The Wise Money Show™

If you're planning to retire at 65, the data suggest there's a good chance life may have other plans. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we explain why so many people retire earlier than expected and how to build a retirement plan that can adapt to unexpected changes. Learn the Five-Factor Retirement Plan, how to stress test your retirement readiness, and the steps you can take now to prepare...

Financial independence isn't just about retirement. It's about creating the freedom to make financial decisions with confidence and without being held back by debt or financial stress. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we share practical habits, proven strategies, and simple first steps that can help you build more financial independence, no matter where you're starting. Learn how to improve...

The stock market has exceeded expectations in 2026, but rising recession warnings have many investors wondering what comes next. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, the team breaks down the biggest forces shaping today's stock market outlook, including AI, market concentration, inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending. We also explain why diversification still matters, how to prepare y...

Could a little-known tax strategy save you thousands in retirement? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA)—an advanced 401(k) strategy that can help reduce taxes on highly appreciated company stock. Learn how NUA works, who may benefit from it, the potential pitfalls to avoid, and why careful planning before retirement is essential. If you have comp...

Are you on track for a successful retirement? While most people focus on how much they've saved, retirement success depends on much more than your account balance. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, the team breaks down the five key factors that determine retirement readiness. Learn how financial advisors evaluate retirement success and discover the critical ingredients that can help you reti...

Over the next two decades, trillions of dollars are expected to pass from one generation to the next, but how much of that wealth will actually make it to your heirs? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down the biggest threats to a successful wealth transfer, including taxes, long-term care costs, blended family dynamics, and gifting strategies. Learn how thoughtful estate planning,...

The inherited IRA 10-year rule has changed the way many families pass wealth from one generation to the next, creating new tax planning challenges and opportunities. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we explore a creative beneficiary strategy that could give heirs more flexibility when managing inherited retirement accounts. We also discuss the pros and cons of naming children instead of a s...

Are you part of the sandwich generation? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we discuss how to navigate the financial pressure of supporting both aging parents and adult children at the same time. From retirement planning and long-term care concerns to helping kids through college and early adulthood, we break down the financial tradeoffs and planning strategies that can help you move forward...

Roth vs traditional IRA decisions can have a major impact on your future taxes, retirement income, and long-term financial flexibility. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, the team breaks down the key differences between Roth and pre-tax retirement accounts, including contribution rules, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions, and tax planning strategies. They also explain how income...

What does it really take to build lasting financial success? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the four key principles that help create long-term financial peace and stability. From integrating all six areas of your financial life to balancing today's priorities with tomorrow's goals, we share the financial planning strategies that can help you build wealth that lasts.  Season...

Are you ever truly financially ready to have kids? In this Wise Money bonus episode, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ Mike Bernard and Amy Masters discuss the financial realities of starting and growing a family, from budgeting and childcare to long-term planning and unexpected expenses. Learn practical strategies to help build a strong financial foundation, adjust your cash flow, and stay on track w...

IRMAA planning is an important part of retirement planning because even a small increase in income can trigger significantly higher Medicare premiums. In this episode of Wise Money, we explain how IRMAA works, why Medicare surcharges catch so many retirees by surprise, and the strategies that may help you reduce or avoid those extra costs. From Roth conversions and retirement withdrawals to proper...

Social Security changes may be coming sooner than many retirees expect. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we explain what Social Security insolvency really means, the latest projections, and the potential changes that could impact your retirement income. We also share practical ways to stress-test your plan, prepare for potential benefit reductions, and build more confidence in your retireme...

529 plans keep evolving, and the latest rule changes could impact how you save and spend for education. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we answer listener questions about new 529 plan flexibility, including K-12 usage and the 529-to-Roth opportunity. We also tackle a common retirement challenge of how to buy or build a new home before selling your current one. Plus, we share what to look f...

Retirement planning in 2026 looks different than what it did for previous generations, and that means your strategy may need to change, too. In this episode of Wise Money, we walk through five key adjustments that can help you prepare for retirement in a more volatile, uncertain, and complex world. From stress testing your plan and building a clear investment defense strategy to creating tax diver...

If you're planning to retire before Medicare, choosing the right health insurance strategy is critical. In this Wise Money bonus episode, Ben Bulgrien helps us break down the key differences between COBRA and Healthcare.gov plans, including recent changes impacting costs in 2026. Learn how income, timing, travel, and tax planning all influence the best decision for early retirees. Plus, learn comm...

Before you file your taxes, make a few decisions that could impact your financial future. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we walk through the must-answer tax questions, five last-minute moves to consider before April 15, and the biggest 2026 tax planning trends. We'll cover strategies involving HSAs, IRAs, Roth contributions, estimated taxes, and planning opportunities that could help redu...

Thinking about turning your current home into a rental property? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the four laws of rental real estate and explain what it really takes to succeed as a landlord. You'll learn the key risks of owning rental property, including the need for know-how, time, cash reserves, and the ability to handle confrontation. We also cover important tax, insuranc...

Are you leaving thousands on the table because you think certain tax breaks are off-limits for your family? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we dive into three high-impact tax strategies that sound almost too good to be true. From a "secret" HSA hack for parents of adult children to the powerful Mega Backdoor Roth, we're breaking down the rules you need to know to optimize your 2026 tax yea...

Are you planning to leave an inheritance for your kids or grandkids? New tax rules have opened the door to smarter, more tax-efficient ways to transfer wealth during your lifetime instead. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down three powerful strategies, including the new 530A accounts, 529-to-Roth transfers, and the annual gift tax exclusion. Learn how these tools could help you le...

Budgeting is not just for people starting out. In this Wise Money bonus episode, we are joined by Ben Chambers and explain why budgeting still matters at every income level, even for high earners and high-net-worth families. Learn how your budgeting approach should evolve as your income grows and how the 3 Bank Account System can help you stay organized and intentional with your money. Download ou...

If you're approaching retirement and feeling nervous about the stock market, you're not alone. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we tackle a real question from a soon-to-be retiree who wants growth but is afraid of losing money. The team explains why your investment strategy should start with a retirement plan, not a stock pick, and how your income sources, risk tolerance, and long-term goal...

Are your finances truly working together, or are you unknowingly creating tradeoffs? In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the six areas of your financial life and the warning signs that they may not be integrated. From tax supplies and investment missteps to outdated insurance and estate plan gaps, we show you how small disconnects can create big problems for your financial plan.  Season 1...

Small mistakes early in retirement can quietly derail even the best financial plan. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we share five of the most common early retirement mistakes that can impact your taxes, withdrawal strategy, investment plan, healthcare costs, and long-term income. Learn how to avoid these traps and keep your retirement on track with a sustainable financial plan and proactiv...

Is age 65 still the right retirement age, or has that idea become outdated? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the key retirement milestones like 55, 59.5, 62, 65, 67, and 70 and explain how Medicare, Social Security, 401(k) access, and healthcare costs all impact your decision. More importantly, we walk through the five factors that truly determine when you can retire with conf...