One For The Money

One For The Money

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One For The Money episodes

  • Ensuring You Get to Spend More of Your Hard Earned Money & the Government Gets to Spend Less, Ep #49

    Ensuring You Get to Spend More of Your Hard Earned Money & the Government Gets to Spend Less, Ep #49

    For many of my clients during the fall, I implement a powerful strategy called a Roth conversion, which can significantly lower the taxes paid during retirement. In this episode of the One for the Money podcast, I review this strategy that can help retirees spend more of their own money rather than the government. Listen to the end, where I share additional powerful tax-saving strategies you may want to consider during your employer’s open enrollment.

     

    In this episode...


    • Retirement tax planning [01:20]
    • Timing Roth IRA conversions [05:38]
    • The importance of tax diversification [12:16]
    • When Roth conversions aren’t the best idea [13:20]
    • HSAs and healthcare expenses [15:19]


    Planning for retirement taxes


    We’ve all made poor decisions when it comes to spending. However, our spending is still way better than the government’s bridges to nowhere, costly, incomplete high-speed trains, or countless other examples of wasteful government spending. This reason is why I love helping clients keep more of their money to spend by utilizing tax-saving strategies.


    These strategies are necessary because people don’t pay less in taxes accidentally. Instead, lower taxes result from executing strategies over many years and being proactive with tax planning. Most Americans have two options. They can hope taxes will be lower in the future, or they can take action to retire as diversified as possible. 


    Benefits of Roth conversions


    Roth conversions are a great way to become tax-diversified and reduce taxes when conditions are right. Roth conversions work just as they sound, converting portions of not-yet-taxed retirement accounts to never-again-taxed accounts. There are no income limitations, but since income taxes will be paid in the year of the conversion, it makes the most sense to complete Roth conversions in the years when your income is lower. 


    When the math works, a Roth conversion is one of the best strategies to mitigate taxes. Most Americans save for retirement in traditional or pre-tax retirement accounts. This money will be taxed upon withdrawal during retirement. Consequently, retirement accounts are essentially co-owned with Uncle Sam. How much is owned by Uncle Same will depend on whatever the tax rates are in the future.


    Reasons not to do a Roth conversion


    Although Roth conversions can be a great option, there are some reasons why you may not want to consider them. Since the converted amount cannot be used for tax payment, you would have to make sure you have the tax money saved up. Also, if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, then a Roth conversion may not be the best decision for you. If you have a child who is applying to college and seeking financial aid, a Roth conversion would show you as having a higher income, which may affect your child’s eligibility for financial aid. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits against these factors and consider speaking with a certified financial planner and a tax professional to help you make an informed decision.


    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

     


    Resources & People Mentioned


    • National Debt Clock
    • History of the US Federal Budget Deficit
    • Historical U.S. Federal Individual Income Tax Rates & Brackets, 1862-2021
    • The Fiscal & Economic Challenge


    Connect with Jonny West


    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn


    Subscribe to ONE FOR THE MONEY on

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    21 min
  • How to Spend Better, Ep #48

    For some people, spending money can be a hard thing to do. As a financial planner, one of the things that has surprised me the most is the difficulty some clients have in spending their money. In this episode of the One for the Money podcast, I share ways to help make spending easier. Listen to the end, where I share a spending tip for the rest of your life.

    In this episode...
    • Learning to spend in retirement [02:22]
    • Why do some people save and some spend? [06:00]
    • Being prepared “just in case” [10:02]
    • The rest of your life analysis [13:11]

    The decumulation paradox

    According to a 2018 Investments & Wealth Institute study, nearly six in seven retirees only spend down the earnings in their portfolios and spend none of the principle itself. This phenomenon is called the decumulation paradox.

    People who have always been in a saving mode find flipping the switch to spending difficult. Spending can be particularly challenging when someone has retired or is on a mini-retirement because they no longer have a salary every month because everything can depend on their nest egg. This is why people with guaranteed sources of income, such as pensions and annuities, tend to spend more money during retirement.

