The Wise Money Show™

Are you ever truly financially ready to have kids? In this Wise Money bonus episode, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ Mike Bernard and Amy Masters discuss the financial realities of starting and growing a family, from budgeting and childcare to long-term planning and unexpected expenses. Learn practical strategies to help build a strong financial foundation, adjust your cash flow, and stay on track w...

IRMAA planning is an important part of retirement planning because even a small increase in income can trigger significantly higher Medicare premiums. In this episode of Wise Money, we explain how IRMAA works, why Medicare surcharges catch so many retirees by surprise, and the strategies that may help you reduce or avoid those extra costs. From Roth conversions and retirement withdrawals to proper...

Social Security changes may be coming sooner than many retirees expect. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we explain what Social Security insolvency really means, the latest projections, and the potential changes that could impact your retirement income. We also share practical ways to stress-test your plan, prepare for potential benefit reductions, and build more confidence in your retireme...

529 plans keep evolving, and the latest rule changes could impact how you save and spend for education. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we answer listener questions about new 529 plan flexibility, including K-12 usage and the 529-to-Roth opportunity. We also tackle a common retirement challenge of how to buy or build a new home before selling your current one. Plus, we share what to look f...

Retirement planning in 2026 looks different than what it did for previous generations, and that means your strategy may need to change, too. In this episode of Wise Money, we walk through five key adjustments that can help you prepare for retirement in a more volatile, uncertain, and complex world. From stress testing your plan and building a clear investment defense strategy to creating tax diver...

If you're planning to retire before Medicare, choosing the right health insurance strategy is critical. In this Wise Money bonus episode, Ben Bulgrien helps us break down the key differences between COBRA and Healthcare.gov plans, including recent changes impacting costs in 2026. Learn how income, timing, travel, and tax planning all influence the best decision for early retirees. Plus, learn comm...

Before you file your taxes, make a few decisions that could impact your financial future. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we walk through the must-answer tax questions, five last-minute moves to consider before April 15, and the biggest 2026 tax planning trends. We'll cover strategies involving HSAs, IRAs, Roth contributions, estimated taxes, and planning opportunities that could help redu...

Thinking about turning your current home into a rental property? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the four laws of rental real estate and explain what it really takes to succeed as a landlord. You'll learn the key risks of owning rental property, including the need for know-how, time, cash reserves, and the ability to handle confrontation. We also cover important tax, insuranc...

Are you leaving thousands on the table because you think certain tax breaks are off-limits for your family? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we dive into three high-impact tax strategies that sound almost too good to be true. From a "secret" HSA hack for parents of adult children to the powerful Mega Backdoor Roth, we're breaking down the rules you need to know to optimize your 2026 tax yea...

Are you planning to leave an inheritance for your kids or grandkids? New tax rules have opened the door to smarter, more tax-efficient ways to transfer wealth during your lifetime instead. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down three powerful strategies, including the new 530A accounts, 529-to-Roth transfers, and the annual gift tax exclusion. Learn how these tools could help you le...

Budgeting is not just for people starting out. In this Wise Money bonus episode, we are joined by Ben Chambers and explain why budgeting still matters at every income level, even for high earners and high-net-worth families. Learn how your budgeting approach should evolve as your income grows and how the 3 Bank Account System can help you stay organized and intentional with your money. Download ou...

If you're approaching retirement and feeling nervous about the stock market, you're not alone. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we tackle a real question from a soon-to-be retiree who wants growth but is afraid of losing money. The team explains why your investment strategy should start with a retirement plan, not a stock pick, and how your income sources, risk tolerance, and long-term goal...

Are your finances truly working together, or are you unknowingly creating tradeoffs? In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the six areas of your financial life and the warning signs that they may not be integrated. From tax supplies and investment missteps to outdated insurance and estate plan gaps, we show you how small disconnects can create big problems for your financial plan.  Season 1...

Small mistakes early in retirement can quietly derail even the best financial plan. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we share five of the most common early retirement mistakes that can impact your taxes, withdrawal strategy, investment plan, healthcare costs, and long-term income. Learn how to avoid these traps and keep your retirement on track with a sustainable financial plan and proactiv...

Is age 65 still the right retirement age, or has that idea become outdated? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the key retirement milestones like 55, 59.5, 62, 65, 67, and 70 and explain how Medicare, Social Security, 401(k) access, and healthcare costs all impact your decision. More importantly, we walk through the five factors that truly determine when you can retire with conf...

Taxes in retirement could be one of your largest expenses, especially if most of your savings are in pre-tax accounts. In this bonus episode of Wise Money, we are joined by Matt Hoke to break down practical strategies to reduce taxes on Social Security, RMDs, and even avoid costly IRMAA surcharges.  Download our FREE 5-Factor Retirement guide: https://wisemoneyguides.com/   Schedule a meeting with...

Target date funds are one of the most popular investment options inside a 401(k), but are they actually the right choice for your retirement plan? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down how target date funds work, when they make sense, and when building your own diversified portfolio may be the smarter move. We also answer a fan question about choosing a later retirement date to tak...

Before you file your taxes, there are critical financial planning moves you need to understand. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the most important tax law changes for 2025 and 2026, including SALT cap updates, senior deductions, child tax credits, and new retirement rules. This isn't about getting a bigger refund; it's about using proactive tax planning to pay less tax over y...

After a powerful run in the markets, many investors are asking whether the stock market is too hot and what that means for their portfolio. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down recent market performance, valuations, volatility, and the key forces driving stocks today, including AI, interest rates, and global diversification. You'll learn how to think about risk, rebalancing, and s...

Financial planning with 529 plans has changed in a big way. What was once just a college savings tool can now become a powerful strategy for long-term, tax-free retirement wealth when used correctly. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the new 529-to-Roth IRA rules, who this strategy works for, and the key pitfalls to avoid. Learn how this little-known opportunity could potential...

If you're 50 years old, how do you decide whether to max out your 401(k), Roth IRA, or HSA? The right answer depends on more than just tax benefits; it requires looking at all six areas of your financial life. In this bonus episode, we break down the risks, trade-offs, and planning considerations to help you make the wisest move for your retirement and tax strategy. Download our FREE 5-Factor Reti...

As the year gets underway, we're answering the seven financial questions people ask us most, covering investing, retirement, taxes, Roth strategies, and Social Security. These are the same questions that come up in almost every planning meeting, regardless of where you are in your financial journey. In this episode of Wise Money, we'll walk through how to think about each one and why the answers a...

As a new year begins, many financial resolutions start strong but fade quickly without a clear plan. In this episode of Wise Money, we break down five financial resolutions that actually create lasting progress, not just good intentions. From building a sustainable cash flow system to improving savings, tax strategy, protection, and long-term planning, we show how small, intentional steps can lead...

Most people think financial stress is about income, but it's usually a broken cash flow system. In this episode of Wise Money, we walk through the three-bank account cash flow operating system that helps create stability, reduce stress, and build real financial confidence. You'll learn how to properly manage monthly expenses, plan ahead for non-monthly costs, and stop getting blindsided by predict...

Are you planning to retire in 2026? In this episode of Wise Money, we cover the most important decisions to make in the final stretch before retirement. Learn how to stress-test your plan, align your income and investments, and coordinate taxes, Social Security, and healthcare so you can transition into retirement with clarity and confidence.  Season 11, Episode 18 Download our FREE 5-Factor Retir...