Episodes

Sept. 30, 2024

Monte Carlo Simulations: Is Your “Probability of Success” Trustworthy?

In this episode, we take a closer look at Monte Carlo simulations—a tool used in retirement planning to estimate your chances of success. But are those percentages really reliable? Can an 85% or 90% success rate give you confidence in your...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 23, 2024

The Stock Market Gamble Most Investors Lose

In this episode, we explore the realities of stock-picking, revealing that it’s a gamble where the odds are heavily stacked against the average investor. Studies show that most individual stocks underperform or lose value over time, so we make a...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 16, 2024

How Kamala Harris’s Housing Plan Could Drastically Change Wealth Tran…

In this episode, we unpack Vice President Kamala Harris’s ambitious plan to lower housing costs, which would be funded by adopting Senator Elizabeth Warren’s sweeping estate tax overhaul. We explore the major changes proposed, including reducing...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 16, 2024

How Kamala Harris’s Housing Plan Could Drastically Change Wealth Tran…

In this episode, we unpack Vice President Kamala Harris’s ambitious plan to lower housing costs, which would be funded by adopting Senator Elizabeth Warren’s sweeping estate tax overhaul. We explore the major changes proposed, including...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 9, 2024

Ed Slott Explains How to Outmaneuver the Tax Trap in Retirement

Today we're joined by Ed Slott, the expert’s expert on retirement planning, to talk about how to make the most of your retirement savings and avoid costly tax surprises. Ed explains why converting to Roth IRAs could be a smart move, the risks of...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 3, 2024

Listener Voicemails: Super-funding 529s, Sophisticated Trusts, and Bo…

In this episode, we’re answering more listener voicemails about Social Security, gifting money, and estate planning. First, we help a listener who’s trying to figure out the best way to maximize his wife’s Social Security benefits. He’s...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 26, 2024

Listener Q&A: Demystifying Brokerage Statements, Retirement Readiness…

Today, Devin and Alexander are back answering listener questions. Tune in as we explore: Jamie's request for a detailed walkthrough of a monthly brokerage account statement, explaining where to find and understand fees, and demystifying various...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 19, 2024

Listener Voicemails: Social Security, Trusts, and IRA Math Mysteries

In this episode we’re answering listener voicemails and tackling some tough questions about Social Security, RMDs, estate planning, and more. First up, we help Diane, whose husband is a minister, figure out why his Social Security benefits don’t...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 12, 2024

Listener Q&A: Navigating RMDs, Investment Strategies, and Retirement …

In this episode of Big Picture Retirement, Devin is joined by Alexander Davis, a financial advisor at Carroll Advisory Group, to address some of the most pressing questions from our listeners. Together, they answer a range of questions, including: ...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 5, 2024

Listener Q&A: Tax Strategies, Inheritances, Annuities, and More

In this episode, Devin and John dive into a variety of listener questions, discussing annuities, maxing out retirement plans, why HSAs aren't widely talked about, IRMAA, and more. Tune in as we explore: Claudia's Situation: Understanding the...

Listen to the Episode
July 29, 2024

Listener Q&A: Navigating Taxes, Trusts, and More

In this episode of Big Picture Retirement, we’re back answering more of our listener-submitted questions. Join us as we cover: Anna's Query: When will NESARA begin? Ron's Question: Clarification on calculating taxes on Social Security benefits...

Listen to the Episode
July 22, 2024

Navigating Social Security: Listener Questions Answered

In this episode of the Big Picture Retirement podcast, we dive into listener questions about Social Security, tackling a wide range of scenarios to help you navigate the complexities of your benefits. Lois asks about the earnings limit for survivor...

Listen to the Episode
July 15, 2024

Listener Questions Answered: Reverse Mortgages, Healthcare Before Med…

In this episode, we tackle a diverse range of listener questions from reverse mortgages, annuities, Roth conversions, healthcare before the Medicare age, and a lot more.  Tune in as we discuss: Al's Question: Recommendations for reverse...

Listen to the Episode
July 8, 2024

Answering Listener Questions on Social Security

In this episode, Devin dives deep into the Social Security questions sent in by our listeners. Topics include questions on the earnings limit, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and the big one...how future benefit cuts could impact retirees...

Listen to the Episode
June 10, 2024

The Power of Donor Advised Funds

If you regularly donate to your church or other charities, donor advised funds (DAFs) might be something you want to look into. These funds offer some big perks. First off, you get a potential tax deduction in the year you contribute, even if the...

Listen to the Episode
June 3, 2024

Unpacking the New IRS Estate Planning Memo

In today's episode, we examine the recent IRS Chief Counsel Memorandum, which introduces significant changes to one of the cornerstone strategies in estate planning. We explore how these new guidelines impact assets placed in trusts like intentionally...

Listen to the Episode
May 28, 2024

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Lots of investors use the S&P 500 index as a key part of their investment plan, thinking it spreads their money out well among America's biggest companies. But in this episode, we're going to question that idea by looking at the risks of having...

Listen to the Episode
May 20, 2024

When Roth IRA Conversions Go Too Far

Roth IRA conversions can be a powerful tool for retirement planning, offering tax-free growth and withdrawals. However, there's a fine line between optimizing and overdoing it. In this episode, we talk about the dangers of over-converting to a Roth...

Listen to the Episode
May 13, 2024

Estate Planning Lessons from the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts

Are there lessons we should learn from the comparison of the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts? In this episode, we look at the contrasting estate planning tactics of two of America's wealthiest dynasties. While both families amassed incredible...

Listen to the Episode
May 13, 2024

Estate Planning Lessons from the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts

Retirement has five distinct phases and each of them have their own unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding these distinct phases is importantf or anyone who is approaching retirement or has retired within the past year or two. If you know...

Listen to the Episode
May 6, 2024

The Five Phases of Retirement

Retirement has five distinct phases and each of them have their own unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding these distinct phases is important for anyone who is approaching retirement or has retired within the past year or two. If...

Listen to the Episode
April 29, 2024

The Secret Power of Investment Location

In this episode, we dive into the concept of investment location—a tactical approach in asset allocation across various accounts like IRAs and joint accounts, which can significantly influence your tax liabilities.  If you’re thinking "I love...

Listen to the Episode
April 1, 2024

The Home Buying Earthquake That Changes Everything

In today's episode, we discuss the landmark $418 million settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its potential implications for the real estate industry. As retirees and others look to buy or sell homes, they're facing a...

Listen to the Episode
March 25, 2024

3 Types of Investors Who Should Avoid A Flat Fee Financial Advisor

Flat-fee financial advisors aren’t for everyone. In fact, there are three types of investors who should steer clear of flat-fee financial advisors. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about who should avoid hiring a flat fee advisor and either do it...

Listen to the Episode