    Spending more in retirement 

    Psychological barriers can prevent us from spending what would bring more enjoyment and happiness intellectually. Clients may understand that dying the wealthiest person in the graveyard isn’t a good goal, but they may still struggle emotionally with spending money.

    I realize that some may see spending more as a “first-world problem,” but I will say that having worked with hundreds of individuals, I’ve seen people with limited income build significant wealth. One of my goals is to encourage people to spend more of what they worked and sacrificed so hard to make possible. It’s important for those who have made wise decisions to save and accumulate funds to spend what they’ve earned. Money is a resource, not an end in itself. 

    Just in case

    Some individuals avoid spending money due to what I call the “just in case” factor. They don’t spend money in case their children require financial assistance, in case they incur medical expenses, or in case they experience an extended long-term care situation. We are all aware of relatives with dementia for years, which appears to factor into our planning for the worst-case scenarios.

    There are ways to plan for these scenarios without sacrificing our ability to make memories both now and in retirement. Some of the help I give clients is giving them the peace of mind to spend on what they want. Then, they can make the memories that last lifetimes. 

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • The Decumulation Paradox: Why retirees are not spending more?
    • Regrets of the Dying
    • Why Most Retirees Never Spend Their Retirement Assets
    • How to Get Clients to Spend More Money - Articles - Advisor Perspectives
    • Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life - Bill Perkins
    • When Money Can Buy Happiness, Ep #47

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    17 min
  • When Money Can Buy Happiness, Ep #47

    Surveys have shown that money cannot buy happiness; however, certain types of spending can increase happiness. In this episode of the One for the Money podcast, I talk about ways to increase happiness, not through increased spending, but by improving the way money is spent.

    In this episode...
    • Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness [01:05]
    • Money does not guarantee happiness [02:06]
    • Spending money on others [04:03]
    • Opportunities to anticipate [07:47]

    Pursuing happiness

    America’s purpose aligns perfectly with human purpose: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Pursuing happiness has been a recurring theme in this podcast, and I regularly encourage clients and listeners to seek the things that ultimately lead to happiness. Those things are only sometimes directly influenced by money. Happiness is derived through positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. 

    Money neither buys nor guarantees happiness. I have met both wealthy and poor people who are equally unhappy. When I visited India years ago, I walked past a squatters’ camp on my way to see a temple. The makeshift shelters were built of worn blue tarps and cardboard boxes. Despite their difficult living conditions, these people had joyful countenances that still impact me today.

    Using money for what matters

    While money can’t buy or guarantee one’s happiness, there are instances where money via spending CAN make you happier. Spending money on others rather than ourselves has proven to lead to more happiness for the spender. Spending money to buy ourselves more time might seem simple, but it goes a long way. Sometimes, I spend a little money to have more time with my family. That extra time is priceless. 

    With more time, you can do other things like exercise, volunteer work, or other activities linked to increased happiness. Connecting with friends, attending an event, and learning new things are all great ways to spend your time positively. Important to note is the critical issue of how people consume this extra time. Spending all your free time binge-watching shows, playing games, or scrolling through social media is quite different from doing something meaningful, engaging, or growth-promoting. 

    Experiences

    Research suggests that happiness is more often derived from experiences rather than material possessions. However, it’s important to remember that material things can also bring us joy if we use them to create experiences like going on a picnic or visiting a national park or museum. Simple, low-cost activities can provide small but meaningful boosts to happiness in the short term that accumulate one step at a time to significantly impact happiness in the long term.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • When it Comes to Early Retirement - Start with Why, Ep #1
    • Too Much Money & Too Few Memories, Ep #24
    • Michael Kitces
    • 6 Ways Money Really Can Buy Happiness For Your Financial Planning Clients

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to ONE FOR THE MONEY on

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    13 min
  • Why a Will Is Not Enough - Estate Planning, Ep #46

    A will is a crucial component of a financial plan, but it may not be sufficient on its own. In this episode of the One for the Money podcast, I share why many people would benefit from a trust. In the tips, tricks, and strategies portion, I share a tip regarding locating unclaimed money.

