Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are one of the most misunderstood—and potentially costly—parts of retirement planning. Nick and Eric break down exactly what RMDs are and why they can have a significant impact on your taxes, Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums, and overall retirement strategy. They also discuss common mistakes retirees make and how strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help reduce taxes while supporting causes you care about.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

💸 Forced Withdrawals: Why the IRS requires RMDs

📊 Calculation Rules: How your RMD amount is determined

⚠️ Tax Impact: The hidden consequences of larger distributions

🧰 Account Flexibility: Why retirement "buckets" matter

🎁 QCD Strategy: Giving to charity tax-efficiently

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Many retirees assume they've missed their chance to take advantage of Roth conversions, but the reality is that age 65 may be one of the best times to start the conversation. Today, Nick and Eric explain how Roth conversions work and how strategic conversions may help reduce overall tax exposure. Roth conversions may not be beneficial for everyone, but every retiree deserves to explore whether this powerful strategy fits into their retirement plan.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

💡 No Age Limit: Why 65 may be the perfect time

🎯 Tax Timing: When do you want to pay taxes?

📉 Future Savings: Reducing RMDs and IRMAA surprises

🧱 Legacy Planning: Creating tax-free wealth for heirs

🧮 Strategic Conversions: Why slow and steady often wins

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

There's no shortage of retirement advice out there, but not all of it is accurate. In fact, some of the most common beliefs about retirement can quietly derail your plan if you take them at face value. In this episode, Nick reveals five of the biggest retirement myths and explains what actually matters when it comes to planning for your future.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

🎯 Magic Number: No one-size-fits-all target

💸 Taxes Reality: Often higher than expected

📊 Expense Truth: Costs don't always drop

📉 Social Security Gap: Won't cover everything

🏥 Healthcare Costs: Medicare isn't enough

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

In this episode, Nick and Eric break down what it really means to plan for retirement as a single. They discuss the unique challenges that come with being single, from financial decision-making to long-term care and income planning. The conversation highlights why being proactive is critical when there's no partner to share responsibilities. It's a thoughtful look at how to build confidence and clarity heading into a solo retirement.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

👤 Solo Planning: Retirement decisions require more intention without a partner

🧾 Social Security Strategy: Timing and options look different for single filers

🏥 Long-Term Care Risk: Having a plan in place is critical when you're on your own

📉 Tax Planning Counts: Roth conversions can create long-term flexibility

📘 Start With A Plan: Clarity comes from putting the right structure in place

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

College costs aren't getting cheaper, which has more families asking whether a 529 plan is the right way to save for education. Nick and Eric break down how these accounts work, why they've become more flexible in recent years, and what parents and grandparents should think about before opening one. Before you decide how to save for education, it's important to understand how these decisions have an impact beyond just college tuition.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

🎓 529 Basics: Understanding education savings plans

📍 State Benefits: Tax advantages vary by state

💰 Funding Strategies: Different ways to contribute

🔄 Rule Changes: More flexibility than before

📚 Long-Term Planning: Start thinking beyond education and tuition

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

In this episode, Alex Karaban, forward for the UConn Huskies, joins host Joel Johnson, CFP® to talk about the mindset behind high-level performance and learning to handle setbacks as he prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft. Alex shares how his upbringing, work ethic, and mindset have shaped his journey from late-blooming hooper to championship-level player. They explore the discipline, pressure, and growth that come with competing at an elite level.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

🏀 Built On Discipline: Early family sacrifices shaped his work ethic and mindset

🚀 Growth Over Talent: Success came from development, not early dominance

🔥 Coaching With Purpose: Tough coaching works when trust is built off the court

🧠 Stay The Same: Confidence comes from consistency, not results

🎓 Academics & Life After Basketball: Long-term vision extends beyond the game

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

More than half of Americans are missing a critical step in their retirement plan, and it has nothing to do with investments or savings. Despite knowing it's important, many people delay or avoid putting the right protections in place for their families. Nick walks through the essential estate planning documents you need, what happens if you don't have them, and how proper planning can protect your assets, reduce taxes, and prevent unnecessary stress for your loved ones.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

🧾 Missing Documents: Most lack core estate plans

⚖️ Wills Vs Trusts: Understand key differences

🏥 Medical Decisions: Plan for incapacity scenarios

💰 Tax Exposure: High-tax states increase risk

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

A pension buyout might be one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and once it's done, there's no going back. Today, Nick talks through how to think about this choice in a way that fits your bigger financial picture. It's not just about numbers—it's about control, flexibility, and what you want your retirement to look like. The right answer depends entirely on your goals.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Pension Decline: Fewer workers have pensions, making decisions more impactful

📊 Interest Rates Matter: Rates directly affect lump sum values

💰 Lump Sum Flexibility: IRA rollovers create more control and planning options

🔁 Income Tradeoff: Guaranteed income vs flexibility and legacy

⚠️ Planning Required: Mistakes in investing, taxes, or strategy can be costly

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Tax season may be over, but the smartest planning starts now. Nick walks through simple, proactive steps you can take today to avoid stress, surprises, and missed opportunities next year. He focuses on how to approach the year ahead with intention so you're not reacting when deadlines hit again. A little planning now can make a big difference later.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

💰 Maximize Deductions: Use tax-deferred accounts during high-income years

📊 Know Contribution Limits: Age-based limits can increase your savings

⚖️ Withholding Strategy: Avoid big bills or overpaying throughout the year

🔐 Stay Organized: Track documents securely in one place

🧭 Professional Guidance: Personalized planning improves long-term outcomes

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

It's a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer: how often should you actually check your investment portfolio? For many investors, it becomes a habit, sometimes daily, sometimes even hourly. But that constant monitoring can create more harm than good, leading to emotional decisions that derail long-term results.

Nick and Jake elaborate on the real dangers of checking your portfolio too often, and the equally important risks of ignoring it altogether. Tune in to hear how a clear plan can help you stay focused on what actually drives long-term success.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

👀 Portfolio Habits: Many investors check too often without realizing the impact

⚠️ Over-checking Risk: Frequent monitoring can lead to emotional, impulsive decisions

🙈 Ignoring Risk: Never checking can allow imbalances and missed opportunities

🧭 Find the Balance: A consistent, intentional review schedule works best

📊 Plan Over Panic: A clear strategy reduces the urge to react to short-term noise

Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/

Phone: 800-208-7233

Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form

Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/

Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/

Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai