When looking into getting extra healthcare coverage beyond the basic coverage provided by Original Medicare Parts A and B, you’ll have to choose between either a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan also known as Medigap.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other, they each have their place in the market. In order to make the decision on which one you should go with; you should have some basic level of financial planning done ahead of time since the route you choose to go can have a significant effect on the potential out of pocket costs you pay for healthcare over the remainder of your retirement.

More specifically, I discuss:

• Summary of Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans (aka Medigap)
• How Medicare Advantage Plans work compared to Medicare Supplement Plans
• How the decision between the two route of additional coverage coordinate with your overall retirement plan
• The pros and cons of Medicare Advantage Plans
• The pros and cons of Medicare Supplement Plans
• How prescription drug coverage works depending on the route you take
• How to go about making a decision regarding which type of additional coverage to go with

Resources:

• Access Show Notes and Sign Up for the Retired·ish Newsletter HERE
• Free Retirement Jump-Start Analysis
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Understanding Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans 

00:01:46 - Original Medicare Coverage and Additional Healthcare Costs 

00:04:04 - Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage Plans 

00:10:51 - Limitations and Risks of Medicare Advantage Plans 

00:15:28 - Understanding MA Plans and Drug Coverage 

00:17:35 - Exploring Medigap Plans 

00:20:14 - Pros and Cons of Medigap Plans 

Large pre-tax retirement accounts such as Traditional IRAs, 401(k) plans and the like are great savings vehicles for retirement. The problem is, they make for lousy and tax laden estate planning.

The tax authorities have a claim to the money in these accounts, and the retirement and tax laws surrounding them are very complex and ever-changing.

This requires careful strategizing if you have large balances in pre-tax retirement accounts in order to pass this money in a tax-efficient manner to your surviving spouse, children, or favorite charitable organizations.

In the end it’s not about how much you’ve accumulated, it’s about how much you keep.

More specifically, I discuss:

• The tax authorities and your retirement account: The Distribution Phase vs. Accumulation Phase
• Understanding what will happen to pre-tax retirement accounts when inherited
• A summary of the new retirement and tax laws that complicate retirement accounts and estate planning:
• Adult children as beneficiaries of your retirement account
• A surviving spouse as beneficiary of your retirement account
• Other types of beneficiaries such as a charity
• Strategies to consider in order to pass more of your unused retirement savings to a spouse and other beneficiaries
• Trusts as beneficiaries of retirement accounts
• Additional considerations and things to avoid

Resources:

• Access Show Notes and Sign Up for the Retired·ish Newsletter HERE
• Free Retirement Jump-Start Analysis 
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Importance of Estate Planning for Retirement Accounts 00:02:13 - Complex Retirement and Tax Laws 00:04:20 - Challenges of Passing Wealth Efficiently 00:08:01 - Inheriting Retirement Accounts and Tax Implications 00:13:00 - Strategies for Beneficiaries 00:16:18 - Options for Spouse Beneficiaries 00:19:27 - Charitable Considerations 00:22:09 - Leaving Retirement Accounts to Trusts 00:25:27 - Things to Avoid and Consider 00:27:51 - Additional Guidance and Resources

One out of four people that experience divorce in the United States is age 50 or older, and nearly one out of ten is age 65 or older. These later-in-life separations is commonly referred to as Gray Divorce, and with it often comes complex financial situations.

By properly creating a thorough financial affidavit during the divorce process, you can significantly increase your confidence in your financial independence post separation.

More specifically, I discuss:

• What is a financial affidavit?
• Who prepares a financial affidavit?
• What should you include in your financial affidavit to prepare you for negotiations?
• The role of an attorney and financial professional in the divorce process
• Common mistakes made when preparing a financial affidavit and how to address them
• Where to get help if needed

Resources:

• Access Show Notes and Sign Up for the Retired·ish Newsletter HERE
• Free Retirement Jump Start Analysis for Ages 50+
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Gray Divorce and Financial Complexity 

00:03:55 - Importance of Financial Affidavit 

00:08:40 - Preparation and Consultation 

00:11:50 - Long-Term Financial Impact 

00:15:16 - Post-Divorce Financial Planning 

00:18:12 - Considerations for Traditional IRA to Roth IRA Conversion 

00:18:44 - Risks and Considerations in Bond Investments 

00:19:17 - Tax Implications and Asset Allocation 

00:19:35 - Importance of Tax Advisor and Diversification

By having a better understanding of your tax situation, you are more likely keep more of your hard-earned money, which can also mean you don’t have to rely as much on exuberant investment returns. 

