Your Money, Your Wealth

"Chase and Ryder" are 56 and 55 with $5 million saved and huge pensions the day they retire. So why are they so nervous about pulling the trigger? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 578 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. "Andy and April" are 46 with $2.4 million saved and 10 years until they want to retire. Can they get there, and do they need a trust? "Burt and Sally" are in their late forties with solid pensions and a retirement dream, but is the math close enough to make it work? Finally, does "Dolly" have any options for squeezing more out of Social Security when she and her spouse have identical benefits? She's inheriting a brokerage account too, and wonders about the asset mix. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-578 (full show notes & episode transcript) Withdrawal Strategy Guide - free download: https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/withdrawal-strategy-guide/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-withdraw

Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on whether a popular early retirement strategy could actually blow up your financial plan, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 577. Red and Kitty from Wisconsin are burned out at 40 and wonder if retiring at 45 using the 72(t) tax election to take substantially equal periodic payments, or SEPP, is a smart bridge strategy. Jiminy Billy Bob in North Carolina is also considering a 72(t). How should he structure his withdrawal order, and does he need to shift into bonds before downshifting his career? Plus, Steve and Sharon in Minnesota have 8 million bucks. Steve is getting laid off at age 56. What should they do with their 401(k), stock options, incentives, and benefits before and after the layoff? Free Financial Resources in This Episode:  https://bit.ly/ymyw-577 (full show notes & episode transcript) Recession Protection Guide - free download Retirement Readiness Guide - free download 6 Ways Americans Accidentally Sabotage Their Retirement -

Are Roth conversions worth it? We'll find out, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 576.  TJ in PA is gonna have huge capital gains. Joe and Big Al spitball on whether it's worth it for him to convert. Rebels Without a Gauze in New England are over 70. Is it too late for them to convert? How much should Biking Barnsey convert from his tax-deferred accounts to Roth each year, and are there any single ladies in the YMYW audience that would like to help him spend his retirement money? Finally, the fellas spitball on whether Zisi and his wife are being too aggressive with their conversion strategy. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-576 (full show notes & episode transcript) Complete Roth Papers Package - free download: https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/the-complete-roth-papers-package/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-the-complete-roth-papers-package&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep576-description-whitepaper  Financial Assessment (Me

Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on how to build your own retirement AND support your kids financially, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 575. "Lloyd and Diane" in Montgomery County are 50 with $8.4 million. Can they retire early and still be generous with their kids? E and T in Missouri are 34 and 31 with $255K, and hopefully some big inheritances in the future. Can they fund the kids' college, and help them buy their first homes, AND retire early? Kent in Kansas City is 73 with 12 million bucks and $2 million in life insurance. Do Joe and Big Al back up his plan to buy an annuity, gift money to his kids now, and still spend freely in retirement, Die With Zero style? Finally, should John in the San Francisco Bay Area sell the family home and move to Nevada, or hold the house for his autistic daughters to inherit later? Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-575 (full show notes & episode transcript) Estate Plan Organizer - free download: https://

Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA focus on Social Security claiming strategies as part of the retirement spitballs, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 574. Bijou Plutus and her husband in Massachusetts are 62 and 64 with about a million dollars. Can she retire at 65, and should he claim Social Security early? Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde in the Twin Cities have about the same at 51 and 49, plus big pensions and high spending. Can they afford to retire early, and when should they claim Social Security? Diggler and Roller Girl in Tennessee are 57 and 58 with about $600K, and Diggler estimates his Social Security break-even is at age 77. Can he collect Social Security early and simply work recreationally? Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-574 (full show notes & episode transcript) Social Security Handbook - free download: https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/social-security-handbook/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-5

