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Episode 120: Health Care Planning Health care is something everyone needs to plan for. Whether you are still in the workforce or already retired, you need to have a plan. In this episode, I’ll explain the important factors to consider with health care planning at each stage of life. And in the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies segment, I’ll explain why FSAs and HSAs can be powerful tools for health care planning. Key Points: • Health care planning matters at every stage of life—whether you are working, retiring early, or already on Medicare. • Review your health insurance options each year during open enrollment rather than automatically renewing last year’s plan. • Compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, prescription coverage, provider networks, and anticipated medical needs. • Health care costs can create substantial financial stress, especially when medical events coincide with lost income or reduced ability to work. • A taxable brokerage account can provide income flexibility in early retirement and may help manage ACA premium costs. • Review Medicare coverage annually because premiums, deductibles, formularies, provider networks, and plan benefits can change. • Consider working with a specialized Medicare professional to help evaluate coverage choices. • FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts best suited for expected near-term health expenses, while HSAs are portable, individually owned accounts that can serve as both a health care spending and long-term retirement-planning tool.

Episode 119: Five Strategies for Retiring Early Early retirement requires a different playbook. In this episode, I explain five strategies for bridging the gaps before Social Security and Medicare, managing taxes, and funding your lifestyle with greater flexibility. In the tips and tricks segment, I share how Roth IRA contributions can provide an additional source of penalty-free funds before age 59½. Key points • Build a taxable brokerage account • Maximize your HSA • Use pre-tax 401(k) contributions strategically • Establish a dedicated cash reserve • Understand early retirement-account access • Use Roth IRA contributions for added flexibility before age 59½

Episode 118: Building a More Satisfying Retirement What does a successful retirement really look like? In this episode, Jonny explores why retirement satisfaction depends on more than just the size of your portfolio. Research shows that four factors play an important role: income, savings, health, and social connection. You’ll learn why a comprehensive retirement plan should go beyond investments and include thoughtful planning for healthcare, relationships, purpose, and the lifestyle you want to enjoy. In This Episode The four key drivers of retirement satisfactionWhy health and social connection can be as important as financial securityHow to avoid sacrificing well-being solely to build a larger nest eggWhy many retirees report being more financially comfortable than they expectedThe ongoing role of Social Security, Medicare, and lower work-related expenses in retirement Key Takeaway A successful retirement is not just about having enough money to stop working. It is about having the financial confidence, health, relationships, and purpose to enjoy the life you have built.

Episode 117: Social Security Claiming Strategies and Tips for Married Couples In this episode of One for the Money, we take a close look at one of the most important retirement decisions you can make: when to claim Social Security. While the timing can have a meaningful impact on your lifetime retirement income, too many people still make this choice without a clear strategy. We break down the key claiming ages, the tradeoffs between claiming early or delaying, and why the right decision should be based on your goals, income sources, life expectancy, and overall retirement plan. We also explore research showing why delaying benefits can often create more long-term value than claiming early and investing the difference. In the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies section, we discuss how married couples should think about spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and how to coordinate claiming decisions to support long-term retirement income. Key topics covered: When to claim Social Security and why timing matters.How claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70 changes your benefit.Why many retirees leave money on the table by claiming too early.Research on the value of delaying benefits.Social Security strategies married couples may want to consider.How to think about survivor benefits and spousal coordination. Why listen: If you want a clearer framework for deciding when to claim Social Security, this episode offers practical guidance, planning considerations, and a few strategies that can help you make a more informed choice.

Episode 116 – The Alphabet Soup of Employee Stock Benefits Why employee ownership can be a powerful wealth-building toolOverview of ESOPs, ESPPs, RSUs, and the NUA tax strategyHow ESOPs and ESPPs give you company stock through contributions or discounted purchasesHow RSUs work, when they’re taxed, and why they often lead to concentrated employer stockWhat NUA is and when it can reduce taxes on appreciated company stock in a 401(k)Key risks of single‑stock exposure and why diversification is crucialPractical RSU tip: when it can make sense to sell vested shares and reinvest or pay down debtHow to think about these benefits as part of an overall financial and tax plan If you’d like help reviewing your equity compensation and overall plan, schedule a free introductory meeting at betterplanningbetterlife.com. This material is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

