COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Spending too quickly in retirement can drain savings and create stress later in life. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain the “retirement spending trap” and share strategies to make sure your money lasts as long as you do.

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Retirement should be a time to enjoy the results of years of saving and planning. Yet many retirees fall into the spending trap—using their nest egg too quickly in the early years. What feels comfortable in the moment may create long-term financial pressure, especially as healthcare costs rise and lifespans extend.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge discuss the importance of pacing withdrawals. They explain how lifestyle choices, travel, and large purchases in the first decade of retirement can have ripple effects decades later. The conversation also highlights why required minimum distributions and tax considerations should factor into withdrawal strategies.

Listeners will learn how to develop a sustainable spending plan that aligns with both current lifestyle desires and future needs. Sandy and Tyler share examples of clients who adjusted their spending pace to preserve financial flexibility while still enjoying retirement. They also emphasize the role of professional planning in stress-testing different scenarios to ensure confidence throughout retirement.

The retirement spending trap isn’t about avoiding enjoyment—it’s about making thoughtful choices that balance today’s lifestyle with tomorrow’s security. By slowing down spending in the early years and reviewing your plan regularly, you can maintain peace of mind while protecting your financial legacy.

For more guidance, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Year-end bonuses can provide a big financial boost, but without a plan, extra income often disappears quickly. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain why “blowing your bonus” is a costly mistake—and how to turn windfalls into long-term opportunity.

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Receiving a bonus feels rewarding. It can be tempting to celebrate with a big purchase, upgrade, or vacation. But when bonuses are spent too quickly, they fail to create lasting financial impact. Instead of building wealth, they disappear into short-term lifestyle choices.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge discuss the common mistake of “blowing your bonus.” They explain how treating bonuses like “found money” often leads to spending that doesn’t align with long-term goals. The conversation highlights how extra income, when used wisely, can accelerate savings, pay down debt, or strengthen retirement plans.

Listeners will hear practical strategies for putting bonuses to work. Sandy and Tyler share how dividing bonuses into buckets—such as savings, debt reduction, and enjoyment—creates balance between financial progress and personal reward. They also discuss how ignoring tax implications can lead to surprises, and why planning ahead ensures that a bonus creates lasting value.

The key takeaway: bonuses are opportunities, not guarantees. By planning in advance, individuals can avoid the costly mistake of spending without intention. Even small steps—like contributing to retirement accounts, funding emergency savings, or investing for growth—can have an outsized impact when applied consistently.

At BWFA, we help clients integrate windfalls like bonuses into their broader financial plans. This episode shows how a thoughtful approach can turn extra income into meaningful progress toward long-term goals.

For more insights, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Selling investments during a market downturn can feel like the safe move—but it’s often the most costly. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge explain why timing the market rarely works, and how emotional decisions can derail your long-term financial plan.

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When markets fall, fear often takes over. Investors may feel pressure to sell their holdings to “avoid more losses,” but history shows that this reaction usually does more harm than good. Selling in a down market not only locks in losses—it also prevents investors from benefiting when markets rebound.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge discuss why selling during downturns is one of the most damaging financial mistakes investors make. They explain how emotional reactions, rather than strategy, often drive poor timing decisions. Once investors move to cash, they face two nearly impossible tasks: deciding when to sell and when to get back in. Missing even a few of the market’s best days—many of which occur during volatile periods—can set back long-term growth significantly.

Sandy and Tyler share practical strategies to help listeners avoid panic-driven decisions. They emphasize the importance of planning, understanding risk tolerance, and aligning investments with short-, mid-, and long-term needs. They also explain how diversifying portfolios and allocating funds to conservative assets can provide stability during volatile times.

A key takeaway: volatility is temporary, but your goals are not. By sticking with a well-structured plan and working with a trusted advisor, you can stay focused on what you can control and weather downturns with confidence.

At BWFA, we help clients design portfolios that can endure market cycles without jeopardizing long-term goals. This episode offers perspective, reassurance, and a steady reminder to stay the course.

For more insights, visit BWFA’s Investment Management Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Saving may appear simple, but many individuals underestimate the actual amount they’ll require for retirement. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge delve into the reasons behind insufficient savings and highlight it as one of the most expensive financial blunders. They also provide actionable steps to help you catch up.