Juan and Mary in Brooklyn are 49 and 48 with $2.2 million saved. Can Juan afford to retire early, or just walk away if he gets fired? And if they get divorced, yikes - but does the math still work? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 573. But first, "Reuben Sailing Shoes" is 68, single, retired, and has $1.6 million saved, but he's never had a budget in his life. How much can he actually spend? "Leslie and Ben" are federal retirees in their seventies with great pensions and a mix of pre-tax and Roth savings, and "Mork and Mindy" in Delaware are retired with an annuity, a pension, Social Security, and $1.3 million in an IRA. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on how Roth conversions and RMD timing can help both couples minimize taxes and make the most of what they've got. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-573 (full show notes & episode transcript) Complete Roth Papers Package - free download: https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/the-comple

"Carl and Jane" have eight million bucks, and their advisor is suggesting a 130/30 long-short investing strategy. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on whether this is a smart tax move or unnecessary complexity - and whether they would do it themselves, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 572. Plus, Tyrone and Tova think they may never even need their retirement accounts, so do they really need to bother with Roth conversions if the kids are going to inherit the money anyway, or could skipping the conversions mean losing half their retirement income to taxes? Mark in San Diego is juggling Roth conversions and Social Security timing without blowing up his tax bill, or the income-related monthly adjustment amount for Medicare, or net investment income tax. And "Boat Drinks" has a big non-qualified deferred compensation plan. How can he structure payouts before it turns into a tax nightmare - and before he potentially gets laid off? Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://

If you plan to punch the clock for the final time decades before "standard" retirement age, you need a financial strategy that goes beyond just saving. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball five different early retirement plans to see whose numbers are tight and who is ready to go for it, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 571. George in South Carolina wants to retire in 8 years at 53. Does he have enough in his brokerage account to bridge the gap to Social Security? Joe in Massachusetts is saving a staggering $200,000 a year, but will his high-spending lifestyle make a multi-million dollar nest egg look small? The fellas help 26-year-old Jonathan in Florida map out a path to retire in his 40s using his 457 plan, and they spitball on whether early exit strategies for both Kris and Rojo in California are a "green light" or a reality check. Plus, Joe explains why the "Rule of 55" and Roth conversions might be some of the most important tools in your early retirement toolbox. Free Financial

Joe and Big Al spitball two sides of the retirement equation, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 570. Daniel in Texas is 40 and worrying about how to support Mom and Dad if their money runs out. Can he build some kind of financial safety net for them without ruining his own retirement? Jemma's 82-year-old mom is drawing down her portfolio. Is locking in guaranteed income with an annuity a smart move, or could that create new problems down the road? Plus, "Cookie and Gerry" want to walk away from work before 50 with a big brokerage account and a pension. Are they positioned correctly? How can they avoid pulling the wrong levers at the wrong time? And "Fred and Wilma" are staring at a potential multi-million-dollar ESOP payout. What levers do they need to pull so they can retire at 46 and shout "Yabba Dabba Doo"? Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-570 (full show notes & episode transcript) 10 Steps to Improve Investing Success - free download What to Do When the St

When you're standing at a major financial crossroads, the timing of your decisions can mean the difference between success and failure. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on the "when" of five retirement decisions, today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 569. We'll kick things off with a whale of an email: "Fine and Dandy" is 42 years old with a multimillion dollar private equity offer on the table. Should he sell his business now or hold out for a second bite of the apple later? He also wonders if it's crazy to spend more on his vacation home than on his primary residence. David calls himself an "elderly orphan," flying solo at 66 and in need of a plan to protect his million-dollar portfolio as he ages. BB and Shell are trying to time their final year of retirement contributions to save as much as possible before moving to a lower-tax state. Should they go Roth IRA or traditional? Joel wonders when to take required minimum distributions from retirement accounts for the maximum tax be