In this episode of One for the Money, I revisit author Morgan Housel—best known for The Psychology of Money—and explore his newer, even more impactful book, The Art of Spending Money. I share why building wealth is only half the equation and why learning to spend that wealth intentionally, in line with your values and life experiences, is its own crucial skill. You’ll hear practical ideas for using money as a tool to create freedom, deeper relationships, and meaningful memories, rather than simply chasing a bigger account balance. Episode 115 – The Art of Spending Money (Morgan Housel) Follow-up to episode 13 on The Psychology of MoneyFocus: Morgan Housel’s new book The Art of Spending Money and how to use money to live better, not just build wealth Key Themes Money success is more about behavior than intelligenceBuilding wealth is one skill; spending it wisely is a separate skillMoney should be a tool for happiness and freedom, not a status scoreboard Spending and Personal Experience No one-size-fits-all formula for spending; it must reflect your values and life story“Post-traumatic broke syndrome”: people who grew up with scarcity may struggle to spend even when they’re financially independentGood planning and projections help clients see what’s safe to spend, reducing fear of running out Time, Relationships, and Happiness Life moves in phases; time with family is finite and irreplaceableAt the end of life, what matters most are stories and relationships, not account balancesAs income rises, core joys often stay the same: family time, meaningful conversations, simple shared experiences Practical Takeaways (Tips, Tricks, Strategies) Main drivers of happiness: strong relationships, health, meaningful work, rest, and purposeSpend intentionally on what truly matters; cut ruthlessly what doesn’tGuiding rule: “Spend extravagantly on the things you love—only if you are equally disciplined in cutting the things you don’t.” This material is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Debt, Deficits, and Your Financial Future In this episode of One for the Money, Jonny zooms out: yes, we’re living in the most prosperous era in human history—but America’s debt and spending habits are a growing reason for concern. In this episode: How Washington turned the U.S. into a “transfer society” and why interest on the debt now rivals defense spendingWhat trillion‑dollar deficits really mean (using a simple time analogy)Practical ways to protect yourself from future tax hikes: Roth strategies, HSAs, defined benefit plans, tax‑gain and tax‑loss harvestingWhy voter choices—and new technologies like AI—could still shift us toward a more abundant, fiscally responsible future Listen in to understand the stakes, then learn concrete steps you can take now to strengthen your own financial plan.

One for the Money — Episode 113 The Case for Optimism (5th Annual) Each July, the One for the Money podcast makes the case for optimism — and this year's edition may be the most compelling yet. Despite an unsettling headlines landscape that includes the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran and persistent political dysfunction, the data tells a different and far more hopeful story. This episode is your annual reminder of just how remarkable a moment in history we are living through. In This Episode Why 2026 — turbulence and all — is the best time in history to be aliveAmerica at 250: the Declaration of Independence and the outsized global contributions the U.S. has made in technology, medicine, economic growth, education, and democratic idealsWhy freedom, protected by checks and balances, produced the most prosperous society in human historyThe paradox of low happiness despite record prosperity — and what's really driving itClimate fear vs. climate data: what the numbers actually showGlobal progress by the numbers, courtesy of HumanProgress.orgBoomers vs. Millennials: what the data says about who actually had it harderAI anxiety in historical context — and why Chicken Little keeps getting it wrongWealth inequality: where we are, where we've been, and the rise of billionaire philanthropyA personal note on becoming an American citizen Key Takeaways Extreme poverty has fallen from over 80% of the world two centuries ago to under 9% todayU.S. GDP per capita is now 40% higher than Western Europe and 60% higher than Japan — and growing three times faster since 2020Natural disaster deaths in 2024 (16,753) were well below the 20-year average of 65,566 — a 90% decline over the past centuryPolitical division is nothing new: from Aaron Burr to four presidential assassinations, America has always had turmoil — and always moved forwardMillennials now have a higher average net worth at comparable ages than Boomers didEvery major wave of technological disruption — steam, electricity, the internet — created more opportunity than it destroyed Tips, Tricks & Strategies Spend money on travel. As Mark Twain put it, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." Whether it's Yosemite, Crater Lake, the Grand Tetons, or a trip to Thailand or Costa Rica, the conversations and memories you make along the way are among the highest-return investments you can make. Travel doesn't just broaden your perspective — it deepens your gratitude. Remember — a better life is a result of better planning.

