Advertise on podcast: Secure Your Retirement

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq discuss one of the most important decisions in retirement planning—when to take Social Security. Should you take Social Security early at 62, or should you consider delaying Social Security until age 70 to maximize your Social Security benefits? They break down the myths, the math, and the real-life scenarios that go into making the right Social Security decision as part of a well-rounded retirement financial plan. Listen in to learn about how Social Security planning fits into your overall financial planning for retirement, and why there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Radon and Murs explain how factors like longevity, income needs, spousal Social Security benefits explained, and your overall retirement checklist all play a role in deciding whether to take Social Security early or wait. If you want to plan for retirement, understand your options, and retire comfortably, this episode will help you move closer to confidently securing your future. In this episode, find out: The pros and cons of taking Social Security early at 62 versus delaying Social Security to age 70How to evaluate the Social Security decision based on your personal retirement planning strategiesWhy maximizing benefits isn’t always the best answer for your retirement financial planKey scenarios where delaying Social Security may make sense, including longevity and income planningHow spousal Social Security benefits and legacy goals impact your decision Tweetable Quotes: “The real question isn’t how do I maximize Social Security—it’s how does Social Security best complement my overall retirement plan.” – Murs Tariq “If the math shows you can have the same or more money by taking Social Security early, many people choose flexibility and peace of mind over waiting.” – Radon Stancil Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq discuss emerging Medicare policy changes with Medicare specialist Shawn Southard, focusing on a new Medicare pilot program introducing prior authorization into Original Medicare. This important conversation highlights how Medicare prior authorization could reshape retiree healthcare, especially for those relying on Medicare and Medigap plans for flexibility and simplicity in their retirement financial plan. Listen in to learn about how Medicare changes in 2026 may impact Healthcare in retirement, including new Medicare coverage rules and the evolving Medicare approval process. The discussion explains prior authorization explained in simple terms and explores how these changes may affect Medicare costs, access to care, and long-term retirement planning strategies for those looking to retire comfortably and secure your retirement. In this episode, find out: What Medicare prior authorization is and how it changes the current structure of Original MedicareDetails of the Medicare pilot program launching in select states and what it could mean nationwideHow Medicare and Medigap plans may be impacted by new Medicare policy changesWhich procedures may require approval under new Medicare coverage rulesHow these changes could affect your retirement checklist and overall plan for retirement Tweetable Quotes: “Prior authorization is about checking before a procedure happens instead of paying first and reviewing later—and that’s a big shift for Original Medicare.” – Murs Tariq “Even if this starts as a small pilot program, the writing on the wall suggests it could expand and impact how retirees experience Medicare nationwide.” – Radon Stancil As Medicare for retirees continues to evolve, understanding changes like prior authorization is essential for building a strong retirement financial plan. While the goal of these Medicare policy changes is to reduce fraud, waste, and rising Medicare costs, they may also introduce new administrative steps, potential delays, and added complexity in accessing care. For those focused on planning retirement, staying informed about healthcare in retirement is just as important as managing investments. Whether you rely on Original Medicare, supplement with Medigap plans, or are evaluating options, being proactive about these changes can help you better plan for retirement, update your retirement checklist, and continue retiring comfortably with confidence. Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the latest economic update with returning guest Tom Siomades, taking a closer look at retirement and the economy during a season filled with uncertainty. From war and government shutdown concerns to inflation, interest rates, and market volatility, this conversation highlights how today’s headlines can influence a thoughtful retirement investment strategy. For anyone focused on financial planning for retirement, this episode offers perspective on balancing retirement risks with long-term confidence. Listen in to learn about how the current market update and broader economic outlook may affect your retirement planning, your portfolio, and your peace of mind. Radon, Murs, and Tom explore the importance of retirement diversification, staying disciplined during uncertainty, and evaluating both retirement opportunities and near-term challenges. Whether you are building a retirement financial plan, reviewing your retirement checklist, or trying to plan for retirement in a changing world, this quarterly market update offers practical retirement tips to help you stay focused on what matters most and continue planning retirement with clarity. In this episode, find out: Why current events are shaping the conversation around retirement and the economy, including war, inflation, and government uncertaintyHow interest rates, oil prices, and tariffs may impact the latest market update and overall economic outlookWhy retirement diversification remains essential when navigating market volatility and long-term retirement risksWhat positive signs still exist in the economy and where potential retirement opportunities may be emergingHow