Most people judge their retirement plan by one number: their account balance.
If it’s going up, they assume everything else must be fine.

But some of the most dangerous retirement risks never appear on a statement.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, Bill Kearney and John Foard break down the hidden risks that quietly derail otherwise successful retirement plans—often years after the decisions were made. From tax concentration and required minimum distributions to sequence-of-return risk, income timing mistakes, healthcare blind spots, and misleading performance metrics, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what really matters once work ends and income begins.

If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—this episode will challenge how you evaluate your plan and help you understand why retirement success is about coordination, not just performance.

📞 Have questions or want to explore your own plan?
Call us at (704) 469-0200, email [email protected], or visit crownadvisorgroup.com to schedule a conversation.

Chapters

(0:00) The retirement risks you’ll never see on your statement
(1:17) Why checking only your account balance creates blind spots
(2:06) Peeling back the onion: what really threatens retirement plans
(3:20) Tax concentration risk and the “silent IRS partnership”
(5:20) Taxable vs. tax-deferred vs. tax-free: why balance matters
(7:40) Sequence-of-return risk and why accumulation math breaks in retirement
(10:00) Average returns vs. real returns: the most misunderstood metric
(13:20) Income strategy gaps: income sources ≠ income strategy
(16:40) Taxes, Social Security timing, and permanent income decisions
(19:10) Healthcare, long-term care, and protection blind spots
(21:10) Retirement success isn’t beating the market—it’s coordination
(23:20) Final takeaways and next steps

Many retirees focus on investments and taxes but fail to plan properly for Medicare decisions, healthcare costs, long-term care risks, and insurance gaps. One mistake in these areas can undo decades of smart financial decisions.In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney conclude their 2026 retirement planning series by focusing on one of the most critical—and commonly overlooked—areas of financial planning: healthcare and protection planning.

Chapters:

(0:00) Episode Overview & Why Healthcare Planning Matters(2:05) Protection Planning vs Pessimism(4:15) Medicare Enrollment Timing & Lifetime Penalties(6:45) Prescription Drug Coverage & Annual Medicare Reviews(8:55) IRMAA: How Income Impacts Medicare Premiums(11:45) Long-Term Care Planning: The Real Risk(14:10) Cost of Nursing Homes & In-Home Care(16:50) Long-Term Care Insurance vs Self-Funding(20:10) Insurance, Umbrella Coverage & Retirement Risk(24:00) Estate Planning, Beneficiaries & Final Takeaways

📞 Work with Crown Advisors:

Schedule a Complimentary Assessment: crownadvisorgroup.com/complimentary-assessment/Phone: 704-469-0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dot comWebsite: https://crownadvisorgroup.com

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John and Bill explain why investing in retirement isn’t about beating the market—it’s about funding your lifestyle with intention. They break down purpose-based investing, the “now, soon, later” bucket strategy, and how proper risk alignment, disciplined rebalancing, and tax-aware planning work together to protect income, reduce emotional decision-making, and improve long-term outcomes. The key takeaway: if you don’t tell your money what its job is, the markets will decide for you—and that’s a risk most retirees can’t afford.

#RetireStronger #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #InvestWithPurpose #IncomePlanning #WealthManagement #FiduciaryAdvisor #FinancialEducation #TaxAwareInvesting #TaxPlanning #AssetLocation #TaxEfficientInvesting #SmartTaxPlanning

In this episode of the Retire Stronger Podcast, John Foard and Bill Kearney explain why tax planning is one of the most overlooked—and most impactful—parts of retirement planning.Most people assume taxes are handled by their CPA, but your retirement income depends on how your money is spread across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. In this conversation, we break down how these tax “buckets” work together and how proactive planning can help reduce lifetime taxes and increase flexibility in retirement.You’ll learn:Why not all retirement income is taxed the sameHow strategic Roth conversions can reduce future tax riskThe hidden danger of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)How the SECURE Act changed inherited IRA rulesWays charitable strategies can lower taxes and Medicare premiumsTax planning isn’t about paying less this year—it’s about keeping more of your money for the rest of your life.00:00 – Why tax planning is not just your CPA’s job 01:40 – What does “keeping more of your income” really mean? 02:30 – The three tax buckets explained: taxable, tax-deferred, tax-free 04:00 – Why not all income is taxed the same 06:00 – Why you don’t want everything in a Roth IRA 07:30 – Strategic Roth conversions and low-tax windows 10:10 – The multi-generational IRS relationship 12:00 – How the SECURE Act changed inherited IRAs 14:30 – Partial Roth conversions and tax bracket control 16:00 – Medicare IRMAA and hidden healthcare taxes 17:20 – RMDs and the future tax bomb 19:00 – Using planning to reduce forced distributions 20:40 – Charitable strategies and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) 22:10 – Final thoughts and how to get help📞 Schedule a strategy call: 704-469-0200🌐 Learn more at: crownadvisorgroup.com📧 Email: [email protected]👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 🔁 Share#retirement tax planning#tax buckets retirement#roth conversion strategy#required minimum distributions#rmd planning#retirement income taxes#secure act inherited ira#ira tax planning#roth ira vs traditional ira#medicare irmaa explained#charitable giving tax strategy#qualified charitable distributions#retire stronger podcast#financial planning retirement#tax planning for retirees

