In this episode of Retire and Thrive, Kamie and Dan break down three practical ways to increase retirement spending while staying confident in your long term plan. They cover the three phases of retirement spending, how to withdraw from the right accounts with taxes in mind, and why “guardrails” can work better than strict budgets.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Go Go, Slow Go, and No Go phases and how spending changes over time

• How to choose between pre tax, after tax, and Roth accounts when withdrawing

• How to set spending guardrails using mandatory vs discretionary expenses

• The key questions to ask your advisor about withdrawal rate and expected return

• Why giving yourself permission to spend is part of a healthy retirement plan

Listen and subscribe: New episodes drop weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

Ever wonder why a pro athlete can earn millions and still get hit with a surprise tax bill for a single road trip?

In Episode 36, Dan Langworthy is joined by Fortress advisor Cody Schaefer (with Kamie Blair out for a week) to unpack the “athlete travel tax” and other real-world money lessons from the biggest stages in sports, from the Big Game to the Olympics.

What we cover:
• How athletes can owe state taxes just for the days they work in another state
• Why a week in California can create a massive tax bill, even on a huge contract• NIL money and what young athletes should do first before spending a dollar• Olympic medals and bonus payouts, and what that can mean at tax time• Shohei Ohtani’s $700M contract structure and the long-term tax tradeoffs• Why golfers may be some of the most impacted by state-by-state taxation

In this episode of Retire and Thrive, Kamie Blair and Dan Langworthy break down three common spending mistakes that can derail retirement and what to do instead. They discuss why overspending early (especially without a plan) can create long-term problems, how underspending out of fear can keep you from enjoying the life you worked for, and why ignoring inflation can quietly erode your retirement lifestyle over time.

You’ll also hear Dan explain sequence of returns risk and why having a cash cushion can help you avoid selling investments when markets are down. Plus, they share a simple rule of thumb for how often to review your retirement plan and why being intentional with spending matters.

In this episode, we cover:

• Mistake #1: Overspending early (and why planning matters)

• Sequence of returns risk and how withdrawals can snowball

• Why a cash cushion can protect your portfolio

• Mistake #2: Underspending due to fear of running out

• Mistake #3: Ignoring inflation and its impact on long-term budgets

• How often to do a retirement “financial checkup”

• Spending intentionally so you can thrive in retirement

🎧 New episodes drop every week. Subscribe for more guidance on living with purpose, wealth, and confidence.

#Retirement #RetirementPlanning #PersonalFinance

Are you unknowingly locking in a permanent 30% pay cut by claiming Social Security at 62?

In this episode of Retire & Thrive, we break down the specific math between claiming benefits at age 62, 67, and 70. We also cover the exact "withdrawal rate formula" you need to bridge the income gap without draining your retirement nest egg.

Topics Discussed:(00:00) Should I defer Social Security?(00:34) What is this channel about?(01:48) What are guaranteed income sources for retirement?(02:54) What is the difference between claiming at 62 vs 70?(04:31) How can I generate income from my portfolio?(05:45) How do I calculate my retirement income gap?(08:32) What is the correct withdrawal rate formula?(09:44) How do tax buckets affect retirement income?(11:00) Is holding too much cash a mistake?

About Fortress Financial Group: We are a fee-only fiduciary firm helping you retire with confidence.

Website: fortressfg.net

Locations: Rochester, MN | Scottsdale, AZ

In this episode of Retire and Thrive, Dan Langworthy and Kamie Blair walk through three common retirement tax traps that can quietly increase what you owe—often when you least expect it.

They cover how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 73 can push you into a higher tax bracket, why Social Security can become taxable (and how some states may tax it too), and how Medicare IRMAA surcharges can show up later because they’re based on your income from two years prior.

If you’re retired—or nearing retirement—this episode will help you spot the traps early and make smarter income decisions.

In Episode 32 of the Retire and Thrive Podcast, Kamie and Dan walk through three practical tax strategies for retirees that can help you lower your tax bill, keep more retirement income, and stay in the right tax bracket—without guesswork.If you’re navigating IRA withdrawals, Roth IRA strategy, Social Security and pension income, RMDs at age 73, state income taxes, or charitable giving, this episode is packed with straightforward examples and real-world planning insights.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• How retirees can control where income shows up on their tax return (pre-tax vs after-tax vs Roth)

• Why Roth IRA withdrawals should be strategic (not random), especially when you’re near the top of a marginal tax bracket

• The snowbird question: where do you pay taxes if you live in two states? (and why residency matters)

• Two powerful charitable tax-planning tools:

  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) for gifting appreciated stock and potentially avoiding capital gains

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) while potentially reducing taxable income

• A key “gotcha” with QCDs: why you still receive a 1099 and what you must document for your tax preparer

Topics covered: retirement tax planning, tax-efficient withdrawals, Roth IRA strategy, Roth conversions, marginal tax brackets, state taxes and residency, snowbird taxes, required minimum distributions (RMDs), qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds (DAFs), charitable giving tax strategy, financial planning for retirees.

00:00:00 — Snowbird taxes: “Where do you pay?” (teaser)00:00:25 — Welcome + why taxes matter in retirement00:01:05 — Money Move #1: Control where your income shows up00:02:42 — Money Move #2: Use Roth money strategically (not randomly)00:03:48 — Example: buying a car without pushing into a higher bracket00:06:16 — State taxes: flat tax vs marginal brackets (and what retirees miss)00:06:35 — Snowbird residency + the “professional athlete” multi-state tax example00:09:02 — Money Move #3: Charitable giving strategies for retirees00:09:46 — QCDs explained: using charitable giving to offset RMD income00:10:36 — Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): donating appreciated stock for tax efficiency00:12:30 — Pairing DAF deductions with Roth conversions (tax-bracket planning)00:13:01 — QCD details + the 1099/receipt documentation caveat00:14:54 — Recap of the 3 money moves + closing

In Episode 31 of the Retire and Thrive Podcast, Dan Langworthy and Kamie Blair answer a question many people over 50 ask as retirement gets closer: pre tax vs Roth, where should your money go. This episode focuses on retirement tax planning, account selection, and how to avoid the tax surprises that hit many retirees after years of saving in 401k and traditional IRA accounts.

