Today we answer a question from Peter about what happens when a parent dies with a fully planned estate that avoids probate — and how the Small Estate Affidavit process works in practice. We discuss handling unexpected estate assets like refund checks, whether you can open an estate bank account without letters testamentary, and who’s responsible for final taxes and bills

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In this special episode, we catch up on a backlog of insightful listener questions—covering everything from estate planning and Social Security taxation to Roth conversions and Medicare rules. If you’ve been wrestling with real-world retirement planning decisions, you’re not alone. Today’s episode delivers practical answers to the kinds of issues many people face but few have clearly explained.

We tackle:

• IRMAA and Social Security Taxation – Does IRMAA include Social Security income if it’s not taxable?

• Capital Gains on a Vacation Home – Should you delay estate planning until after the sale of a property? What about the "2 out of 5 years" exemption?

• Paying Inheritance Taxes – If all your accounts list beneficiaries, how will state inheritance taxes (like Pennsylvania's) get paid on time?

• Step-Up in Basis with TOD Deeds – In Oklahoma, does property with a Transfer on Death deed still receive a step-up in basis?

• Impact of Home Sale on IRMAA and Roth Conversions – How does selling a vacation home affect your income-based Medicare premiums and Roth conversion strategies?

• Medicare Enrollment Rules at Age 65 – Are you legally required to enroll in Medicare at 65 if not on a qualifying employer plan?

• Trusts and Anonymity – How can you use estate planning tools while keeping your affairs private and self-directed?

• Probate Friendliness by State – Which states make probate easy, and which ones almost demand a trust-based plan?

• Inherited IRAs and Roth Conversions – Can a beneficiary convert inherited IRA funds into a Roth IRA for future tax-free growth?

If you’ve ever had a nuanced question about retirement or estate planning, chances are someone else has too—and we’re tackling them head-on in this packed Q&A episode.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In the final installment of our 3-part estate planning series, we dive into one of the most overlooked—but critically important—aspects of planning: protecting your heirs’ inheritance. It’s not enough to simply leave assets to your loved ones. Without proper planning, those assets could be exposed to divorce, lawsuits, creditors, or mismanagement.

We’ll explore how using trusts can provide long-term protection and flexibility, and why leaving assets outright may be a costly mistake. You’ll learn how to:

• Safeguard inheritances from a beneficiary’s divorce or personal liabilities

• Provide for special needs or disabled heirs without jeopardizing government benefits

• Handle contingency planning, including what happens if a beneficiary predeceases you

• Protect minor children using trusts instead of relying on court-supervised guardianships

We also highlight common mistakes—like failing to update your estate plan after major life events—and share practical steps to avoid them.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

Today we answer Jeff’s question about using home equity to pay for end-of-life care — from tapping into equity for in-home support to selling the home to cover nursing home costs. In high-cost states like California, many seniors are house rich and cash poor, and this episode explores strategies to help families navigate that challenge.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In this episode, we shine the light on common estate planning mistakes that can derail even the best intentions. We discuss the risks of failing to update beneficiary designations and why relying solely on joint ownership can create unexpected complications.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

Today we answer a question from Cathy about helping aging parents in California navigate care costs, preserve limited resources, and explore options like pro bono legal support.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In this episode, we cover key tax considerations around wealth transfer. We cover the differences between federal estate tax and state inheritance tax, and explain why the stepped-up basis is such a powerful tool for minimizing capital gains taxes for heirs.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In this episode, Brian asks some great questions about using Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) for company stock inside a 401(k). We dive into the rules, timing, and strategies that could lead to major tax savings—if you do it right.

We cover:

• What exactly is NUA and why it matters

• Can you use NUA before retirement?

• Do you need to be age 59½?

• Can you move the stock out in segments, or does it have to be all at once?

• Common mistakes that could cost you

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In this episode, we explore how to pass on your assets smoothly and efficiently—without dragging your loved ones through probate court. You’ll learn why probate can be costly and time-consuming, and how non-probate strategies like beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and revocable living trusts can help you keep more money in your family’s hands and less in legal fees.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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. 

In this inbox episode, we break down how the Social Security earnings limit works—especially for C corp owners who split income between salary and dividends. Learn what counts toward the limit, what doesn’t, and how smart income structuring can help you avoid benefit reductions.

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://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  

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

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.