Are retirement plans failing because of bad investments—or bad income plans? In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard, CFP® and Bill Kearney break down why the most common reason retirements go off track is mismanaged income, not markets. This Part 1 of our 2026 Retirement Roadmap series focuses on crafting a durable, flexible income plan—what we call your retirement “paycheck”—and previews key tax planning moves we’ll cover next.“Retirement income should be engineered, not improvised.”We cover:• Inventory your income sources: Social Security, pensions, annuities, portfolio withdrawals, RMDs, and Roth income • Guaranteed vs. variable income: How to decide the right mix for your comfort and cash flow needs • Early retirement sequencing: Bridging the gap before Social Security/Medicare start • RMD realities: Don’t want them? The IRS does—build them into your plan • Longevity risk: Why planning to 95–100 can create real peace of mind • Front loading lifestyle goals: Travel and “go go years” spending without derailing the plan • Stress testing: Inflation, down markets, and keeping your paycheck steadyTimestamps0:00 Why retirement plans really fail (it’s income, not investments)0:54 Welcome to Retire Stronger Ep. 40 + series setup2:00 Building your 2026 income plan: where the paycheck comes from3:40 Guaranteed vs. variable income sources5:45 Comfort with percentages and when annuities may help6:50 Early retirement, Social Security timing, and Medicare considerations8:45 Pension choices: lump sum vs. lifetime income10:20 Social Security at 62 vs. FRA vs. 70—portfolio tradeoffs11:20 Bridging the income gap and the tax angle (Roth, IRAs)12:30 Sustainability: inflation and bear‑market stress tests13:10 Aiming for expenses covered by guarantees (pros/cons)14:58 The money quote: “Engineered, not improvised”16:40 Longevity risk and planning to age 95–10018:45 Don’t die rich with regrets: front‑load meaningful experiences20:30 Case example: adding $24k/year travel with minimal impact22:20 Turn your wishlist into a cash‑flow plan23:10 What’s next in the series: taxes, investments, and protection/healthcare24:40 How to get help + subscribeSeries roadmapPart 1: Income Plan (this episode)Part 2: Tax Plan — Roth conversions, QCDs, RMD strategy, tax‑aware withdrawalsPart 3: Investment Plan — purpose‑based, tax‑aware, income replacement readinessPart 4: Protection & Healthcare — pre‑Medicare coverage, LTC as asset protectionCrown Advisors sprcializes in retirement income planning and tax optimization strategies that help retirees avoid running out of money while minimizing lifetime tax burdens.Contact the Crown Advisors teamPhone: 704‑469‑0200Email: [email protected]: crownadvisorgroup.com (click “Schedule” to meet with us)Helpful remindersThis video is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial, tax, or legal advice.Consult your professional advisors before making decisions specific to your situation.#RetireStronger #RetirementIncome #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurity #RMDs #RothConversions #TaxPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #CrownAdvisors #2026Roadmapretirement income plan, guaranteed income, variable income, annuities, social security timing, pension lump sum vs annuity, RMD strategy, Roth conversion strategy, inflation and retirement, longevity risk, retirement sequencing, 2026 retirement plan

Year-End Tax Planning: RMD Rules, Charitable Strategies & Estate Planning

Missing your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) can cost you a 25% penalty—plus you still owe taxes on the amount. In this episode, Bill Kearney and John Foard, CFP® break down critical year-end tax planning strategies including RMD rules, charitable giving options, old 401(k) cleanup, and estate planning updates.

Key Timestamps:

00:29 - The #1 RMD mistake: Don't miss your distribution (25% penalty)
01:22 - Can the IRS reduce the penalty? (The 10% relief option)
04:13 - How to reduce RMDs before they start (Roth conversions)
09:44 - Cleaning up old 401(k) accounts for year-end
11:57 - Charitable giving strategies: QCDs and donor-advised funds
16:35 - Why your advisor isn't responsible for taking your RMD
17:46 - Year-end estate planning audit: Wills, trusts, beneficiaries
21:14 - The 10-year rule for inherited IRAs explained
22:55 - Real example: $350K life insurance policy with minor children

📞 Need help with year-end tax planning? Call us at 704-469-0200 or visit https://crownadvisorgroup.com/

Crown Advisors helps retirees navigate complex tax planning, RMD strategies, and estate planning to minimize tax burdens and maximize retirement success.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights

💬 Comment: What's your biggest year-end tax planning question?

