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Think estate planning is only for billionaires? Think again! In this episode of The Retirement Planning Podcast, Darrin McComas and Jason Fox of Evergreen Wealth Advisors break down why every adult over 18 needs an estate plan and how the right documents protect your family from unnecessary stress and probate delays.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The Age 18 Misconception: Why turning 18 legally cuts parents off from medical and financial decisions, making POAs vital. Wills vs. Trusts: How revocable living trusts maintain privacy and bypass 18-month probate court delays. Beneficiary Traps: Why account designations on 401(k)s and IRAs override your will—and why ex-spouses often accidentally inherit assets. Tax & Gifting Myths: The real rules behind the $19,000 annual gift limit and why revocable trusts aren't tax shelters. Actionable Checklist: 3 immediate steps to audit your estate readiness today. Resources & Links: Access our free estate planning guides or schedule a conversation: ewadvisors.com Compliance Disclosure: Content presented in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or personalized investment advice. Darrin McComas and Jason Fox are financial advisors, not licensed attorneys or CPAs. Estate planning laws vary by state; please consult a qualified estate planning attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Episode Description Are you assuming your retirement spending will be a flat line every year? For most retirees, spending actually looks like a "Retirement Smile" that moves through three distinct phases: the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years.  In this episode, host Darrin McComas breaks down how your spending habits change throughout retirement and how to align your assets using the Bucket Plan Framework and Tax-Efficient Funnels.  Learn how to protect your money from market volatility, self-fund potential healthcare costs, and strategically time Roth conversions to avoid tax traps like IRMAA.  Key Takeaways 1. The 3 Seasons of RetirementThe Go-Go Years (Ages ~60–70): Maximum discretionary spending for travel, hobbies, cruises, and active lifestyle goals.  The Slow-Go Years (Mid to Late 70s): A slower pace focused on routines, family, and localized travel, resulting in lower overall discretionary spending.  The No-Go Years (Ages 80+): Spending shifts from lifestyle to healthcare, prescriptions, and support services.  2. The "Retirement Smile" CurveTraditional planning often assumes a flat annual spending line, which doesn't reflect reality.  Spending is typically higher in early retirement, drops during the slow-go years, and rises again late in life due to medical/caregiving costs.   3. The Bucket Plan FrameworkNow Bucket (0–12 Months): Safe, liquid assets designed to cover immediate lifestyle expenses and planned events without worrying about market downturns.  Soon Bucket (5–10 Years): Conservative investments meant to replenish the "Now" bucket and buffer against sequence-of-returns risk.  Later Bucket (10+ Years): Growth-focused assets designed for long-term inflation protection, legacy, and self-funding healthcare or long-term care.   4. Tax Funnels & Roth Conversion TimingBalancing assets across pre-tax, post-tax, and tax-advantaged (Roth) funnels prevents unintended tax bracket jumps, Social Security taxation, or IRMAA surcharges.  Roth Conversion Tip: Executing Roth conversions during the Slow-Go years (when spending and income drop) can allow you to convert IRA funds at lower tax rates.   ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Vacation Recap  00:50 – The 3 Seasons of Retirement: Go-Go, Slow-Go, & No-Go Years  03:40 – Why Flat-Line Assumptions Fail: The "Retirement Smile"  05:10 – Applying the Bucket Plan System (Now, Soon, & Later Buckets)  10:15 – Balancing Risk: Short-Term Safety vs. Long-Term Inflation Risk  13:20 – The 3 Tax Funnels & Avoiding IRMAA Tax Traps  16:15 – When is the Best Time for a Roth Conversion?  18:30 – How to Connect with Evergreen Wealth Advisors & Wrap Up    Resources & Links Schedule a Free Consultation: ewadvisors.com   Subscribe: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more retirement strategies!   Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as individual financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