Moving to another state in order to potentially save money in taxes can have a huge impact on your finances in retirement by allowing your money to go further, which means less stress on your income producing assets throughout a potential 20–30-year retirement. 

In this episode we discuss the various tax implications you’ll want to know when deciding where to enjoy your retirement years!

More specifically, I discuss:

• Some of the major tax differences between states
• How income taxes differ between states
• How different states tax different types of retirement income such as Social
• Security, IRA/401(k) distributions, pensions, and capital gains
• State tax nuances of Health Savings Accounts (HAS)
• State deductions, credits, income exemptions, and property tax exemptions
• Sales tax differences between states and localities
• Property tax considerations when making a move

Resources:

• Access Show Notes and Sign Up for the Retired·ish Newsletter HERE
• Free Retirement Jump Start Analysis for Ages 50+
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Importance of Estate Planning for Retirement Accounts 

00:02:13 - Complex Retirement and Tax Laws 

00:04:20 - Challenges of Passing Wealth Efficiently 

00:08:01 - Inheriting Retirement Accounts and Tax Implications 

00:13:00 - Strategies for Beneficiaries 

00:16:18 - Options for Spouse Beneficiaries 

00:19:27 - Charitable Considerations 

00:22:09 - Leaving Retirement Accounts to Trusts 

00:25:27 - Things to Avoid and Consider 

00:27:51 - Additional Guidance and Resources 

While the vast majority of people will choose to live in the same home once they retire, many more housing opportunities typically open up during your retirement years due to kids being out of the home - hopefully – and the fact that you don’t have any obligations to show up to any specific workplace or maybe you’re now able to work on your own terms from the comfort of your own home.

In this case, Snowbirding by splitting time between two homes might be ideal dream retirement for you.

However, you’ll want to keep in mind the many financial and tax challenges that you’re likely going to run into. In this episode, we review the snowbird implications many people don’t think of when taking the leap!

More specifically, I discuss:

• Non-financial considerations when maintaining two homes
• Affordability when it comes to owning vs renting
• Various tax implications & establishing residency
• Costs of maintaining multiple residences
• Healthcare costs and coverage complexities

Resources:

• Access Show Notes HERE
• Free Retirement Jump Start Analysis for Ages 50+
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:35 - Housing Opportunities in Retirement 

00:02:19 - Nonfinancial Considerations of Snowbirding 

00:04:33 - Buying vs. Leasing Property 

00:09:39 - Establishing Residency 

00:15:14 - Managing Mail and Utilities for Snowbird Living 

00:16:10 - Hypothetical Cost Example for Snowbird Living 

00:17:22 - Considerations for Healthcare and Insurance 

00:18:46 - Liquidity and Overspending Considerations 

00:20:38 - Planning and Professional Involvement for Snowbird Lifestyle 

There typically comes a time when your income sources drastically change from one source to another, or from one to multiple sources.

For most, this will be shifting from earning income from a career, to then living off your own savings, potential pensions, or even passive income from real estate or businesses.

During this phase of life is when you have the opportunity to capitalize on tax planning and reduce your lifetime tax bill substantially!

More specifically, I discuss:

• Planning early enough to be able to implement tax savings strategies.

• Getting strategic about when you claim Social Security for lifetime tax savings.

• Tax planning strategies for retirement accounts.

• Preserving your capital gains from taxation.

• Roth conversions during your “gap years”.

Resources:

• Access Show Notes HERE

• Free Retirement Jump Start Analysis for Ages 50+

• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:15 - The Art of Paying Less Taxes 

00:03:15 - Importance of Early Retirement Planning 

00:05:54 - Differentiating Tax Preparers and Tax Planners 

00:08:31 - Strategic Social Security Benefits and Tax Planning 

00:14:37 - Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement Accounts 

00:15:48 - Shielding Capital Gains from Taxation 

00:17:13 - The Importance of Long-Term Planning 

00:18:55 - Delaying Social Security and Tax Implications 

00:24:01 - Roth Conversions and Tax Savings 

00:30:13 - Investment Strategies and Services 

00:30:44 - Considerations for Roth IRA Conversion 

00:31:16 - Risks and Considerations for Bonds 

00:32:03 - Tax and Legal Advice Disclaimer 

If you have an aging parent, there’s a high likelihood that you will eventually need to step in to help them with their caretaking and financial decision making.

There are many steps you can take to protect their finances and well-being as long as these steps are taken ahead of time so that everyone’s better prepared. Many of these things you should actually be doing for yourself, such as making sure you don’t pay more than you need to in taxes, having a plan for care as you get older, and simply making sure your finances are managed in a way that benefits you in the long run.

By being prepared, mom, dad, and even you can enjoy life in retirement to the fullest.

