Dolphin Financial Radio

CD rates haven't been this high since almost 20 years ago. Is now the time to lock up these relatively high interest rates? If so, how long should a person lock in a CD rate - 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years? What about 100 years!? Does the decision change if you are close to or already in retirement?

Can you take a Required Minimum Distribution, pay the taxes, and convert that amount into an IRA? Does the 5-Year Rule apply to Roth conversions and does a new 5-year period start each time you make a conversion? In this show we answer both of these very common (and misunderstood) questions.

Claiming Social Security early is often the WRONG financial strategy. But what if that is what your "financial advisor" has recommended? New research suggests that this advice may actually not be in YOUR best interests, but in the best interest of the advisor. Listen in as we discuss the bias that some financial people have when it comes to guiding people on Social Security.

Want your beneficiaries to avoid paying big legal fees and/or major taxes to the IRS? Then you need to avoid some very common estate planning mistakes. In this show we discuss a real-life example of how a simple oversight can lead to major lawyer fees and taxes that could have been avoided.

What happens if your existing long term care policy price does up? Do you pay the price increase, or adjust the benefits to keep the policy affordable? In this show we review a real-life example of a client who is facing a potential 189% price increase for his existing LTC policy.

A successful retirement is about increasing income and reducing stress. In this show we review the top stresses faced in retirement and how to decrease or eliminate them.

In Part Three of this three part series, we explore how a needy family member can be one of the top threats to a successful retirement plan. This third "punch to the mouth" is often difficult to deal with because it's family! What do you do if you have an aging parent or adult child that needs financial assistance?

In Part Two of this three part series, we explore how a health crisis is one of the top threats to a successful retirement plan. This second "punch to the mouth" is often difficult to deal with because not many people truly want to address or talk about it. In each part of this series, we will identify the retirement planning threat, provide examples, and offer solutions.

In Part One of this three part series, we explore how market crashes are one of the top threats to a successful retirement plan. This first "punch to the mouth" is perhaps the most widely known and easiest to prevent. In each part of this series, we will identify the retirement planning threat, provide examples, and offer solutions. Tune in to learn how to dodge the punches that come you...

Losing a spouse can be difficult emotionally, but also financially. On top of the financial turmoil comes TAXES. In this show we discuss the specific tax problems that widow(er)s face when they lose a loved one. If you want to prepare for a potential tax situation or have recently lost a spouse, watch this show.

If your spouse filed for Social Security before their full retirement age, your benefit may be impacted. This is known as the he Social Security "Widow(er)'s Limit." (Retirement Insurance Benefit Limit or RIB-LIM). In this show we talk about how survivors are impacted when their spouse (or ex-spouse) claimed benefits early.

Retirees are being targeted every day by scammers trying to steal their hard earned retirement money. The rise in online scams and financial theft is staggering as more and more people fall victim to these highly convincing tactics. In this show we talk about the types of scams and the red flags to watch out for.

78% of nearly retired people failed a basic quiz on Social Security. In this show we review each of the 13 questions and explain the answers. Make sure you know these answers - don't be one of the many people who don't understand basic Social Security rules and details!

If you have millions in the bank, should you continue to work at age 80? In this show we talk about Eric Idle of Monty Python fame and how he is still working at age 80 to meet his financial obligations.

When you lose a loved one, there are often many loose ends to deal with. Many often wish their loved one left certain pieces of information to make life a bit easier. Having a Will and final wishes is useful, but what about the less obvious things like account numbers, passwords, or where the gold was buried? In this show we talk about the things that are useful to write down before you die.

Believe it or not, some people are forced to retire. Not everyone wants to retire, and many more are working into their 70s. Yet, in some cases the U.S. law forces you to call it quits. In this show we discuss where is this still applicable and whether or not people should be forced to retire.

The IRS has released a new method to ward off tax ID theft. There has been a growing problem of criminals filing tax refunds of unsuspecting citizens and pocketing the money. In the past, the IRS instituted a system to prevent repeat offenses. However, now the IRS is offering that same level of defense to all.

Dan & Tony head to Nashville, TN to talk country music and financial lessons. In this show we discuss quotes from music icon Dolly Parton. Will you have to keep working 9 to 5 forever?

Some States still tax Social Security and other retirement income. What happens if you retire in a State that doesn't tax retirement income or pensions? Does it make sense to move in retirement for a more favorable tax situation? What can we learn about taxes from the Shohei Ohtani blockbuster baseball contract with the LA Dodgers?

Where do the most centenarians live and what are they doing that lets them live so long? In this show we discuss the concept of Blue Zones, which reveals the areas of the globe where people are living long and health lives. What doe these people have in common and how should you change your financial plans to be more like them?

In which state will one million dollars last the longest for a 65 year old? According to recent analysis from GoBankingRates, it could be gone in 10 years or 22 years, depending on where you live! Listen in as we reveal where money will last the longest and also explain why this type of analysis really misses the boat when it comes to retirement planning.

Investing can be tricky in general. How does a decreasing interest rate environment impact investing? Where should you be putting your money when interest rates are falling?

Classic Christmas holiday movies are fun to watch and offer powerful life lessons. Are any of these lessons financial or retirement focused? In this show we explore the financial lessons learned from Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

What is a lifetime income rider? (also known as an LIBR, GMIB, GLWB, GMWB) These added features on variable and indexed annuities can be confusing and often misunderstood. In this show we discuss these riders and why you may want to avoid them.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). What are they, and what are the new rules surrounding these IRS restrictions on retirement savings? In this show we go through an extensive FAQ on the rules and changes to this unpopular part of the tax code.