a disciplined retirement investment strategy can support retirement income, help you retire comfortably, and ultimately secure your retirement Tweetable Quotes: “The simple question during times like this is: am I still on track? That’s what a strong retirement financial plan is designed to answer.” — Radon Stancil “When markets feel uncertain, it’s not the time to make emotional decisions. It’s the time to lean on your plan, your diversification, and your long-term strategy.” — Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss how retirement planning must evolve once you transition from working to living off your savings. They explore why retirement is not a “set it and forget it” phase, but rather a critical shift from accumulation to distribution—where retirement income planning, retirement cash flow, and tax strategies for retirement become the primary focus. This conversation highlights how thoughtful financial planning for retirement can help reduce stress and give you confidence as you plan for retirement. Listen in to learn about how to build a flexible and sustainable retirement distribution strategy, avoid costly mistakes like sequence of returns risk, and implement proven retirement planning tips such as the retirement bucket strategy. Radon and Murs also discuss how ongoing adjustments in your retirement financial plan, including retirement tax planning, retirement healthcare planning, and estate planning in retirement, can help you retire comfortably and truly secure your retirement. In this episode, find out: How to transition from saving to spending with a clear retirement income planning approach Why a well-structured retirement distribution strategy is key to managing taxes and longevity How the retirement bucket strategy helps protect against sequence of returns risk The importance of creating a sustainable retirement cash flow and revisiting it annually How retirement tax planning, retirement healthcare planning, and estate planning in retirement all work together in a complete plan Tweetable Quotes: “Retirement planning doesn’t stop when you retire—it evolves into a strategy focused on turning your savings into reliable income for life.” – Radon Stancil “The biggest challenge in retirement isn’t building wealth—it’s creating a sustainable income plan that reduces stress and adapts as life changes.” – Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss how ongoing Geopolitical Risk and global uncertainty are impacting today’s markets and what that means for your retirement financial plan. With rising tensions, inflation concerns, and unpredictable global events driving market volatility, they explore how investors can shift from reactive decisions to proactive smart money investments. This episode highlights how a well-structured retirement investment strategy can help you stay confident—even when headlines create fear. Listen in to learn about how to build a resilient smart investment plan that helps protect your retirement during uncertain times. Radon and Murs break down key financial planning strategies for 2026, including how to reduce sequence of returns risk, incorporate alternative investments and private investments, and utilize tools like fixed index annuities to create stability. If you’re focused on planning retirement, creating a retirement checklist, and ultimately retiring comfortably, this episode will help you secure your retirement with confidence. In this episode, find out: How Geopolitical Risk and global uncertainty contribute to market volatility and investor anxietyWhy a balanced retirement investment strategy should include both growth and protectionThe importance of asset location and how it differs from traditional diversificationHow alternative investments and private investments can reduce overall portfolio riskHow fixed index annuities can help manage sequence of returns risk and provide stable income Tweetable Quotes: “When your income is protected and not tied to the market, it becomes much easier to ride out volatility and stay confident in your retirement plan.” – Murs Tariq “The goal isn’t to eliminate risk—it’s to design a smart investment plan where your money is working in different ways at different times.” – Radon Stancil Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq discuss the powerful Mega Backdoor Roth strategy with Director of Financial Planning and Tax Strategy, Taylor Wolverton. They break down how high-income earners can potentially create tax free wealth using advanced Roth 401k strategy techniques, including 401k after tax contributions and in-plan conversions. This episode dives into how these lesser-known financial planning strategies can help individuals who are serious about retirement tax planning and building a strong retirement financial plan. Listen in to learn about the differences between a Mega Backdoor Roth, a Backdoor Roth IRA, and traditional retirement savings strategies. Radon, Murs, and Taylor explain the role of 401k contribution limits, Roth IRA income limits, and how these strategies may help high-income earners implement a smart tax strategy designed to maximize tax free retirement income. If you’re focused on planning retirement, creating a retirement checklist, and learning how to retire comfortably, this episode offers valuable insights to help you secure your retirement. In this episode, find out: How the Mega Backdoor Roth works and why it can be a powerful high income tax strategyThe difference between after-tax 401k contributions, traditional 401k contributions, and Roth optionsHow Roth conversion strategies can potentially turn taxable growth into tax free retirement incomeThe key differences between a Backdoor Roth IRA and the Mega Backdoor Roth 401k strategyImportant considerations when including this strategy in your retirement financial plan and overall retirement planning strategy Tweetable Quotes: “The reason people call it a Mega Backdoor Roth is because you’re not contributing directly to the Roth 401k—you’re contributing after-tax dollars