Defining Unicorn Status in Retirement: EDU #2515
April 9, 2025
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I are joined again by Jacob as we discuss listener emails about “unicorn” status—our term for retirees whose Minimum Dignity Floor™ and Fun Number™ are both covered by secure income. We clarify what qualifies as secure income and explore whether a very low withdrawal rate from a conservative portfolio might serve as a substitute. We also touch on when rental income might...
Listen NowSocial Security, Roth Conversion Tax Strategy, and Identity Theft PSA: Q&A #2514
April 5, 2025
This week’s is a bit of a non-traditional Q&A episode where Jim and Chris address two listener questions on Social Security but then move into Public Service Announcement mode. For the first PSA they discuss a listener email about a potential state-level Roth conversion tax saving strategy. Then, to wrap up the episode, Jim shares a continuation of the payday loan saga from last week. Jim...
Listen NowWeathering Market Downturns: EDU #2514
April 2, 2025
Chris’s Description Jim and I talk about how market downturns—like the one we’re seeing now—can cause people to second-guess their plans, even when they’re well prepared. We walk through how our Secure Retirement Income Process™ is designed to provide structure and clarity during volatile times, and explain how proper positioning can help you maintain perspective. Jim’s...
Listen NowIdentity Theft, Spousal Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRA Withdrawals, and 401(k) Contribution Limits: Q&A #2513
March 29, 2025
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to spousal Social Security benefits, RMD tax withholding, IRA withdrawals, and 401(k) contribution limits. Jim also shares a PSA about a recent attempt at identity theft. (20:15) Jim shares a PSA about a fraudulent payday loan application attempted in his name and what he learned about credit freezes and loan monitoring. (30:15) George asks...
Listen NowRoth 5-Year Rules and the Tax Planning Window: EDU #2513
March 26, 2025
Chris’s SummaryJim and I continue our review of interesting and sometimes confusing retirement planning facts, mostly drawn from Jim’s recent Ed Slott conference. We focus on the two Roth five-year rules and how they apply to Roth IRAs versus Roth 401(k)s. I explain the key distinctions between tax-free earnings and penalty-free access. Jim goes further into how “seasoning” from a...
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