Retirement Decoded Podcast

  In this episode, Val dives into an important retirement question: Should she convert her traditional 401(k) into a Roth account? We explore the ins and outs of Roth conversions, discussing the potential tax implications, long-term benefits, and how to determine if this strategy fits into her overall financial plan. Tune in as we break down when a Roth conversion makes sense and what factors to c...

In this episode, Connie has three important questions on her mind: Should she invest in CDs? What should she consider about her 21-year-old child taking a break from college? And is it the right time for her to open an IRA? We’ll dive into how CDs can fit into a savings strategy, how to financially support a child making big life decisions, and the benefits of starting or contributing to an IRA. I...

In this episode, Laura asks whether she and her husband, both still working at ages 55 and 60, need a financial planner. We’ll discuss the benefits of working with a financial planner at this stage of life, including retirement planning, investment strategies, tax efficiency, and ensuring they’re on track to meet their long-term financial goals. If you’re in a similar situation, this episode will...

In this episode, Betsy asks about navigating medical expenses while still working past age 65. We’ll break down how Medicare interacts with employer health coverage, what options are available for covering medical costs, and how to decide whether to enroll in Medicare or keep your work-based plan. If you’re balancing healthcare decisions while continuing to work, this episode offers insights into...

In this episode, Lucretia asks about Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and how they can help reduce her federal income taxes. We’ll explain what QCDs are, how they work, and who is eligible to take advantage of them. We’ll also discuss the tax benefits of using QCDs to donate directly from retirement accounts, especially for those taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). If you're loo...

  In today’s episode, Linda asks whether she should file for Social Security at age 63 or hold off until 67 or even 70 by working part-time and drawing 3% per year from her investments. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of filing early versus delaying, discuss how working part-time and investment withdrawals can bridge the income gap, and explore the potential long-term benefits of maximizing Social S...

In this episode, we dive into a listener question from Guy, who’s wondering if future inflation could make it beneficial to delay his Social Security retirement benefits. We’ll explore the factors that influence Social Security payouts, such as cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), inflation trends, and the benefits of deferring Social Security to increase monthly payments. Join us as we break down h...

In this episode, Patricia shares that 70% of her retirement savings are invested in a 403(b) and a 457(b) plan. We discuss the advantages and potential drawbacks of concentrating such a large portion of her retirement funds in these tax-advantaged accounts. What are the differences between a 403(b) and a 457(b), and how can she optimize her strategy to balance growth and risk? Join us as we explor...

In this episode, Linda seeks advice on how to find a trustworthy fee-only financial planner. We explore what sets fee-only advisors apart from other financial professionals and why working with one can offer greater transparency and impartial advice. We'll walk through the steps Linda—and you—can take to find a qualified advisor, from understanding certifications to searching trusted directories a...

In this episode, we dive into Mary's journey toward retirement and explore her belief that her net worth is sufficient to sustain her golden years. We'll discuss the key factors she considered, including lifestyle expectations, healthcare costs, investment returns, and life expectancy. Is Mary’s confidence in her retirement plan well-founded? Join us as we unpack what it truly means to be financia...