In this episode of The Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darren McComas and Jason Fox shift their focus from the technical side of retirement to the essential "return on life." They discuss the psychological shifts that occur when leaving a career, the "Peak 65" wave, and practical strategies to build a meaningful, purposeful life after work.1 Key Takeaways: The "Monday Morning Void": Discussing the loss of identity, social connection, routine, and purpose that many face after leaving the workforce.1The Four Phases of Retirement: Insights into the Vacation/Honeymoon phase, the Loss & Slump phase, Trial & Error, and ultimate Reinvention.1Mitigating the "Dip": Strategies for managing the emotional slump that typically occurs one to three years into retirement.1Actionable Strategies for a Successful Rewire:Micro-volunteering: Testing new commitments in areas you are passionate about without immediate long-term pressure.1Identity Audit: Identifying five traits you value about yourself that are independent of your previous job title.1Social Anchors: Scheduling recurring weekly social events (e.g., meeting friends for coffee or the gym) to maintain connection.1Physical Momentum: Prioritizing daily movement to stabilize mental health and cognitive function.1The Financial Foundation: Why the "Bucket Plan" system—maintaining a "Now" (12-month reserve), "Soon" (10-year horizon), and "Long-term" bucket—is the critical framework that provides the peace of mind necessary to focus on your psychological well-being.1Connect with Evergreen Wealth Advisors: Website: ewadvisors.comPhone: 509-740-4183

The Hidden Danger of Sequence of Returns Risk The Retirement Planning Podcast | Season 2, Episode 2 Hosts: Darrin McComas & Jason Fox In this episode, Darrin and Jason tackle the "roller coaster" volatility currently hitting the markets in early 2026. With the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all seeing significant pullbacks due to geopolitical uncertainty and inflation, the hosts explain why your "retirement math" changes the moment you stop saving and start spending. They dive deep into Sequence of Returns Risk—the danger of a market downturn occurring early in retirement—and how the Bucket Plan system acts as a shield for your nest egg. Key Topics & Highlights The 2026 Market Landscape: A review of the "sea of red" across major indices and the impact of the conflict in Iran on oil and manufacturing costs.Stagflation and "Quad 3": Using the Hedgeye framework to explain why the current environment of high inflation and slowing growth creates a "choppy" market that drives investors nuts.The Math of Sequence Risk: A side-by-side comparison of "Mrs. Happy" and "Mr. Unhappy". Despite both averaging a 6% return over 10 years, the order of those returns results in a wealth gap of over $1.1 million.The RMD Trap: Why being forced to take Required Minimum Distributions at age 73 or 75 can permanently "lock in" losses if you haven't planned for market dips.Strategic Defense: The Bucket Plan System To mitigate Sequence of Returns Risk, the hosts break down the three-bucket approach: The NOW Bucket: Safe, liquid money (cash, CDs, money markets) to cover emergencies and planned expenses for the first year or two so you don't have to sell stocks when they are down.The SOON Bucket: Conservatively invested assets (using tools like buffered ETFs or fixed indexed annuities) designed to bridge the gap for years 2 through 10.The LATER Bucket: Assets held for long-term growth (10+ years) that can afford to ride the market's "roller coaster" because they aren't needed for immediate income.Connect with Evergreen Wealth Advisors Website: EWAdvisors.comComplimentary Strategy Session: Book a call to evaluate your specific risk tolerance and tax profile.Expert Insight: "It’s not a matter of if volatility shows up during your retirement; it’s when. Are you in a good position before it happens, or are you on your heels trying to react?" — Darrin McComas Sources & Tools Cited https://www.google.com/search?q=Hedgeye.com: Source for the Quad Map economic forecasting tool.IRS Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Tables: For updated ages (73 and 75) based on birth year.Historical Market Benchmarks: Analysis of the 2008 financial crisis and the "Lost Decade" (2000–2010).

