The Perfect Retirement Plan?

Just inherited a traditional IRA and dreading the 10‑year payout rule? Episode 17 of The Perfect Retirement Plan? podcast shows you how to shrink that looming tax bill instead of sacrificing your windfall.  Phillip Smith, Marine‑turned‑financial‑planner at Tidepool Wealth Strategies , unpacks the SECURE Act’s 10‑Year Rule, then introduces his IRA‑to‑401(k) Conduit strategy, a tax-efficient retirem...

Are spiraling healthcare bills, a sudden market crash, or a nasty tax bite keeping you up at night? In Episode 16 of The Perfect Retirement Plan? podcast, Phillip Smith, TPCP®, CRPC®, AIF® (Oregon‑based wealth manager, Marine veteran, and host) dissects the five biggest retirement fears: outliving your savings, skyrocketing medical costs, portfolio‑crushing bear markets, loss of identity after wor...

Curious whether Medicare alone will cover all your healthcare expenses in retirement? In this episode, Phillip addresses the pressing questions late-career professionals (ages 55–65) have about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Uncover the biggest coverage gaps - like dental, vision, hearing, and out-of-country healthcare - and learn how Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies can help shield you from...

Discover how to avoid one of retirement’s biggest threats: the dreaded “tax bomb.” Phillip unpacks the hidden triggers that can derail your financial future. Learn why Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Social Security timing, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, “Widow Bomb” tax brackets, and delayed Roth conversions can all converge to raise your tax bill unexpectedly. Phillip also explains why a proa...

 Are you among the millions of Americans who’ve left an old 401(k) behind with a former employer? In this episode, Philip Smith, a financial planner at Tidepool Wealth Strategies in Oregon, explores the crucial steps late-career professionals (ages 55–65) should consider before ignoring a potentially major part of their retirement savings. Learn why these “forgotten” accounts can potentially sabot...

Are you nearing retirement and wondering whether you’re truly ready to leave the workforce? In this episode titled “How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Retire? 5 Benchmarks You Shouldn’t Ignore,” Phillip offers professional guidance to help late-career professionals (ages 55-65) assess their retirement readiness.  This essential episode covers five critical benchmarks, from savings milestones and budget...

Curious whether you should pull all your money out of the market during turbulent times? In this episode, financial planner Phillip Smith of Tidepool Wealth Strategies (Oregon) provides clarity for late-career professionals (ages 55–65) who may be feeling uneasy about market volatility.  Discover why knee-jerk reactions, like selling off your stocks and going to cash, often do more harm than good,...

Wondering if you should retire early or keep working longer? In this episode of “The Perfect Retirement Plan?”, Phillip explores both options. Uncover hidden costs like health care gaps and potentially reduced Social Security benefits, and learn how working longer can boost financial security. Phillip also shares tips on maintaining purpose and community through passion projects, social connection...

Join financial planner Phillip Smith in this episode of "The Perfect Retirement Plan?" as he dives into the crucial topic of retirement income sources. Whether you're about to retire or just planning ahead, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Discover various income streams that could support you in retirement, including Social Security, pensions, rental income, annuiti...

In this episode, "What’s the Best Way to Create a Personalized Retirement Strategy?" we explore how to build a tailored retirement plan that aligns with your unique goals, lifestyle, and values. Tailoring your retirement strategy is crucial for late-career professionals who seek peace of mind regarding their financial future.  A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work when it...

Are you a late-career professional or pre-retiree wondering about the best withdrawal strategy for your retirement accounts? In “What’s the Best Strategy for Taking Money Out of My Retirement Accounts?,” we explore how to optimize your withdrawals across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. The right approach can help you minimize taxes, prolong your nest egg, and protect your financial f...

Are you nearing retirement age and wondering how to adjust your investment portfolio for optimal security? In this video, we explore some essential considerations for balancing stocks, bonds, and cash reserves as you approach retirement. We’ll delve into the importance of aligning your portfolio with your evolving risk tolerance, analyzing how inflation, market volatility, and potential healthcare...

#PreRetirees  In this episode, “When Is the Best Time to Start Social Security,” we explore the optimal timing for claiming Social Security benefits, especially for late-career professionals nearing retirement age in Oregon. We’ll highlight how delaying your Social Security, when financial feasible, can potentially boost your monthly benefit and provide key strategies for maximizing your total ret...

“Why Retirement Planning is Never Set It and Forget It” explores the dynamic nature of financial strategies, particularly for late-career professionals who are approaching that retirement milestone. In this episode, we delve into essential reasons for reevaluating your retirement planning goals, whether a result of changes in life, the economy, or your own aspirations, and we touch on factors that...

Are you a late-career professional debating whether a Roth conversion is the right move for your retirement strategy? In this episode, “The Roth Conversion Debate: Is It Worth It?,” we explore the benefits and drawbacks of converting your Traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth IRA. Learn about potential long-term tax advantages, greater flexibility in retirement distributions, and strategies to min...

Are you about to retire and wondering, “How much money do I need to retire?” If so, this episode is tailored for you! Perfectly suited for career professionals who are getting close to retirement and looking into retirement strategies. We break down the essential steps involved in retirement planning, including maximizing your 401(k) contributions, exploring Roth IRA options, and understanding Soc...

Are you getting close to retirement and looking to secure a more confident financial future? In this episode, “Introduction to Financial Planning for Late-Career Professionals,” we delve into essential strategies designed to help you navigate the transition into retirement. From maximizing your 401(k) contributions to exploring Roth IRA benefits, our discussion breaks down the critical steps neede...

Welcome to "The Perfect Retirement Plan?" the podcast that wades into the idea that "perfect" is a matter of perspective when it comes to successful retirement. This is intended as an audio retirement planning guide to money management, pursuit of long-term financial growth, and creating an adaptive strategy tailored to your unique and evolving journey. My goal in each episode...