    In this episode...
    • More than a will [01:13]
    • Trusts vs. wills [04:06]
    • Inadvertent disinheritance [06:52]
    • Finding unclaimed assets [10:40]

    More than money

    Without an estate plan, transferring an estate costs much more because a lawyer is necessary. Also, the process takes much longer because of the backlog in the courts. The records are 100% public, so there’s no privacy whatsoever. If you don't want scammers to harass your children by knowing how much they received, make sure you have an estate plan.

    While avoiding expensive lawyers and keeping your final financial information private and away from the eyes of scammers are great reasons to have an estate plan, the primary reason is to preserve family unity. As I mentioned in the previous episode, family unity is the most important legacy you leave behind. Without an estate plan, your heirs may have some strong disagreements. Relationships could be ruined over a simple thing like money.

    Will vs. trust

    Some law firms prefer wills over trusts because the result is more lucrative. That’s why some law firms charge so little for wills; they want the probate business. Changing a will requires certain steps; the same witness must sign the updated will. Trusts are easier to change than wills, and assets will be distributed based on an attached document. That document can be periodically updated, and distributions are based on the latest version. 

    A trust is much more flexible than a will to make those changes. Trusts are great when you have several beneficiaries on accounts. You won't need to update your accounts if you’ve named the trust as the beneficiary. With a will, you can’t control the distributions. With a trust, you can for some beneficiaries. 

    Smoothly transferring assets

    Certain situations almost require a trust, as inadvertently disinheriting children is too easy, as with blended families. For example, if a husband and wife each have kids from a previous marriage, and the husband were to pass away, the wife may inherit everything. Then, when she passes, only her children may inherit all of the money. Inadvertently, this would disinherit the husband’s children from the previous marriage. Because of gift taxes and other complications, the solution isn’t as simple as inheriting children giving a portion to the others.

    One important thing to note about the transferring of assets is that property transfers first by title, then by beneficiary designation, and finally by probate or will through the courts. Some assets can’t have a beneficiary named, like a house. So if your will states that your 401k will be split between your kids but names only one of your kids as the beneficiary, that beneficiary will supersede the will. In that scenario, the title beneficiaries would need to match the will. By establishing trust, you can easily address this concern. 

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • MissingMoney.com
    • National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators
    • The Only Legacy that Matters - Ensuring Family Unity via Estate Planning , Ep #45

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    14 min
  • Preserving Family Unity - Estate Planning, Ep #45

    An estate plan is a crucial part of one’s financial plan, but most people don’t have one. Those who do have a plan likely need to make updates or changes. This episode of the One for the Money podcast discusses the impact of an estate plan on the family. In the tips, tricks, and strategies portion, I share a tip regarding legacy contacts for your smart devices.

    In this episode...
    • The crucial estate plan [01:08]
    • Planning for the details [04:04]
    • Family matters [06:32]
    • Legacy contacts for smartphones [08:33]

    Proactive unity

    What happens when someone dies without an estate plan? The reality is that everyone does have an estate plan. Every state in the United States has a default plan, but it takes much longer and is much more expensive than necessary. There is one primary goal with estate planning: to preserve family unity.

    When the last surviving parent or grandparent dies, money often creates tension among family members. Unfortunately, some prioritize their love for money over maintaining lifelong family relationships. My father and his family experienced this firsthand. We learned an important lesson from this experience - to prioritize our family’s well-being, having a comprehensive estate plan and regularly reviewing it is essential.

    Review your plan with the right people

    When it comes to estate planning, a general attorney may not be the best fit for expressing your exact wishes. While they can assist with avoiding probate, they may not take into account the preservation of your family’s relationships. Estate planning often involves filling out forms that may not fully capture your desires if the right questions aren’t asked. 