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Retirement often arrives sooner than expected—and for many, the biggest regret isn’t market losses, but simply not saving enough. While most people know they should save, few realize how quickly expenses grow and how inflation can double the cost of living every 20 years.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor and Tyler Kluge break down the realities of under-saving. They explain why retirement “sneaks up” faster than most expect, and how even diligent savers can fall short without a clear plan. The discussion emphasizes the importance of starting early, automating savings, and increasing contributions over time.

Sandy and Tyler also highlight the math behind compounding and inflation. A 7% annual return doubles a portfolio roughly every 10 years—but costs double about every 20. The earlier you start, the more power compounding has to work in your favor. For those starting late, they share realistic steps to catch up, such as boosting savings rates, maximizing employer plans, and aligning investments to long-term goals.

The conversation wraps with a reminder that successful retirement planning isn’t about reacting to markets—it’s about integrating all aspects of wealth management. At BWFA, our comprehensive approach includes investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, and estate planning to ensure all parts of your plan work together.

If you’re wondering whether you’re saving enough—or worried you’re behind—it’s never too late to take control of your future.

For more insights, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy. Without the right documents, families may face legal challenges, financial stress, and uncertainty. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain why putting off estate planning is a costly mistake, and how to avoid it.

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Estate planning is often misunderstood. Many assume it’s only necessary for people with large estates, but in reality, nearly everyone benefits from having key documents in place. A lack of planning can leave families unprepared, force courts to make critical decisions, and create unnecessary stress during already difficult times.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge discuss the risks of not having essential estate planning documents. They explain the role of wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives in ensuring that your wishes are carried out. They also highlight how trusts can provide structure for transferring assets, minimizing disputes, and reducing costs for loved ones.

Listeners will hear stories of families caught unprepared because estate documents weren’t updated—or never created. Sandy and Tyler emphasize that estate planning is not a one-time task. It must evolve with changes in family circumstances, financial situations, and state or federal laws.

The episode also explores the emotional benefits of planning. Having documents in place allows families to focus on care and connection instead of conflict and confusion. It’s not just about money; it’s about protecting the people and priorities that matter most.

At BWFA, we work with clients to review and update estate planning as part of a comprehensive financial strategy. This episode highlights why it’s important to act now rather than wait until it’s too late.

For more information, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

For many homeowners, paying off the mortgage feels like the ultimate financial milestone. But doing it too early can sometimes create unintended consequences. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain why paying off your mortgage may not always be the best move in retirement.

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Owning a home free and clear is a common financial goal. It provides emotional satisfaction, eliminates a major monthly bill, and can feel like the ultimate symbol of financial security. Yet for retirees, rushing to pay off a mortgage can be a costly mistake if it disrupts cash flow or limits investment opportunities.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explore the trade-offs of using retirement funds to eliminate mortgage debt. They explain how withdrawing large sums to pay off a loan can trigger higher taxes, reduce liquidity, and leave less money invested for growth. While debt-free living has its appeal, it may not always align with long-term financial health.

Listeners will hear why context matters—interest rates, tax brackets, and income sources all play a role in whether paying off a mortgage makes sense. Sandy and Tyler share examples of retirees who balanced a modest mortgage with strong investment growth, ultimately ending up with more flexibility and wealth than if they had paid off the loan immediately.

The key lesson is that mortgage decisions should be made within the larger framework of a retirement plan. By weighing both the financial and emotional aspects, retirees can choose the approach that provides confidence today while protecting future stability.

For more guidance, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Life insurance is meant to provide peace of mind and protection for loved ones, but many people discover too late that their coverage is inadequate. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain how to avoid this costly mistake and ensure your family’s future is secure.

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Life insurance often gets purchased early in a career and then left unchanged for years. While the policy may have been sufficient at the time, family needs, debts, and income can change dramatically. Too often, people only realize their coverage is lacking when a major event occurs, leaving loved ones financially vulnerable.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explore the risks of inadequate life insurance. They discuss why many policies fall short and how factors like inflation, rising expenses, and lifestyle changes can quickly make an old policy outdated. The hosts also examine the difference between term and permanent coverage, stressing the importance of matching insurance to your goals.

Listeners will learn how to evaluate whether their current coverage truly protects dependents, pays off debts, and replaces income if the unexpected happens. Sandy and Tyler share examples of clients who reassessed their needs and adjusted policies to better align with family and financial goals.

The takeaway is simple: life insurance is not a one-time decision. It should evolve with your circumstances. By reviewing coverage regularly and working with a professional, you can help ensure that your plan provides the right level of protection—now and in the future.