Episode 112: Family Matters & Money - For Better or For Worse Money can’t buy love or happiness—but it can absolutely impact both. In this episode of One for the Money Podcast, I share how money can either strengthen or damage the relationships that matter most in our lives. Research consistently shows that strong relationships are one of the greatest predictors of happiness, health, and longevity. The question becomes: are your financial habits helping your relationships or hurting them? In this episode, I explore practical ways to use money intentionally to create stronger family connections, healthier communication, and lasting memories. I also share: Why money is one of the leading causes of conflict in families and marriagesLessons from the Harvard Study of Adult DevelopmentHow financial education can become a generational giftWhy discussing family goals and financial plans mattersThe importance of spending money on experiences instead of just possessionsThe inspiring story of Joy Ryan and Brad Ryan visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks together Tips, Tricks & Strategies Segment In this week’s practical segment, I share how to use money to benefit your descendants and preserve family relationships across generations, including: The surprising statistic about how quickly many inheritances are spentThe concept of “warm giving” — giving while you are aliveWhy communication and estate conversations matterHow experiences can become one of the greatest legacies you leave behind Key Takeaway There may be only one thing that compounds better than money: memories. Better planning leads to a better life—and that includes planning for the people you love most. Thank you for listening to One for the Money Podcast!

In this episode, I break down one of the newest and most talked-about financial policies introduced in 2025: Trump Accounts. Created as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” these tax-advantaged investment accounts are designed to give American children a financial head start from birth. I cover how these accounts work, who qualifies, the role of government and private funding, and whether they make sense for your family. We also compare Trump Accounts to other popular savings vehicles like 529 plans and custodial accounts (UTMA/UGMA), so you can make an informed decision. If you’re a parent—or planning to be—this is an important conversation about building generational wealth and setting your kids up for long-term financial success. What You’ll Learn What Trump Accounts are and how they workWho qualifies for the $1,000 government seed contributionHow the $5,000 annual contribution limit worksThe role of private philanthropy (including the $250 bonus opportunities)Key benefits and drawbacks of these accountsHow Trump Accounts compare to 529 plans and custodial accountsWhen these accounts make sense—and when they don’tWhy starting early matters more than the account type Pros of Trump Accounts $1,000 federal seed contribution (for eligible birth years)Additional $250 potential philanthropic contributionsTax-deferred growthFlexible use of funds at age 18Employer contribution opportunitiesSimple, index-based investment approach Cons of Trump Accounts No tax deduction on contributionsWithdrawals taxed as ordinary incomeLimited investment optionsالطفل gains full control at age 18Lower flexibility compared to some alternativesNew program with evolving rules and uncertainties Trump Accounts vs. Other Options 529 Plans Best for education-specific savingsTax-free growth and withdrawals (if used for qualified expenses)Less flexibility for non-education use Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA) Greater flexibility in how funds are usedPotential tax advantages through capital gains treatmentNo contribution limitsAssets count toward financial aid calculations When Trump Accounts Make Sense You have a child born between 2025–2028 (to capture the $1,000 seed money)Your child qualifies for additional philanthropic contributionsYour employer offers contributions to the account When to Consider Alternatives You’re primarily saving for education (consider a 529 plan)You want more tax-efficient withdrawalsYou prefer greater flexibility and control over investments Important Dates & Timeline Account activation begins: Before July 4, 2026Initial $1,000 deposit: No earlier than July 4, 2026Contributions allowed starting: July 4, 2026 Final Takeaway Trump Accounts are an interesting new tool designed to jumpstart investing from birth—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. The most important factor isn’t the account type—it’s getting started early, staying consistent, and having a plan. Subscribe If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. And as always, better planning leads to a better life.