S2E1: 2026 Retirement Strategies - Moving Beyond Cookie-Cutter Portfolios Episode Overview As we head into 2026, the financial landscape is shifting. With market pundits split between "Dow 60,000" and "market crash" predictions, the "set it and forget it" strategies of the past are being put to the test. In this season premiere, Darrin and Jason discuss why traditional portfolio models—like the classic 60/40—may no longer be sufficient for those entering or currently in retirement. The team dives into recent industry shifts, including a major Vanguard report suggesting a flip to a more conservative 40/60 model for retirees. They also break down the Bucket Plan® philosophy—a strategy designed to manage sequence of returns risk and provide peace of mind regardless of market volatility. Key Discussion Points The Vanguard Shift: Why Vanguard's head of portfolio construction is moving toward a 40% stock / 60% bond weighting for specific retirement scenarios.Sequence of Returns Risk: How market volatility in the early years of retirement can devastate a portfolio when you are forced to sell assets in a down market.The Bucket Plan® System: A deep dive into segmenting assets by time horizon:Now Bucket: Safe, liquid cash for the next 12 months of income and emergencies.Soon Bucket: Conservative growth for years 1–10, accounting for RMDs and taxes.Later Bucket: Long-term growth assets (10+ year horizon) to outpace inflation.The Three Tax Funnels: Understanding the critical difference between Pre-Tax (IRA/401k), Post-Tax (Brokerage), and Tax-Advantaged (Roth/HSA) accounts.The "Trinity" of Investing: Why no single product can simultaneously provide high returns, full liquidity, and zero risk.00:00 – 2026 Retirement Outlook: Market Highs & Volatility 01:51 – Why the Traditional 60/40 Portfolio is Shifting 03:45 – Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk in Retirement 06:00 – The Bucket Plan®: A Strategic Framework for Income 07:13 – The "Now" Bucket: Liquid Cash & Emergency Funds 07:44 – The "Soon" Bucket: Planning for RMDs and Taxes 10:04 – The "Later" Bucket: Long-Term Growth & Market Recovery 12:15 – Vanguard’s New 40/60 Call for Retirees 14:02 – The Hidden Danger of Bond Market Declines 17:42 – Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Strategies 19:25 – Is Your 401(k) Target Date Fund Actually De-risking? 23:45 – The Investment Trinity: Risk, Return, and Liquidity 26:45 – The Three Tax Funnels: Optimizing Your Net Income 28:30 – Holistic Wealth Management vs. "Winging It" Featured Resources Vanguard Article: Vanguard - Why we are underweight in stocksThe Bucket Plan®: Download our free white paper, The Bucket Plan Philosophy, to learn how we structure assets for a worry-free retirement.Prosperity Capital Advisors: Learn more about our partnership with Prosperity Capital Advisors, which provides us with national-scale resources and the Bucket Plan methodology.Take the Next Step If you are entering 2026 without a proactive income or tax plan, don't "wing it." Schedule a complimentary strategy session with our Spokane-based team to see if our holistic approach is right for you. Visit us at: www.ewadvisors.com Call our office: 509-740-4183

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox are joined by Kirsten Schlumbohm from C2P, to discuss the pressing topic of long-term care insurance. The conversation covers the high likelihood of needing long-term care, the evolution of insurance policies to provide better options than in the past, and the importance of planning and protecting oneself and family from the financial and emotional burden of long-term care. Kirsten shares personal stories and statistics, emphasizing the necessity of having a plan in place and debunking common myths, such as the misconception that Medicare will cover long-term care costs. The episode highlights the value of holistic wealth management and the importance of addressing long-term care as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:46 Introduction of Hosts and Special Guest 01:19 Debunking Myths About Long-Term Care 04:16 The Evolution of Long-Term Care Policies 07:55 The Financial Burden of Long-Term Care 13:13 Medicare and Medicaid Misconceptions 18:19 The Importance of Planning Ahead 22:22 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts 29:05 Podcast Outro and Disclaimers Sources: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html#increased-demand https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html#cost-of-long-term-care https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need https://investor.genworth.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1030/long-term-care-costs-increase-in-washington-exceeding

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, host Darrin McComas, along with Jason Fox, explores crucial aspects of retirement planning with a focus on capital gains tax opportunities introduced by 'The One Big Beautiful Bill.' They discuss various tax funnels, emphasizing the benefits of Roth conversions and strategic portfolio liquidation. The episode includes detailed examples, explaining how retirees can leverage current tax laws to maximize their financial gains. Listeners are provided with actionable insights on how to utilize available deductions and opportunities to minimize their tax liabilities effectively. The hosts also offer free resources and consultations to help the audience better navigate their financial planning.  To download your free guide to the One Big Beautiful Bill please go to our website: www.ewadvisors.com/guides 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:47 Introduction to Today's Episode 00:58 Understanding Capital Gains Tax Opportunities 01:34 Exploring Tax Funnels 02:52 Deep Dive into the Post-Tax Funnel 04:48 Capital Gains Harvesting Example 09:07 Strategic Portfolio Liquidation Example 13:12 The Importance of Proactive Tax Planning 16:37 Free Resources and Final Thoughts 18:44 Podcast Disclaimer and Legal Information