    For instance, let’s say that Mom promised her classic Volkswagen van to one son, while Dad promised it to their daughter. If the estate plan documents don’t clearly state who inherits the van, it can create family tension. Families often have disagreements over sentimental heirlooms, such as a piano or jewelry. It’s essential to consider how crucial family unity is to you after your passing. If it’s important, then you should take the time to discuss how to pass down heirlooms with your loved ones.

    Communication

    Communication can be an issue with the most basic estate plan. What if special needs children are involved or children who suffer from substance abuse? These complicated issues deserve attention. You need to communicate your wishes should you become incapacitated. What if you told your oldest child that you don’t want to be on life support, but your youngest isn’t aware of that fact and wants to believe that you might still recover? That’s why it’s not only critical to have a durable power of attorney but to communicate your wishes as well. You don’t want this to come up for the first time around your hospital bed. It’s not fair for the person left responsible to have to guess.

    A financial planner is an excellent option to review your documents because the lawyer who drew up the plan will unlikely look at it again. Regularly review the decision makers regarding your healthcare directive and the trustee. Things change, and you may not want the person in charge now that you named previously. Family unity has a better chance with a well-written, executed, and communicated estate plan. 

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Click here for the funny estate planning commercial 
    • What Makes Life Meaningful? Views From 17 Advanced Economies | Pew Research Center
    • How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple ID
    • Congratulations, You Already Have an Estate Plan - BUT YOU DON'T WANT IT!, Ep #21
    • Estate Planning Simplified, Ep #22

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    12 min
  • Are Financial Planners Worth the Fees They Charge?, Ep #44

    Many people wonder if financial planners are worth the fees they charge. In this One for the Money podcast episode, I’ll help you learn the value a financial planner can provide. In the tips, tricks, and strategies portion, you’ll learn how to identify competent financial planners and avoid hucksters and salesmen.

    In this episode...
    • Money is a sensitive topic [01:07]
    • How financial planners add value [03:46]
    • Providing peace of mind [09:34]
    • Planner? Advisor? Agent? [13:47]
    • Identifying competent financial planners [15:46]

    The cost of not having a financial planner

    Discussing finances can be a delicate and personal matter for many individuals. Unfortunately, some people equate their financial prosperity with their overall success in life, causing anxiety and fear over their perceived lack of progress. As a financial planner, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with countless clients to review their financial situations. I’m pleased to say that individuals are often pleasantly surprised by how well they’re on track for their financial goals.

    Many people avoid seeking the help of a financial planner due to the complexity and emotional nature of finances. Instead, they attempt to manage their finances on their own or rely on advice from colleagues, friends, or family. However, in my experience of reviewing numerous financial plans, I have encountered many instances where mistakes or missed opportunities. These mistakes can include problems with company 401k plans, cash management, debt repayment, or tax planning, each of which can result in significant financial losses.

    A financial planner often means greater results

    According to Vanguard’s research paper from July 2022, financial advisors have the potential to increase their clients’ net returns by up to 3% or more. However, the value added may vary depending on the client’s situation. To demonstrate the impact of a 3% increase in returns, consider this example: 

    If $10,000 is invested at a 4% rate for 30 years, it will grow to just over $32,000. But if the same amount is invested at a 7% rate, 3% higher, it will grow to over $76,000. 

    This example shows how a financial planner can significantly impact someone’s financial future. While these results are not guaranteed, they highlight the value that professional investment advice can bring. Most mutual fund assets are advised, which further supports the importance of seeking the help of a knowledgeable advisor who can provide tailored guidance.

    How to choose the right professional

    It is crucial to choose a financial planner who is certified, meaning they have completed at least seven college-level courses covering a wide range of financial topics such as investments, retirement plans, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. They also have bachelor’s degrees. I wouldn’t let my friends or family work with anyone who wasn’t a CFP. Sadly, a CFP isn’t a guarantee they will have your best interests in mind, as I’ve seen too many CFPs sell only insurance products and not provide comprehensive planning.