Episode 110: The Hidden Power of 529 Plans (and How to Use Them Like a Pro) Welcome back to the One for the Money podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools for college planning: 529 plans. With graduation season in full swing, this topic hits especially close to home as families prepare for the next big (and expensive) chapter. 🎓 What’s Inside This Episode A Personal Milestone Graduation season is here, and in the West household, it’s a big one. From elementary school to high school, the years may feel long—but they fly by. With one son heading to college, this episode reflects both the emotional and financial realities of preparing for higher education. 💡 529 Plans: More Than Meets the Eye At their core, 529 plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts designed for education expenses. But beneath the surface, they offer far more flexibility and strategic value than many people realize. Here’s why they stand out: Tax Advantages: Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.Flexible Beneficiaries: You can change the beneficiary to another family member—or even yourself.Future Planning Power: Start a 529 today and transfer it later to future children or grandchildren.No Required Distributions: Funds can continue growing for years—even generations.Superfunding Opportunities: Front-load up to five years of gifts in one contribution for powerful estate planning. 🔄 New Rules: 529 to Roth IRA Transfers (SECURE 2.0) Recent legislation introduced a game-changing strategy: rolling unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. Key rules to know: The Roth IRA must belong to the 529 beneficiaryThe 529 must be at least 15 years oldContributions made within the last 5 years (and earnings) are excludedAnnual rollovers are limited to IRA contribution limits (no double-dipping)Lifetime rollover cap: $35,000 per beneficiary Why this matters: This creates an opportunity to “jump-start” a child’s retirement savings—potentially turning unused college funds into long-term, tax-free growth. 🚀 Strategy Spotlight: Start Early, Think Long-Term By funding a 529 early in a child’s life and gradually rolling funds into a Roth IRA (once eligible), families can harness decades of compounding. With consistency and time, even modest amounts can grow into significant retirement assets. 🛠️ Tips, Tricks & Strategies: Investing Inside a 529 Don’t overlook how you invest within the account: Early Years: Consider growth-oriented or stock-heavy portfolios to maximize long-term returns5 Years from College: Gradually shift to more conservative investmentsPreserve What You’ve Built: As college approaches, focus less on growth and more on preserving funds Real-life approach: As college nears for the host’s oldest son, the first few years of expenses have been moved into conservative investments—reducing the risk of a market downturn right when the money is needed. 🎯 Key Takeaway 529 plans aren’t just college savings tools—they’re flexible, strategic, and surprisingly powerful vehicles for both education and long-term financial planning. Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with someone navigating college planning. And remember: A better life is the result of better planning—and that absolutely includes planning for education. See you next time! Resources Congress.gov – SECURE 2.0 Act (529-to-Roth IRA Provision) Fidelity Investments – 529-to-Roth IRA Transfer Rules Explained FINRA – 529 Plan Investment Strategies Internal Revenue Service – 529 Plans (Qualified Tuition Programs) Saving for College – Complete Guide to 529 Plans Saving for College – 5-Year Gift Tax Averaging (Superfunding) Schwab – Understanding 529 to Roth IRA Rollovers U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission – Introduction to 529 Plans Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing. (19-LPL) The content in this material is for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

Episode Summary With Mother’s Day right around the corner, this episode highlights an important—and often overlooked—reality in financial planning: too many women are still taking a back seat when it comes to managing their financial future. Drawing from real client experiences, this episode explores why financial planning works best when both partners are actively involved, and why it’s especially critical for women to engage in the process. From differences in financial goals and investment behavior to the long-term impact of widowhood and divorce, this conversation makes a compelling case for shared financial decision-making—and the risks of sitting on the sidelines. What You’ll Learn Why financial planning is more effective when both partners participateCommon differences in how men and women approach investingHow misaligned goals (even in something like vacations) reflect deeper planning gapsThe financial realities women often face after divorce or widowhoodWhy women tend to outperform men as investorsThe risks of deferring financial decisions to a spouse Key Takeaways Financial planning is not a “set it and forget it” process—especially for couplesWomen are statistically more likely to experience the long-term outcomes of financial decisionsBeing uninvolved in financial planning can lead to costly consequencesWomen often bring discipline, patience, and better long-term behavior to investingShared planning leads to better alignment, better decisions, and better outcomes Tips, Tricks & Strategies Want to get more involved in your financial life? Start here: Attend financial meetingsBe present in conversations with your financial advisor. If you don’t have one, consider working with a professional.Build your financial knowledgeListen to podcasts, watch videos, or read about personal finance. The basics are more approachable than you think.Run a “what if” scenarioIf you had to take over all financial responsibilities tomorrow, would you be ready? Know your accounts, contacts, and plan. Notable Stats from the Episode Women often experience a larger drop in income after divorce than menWomen tend to live longer, making long-term planning even more criticalA significant percentage of women defer financial decisions to their spouseStudies show women often outperform men in investing due to more disciplined behavior Final Thought A better life is the result of better planning—and better planning requires participation. If you’re not at the table, it’s time to pull up a chair. References Do women live longer than men in the US? | USAFacts The Economic Consequences of Gray Divorce for Women and Men Women Are Strong Savers. So, Why Do Their Balances Often Lag Behind? Women Put Financial Security at Risk by Deferring Long-term Financial Decisions to Spouses

