The retirement landscape is changing dramatically, with a hidden threat lurking in the shadows of your Medicare premiums. In this eye-opening episode, Paul Morrison, co-founder of IRMA University, returns to unpack the growing crisis of Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMA) – what he calls "the shadow tax" silently eroding retirees' Social Security benefits.

Medicare premiums are skyrocketing at an alarming rate, with projections showing some beneficiaries could pay over $1,100 monthly by 2034. That's $26,400 annually for a retired couple! While Social Security COLAs hover around 2.6%, Medicare costs are inflating at 7.7% annually – a mathematical disaster for your retirement budget. For those in higher IRMA brackets, this could mean watching their entire Social Security benefit disappear within 8-10 years, consumed completely by healthcare costs.

What's driving this perfect storm? Several factors converge: stagnant IRMA income thresholds, Required Minimum Distributions pushing retirees into higher brackets, and what Morrison calls the "Silver Tsunami" – an unprecedented $80 trillion wealth transfer happening as Baby Boomers pass their assets (mostly tax-deferred) to heirs. The SECURE Act's elimination of "stretch IRAs" compounds the problem, forcing beneficiaries to liquidate inherited accounts within 10 years, potentially triggering massive tax events.

Age 63 marks a critical turning point when your income begins determining your future Medicare premiums. Yet most financial advisors aren't addressing this looming crisis with clients. The conventional wisdom of maximizing tax-deferred savings creates a ticking time bomb of future taxation that will affect not just you but potentially your heirs as well.

The good news? With proper planning, IRMA can be avoided. Strategic Roth conversions, maximizing Roth accounts during working years, and utilizing properly structured cash-value life insurance can create tax-free income streams that won't trigger IRMA surcharges. The key is working with financial professionals who understand this complex landscape and can help you navigate toward true tax freedom in retirement.

Don't let the shadow tax consume your hard-earned retirement benefits. Call us at 866-780-SAFE for a free consultation with a Retirement Income Certified Professional who can help protect your Social Security from the hidden burden of IRMA.

Send us a text

The financial world is shifting beneath our feet. As market volatility returns with alarming regularity, traditional retirement planning approaches built solely on stocks and bonds are revealing critical vulnerabilities. This eye-opening conversation with Curtis Cloak—pioneer of the Deferred Income Annuity and architect behind Tom Hegna's 13-annuity retirement strategy—challenges everything you thought you knew about securing your financial future.

Curtis shares his remarkable journey from farm kid to financial innovator, revealing how a workplace injury at 21 and wise financial decisions set him on a path to revolutionize retirement planning. His discovery in 1999 of what would become the Deferred Income Annuity created a more efficient alternative to traditional bond laddering for generating retirement income—a breakthrough so significant that it changed how forward-thinking advisors approach retirement security.

The most powerful revelation? The inefficiency of the conventional 4% withdrawal rule that requires $1 million to generate just $40,000 of annual income. Curtis demonstrates how the right annuity strategies can deliver the same income with just $400,000, freeing the remaining capital for growth investments—what he calls "buy income, chase alpha." This approach not only provides greater retirement security but also gives retirees permission to enjoy their money without constant worry.

We dive deep into the 18 distinct risks retirees face—from longevity and inflation to sequence of returns and public policy changes—and why traditional investment portfolios alone cannot adequately address them all. Curtis shares his two unbreakable principles: securing 80% of needed income through guaranteed sources and keeping market-based withdrawal rates below 3%. Follow these rules, and retirement failure becomes virtually impossible.

Whether you're already retired, approaching retirement, or a financial professional seeking to better serve your clients, this conversation will transform how you think about retirement security. Don't miss Curtis's closing wisdom on finding authentic financial guidance from practitioners who understand the efficient collision point between the investment and insurance worlds—advice that could make all the difference in your financial future.

Send us a text

Have you ever watched someone take an unnecessary risk and wondered why? In this compelling episode, Brad Pistole shares a powerful real-life experience of witnessing a motorcyclist driving through a dangerous storm—complete with tornado warnings and hail—that serves as a perfect metaphor for retirement planning without proper protection.