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox celebrate Life Insurance Awareness Month by discussing the vital aspects of life insurance with Stoyan Petev, VP of Advanced Markets at C2P. The episode delves into the differences between term and cash value life insurance, alongside detailed explanations of living benefits, tax advantages, and effective financial planning tools. Real-world case studies are examined to highlight the applications and benefits of integrating life insurance into a holistic financial plan. This episode is packed with thoughtful insights, practical tips, and strategies designed to help listeners build and preserve wealth while ensuring their loved ones are protected financially. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:47 Introduction of Hosts and Special Guests 02:24 Understanding Life Insurance: Term vs. Cash Value 05:42 Tax Benefits and Living Benefits of Life Insurance 09:17 Holistic Financial Planning and Life Insurance 14:48 Case Studies: Real-Life Applications of Life Insurance 15:06 Myths and Misconceptions About Life Insurance 38:03 Final Thoughts and Conclusion This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risks. Guest opinions are their own. Consult a professional before making financial decisions.

OBBB: Maximizing Tax Efficiency for Retirement with Roth Conversions and More In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox offer expert insights into optimizing retirement planning with a focus on Roth conversion strategies. They discuss important concepts like the different tax treatment of various income sources and illustrate how Roth conversions can preserve wealth while minimizing tax burdens. Real-life examples highlight the impact of tax-efficient strategies, including bracket-topping and aggressive Roth conversion sprints, as well as the benefits of using life insurance as an IRA replacement. They also emphasize the importance of proactive tax planning to protect both oneself and one's spouse from significant tax liabilities in retirement. Join the conversation to explore actionable tips for a secure financial future. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:46 Introduction to Today's Episode 01:10 Understanding Roth Conversion Strategies 02:06 Tax Funnels Explained 05:39 The Importance of Tax Efficiency in Retirement 06:36 Proactive Tax Planning 13:59 Roth Conversion Examples 22:25 Life Insurance as an IRA Replacement 25:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox are joined by social security expert Heather Schreiber (IRMAACP™, RICP®, NSSA®). They discuss the complexities of retirement planning, including investment strategies, risk management, and maximizing social security benefits. Heather shares insights on changes in social security laws, common misconceptions, and the importance of optimizing benefits rather than simply maximizing them. The episode also covers key considerations for spousal and survivor benefits, tax implications of early social security claiming, and the impact of legislative changes on retirement planning. Heather emphasizes the need for personalized financial advice and the risks associated with relying solely on social security for retirement income. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:47 Meet Your Hosts and Special Guest 01:16 Heather Schreiber's Expertise in Retirement Income Planning 03:33 Understanding Social Security Benefits 07:23 Common Mistakes in Social Security Planning 12:32 Claiming Strategies for Near-Retirees 17:27 The Tax Implications of Social Security 21:06 Understanding the Senior Deduction and Provisional Income 23:49 Impact of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) on Taxes 26:11 Navigating Spousal and Survivor Benefits 34:08 Addressing Social Security Insolvency Concerns 39:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risks. Guest opinions are their own. Consult a professional before making financial decisions.

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox welcome Jason Smith, CEO of Prosperity Capital Advisors and author of 'The Bucket Plan'. Jason shares his journey of founding Prosperity Capital Advisors and developing the Bucket Plan, a holistic wealth management process. He discusses the significance of integrating financial, tax, legal, and insurance planning into a comprehensive retirement strategy. Jason elaborates on the three-phase money cycle of accumulation, preservation, and distribution, and emphasizes the importance of 'bucketing' assets to manage risks such as market and sequence of returns risk. He also highlights the critical role of tax planning and the tax trilogy in preserving wealth. Jason shares a poignant story about how proper planning can provide peace of mind and financial security, particularly for surviving spouses. The episode underscores the necessity of a coordinated, holistic approach to ensure a secure and well-planned retirement. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:52 Introducing Our Special Guest: Jason Smith 01:16 The Birth of Prosperity Capital Advisors 04:50 The Bucket Plan: Simplifying Financial Planning 10:31 Understanding Financial Risks and the Preservation Phase 17:41 The Importance of Holistic Wealth Management 20:44 The Tax Trilogy: A Comprehensive Approach 27:11 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 29:32 Closing Remarks and Disclaimers This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risks. Guest opinions are their own. Consult a professional before making financial decisions.