It’s Tax Day — the one day of the year when millions of Americans collectively ask the same question: Did I pay too much… or too little? But another question quickly follows: Is everyone else paying their fair share? In this episode, we explore one of the most debated topics in economics and politics — the fairness of the U.S. tax system. We examine how income and wealth are taxed differently, look at what the latest IRS data actually shows about who pays federal income taxes, and discuss current policy debates such as proposed wealth taxes. You may be surprised by what the numbers reveal. In the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies segment, we also discuss how reviewing your recently filed tax return can help you make smarter tax planning decisions for the year ahead. Key Topics Covered Tax Day and the Emotional Side of Taxes Taxes are more than numbers — they’re emotional. Every election cycle raises the question of whether Americans pay too much or whether certain groups pay too little. Economist Thomas Sowell once joked: “Elections should be held on April 16th — the day after we pay our income taxes.” The quote highlights how differently people view taxation depending on when they’re writing the check. Income vs. Wealth: Why They’re Taxed Differently A key factor in the fairness debate is that income and wealth are taxed in very different ways. Income Wages and salaryBusiness incomeTaxed progressively (higher income = higher rates) Wealth StocksReal estateBusiness ownershipUsually taxed only when assets are sold Because wealth is often unrealized, individuals can sometimes access it through borrowing strategies without triggering taxes. The “Borrow, Spend, Die” Strategy Some wealthy individuals use what’s often called the borrow, spend, die strategy: Borrow against investments rather than selling themSpend the borrowed fundsPass assets to heirs when they pass away Because assets may receive a step-up in basis at death, the capital gains taxes can be significantly reduced. This strategy is one reason critics argue the tax code favors asset owners over wage earners. The Warren Buffett Example Investor Warren Buffett famously said that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. While statements like this often fuel public debate, they also highlight an important distinction between: Tax ratesTotal taxes paid Even when rates differ, the wealthiest taxpayers still pay very large total amounts of tax. What the IRS Data Actually Shows The most recent IRS data (2022) reveals that the federal income tax system is already highly progressive. Top 1% Income: ~$663,000+ AGIAverage tax rate: 26.1%Share of federal income taxes paid: 40.4% Bottom 50% Income: ~$50,000 or lessAverage tax rate: 3.7%Share of federal income taxes paid: 3% Key takeaway: The top 1% earns roughly 22% of income but pays more than 40% of federal income taxes. The Wealth Tax Debate Recent policy proposals — including some state initiatives — have revived discussion about wealth taxes. Supporters argue they would address wealth inequality by taxing large accumulations of assets. Critics argue wealth taxes would require governments to: Value assets every yearAssess taxes on unrealized wealthExpand government oversight into private property Regardless of where someone stands politically, the debate reflects a larger issue: The U.S. tax system is complicated, and fairness is difficult to define. Tips, Tricks, and Strategies Conduct a “Tax Post-Mortem” Now that you’ve filed your taxes, take a few minutes to review your return and ask a few key questions. 1. Did You Withhold Too Much? A large refund might feel good — but it means you gave the government an interest-free loan during the year. If your refund was larger than $1,000–$2,000, consider adjusting your withholding. 2. Review Your Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rate Remember: Marginal tax rate = rate applied to your last dollar of incomeEffective tax rate = your overall average tax rate Understanding the difference can help guide decisions like: Retirement contributionsRoth conversionsIncome timing strategies 3. Look at Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Review your AGI and see: Which tax bracket you fell intoHow close you were to the next bracket If you were near a threshold, planning opportunities may exist for future years. Key Takeaway The fairness of the tax code will always be debated. But instead of trying to solve the national tax system, the most productive step you can take is to focus on your own tax strategy. Better planning leads to better outcomes. And good financial planning always includes tax planning. References SOI Tax Stats - Individual statistical tables by tax rate and income percentile | Internal Revenue ServiceSummary of the Latest Federal Income Tax Data, 2025 Update If You Enjoyed This Episode Be sure to: Follow the podcastShare the episode with someone preparing their taxesLeave a review to help others discover the show This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