    A financial planner should thoroughly analyze your tax return every year and identify all the ways to help you avoid paying extra taxes. Without studying your tax return, how can any financial planner provide guidance regarding contributions, distributions, or other tax mitigation strategies? To create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your ideal life, a financial planner should consider all aspects of your financial situation, including investments, taxes, savings, pensions, income, goals, and real estate, and analyze the impact of adjustments on your ideal life. 

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Putting a value on your value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor® Alpha
    • BrokerCheck
    • Series 65 Exam Content Outline - NASAA
    • Beware of Wolves in Insurance Salesmen's Clothing, Ep #19

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    20 min
  • What I Wished I Knew Sooner About Money, Ep #43

    This One for the Money podcast episode is for young adults and those younger. This information is what I wish someone had shared with me at that stage of life. Would I have heeded the advice? I can’t definitively say, but what is definite is that knowledge proceeds wisdom. With the knowledge provided in this episode, hopefully some listeners can make wiser decisions to create a better life.

    In this episode...
    • Reasons understanding money is so important [03:34]
    • When not to borrow money [10:11]
    • Avoid credit cards at all costs [12:29]
    • Building wealth is about discipline [15:55]
    • Lessons from Everyday Millionaires [17:50]
    • How to keep your spending simple [21:10]

    When to borrow money

    Only borrow money when investing in appreciating assets. Borrowing money to buy real estate is a positive example. A car, however, is a depreciating asset. For example, if you purchased a car for $25,000 and were paying 6% interest on the loan, your car would be worth $22,000 the day after its purchase. If the car is paid off in five years, the total payments would have been $31,000, but the car’s worth would be around $7,500. 

    Sadly, this was a lesson I learned the hard way. My twin brother and I borrowed money to purchase a used Jeep Wrangler. We fell in love with the vehicle at the auto dealership and even paid extra for drive-train insurance. Two days later, the clutch went out, and the dealership said it wasn’t included in part of the drive-train. That wasn’t the only issue we had with the Jeep. It was constantly in the shop, and we had expensive mechanical problem after problem that the dealership said our drive-train insurance didn’t cover. 

    Avoid credit card debt at all costs. Literally. 

    Credit card debt leads to long-term borrowing habits that are tough to overcome. Instead, it’s best to avoid developing these negative habits altogether and save yourself the trouble.

    If you had $10,000 in credit card debt with 17% interest and paid the minimum payment of around $142/month, your balance would have decreased by only a dollar by the time interest is applied. I learned this lesson the hard way by borrowing money on a credit card because I had no other options. Because of that, I missed a few credit card and student loan payments. Later, a company ran my credit, and I wasn’t approved to buy anything. In my mid to late 20s, when I learned the power of money, I mended my ways, paid off all my debts, and maxed out my savings.

    Make budgeting simple

    Budgeting is key to succeeding with money, but many make it harder and more tedious than it has to be. Keep it simple by maxing out your retirement and other savings, then spend the rest. This strategy has made one of the biggest differences for me. Because I was maxing out my 401k and my wife’s Roth IRA, I didn’t have to worry about budget categories since we didn’t go into debt for our regular spending.

    Sometimes the easiest way to control your spending is to set bigger goals. It’s way easier to limit what you spend at restaurants and Amazon when saving for a trip to Tahiti, a newer car, or a down payment for a home. It has been way easier for me to skip restaurants and eat at home when I know that my family can enjoy new cuisines in another part of the world because of it.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Letter to a High School Graduate
    • Everyday Millionaires: Chris Hogan, Dave Ramsey
    • Average consumer spending $273 per month on subscription services

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    25 min
  • What Every American Should Know About Social Security, Ep #42

    The timing of when you start receiving Social Security benefits can greatly affect your retirement experience. In this episode of the One for the Money podcast, I share a few things every American should know about Social Security. At the end of the episode, I share a tip on where you can find out the details regarding your Social Security benefit.

    In this episode...
    • Eligibility for Social Security [02:19]
    • Is Social Security enough? [03:16]
    • Retirement doesn’t mean lower living expenses [06:32]
    • Will Social Security run out? [08:46]
    • Estimating your benefits [15:03]

    What is Social Security?

