In this episode, Tammy asks about the pros and cons of doing Roth conversions in retirement to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) down the road. With $2.9 million in combined IRAs and current income of $196,000, she’s concerned about future tax implications. While we can’t give personal advice, we’ll break down the potential benefits, drawbacks, and factors retirees like Tammy should consider when deciding if Roth conversions make sense. 

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

Cryptocurrency has changed the financial landscape, and that includes estate planning. Unlike traditional assets, crypto presents unique challenges—there’s no customer service line to recover lost passwords, and without proper planning, your digital assets could be lost forever.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

In this episode, we dive into Stephen’s fascinating question about estate planning for the far future—trusts designed to preserve wealth for individuals who undergo cryonic preservation. Is this cutting-edge legal strategy realistic, or is it more science fiction than practical planning? John can barely contain his excitement as we explore the legal, financial, and philosophical implications of planning for a revival hundreds of years down the line.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

Your mindset can make or break your retirement. Are you a Pollyanna, Delegator, Controller, or Realist? In this episode, we dive into the four common mindsets retirees bring to the table and how each one impacts their financial, tax, and legal decisions. From blind optimism to overconfidence, we explore the strengths and pitfalls of each mindset—and how you can evolve to make better choices. Whether you're just starting to plan or reevaluating your approach, this episode will help you identify your mindset and build a strategy for long-term success.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

In this episode, we tackle Richard’s question about why it might make sense to use IRA (non-Roth) accounts first to pay for long-term care expenses. We’ll explain the reasoning behind this strategy, including the tax implications, potential benefits for your overall financial plan, and how it fits into managing your retirement assets. 

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

From President Trump’s upcoming tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China to the historical legacy of the “Chicken Tax,” tariffs have shaped economies and industries in ways both expected and unforeseen. In this episode, we dive into the purpose, pros, and cons of tariffs, exploring their impact on consumers, businesses, and global trade. Learn how these taxes can stimulate domestic production, drive up consumer costs, and even transform entire industries, like the U.S. auto market. Whether you're curious about the economic trade-offs or the quirky history of a chicken trade war, this episode has you covered!

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

In this episode, we address Joe’s question about how claiming Social Security benefits early can reduce withdrawals from retirement accounts and potentially lead to greater long-term growth. Joe shares his calculation comparing the cumulative Social Security benefit difference with the investment growth of withdrawals saved by filing early. Is he onto something, or is there a missing piece? Tune in to explore how Social Security timing fits into a Big Picture retirement strategy and hear our take on Joe’s approach.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

A recent Supreme Court decision in Connelly v. United States has sent shockwaves through closely held businesses employing life-insurance-funded redemption-type buy-sell agreements. In this episode, we break down the case, the tax implications, and why the IRS may not respect your agreed-upon valuation. Discover why it’s critical to review and, if necessary, restructure your buy-sell agreements to avoid unexpected estate tax burdens. We'll explore alternatives like cross-purchase agreements and address key considerations for life insurance ownership. Don’t miss this discussion for business owners and advisors alike!

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

In this episode, we answer Lori’s question about whether the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will increase her survivor benefits and how it could impact benefits for those with similar circumstances. We also address Jesus’s concern about whether his Social Security check will be reduced when he retires from TRS (Teacher Retirement System). If you’ve ever wondered how these rules might affect your benefits, this episode is packed with answers and insights.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ 

Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you may end up retiring earlier than planned. In this episode, we dive into JP Morgan’s data on why people retire earlier than expected and discuss how to prepare for the unexpected. Learn why having a solid backup plan is essential and what steps you can take to protect your financial future, even if your retirement timeline changes.

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now! 

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection. 

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/ 

Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/