When should you claim Social Security benefits?

In this episode of Capitalize on Retirement, David and Brandon discuss why Social Security claiming strategy is an important part of retirement income planning and how timing decisions may affect long-term financial outcomes.

They also talk through common concerns surrounding Social Security, the differences between claiming benefits early or delaying benefits, and how taxes, retirement savings, and spousal considerations can all play a role in the decision-making process.

This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your financial advisor, tax professional, or legal professional before making decisions about your retirement strategy.

Will Roth IRAs ever be taxed?

In this episode of Capitalize on Retirement, David and Brandon discuss how Roth IRAs work under current law, why future tax policy is part of many retirement planning conversations, and how tax diversification may help create more flexibility over time.

They also touch on Roth conversions, contribution rules, required minimum distributions, inherited retirement accounts, and the importance of building a retirement strategy around what you can control.

This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your financial advisor, tax professional, or legal professional before making decisions about your retirement strategy.

In this episode, David and Brandon break down what really happened in the markets during the first quarter of 2026 and why it likely felt worse than it actually was.

After a strong start to the year, markets pulled back amid uncertainty around interest rates, government policy, and global events. But rather than a broad market collapse, the quarter was defined by shifting leadership across sectors and short-term volatility driven by headlines.

They walk through what changed, what mattered, and how investors should think about market movements in the context of a long-term financial plan, especially in or near retirement.

Key Topics: • What caused the Q1 market pullback after early-year momentum • How uncertainty around the Fed, politics, and global events impacted markets • Why this wasn't a broad market decline, but a shift beneath the surface • The importance of diversification across sectors and asset classes • How interest rates, inflation, and earnings influence market direction • Why reacting to headlines can derail long-term investment success • The core message: stay disciplined, stay invested, and trust your plan

In this episode, David and Brandon tackle one of the biggest concerns facing retirees today, outliving their money, and what it takes to build a plan that supports you for decades. With retirement potentially lasting 25–35 years, having a strategy for income, inflation, and long-term expenses is more important than ever.z

Key Topics: • Why retirement planning should start with income, not just a savings number • How longer life expectancy impacts your financial plan • The power of compounding (and why starting early matters) • Major risks in retirement: inflation, healthcare costs, and market volatility • The three phases of retirement (go-go, slow-go, no-go) and how spending changes over time • Why having a structured income plan is the foundation of a successful retirement

In this episode, David and Brandon break down the $84 trillion wealth transfer happening over the next two decades and what it means for you and your family. Key Topics: • What the "Great Wealth Transfer" is and why it matters • Common mistakes families make when passing down wealth • How IRAs and other tax-deferred accounts can create tax burdens for heirs • Simple strategies to help reduce taxes and protect your legacy • Why having conversations with your family now can make all the difference Without proper planning, a significant portion of your wealth could be lost to taxes or poor decisions. https://capitalainvestments.com/ https://www.instagram.com/capitalawealth/ https://www.facebook.com/CapitalAWealth/ https://twitter.com/CapitalAWealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-a-wealth-management/ Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.

Some examples are hypothetical for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent actual investment results. Assumed rates of return are not guaranteed and actual results will vary, including the potential for loss.

In this episode, David and Brandon sit down with estate planning attorney Richard DeBlasio to discuss some of the most commonly asked questions we hear about estate planning.

Here's what we cover:

• What happens if you pass away without a will • The difference between wills and trusts • How probate works and how trusts may help avoid it • Why keeping beneficiary designations updated is critical • The importance of powers of attorney and reviewing your estate plan regularly The views and opinions expressed on Capitalize on Retirement are those of the Richard J. Deblasio and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Capital A Wealth Management or Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. MAS and CAWM are not affiliated with Richard J. Deblasio or The Law Office of Richard J. Deblasio, LLC.

In this episode, David and Brandon break down everything you need to know about these new government-backed investment accounts for newborns.

Here's what we cover:

• Who qualifies • The automatic $1,000 government contribution • How to open the account • Contribution rules • Employer contribution opportunities • Investment options Form 4547 (December 2025) Trump Account Election Form - IRS Form 4547

After three straight years of 15%+ S&P 500 returns, investors have enjoyed a strong run. But as we head further into 2026, the focus shifts from excitement to preparation. In this episode, David and Brandon discuss: Why this stretch of market performance is historically rare Why volatility may increase The importance of true diversification (and why more funds doesn't always mean diversified) Why inflation could be the biggest long-term risk Why this is a planning environment not a panic environment It's all about protecting gains, staying disciplined, and making intentional decisions for your financial future.

In this episode, David and Brandon walk through one of the most common questions we hear: What's the difference between mutual funds, ETFs, and direct indexing and why does it matter? They walk through how investing has evolved and why direct indexing has become one of the fastest-growing investment approaches, especially for investors focused on tax efficiency and flexibility:

• How direct indexing differs from traditional mutual funds and ETFs
• Why owning individual stocks can create meaningful tax advantages
• How tax-loss harvesting can help reduce capital gains over time
• When direct indexing makes the most sense (and when it doesn't)
• Why customization and control matter for long-term investors

If you're within five years of retirement or already retired this episode focuses on the most critical phase of your financial life. David and Brandon break down why the "retirement red zone" matters and the key decisions that can make or break your plan:

• How market timing and sequence of returns impact retirement income
• Why balancing growth and protection is essential near retirement
• Common Social Security and tax planning mistakes to avoid
• How a coordinated income, tax, and investment strategy creates confidence