and converting them to build a larger tax-free portfolio.” – Radon Stancil “If your income is above the Roth IRA income limits, you may still have options to get money into a Roth through strategies like the Backdoor Roth IRA or Mega Backdoor Roth.” – Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the stock market outlook 2026 and what investors should be paying attention to as headlines around inflation, geopolitical tension, tariffs, and government uncertainty continue to drive market volatility. With markets coming off multiple strong years of performance, they break down what’s really happening beneath the surface — and how to think about market risks and market opportunities without letting emotions derail your long-term plan for Retirement. Listen in to learn about how inflation and the stock market are connected, why proper diversification goes beyond simply owning multiple funds, and how a thoughtful retirement investing strategy — built around the three-bucket strategy — can help you stay confident no matter what 2026 brings. If you're focused on retirement income planning, protecting gains after a strong run-up, and building a Retirement financial plan that allows you to retire comfortably, this episode delivers timely perspective and practical guidance. In this episode, find out: Why the stock market outlook 2026 is shaped by inflation, global leadership changes, and concentrated tech exposureHow hidden concentration risk can undermine your diversification strategy — even if you own multiple funds or advisorsThe importance of disciplined portfolio rebalancing after several strong market yearsHow the three-bucket strategy supports stability, growth, and income during periods of market volatilityWhy integrating investments with taxation, withdrawals, estate planning, and income creates a stronger retirement financial planning framework. Tweetable Quotes: "Diversification isn’t about how many accounts you have — it’s about making sure your investments aren’t all exposed to the same risk." — Radon Stancil "There’s always going to be something creating market volatility. The key is having a plan in place before it happens." — Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss one of the most common questions in Retirement Planning today: how much cash is too much cash? With Money market rates falling and Interest rates 2026 expected to continue shifting, many retirees are rethinking their cash reserves in retirement. What once felt safe and productive at 5% in a money market or CD now may be losing ground to inflation and creating unintended tax consequences. Listen in to learn about how a proper Retirement financial plan helps determine the right balance between liquidity and long-term growth. Whether you're saving for retirement, saving for retirement at 50, or already focused on Retirement income planning, this episode will walk you through how the Three bucket strategy can help you protect your lifestyle, manage Taxes on interest income, avoid surprises with Medicare income and IRMAA income, and ultimately retire comfortably while maintaining flexibility and peace of mind. In this episode, find out: Why having too much in your Cash bucket could hurt your long-term Retirement investing strategyHow declining Money market rates and Interest rates 2026 impact your retirement savingsThe hidden impact of Taxes on interest income and how excess cash can increase Medicare income and IRMAA incomeHow inflation erodes cash savings and affects Inflation savings over timeHow the Three bucket strategy supports a balanced plan for retirement and helps secure your retirement Tweetable Quotes: “Cash feels safe, but too much cash in the wrong environment can quietly cost you millions over a 30-year retirement.” – Radon Stancil “Your financial plan should drive how much cash you hold — not today’s money market rate.” – Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the evolution of investing—from individual stocks to mutual funds to Exchange Traded Funds—and why technology is changing how portfolios are built today. If you've ever wondered about Stocks vs ETFs, Stocks vs mutual funds, or ETFs vs mutual funds, this episode breaks down the differences in a way that connects directly to your long-term Retirement Planning goals and overall Investment portfolio strategy. Listen in to learn about how reducing internal costs, understanding expense ratios explained, and improving portfolio efficiency can make a significant impact on your long-term results. Whether you're focused on Stock market investing, building an Index investing strategy, or refining your Retirement investing strategy, this episode will help you better understand how the right structure can help you plan for retirement, follow a smart retirement checklist, and ultimately secure your retirement. In this episode, find out: The real differences in Stocks vs ETFs, Stocks vs mutual funds, and ETFs vs mutual fundsHow technology now allows for efficient Stock indexing without high internal fund costsWhy lowering expense ratios and reducing hidden fees leads to Lower investment fees and better long-term outcomesHow Portfolio rebalancing and index tracking improve your overall Investment portfolio strategyWhen to use individual stocks, Exchange traded funds, or mutual funds inside a complete Retirement financial plan Tweetable Quotes: “Technology has now allowed us to replicate an index using individual stocks and eliminate layers of internal fund costs.” — Radon Stancil “Our investment philosophy hasn’t changed — but the tools we use to make portfolios more efficient absolutely have.” — Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why retirement stress, retirement anxiety, and fear around market volatility are rarely about the markets themselves—and almost always about unanswered questions. After years of uncertainty driven by inflation, interest rate changes, and economic shocks, many people approaching retirement realize that stress doesn’t come from short-term market swings, but