    Social Security is an essential aspect of retirement planning, providing a source of income not affected by market fluctuations. Given its significance, Americans need to have a thorough understanding of Social Security. To receive Social Security benefits, individuals must contribute by paying FICA taxes. Employees and employers each pay 6.2% up to a certain level of income. A self-employed individual is responsible for paying the employer and employee portions of Social Security.

    Relying on Social Security

    Unfortunately, living on Social Security alone leaves people on the brink of poverty. According to the Social Security Administration, 21% of married couples and about 44% of unmarried people rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their retirement income. Social Security was never meant to provide for a comfortable retirement. Rather, it is intended to help ensure lower-paid workers do not have to retire in relative poverty. 

    Social Security retirement benefits will replace only about 40% of your pre-retirement income if you have average earnings. Your Social Security benefit is determined by calculating your average monthly income over your lifetime. This figure is then divided into three portions using a formula, with the lowest portion being given the most weight. The result is that the less a person earns while working, the more income Social Security replaces.

    Living expenses in retirement

    Many assume that Social Security will be enough because their living expenses will reduce in retirement. Unfortunately, expenses don’t go down as much as one might expect. More and more people are taking mortgages into retirement. Homes require regular repairs and maintenance, and some of those repairs can be very expensive. Transportation costs will remain about the same, as well as everyday household expenses. 

    In retirement, expenses for healthcare and leisure activities increase significantly, with healthcare being particularly costly. A couple, on average, spends over $250,000 on health care in retirement. Consequently, people are expected to need 70-80% of their pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement. Social Security doesn’t provide enough to meet that need, which is why people need to supplement Social Security with 401k or IRA savings.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Fear Over Social Security’s Future Leads Some to Claim Retirement Benefits Early - WSJ
    • SSA
    • What Is Social Security Tax? Definition, Exemptions, and Example
    • Social Security Benefit Amounts
    • How much of my income will Social Security replace?
    • When to Take Social Security - Avoiding a Potential $200,000 Mistake, Ep #41

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    19 min
  • When to Take Social Security - Avoiding a Potential $200,000 Mistake, Ep #41

    The critical piece of many Americans’ retirement is their Social Security benefit. Without a strategy for claiming Social Security, many Americans make a decision that can cause them to lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this episode of the One for the Money podcast, I review the factors you should consider when deciding when to take Social Security.

    In this episode...
    • Assessing your options [01:16]
    • Later filing eventually passes earlier filing [04:25]
    • When should you consider taking Social Security early? [05:56]
    • Social Security when you have other income [09:26]
    • Many people take Social Security too early [10:59]
    • Strategies for married couples [12:29]

    Timing depends on the individual

    I’m often asked when a person should take Social Security. The answer to this question requires discussing goals, assessing additional sources of income in retirement, and running projections in my financial planning software. Far too many Americans don’t consider these factors when making this critical decision. Instead, they take Social Security based on what their friends decided to do - friends who likely have very different financial situations and goals. 


    Benefits of delaying


    If you take Social Security at age 62, your benefit will be up to 30% less than at age 67. That reduction is for the rest of your life and is a 6% yearly decrease when taking benefits early. If you wait until age 70, your benefit will be 32% more each month than it would be at age 67 for the rest of your life. That’s an 8% increase each year you wait.


    While taking early Social Security would mean collecting for more years, eventually the benefits of filing later catch up with earlier filing. How long would you need to live to have gained more with later filing? According to JP Morgan, a median Social Security earner taking benefits at age 67 will have received more at just over age 76 than if starting at age 62. If you take benefits at age 70, you’ll have received more by age 80 and five months than if you had started at age 62. By age 90, you will have accumulated $125,000 more if you waited until age 67 versus 62.


    Life expectancy and income


    Deciding when to take Social Security depends on two main factors: life expectancy and sources of income. If you have a shorter life expectancy based on family history and health and don’t think you’ll live into your late 70s or early 80s, delaying Social Security doesn’t make sense. However, if you have a long life expectancy, it can be in your best interest to delay taking benefits as long as possible. 


