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Is $120,000 in the bank too much? And is working with two financial advisors better than relying on one? Those choices may feel cautious, but caution can still come with a cost. In the 300th episode, David answers two listener questions about idle cash, competing advice, and the hidden complexity that can build when your financial strategy is split in different directions. More money sitting is not always safer. And more advisors do not always mean better advice. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏦 Bank Balance: Excess cash may create missed opportunities 🧮 Opportunity Cost: Quantify what idle money could earn 🧩 Multiple Advisors: Competing strategies can create confusion 📞 Next Steps: Seek coordinated advice for your situation   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Many grandparents want to leave a meaningful financial legacy, but choosing the right assets to pass along isn't always as straightforward as it seems. In this episode, David explores a common estate planning question and discusses why one approach may involve additional tax and administrative considerations. He also reviews several alternative strategies families may want to consider when thinking about transferring wealth to the next generation.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Tax Rules: Important considerations for inherited IRAs 🎁 Lifetime Gifting: Benefits of giving during your lifetime 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Planning: Looking beyond the IRA 🎓 College Impact: Financial aid considerations matter 🛡️ Trust Options: When additional controls may make sense   *Our firm does not provide tax, legal or estate planning advice or services.   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Roth IRAs can be a powerful retirement planning tool, but they come with some surprisingly confusing rules. In this episode, David breaks down the two different Roth IRA five-year rules and explains why they have almost nothing to do with each other. Learn how withdrawals are taxed, when the 10% early withdrawal penalty may apply, and why Roth conversions could create unexpected complications for some younger investors. David also shares practical tips for tracking conversions to help you avoid costly mistakes when managing multiple retirement accounts.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📋 The two Roth IRA five-year rules serve completely different purposes ✅ When Roth earnings can be withdrawn tax-free ⚠️ How Roth conversions can trigger unexpected penalties 🧾 Why age 59½ plays a major role in withdrawal decisions 🔄 How multiple Roth conversions create separate tracking requirements 📂 Why consolidating retirement accounts can help simplify your financial life Converting an employer plan account to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences including (but not limited to) a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits, and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA. Roth distributions are tax free after age 59-1/2 and the account has been open for at least 5 years. For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Most people know Roth IRAs don’t normally have required minimum distributions, but things can change when someone inherits one. In this episode, David explains how inherited Roth IRA rules work, why beneficiary type matters, and when the IRS may still require distributions even from tax-free accounts. David also walks through real-world examples and highlights why beneficiary planning has become much more complicated after recent law changes.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📝RMD Basics: Traditional IRAs require withdrawals at 73 🧾 Inherited Roth Rules: Beneficiary type changes everything ⏳ 10-Year Rule: Many heirs must empty accounts within a decade 👨‍👩‍👧 Beneficiary Types: Eligible vs non-eligible matters 🛡️Tax-Free Growth Potential: Roth inheritance strategies can help preserve wealth   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

David tackles two listener questions from folks standing right on the doorstep of retirement. He explores how timing a large vacation and a sick-leave payout could affect taxes and savings options, and then looks at whether it makes sense to retire before Medicare kicks in, given healthcare costs and subsidies. Throughout, David discusses how the “last mile” decisions could make a difference in retirement confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Lump Sum Decisions Matter: 📉 Tax Bracket Creep 🏥 Healthcare Changes Everything 🧩 Multiple Strategies Exist 🧭 Final Stretch Planning Counts   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

What happens when a 22-year-old suddenly inherits a significant sum with no guardrails in place? In this episode, David and Walter unpack a listener scenario involving an uncle worried about his nephew’s financial future after an unexpected inheritance. They explore the potential risks of unrestricted wealth, the possible role of trusts, and how family members or advisors can step in to provide guidance. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔥 Why young heirs sometimes burn through inheritances quickly 🛑 The potential risk of having no financial guardrails 🧠 How maturity and financial education can help shape outcomes 🤝 When to bring in a financial advisor or third party 📈 Turning a lump sum into a long-term financial asset Listen to Protecting Your Heirs from Themselves   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

What happens to your money after you’re gone isn’t always as simple as passing it down. David walks through a reality many families don’t talk about, and why planning ahead can make a meaningful difference. This isn’t just about protecting assets; it’s about protecting people. With the right structure and conversations, you can turn an inheritance into something that lasts.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔑Inheritance Behavior: Many heirs either spend everything or save everything 🧠 Plan With Intention: Structure can help turn a windfall into a long-term resource 🏦 Large Estate Tools: Foundations can help reduce taxes and involve heirs 📜 Trust Strategies: Spendthrift and incentive trusts add a level of protection and guidance 🗣️ Clear Communication: Sharing your wishes ahead of time can make a lasting impact   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