from not having a clear retirement financial plan. Without a defined withdrawal strategy, retirement income planning, tax planning in retirement, and estate planning basics, even strong market years can still feel overwhelming. Listen in to learn about how holistic financial planning creates true peace of mind in retirement. Radon and Murs break down how retirement risk management, income planning in retirement, Social Security planning, Medicare planning, long-term care planning, and tax planning strategies work together to reduce anxiety. By focusing on structure—rather than speculation—you can build retirement confidence, follow a clear retirement checklist, and move toward retiring comfortably with a plan designed to secure your retirement. In this episode, find out: Why retirement anxiety is driven more by unanswered questions than market volatilityHow the Three Bucket Strategy supports income planning, withdrawal strategy, and retirement confidenceThe five critical areas of retirement planning, including tax planning, Medicare planning, and estate planningHow holistic financial planning helps manage required minimum distributions and early retirement strategyWhy having a written retirement financial plan reduces stress and supports peace of mind in retirement Tweetable Quotes: “A bad market day won’t ruin your retirement, and a great market day won’t make it successful—it’s the plan that matters.” — Radon Stancil“Retirement stress fades when every part of your retirement financial plan is being monitored, implemented, and nurtured.” — Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the launch of their new retirement planning book, The Peace of Mind Pathway, and why they felt compelled to create a clearer, more practical approach to Retirement Planning. After years of working with families approaching or already in Retirement, they saw a recurring challenge: people could be great savers yet still lack Retirement confidence. This episode explains how a truly holistic financial planning approach helps connect the dots between investments, income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy—so you can truly plan for retirement with clarity and purpose. Listen in to learn about how Peace of Mind Wealth Management designed a comprehensive Retirement financial plan that goes beyond investments and focuses on real-life decision-making. From Income planning in retirement and Tax planning strategies to Medicare planning, Long term care planning, Estate planning, and Social Security planning, Radon and Murs break down the Peace of Mind Pathway framework that helps families retiring comfortably and working toward a goal to secure your retirement. In this episode, find out: Why a retirement planning book focused on holistic planning is critical for today’s retireesHow the Peace of Mind Pathway ties together risk management, income, taxes, healthcare, and legacyWhat role Required minimum distributions play in your overall Retirement financial planHow to think through early retirement strategy decisions, including healthcare before MedicareWhy having a connected team matters when planning retirement and following a retirement checklist Tweetable Quotes: “Retirement isn’t just about having money—it’s about having clarity, confidence, and a plan that works together.” — Radon Stancil“Good savers often feel the most anxiety because they don’t know what questions to ask when planning retirement.” — Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss a comprehensive portfolio update, economic update, and market update designed to help retirees and pre-retirees stay grounded during uncertain times. With headlines driving fear and optimism in equal measure, they break down how a disciplined retirement portfolio strategy and long-term investment strategy can help investors navigate volatility while staying positioned for growth. From geopolitical uncertainty to inflation pressures, this episode reinforces why planning—not prediction—is essential to secure your retirement. Listen in to learn about how today’s economic environment connects directly to your retirement income planning and overall retirement planning process. Radon and Murs revisit the Three Bucket Strategy, explaining how a well-structured core portfolio strategy, tactical investing strategy, and exposure to alternative investments can work together to manage risk. As they explore the stock market outlook 2026, inflation and retirement concerns, and market volatility planning, you’ll gain clarity on how to plan for retirement, follow a practical retirement checklist, and ultimately focus on retiring comfortably. In this episode, find out:How the Three Bucket Strategy supports risk management investing and predictable retirement incomeWhy market headlines don’t always align with long-term market update realitiesHow tactical investing and alternative investments can reduce portfolio volatilityWhat inflation and retirement trends mean for planning retirement in 2026Why sticking to a disciplined retirement investment strategy matters more than ever Tweetable Quotes:“You can’t control headlines or politics, but you can control your retirement plan and how much risk you take.” — Radon Stancil“When different parts of your portfolio have different jobs, market volatility becomes much easier to live with.” — Murs Tariq Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss one of the biggest fears retirees face: How people run out of money in retirement—and more importantly, how to avoid it. Drawing from a widely shared Investopedia article, they break down five common mistakes that can derail even the best-laid plans and apply the Peace of Mind Wealth Management perspective to help you never run out of money in retirement. Whether you’re just beginning to plan for retirement or already retired, this conversation highlights why a thoughtful retirement spending plan and proactive retirement income planning are essential. Listen in to learn about practical retirement planning tips that go beyond generic