This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP covers the topic of maximizing tax efficiency for retirement, as well as maximizing Social Security benefits.

There are many facets to consider when it comes to collecting Social Security, and also how the answer to one question results in opening several other doors to help maximize tax efficiency throughout retirement, and even addresses estate planning issues from a tax efficiency perspective. This episode is a must listen.

On this week’s episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP continues the series on Case Studies. In this episode, Mike continues with Part II of Maximizing Social Security Benefits.

This case study incorporates numerous complexities and strategies for navigating and maximizing the Social Security system, including a strategy of collecting survivor benefits while allowing their own benefits to grow. In addition, this also coordinating inherited IRA distributions, maximizing tax efficiency and meeting retirement goals. Topic covered include issues met when trying to collect social security before retirement age, and the pitfalls of exceeding the earning limit if you choose to collect early while still working.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Mike Menninger, CFP starts a new series called Case Studies. These case studies are designed to touch on scenarios that could occur and provide unique strategies on how to handle such situations.

The first case study discusses Maximizing Social Security Benefits. There are many different facets when it comes to Social Security, and everyone's situation is unique. Check out this episode for some ideas that may benefit you when it comes to maximizing your social security.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Carol Verhake. Carol is the owner and founder of Lasting Landscapes by Carol.

Carol and Mike discuss her transition from corporate America to following her dream by starting her own landscaping business. For anyone considering a career change, this episode is a must watch.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Gaston Escudero. Gaston is the Mid Atlantic Regional Sales Director at NexPoint.

Gaston and Mike explore the various options of alternative investing. Breaking the traditional Stock/Bond blend, alternative investments allow you to further diversify your investment portfolio.

On this week's episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Autumn Nessler. Autumn is a Certified Retirement Options Coach at An Intentional Life, LLC. 

Autumn and Mike discuss the soft side of retirement planning for women. Women in the work place face many challenges through their career including: marriage, pregnancies, raising children. Autumn and Mike look into steps to help women get back to investing in themselves upon retirement.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined again by Brian Pugliese, CPA. Brian is a Certified Public Accountant and member at GMS Surgent CPAs & Advisors.

Brian and Mike talk about ways to maximize tax benefits when contributing to a 529 plan.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Brian Pugliese, CPA. Brian is a Certified Public Accountant and member at GMS Surgent CPAs & Advisors.

Brian and Mike discuss key tax strategies that people should consider going in to the end of the year.

On this week's on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe. Ryan and Kyle are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates financial planning, and are answering questions asked by our audience in the final leg of a four part panel series.

In the final Q&A episode, the guys talk about the difference between active and passive investing, growth and value stocks, and getting bumped into a higher tax bracket.