In this episode we discuss what to expect and the steps you can take to be better prepared.

More specifically, I discuss:

• How to better prepare an aging parent for potential financial elder abuse
• The power and uses for a financial power of attorney (POA)
• How to prepare mom or dad financially ahead of key financial threats during retirement
• Examples of common mistakes made when paying for caretaking
• Protecting more of mom or dad’s income from the IRS

Resources:

Access Show Notes HERE Free Retirement Jump Start Analysis for Ages 50+ Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:10 - Elder Abuse 

00:04:52 - Family Loans 

00:06:13 - Financial Power of Attorney 

00:09:20 - Types of POAs 

00:15:12 - Planning for Long-Term Care 

00:16:31 - Who Will Take Care of Mom? 

00:17:20 - Long-Term Care Insurance and Self-Insuring 

00:19:17 - Sequence of Returns Risk and Investing 

00:20:46 - Considerations with Real Property 

Women have unique challenges that they typically face in retirement, and although men have their own share of obstacles to face, women tend to juggle more than just worrying about themselves and their own livelihood.

This phenomenon is mostly due to the fact that many women today are part of a “sandwich generation” in which they typically support themselves, their children, and often times aging parents. This makes retirement a lot more challenging, especially when life throws a wrench in the mix such as divorce, or the death of a spouse.

In this episode we discuss what to expect and the steps you can take to be better prepared.

More specifically, I discuss:

• Why women tend to face their own unique obstacles for retirement
• How statistically living longer than men presents financial challenges
• How temporarily leaving the workforce to care for others can affect your finances in a major way
• Why investing on your own is paramount to sustaining the lifestyle you desire throughout retirement
• Understanding risk and why being “too conservative” when investing can hurt you in the long run
• Common mistakes made during the divorce process and negotiations How to mitigate elder abuse in your later retirement years 

Resources:

• Access Show Notes HERE
• Free Retirement Jump Start Analysis for Ages 50+
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Unique Challenges Faced by Women in Retirement 00:03:08 - Longer Life Expectancy and Financial Stress 00:04:51 - Earning Less and the Sandwich Generation 00:06:12 - Investing Knowledge and Risk Tolerance 00:09:51 - Common Mistakes in Divorce Settlements 00:16:00 - Importance of Understanding Investments and Goals 00:16:45 - Importance of Insurance Coverage 00:17:21 - Importance of Organizing Important Documents 00:18:26 - Seeking Professional Help 00:19:37 - Risks in Investing and Asset Allocation

Our emotions impact our investing decisions when it comes to the stock markets. In this episode, I share a thought experiment to help you understand how to make your investing decisions.

More specifically, I discuss:

• With everything going on in the world, why would anyone still invest in the stock market?
• When fear and uncertainty are at a peak, how do I go about making investment decisions?
• Thought experiments to go through before reacting
• What Crisis have we been through in recent history?
• What advances have we made in recent history?
• What really is “the stock market”?
• Factual data regarding the US stock market over the past several decades

Resources:

• Access Show Notes HERE
• Free 4-Step Retirement Analysis for Ages 50+
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:


00:00:00 - The Current State of Affairs 



00:01:26 - Reacting to Fear and Uncertainty 



00:03:11 - Fears in Retirement 



00:06:27 - Reflecting on Investment Goals 



00:10:11 - The Role of Facts 



00:14:53 - Probability of Positive Returns Over Time 



00:16:14 - Importance of Best Days in the Stock Market 



00:17:17 - Potential Downturns and Long-Term Returns 



00:18:03 - Importance of Reevaluating Goals and Financial Plans



00:18:51 - Conclusion and Call to Action

I discuss the common options you have for health insurance coverage when retiring before you are Medicare eligible at age 65. 

More specifically, I discuss:

• Jumping on Your Spouse’s Employer Health Plan
• Considering Shopping The Health Insurance Marketplace – Affordable Care Act
• Continuing Coverage Through The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Act – COBRA
• Looking into Healthcare Cost-Sharing Arrangements or “Faith-Based” Plans
• Retiree Health Plans Through a Former Employer in the Public Sector, Government, or Military

Resources:

• Access Show Notes HERE
• Free 4-Step Retirement Analysis for Ages 50+
• Ask Cameron A Question!

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Planning for Health Insurance Coverage in Retirement 

00:03:22 - Spouse's Employer Group Health Plan 

00:04:36 - COBRA Continuation Coverage 

00:06:55 - Health Insurance Marketplace 

00:10:43 - Choosing Coverage via the Marketplace 

00:14:47 - Health Coverage Options for Retirees 

00:15:57 - Considerations for Spouses