advice and focus on real-world retirement challenges like managing taxes, building a smart retirement withdrawal strategy, and revisiting your plan as life changes. Radon and Murs explain how knowing your spending, understanding IRA withdrawal rules, and implementing strategies like the Three Bucket Strategy and Roth conversion strategy can help you retire comfortably and secure your retirement for decades to come. In this episode, find out: Why knowing your spending is the foundation of a sustainable retirement spending plan How retiring too early without a plan for retirement can increase the risk of running out of money How tax planning in retirement, including Roth conversions and IRA withdrawal rules, impacts long-term success How Medicare IRMAA and the IRMAA surcharge can surprise retirees without proper planning Why revisiting your retirement checklist regularly is critical to retiring comfortably Tweetable Quotes: “It doesn’t matter how much money you have—if your spending isn’t aligned with your plan, you can still run out of money in retirement.” — Radon Stancil “A successful retirement income plan isn’t set it and forget it; it’s something you nurture year after year.” — Murs Tariq This episode reinforces why comprehensive retirement planning, thoughtful tax planning in retirement, and ongoing adjustments are key to planning retirement with confidence. By focusing on retirement income planning, balancing growth and protection, and understanding how taxes affect your withdrawals, you can reduce anxiety and move closer to truly retiring comfortably. Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why the beginning of the year is one of the most important times for smart tax decisions and how early planning can prevent costly mistakes later. With the help of their Director of Financial Planning and Tax Strategy, Taylor Wolverton, they walk through practical smart tax strategies designed to support effective tax planning in retirement and help you stay ahead with a proactive tax planning checklist. From contribution rules to charitable strategies, this episode focuses on building a strong foundation for retirement tax planning that supports long-term confidence. Listen in to learn about key decisions that impact your ability to plan for retirement, reduce unnecessary taxes, and ultimately secure your retirement. Whether you are still working, transitioning into Retirement, or already planning retirement income, these insights can help you align your retirement checklist with current rules, deadlines, and opportunities—so you can focus on retiring comfortably without last-minute surprises. In this episode, find out:How the 401k catch up rule works, including 401k catch up contributions and updated 2026 401k contribution limitsWhy the IRA contribution deadline matters and how a Roth IRA contribution can still be made after year-endHow qualified charitable distribution strategies work, including important QCD rulesWhen it may make sense to donate stock to charity versus giving cash and how this affects your charitable deductionHow income choices impact a long-term Roth conversion strategy and overall retirement tax planning Tweetable Quotes:“The beginning of the year is where smart tax planning really starts—what you do now determines how much flexibility you’ll have later.” — Radon Stancil“Tax planning in retirement isn’t just about deductions; it’s about choosing the right accounts at the right time.” — Murs Tariq Understanding how the standard deduction, charitable strategies, and income planning work together is a critical part of Retirement Planning. From managing distributions to timing conversions, early awareness helps avoid mistakes that can limit your ability to secure your retirement and maintain tax efficiency throughout the year. Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why Medicare 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful years for retirees and those approaching retirement. With major Medicare updates, rising Medicare costs 2026, and several Medicare new rules taking effect, understanding how these changes affect your overall Retirement Planning is more important than ever. From prescription drug reforms to premium increases and income-based adjustments, Medicare is not something you can afford to “set and forget” when you’re planning retirement and working to secure your retirement. Listen in to learn about how Medicare Part B premium 2026 increases, IRMAA surcharges, and Medicare income limits 2026 can directly impact your cash flow in retirement. Radon and Murs also explore how Medicare planning fits into a comprehensive strategy to help you retire comfortably, avoid costly surprises, and align your healthcare decisions with your long-term retirement checklist and broader financial plan. In this episode, find out: How Medicare drug price negotiations and Medicare Part D changes 2026 are lowering costs for certain prescriptionsWhat the new Medicare out of pocket cap means for retirees with high prescription drug expensesWhy the increase in Medicare Part B premium 2026 matters for your monthly retirement incomeHow IRMAA surcharges and income from strategies like Roth conversions can affect your Medicare premiumsWhat Medicare does not cover, including the difference between a Medicare wellness visit and a traditional physical, plus updates on Telehealth Medicare Tweetable Quotes: “Medicare isn’t separate from your financial plan—it’s interconnected with your taxes, income, and investment strategy.” — Radon Stancil“One decision, like a Roth conversion, can trigger higher Medicare premiums if you don’t account for IRMAA.” — Murs Tariq Understanding Medicare 2026 is a critical part of Retirement Planning, whether you’re already enrolled or just beginning to plan for retirement. Staying informed about Medicare updates, knowing your coverage gaps, and proactively planning can make a meaningful difference in how confidently you approach Retirement. Resources: If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.