Curious how to manage your 401(k), Social Security, and retirement withdrawals in today’s market? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase break down practical strategies for navigating retirement planning, taxes, and investment decisions so you can make informed choices for your financial future.

• Examine why a strong stock market may not reflect the real economy and what seems to be influencing current market movements.

• Break down company stock in 401(k)s and explore how net unrealized appreciation (NUA) can affect tax planning.

• Explore listener examples of balancing Social Security benefits and retirement account withdrawals to create a thoughtful income plan.

• Review early retirement rules, including 457 plans, 72(t) distributions, and the rule of 55, and how they often impact access to funds.

• Analyze estate planning mistakes, even among high-profile cases, to understand potential pitfalls and planning considerations.

• Compare brokerage accounts, investment research tools, and target-date funds to evaluate what may fit your individual situation.

• Evaluate the trade-offs between mortgage payoff strategies and staying invested when interest rates fluctuate.

• Clarify how Roth 401(k) and IRA withdrawal rules differ before age 59 ½ and what that could mean for accessing retirement funds.

Gain actionable insights and considerations to help make informed retirement planning decisions. Listen now and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast to stay updated on the key factors shaping today’s financial planning and retirement strategies.

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Ready to explore new perspectives on retirement planning? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine money, markets, and financial strategies, highlighting ways thoughtful planning may help support financial confidence.

·       Review how stock dividends have historically compared with bond interest over the long term.

·       Explain total return as the combination of growth and income, and discuss how it relates to inflationand purchasing power.

·       Compare the historical performance of stocks and bonds and outline the effects of compounding over decades.

·       Consider the role of bonds in a portfolio, particularly for those seeking stability and diversification.

·       Address listener questions on money supply, cash reserves, risk tolerance, and the potential influence of guaranteed income sources on retirement timelines.

·       Explore options for self-employed retirement savings, including the flexibility of solo 401(k) plans.

·       Reflect on the psychological value of having a financial plan during periods of market uncertainty.

·       Highlight trends in U.S. manufacturing productivity, including the impact of AI, robotics, and Midwest innovation.

·       Discuss approaches to balancing an emergency fund with retirement contributions, and review considerations around Roth accounts.

·       Examine practical examples of retirement-related decisions, such as early home purchases, Roth IRA conversions, and considerations for taxes, Social Security, and pensions.

Gain insights into the discussions shaping retirement planning and investing today. Listen and subscribeto the Retire Sooner Podcast to explore more perspectives that can help guide your financial journey.

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Discover how money choices today can influence your financial confidence and retirement happiness in this engaging episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase. Gain perspective on retirement planning strategies, Social Security rules, tax considerations, and investing trends that could shape your financial journey.

• Examine how large IRA withdrawals—such as those used for home renovations—can affect Medicare premiums, and consider strategies to help manage taxable income.

• Break down the concept of tokenization in investing as Robinhood and the SEC highlight this trend, and think about the possibilities for fractional ownership in the future of investing.

• Weigh the trade-offs between applying rental income toward your mortgage principal versus investing it for long-term retirement flexibility.

• Clarify how Social Security survivor benefits may extend to grandchildren, what dependency rules apply, and why guardianship status alone may not be enough.

• Review why withdrawal planning and tax awareness—including the value of professional guidance—remain key components of effective financial planning for retirement.

• Learn how capital gains tax brackets work and why timing investment sales can play a role in overall tax outcomes, especially for families with changing incomes.

• Assess the role of REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) within a diversified investment approach and what to weigh when considering them as part of your retirement income plan.

• Explore the growing use of artificial intelligence in financial planning, from investment research to estate modeling, while keeping in mind its potential benefits and current limits.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay confident in your path forward. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for thoughtful conversations that support a fulfilling retirement journey.

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Get ready to rethink retirement with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase as they examine the realities of investing, financial security, and planning for a fulfilling future. This episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast delivers actionable insights, practical frameworks, and real-world examples to inform your retirement planning decisions.

Hear a retirement story illustrating how asset allocation strategies can change over longer time horizons.

Explore how retirees might evaluate investment choices when guaranteed income streams exceed spending needs.

Question the traditional “own your age in bonds” rule and consider how personal comfort with market risk can shape retirement planning.

Understand the Federal Reserve’s influence on interest rates and what rate changes may mean for savings, housing, and the broader economy.

Examine the inverted yield curve and consider historical patterns regarding economic slowdowns.

Identify market sectors, including consumer staples and utilities, that may show relative stability during market fluctuations.