Episode 107 Show Notes Pay Taxes Now or Later? 7 Strategic Reasons to Consider Roth Conversions This episode airs on April 1st — just two weeks before the April 15th tax filing deadline — which makes it the perfect time to talk about proactive tax planning. While everyone has to pay taxes, no one should ever leave a tip. In this episode, we discuss why paying taxes strategically now — through Roth contributions and Roth conversions — may help you and your loved ones pay significantly less over your lifetime. If most of your retirement savings are in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, this conversation is especially important. Pre-tax accounts can become what some call “ticking tax time bombs” because the taxes are still owed — and future tax rates are unknown. We walk through seven key reasons you may want to consider paying taxes sooner rather than later. In This Episode 1️⃣ Avoiding the “Widow’s Tax” When one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse often moves from married filing jointly to single filing status — which can mean a significantly smaller standard deduction and potentially higher taxes. Strategic Roth conversions can help reduce that future burden. 2️⃣ Preventing Large Tax Bills on Big Withdrawals Major purchases, healthcare costs, or bucket-list experiences may require large withdrawals. Taking those funds from pre-tax accounts can push you into higher tax brackets. Having tax-free Roth funds creates flexibility. 3️⃣ Reducing Medicare Premium Surprises (IRMAA) Medicare premiums are income-based. Higher taxable income can increase your premiums through IRMAA. Managing future taxable income with Roth strategies can potentially help minimize these increases. 4️⃣ Controlling Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) RMDs are mandatory — whether you need the income or not. Large pre-tax account balances can force sizable taxable withdrawals later in life. Tax diversification gives you more control over your income in retirement. 5️⃣ Protecting Heirs from the 10-Year Rule Under the SECURE Act, most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw inherited retirement accounts within 10 years — often during their highest earning years. Roth conversions can serve as a tax-efficient legacy strategy. 6️⃣ Using Non-Retirement Funds Strategically Paying conversion taxes from taxable or cash accounts may allow more of your retirement assets to grow tax-free over time. 7️⃣ Hedging Against Future Tax Increases Current tax rates are historically low relative to federal debt levels. Roth strategies allow you to lock in today’s known rates instead of gambling on tomorrow’s unknown ones. Tips, Tricks & Strategies: The Golden Tax Window We also introduce the Golden Tax Window — the period between retirement and the start of Required Minimum Distributions. During these years: Earned income may be reduced or eliminatedTaxable income may be lowerRMDs have not yet begun This window can provide a powerful opportunity to execute Roth conversions at favorable tax rates. Key Takeaway You don’t pay less in taxes by accident. Lower lifetime taxes are the result of proactive, multi-year planning. Most Americans save primarily in pre-tax retirement accounts — but remember, those accounts are co-owned with the IRS. How much you ultimately keep depends on the planning you do today. Roth conversions are not one-size-fits-all. Work with a CFP® professional and qualified tax advisor to determine whether this strategy makes sense for your situation. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, share it with someone who could benefit, and leave a review. Remember: A better life is the result of better planning — and better planning includes proactive tax planning.

Retirement isn’t just the closing of one chapter — it’s the opening of another. In this episode, I explore how shifting your mindset from retirement to ReFirement can dramatically improve both your financial outcomes and your overall fulfillment. Rather than viewing retirement as a period of rest and withdrawal, I discuss how intentional planning can turn it into a season of renewed purpose, contribution, and personal growth. You’ll also learn about an increasingly popular early-retirement strategy known as Coast FIRE — and how it may provide more flexibility in your working years than you realize. In This Episode, I Discuss: 🔹 Why the First Year of Retirement Matters How early retirement habits shape the next 25–30 yearsThe emotional and identity shifts that occur after leaving a careerWhy traditional retirement planning often misses the human side of the transition 🔹 ReFirement: A New Vision for Retirement Moving beyond financial capital to focus on Return on Happiness (ROH)Rediscovering passions, purpose, and contributionWhy retirement planning should center on meaning — not just money 🔹 The Three Life-Planning Questions Inspired by George Kinder’s life planning framework, I walk through three powerful exercises designed to uncover what truly matters: What would you do if you were financially free?How would you live if you had 5–10 years left?If today were your last day, what would you regret not doing or becoming? These questions help uncover untapped aspirations and align your financial plan with your deepest values. 🔹 Coast FIRE Explained What FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) really meansHow Coast FIRE differs from extreme early retirement strategiesWhen you’ve saved enough to let compound growth “do the heavy lifting”How Coast FIRE can allow for reduced hours, career pivots, or sabbaticalsThe financial and psychological risks to consider Key Takeaways Retirement should be designed — not drifted into.Financial planning without life planning is incomplete.Accumulated retirement savings may already provide more flexibility than you realize.A better life is the result of better planning. Resources Mentioned George Kinder – Life Planning & EVOKE® ProcessThe Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie WareMr. Money Mustache (FIRE movement) If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone planning for retirement or considering a more flexible financial future. Remember: you only get one life. Plan accordingly.