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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Could the solution to saving Social Security be so glaringly obvious that it has been overlooked, or perhaps even ignored, due to political power dynamics? The concern about the insolvency of the Social Security trust fund looms large as the program...
Description: In todays episode, we talk about the unexpected turns retirement can take, particularly when individuals find themselves in the role of raising a grandchild. This shift in family dynamics can significantly alter one’s retirement...
In today's episode, we'll dive into the intriguing phenomenon of Grey Divorce, which refers to divorces occurring among individuals aged 50 and above. Surprisingly, while the overall divorce rate is on the decline, Grey Divorce is on the rise. Join us...
In this episode, we explore an unrefined, yet accurate, approach to determining your risk tolerance. Beyond traditional risk tolerance questionnaires that often fluctuate with market conditions, we introduce two key criteria: Freak Out Number -...
Ever dreamed about retiring to a sunny beach or quaint village in another country? How about living a life of luxury for less than $3,000 per month? In today's episode, we're debunking common myths and discussing the challenges of living abroad, while...
We’ve heard this hundreds of time... 'I wish someone had warned me about this when I retired.' More often than not, they're referring to one of five key challenges that catch many retirees by surprise. In today's episode, we're diving into each of...
In today's episode, Devin reveals a significant transformation in his professional approach — the transition to a flat fee structure. After a period of subtle hints, the change is now official and marks a new chapter for his firm. Join Devin and...
Taxing the richest's unearned income—why should it matter to you? This episode peels back the complexities of the proposed legislation targeting billionaires' unrealized capital gains to examine its broader consequences. We get into how this...
The calculation the IRS uses to determine how you pay taxes on retirement income creates this danger zone where taxes can be SIGNIFICANTLY amplified. And if you fall into this danger zone, you could pay a MUCH higher tax rate on some of your...
How about this for a New Year's resolution - PROTECT YOUR ASSETS! In today's show, we bring back one of our most downloaded episodes where John covered the details on what to do with your personal property that could be exposed to creditors and...
In today's encore episode, we're talking about how to avoid the six most common Social Security mistakes. Some of these mistakes can be easily corrected. However, others can result in long-term or even permanent damage. In today's episode, John...