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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."

Is Social Security really running out of money? Headlines often paint a frightening picture, but what does the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report actually say? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore separate fact from fiction as he breaks down the numbers behind the Social Security Trust Fund. Hans explains how the system is funded, what the trust fund really is, why alarming news reports can be misleading, and what practical steps lawmakers could take to strengthen the program for future generations. If you've ever wondered whether your Social Security benefits are secure or wanted a clearer understanding of how the system works, this conversation offers straightforward answers, practical insight, and a biblical perspective on stewardship, honesty, and planning wisely for the 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."

Turning 65 opens the door to Medicare—but it also introduces a maze of choices that can have lasting financial and healthcare consequences. In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore break down the critical decisions you'll face when enrolling in Medicare. Should you delay enrollment? What's the difference between Original Medicare with a supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan? How do provider networks, prior authorizations, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs affect your future care? Hans shares decades of experience helping retirees make informed Medicare decisions, explaining why the lowest upfront cost isn't always the best long-term value. Through real-life examples and practical guidance, you'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and choose a path that fits your healthcare needs, financial goals, and peace of mind. Rooted in biblical wisdom and practical financial planning, this episode will help you approach one of retirement's biggest decisions with confidence instead of confusion. "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."

Taxes are an unavoidable part of retirement—but they shouldn't be the driving force behind your financial decisions. In this concluding episode of the Financial Plan Series, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explain why income tax planning is most effective when it's integrated into a comprehensive retirement strategy. Using the ongoing case study of Tom and Susan, Hans demonstrates how taxes impact every aspect of retirement planning, from Social Security and Medicare to IRA distributions, Roth conversions, long-term care, estate planning, and building a sustainable retirement income. Rather than asking, "How can I pay the least amount of taxes?" this episode challenges listeners to ask a better question: "How can I preserve my family and steward my resources wisely?" Drawing inspiration from Joseph's biblical wisdom in preparing Egypt for famine, Hans shows how thoughtful planning can help retirees minimize unnecessary taxes while maximizing financial security and legacy. Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, this episode provides practical insights into making informed tax decisions that support your overall financial goals—not just this year's tax return.