The Wise Money Show™

Taxes in retirement could be one of your largest expenses, especially if most of your savings are in pre-tax accounts. In this bonus episode of Wise Money, we are joined by Matt Hoke to break down practical strategies to reduce taxes on Social Security, RMDs, and even avoid costly IRMAA surcharges.  Download our FREE 5-Factor Retirement guide: https://wisemoneyguides.com/   Schedule a meeting with...

Target date funds are one of the most popular investment options inside a 401(k), but are they actually the right choice for your retirement plan? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down how target date funds work, when they make sense, and when building your own diversified portfolio may be the smarter move. We also answer a fan question about choosing a later retirement date to tak...

Before you file your taxes, there are critical financial planning moves you need to understand. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the most important tax law changes for 2025 and 2026, including SALT cap updates, senior deductions, child tax credits, and new retirement rules. This isn't about getting a bigger refund; it's about using proactive tax planning to pay less tax over y...

After a powerful run in the markets, many investors are asking whether the stock market is too hot and what that means for their portfolio. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down recent market performance, valuations, volatility, and the key forces driving stocks today, including AI, interest rates, and global diversification. You'll learn how to think about risk, rebalancing, and s...

Financial planning with 529 plans has changed in a big way. What was once just a college savings tool can now become a powerful strategy for long-term, tax-free retirement wealth when used correctly. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the new 529-to-Roth IRA rules, who this strategy works for, and the key pitfalls to avoid. Learn how this little-known opportunity could potential...

If you're 50 years old, how do you decide whether to max out your 401(k), Roth IRA, or HSA? The right answer depends on more than just tax benefits; it requires looking at all six areas of your financial life. In this bonus episode, we break down the risks, trade-offs, and planning considerations to help you make the wisest move for your retirement and tax strategy. Download our FREE 5-Factor Reti...

As the year gets underway, we're answering the seven financial questions people ask us most, covering investing, retirement, taxes, Roth strategies, and Social Security. These are the same questions that come up in almost every planning meeting, regardless of where you are in your financial journey. In this episode of Wise Money, we'll walk through how to think about each one and why the answers a...

As a new year begins, many financial resolutions start strong but fade quickly without a clear plan. In this episode of Wise Money, we break down five financial resolutions that actually create lasting progress, not just good intentions. From building a sustainable cash flow system to improving savings, tax strategy, protection, and long-term planning, we show how small, intentional steps can lead...

Most people think financial stress is about income, but it's usually a broken cash flow system. In this episode of Wise Money, we walk through the three-bank account cash flow operating system that helps create stability, reduce stress, and build real financial confidence. You'll learn how to properly manage monthly expenses, plan ahead for non-monthly costs, and stop getting blindsided by predict...

Are you planning to retire in 2026? In this episode of Wise Money, we cover the most important decisions to make in the final stretch before retirement. Learn how to stress-test your plan, align your income and investments, and coordinate taxes, Social Security, and healthcare so you can transition into retirement with clarity and confidence.  Season 11, Episode 18 Download our FREE 5-Factor Retir...

Are Roth conversions only worth it in the 10% or 12% tax bracket? Not always. In this episode of Wise Money, we explain when Roth conversions in the 22% or 24% tax bracket can make sense and when they don't. We cover estate planning considerations, market downturn opportunities, retirement tax "windows", and whether a seven-figure portfolio can still stay in a lower tax bracket. Season 11, Episode...

Long-term care is one of the biggest risks to your retirement. In this bonus episode of Wise Money, we are joined by Zach Broadwick, CFP®, to break down how to know whether you need long-term care insurance or if your investment portfolio is enough to self-insure.  Download our FREE 5-Factor Retirement guide: https://wisemoneyguides.com/     Schedule a meeting with one of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL P...

As the year comes to a close, it's easy to get swept up in the holidays and forget key financial to-dos that could make a huge impact on your taxes, retirement, and financial confidence. In this episode of Wise Money, we're giving you a comprehensive year-end financial checklist covering all six areas of your financial life to make sure you finish strong and start the new year on a solid financial...

It's the season of giving, but are you giving in the most impactful and tax-efficient way? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down smart charitable giving strategies that help you support the causes you care about while reducing your taxes before year-end. From donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to gifting appreciated investments and maximizing state ta...

Roth IRAs are powerful, but also misunderstood. In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the most common Roth IRA questions we hear. From age limits and income rules to the two different 5-year rules, Roth conversions, and when to use your Roth in retirement. We'll cover how contributions and conversions really work, how to avoid penalties, why many people invest their Roth IRA incorrectly, an...

Retiring before Medicare? You might face a tricky balancing act between doing Roth conversions and keeping your health insurance subsidies through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Tanner Watson, CFP®, helps us unpack a real-life retirement planning case to show how Roth conversions can impact your premium tax credits and what strategies can help you make the most of both. Download our FREE 5-Factor...

Retiring with debt in your 50s can feel like a dead end, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Wise Money, we unpack how to balance paying off debt while still making that final push toward a confident retirement. We explain different versions of the debt snowball, how to build a five-factor retirement plan, and how to bring clarity to your financial plan so you can retire with confidence....

When you retire, your investment strategy shouldn't look the same as it did during your working years. The way down the mountain is different and more challenging than the climb up. In this episode of Wise Money, we're walking through five retirement investment strategies, explaining the pros and cons of each, and helping you determine which approach is best for your situation. From dividend inves...

As 2025 wraps up, so does your chance to make smart, proactive tax moves before the year is over. In this episode of Wise Money, we walk through your 2025 fall tax planning playbook and checklist for you to follow. We cover Roth conversions, RMDs and QCDs, topping off Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and how the tax law changes passed this summer should shape what you do before year-end. Season 11,...

On this special Listener Question episode of Wise Money, we're answering your financial questions. From the new catch-up contribution rules and "super" catch-ups at age 60, to whether it ever makes sense to invest your 401(k) in individual stocks like Tesla or Palantir. We're unpacking most of the most confusing tax and retirement changes heading into 2026.  Season 11, Episode 10 Download our FREE...

Many people believe that earning more income will automatically lead to wealth, but that's not how financial freedom works. Real wealth isn't about how much you make, it's about how much you keep and what you do with it. In this episode of Wise Money, we are sharing practical ways to boost your savings, no matter your income level. Season 11, Episode 9 Download our FREE 5-Factor Retirement guide:...

When it comes to Social Security, everyone has an opinion, but what does the math (and financial planning) actually say? We searched our YouTube comments to respond to your most common frustrations and misconceptions about Social Security. From "I don't want to spend down my own money first" to "I'll just invest my Social Security checks," we unpack the truth behind listener questions and comments...

Most people have heard that Roth IRAs can be a powerful tool, but many don't realize that the timing of a Roth conversion is just as important as the strategy itself. If done right, a Roth conversion can save you thousands of dollars in taxes and help you build long-term, tax-free retirement income. In today's episode of Wise Money, we're breaking down the top five times when you should consider d...

Medicare is going through some of the biggest changes we've seen in years, and the impact on your retirement planning could be significant. Premiums for Medicare supplement prescription drug plans are expected to rise sharply, and the way you budget for healthcare in retirement may need to shift. In this episode of Wise Money, we break down what these changes mean, why costs are increasing, and ho...

Are you in your 50s and planning for retirement? This decade can make or break your financial future. From cashing out retirement accounts too early to overlooking critical tax strategies, these mistakes can quietly derail your retirement goals. In this episode, we're revealing the top seven costly money mistakes people commonly make in their 50s and how you can avoid them. Season 11, Episode 6 Do...