Finishing Well

Is Social Security really running out of money? Headlines often paint a frightening picture, but what does the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report actually say?

In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore separate fact from fiction as he breaks down the numbers behind the Social Security Trust Fund. Hans explains how the system is funded, what the trust fund really is, why alarming news reports can be misleading, and what practical steps lawmakers could take to strengthen the program for future generations.

If you've ever wondered whether your Social Security benefits are secure or wanted a clearer understanding of how the system works, this conversation offers straightforward answers, practical insight, and a biblical perspective on stewardship, honesty, and planning wisely for the future.

"Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well."

Turning 65 opens the door to Medicare—but it also introduces a maze of choices that can have lasting financial and healthcare consequences. In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore break down the critical decisions you'll face when enrolling in Medicare.

Should you delay enrollment? What's the difference between Original Medicare with a supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan? How do provider networks, prior authorizations, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs affect your future care?

Hans shares decades of experience helping retirees make informed Medicare decisions, explaining why the lowest upfront cost isn't always the best long-term value. Through real-life examples and practical guidance, you'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and choose a path that fits your healthcare needs, financial goals, and peace of mind.

Rooted in biblical wisdom and practical financial planning, this episode will help you approach one of retirement's biggest decisions with confidence instead of confusion.

"Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well."

Taxes are an unavoidable part of retirement—but they shouldn't be the driving force behind your financial decisions. In this concluding episode of the Financial Plan Series, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explain why income tax planning is most effective when it's integrated into a comprehensive retirement strategy.

Using the ongoing case study of Tom and Susan, Hans demonstrates how taxes impact every aspect of retirement planning, from Social Security and Medicare to IRA distributions, Roth conversions, long-term care, estate planning, and building a sustainable retirement income.

Rather than asking, "How can I pay the least amount of taxes?" this episode challenges listeners to ask a better question: "How can I preserve my family and steward my resources wisely?" Drawing inspiration from Joseph's biblical wisdom in preparing Egypt for famine, Hans shows how thoughtful planning can help retirees minimize unnecessary taxes while maximizing financial security and legacy.

Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, this episode provides practical insights into making informed tax decisions that support your overall financial goals—not just this year's tax return.

Estate planning is about far more than deciding who gets what when you're gone—it's about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are carried out with clarity and purpose. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore continue the Financial Plan Series by exploring the essential role estate planning plays in a complete retirement strategy.

Hans and Robby discuss the unique challenges families face when planning for the future, including blended family dynamics, caring for a surviving spouse, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, trusts, wills, and healthcare directives. You'll learn why estate planning is not just about passing on assets, but about creating a thoughtful plan that protects loved ones, minimizes confusion, and provides peace of mind.

Whether your goal is to leave a legacy, support your family, give to charity, or simply ensure your affairs are in order, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions and finish well.

What does it take to create a retirement income plan that lasts a lifetime? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore continue the Financial Plan Series by exploring how retirees can build a reliable income stream that supports both their needs and their dreams.

Hans explains the importance of planning from the ground up—starting with essential living expenses, adding lifestyle goals, and then creating a strategy designed to provide dependable income throughout retirement. Learn how Social Security, annuities, investments, tax planning, and estate considerations all work together to form a comprehensive retirement income plan.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah and the widow, this conversation highlights the value of faith over fear when making financial decisions. Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode offers practical insights to help you gain confidence that your income can keep pace with life's challenges and opportunities.

Before enjoying retirement, it's important to understand one of the largest assets many retirees own—their IRA and 401(k) accounts. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore continue the Financial Plan Series by exploring how retirement savings fit into a comprehensive retirement strategy.

Hans and co-host Robbie Dilmore discuss the critical decisions retirees face regarding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and Roth conversions. Using a real-life planning example, they explain how taxes, Medicare premiums, charitable giving, and legacy goals can all be impacted by the choices made with retirement accounts.

Whether you're approaching retirement, already taking distributions, or looking for ways to leave a tax-efficient inheritance for your loved ones, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Tune in to learn how strategic planning today can help you maximize your retirement income, reduce taxes, support the causes you care about, and finish well.

What happens when an unexpected health event threatens to derail years of careful retirement planning? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robby Dilmore explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—components of a successful retirement strategy: long-term care insurance.

Drawing from both personal experience and financial planning expertise, Robby shares how a serious automobile accident highlighted the critical need for having resources available when you can no longer care for yourself or a loved one. Hans then walks listeners through the real-life financial planning case of Tom and Susan, a retired couple preparing for the next phase of life and evaluating how long-term care coverage fits into their overall retirement plan.

You'll learn:

• Why long-term care can quickly unravel an otherwise solid retirement strategy
• How long-term care decisions affect spouses, children, and future generations
• The advantages of tax-free long-term care benefits
• Strategies for using IRA assets to fund long-term care protection
• How hybrid life insurance and long-term care policies work
• The growing importance of home health care benefits
• Ways to protect retirement assets while maintaining flexibility and legacy goals

Whether you're approaching retirement or helping aging parents navigate care decisions, this episode provides practical insights into creating a financial plan that protects both your assets and your family.

Tune in to discover how planning ahead today can provide peace of mind for tomorrow.

Turning 65 opens a new season of life—and with it comes some of the most important financial and healthcare decisions you'll ever make. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore continue their Financial Plan Series by exploring Medicare, IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), and how these choices fit into a comprehensive retirement strategy.

Hans walks through the key Medicare decisions every retiree faces, including the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, the importance of Medicare Supplement coverage, and why your initial enrollment period can create opportunities that may never come again. Using the real-life financial planning case of Tom and Susan, listeners will learn how Medicare decisions affect healthcare costs, retirement income planning, tax strategies, and long-term financial security.

The discussion also covers Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, common enrollment mistakes, and strategies for managing or potentially reducing costly IRMAA surcharges. Through personal experiences and practical examples, Hans and Robbie highlight how choosing the right Medicare coverage can protect both your health and your retirement savings.

Whether you're approaching age 65, already enrolled in Medicare, or helping a loved one navigate retirement healthcare decisions, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed choices and avoid costly mistakes.

Topics Covered:

• Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
• Medicare Supplement (Plan G) coverage
• Open enrollment opportunities and deadlines
• Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
• Understanding IRMAA and Medicare premiums
• Healthcare planning as part of a complete retirement strategy
• Real-world retirement planning case study

Learn how thoughtful Medicare planning can help you finish well in retirement.

Hans and Robby are back again this week with a brand new episode! This week is part 2 of 8 in our retirement financial planning series, covering social security.

Don't forget to get your copy of "The Complete Cardinal Guide to Planning for and Living in Retirement" on Amazon or on CardinalGuide.com for free!

You can contact Hans and Cardinal by emailing [email protected] or calling 919-535-8261. Learn more at CardinalGuide.com. Find us on YouTube: Cardinal Advisors.

Hans and Robby are back again this week with a brand new episode! This week begins the first in a series of 8 episodes on retirement financial planning.

Don't forget to get your copy of "The Complete Cardinal Guide to Planning for and Living in Retirement" on Amazon or on CardinalGuide.com for free!

You can contact Hans and Cardinal by emailing [email protected] or calling 919-535-8261. Learn more at CardinalGuide.com. Find us on YouTube: Cardinal Advisors.