Clarify misconceptions about global stock market capitalization and assess how international diversification may fit into a retirement plan.

Review the 6% test as a framework for comparing pension lump sum options and monthly payments.

Consider wealth-building benchmarks and habits for younger savers that support gradual accumulation over time.

Explore irrevocable trusts and other legal strategies that may help manage and protect certain assets.

Listen as Wes and Christa address listener questions covering retirement planning considerations across different life stages.

Empower yourself with knowledge and thoughtful considerations for your financial future. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for weekly discussions on investing, retirement planning, and financial security 🎧

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Tired of sifting through retirement noise and myths? On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase unpack practical strategies and honest conversations to help you navigate your retirement journey with confidence—wherever you may stand today.

• Question what "Is the 60/40 Dead?" means for balanced investing and consider how classic stock/bond allocations might still fit modern portfolios.

• Analyze the evolution of balanced portfolios and prioritize flexibility and personalization to match your unique goals.

• Evaluate the benefits of working with a fiduciary advisor versus managing a low-cost index fund portfolio on your own.

• Clarify the mechanics of Roth conversions, including tax management, employer plan rules, and common pitfalls like the pro rata rule.

• Assess the advantages and drawbacks of using self-directed brokerage windows within your 401(k) and identify key considerations.

• Uncover the realities behind the Great Wealth Transfer and plan for receiving and leaving inheritances thoughtfully with estate planning insights.

• Emphasize the importance of communicating family values and wishes about money to help facilitate smoother inheritance discussions.

• Compare the tax efficiency of target-date ETFs versus mutual funds when shaping your taxable investment approach.

• Decode fully paid lending programs from brokerages such as Fidelity and weigh the implications of loaning your stock holdings.

• Consider appropriate asset allocations for elder care responsibilities when acting as a power of attorney, factoring in rising costs and longevity.

Empower your retirement future with practical, actionable knowledge from this episode. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast to stay informed on real-world financial strategies that may help support your goals.

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Kickstart your journey to a happier, earlier retirement with this high-energy episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, where Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase tackle real listener questions and spotlight flexible strategies that could help you build a more confident retirement plan. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, get motivated to consider meaningful actions—starting now.

• Jump-start your savings approach in your 40s and 50s, even if you're just beginning to focus on retirement.

• Unlock the “50+ Retirement Catch-Up Toolbox” with tools like Roth conversions, HSAs, and enhanced contribution limits.

• Discover what’s ahead with new “super catch-up” contribution rules and upcoming IRS changes that may impact your planning.

• Maximize your Social Security outlook by understanding how the timing of withdrawals could influence your benefits.

• Hear how annuities and home equity were discussed as potential components in long-term financial planning.

• Tune in to real-world stories from listeners managing late-in-life parenting, mortgages, and the pursuit of financial independence.

• Reconsider the risks and rewards of penny stocks with a balanced conversation about their place in a retirement portfolio.

• Weigh the role of pensions in your overall asset allocation for a more personalized investment approach.

• Rethink your withdrawal game plan with a closer look at the 4% rule—its origins and relevance today.

• Confront concerns around global exposure by reviewing how emerging markets and China-related investments might affect your portfolio.

• Strengthen your retirement mindset with income-focused planning designed to help support a more stable financial future.

Get energized with actionable ideas and relatable stories that help make retirement planning feel more approachable. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast to join a community focused on financial clarity and living a purpose-filled retirement.

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Think you might be richer than you realize? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine realistic benchmarks and practical frameworks for retirement planning.

• Define what the “rich ratio” means and consider how it may reframe your retirement outlook.

• Compare your savings habits to U.S. medians to understand the broader landscape.

• Acknowledge that building wealth typically occurs over long periods and that consistency can be meaningful.

• Discuss research on how happiness and financial confidence often plateau beyond certain savings levels.

• Evaluate the roles of traditional and Roth IRAs, 457(b)s, pensions, and brokerage accounts to support flexibility.

• Identify scenarios where a standalone brokerage account may be unnecessary for certain savers.

• Consider a target date fund allocation approach that may better align with your stated risk tolerance.

• Weigh convenience, costs, and tax features of index mutual funds versus ETFs, including changes following a major fund industry patent expiration.

• Clarify how the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) rule for company stock in 401(k)s works and where tax treatment can differ.

• Review key factors when choosing between a state pension plan and a self directed plan for teachers and public employees.

• Position specialized pension income, including Railroad Retirement, as part of a base income layer within an overall plan, subject to program rules.