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Retirement Planning Podcast with your hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox. In this episode, we dive into the new 'One Big Beautiful Bill' (O Triple B) act signed by President Trump, which makes the tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. We discuss how this crucial change provides a generational opportunity for proactive tax planning. Key highlights include examining historical tax rates, understanding new deductions and credits, especially for seniors, and the importance of being proactive in your financial planning. Learn how to maximize your tax benefits and protect your investments under the new law. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 00:35 Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill (O Triple B) 03:49 Tax Brackets and Historical Comparisons 07:27 Long-Term Capital Gains and Planning Opportunities 10:20 New Deductions and Credits 12:11 Senior Deduction and Tax Planning Strategies 17:15 Future Tax Risks and Proactive Planning 24:51 Conclusion and Call to Action This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risks. Guest opinions are their own. Consult a professional before making financial decisions.

Retirement Planning Insights with guest Tom Hegna, CLU, ChFC, CASL: The Myths, Risks, and Solutions and How to Retire "Happy" In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox welcome special guest Tom Hegna, a bestselling author and host of CNBC’s “Financial Freedom with Tom Hegna.” Tom discusses common misconceptions about retirement planning, emphasizing that it's not just about achieving a financial number but about ensuring increasing income and managing risks. He shares insights from his new show, sheds light on the importance of incorporating annuities and life insurance into retirement portfolios, and offers advice on minimizing taxes and preparing for long-term care. The episode underscores the invaluable role of financial professionals in crafting a secure retirement plan. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:40 Common Misconceptions About Retirement 02:21 The Reality of Retirement Spending 03:57 Insights from Financial Freedom Show 04:45 Protecting Wealth and Asset Protection Strategies 09:17 The 60/40 Portfolio Debate 12:55 Tax Considerations for Retirement 18:25 Longevity Risk and Annuities 22:01 Planning for Long-Term Care 23:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Tom Hegna:  Website: https://tomhegna.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhegna/ Don't Worry, Retire Happy!: https://www.amazon.com/Worry-Retire-Retirement-Security-2014-05-03/dp/B01FKTJKOW Book a FREE consultation call with Darrin McComas and we will ship you a copy of Tom Hegna's book, "Don't Worry, Retire Happy" absolutely free of charge.  Click here to book your consultation call: https://www.ewadvisors.com/ Tom Hegna is not a client, nor should his appearance in this advertisement be construed as an endorsement of Darrin McComas, Jason Fox or Evergreen Wealth Advisors LLC.  The information and opinions contained are provided by third parties and have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. They are given for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the needs of an individual's situation.

In episode 10 of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox delve into the topic of risk in retirement portfolios. They discuss the importance of understanding the amount of risk you're taking on, how much risk you should be taking, and aligning it with the current market environment. The hosts share personal updates and emphasize the significance of shifting from an accumulation mindset to a decumulation strategy upon retirement. They explain tools like Nitrogen (formerly known as Riskalyze) to quantify risk and provide actionable steps to avoid common pitfalls such as sequence of returns risk. The episode also highlights the Bucket Plan System as a method for creating a well-diversified, holistic retirement plan that mitigates risk and enhances financial security. Listeners are invited to get a free risk analysis and a copy of Jason Smith’s book, "The Bucket Plan", by visiting their website, www.ewadvisors.com.

Episode 9: The Importance of Dedicated and Ongoing Service in Financial Planning In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox discuss the vital role of dedicated and ongoing service in financial planning. They start with personal updates, then outline their comprehensive four-step planning process: Discover, Design, Delivery, and Dedicated Service. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of continuous plan monitoring and adjustments to accommodate life changes, market volatility, and client goals. The hosts also share insights into estate planning, avoiding probate, and the advantages of using eMoney software for real-time financial data. They stress the importance of patience and proactive planning to navigate uncertain financial landscapes, concluding with a reminder for listeners to engage with them via social media and their website.