Dan explains how to be intentional with your contributions based on your current tax bracket, and why building tax flexibility across different account types can help you reduce taxes in retirement. They also cover required minimum distributions, Social Security taxation, and why the years leading up to RMD age are a key planning window for many households.

Topics covered in this episode

1. Pre tax vs Roth decisions for 401k and 403b contributions
2. Tax diversification using pre tax accounts, after tax brokerage accounts, and Roth accounts
3. How your tax bracket should drive retirement contribution strategy
4. Required minimum distributions and why RMD planning matters before age 73 under current law
5. Social Security taxes and how retirement income can increase taxable Social Security
6. Roth conversions and when they may support long term tax reduction strategies
7. Common retirement mistakes like maxing pre tax accounts without a coordinated tax plan
8. Practical retirement income planning concepts to help you keep more of what you saved

If you are researching retirement planning, retirement taxes, Roth vs traditional, 401k strategy, IRA strategy, RMD rules, Social Security planning, tax planning for retirees, or retirement income strategy, this episode provides clear guidance and real world considerations to discuss with your financial advisor and tax professional.

Subscribe for weekly episodes covering retirement income planning, tax strategies, Social Security, investing, and practical steps to retire with wealth, purpose, and confidence.

How much money do you really need to retire It is one of the most common retirement questions and in this episode of the Retire and Thrive Podcast we break it down in a clear practical way without the hype or confusing mathYou will learn why retirement is not just about hitting a magic number It is about creating reliable retirement income and building a plan around cash flow not just your 401k balance We walk through the key factors that shape retirement readiness including Social Security timing sustainable withdrawal rates investment allocation and why going into retirement debt free can dramatically reduce the pressure on your portfolioWe also cover what to do when the market drops how to know if you are invested appropriately for your risk tolerance and how often you should review your financial plan especially as you get closer to retirementIf you are in your 50s or 60s and asking Can I retire or Will I run out of money this episode will help you gain clarity build confidence and make smarter decisions with your retirement planning.00:00 Why being debt free matters in retirement00:24 Welcome to Episode 30 and what this Q and A covers01:12 How much money do I need to retire Think cash flow not assets03:08 The sustainable withdrawal rate and the 4 percent rule example05:00 When should I take Social Security Key factors to consider08:14 Will I run out of money How advisors plan for the unknowns10:50 Should I pay off my mortgage before retirement14:57 How do I know if I am invested correctly Strategic allocation basics19:02 What to do when the market drops Stay disciplined20:19 How often should I review my financial plan and investments22:16 Disclosure and closing remarksWant To Learn More About Fortress Financial Group? | CLICK HERE!https://fortressfg.net/Check Out Our Social Media Pageshttps://www.facebook.com/FortressFinancialGrouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fortressfinancialgroup/https://www.instagram.com/fortress_financial_group/#RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurity #FinancialPlanning #InvestingInRetirement

Taxes can be one of the biggest — and most overlooked — risks in retirement. In this episode of the Retire and Thrive Podcast, Dan Langworthy breaks down Taxes in Retirement: What Every Retiree Needs to Know, and explains how poor tax planning can quietly erode your income, trigger surprise tax bills, and increase Medicare costs.

You’ll learn how retirement withdrawals are taxed, why withdrawal sequencing matters, and how inconsistent income can create unexpected tax surprises. Dan also explains required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth conversions, IRMAA Medicare penalties, and how Social Security benefits may be taxed depending on your total income.

This episode is especially helpful for retirees and pre-retirees who want to reduce taxes, avoid costly mistakes, and create a more predictable retirement income strategy. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already retired, understanding how taxes impact your IRA, 401(k), Roth accounts, and Social Security benefits is critical to keeping more of your money.

If you want clarity, confidence, and practical strategies for managing taxes in retirement, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

#TaxesInRetirement #RetirementPlanning #TaxSmartRetirement #RothConversion #SocialSecurityTaxes

Social Security is one of the most important income sources in retirement and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of the Retire and Thrive Podcast, we break down seven common Social Security myths that can quietly cost retirees tens of thousands of dollars over time.Many people make claiming decisions based on fear, outdated rules, or incomplete information such as worrying Social Security will run out, focusing only on break even ages, or assuming taxes disappear in retirement. In reality, Social Security decisions are deeply connected to taxes, spousal and survivor benefits, earned income, and how your investment withdrawals are structured.In this episode, we discuss why taking Social Security early out of fear can be a costly mistake, why break even analysis alone is not the right decision making tool, how spousal and survivor benefits really work, how working impacts Social Security before full retirement age, when and why Social Security becomes taxable, why many retirees are surprised by higher than expected taxes, and how failing to coordinate Social Security with investments can increase taxes.Our goal is simple to help you understand the myths so you can make more confident informed retirement decisions that align with your overall financial plan.If you are approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you see Social Security through a clearer more strategic lens.Want To Learn More About Fortress Financial Group? | CLICK HERE!https://fortressfg.net/Check Out Our Social Media Pageshttps://www.facebook.com/FortressFinancialGrouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fortressfinancialgroup/https://www.instagram.com/fortress_financial_group/