John Q. Taxpayer is in the home stretch of his career, looking for the best way to catch-up and build his tax-free bucket. Meanwhile, a pair of young financial nerds in Omaha are already strong savers, but they're wondering whether a simple "VOO for life" strategy is enough to help them reach multimillionaire status in retirement. Also, Janine retired unexpectedly. Can her remaining savings support a European retirement lifestyle? From Jonas Grumby's "glitch in the matrix" tax strategy to the potential tax nightmare of Dolly's literal sack of inherited gold coins, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 568, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. spitball on how folks from different generations with different situations can reach the same ultimate goal: positioning assets today to ensure the most tax-free wealth tomorrow. Plus, the fellas spitball on the "double taxation" trap of retirement plan loans for Pete in North Carolina, and the affordability of 50-year mortgages for Semper Fi in Michigan. Free

Should Al and Peggy in Illinois keep hammering pre-tax retirement savings or should they pivot to post-tax Roth for better tax diversification? Which pension option is best for their early retirement plans? Long-term care insurance premiums are going up endlessly for Eloise in Connecticut. Is she walking into an insurance industry trap? How do Eric and Tami in Baton Rouge help their kids with college without blowing up their own retirement, and when do student loans make sense? Finally, should Lana and Sterling harvest capital gains or prioritize Roth conversions before moving to a much higher-tax state? The basic question in all of these is the same: how do you protect your future from rising costs and unknowns that are out of your control? We'll find out what it takes, today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 567. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-567 (full show notes & episode transcript) Key Financial Data Guide - free download Retirement Panic Button: 7 Ways to Avo

"Mr and Mrs Smith" have nearly $850,000 saved at age 43, but they're very concerned about retirement. "Lucy and Desi" are 58 and 64 with nearly $7 million saved, but they still lie awake wondering if it's enough for their high-expense life. "Tony and Carmela" are in a similar boat with millions saved at 61 and 59, but they're worried their asset allocation won't get them through their retirement. No matter the numbers, the fears sound exactly the same: will you run out of money in retirement? Turns out overcoming that fear is not about hitting a magic number. We'll find out what it's all about today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 566 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA. The fellas also spitball Roth conversions, long/short direct indexing capital gains tax strategies for "Juicy Squeeze", working after retirement for Wendi, and how one confusing word can completely change a retirement timing decision for "Jacques and Johana." Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw

Lucky Lou is 48, burned out and wants to punch at 50. How should he bridge the gap before pensions and Social Security? Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA walk through the Rule of 55, 72(t)s, and the psychological reality of spending down a taxable account, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 565. Alexei and Anna are high earners in their mid-20s who want to save aggressively and keep taxes low. Which retirement accounts should they prioritize, and can they afford a downpayment on a house? Jay and Gloria are wrestling with the classic question of whether to save to Roth or traditional 401(k), especially since their state doesn't tax retirement income. Is taking the deduction now and backdooring Roths the smarter move? Plus, Sleepless in Seattle wants to know, can her 28-year-old daughter afford to buy a condo in a high-cost housing market? Finally,  Jennifer in Texas wonders how to invest and withdraw an inherited IRA over the 10-year rule with the least tax damage. Free Financial Resour

Hana's mom is 92. Mom's husband is 74, and after years of trying to help a family member, nearly a million dollars is gone. How do they stop the bleeding before it's too late, and how much can they spend each year from what's left? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 564 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Plus, "Peter and Gwen" from Virginia have a pension, Roths, and a shrinking IRA. With the new tax law, IRMAA, and Social Security decisions all colliding, should they keep converting to Roth, and when should they actually collect Social Security? Also, does it make sense for "Mr. and Mrs. Scarecrow" to claim Social Security early and invest it? Finally, "Rosie and Astro" from Pennsylvania ask if they can retire in just three years with $1.3 million, and whether it's time to hire an advisor to help them get there. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-564 (full show notes & episode transcript) Social Security Handbook Retirement Readiness Guide