Brad explores why so many Americans expose themselves to unnecessary financial risks, particularly during retirement when they can least afford significant losses. He breaks down the "Quadruple Whammy" that devastates retirement accounts: taking distributions while experiencing market losses, paying advisor fees, and paying taxes on withdrawals—all while the market is experiencing extreme volatility.

The mathematics of loss takes center stage as Brad explains a critical concept most investors misunderstand: when you lose 50% of your investments, you don't need a 50% gain to recover—you need a 100% gain just to break even. This fundamental disconnect helps explain why traditional market-based retirement plans often fail to deliver security when it matters most.

Drawing from his extensive expertise as a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Certified Annuity Specialist, Retirement Income Certified Professional, and newly designated Tax Planning Certified Professional (one of the first ten in the world to achieve this distinction), Brad outlines a better approach focused on guaranteed lifetime income. He explains how establishing a solid foundation through the "three-legged stool" of retirement security—Social Security, pensions, and annuities—provides essential protection against market storms.

Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this episode delivers crucial insights on creating a truly "bulletproof" retirement plan that balances safety and opportunity. Don't ride unprotected through financial storms when better options exist. Call 866-780-SAFE for your free consultation and discover how to secure your retirement future regardless of market conditions.

Send us a text

What happens when a single financial misstep derails your entire retirement strategy? In this thought-provoking conversation between Brad Pistole and financial expert Jeffrey Levine, we dive deep into the critical elements of retirement planning that most advisors miss.

Levine, who brings his unique perspective as both a CPA and CFP, explains why the new Tax Planning Certified Professional designation is experiencing record-breaking growth. The program fills a crucial gap between tax preparation and true tax planning – designing strategies that create the "lowest lifetime tax bill" rather than simply reporting history. This distinction becomes increasingly important as retirees navigate complex tax situations involving inherited IRAs, Social Security benefits, and RMDs.

The conversation unpacks recent tax law changes in the "One Big Beautiful Bill," highlighting the new enhanced deduction for seniors (up to $12,000 for married couples), increased SALT deduction caps (from $10,000 to $40,000 with phase-outs), and the introduction of the new "Trump Account." While these changes create planning opportunities, they also introduce challenges as these provisions interact with other aspects of retirement finances.

Perhaps most compelling is Levine's definitive stance on sequence of returns risk – "it is a real thing. Period, end of story." Those crucial years immediately before and after retirement can mathematically determine the success or failure of an entire retirement plan. As Levine explains, "If you've run out of money because your initial returns were bad, who cares if you have amazing returns in year 29 and 30?"

Whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, or planning for wealth transfer between generations, this conversation offers rare insight into protecting what you've built from market volatility, tax complications, and poor decision-making. As Pistole concludes with a powerful analogy about a million-dollar piece of farm equipment that crashed after one wrong turn, it becomes clear that navigating retirement without expert guidance is increasingly perilous.

Ready to protect your retirement assets and create a tax-efficient strategy? Call 866-780-SAFE for a free financial consultation and discover how to safeguard your financial future.

Send us a text

Have you ever traded in a perfectly good vehicle simply because it no longer met your changing needs? Most of us have upgraded cars, homes, and even jobs as our circumstances evolved—yet strangely, we rarely apply this same practical thinking to our retirement plans.

The retirement strategy that served you well at 25 likely won't provide the security and income you need at 65. As Brad Pistole explains in this eye-opening episode, your financial vehicle requires regular maintenance and occasional trade-ins just like your automobile. Without these critical updates, you risk driving an outdated plan straight into retirement disaster.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Tax Planning Certified Professional, and an Ed Slott Master Elite IRA Advisor, Brad illuminates the often-overlooked dangers lurking in traditional retirement accounts. He reveals why the five years before and after retirement represent your period of greatest vulnerability—when market downturns can permanently derail even the most diligent saver's plans through what experts call the "sequence of returns risk."

Perhaps most startling is Brad's revelation about tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. These aren't truly "your" accounts—they're joint accounts with Uncle Sam, who can change the tax rules anytime. As Brad warns: "If you don't have a plan for the taxes inside your retirement accounts, Uncle Sam does... and you won't like his plan."