• Incorporate year round tax planning as a component of a well documented retirement strategy, noting that individual circumstances vary.

Listen and SUBSCRIBE to the Retire Sooner Podcast for weekly educational conversations that can inform more confident financial decision making.

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Think you know the rules of thumb for retirement and investing? Think again. On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine common money myths and respond to listener questions that may reshape how you approach your financial future.

What you'll explore in this episode:

• Begin investing at any income level by seeing how access to markets has evolved.

• Focus on long-term participation instead of trying to perfectly time the market.

• Revisit the role of cash in your strategy and reflect on whether “cash is king” still holds.

• Understand why not all bonds carry the same level of risk, despite common assumptions.

• Consider how long-term investing differs from gambling based on historical probabilities.

• Explore modern tools and AI platforms that can support your portfolio analysis.

• Avoid the comparison trap by staying grounded in your personal financial goals.

• Compare the potential uses of whole life insurance versus long-term investing in special needs planning.

• Remember that market declines only become losses when assets are sold.

• Recognize the limitations of using past performance to estimate future outcomes.

• Examine whether real estate consistently appreciates by looking at real-life exceptions and patterns.

• Shift your perspective from outperforming the market to maintaining a long-term plan.

• Emphasize the importance of hobbies and social connections alongside financial readiness in retirement.

• Track your accounts and consider when changes to a managed portfolio may be appropriate.

• Reassess how supplemental funds—like vacation accounts—fit into your broader plan and tax picture.

• Simplify charitable giving by analyzing options such as donor-advised funds and intentional planning.

🎧 Listen today and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for thoughtful insights to help guide your retirement journey._

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Take the next step in your retirement planning.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase, where you'll hear thoughtful, real-world insights designed to help you make informed financial decisions and pursue a more confident, purposeful retirement.

• Explore ways to optimize Social Security benefits, including timing strategies, spousal considerations, and personalized withdrawal approaches.

• Understand common sources of retirement anxiety, even among high-net-worth individuals, and consider approaches for managing emotional and financial uncertainty.

• Learn how trusts can support estate planning goals, from avoiding probate to managing real estate assets within your long-term financial plan.

• Consider retirement account strategies such as the Rule of 55, Roth conversion timing, and prioritizing tax-efficient cash flow.

Review your investment mix by comparing target date funds and balanced funds, and evaluate which may better align with your risk tolerance and retirement timeline.

• Weigh different withdrawal strategies by comparing the timing of distributions from retirement accounts versus claiming Social Security.

• Examine how 529 plans and Roth IRAs may fit into your education and retirement planning—especially if you’re part of a high-income household navigating recent tax law changes.

Compare the structure and features of S&P 500 mutual funds and ETFs to help determine which may be more appropriate for your investment preferences.

🎙️ Subscribe** and listen to the Retire Sooner Podcast today** for thoughtful conversations that can support your journey toward long-term financial well-being.

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In this episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase respond to listener questions and explore practical approaches to navigating retirement, investing, and financial planning.

• Discover a common Roth IRA misstep that can lead to unexpected taxes in retirement and learn how to approach it with more clarity.

• Explore the process of rolling over a Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA and how the five-year rule of thumb might impact your withdrawal timeline.

• Hear real-world scenarios that highlight different outcomes based on how long your Roth accounts have been in place.

• Understand how to approach IRA rebalancing, including what to consider when dealing with concentrated stock positions and market changes.

• Compare Social Security and police pension benefits while examining updates to the Social Security Fairness Act and what it could mean for spousal coverage.

• Consider the use of retirement income projection tools and how applying more conservative assumptions may help you plan with greater confidence.

• Reflect on a “retirement love letter” that reveals three powerful themes behind a fulfilling retirement: financial flexibility, lifestyle design, and intentional planning.

• Follow the story of a couple who built a $6 million net worth, established six income streams, and prioritized meaningful pursuits and family in retirement.

• Explore why consistent movement and a sense of adventure are strongly connected to retirement satisfaction—and how shared community living can sometimes support both.

• Examine how changing family dynamics may shift your highest spending years later in life and why it matters for long-term planning.

• Get a clearer understanding of buffered index-linked notes, including their structure, potential costs, and how they differ from ETFs and other options.

• Learn how to calculate the present value of a pension using basic inputs such as years of service and average salary.

• Hear answers to more listener questions, including how stay-at-home spouses may qualify for Social Security and what pensions might mean for younger professionals.

Listen now to explore thoughtful planning strategies, real retirement stories, and insights that can help you design a future with more purpose and peace of mind.

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