Successfully Retired

The Most Unappreciated Retirement Account

Today I talk about what I think is the most unappreciated retirement savings account: The taxable brokerage account.
 
While most people have heard the benefits of the Roth IRA or the 401(k), far too few retirees I've met saved as much as they'd benefit from in a taxable brokerage account.
Listen in as Rick and I discuss:
 
What a taxable brokerage account is
How they work
How (when used right) they can help retirees take advantage of the tax code to make their dollars stretch further.
 
To learn more visit https://brandenburgfs.com

A Richer Retirement - How Much Can You Withdraw from your Investments? With William Bengen

In today's episode Rick Luchini and I interview William Bengen - the financial planner who discovered the "4% Safe withdrawal rule" that answered the question "How much can I withdraw from my investments without running out of money?" based on historical research.
 
In our chat we talk about what the retirement landscape was like when Bill first pioneered his research, the biggest risks Bill sees retirees facing today, and how he's updated his approach over the years. Bill also talks with us about how this has lead to another research project for him - his upcoming book "A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend and Enjoy More." Listen in to hear more about retirement income planning and learn more about my firm at www.brandenburgFS.com

3 Ways To Save for Your Kids (or Grandkids) Education

What type of account should I choose for my kid's or grandkid's college expenses?
What happens if they don't use all the money in their 529?
 
This is a question I get pretty often, from clients as well as from friends at dinner and other parents at the playground.
In today's episode I walk through the 3 most popular account types I see in my practice for saving for your kid's education, as well as some of the pros, cons and trade-offs of each. 
 
To learn more, visit https://brandenburgFS.com

Top 3 Retirement Questions Answered - With Rick Luchini

Today I join my friend and fellow financial advisor Rick Luchini as we talk about the 3 most common questions we get from people who want to pull the trigger on retirement. 
 
Join us as we dig into:
 
- Strategies for bridging the Medicare gap if you retire under 65
- How we like to frame the conversation around "How much can I take out of my investments?"
- A controversial approach to Social Security Claiming
As well as a bonus, the one thing people are NOT asking:
 
"How do I plan for taxes in retirement?"
 
Learn more about Rick and myself at our websites:
 
www.luchinifinancial.com
www.brandenburgFS.com
 
 

Better Marital Money Conversations - With Financial Therapist Joy Slabaugh CFP

Have you ever hit a brick wall discussing money with your significant other? Have you ever noticed your own financial behavior patterns and wondered why you repeat the same actions over and over again, despite trying not to?
 
In this episode of Successfully Retired, Hamilton interviews Joy Slabaugh, a former financial planner turned therapist specializing in financial therapy. They discuss how emotions and psychology play a crucial role in financial decision-making, often more than the numbers themselves. Joy explains how financial therapy helps individuals and couples navigate money-related stress, improve communication, and align their financial goals. She also shares a simple exercise to uncover hidden emotions about money and offers insights on handling financial conflicts in relationships. Tune in to learn how understanding your financial mindset can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling financial life.
 
Learn more about Joy's practice at https://www.joyinliving.life/
 
Connect with Brandenburg Financial at https://www.brandenburgFS.com
 

The Tax Time-Bomb for Large IRAs

 
Today I chat with fellow Financial Advisor Rick Luchini on the 2000 lb gorilla for large IRA owners: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Taxes.
 
Listen in as we discuss:
 
1. What RMDs are2. How they can drive up taxes if not planned for
3. The ecosystem of other parts of retirement they affect
4. How to give money to charity from your IRA tax-free
5. How Roth Conversions work, and how to determine how much to convert each year. 
 
Learn more at www.brandenburgfs.com

What's in the Binder? Estate Documents Explained - With Attorney Jeff Bowers

Have you completed your will and find the binder of legal documents an overwhelming mystery? Then today's episode is for you.
 
In this episode, I interview Estate Planning Attorney Jeff Bowers of the Bowers law firm. Jeff has nearly 30 years of experience practicing law and has seen just about every situation imaginable come through his office.
 
In our episode we dive into:
 
1. The essentials of estate planning, covering the must-have documents 
2. The purpose of wills, financial powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives, highlighting how they work together to simplify decision-making during challenging times.
3. Why proper storage of documents and creating a "cheat sheet" for accounts, insurance, and key contacts can make estate management smoother for your executors.
4. The importance of reviewing your estate plan regularly, especially after major life changes, and the pitfalls of common mistakes like unfunded trusts and unclear directives.
 
Whether you're new to estate planning or looking to fine-tune your documents, this episode offers practical insights to protect your legacy and avoid costly headaches for your family.
 
To download show resources like the cheat sheet mentioned, visit https://brandenburgfs.com/podcast
 
To learn more about Jeff and his practice visit https://bowerslawfirm.com/ or call Jeff and his team at (678) 388-1960. 
The Bowers Law Firm is located in the Northwest Metro Atlanta area in the city of Dallas, Georgia. Their mailing address is:
 
110 Evans Mill Drive
Suite 601
Dallas, GA 30157

Are You Overlooking These Estate Plan Pitfalls?

In this episode, my guest and fellow financial planner Rick Luchini and I dive into the common—and often costly—mistakes people make when it comes to estate planning.
 
From forgotten beneficiary updates on life insurance and 401(k)s to the crucial step of funding a trust, we share real-world examples of how a small oversight can create big problems for your loved ones.
 
Plus, we discuss why your estate plan needs to evolve as your life does, and how a little proactive effort today can save headaches tomorrow.
 
Whether you're nearing retirement or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice to ensure your estate plan works the way you want it to!