Joe Knows Retirement

One of the biggest fears in retirement is, "Will my spouse be okay if something happens to me?" This video breaks down 5 must-know retirement strategies to make sure your spouse is financially secure no matter what happens. From choosing the right advisor team to minimizing the widow's penalty, these steps can save your family hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of stress.   Are you interes...

Are you thinking about doing a Roth conversion but wondering "How much should I convert?" or "Should I stop at the 12% bracket?" If you've got a pension, $1M+ saved, and Midwestern values when it comes to saving and spending, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in retirement tax planning the idea that staying in the...

Are you truly ready for retirement or just hoping you are? In this video, Joe walks through 10 critical checklist items that every pension holder needs to review before taking the leap into retirement. Whether you're a teacher, public employee, or corporate retiree, this guide will help you understand how to protect your income, minimize taxes, and create a fulfilling retirement plan tailored to y...

Many people assume they have to work until 65 just to afford health insurance or avoid running out of money. But if you've got a pension and at least $1 million saved, you may be in a much better spot than you think.   Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for your financial future? If so, you can apply at  https://peakretirementplanning.com/schedule-a-meeting/   🎥 Sub...

If you have a pension and $1 Million+ saved, you're in the 2% of retirees facing the toughest tax problems in retirement. Most advisors never talk about this… but if you don't plan right, you could lose hundreds of thousands to Uncle Sam. Don't assume what works for the average retiree will work for you. If you're in this small group, your plan needs to be different.   Are you interested in applyi...

Deciding between a lump sum pension or monthly payments is one of the biggest financial choices you'll ever make and once you decide, there's no going back. In this video, you'll discover the 5 critical questions you must ask before choosing. We'll also walk through a real-life example comparing a $2.4 million lump sum vs a $201,000 annual pension so you can see exactly how the math plays out. Whe...

Thinking about doing Roth conversions on your own, especially with a pension? It can be tricky without software, but knowing what to watch for makes all the difference. In this video, we break down the 7 most essential things DIYers need to consider before tackling Roth conversions.   Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for your financial future? If so, you can apply...

We've worked with hundreds of successful retirees, many with pensions and over a million saved, and one thing always surprises people: their biggest regrets aren't about money. Even after years of working hard, saving diligently, and building financial freedom, the things they look back on most often are about missed time, lost opportunities, and relationships that could have been stronger. Retire...

Most people see their pension as income to cover expenses, but with the right strategy, it can also create a lasting legacy. In this episode, we break down how to turn pension dollars into multi-generational wealth. You'll hear about lump sums vs. monthly payments, what to do without survivor benefits, how to gift wisely during your lifetime, strategies for passing wealth after death, and the role...

If you're over 60, your retirement planning enters one of the most overlooked yet powerful stages: the window between retirement and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). During this time, Roth conversions can dramatically reduce your lifetime tax bill, protect your spouse, and leave more for your kids. Roth conversions after 60 can make the difference between a tax-heavy retirement and one fille...

Confused about the Roth IRA 5-year rule? You're not alone. The Roth IRA 5-year rule is one of the most confusing parts of retirement planning, but it's often not as scary as people think. In this video, you'll learn what the rule really means, how it applies to contributions, conversions, and earnings, and why many retirees don't need to worry about it at all. We'll clear up common myths, explain...

Are you truly prepared for retirement? This video breaks down the five essential pillars of pension planning that every retiree, or soon-to-be retiree, must have in place. These pillars form the foundation of a retirement plan that protects your income, reduces your taxes, and safeguards your legacy. The five pillars aren't just numbers on a checklist, they're the key to enjoying financial freedom...

If you have a pension and over $1 million saved for retirement, your Medicare costs may look very different from the average retiree. In this video, we walk through why age 63 is such a critical planning year, how Medicare premiums are calculated, and strategies to minimize both taxes and healthcare expenses throughout retirement. You'll learn about projected 2026 Medicare costs, the impact of req...

Are you a federal employee considering the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)? Making the decision to retire early is a big step, and it comes with unique challenges and opportunities under the FERS system. In this video, we break down the 6 key considerations you need to think through before moving forward with VERA. Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for y...

Are you considering handling your retirement planning on your own? This video shares the 7 key things every DIY retirement planner needs to understand. From the time commitment to advanced tax planning and even AI tools, these insights will help you decide if you should keep going solo or bring in a team.   Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for your financial future...

Most CPAs only look at your taxes one year at a time. But retirement requires a 30-year tax plan — and if you don't plan ahead, you could end up paying far more than necessary. In this video, we break down the difference between tax prep vs. tax planning, and uncover the strategies your CPA probably isn't talking about. Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for your fin...

Thinking about handling your retirement plan on your own? Before you decide, take this quick 4-question DIY retirement quiz to see if you're really good to go or if you could be leaving money, time, and peace of mind on the table. Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for your financial future? If so, you can apply at https://peakretirementplanning.com/schedule-a-meetin...

You've saved $1M+ but what's next? In this video, we explore the emotional side of retirement: finding purpose, knowing how to give, gift, and spend with meaning, and planning for your spouse, kids, and grandkids. Retirement isn't just about money, it's about living with freedom, joy, and peace of mind. Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning for your financial future? If...

Tax-loss harvesting is a simple investment strategy that can help you save money and offset costs over time. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe explains what tax-loss harvesting is, shares why it can be useful, and lists the types of retirees it might make most sense for, like those with a lot in non-retirement accounts and those with a pension and $1 million or more saved. Are you inter...

Many retirees choose to DIY their retirement, but they may not know what they're getting themselves into. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe shares 10 things all retirees should know about if they want to DIY their retirement, especially if they have a pension and $1 million+ saved. From proper tax and investment diversification to having the right estate planning documents in place, Joe...

Many retirees with a pension have the option to take a lump sum payout instead of the monthly payout, but which option is better? In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe does the math and shares his expert opinion on which option he typically advises clients to go with. He breaks down the pros and cons of each option, and shares retirement planning guidance you'll want to keep in mind regardl...

The One Big Beautiful Bill introduced a bonus deduction for those 65 and older that might change the way you do your tax planning. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down the changes that have come with the new bonus deduction, and talks about how you can plan for these changes depending on your financial situation, especially if you have a pension and $1 million or more saved. Ar...

As one of the five pillars of retirement planning, income planning is an essential part of any retirement plan, yet many retirees---especially those with a pension and at least $1 million saved---make some very common mistakes when doing it that end up costing them. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe shares six common income planning mistakes Midwestern Millionaires make and explains wha...

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, you want to get the most out of the retirement you've worked so hard for. That's why in this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe shares five things you can do to set yourself up for success in retirement. From tax planning to purpose planning, Joe dives into it in this episode. Are you interested in applying to receive expert help in planning fo...

Medicare premiums can be a sneaky cost for many retirees, especially those with a pension and $1 million or more saved. That's why in this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe shares how you can potentially save $10,000 in Medicare premiums by being tax-smart and doing proper planning. He shares Roth conversion strategies for different financial situations, and also talks about when it might be mo...