Frank Finly — Retirement Planning & Tax Strategies

Can you retire on $500K? We break down the math, taxes, and strategies to make half a million work for your retirement.

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Sources mentioned:
- IRS — Retirement Topics: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- SSA — Delayed Retirement Credits and Early Retirement Reductions
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Costs (Part B premium and IRMAA)
- Genworth — Cost of Care Survey (long-term care)

The FIRE movement proves that retirement at 40 or 50 is possible — but only with intentional choices. Learn the math, strategies, and trade-offs behind financial independence and early retirement.

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Sources mentioned:

- Bengen (1994) — Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data (the 4% rule)
- IRS — Retirement Topics: Exceptions to Tax on Early Distributions (72(t) SEPP)
- IRS — Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules
- HealthCare.gov — Premium Tax Credit (ACA subsidies)

Claiming Social Security at 62 vs 67 can mean a $100,000+ difference. Here is how to figure out the right age for you.

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Sources mentioned:
- SSA — Delayed Retirement Credits and Early Retirement Reductions
- SSA — Benefit Formula (AIME / PIA)
- SSA — Period Life Table (longevity)

Most retirees overpay on taxes. Here are seven proven strategies to minimize your retirement tax bill legally.

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Sources mentioned:
- IRS — Federal Income Tax Rates and Brackets
- IRS Topic 409 — Capital Gains and Losses
- IRS — Retirement Topics: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- IRS Publication 915 — Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits (taxation rules)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Costs (IRMAA Income-Related Monthly Adjustment)

A decade of low-bracket conversions can save six figures in lifetime taxes. Learn the advanced strategies — bracket filling, multi-year planning, and timing around life events — that separate tax-savvy retirees from everyone else.

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Sources mentioned:
- IRS Publication 590-B — Distributions from IRAs (Roth conversion, RMD)
- IRS — Federal Income Tax Rates and Brackets

The 4% rule has guided retirees for 30 years. But with longer retirements and market uncertainty, does it still hold up?

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Sources mentioned:
- Bengen (1994) — Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data, Journal of Financial Planning
- Cooley, Hubbard & Walz — Trinity Study: Retirement Savings: Choosing a Withdrawal Rate That Is Sustainable (AAII Journal)
- Pfau — An International Perspective on Safe Withdrawal Rates
- Guyton & Klinger — Decision Rules and Maximum Initial Withdrawal Rates (Journal of Financial Planning)
- BLS — Consumer Price Index (inflation data)

The backdoor Roth IRA lets high earners bypass income limits. Here are the exact steps, the pro-rata trap, and how to avoid mistakes.


Topics covered: backdoor roth ira, backdoor roth.

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Sources mentioned:
- IRS — Roth IRAs
- IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to IRAs
- IRS Form 8606 — Nondeductible IRAs
- IRS — Rollovers of Retirement Plan and IRA Distributions

Pay taxes now or pay taxes later? The answer isn't as obvious as it seems — and getting it right can mean tens of thousands more in retirement income.

Topics covered: what is a roth ira, roth ira vs traditional ira.

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Sources mentioned:
- IRS — Traditional and Roth IRAs
- IRS — Publication 590-A
- IRS — Publication 590-B
- IRS — Required Minimum Distributions
- IRS — Tax Rates and Brackets