Money Wisdom

Social Security isn't just about picking an age and calling it a day, it's one of the biggest financial choices you'll make, with lots of rules and personal factors to consider. In this episode, Nick walks you through exactly how your benefit gets calculated and breaks down the essential rules you really need to know. If retirement is on the horizon, Nick's clear and practical advice will help you...

Why do so many retirees struggle to spend, even when they've saved enough? In this episode, Jake and Nick explore bucket list goals and why so many retirees struggle to give themselves permission to enjoy the money they've spent years saving. They talk about purpose, community, and building a plan that gives you confidence to spend intentionally rather than fearfully. Here's what we discuss in thi...

Jake and Nick tackle a surprisingly common question, whether retirees are holding too much cash and what "safe" really means once your paycheck stops. They walk through how cash fits into a healthy retirement plan, where it can help, and where it can quietly hold you back. Ever wondered how much cash is "too much?" Tune in to hear some clear guidelines to help you decide. Here's what we discuss in...

How do you know if you can support your lifestyle after retirement without a paycheck? Deciding when to retire isn't just about the date on the calendar, it's about confidence, clarity, and knowing whether your lifestyle can truly support the transition. In this episode, Nick and Jake explore the factors that shape the "work longer or retire early" decision and the answer often has less to do with...

As the year winds down, it's the perfect moment to double-check your tax strategy and make sure you're setting yourself up for long-term savings, not just short-term deductions. Today, Nick and Jake break down five smart tax moves worth considering before December 31 st . A few intentional decisions now can save you money this year and put you in a better position for the years ahead. Here's what...

Is all debt truly harmful, or can it actually help you achieve your retirement goals? In this episode, Nick and Jake reveal how understanding the difference between good and bad debt can reshape your financial future. Discover whether being debt-free is always best, or if keeping certain debts could boost your flexibility and security in retirement. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💡 Under...

As we age, one of the biggest financial threats isn't the market, it's the cost of long-term care. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down the real facts behind long-term care insurance, hybrid policy options, and ways to protect what you've built. Are you prepared for the "what ifs" of retirement, whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond? Tune in to find out. Here's what we discuss in this ep...

Changing jobs is more common than ever, but what happens to your old 401(k) when you move on? In this episode, Jake and Nick break down your four main options and the pros and cons of each. They'll explain when to leave it, when to roll it, and when to rethink your entire retirement strategy. Don't just "set it and forget it." Use your new position as a chance to simplify, consolidate, and get you...

What could Fleetwood Mac possibly teach you about retirement planning? Turns out, plenty. Today, Jake and Nick take five classic Stevie Nicks songs and translate them into powerful financial lessons about independence, communication, and learning how to plan unexpected "landslides." You'll learn why flexibility matters, how to avoid regret, and how to make your money work in harmony with your goal...

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) might be one of the most underrated tools in all of financial planning and today we're going to tell you why. Nick and Jake will explain the three major benefits of an HSA and how to use it strategically before and during retirement. You'll learn how to make the most of this "triple tax advantage," including deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free wit...

Retirement brings freedom, but navigating health insurance can quickly become one of the most confusing parts of the transition. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through the key types of insurance every retiree should evaluate, from health and long-term care to life, homeowners, and umbrella coverage. Find out how each fits into your retirement plan and which policies make sense depending on yo...

Want to pay less tax now, or never pay tax again? That's the real question behind the Traditional vs. Roth debate. When it comes to saving for retirement, few questions get asked more often than: Should I use a traditional account or a Roth? The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Jake and Nick unpack the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs and 401(k)s....

For many retirees, Social Security is one of the most important income streams, but also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to taxes. In this episode, Jake and Nick break down the rules around how Social Security benefits are taxed at both the federal and state level, and what strategies might help you keep more of what you've earned. Find out how the One Big Beautiful Bill reshaped stand...

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Interest rates are in the headlines as people await the next Fed meeting, but what do they really mean for you? Interest rates ripple through nearly every aspect of your financial life, from mortgages and credit cards to savings accounts and even the stock market. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down how they work...

Social Security will look different in 2026, and while the adjustments may seem minor on the surface, they can carry real weight over the course of retirement. Today we'll explain what's changing and why it matters for your long-term planning. Join Jake and Nick as they discuss how benefits are shifting, why retirement ages continue to move later, and the impact of higher costs tied to healthcare...

Football season is here, and so are the lessons we can borrow from the field to improve our financial game plan. Just like an NFL team can't win without balance, your retirement strategy needs more than one play. In this episode, Jake and Nick draw from the NFL playbook to show how offense, defense, special teams, coaching staff, and even audibles translate into smart money moves. But football isn...

For many people, the 401k is their largest retirement asset, but is it enough to carry you through decades without a paycheck? Today, Jake and Nick unpack one of the most common questions they hear: "Will my 401k be enough for retirement?" Find out why simply looking at the balance isn't enough. You need to know your numbers, which means identifying income sources like Social Security, pensions, o...

Retirement success isn't about luck, it's about knowing your numbers before you take the leap. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down the five must-know numbers before you retire so you can step into your next chapter with confidence instead of scrambling. They'll walk you through why it's critical to know your exact monthly and annual expenses (including the "fun" costs), what guaranteed incom...

Get Your "Are You Ready to Retire?" Starter Kit: Text "KIT" to 800-757-0436 Retirement isn't just a financial milestone, it's a major life transition. After decades of building a career, your daily routines, social circles, and sense of purpose can be deeply tied to work. When the paychecks stop and your calendar opens up, how will you adjust? In this episode, Nick and Jake go beyond the numbers t...

There's been a lot of noise around the One Big Beautiful Bill, an 887-page piece of legislation that just reshaped key elements of the tax code. But what does it actually mean for your retirement? In this episode, Jake and Nick cut through the headlines to explain what's changing, what's staying the same, and why this bill may be the biggest planning opportunity in years. Join us as we unpack some...

Unsure about social security? Check out our guide: Text "SOCIAL" to 800-757-0436 Social Security has been in the headlines, and for good reason. Estimates show the Social Security Trust Fund may be depleted by 2032–2034 if no changes are made, raising alarm bells for retirees and pre-retirees alike. In this episode, Jake and Nick explain what's at risk, what parts of the system will keep running,...

Medicare may feel overwhelming, but this fast-paced episode breaks down what you really need to know in just 10 minutes. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk you through the basics: when you're eligible, how enrollment works, and what each part (A, B, C, D) actually covers. They also explain the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with supplements, how your income can impact...

No one likes thinking about death but ignoring what happens to your money after you're gone can leave your loved ones with stress, confusion, and financial trouble. In this episode, Nick and Jake unpack the essential documents and decisions that determine where your assets end up, from wills and probate to powers of attorney and trusts. They explain how poor planning can lead to legal headaches, t...

When it comes to retirement planning, two deceptively simple questions can reveal everything: Am I going to be okay? What rate of return do I actually need ? In this episode, Nick and Jake unpack what those questions really mean and why getting clear answers can make or break your retirement. From defining what "okay" looks like (hint: it's not just a dollar amount) to calculating how hard your mo...

You've climbed the mountain and now it's time to come down. In retirement, the question shifts from "Where should I invest?" to "Which account do I take money from first?" It's not just about risk, but timing, taxes, and long-term flexibility. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through the three major account types, pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax, and explain how withdrawing from the wrong one at t...