The Retirement Roundtable

Your pension choices are a one-shot deal with no do-overs once the paperwork is signed. In this episode, we share the most critical pension mistakes we witness in our practice and show you exactly how to avoid them. Don't let a single bad decision derail your retirement security—tune in to protect your lifetime income stream.

After three decades of dedicated civil service, shifting from earning a federal paycheck to maximizing your government benefits can feel like learning a whole new language. This episode decodes the complexities of FERS and CSRS pensions, TSP withdrawal strategies, and your federal health insurance options to ensure you don't leave any money on the table.

Taking the first step toward financial planning can feel deeply overwhelming, often causing us to completely avoid confronting our money situation. This episode breaks down exactly what happens during an initial consultation to demystify the process and ease your anxiety. Tune in to discover how pushing past the fear and scheduling that first appointment is the single most powerful thing you can d...

A great retirement strategy looks fantastic on paper, but how does it hold up against a sudden market crash, skyrocketing inflation, or an unexpected healthcare crisis? This episode dives into the "retirement stress test," a crucial evaluation that simulates worst-case scenarios to see if your savings will actually survive. Tune in to discover the hidden vulnerabilities in your portfolio...

Procrastination can be the quietest thief of your financial security, especially when putting off critical decisions around investments, taxes, and estate planning. In this episode, we explore the hidden, compounding costs of waiting for the "perfect" time to act versus the value of making proactive choices today. Learn how to break through analysis paralysis and take control of your fin...

To smoothly transition from a regular salary to retirement, you need a strategy that turns your accumulated savings into a reliable stream of monthly cash flow. This episode breaks down the most effective withdrawal strategies, from the traditional 4% rule to dynamic spending rules that adjust with the stock market. Learn how to optimize your asset allocation and maximize your Social Security bene...

Deciding whether to move your Thrift Savings Plan funds into a Roth IRA involves balancing immediate tax costs against the potential for decades of tax-free growth. This episode breaks down the critical "tax bracket math" and timing strategies necessary to determine if a conversion aligns with your long-term retirement goals. Tune in to learn how to navigate the specific IRS rules and po...

Deciding whether to exit the stock market as retirement approaches is a common anxiety, but "timing the market" often leads to missing out on essential long-term growth. This episode breaks down why staying invested—rather than retreating to cash—is crucial for outbalancing inflation and ensuring your nest egg lasts for decades. We explore smarter ways to de-risk your portfolio through s...

As the financial landscape shifts, understanding the SECURE Act 2.0 updates for 2026 is critical to ensuring your retirement strategy remains on track. In this episode, we break down the 73-year-old age threshold and the potentially devastating 25% penalty for missed distributions. You will also learn proactive strategies, such as using Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), to satisfy your re...

In this episode of The Retirement Roundtable, we explore the unique perspectives and challenges women face when it comes to investing. From longer life expectancies to career breaks and evolving financial goals, we break down strategies designed to build confidence and long-term security. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approach, this conversation offers practical insights to...

While many couples spend years aligning their investment portfolios, they often overlook the critical "soft side" of retirement that determines their daily quality of life. This episode explores how to synchronize your individual visions for the future, covering everything from lifestyle expectations to the emotional transition of losing a spouse.

On this episode of The Retirement Roundtable, we dig into lesser-known tax pitfalls that can impact your retirement savings. From overlooked rules to common planning mistakes, we explore how to protect your nest egg and make smarter decisions. Tune in for practical insights that help you keep more of your hard-earned money as you plan for the future.

Managing multiple retirement accounts can lead to unnecessary fees, overlapping investments, and a fragmented view of your long-term strategy. This episode explores how consolidating your 401(k)s and IRAs can simplify your financial life while making it easier to track progress toward your goals. Learn the practical steps for a seamless transition and how a unified portfolio can provide greater cl...

Gemini said Are you staring at your retirement savings and wondering if an annuity is a safety net or a costly trap? In this episode, we strip away the complex jargon to break down the pros and cons of fixed, variable, and indexed annuities, helping you decide if one belongs in your portfolio. Tune in to see if these products offer the peace of mind you crave or if your money is better off working...

Gemini said In this episode, we challenge the popular obsession with market returns by exploring how the tax status and accessibility of your accounts can make or break your long-term wealth. We break down the "bucket strategy" to show how placing assets in the wrong vehicles—like a traditional 401(k) versus a Roth IRA—can lead to unintended tax traps during retirement. Learn why optimiz...

While many investors fixate on the "4% rule" as a magic number, this episode explains why relying solely on a static withdrawal rate ignores the volatile realities of market cycles and inflation. We dive into the critical difference between a simple math equation and a comprehensive retirement plan that accounts for taxes, healthcare, and longevity. Tune in to learn how to shift your foc...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the initial steps of your financial journey by walking you through exactly what happens during your first and second meetings with our team. You’ll learn how we move from a high-level discovery of your goals to the presentation of a tailored roadmap designed to secure your future. Tune in to demystify the "Retirement Resource" process and see...

In this episode, we dive into the high-stakes world of mixing money with blood and brotherhood to see if the potential returns are worth the personal risks. We share cautionary tales of handshake deals gone sour and provide a practical framework for setting professional boundaries without ruining Sunday dinner. Whether you’re considering a joint real estate venture or funding a cousin’s startup, l...

In this episode, we explore the potential pitfalls of purchasing life insurance through a friend or acquaintance without a formal financial plan. We share cautionary tales of how casual agreements can lead to inadequate coverage and strained relationships when the "friend" lacks a comprehensive understanding of your long-term goals. Finally, we highlight the essential value of consulting...

This episode explores the psychological and mathematical shift required when moving from the accumulation phase of building wealth to the distribution phase of spending it. We discuss why the aggressive saving strategies that served you for decades can actually become liabilities once you begin navigating the complexities of withdrawal rates and tax planning. Tune in to learn how to pivot your min...

In this high-stakes episode, we are joined by the legendary Ed Slott, widely regarded as America's leading authority on IRA distribution and retirement tax planning. Ed reveals how to defuse the "retirement tax time bomb" by navigating complex RMD rules and leveraging the long-term benefits of Roth conversions while tax rates remain at historic lows. Tune in to learn how to avoid co...

The official 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) numbers for Social Security have been announced, and this episode breaks down exactly what the 2.8% increase means for your retirement income. We analyze how this modest rise compares to the actual rate of inflation seniors are experiencing, and discuss the critical impact of rising Medicare Part B premiums on your net monthly check. Tune in for a...

This holiday-themed episode uses the dynamic of a Thanksgiving dinner to help you assess and articulate your true financial appetite for investment risk. We explore how different family members' spending habits and risk tolerances—from the conservative planner to the speculative relative—mirror various investing styles in the market. Tune in for practical tips on understanding your own comfor...

The year-end is the most crucial time for financial action, and this episode provides your comprehensive checklist for finishing the year strong and setting up 2026 for success. We walk you through must-do steps like maximizing retirement contributions, strategically using tax-loss harvesting, and taking your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) before the deadline. Don't leave money on the...

Picking up where Part 1 left off, this episode deepens our discussion on the critical difference between quantifiable risk and paralyzing emotional fear in your financial life. We explore how cognitive biases lead investors to make costly, irrational decisions, often causing them to sell low and miss out on long-term gains. Tune in to learn advanced techniques for building a strong behavioral defe...