#YearEndTaxPlanning #RMD #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #EstatePlanning

Many retirees are scared to do financial planning—afraid of what the numbers will reveal. But John Foard, CFP® and Bill Kearney explain why NOT planning is actually the scarier decision. In this episode, they break down why proper financial planning is essential for tax optimization, longevity planning, and retirement success.Timestamps01:42 - Why retirement planning is crucial for staying on track05:26 - Why people are afraid to see where they actually stand07:50 - The #1 reason people don't do financial planning (trust)09:49 - How financial planning enables tax optimization13:44 - Year-end tax planning and Roth conversion season16:14 - What is a Roth conversion? (explained simply)20:51 - Real client example: Detailed tax planning catches $15K error27:05 - What true financial planning looks like vs. asset management only📞 Ready to create your comprehensive financial plan? Call us at 704-469-0200 or visit https://crownadvisorgroup.com/Crown Advisors specializes in comprehensive retirement planning that goes beyond asset management—including tax optimization, longevity planning, and year-end strategies like Roth conversions.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights👍 Like this video if you found it valuable💬 Comment: What's holding you back from doing comprehensive financial planning?#FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #TaxOptimization #RothConversion #YearEndPlanning

What happens when your retirement plan shows you'll run out of money? In this episode, Bill Kearney and John Foard, CFP® introduce "The Red Line"—the point where your assets can no longer sustain your lifestyle—and explain why traditional financial plans miss this danger zone.We cover:

• Why "spend less" and "get higher returns" aren't real solutions
• How tax optimization can add years (or decades) to your retirement runway
• The multi-generational tax problem most people don't see coming
• Real case study: How one couple went from running out at 86 to leaving $3M to heirs

Timestamps01:15 - What is the Red Line and why it matters03:58 - Why traditional financial plans miss this danger zone08:28 - The hidden problem when you DON'T have a Red Line11:03 - The 9-to-Know diagnostic tool (free retirement checkup)16:11 - Real case study: Solving a Red Line problem with tax optimization✅ Get your free 9-to-Know assessment at https://crownadvisorgroup.com/Crown Advisors specializes in retirement income planning and tax optimization strategies that help retirees avoid running out of money while minimizing lifetime tax burdens.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights#RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #TaxOptimization #FinancialPlanning #RedLine

#SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurityBenefitsThe Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run out of reserves by 2034—potentially triggering automatic benefit cuts of 20-25%. In this episode, Bill Kearney and John Foard break down what this means for your retirement and the claiming strategies you should be considering now.Timestamps02:38 - Current state of Social Security: The 2034 projection03:40 - Why this is happening: Demographics and longevity06:15 - Claiming basics: Age 62 vs. 67 vs. 7010:16 - Political reform proposals and their impact15:20 - Updated strategies for maximizing benefits18:28 - How Social Security integrates with your complete retirement plan🗓️ Want to model your Social Security claiming strategy? Schedule a complimentary assessment at: https://crownadvisorgroup.com/Crown Advisors helps families navigate complex retirement decisions with comprehensive planning that accounts for taxes, healthcare costs, and changing regulations.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights#SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurityBenefits #RetirementIncome #TaxPlanning

Thinking about downsizing or moving to a no-tax state in retirement? The financial impact goes far beyond the purchase price.In this episode, John Foard, CFP® and Bill Kearney break down the three major tax traps that catch retirees off guard—and how to avoid them.

We cover:

• Why a smaller house doesn't always mean lower property taxes
• The real cost of moving to Florida or Texas (it's not just about income tax)
• How selling your home can trigger a six-figure tax bill and spike your Medicare premiums

The planning framework we use to help clients navigate these decisionsTimestamps01:58 - Property tax traps when downsizing04:31 - State income tax considerations for relocating07:39 - Capital gains exclusion rules on home sales08:21 - The $244,000 tax surprise example11:48 - Complete planning framework walkthrough18:33 - Why lifestyle still matters more than taxes📞 Ready to run a housing tax stress test before your move? Call us at 704-469-0200 or visit crownadvisorgroup.comCrown Advisors helps families retire with confidence through comprehensive tax planning, investment management, and retirement income strategies.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights#RetirementPlanning #TaxPlanning #Downsizing #RetirementIncome