In this episode of Retire with Peace, I break down what the Federal Reserve actually does, what it doesn't control, and why relying on headlines instead of strategy can put your retirement income at risk.

In this episode, Dave Zaegel discusses the expectations for 2026, emphasizing the likelihood of unexpected events impacting the market. He highlights the importance of planning for market fluctuations and preparing mentally for potential downturns. The conversation stresses the need for financial resilience, advocating for having a safety net of income outside the stock market.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host Dave Zaegel emphasizes the critical importance of accounting for business owners. He argues that spending 1% of revenue on accounting services is a worthwhile investment that can prevent costly mistakes and improve financial decision-making. Zaegel discusses the operational benefits of having accurate financial records and the implications for selling a business, highlighting how poor accounting can diminish its value. He stresses the need for business owners to prioritize their financial health to ensure a successful retirement.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host Dave Zaegel discusses the critical differences between tax preparation and tax planning. He emphasizes that while tax preparation can be seen as a cost, it can also serve as an investment if it leads to significant tax savings. Conversely, tax planning is framed as a long-term investment strategy that focuses on future tax liabilities rather than immediate savings. Zaegel warns against the pitfalls of short-term tax strategies that may sacrifice future financial stability and encourages listeners to adopt a long-term perspective in their tax planning efforts.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host Dave Zaegel delves into the concept of tax harvesting, particularly focusing on tax loss harvesting. He explains the mechanics of how gains and losses on investments affect taxes, emphasizing the importance of understanding non-qualified accounts. Zaegel discusses the potential benefits of both harvesting losses and gains, and the implications of automated tax harvesting systems. He cautions listeners about the limitations of automated systems and the necessity of personalized tax strategies for effective financial planning.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host Dave Zaegel discusses the advantages of Roth IRAs, particularly in the context of tax planning and health insurance costs. He emphasizes the flexibility that Roth IRAs provide, especially for clients who are retiring before Medicare eligibility. Zaegel explains how strategic Roth IRA conversions can lead to significant savings on health insurance premiums, particularly as subsidies change. He encourages listeners to take advantage of lower tax rates now to maximize their financial flexibility in the future.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host David Zaegel discusses the intricacies of Roth IRA conversions, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax implications and the timing of conversions. He uses a farming analogy to illustrate that whether taxes are paid now or later, the outcome can be the same if tax rates remain constant. Zaegel also highlights additional benefits of Roth conversions beyond tax rates, such as income management and risk mitigation in the event of a spouse's death. He concludes by stressing the need for individualized planning to optimize tax strategies for retirement.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host David Zaegel delves into the intricacies of Monte Carlo analysis and retirement guardrails. He explains how Monte Carlo analysis works, its relevance in retirement planning, and the common misconceptions surrounding the 4% rule. Zaegel emphasizes the importance of shifting from a percentage-based mindset to a guardrails approach, allowing for more flexibility and confidence in spending during retirement. He discusses the necessity of making adjustments based on market conditions and encourages listeners to embrace a more proactive and less fearful approach to their retirement finances.

In this episode of the Retire with Peace podcast, host David Zaegel discusses the importance of understanding and critically evaluating financial planning software. He emphasizes that while these tools can provide valuable insights, they should not be blindly trusted. Zaegel highlights the need for human oversight in interpreting software outputs and adapting plans as life circumstances change. He warns against the pitfalls of relying solely on software for retirement planning and stresses the importance of being informed and proactive in financial decision-making.

In this episode, David Zaegel discusses the inevitability of stock market drawdowns and emphasizes the importance of preparing for these events in retirement planning. He encourages listeners to shift their mindset from viewing market drops as an 'if' to a 'when', highlighting the need for financial preparedness and long-term investment strategies. By setting aside sufficient funds outside the stock market, individuals can mitigate the stress of market volatility and seize opportunities when they arise.