For more guidance, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

COSTLY MISTAKES

with Sandy Hornor | CEPS

and

About This Episode

Holding retirement savings in cash may feel safe, but over time inflation erodes purchasing power. In this episode, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain why too much cash can become a costly mistake—and how to find the right balance for long-term security. You’ll also learn why professional planning helps ensure that your money continues to grow, even as your needs and goals evolve.

Full Description
Many retirees feel comfortable keeping large portions of their retirement plan in cash. It provides stability, avoids market swings, and seems like the safe choice. However, cash alone cannot keep up with inflation. Over the years, rising prices quietly reduce its value, leaving less to cover healthcare costs, everyday expenses, and the retirement lifestyle you planned.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain why holding too much cash can be risky. While every plan needs liquidity for emergencies, relying on cash at the expense of growth may limit your long-term success. Together, they share insights on how to strike the right balance, ensuring you maintain flexibility today while protecting your future purchasing power.

Listeners will also hear how professional financial planning can help determine the right mix of cash, bonds, and equities. With careful guidance, it is possible to feel secure while still allowing your portfolio to grow.

At BWFA, we believe retirement is about more than safety—it’s about sustainability. This episode offers practical guidance for making smarter decisions, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying on track for the future. By learning how to balance risk and reward, you can create a retirement strategy designed to last.

For more retirement strategies, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

HOW TAX CHANGES WILL AFFECT CHARITABLE GIVING

with

About This Episode

Major tax changes are coming in 2026, and they’ll reshape how Americans give to charity. In this episode, BWFA’s Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, explains what’s changing, who’s affected, and how to make the most of your charitable donations under the new rules.

Full Description

Charitable giving is about more than generosity—it’s also an important financial planning tool. But as key tax provisions are set to expire in 2026, many households could see the value of their charitable deductions change dramatically.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, Senior Financial Planner, outlines the upcoming changes to charitable giving and what donors should consider now. Under current law, those who take the standard deduction may soon qualify for a new above-the-line charitable deduction: $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples. While that’s welcome news for many, itemizers will face new thresholds and reduced deduction rates.

Thad explains how these adjustments may affect high-income earners and retirees who rely on charitable giving to manage taxes and support causes they care about. He also discusses how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs remain one of the most efficient strategies for donors over age 70½, offering a way to give tax-free while satisfying required minimum distributions.

Listeners will learn how to use timing to their advantage—whether it’s accelerating donations before 2026, adjusting income levels, or combining giving strategies with estate and retirement planning. The key takeaway is simple: with the right planning, you can continue giving generously while maximizing your tax benefits.

At BWFA, we help clients align charitable goals with financial objectives to create meaningful and lasting impact. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone who wants to give smarter in the years ahead.

For more information, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.

10 KEY MEDICARE CHANGES TO KNOW IN 2026

with

Medicare is changing in 2026, and the updates will impact premiums, drug costs, and benefits. In this episode, BWFA’s Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, breaks down the 10 most important changes retirees and families need to know to stay prepared.

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Medicare plays a central role in retirement planning, but the program is constantly evolving. Beginning in 2026, significant changes are scheduled that will affect millions of Americans. Some updates may help retirees save money, while others could increase costs or reduce benefits.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, Senior Financial Planner, explains the 10 biggest Medicare changes coming in 2026 and what they mean for you. Among the most notable: Part B premiums are projected to increase by more than 11%, making healthcare more expensive for many retirees. On the other hand, prescription drug costs are expected to drop as new pricing rules take effect, and out-of-pocket caps will help limit spending.

Thad also highlights program adjustments that may surprise beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage plans could scale back supplemental benefits, while Original Medicare is introducing new pre-authorization requirements in pilot states. These changes underscore the need for proactive planning to ensure coverage continues to align with your healthcare and financial goals.

Listeners will gain practical strategies to navigate these shifts. Thad explains how to budget for rising premiums, how to take advantage of reduced drug prices, and why reviewing coverage annually is more important than ever. By understanding these changes in advance, retirees can avoid unpleasant surprises and adapt their plans to maintain stability.

At BWFA, we integrate healthcare costs into every financial plan, helping clients prepare for Medicare updates and the long-term expenses of retirement. This episode offers clear guidance on what’s ahead in 2026 and how to protect your financial future.

For more resources, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.