Retire at New Heights with Johnnie Roberts

In this episode, Johnnie explains why the biggest concern for retirees is running out of money and how retirement planning should focus on building dependable income streams. He discusses the importance of creating multiple “buckets” of money with different purposes, including income, emergency savings, and long-term growth. The episode highlights how proper planning can reduce financial stress an...

In this episode, Johnnie uses football analogies to explain the “Retirement Red Zone” — the years leading up to retirement when financial decisions become more critical. He discusses the importance of changing strategies as retirement nears, comparing retirement planning to calling the right plays near the goal line. Johnnie emphasizes the need for flexibility, proper planning, and avoiding stubbo...

In this episode, Johnnie uses the classic “Mikey Likes It” cereal commercial as a humorous way to discuss why people often reject financial products before understanding them. Johnnie shares personal stories about expanding his tastes with food and compares that mindset shift to learning about annuities and other retirement tools. The episode encourages listeners to avoid making financial decision...

In this episode, Johnnie continues his “Power of Zero” series by exploring how fixed index annuities fit into a retirement strategy. Johnnie explains the difference between risky and protected financial vehicles, using simple analogies like ladders and stair steps to show how retirees can position part of their money in safer places while still participating in market growth. The conversation also...

In this episode, Johnnie discusses the importance of mindset in retirement planning and how outdated beliefs about financial tools can limit retirement success. Drawing from biblical principles and real-world examples, he explains why modern life insurance and annuity products deserve a fresh look. Johnnie shares how many retirees focus too heavily on account balances and market returns while over...

In this episode, Johnnie continues his Power of Zero series by exploring how life insurance can play a major role in retirement planning. Beyond the traditional death benefit, he discusses living benefits, tax-free access to funds, policy loans, and how certain permanent life insurance policies may help create income streams while protecting loved ones. He also challenges common misconceptions abo...

In this episode, Johnnie discusses why age 59½ is such a pivotal milestone in retirement planning. He explains how this “half birthday” allows many people to move retirement funds from employer-sponsored plans into more flexible financial vehicles through in-service rollovers. The conversation also explores tax planning, Roth conversions, and why retirement planning should begin with understanding...

In this episode, Johnnie breaks down the “three bucket” approach to retirement planning: taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free. He explains why so many Americans focus heavily on traditional 401(k)s and IRAs, and why that can create significant tax exposure in retirement. He introduces a powerful analogy—treating the IRS like a business partner who owns part of your retirement account—and explains w...

In this episode, Johnnie explains how the “Power of Zero” applies to gifting money to children and grandchildren. He outlines the IRS rules that allow individuals to give up to $19,000 per year (or $38,000 for married couples) without triggering reporting requirements. The discussion emphasizes planning, strategy, and understanding tax laws to maximize generosity while minimizing tax exposure.

In this episode, Johnnie breaks down the concept of “The Power of Zero” and how it applies to annuities. He explains why eliminating losses and minimizing taxes are critical goals for retirees, and how fixed and indexed annuities can provide stability, growth potential, and peace of mind. The conversation highlights the importance of control—over markets, taxes, and financial outcomes—as a corners...

In this episode, the conversation turns to estate planning and the tax implications of passing down wealth. Johnnie and Shelly explain how inherited tax-deferred accounts can create unexpected tax burdens for beneficiaries, especially when required distributions apply. The discussion highlights why proactive planning—including Roth conversions—can protect heirs from unnecessary taxes and preserve...

Johnnie and Shelly explain Roth conversions and why they’re gaining popularity. A Roth conversion allows individuals to move money from tax-deferred accounts into tax-free accounts by paying taxes now. With current tax advantages and deductions, this strategy can reduce long-term tax burdens. The episode also covers partial conversions and how spreading them over multiple years can optimize tax ef...

This episode dives into contribution limits for retirement accounts and how to use them effectively. Shelly Cioppa explains the annual limits for Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s, while Johnnie Roberts discusses how to combine employer matches with personal contributions for optimal growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentional planning—rather than defaulting to employe...

In this episode, Johnnie Roberts and Shelly Cioppa break down the truth behind tax refunds. While many people celebrate large refunds, Shelly explains that they often represent an interest-free loan to the government. The discussion explores when over-withholding can be helpful—especially for those who struggle to save—and when it may be smarter to keep more money throughout the year. They also hi...

In this episode, Johnnie explains how retirees can use annual gifting rules as a powerful tax-planning tool. The discussion highlights how this strategy can help retirees transfer wealth to children or grandchildren during their lifetime, support education or major expenses, and reduce future estate burdens while preserving flexibility.  The episode positions the “$19,000 tax axe” as a practical w...

In this episode, Johhnie explores optimal withdrawal sequencing across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. Shelly explains why taxable accounts are often used first during early retirement and how current tax deductions influence that strategy. The conversation also highlights required minimum distributions and the importance of proactive planning to avoid large tax burdens later in life...

In this episode, Johnnie explores tax law changes introduced in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” including additional deductions for retirees and adjustments impacting overtime, tips, and standard deductions. Shelly explains how these changes can reduce taxable income, potentially decrease Social Security taxation, and create opportunities for more flexible withdrawal strategies. The conversation also hi...

In this episode, Johnnie Roberts introduces tax professional Shelly Cioppa and kicks off a mini-series focused on retirement tax planning. The conversation highlights the importance of having a coordinated team approach, where financial advisors and tax professionals collaborate to help retirees reduce taxes, simplify decision-making, and create a smoother retirement income strategy. The hosts emp...

In this episode, Johnnie and Michael discuss how life insurance can create “power of zero” outcomes—especially through tax-free death benefits and (for certain permanent policies) tax-advantaged cash value access. They compare term vs. permanent concepts, explain how policy loans can offer flexibility before traditional retirement ages, and describe how some structures allow money to keep earning...

In this episode, Johnnie introduces the “Power of Zero” mindset: building parts of your plan so you can pay zero taxes on key income streams and avoid losses during market downturns. He explains how taxes can change dramatically for a surviving spouse (from married filing jointly to single), why that can make the same dollar amount “worth less,” and how protecting against market drops becomes more...

In this episode, Johnnie explains that “income” isn’t the real number—after-tax income is. He walks through how traditional retirement withdrawals, Roth conversions, and tax brackets interact, then shares a client example where Roth conversion amounts had to be reduced to preserve health insurance subsidies before Medicare. The conversation reinforces that retirement planning is fluid and should b...

In this episode, Johnnie breaks down what a Roth IRA is, why tax-free growth matters, and how you can still make a prior-year Roth contribution up to the tax-filing deadline. He explains the difference between contributing vs. converting, highlights annual contribution limits, and shares how real-life variables (like income levels and health insurance subsidies) can change the “best move” for some...

In this episode, Johnnie explains why retirement planning isn’t just about expected milestones, but also about preparing for unexpected events. Using sports analogies, he highlights the importance of preseason-style preparation—addressing healthcare costs, taxes, income timing, and long-term care before they become urgent problems.

Johnnie explains IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) and how it increases Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for higher-income retirees. He walks through how one-time income spikes—such as large withdrawals or Roth conversions—can raise Medicare costs for two full years, and how strategic planning can help minimize or avoid those increases.

This episode focuses on the “rules of the game” in retirement. Johnnie explains how different rules apply at different ages and income levels, and how breaking them—intentionally or not—can result in financial penalties. He shares why working with a retirement specialist helps people avoid mistakes that quietly erode income and increase taxes.