Winning in Retirement

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Winning in Retirement Brian and Jeff Akers discuss ways parents and grandparents can help fund children’s and grandchildren’s education. They cover 529 plans, Maryland-specific benefits, options for unused funds, and other legacy-planning strategies.

Send us Fan Mail Brian and Noah Akers explain their personalized “financial fingerprint” approach: organize your complete financial picture, build healthy money habits, and create and regularly review an investment plan tailored to your goals.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Winning in Retirement , Brian Akers and Alex Monk explain how AKERS Financial builds and manages its AFG Select portfolios. They discuss planning-led investing, diversification, tax efficiency, retirement income, and why they favor tailored portfolios over one-size-fits-all strategies.

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Winning in Retirement , Brian Akers and Jeff Akers tackle the question: “Are you retirement ready?” They walk listeners through both the numbers side (financial independence, cash flow, debt-free living, tax planning, Roth conversions, and pension/Social Security choices) and the emotional side of retiring (having a purpose, planning your “next step,” and not re...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Winning in Retirement , Brian Akers and Sam Payne break down “Six Smart Social Security Strategies” to help retirees and pre-retirees make better claiming decisions. They explain recent changes like the Fairness Act eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, discuss the projected 2032 Social Security trust fund shortfall, and w...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Winning in Retirement , Brian Akers and Alex Monk break down smart portfolio design —how to treat all your accounts as one coordinated plan instead of random investments. They dig into why your “why” matters, how tax brackets, time horizon, and account type should drive your allocation, and why stocks often belong in your portfolio at every age when matched to t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Winning in Retirement , Brian Akers and Jeff Akers explain how to build a personalized financial plan using your unique “financial fingerprint” —your income, accounts, titling, and goals. They show how advisors turn scattered statements, pensions, 401(k)s, annuities, and tax issues into a clear written plan and to‑do list, then refine it over time through ongoin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Winning in Retirement , Brian Akers and Nick Molite tackle the most common questions people ask when they first meet with a financial advisor: “How are we doing?” , “Where do I start?” , “Can I retire?” , and “Where will my retirement income come from?” They walk through AKERS Financial Group’s “unique financial fingerprint” approach, the importance of cash flow...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Alex Monk discuss strategies for "Never Pay Taxes Again" through Roth IRAs and Roth conversions. They highlight the benefits of Roth IRAs, including tax-free growth and withdrawals, and the flexibility to access contributions at any age. They emphasize the importance of proper tax planning, especially during market volatility, to maximize tax efficiency....

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Winning in Retirement with Brian Akers and Alex Monk explains how to legally reduce lifetime taxes using Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and Roth conversions so you can “pay tax now and never again” on that money. You contrast traditional pre-tax 401(k)/IRA strategies with Roth strategies, showing how over-reliance on pre-tax accounts can lead to higher future tax bracket...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Jeff Akers, both certified financial planners, discuss the pros and cons of various annuities in their show "Winning in Retirement." They highlight the importance of financial planning and understanding annuity contracts. They like fixed annuities for their guaranteed returns and fixed indexed annuities for their potential growth linked to stock market in...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Alex Monk discuss the concept of "One More Year" in retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of financial preparation. They share a client story about George and Jane Jetson, who needed one more year to finalize their retirement plans, including paying off debt and optimizing cash flow. Brian highlights the necessity of having a budget, spending pl...

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Paul Franco discuss the importance of Roth IRAs for retirement planning. They highlight three core principles: eligibility, timing, and qualified withdrawals. Eligibility requires earned income, and contributions are capped at $7,500 annually for those under 50 and $8,600 for those over 50. Timing is crucial, as contributions should be made when tax rates are low....

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Alex Monk from Akers Financial Group discuss the concept of financial independence, likening it to the U.S. Independence Day. They emphasize the importance of financial planning to achieve this state, where individuals can retire on their terms without financial stress. They highlight the need for a comprehensive financial plan, including understanding one's f...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Samuel Huff discuss the new Trump accounts for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, which offer a $1,000 government contribution. Samuel, who set up the first Trump account at AKERS Financial Group, explains the process, including filing Form 4547 with tax returns. The accounts are managed by Robinhood and invested in low-cost index funds....

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Alex Monk discuss strategies for minimizing taxes in retirement through Roth IRAs and Roth conversions. They emphasize the benefits of paying taxes now to avoid future tax burdens, highlighting that Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth and withdrawals. They note that Roth conversions can help reduce Medicare premiums and IRMAA levels. The conversation also covers the im...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Nick Molite discuss the importance of investing cash effectively. They emphasize the concept of "cash flow is king" and the need for a balanced approach to managing liquid assets. They introduce a case study about Fred and Wilma, a couple nearing retirement with significant savings but no stock market exposure. Nick explains the rule of 72, highlighting t...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and his son Noah, both financial advisors at Akers Financial Group, discuss the importance of retirement planning. They emphasize starting early, such as contributing to a 401(k) at age 21, to benefit from compounding. They explain the differences between pre-tax and Roth contributions, noting that Roth is better for younger individuals due to its tax-free growth. They...

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Jeff Akers, certified financial planners, discuss healthcare options for early retirees. They emphasize the importance of planning healthcare decisions before age 65, when Medicare eligibility begins. Jeff explains that Medicare is primary coverage for those working at small companies, while large companies' health insurance remains primary. They detail option...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Paul Franco discuss the importance of financial planning, emphasizing that everyone needs it. They highlight the concept of "you don't know what you don't know" and provide examples like the misconception that taxes will be lower in retirement. They stress the significance of a personalized financial plan, termed a "financial fingerprint,&q...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Alex Monk discuss portfolio design for retirement planning on their radio show. They emphasize the importance of starting early, with Alex noting that most people in their 30s don't think about retirement. They stress the need for a comprehensive financial plan, including tax efficiency and risk management. Brian highlights the significance of understanding ne...

Send us Fan Mail Brian AKERS, CFP, and his son Noah AKERS, a financial advisor, discuss the importance of parental financial advice on their radio show. Brian shares how his mother's influence led him to a career in financial planning, emphasizing the value of work ethic and confidence. Noah reflects on his own journey, highlighting the significance of small, consistent actions and the impact...

Send us Fan Mail Brian Akers and Paul Franco from Akers Financial Group discuss strategies for creating income in retirement. They emphasize the importance of financial independence and planning for unexpected events like job loss. They highlight the need for a balanced approach to retirement income, including guaranteed sources like Social Security, pensions, and annuities. They stress the signif...