Mel Stubbs is a seasoned financial planner at Christy Capital Management, specializing in helping federal employees navigate the complexities of retirement. With over a decade of experience, Mel stands out for his deep expertise in federal benefits, practical financial planning, and his ability to break down complex topics for everyday listeners. Beyond his advisory work, Mel has built a loyal YouTube following, where he shares actionable financial advice, and is also the author of a book aimed at guiding federal employees through critical retirement decisions.

On this episode we talk about:

– How Mel made his first dollar (cutting grass) and most recent dollar (book royalties)

– The power of niche content creation and building trust online

– Key retirement planning decisions for federal employees and beyond

– Tax planning strategies: Roth vs. traditional accounts and the impact of future tax rates

– Side hustles and second careers for government employees approaching retirement

– Asset allocation, diversification, and the role of income-producing investments

– Mistakes to avoid with taxable accounts and required minimum distributions

– Advice for young people on maximizing Roth contributions and planning for the long term

– The complexity of the tax code and how to leverage incentives for better outcomes

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Niche content can drive real business results. You don’t need a million followers; a dedicated audience-even in the thousands-can lead to meaningful opportunities and income, especially when you’re serving a specific need.

2. Tax planning is crucial at every stage. Understanding the difference between Roth and traditional retirement accounts-and making decisions based on your current and future tax brackets-can save you significant money over time.

3. Retirement is about more than money-it’s about purpose. Many federal employees use their financial security to launch side businesses or passion projects in retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning for both finances and fulfillment.

Connect with Mel Stubbs:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-stubbs-3051a6105

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ0_k5PItPk

Website: https://christycapital.com/

For more insights on making, saving, and growing your money, subscribe to the Travis Makes Money podcast.

Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices