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Year-end retirement planning starts in October, well before the December rush. Filling in for Brian Decker, Decker Retirement Planning Advisors Brad Geddes, CFP® and Arrin Wray walk through the deadlines that matter before December 31: Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and Medicare open enrollment. Brad and Arrin explain why Roth conversions must be completed by December 31 even though IRA contributions can wait until tax day, and why custodian processing times make the second week of December a practical cutoff. They cover how your birth year sets an RMD age of 73 or 75, the first-year April 1 option and the double RMD it can create, and how one RMD can come from any mix of pre-tax accounts. The conversation also covers why there is no age cutoff for Roth conversions, how the two-year IRMAA lookback affects Medicare premiums, giving appreciated stock to charity, and QCDs from age 70½. Arrin shares the documents worth gathering now, from last year's tax return to a beneficiary review. Questions about your own year-end plan? Call 833-707-3030 or visit deckerretirementplanning.com to download The Decker Approach® and other no-cost resources. Chapters 0:00 Safer Retirement Radio intro 1:48 Why year-end planning starts in October 6:39 What goes wrong when you wait until December 9:34 The most common last-minute scrambles 15:42 Documents to gather now 20:11 RMD rules, ages and first-year timing 28:59 Roth conversions after RMDs begin 43:01 Charitable giving and QCDs 50:06 Medicare open enrollment and IRMAA Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This show is for informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. This radio show is a paid placement.

You want to help your grandkids get through college. But how much can you give without putting your own retirement income at risk? On this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP® of Decker Retirement Planning start with the question that comes first: how much income can you draw for the rest of your life? From there, they get into the mechanics of giving. In this episode: Why distribution planning is different from the accumulation rules you used in your 40s and 50s, and the two assumptions behind the 4% rule that deserve a second look. How 529 accounts work, including the five-year lump sum contribution grandparents can make, what happens on the FAFSA when a grandparent owns the account, and the newer rule that lets unused 529 dollars move into a Roth IRA. The annual gift limit, the lifetime exemption, and Form 709. Where UTMA accounts fit and where they can backfire. Upstream gifting and the step-up in basis. And a look at trust structures, from living trusts to the dynasty trust, plus how some families use a private family foundation to pass down more than money. Questions about your own situation? Call 833-707-3030 for a no-cost, no-obligation conversation, or visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com and download Brian's book, The Decker Approach, under Safer Retirement Education. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This program is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.

Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP®, open the second half of 2026 with a look at what a strong market means for people at or near retirement. They cover the difference between accumulation planning and distribution planning, why trailing price-to-earnings valuations matter historically, and how momentum and dividend strategies have behaved in past flat market cycles. The conversation moves through interest rate risk and why Decker Retirement Planning does not use bond funds in client portfolios, then walks through how short-term, medium-term, and long-term dollars can be structured differently based on when the money is needed. The second half turns to taxes: 401(k) and catch-up contributions, health savings accounts, 529 plans funded by grandparents, estate tax exposure in states like Washington, and depreciation on rental real estate. The episode closes with the math behind drawing retirement income from fluctuating accounts, including a look at the history of the 4% rule. Learn more at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com or call 833-707-3030. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety, or lifetime income refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing carrier. This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or individualized investment advice.

It's the halfway point of 2026. Do you know if your retirement plan is on track? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray of Decker Retirement Planning walk through their mid-year review process: what to check, what to question, and where the common blind spots are. What this episode covers: • The mid-year checklist: portfolio allocation, spending versus budget, and whether your 401(k), IRA, Roth, and HSA contributions are still on pace • Why set-percentage withdrawal rules like the 4% approach can fall short in a flat market cycle, and how Decker structures income across emergency cash, principal-protected accounts, and a separate risk bucket • Brian's case against traditional quarterly rebalancing, and how relative strength, sector rotation, and momentum strategies shape what Decker clients own right now • What history shows about market valuations above 30 times trailing earnings, and the two ways portfolios have historically generated returns in flat market cycles • The disconnect between record stock prices and a squeezed economy: layoffs, flat unemployment, and why half the country feels it differently than the other half • The mindset shift from saving to spending, including how retirees can think about emergency cash and permission to actually use the money they spent decades building If you're within a few years of retirement, or already there, this episode lays out the questions worth asking before the second half of the year. Schedule a no-cost conversation: 833-707-3030 Free resources, including Brian's book The Decker Approach and a sample income plan, are available at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com under Safer Retirement Education. Serving families in Salt Lake City, Seattle/Bellevue, and the Bay Area, and virtually nationwide. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection or safety generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing carrier. This show is for informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. This radio show is a paid placement.