For many, the annual financial review is just a routine- show up, review the numbers, and leave. But what if that hour could be very valuable for your financial life? If you’re not leaving with clarity and confidence, you might be missing out. David explains how to turn your review into a meaningful conversation by asking the right questions, focusing on your plan, and actively participating. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔍 Identifying Bad Reviews: If it’s all one-sided, something’s wrong ✅ Good Reviews: Start with your goals, not your advisor’s agenda 💬 Collaboration: Ask what you want out of the meeting for a better meeting outcome 💡 Review Your Plan: Know your goals and keep track of progress 🗣️ Spouse Involvement: Make sure both partners are heard in the conversation   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Two listener questions spark a conversation about the emotional and practical sides of retirement planning. David talks about strategies for easing back into the market after sitting on the sidelines and how retirees can think about taxes when withdrawing from IRAs, brokerage accounts, and Roth accounts. These are the kinds of questions many investors face as they transition into retirement, and without the right guidance, the wrong answers may negatively affect your plan. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 😱Market Re-Entry: Fear of missing gains vs. fear of crashes 📉 Market History: Declines happen but recoveries follow* 📆 Dollar-Cost Averaging: Gradual investing can help reduce** timing risk 🧠 Risk Tolerance: Your emotional response matters in downturns 🧾 Retirement Taxes: Withdrawal strategy could affect tax outcomes *Past market performance may not be used to predict or project future results **Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against market loss   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

When you hire someone to help with your money, you probably assume they’re legally required to act in your best interest. But here’s the catch: not all financial professionals are held to the same standard. In this episode, David breaks down the often-confusing distinction between brokers and fiduciaries, and why it matters for your retirement confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ The legal difference between brokers and fiduciaries 🥩 Why the butcher vs. dietitian analogy matters for your money 🕵️ How to research your advisor on BrokerCheck & SEC sites 🛡️ Why fiduciary duty offers stronger retirement protection 📜 The questions every retiree should ask before hiring an advisor Resources for this episode: BrokerCheck https://brokercheck.finra.org/ Investment Adviser Public Disclosure https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

In this mailbag episode, David answers two practical listener questions about managing unexpected financial opportunities. One listener recently paid off their mortgage and now has an extra $3,000 per month to invest, while another is navigating the tax implications of inheriting an IRA. David walks through several potential options for putting extra cash to work- ranging from CDs and brokerage accounts to fixed annuities- while also clarifying the complex withdrawal rules tied to inherited retirement accounts. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Ideas of what to do with extra monthly cash after paying off your mortgage 📈 Investment options beyond retirement accounts, including brokerage accounts and ETFs 🏦 The pros and cons of CDs, money markets, and fixed annuities 🧾 How inherited IRAs are taxed and the potential impact of the 10-year withdrawal rule ⚖️ Why timing withdrawals carefully could help reduce your overall tax bill   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. David pulls back the curtain on the sensational advice dominating YouTube and financial media. Instead of chasing rigid rules, he explains why thoughtful coordination across multiple planning areas could potentially produce better outcomes. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⏱️ Roth Timing Window: Converting before RMDs increase income 📊 Tax Bracket Planning: Filling lower brackets strategically 🧩 Annuity Purpose: Guarantees vs market exposure 🔍 Annuity Fine Print: Caps, riders, surrender terms 🏠 Mortgage Tradeoffs: Interest rate vs emotional security   Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Inheriting a home often comes with a lot of anxiety, especially around taxes. Many heirs assume selling means a massive tax bill, but that concern is often misplaced. In this episode, David breaks down what really happens when you inherit a house, why taxes are usually less painful than expected, and what non-tax issues can complicate the decision. If you’re facing an inherited property, or expect to someday, this conversation brings clarity where many people feel overwhelmed. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Inherited Home Anxiety: Why taxes are often overestimated 📊 Stepped-Up Basis: How value resets at inheritance ⏳ Sale Timing Matters: When waiting changes the outcome ⚠️ Beyond the Numbers: Additional issues you need to know  👨‍👩‍👧 Family Dynamics: Navigating shared decisions For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

The amount of life insurance you need changes significantly as your life and responsibilities evolve. David shares practical considerations for thinking through coverage needs at different stages of life, from early adulthood through retirement years. Rather than focusing on one-size-fits-all answers, David offers general tips to help listeners think more clearly about how life insurance might fit into a broader financial picture. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🛡️ Coverage Basics: General considerations for determining an appropriate amount of life insurance 🧩 Life Factors: How income, family responsibilities, and financial obligations may influence coverage needs 📈 Peak Responsibility Years: Common planning considerations during working and family-raising years ⏳ Later-Life Coverage: How life insurance needs often shift in the late 50s and early 60s 👪 Legacy Planning: Using life insurance thoughtfully when considering heirs and long-term goals   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.

Feeling behind on retirement savings can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In this episode, David walks through five practical steps to help you regain clarity and momentum, whether you’re early in your career or approaching retirement. From tracking spending habits to maximizing workplace retirement plans, this episode focuses on actions you can actually control.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧮 How to determine if you’re truly “behind” 📊 Getting a clear snapshot of your net worth 💳 Identifying spending patterns that are holding you back 🔁 Maximizing your workplace retirement savings 📝 Why having a written retirement plan can change everything   For additional resources or to contact David, visit us online at http://creativeoneadvisorsgroup.com or call 913-317-1414.