Big Picture Retirement®

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.

In the first part of our series on estate planning, we laid the groundwork for why incapacity planning matters and what documents you need to get started. But there's more to it than just having your paperwork in order.

In this second episode on planning for incapacity, we take the conversation further by focusing on what happens when long-term care is needed. We'll walk through the different types of care—home care, assisted living, and nursing homes—and how to plan ahead financially using private pay, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid planning.

We'll also highlight common pitfalls like outdated or missing Powers of Attorney, and the risks of DIY estate planning that can create real problems down the road.

If you haven't reviewed your incapacity planning documents lately—or if you've never had them in place—this episode is your call to action.

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 kicks off a brand-new series on estate planning.

Estate planning is one of those things everyone knows they should do—but far too many people put it off, sometimes until it's too late. And the truth is, whether your financial situation is complex or pretty straightforward, having a solid estate plan isn't just about what happens after you're gone. It's also about making things easier for your loved ones—and protecting yourself—while you're still here.

That's why we're launching this special series to break estate planning down into simple, practical steps. We'll walk through the essential documents you need, the common mistakes that can derail a plan, and some of the more advanced strategies for protecting and passing on your wealth efficiently.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just need to update an existing plan, this series will give you the roadmap you need.

Now, we originally thought we could cover the first part of this in a single episode—but planning for incapacity turned out to be too important to rush. In this episode, we'll cover why incapacity planning is essential, real-life scenarios that make it critical, and the foundational documents every adult should have: Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives.

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.

John asks about buying the individual sectors of the S&P 500 and rebalancing based on performance instead of simply buying an index fund. Devin shares the pros and cons that he can see with this strategy and shares what he thinks is a better approach.

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.