Running out of money is a top fear in retirement, and it almost always traces back to one question: where will your monthly income actually come from? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through how Decker Retirement Planning builds a diversified retirement income plan. The same math-based, fiduciary process they use with clients every day. What this episode covers: • The bucket strategy: structuring emergency cash, principal-guaranteed income accounts, and a separate growth "risk bucket" so every dollar in your portfolio has a job • Annuities, demystified: why Decker steers clear of income and variable annuities, and where fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) and MIGAs actually fit • Social Security timing: spousal benefits, the 8% delayed-retirement credit, and how to coordinate two spouses for the most lifetime income • Pension decisions: lump sum vs. income stream, the real break-even math, and counterparty risk • Tax-smart withdrawals: Roth conversions, account placement, and keeping more of your money out of Uncle Sam's hands If you're within 5–10 years of retirement and you want a clear, structured plan that balances safety and growth, this episode is for you. Schedule a no-cost retirement review: 833-707-3030 Free resources, including The Decker Approach book and a sample income plan: DeckerRetirementPlanning.com Serving families in Salt Lake City, Seattle/Bellevue, the Bay Area, and virtually nationwide. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Decker Retirement Planning, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. This show is for informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice.

Markets are at all-time highs while the economy flashes warning signs. Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down three ways we lower client risk, how to use 529 plans for kids and grandkids, and the estate mistakes that quietly tear families apart. In this episode: Why the S&P keeps hitting records while job growth slows — and what's really driving the rally (earnings, rate-cut expectations, and stock buybacks) The three ways we lower client risk: quantitatively (25–30% market exposure, not 60–70%), by removing interest-rate risk, and through momentum-based strategies designed to work in up or down markets 529 plans for kids and grandkids: what actually qualifies (tuition, room and board, K–12, trade schools, apprenticeships), 2026 contribution limits, the "super-funding" five-year front-load, and the new 529-to-Roth IRA rollover Wills, pour-over provisions, and how to avoid probate Power of attorney: the activation clause that protects you, and why "reasonable compensation" language causes family problems Healthcare directives: comfort measures, and how to spare your kids the guilt of pulling the plug Trusts: the four liquidation clauses that keep siblings on speaking terms — and why 80%+ of trusts are never properly funded Schedule a no-cost retirement review with Brian and the team: call 833-707-3030 or visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com. Offices in Salt Lake City, Lehi, Seattle/Bellevue, and the Bay Area — virtual reviews available nationwide.

Is your retirement plan truly complete, or is it missing something critical? In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through the six elements every successful retirement plan must include. Whether you're interviewing a new advisor or evaluating your current one, this episode serves as your checklist. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a pie chart is not a retirement plan—and what a real income distribution plan looks like The three buckets every retiree needs: emergency cash, principal-guaranteed accounts, and a risk bucket Tax minimization strategies, including IRA-to-Roth conversions and charitable giving techniques Why having 60-70% of your portfolio in the market during retirement may be too risky How momentum, dividends, and stop losses can help protect your money in flat or declining markets The difference between the accumulation phase and the distribution phase of your financial life Why bond funds may not be the "safe" option you think they are in a rising rate environment How fee structures differ—and why you may be paying more than you need to Brian and Arrin also explain why the strategies that got you to retirement are not the same ones that will carry you through it, and how to build a mathematically-based plan designed to provide consistent income for life. If you'd like to talk with the Decker Retirement Planning team about your own situation, call 833-707-3030 or visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com.

