In this episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Kate and Tom get “back to basics” with a topic that impacts millions of retirees: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Whether you're approaching RMD age or just want to be prepared, we cover:

• The latest Secure Act 2.0 updates
• How to calculate your RMD
• Aggregation rules for multiple IRAs, 401(k)s, and inherited accounts
• When it might make sense to delay (or not)
• Charitable giving strategies like QCDs
• Tax impact, planning tips, and penalty pitfalls

Timestamps

00:00 | Intro – Fall Foliage Lesson, RMDs and Why They Matter
03:48 | What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?
07:40 | Tax-Deferred Growth and the IRS “Deal”
08:30 | Secure Act 1.0 and 2.0 – RMD Age Timeline
12:25 | Required Beginning Date – April 1 Rules
17:00 | How RMDs Are Calculated (Divisors, Tables, and More)
24:30 | Penalties for Missing Your RMD
26:35 | Aggregation Rules – IRAs, 401(k)s, Inherited Accounts
31:37 | Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s – RMD Exemptions
36:00 | Tax Withholding & Avoiding Surprises
38:30 | Impact on AGI, IRMAA, Social Security Taxation
40:22 | Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
43:03 | Taking RMDs In-Kind
48:04 | Timing & Coordination with Roth Conversions
51:06 | Still Working? RMD Exceptions for 401(k)s
53:30 | Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

Listen to the replay of our Fall 2025 Market Update Webinar - and catch up on the market at your convenience. Originally recorded live on October 22nd, 2025 - we examine the crossroads of policy, inflation, and growth, and discuss strategies to help investors navigate the uncertainty ahead.

Markets wrapped up the summer on a strong note, fueled by expectations of Fed rate cuts, steady U.S. consumer demand, and easing inflation pressures. Still, concerns linger as a softer labor market, China’s slowdown, and ongoing trade policy headwinds raise questions about the durability of global growth and the path of inflation.

How long can the optimism last - and what could shifting economic conditions mean for equities, bonds, and international markets?

Here's what was discussed!

Introduction & Firm Overview  (00:00:00)
AI Investment Boom - Spending, Risks, Bubbles and Discipline  (00:04:00)
Valuations (00:24:55)
S&P 500 Index Profit Margin vs. P/E Ratio (00:28:21)
Consumer Sentiment (00:34:33)
Valuations - Deeper Dive (00:39:40)
Silver & Gold  (00:48:30)
Govt Shutdown, Q&A and Closing Remarks  (00:53:47)

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

The AI Boom
Investing, Innovation & Everyday Applications

Artificial Intelligence is often described as the most transformative technology of our time - but how much of that is real today, and what’s still years away? In our latest episode of Amplified Wealth, we bring you two in-depth conversations on AI’s future:

Tejas Dessai – GlobalX Director of Research

Tejas covers disruptive technologies and thematic investing. He shares his perspective on AI as an “economic turbocharger,” the infrastructure challenges (chips, power, and data centers), and why the U.S. still leads the global AI race.

Andrea Mondello – Withum’s Data & AI Services Leader

Andrea brings the conversation back to the business world, showing how companies are actually applying AI today. From voice analysis to AI-driven field reporting, she explains what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid “AI FOMO.”

Together, these conversations give you both the investment lens and the practical business lens - a rare, full-spectrum look at where AI stands now.

 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.


----

Timestamps:
 00:39 — Intro & introducing Global X's Tejas Dessai
 07:14 — AI as both productivity booster and massive capex wave
 13:29 — AI adoption pace, usage stats & US–China race
 20:18 — AI value chain & infrastructure build-out
 44:59 — Introducing Andrea Mondello from Withum - humanoid robots & companion AI
 49:22 — Business-first AI wins & governance
 56:45 — Field ops + pro services automation - AI case studies
 01:04:41 — Richer RAG, agents, buy-vs-build & ethics 

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Kate Fishbein, CFP®, and Tom Farrell, CFP®, AEP®, CEPA, welcome special guest Amy Pastorino, CFP® for a deep dive on Roth IRAs and conversion strategies.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• The why behind Roth conversions: tax flexibility and legacy planning
• How Secure Act changes impact inherited IRAs and distribution timelines
• The “Tax Now, Tax Later, Tax Never” framework for asset location
• Real-world case study: How one client used slow-and-steady conversions to diversify
• When not to convert, and why CPA coordination is critical

Whether you're planning your own retirement or thinking about what you’ll leave behind, this episode breaks down the key considerations to help you make informed decisions about your Roth strategy.

Timestamps:

00:00
Introduction to Roth IRAs

03:48
Understanding Traditional vs. Roth IRAs

06:48
Reasons for Roth Conversions: Tax Flexibility and Legacy

07:54
The Impact of the Secure Act on Inherited IRAs

12:43
Tax Location: Understanding Tax Buckets

15:37
Case Study: Tax Diversification

16:46
The Importance of a Slow and Steady Approach

21:29
When to Consider Roth Conversions

21:52
Long-Term Growth Strategies for Roth IRAs

22:02
Reasons to Consider Delaying Roth Conversions

31:12
Contributions vs. Conversions: Understanding Your Options

40:07
Navigating Tax Implications of Roth Conversions

41:53
Key Considerations for Roth Conversions

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, we welcome Jack Manley  - Executive Director and Global Market Strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management.

Jack joins hosts Austin Hagaman and Mark Lucci to unpack today’s most pressing questions:

• Are we heading into a recession or just slowing down?
• What do rising credit delinquencies really say about the consumer?
• Is immigration policy an underappreciated inflation driver?
• What’s next for the Fed, and is a rate cut actually bullish?
• And, with all this uncertainty, where should investors put their excess cash?
• From economic headwinds and labor supply constraints to long-term investment positioning, Jack’s sharp analysis and global perspective offer timely guidance for investors at every level.