    Taking early Social Security may also make sense if it’s your primary source of income in retirement. You may not have the option to delay. Other than that reason and a shorter life expectancy, I firmly believe it makes more sense to delay Social Security provided a comprehensive analysis was completed. Social Security is critical to retirement, so choosing wisely and assessing goals is imperative. This decision is far too important to leave to chance or go along with the crowds.


    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.


    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Which Social Security Claiming Strategy Generates the Highest Legacy Value? | Financial Planning Association
    • Guide to Retirement | J.P. Morgan Asset Management
    • The Most Popular Ages to Collect Social Security
    • Research Summary: Early Claiming of Social Security Retirement Benefits Increased During the Recession
    • U.S. Retirees Aren't Waiting Till Age 70 to Collect Social Security - TheStreet

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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    16 min
  • Investing for Your Kids - Giving the Power of Time, Ep #40

    In the One for the Money podcast, we’ve been discussing finances and children in our recent episodes. In the previous episode, we covered lessons for kids a few years away from adulthood. In this episode, we will focus on investing for kids only a few years old. Don’t miss out on the end of the episode, where we’ll discuss how a new law has made 529s even more valuable.

    In this episode...
    • Improving investment returns with time [01:56]
    • UTMAs and UGMAs [03:43]
    • Setting up a kid Roth [08:10]
    • The power of 529s [11:54]
    • Turning a 539 into a Roth IRA for your kids [15:35]

    Time is crucial

    Money invested in the stock market should always be for the long term. The short term poses a high level of risk, while the long term yields significant rewards. The amount of time invested in the market profoundly affects returns, as it is the exponent in the compound interest formula. Compared to other factors, time has the most significant impact on investment returns.

    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise can add time to our lives, but we cannot go back in time and invest earlier. However, we can encourage our children to invest as soon as possible to increase their investment time horizons.

    Investments for children

    The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) is a law that permits minors to receive gifts without the assistance of a guardian or trustee. The gifts may include money, patents, royalties, real estate, and fine art. Children can receive these gifts directly without an additional step involving parents, guardians, or trustees. While most of these gifts are arranged by parents to provide assets for their children, some minors have a guardian or trustee instead. 

    An extension to UTMA is UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act), which expands the types of assets you can give. While UGMA only allows financial products like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, UTMA includes both financial and physical assets. Once the child reaches legal age, they no longer require a custodian and can spend the money as they please. The age they become legally independent is determined by their state of residence, usually 18 or 21 years old, but each state has the option to adopt and amend the UTMA.

    College savings and 529s

    A college savings account, also known as a 529, is a great investment option for our children’s future. Currently, the total student loan debt in the US is a staggering $1.7 trillion, making it the second-highest consumer debt category after mortgage debt. Surprisingly, due to government regulations and unintended consequences, Americans owe more money on school loans than credit cards and auto loans combined.

    529s may seem simple at first glance, but they offer a range of benefits beyond their basic strategy. You can designate any person as a beneficiary and even save for future college expenses or for children who have not yet been born. Additionally, changing the beneficiary is allowed at any time. Parents and grandparents can start saving now to ensure a brighter financial future for their heirs, taking advantage of the power of compounding interest.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
    • Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA): What It Is, How It Works
    • UGMA-UTMA Account: The Benefits of One | Vanguard
    • Meaning & Purpose in Retirement, Ep #6
    • The Psychology of Money, Ep #13
    • The Cost of College and How to Pay for It - Part 1, Ep #15
    • The Cost of College and How to Pay for It - Part 2, Ep #16
    • Congress Just Made Changes to Your Retirement… Again, Ep #31
    • The Brass Tacks on Small Business Taxes - Part 2, Ep #36

    Connect with Jonny West
    • https://BetterPlanningBetterLife.com 
    • Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn

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Listen to hear Jonny break down the tips, tricks, and strategies he uses to help clients retire early. This is the "easy button" when it comes to early retirement because everything you want and need…