Most people file their taxes and move on. But if that's all you're doing, you're leaving serious money on the table — and walking into retirement blind. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP(R) of Decker Retirement Planning breaks down why your tax return is one of the most powerful forward-looking planning tools you have — and how to actually use it. Here's what we cover: The difference between effective tax rate and marginal tax rate — and why most people don't know their real number (hint: if you can't answer it quickly, you're flying blind in retirement). The IRA tax time bomb — why deferring, deferring, deferring into your 70s could force you into a higher tax bracket right when you can least afford it. Roth conversion strategy — who should be doing them, when to start, and why waiting too long is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes we see. Social Security taxation — yes, up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed. The thresholds haven't changed since 1983 and 1993. We'll show you how to plan around them. IRMAA surcharges — the Medicare premium trap that blindsides retirees who had a high-income year two years prior. Tax planning vs. tax preparation — your CPA is a tax historian. What you need going into retirement is a tax strategist. The bottom line: retirement is the first time in your life you actually get to decide what tax bracket you live in. The question is — are you taking advantage of it? If your tax return didn't lead to a conversation about the taxes you'll pay in the future, you're doing it wrong. Call 833-707-3030 for a no-cost, no-obligation conversation with the Decker Retirement Planning team. Download Brian's book, The Decker Approach, and other free retirement resources at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com under Safer Retirement Education. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Most people spend decades planning for retirement income — but healthcare? That's the expense that can quietly derail even the best-laid plan. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP® breaks down the three healthcare phases every retiree faces: Phase 1 — The Gap Years (Before Medicare) If you want to retire before 65, healthcare costs don't have to stop you. Brad explains why he's never had a client delay retirement solely because of pre-Medicare insurance costs — and how a straightforward budgeting exercise can make early retirement more attainable than you think. Phase 2 — Medicare Reality Check Medicare helps, but it doesn't cover everything. Dental. Vision. Hearing aids. Supplemental premiums. Fidelity estimates the average healthy 65-year-old couple will spend over $315,000 out-of-pocket on healthcare in retirement — and that number doesn't include long-term care. Ten years ago it was $225,000. Do the math on where it's headed. Phase 3 — Long-Term Care This is the planning conversation most people avoid — and can least afford to. Brad explains the self-insuring strategy, asset-backed long-term care policies, and why the real purpose of long-term care coverage is often protecting the surviving spouse, not just paying the bills. You've worked too hard to have an unexpected healthcare expense blow up your retirement. The answer isn't fear — it's a plan. 📞 Ready to build yours? Call us at 833-707-3030 or visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com Download Brian's book The Decker Approach and 11 other free retirement resources at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com under Safer Retirement Education.

If you’re nearing retirement, the biggest question is simple: Where will your paycheck come from—and how long will it last? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Bradley Geddes, CFP(R) breaks down practical retirement income tools—and why many retirees don’t realize the weaknesses of the “pie chart” approach until a market downturn hits. You’ll learn: How an income plan differs from a 401(k) or IRA (tools vs. a plan) The difference between bond ladders/CD ladders and bond funds Why interest rates and bond values move in opposite directions—and why that matters for retirement income How using multiple income sources can help reduce market volatility risk Why Decker Retirement Planning's approach focuses on time horizons and avoiding “drawing from a fluctuating account” Want more retirement education resources? Visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com and look for A Safer Retirement Education. To schedule a complimentary visit with the team: 833-707-3030 Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This content is for informational purposes only and is not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice.

When a spouse passes away, the emotional toll is obvious—but the financial “whammies” can be just as disruptive: a lower Social Security benefit may disappear, tax filing status changes, Medicare decisions shift, and beneficiary and estate documents need immediate attention. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) break down the practical steps families should understand before a loss happens, and the priorities to address in the first 30–90 days afterward. They cover how survivor benefits work, why taxes often rise for the surviving spouse, and how proactive planning can reduce administrative headaches and costly mistakes. Key topics discussed: Survivor Social Security basics: notify promptly, benefit coordination, and timing considerations Tax impact after a spouse’s death: filing status changes and why brackets can tighten Medicare and supplemental plan review after becoming widowed Account consolidation, beneficiary updates, and estate document cleanup (trust, POA, health directive) Risks of scams and pressure tactics after an obituary posts Real estate and tax planning concepts like step-up in basis Advanced planning themes discussed on the show: trusts, legacy design, and rental real estate tax strategies If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement (or already retired), this episode is a reminder that a written income plan and coordinated strategy can help protect the surviving spouse and reduce “decision pressure” during grief. Learn more & download resources: DeckerRetirementPlanning.com (Safer Retirement Education) Schedule a visit: 833-707-3030 This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety, or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing carrier.

