The Monolith Money Show Podcast

Jeff and Camille go over some of the major regrets people have when it comes to retirement planning, including not starting to save early enough and more. They also look at ways to take control of your retirement planning, as well as answering some listener questions.

The advisor who helped grow your investment accounts may not be the one to help put a retirement plan together for you. Jeff and Camille look at signs to watch for which could indicate you should look for someone different to manage your money for the stage of life you are in. They also answer listener questions in the ever popular mailbag segment.

A recent poll discovered many younger workers feel they are not in as good as financial shape when it comes to retirement as their parents were. Jeff and Camille go over these results and discuss ways people can help themselves get into a better position for retirement. They also answer listener questions from the mailbag.

A retirement income plan needs guaranteed sources of money to cover regular expenses. Jeff and Camille take a look at what can provide this protected income, such as Social Security optimization and income providing annuities, and how to make it as tax efficient as possible.

Wealthier, or so-called high net worth clients, need a financial plan as much as anyone. And their wealth can provide different opportunities as well. Jeff and Camille discuss why these opportunities are so important not only now, but in passing a legacy down in a tax efficient manner. They also take a look at timeless advice with historical quotes from famous people.

Tax rates will almost certainly change in the coming years - perhaps as soon as the end of 2025. Camille takes a look at various tax planning strategies, including Roth conversions, could help certain individuals control the amount they need to pay to the IRS and helping keep more money in their own pocket for retirement.

Are you concerned about the ups and downs of the stock market? Most people are. Camille addresses this issue and provides ways to stay proactive about your plan when the market goes through stretches of volatility. She also answers other listener questions in the popular mailbag segment.

The cost of retirement can be hard to figure because of longevity risk, changing tax law, possible health care challenges and more. Jeff and Camille take a look at some of the ways to account for these costs, including putting a budget together so you can get a grip on ordinary expenses and plan for some of your money to cover things like inflation or long term care.

Women have their own special needs when it comes to retirement planning. Jeff and Camille take a look at what these include and how women can help themselves by becoming familiar with a plan developed by their spouse or partner, or choosing a financial professional to help put one together for them.

One thing retirees need to decide is where they want to live in retirement. Do they stay in their current home, downsize to a smaller one, or even move to a different state? Jeff and Camille look at this subject and the factors involved in making that decision. They also answer listener questions on a variety of other retirement topics.

Many people have their retirement savings in 401K or IRA accounts. But what can they do with that money when it comes time to actually retire? Jeff and Camille answer questions concerning these vehicles and the strategies which can be used to provide for income and more, and do so in the most tax efficient way possible.

The tax environment is uncertain with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at year's end. And inflation is still an issue as well. Jeff and Camille take a look at each and discuss how planning can help your nest egg last regardless of the status of taxes and inflation in the future.

Finding the right mix of investments for your portfolio can help an individual or couple reach their financial goals. Jeff and Camille discuss how rebalancing those investments with the help of a financial professional is key to a successful portfolio providing the income needed for retirement.

A recent study conducted by AARP showed that 20% of adults age 50 and older had NO retirement savings, and that some 57 million U.S. workers did not have access to either a pension or an employer approved retirement savings plan such as a 401K. Jeff and Camille discuss how to avoid a retirement savings crisis which could involve those with savings paying more in taxes to help out those that don't.

When you are ready to retire, what do you do with your 401K, which is likely your largest retirement savings and investment vehicle? Jeff and Camille go over ideas and strategies surrounding the best ways to convert your 401K into whatever vehicles your plan needs for a satisfying retirement.

Jeff and Camille take a look at Social Security and a report indicating it could only have full funding for benefits until 2033. They look at what could happen depending on how Congress chooses to act going forward. They also answer listener questions in the popular mailbag segment.

A recent CNBC poll shows younger Americans are not as confident about a comfortable retirement as opposed to their parents. Jeff and Camille take a look at some of the factors involved in this study and how planning can help alleviate some of the questions. They also look at timeless advice through historical quotes and how they relate to planning for retirement.

The U.S. national debt is now at $36 trillion. How will this problem be addressed? Increased taxes seem to be a likely answer. Jeff and Camille take a look at this issue and how tax planning can help legally lower your tax bill to the IRS, helping keep more money in your pocket for retirement.

Social Security is still a cornerstone of retirement income. Jeff and Camille go over why it is so important to so many people, and how planning to optimize your benefits could result in more income for you. Later they answer some questions revolving around taxes and their history since the income tax first came into being in 1913.

Jeff and Camille discuss the recent re-election of Donald Trump to the presidency, and what it could mean going forward for the economy and your retirement plan. They also answer questions from the mailbag.

Interet rates are still high, but recently the Federal Reserve started to cut them with a half percentage point drop, and further cuts are expected. Jeff and Camille discuss how this could affect retirement income and how to best plan to keep these falling rates in mind.

People have experienced unique events the past few years, such as the pandemic, a historic market crash, high interest rates and inflation and more. Jeff and Camille look at where things stand now, where they are likely to go, and how you can take control of retirement with proper planning that takes into account things which may happen, just in case things go awry.

Taxes are always a sticky subject, but in retirement you have a chance to control how much you pay. Jeff and Camille discuss strategies where you can pay less to the IRS, especially in the future, and keep more of your nest egg in your pocket, not Uncle Sam's.

Legacy planning can be the most overlooked portion of a complete retirement plan. Jeff and Camille discuss the importance of making sure what you leave behind when you pass away goes to whoever it is intended to, as well as the necessary steps to be sure it is done efficiently. 

Volatility came back strong recently in the stock market. Camille takes a look at how periods of volatility can affect your portfolio and how having a solid retirement plan can help mitigate these periods. She and Jeff also answer questions from the mailbag.