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Retirement Starts Today

Do you want to spend more money in retirement, while paying less taxes? Great news, you're in the right place! I'll also teach you the benefits of retiring TO something, while most retirees only solve half the equation by retiring FROM something. Tune in every Monday morning - hosted by Benjamin Brandt CFP, RICP. Join my "Every Day is Saturday" weekly newsletter for show notes, free book giveaways and other great retirement content: www.retirementstartstodayradio.com/newsletter
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Now displaying: October, 2024
Oct 28, 2024

Are you feeling rattled by Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)? We’re here to help. Today we get deep into managing RMDs as we explore an article by Pam Krueger from Kiplinger’s. I outline the complexities of RMDs, share strategies to minimize tax impacts, and talk about how to craft a "perfect RMD" strategy. Plus, I’ll dig into why so many retirement podcasters, myself included, have no plans to retire themselves.

We kick things off by understanding the basics of RMDs, including when and how retirees must start withdrawing funds from tax-deferred accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. I share exactly how the timing of RMDs, starting at age 73 (or potentially later under new laws), can have huge tax implications. I also detail strategies to minimize taxes through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and preemptive withdrawals.

And of course, co-host Bret Mulvaney and I respond to a listener's intriguing question: why don’t retirement podcasters retire? 

Outline of This Episode

  • [00:22] Tax Month and RMDs Overview
  • [02:10] Age Changes and Future Implications
  • [08:00] Strategies for a “Perfect RMD”
  • [16:10] Why Retirement Podcasters Don’t Retire
  • [21:30] Life Fulfillment through Financial Planning

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Oct 21, 2024

Are you sure you're making the right call when deciding between Roth and traditional retirement accounts? A recent article on the Michael Kitsis blog started a debate into why, during your peak earning years, contributing to traditional pre-tax accounts might actually make more sense—even if tax rates rise in the future. 

I’m going to break down why high-income earners can often benefit more from deferring taxes now and paying them later in retirement when they have more control over their income.

I’ll explain how using tax deductions at your highest earning years and withdrawing funds at lower tax rates in retirement can save you a significant amount in taxes over time. It’s all about maximizing your flexibility and finding opportunities to lower your tax burden down the road. 

Outline of This Episode

  • [0:20] Why are pre-tax contributions better during peak earning years?
  • [0:52] How can retirees better control income and taxes after retiring?
  • [5:00] What’s the key tax strategy difference between Roth and traditional?
  • [6:10] Why take deductions at high income and realize them later?
  • [9:20] How do tax rate changes affect Roth vs. traditional choices?
  • [12:08] Why is avoiding future "tax tidal waves" crucial for savers?
  • [13:20] What life events can raise taxes, even without rate hikes?
  • [14:50] How do traditional accounts allow for smart Roth conversions?
  • [15:20] Why should retirees focus on tax flexibility now?

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

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Oct 14, 2024

What could happen to our taxes if the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expires in 2025? This week, we explore a Wall Street Journal article analyzing the TCJA’s potential expiration and its varied impacts across the U.S. from coast to coast. 

These tax cuts, enacted under President Trump, included reductions across multiple income brackets, increased standard deductions, and expanded child tax credits. However, when they’re set to expire, the shift could mean substantial tax hikes for many households.

The discussion centers on the unique impact of these changes in different regions, showing how factors like income levels and state taxes could influence the extent of the increase.

Outline of This Episode

  • [0:20] What happens if the 2017 tax cuts expire?
  • [3:00] Impact of the TCJA’s expiration on different regions
  • [4:47] Where tax increases will be highest
  • [5:45] Bay Area faces double pressure
  • [6:05] Retirees in Collier County, Florida, brace for tax changes
  • [7:50] Rural areas face modest tax impacts
  • [12:21] Listener Question: Social Security & retirement timing

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Oct 7, 2024

Are you actually prepared for how upcoming tax law changes could impact your retirement? I analyze insights featured on the Nerd’s Eye View blog, focusing on key tax strategies for retirees. With the potential 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approaching, potential changes in marginal tax rates, personal exemptions, and deductions could significantly affect tax planning, especially for higher-income earners.

Flexibility is super important when preparing for uncertain legislative changes. Roth conversions and gains harvesting are explored as ways to mitigate the potential impact of rising tax rates. By taking action now, retirees can strategically time income recognition and navigate these upcoming shifts in tax policy.

We’re going to keep this conversation centered around forward-thinking tax planning based on Nerd’s Eye View insights, helping retirees and financial advisors remain adaptable and ready for the changes that may come. Understanding these strategies can help you out big time, and lead to smarter decisions as the future tax landscape unfolds.

Outline of This Episode

  • [0:08] Discover October’s tax focus and new tool
  • [1:06] Estimating Your Retirement Tax 
  • [2:30] What happens when tax cuts sunset?
  • [6:10] How to adapt to future tax changes effectively 
  • [7:00] Roth conversions for tax efficiency
  • [13:50] Listener question on retirement spending
  • [18:00] Social Security as a contingency plan

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Nerd’s Eye View

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on

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