How do you really know if you’re ready to retire—before you turn in your notice? In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray break down the six key checkpoints they use to help families move from guesswork to clarity, including the two questions that matter most: How much can you safely draw each month? How do you protect that income when markets change? You’ll learn how Decker Retirement Planning approaches retirement with a math-based distribution plan that coordinates income sources (Social Security, pensions, rental income, and portfolio withdrawals), prioritizes tax efficiency, and helps reduce the risks that can derail retirement—especially in volatile markets. In this episode, we cover: The 6 key points of a retirement plan: plan, tax minimization, risk reduction, portfolio optimization, income optimization, and fee minimization Why a pie-chart portfolio isn’t a retirement plan (and what a real distribution plan should show) Income needs assessment: how to calculate your retirement “gap” and plan withdrawals over time Planning for healthcare before and after Medicare, plus long-term care considerations What a retirement stress test is, and why it helps “future-proof” your plan A fast rundown of advanced tax strategies discussed on the show (e.g., donor-advised funds, CRTs, NUA, ILITs, dynasty trusts, cost segregation, GRATs), and when they may apply If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement (or already retired), this episode will help you pressure-test your assumptions and understand what it takes to retire with more confidence and fewer surprises. Learn more: DeckerRetirementPlanning.com Schedule a visit / ask a question: 833-707-3030

Markets have delivered strong returns, but retirement planning is about more than a good run in stocks. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP® joins Brian Decker to break down what today’s retirees and near-retirees need to watch next—especially when you’re transitioning from saving to spending. You’ll hear a practical discussion on: Why strong markets can quietly encourage retirees to take more risk than they realize The “sequence of returns” problem: why a downturn early in retirement can do outsized damage Longevity and rising healthcare costs—and how to plan when you don’t know what life will bring Inflation’s long-term impact, including why sitting in too much cash can be costly over time The mindset shift from accumulation to distribution, and why income planning becomes the priority How to think about “pulling risk back” without “getting out of the market” Why flexibility and planning often matter more than predictions If you’re within 5–7 years of retirement, recently retired, or wondering whether your current portfolio is built for income and resilience—this episode will help you think more clearly about the next phase. To learn more or schedule a visit with our team: 833-707-3030 or visit DeckerRetirementPlanning.com.

The new year is the right time to take a clear look at how taxes, required withdrawals, and income decisions can quietly shape the rest of your retirement. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Arrin Wray walk through the most common tax and planning issues retirees and near-retirees face—and why understanding them early can help you avoid unnecessary taxes, missed opportunities, and future stress. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: How required withdrawals work later in retirement—and why misunderstanding them can create avoidable tax pressure Why the timing of tax decisions matters more than most people realize How portfolio changes can unintentionally trigger taxes if handled without a plan Ways charitable giving fits into an overall income and tax strategy The difference between decisions that must be made during the year and those that can be adjusted later What information your CPA and planning team actually need to help you make better decisions If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, or already retired, this episode provides clarity on how taxes, income, and planning decisions work together—and where many retirees unknowingly go wrong. Learn more: DeckerRetirementPlanning.com Schedule a conversation: 833-707-3030 This content is for informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Year-end is one of the few windows where decisions—or inaction—can materially affect how much of your money you actually keep in retirement. In this episode, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) discuss the real-world tax and estate challenges retirees and near-retirees face as the calendar closes—and why waiting can quietly cost you. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: How reallocating risk late in life can trigger unexpected tax bills if handled incorrectly What happens when highly appreciated stocks or real estate are sold without a plan Ways retirees get caught off guard by one-time income spikes that push them into higher tax brackets Why some company retirement plans can create avoidable tax exposure when large positions are involved How timing decisions today can dramatically affect lifetime taxes and what passes to heirs Common estate planning oversights that lead to family tension, delays, or unnecessary costs Why many people think they have a plan—until a tax event or health issue proves otherwise If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, or already retired, this episode will help you think differently about taxes, income, and legacy—before year-end decisions are locked in. Learn more at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com or call 833-707-3030. This content is for informational purposes only and is not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.