YMYW friends, welcome to 2026. What actually mattered most to you in 2025? It turns out to be tax-free gains on investments, retirement timing, and claiming Social Security. Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 563, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA break down the smartest tax moves, the biggest Roth mistakes to avoid, and how real people solve real retirement problems - with the help of special guests Susan Brandeis CFP® and the IRA guru, Ed Slott, CPA. Find out when Roth conversions help or hurt, how to lower lifetime taxes for you and your heirs, what it really takes to retire confidently, even without a massive portfolio, and more. Watch or listen and steal the financial strategies that made YMYW's most popular episodes of the year.  Free Financial Tools & Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-563 (full show notes & episode transcript) The Complete Roth Papers Package - 3 free downloads in one! Don't Let These 10 Risks Break Your Retirement - YMYW TV Financial Blue

Today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast 562 (an encore of episode 513), Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for YMYW listeners in their 40s who are ready to call it quits at work, become financially independent, and retire early. Can they afford to do it? Peter and Joanna want to retire in the next two years. Burned Out and Ready to Retire wants out of his toxic office. If Maryland Chicken Man never earns another dollar, how much can he afford to withdraw from his retirement accounts each year? And Suzanne in Massachusetts is 69 and needs $60K a year for the next 30 years. Is she all right? (While Joe and Big Al enjoy a little seasonal downtime and Andi recovers from surgery, enjoy this encore presentation of these questions from an early 2025 episode.) Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-562 (full show notes & episode transcript) 2025 Key Financial Data Guide - free download 10 Big Retirement Regrets to Avoid (Before It's Too Late)  - YMYW TV Financial Blueprin

Financially speaking, should Old Bear in Northern Kentucky marry his Honey? How should Sebastian in Virginia navigate the financial aspects of his separation? Plus, Famous Missourians want to know, how much is enough for retirement and when can you take your foot off the gas? Can Paul with the Big Wallet Bridge the long gap between retiring and claiming Social Security benefits? And can Aspiring Adventurer in Oregon retire single at age 58? (While Joe and Big Al enjoy a little seasonal downtime and Andi recovers from surgery, enjoy this encore presentation of these questions from an early 2025 episode.) Free Financial Resources in This Episode:  https://bit.ly/ymyw-561 (full show notes & episode transcript) DOWNLOAD The Going Solo Guide for free WATCH: Going Solo: Navigating Your Financial Future Single on YMYW TV Financial Blueprint (self-guided) Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional) REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis DOWNLOAD more free guides READ financial blogs WAT

Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 560, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball business development company (BDC) funds for Edward in Illinois before diving into buckets of cash, T-bills, decumulation, and Roth conversion timing for Pebbles and Bam Bam. Plus, the fellas help 34 year old Keith in Connecticut figure out if he's actually on track, whether he's taking too much risk, or just worrying too much. They also spitball on the six-figure annuity gain that Gus in Philly's 95 year old dad has amassed. Finally, why yelling "never pay an advisor" on the internet doesn't necessarily magically turn MYGAs into the perfect investment for everyone. (While Joe and Big Al enjoy a little seasonal downtime and Andi recovers from surgery, enjoy this encore presentation of these questions from a January 2025 episode.) Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-560 (full show notes & episode transcript) 10 Steps to Improve Investing Success - free download Tax-Smart Charitable

Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 559 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA, David wants to know if he and his wife (ages 47 and 53) are actually on track for retirement - without realizing they're creeping toward that .01% crowd that David swears he is not part of. Mia and Jessie from Seattle want to retire and still pick up a dream lake house with a combined ten million dollars saved. Can they pull it off? Yosemite Sam from Allen, Texas, wonders if he should wipe out the lake house mortgage or keep that low-rate loan to hang on to more flexibility as he approaches retirement. Joe and Big Al also spitball on whether Todd and Margo should shift more into pre-tax accounts to leave their corporate jobs at age 50, and whether early retirement at 55 plus a $500,000 beach home is in the cards for Birdie and Bogey from Williamsburg. Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-559 (full show notes & episode transcript) Financial Blueprint (self-guided) Financial Assessment