Leibel on FIRE

Market downturns can be nerve-wracking, but did you know they can also present unique financial opportunities? Learn how to: - Spot the difference between a short-term dip and a prolonged downturn. - Leverage market volatility to save on taxes through strategic Roth conversions. - Avoid common mistakes that could cost you during the conversion process. - Forecast the tax implications and make smar...

Should You Really Buy the Dip? The Truth for Retirees When the market drops, it seems like the perfect time to buy — but is buying the dip really a smart move, especially when you're nearing retirement? In this episode of Leibel On Fire, Leibel Sternbach, Amazon bestselling author and expert in retirement planning, breaks down the pros, cons, and smarter investment strategies that protect your lon...

One of the most challenging questions for retirees is deciding which accounts to withdraw from first — and making the wrong choice can have lasting financial consequences. Should you start with taxable accounts, tax-deferred accounts, or tax-free Roth accounts? In this episode of Leibel on Fire, Leibel Sternbach, Amazon bestselling author of Authenticity and Living with Financial Anxiety, breaks d...

Is Social Security running out? In this episode, we break down the challenges facing Social Security, what it means for your retirement, and how you can plan ahead. Don’t get caught off guard—learn how to protect your financial future!

Learn how to boost liquidity, reassess asset allocation, and refine your withdrawal strategy to weather economic downturns. Stay ahead of market uncertainty!

Trade wars can have a major impact on your retirement savings. In this episode, we break down how global trade conflicts affect inflation, investments, and taxes—and what you can do to protect your nest egg. Stay ahead of economic uncertainty with expert insights from Leibel Sternbach.

Explore essential tax-saving moves for retirees before 2025. Learn about Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and securing your financial future.

Navigate 2025 market uncertainty with expert tips for retirees. Learn strategies for diversification, income planning, and tax efficiency to secure your future.

Preparing financially for natural disasters is an essential part of retirement planning. Read about the strategies that will help you safeguard your financial future.

Learn valuable lessons from the tech bubble to secure your retirement. Discover smart strategies like diversification, managing FOMO, and planning for market volatility. Let us help you build a strong financial future!

Learn smart strategies to secure steady returns in a low-interest rate world. Discover tips for retirement planning and minimizing risk with expert advice.

Special Edition: Navigating Uncertainty in Unprecedented Times Big news, folks! First, there was an assassination attempt on former President Trump, then a global tech outage, and now President Biden has dropped out of the race. Welcome to this special edition of Leibel on Fire, where we dive into these crucial issues and their impact on your finances. I know many of you are feeling like nothing i...

Navigating the Sunset of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act: A Guide for Retirees Welcome to a practical rundown on the Tax Cut and Jobs Act and its implications, particularly as we edge closer to its scheduled expiration in 2026. Here, we’ll explain what this could mean for you, especially if you plan for retirement. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act Enacted during the Trump administration, was a significant overha...

In this episode, we're diving into a hot topic that has stirred up quite a debate among financial experts: mutual funds. Are they the backbone of your retirement plan or a hidden obstacle on your path to financial independence? Mutual Funds Explained These investment vehicles have been around for decades, and for a long time, they were the only choice for many investors. A mutual fund pools money...

Let's dive into the heart of smart estate planning with our latest discussion featuring the knowledgeable Azriel J. Baer, a standout in the world of estate planning and trust administration. Today, we're unraveling the complexities of some special types of trusts that could revolutionize how you approach wealth transfer, beyond the traditional wills and bequests. It's all about maximizing you...

Today, we're diving into the intriguing world of estate planning with a special focus on the not-so-well-known but incredibly potent Spousal Lifetime Access Trust, or SLAT for short. Joining us this week, is our special guide through this legal labyrinth, Azriel J. Baer, affectionately known as Azi, a veritable wizard in the realms of estate planning and trust administration. So, buckle up as...

The Roller Coaster Ride of the Market It's a question as old as the markets themselves: Why must the financial markets roller-coaster, teasing us with their ups and downs rather than gliding smoothly upwards? Wouldn't it be a dream come true? Yet, when we take a step back, the market indeed trends upwards over time; it's the short-term fluctuations that feel like a wild ride. The core of the marke...

Navigating the realm of retirement savings can often feel like a daunting journey, along with complex decisions and obscure jargon. Yet, amidst the labyrinth of financial advice, one beacon of wisdom shines a light on a straightforward yet profound strategy: the transfer of your employer-sponsored retirement account into a personal retirement account. Taking the Reins: The Power of Personal Contro...

Today, we're unraveling the complex world of interest rates and their potential impact on your investment strategy. With the Fed's movements under a microscope, investors are on the edge of their seats, wondering how to navigate the uncertain waters of the financial markets. So, let's dive right in and explore the implications of possible rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and strategize on safeguar...

Ah, the great tax scramble of 2023! You might think the clock's run out on trimming that tax bill, but guess what? There's still time for a financial Hail Mary, thanks to some clever moves and, of course, the wisdom of Congress. So, pull up a chair, and let's dive into the nitty-gritty of reducing your taxable income with some last-minute maneuvers that are perfectly legal and surprisingly effecti...

As we peer into the financial horizon, the looming sunset of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2026 presents a pivotal moment for taxpayers across the United States. This legislation, a hallmark of tax reform, has significantly shaped our tax landscape since its enactment. But with its expiration on the horizon, individuals and businesses alike are left pondering the implications for their financ...

Navigating Market Volatility in an Election Year As the election looms on the horizon and market volatility hits unprecedented levels, many of us standing at the cusp of retirement or already embracing it are left pondering: What does this pivotal year mean for our financial futures? Let's demystify the situation and explore strategies for weathering the storm. The Current Market Dynamics The fina...

Have you heard about these bank CDs offering a whopping 10% return? Sounds like a financial unicorn, right? Well, grab a seat, and let's chat about this. Today, we're diving into the world of banking and investments, specifically the resurgence of good ol' bank CDs (Certificates of Deposit). You know, they used to be the bread and butter of retirement plans. Picture this: back in my early days of...

The Ripple Effects of War on Your Wallet War, as distant as it may seem, has a way of sneaking into our everyday lives, especially when it comes to financial security. We all cherish that comforting routine: wake up, grab coffee, go about our day, and get that paycheck. It's this predictability that keeps the cogs of our lives and the markets turning smoothly. But when war erupts, particularly in...

The Crucial Question: Early or Delayed Social Security Filing? Hey there! Today, let's unravel another critical puzzle about Social Security. Should you file early or delay your benefits? It's a decision that weighs heavily on many retirees, so let's get into the nitty-gritty. One Size Does Not Fit All First things first – there's no universal answer that fits everyone. If someone tells you there'...