From protecting against long-term care costs (which affect 57% of Americans) to ensuring your retirement income outlasts you, this episode offers crucial insights about creating what Brad calls a "bulletproof" retirement plan. Whether you're decades from retirement or already there, these strategies could mean the difference between financial security and running out of money when you need it most.

Ready to perform a vital checkup on your retirement plan? Call 866-780-SAFE for a free consultation and discover if your financial vehicle still fits your journey ahead.

Send us a text

What happens when a financial storm hits and you're in the wrong vehicle? Recent market volatility has many Americans revisiting their retirement strategies with renewed anxiety. As Brad Pistole explains, choosing the right retirement vehicle could mean the difference between weathering the storm safely or finding yourself stuck in the mud.

Drawing from a powerful real-life experience at his local landfill after devastating storms hit the Ozarks, Brad illustrates how having the right vehicle (a four-wheel drive truck versus a minivan or sports car) made all the difference when navigating treacherous, muddy conditions. This vivid metaphor perfectly captures what happens when retirement savers find themselves with inappropriate financial products during market downturns.

The episode takes a surprising turn when Brad shares a troubling story about a client who nearly fell victim to questionable financial advice from their CPA/financial advisor – someone who had already paid over $500,000 in fines for breach of fiduciary duties. This cautionary tale highlights why credentials alone don't guarantee trustworthiness, and why thorough research into a financial professional's background is essential.

Brad challenges listeners to consider who's "driving" their retirement vehicle. Are you hitchhiking with the first advisor who offers you a free dinner, or have you carefully validated their expertise and ethical standards? In today's "yo-yo economy" (you're on your own), ensuring you have both the right financial vehicles and a trustworthy guide can make all the difference between retirement security and disaster.

Ready to ensure your retirement plan can handle whatever storms come your way? Call 866-780-SAFE for your free copy of Brad's bestselling book "Bulletproof: The Safe and Secure Retirement Income Plan" and discover how to choose the right vehicle for your family's journey to financial security.

Send us a text

Regular financial checkups aren't just good practice—they're essential for navigating life's ever-changing landscape. Just as you wouldn't drive your car for decades without maintenance, your retirement strategy needs consistent evaluation to ensure it still fits your evolving circumstances.

Drawing from his bestselling book "Bulletproof," certified financial fiduciary Brad Pistole explains why taking inventory of your financial plan should be an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Through compelling personal stories—from his son's realization that a sleek Camaro wasn't practical with a second baby on the way to Brad's own decision to sell a beautiful but distant farm to spend more time with grandchildren—Brad illustrates how life's natural transitions demand corresponding financial adjustments.

The episode explores the four fundamental purposes of money (safety, growth, income for life, and estate planning) and emphasizes that "the purpose of money dictates its position." This core principle guides every financial decision, ensuring your assets are positioned to fulfill their specific roles in your comprehensive plan. Brad reveals how even seemingly solid financial vehicles like annuities may need reassessment as interest rates shift, potentially creating opportunities through positive Market Value Adjustments or tax-free 1035 exchanges.

For listeners struggling with financial uncertainty, Brad introduces the Retirement Income Style Awareness (RESA) questionnaire, developed by leading retirement researchers to identify your personal financial psychology. This powerful tool helps determine which of four investment approaches best aligns with your comfort level, providing a foundation for confident decision-making.

Don't wait for a financial crisis to reevaluate your retirement strategy. Whether you're considering switching from traditional to Roth contributions, contemplating a housing change, or simply wondering if your current plan still serves your needs, taking regular financial inventory ensures you're driving the right vehicle for your journey. Contact Brad's team today for a complimentary consultation and discover how your financial plan might better serve tomorrow's needs.

Send us a text

Most retirees focus exclusively on their investment accounts—the 401(k)s, IRAs, and brokerage accounts they've accumulated over decades. But as Brad explains, these "piles of money" can be lost, stolen, depleted in market downturns, or divided in divorce. What truly matters is having guaranteed lifetime income that continues regardless of what happens in the world or your personal life.

