans explains why waiting until a crisis strikes can limit your options and increase costs, while sharing practical strategies for preparing ahead. From traditional long-term care insurance to hybrid policies and short-term care solutions, you'll learn about the different ways to protect your finances, preserve your legacy, and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Whether you're planning for yourself, your spouse, or your aging parents, this timely conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical financial guidance to help you prepare for the future with confidence. "Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well."