Timestamps:

Introducing Jack Manley: (0:30)
Unpacking 2025's Economic Data  (4:50)
Wall of Worries and Cracks in Consumer: (12:35)
Labor Market: (18:18)
Immigration & the Labor Market: (24:30)
Tariffs, Inflation & Recession: (26:30)
The Fed's Next Moves: (31:49)
Trump, Headlines and the Fed's Credibility: (42:36)
One Big Beautiful Bill (47:57)
Investment Strategy - Bonds / Bullish on Stocks (50:52)
Conclusion and Wrap Up (58:48)

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

After a rocky spring marked by sharp pullbacks and negative sentiment, equity markets staged an impressive rebound to close out the first half of 2025. Still, concerns around tariffs, inflation expectations, and central bank policy continue to stir uncertainty heading into Q3.

Tune in to our Summer 2025 Market Update Webinar as we examine the key catalysts behind this year’s market swings, assess the current landscape and discuss how disciplined, long-term strategies can help investors navigate an unpredictable environment.

Will the recent rally hold - and how should investors position for the road ahead?

Originally recorded live on the last week of July, 2025.

Timestamps:

Introduction: 00:00

One Big Beautiful Bill and US Debt: 02:09

Largest Holders of US Debt: 09:46

YTD Asset Class Returns: 13:11

US vs. International Outperformance: 17:53

Return Perspectives: 26:09

Humans vs AI - Productivity Gains: 36:59

Q&A and Wrap Up: 46:26

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth’s According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein, CFP® and Tom Farrell, CFP®, CEPA dive into one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — retirement strategies: the Backdoor Roth IRA conversion.

This method can be a great way for high earners to access tax-free growth… if done right.

🎙 Episode Highlights:

🔁 What is a Backdoor Roth?
Learn how high-income investors use this strategy to bypass Roth IRA contribution limits — and why timing is everything.

⚠️ The Pro Rata Rule Explained:
Discover the rule that can trigger a surprise tax bill if you’re not careful about existing IRA balances.

📅 Avoiding Mistakes with Multi-Step Conversions:
Why it’s critical to execute your traditional IRA contribution and Roth conversion promptly — and how to track it all with IRS forms.

🔄 Clean vs. Complicated Scenarios:
Tom and Kate walk through clear examples of who this strategy is right for — and who might want to steer clear.

📁 Key Forms You’ll Need:
From Form 8606 to 1099-R — don’t let paperwork derail your strategy.

And more!

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth’s According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein, CFP® and Tom Farrell, CFP®, AEP® dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in retirement planning: Roth IRA distributions—and the two critical five-year rules that can trip up even savvy investors.

Episode Highlights:

📆 The First Five-Year Rule (Qualified Distributions): Learn why it’s not enough to be over 59½—you also need to have held your Roth for five years to avoid taxes on earnings.

🔁 The Second Five-Year Rule (Conversions): Converting funds from a Traditional IRA? Each conversion has its own five-year clock—and missteps here could cost you in penalties.

💡 FIFO and Funding Tips: Discover how Roth distributions are ordered (hint: contributions come out first), and why starting your Roth clock early—even with a small amount—can be a smart move.

📊 Real-World Examples & Case Studies: Kate and Tom walk through multiple detailed case studies to help listeners understand how the rules apply in real life.

🎧 Tune in now to understand how to get the most out of your Roth IRA—and avoid unexpected taxes or penalties.

Timestamps:
Introduction (0:00)
Distribution Order & Rules: (03:10)
5-Year Distribution Rule Explained: (05:27)
5-Year Rule for Conversions (15:41)
Example - Contributions: (21:47)
Example - Earnings (24:23)
Example - Conversion (26:20)
Example - Conversion & Earnings (30:18)
Example -  Qualified Distribution (33:48)
Wrap Up & Conclusion (36:45)

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Mike Arone, Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Global Advisors, to unpack the complex forces shaping today’s investment landscape - from weakening dollar trends to the case for global diversification.

Episode Highlights:

🌍 US vs. International Markets: Why foreign markets are outperforming - and whether that trend could continue.

💸 The Dollar’s Decline: How a weakening dollar may impact your portfolio and the rise of alternative assets.

🏦 The Fed & Rate Cuts: Mike shares his take on whether the Fed is behind the curve and how future policy moves may affect markets.

📈 Reassessing Diversification: It may be time to revisit your exposure to international equities and real assets.

🧠 Behavioral Biases & Portfolio Construction: From imposter syndrome to overconfidence, Mike offers a refreshing take on how emotions play into investment decisions.

🔍 And Much More!

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
0:45 – Introducing Mike Arone of State Street Global Advisors
5:50 – Forecasting surprises and why different viewpoints shape the market
7:15 – Market outlook for the second half of the year
13:25 – The Fed, Inflation and Tariffs
17:00 – Are valuations still a concern for U.S. stocks?
18:15 – Why international markets are outperforming
28:30 – The U.S. dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency
34:00 – Policy goals behind a weaker dollar
44:00 – Portfolio implications: How underweight are investors internationally?
49:00 – Behavioral finance / Why diversify if your lifestyle is U.S.-based?
52:00 – Closing thoughts: the opportunity in real assets

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

After a strong start to the year, markets reversed course in Q1, with major indices posting their weakest quarterly returns since 2022.

Behind the headlines: cooling economic data, rising inflation expectations, and renewed uncertainty around trade and policy heading into Q2.

What’s driving the disconnect between hard data and soft sentiment? How will proposed tariffs, shifting Fed policy, and global volatility shape the path forward for the economy?

Our Spring 2025 Update webinar was recorded on April 23, 2025.

Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.