Through powerful real-world examples, Brad illustrates how even affluent retirees can face financial devastation without proper planning. He shares the story of a couple who, after 50 years of marriage, divorced and lost their dream retirement property because they lacked sufficient guaranteed income sources. Their experience demonstrates why focusing solely on asset accumulation misses the crucial protection component of retirement planning.

The four essential questions Brad explores are deceptively simple yet profoundly important: Will I regret doing this financial action? Will I regret NOT doing it? How much guaranteed lifetime income do I have? Have I taken the key retirement risks off the table? Each question illuminates different aspects of comprehensive retirement preparation that most financial advisors never address.

Brad challenges conventional wisdom about retirement planning, explaining why the wealthiest people own more life insurance than anyone else (hint: it's about tax-free wealth transfer), why Roth accounts matter more than most realize, and why protecting against longevity risk matters in a country with more centenarians than anywhere else in the world.

As a Tax Planning Certified Professional and Retirement Income Certified Professional, Brad brings specialized expertise beyond typical financial advice. His practical approach focuses on creating retirement income security that withstands market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, and the unexpected twists life inevitably delivers.

Ready to bulletproof your retirement? Call 866-780-SAFE for a free consultation and copy of Brad's bestselling book on creating a secure retirement income plan that truly works.

Send us a text

Unraveling the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) reveals a powerful tax-saving opportunity that many retirees completely miss. Starting with a client's confusion about Medicare eligibility versus RMD requirements, this episode dives deep into the strategic use of charitable giving from IRAs to minimize taxation while supporting causes you care about.

The recent wave of retirement legislation has created a patchwork of different age requirements that can leave even financial professionals scratching their heads. While RMD ages have shifted from 70½ to 72, then to 73, and soon to 75 (for those born after January 1, 1960), the ability to make QCDs hasn't changed—it still begins at 70½. This creates a unique planning window where charitable giving directly from your IRA can provide significant tax advantages.

What makes QCDs so valuable is how they allow you to exclude the donated amount from your taxable income entirely, unlike taking a distribution and then making a separate donation. This subtle distinction can dramatically impact your Medicare premiums, Social Security taxation, and other income-based benefits. The "first dollars out" rule proves especially critical—making your charitable gifts before taking any other IRA distributions ensures you maximize the tax benefits.

The tax planning implications extend beyond just the current year. By systematically reducing your IRA balance through strategic QCDs, you're potentially creating a more favorable tax situation for yourself and your heirs, especially crucial now that most non-spouse beneficiaries face a 10-year distribution timeline for inherited IRAs.

With inflation-adjusted QCD limits now at $108,000 per person for 2025 ($216,000 for married couples), this powerful yet underutilized strategy deserves serious consideration in your retirement and charitable giving plan. Schedule a complimentary consultation to explore how these strategies might benefit your specific situation and help keep more of your hard-earned money away from Uncle Sam.

Send us a text

What if your entire retirement plan could collapse as easily as a line of dominoes? In this eye-opening episode, I share a painful personal story from Silver Dollar City that perfectly illustrates how one unexpected event can trigger a devastating financial chain reaction.

Drawing from over 15 years of experience as a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Tax Planning Certified Professional, and Retirement Income Certified Professional, I reveal the hidden vulnerabilities lurking in seemingly rock-solid retirement plans. Through real-life examples, I demonstrate how both affluent and middle-class retirees can be just one life event away from financial disaster.

Consider a couple earning $500,000 annually with substantial assets but minimal protection. If the primary earner dies unexpectedly, the surviving spouse faces dramatic income reduction and potentially devastating tax consequences. Similarly, a typical retiree with $6,000 monthly income could see that cut nearly in half following their spouse's death, with the added burden of shifted tax brackets and potentially significant medical expenses.

The solution isn't necessarily more money—it's smarter planning. Learn how strategically positioned life insurance, annuities with lifetime income guarantees, and long-term care provisions can transform a fragile retirement structure into an unshakable financial foundation. As I often remind clients, "It's not how much it costs to have life insurance in place the day you die; it's how much it costs NOT to have it."

Don't wait until your first domino falls. Call us at 866-780-SAFE for a complimentary review of your retirement plan and discover how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the unexpected events that can derail even the most carefully constructed financial futures.

Send us a text