The Wise Money Show™

Having a 401(k), insurance, and a will doesn't necessarily mean you have a complete financial plan. Learn why your strategy needs to integrate six core areas to work for you. In this episode, we break down the six areas of financial planning that form the foundation of a secure future. We explain why focusing on just one component, like investments, is often insufficient for long-term success. Ins...

Retiring early sounds like a dream, but could it lead to regrets you didn't see coming? In this episode of Wise Money, we explore the hidden risks of retiring too early, from healthcare costs and Social Security decisions to losing your sense of purpose. We'll discuss the financial and personal factors you need to consider before leaving the workforce and how to determine whether you're truly read...

America's national debt has reached $40 trillion, but what does that mean for your financial future? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down how the growing national debt could impact interest rates, inflation, the stock market, and your retirement savings. Plus, we discuss whether traditional investment strategies still make sense and what steps you can take to prepare your finances...

Medicare is changing in 2027, and understanding those changes could make a big difference in your healthcare costs and coverage. We break down what to know about Medicare Open Enrollment, rising costs, Medicare Advantage and Part D changes, and what happens if your current plan goes away. Plus, we explain the health insurance challenges facing those who retire before Medicare and why proactive tax...

Most people think about taxes when it's time to file, but some of the most important tax decisions happen just before the year ends. In this episode of Wise Money, CPA and CFP® Jared Moxness joins us to break down the tax strategies you should revisit every year, including Roth conversions, retirement contributions, and charitable giving. We also cover some of the biggest tax law changes for 2026...

Maxing out your 401k or retirement accounts sounds like a major financial win, but even great savers can make costly mistakes. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down common retirement contribution mistakes involving catch-up contributions, employer matches, Roth rules, and income limits. Learn how to avoid missed opportunities, unexpected tax problems, and other errors while making...

Retiring at 58 can be possible, but it takes more than building a large retirement account. In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the key factors that can make early retirement work, including how to access retirement savings before age 59.5, bridge the gap to Medicare, and decide when to claim Social Security. You'll also learn why taxes, healthcare investment risk, spending, and income pl...

What would you do differently if you had the chance to start your financial life over? Whether it's caused by divorce, job loss, a major life change, or simply wishing you had made different choices, starting over financially can be an opportunity to rebuild with a better plan. In this Wise Money episode, we discuss the money habits we'd prioritize, how we'd save and invest differently, and the fi...

There are more millionaires than ever, but is $1 million still enough to retire comfortably? In this episode of Wise Money, we break down what it really means to be a millionaire in 2026, the habits that consistently build long-term wealth, and why your net worth alone doesn't tell the whole story. You'll also learn how automatic investing, living below your means, managing debt, and giving your m...

AI is changing the way we invest, manage money, protect against financial scams, and make financial decisions. In this episode of Wise Money, we explore how AI financial planning is evolving, from investing and insurance to budgeting and fraud prevention. Plus, we discuss the opportunities and risks that come with AI and why more information doesn't necessarily lead to better financial decisions....

Think you have 10 years to empty an inherited IRA? That may not always be the case. In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the lesser-known 5-year rule, how beneficiary designations can change your options, and why regularly reviewing them matters. Plus, we answer listener questions about saving for a first home, Mega Backdoor Roth contributions, and Roth IRA 5-year rules. Season 11, Episode...

Healthcare could be one of your biggest expenses in retirement, but are you actually planning for it? In this episode of Wise Money, we break down how much you should budget for Medicare and healthcare costs, including what to consider if you retire before age 65. We also discuss IRMAA, HSAs, long-term care, and how rising healthcare costs could impact your overall retirement plan. Season 11, Epis...

our 50s are filled with major life changes that can have a lasting impact on your financial future. From helping kids through college to becoming an empty nester and preparing for retirement, each transition brings new opportunities and new decisions. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the biggest financial transitions most people face in their 50s, the mistakes to avoid, and th...

If you've spent years building your 401(k), you could be heading toward a retirement tax problem you never saw coming. In this episode of Wise Money, we explore whether it makes sense to keep funding a Roth 401(k), switch to pre-tax contributions, or use Roth conversions to reduce future taxes. You'll also learn how tax diversification, IRMAA, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and long-term t...

Tax planning is about much more than filing your tax return each year. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down the four levels of tax planning and explain how proactive tax planning strategies can help individuals, business owners, and entrepreneurs reduce lifetime taxes and build more wealth. Learn the difference between tax preparation and tax planning, discover legal tax-saving op...

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...