Secure Your Retirement

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss one of the most common and important financial decisions in pension and retirement planning—whether to take a pension annuity or lump sum. They explain how this decision can impact your overall retirement income planning, legacy goals, tax strategy, and long-term financial flexibility. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, and they dive into the detailed considerations that retirees should think through.

Listen in to learn about the pros and cons of pension payout options, such as taking a monthly pension annuity with survivor benefits or opting for a lump sum pension that can be rolled into an IRA. You’ll also hear real-life examples of clients who made different decisions based on their financial situations, including tax strategies like Roth conversions and opportunities for guaranteed retirement income outside of the company plan. If you’re asking, "Should I take a pension lump sum or income stream?" this episode is essential to retiring comfortably.

In this episode, find out:

• Key differences between a pension annuity and a lump sum.
• How to leverage a pension rollover to IRA for flexibility and tax advantages.
• The role of spousal coverage and legacy planning in pension decisions.
• Risk and reward considerations for managing pension in retirement.
• How to evaluate which option supports your personalized retirement checklist.

Tweetable Quotes:

"There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pensions—your decision must be based on your entire retirement picture." – Murs Tariq

"Pension choices affect your income, taxes, and legacy—we help people analyze their options to secure their retirement." – Radon Stancil

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss a powerful and often overlooked tax strategy: Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). Joined by their in-house tax and financial strategist Taylor Wolverton, they break down NUA explained in a simple and clear way, helping you understand how company stock inside your 401(k) could lead to significant tax savings in retirement. Whether you're currently working and approaching an in-service rollover 401k, or planning your 401k distribution strategy post-retirement, this episode provides critical insight for your financial decision-making.

Listen in to learn about how to leverage Net Unrealized Appreciation 401K rules to potentially pay lower capital gains tax instead of higher ordinary income tax, depending on how your 401(k)-company stock is handled. Radon, Murs, and Taylor walk through real-life examples of 401k retirement scenarios, helping you understand how the NUA strategy compares to traditional retirement account rollover plans such as moving funds into an IRA. If you’ve ever wondered about the tax difference between an IRA vs brokerage account, this episode helps you clarify your options.

·     What Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) is and how it works.

·     Who qualifies for the NUA tax strategy and how to evaluate eligibility.

·     The tax differences between Capital gains vs ordinary income on company stock.

·     When to consider splitting assets between an IRA and brokerage account.

·     How NUA impacts your broader retirement tax strategy and required minimum distributions.

“NUA lets you convert high-tax ordinary income into lower-tax capital gains—if you qualify, it could be a game changer.” – Radon Stancil

“Understanding your cost basis and when to use Net Unrealized Appreciation is key to smart 401(k) distribution planning.” – Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit: POMWealth.net/podcast

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss a real-life retirement planning case study featuring a fictitious couple, John and Jane, who are 55 and aiming to retire at 62. With $2 million in savings, they’re asking the question so many do: Can I retire early and still live comfortably? Using advanced financial planning tools, they break down how income, Social Security timing, healthcare, taxes, and investment decisions work together to determine the answer. Whether you're dreaming of early retirement or refining your retirement strategy, this episode walks you through how to analyze your own plan.

Listen in to learn about how a structured, tax-efficient financial plan can help you retire early—even with market volatility and rising healthcare costs. Through this case study, Radon and Murs reveal the strategic decisions behind a successful transition into retirement, including Roth conversion strategies, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how to manage income during Social Security gaps.

·     How to retire at 55 with 2 million and what that lifestyle really looks like

·     Why the retirement planning at 55 stage is crucial for tax and investment decisions

·     The role of Social Security timing and how it impacts your portfolio withdrawals

·     How to use a Roth conversion strategy during low-income years to reduce long-term taxes

·     Why healthcare costs and Medicare planning must be part of your early retirement plan

“The question is never just ‘Can I retire?’—it's ‘Can I retire and still live the way I want to?’” — Murs Tariq

“Tax strategy in retirement isn't optional—it's essential if you want to keep more of what you've saved.” — Radon Stancil

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit: POMWealth.net/podcast

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the critical role of patient advocacy with Dr. Elizabeth Mizelle, founder of Palm Wellness. Drawing on her extensive background as a family medicine physician, Dr. Mizelle now serves as a health advocate for seniors and their caregivers, helping them navigate the complex world of senior healthcare. Whether it’s understanding a new diagnosis, coordinating follow-up care, or finding the right resources for aging in place, her approach offers clarity and compassionate support for individuals and families alike.

Listen in to learn about how a patient consultant can provide peace of mind by helping with healthcare decisions, coordinating communication with providers, and creating safe, functional home environments for aging loved ones. This episode is especially useful for those involved in retirement healthcare planning, acting as advocates for elderly parents, or seeking caregiver resources. Dr. Mizelle explains the unique difference between clinical care and advocacy, and how she supports people looking to stay home longer or adapt to life-changing diagnoses with confidence.

·     What patient advocacy is and how it differs from traditional clinical care

·     How a health advocate for seniors helps families manage new diagnoses and medical complexity

·     Real-life examples of how advocacy can ease transitions after hospitalization

·     The process of aging in place and how to safely adapt a home for long-term care

·     How to connect with Palm Wellness for personalized healthcare support

“Patient advocacy helps you slow things down, understand what’s happening, and make better-informed healthcare decisions.” – Radon Stancil

“It’s not just about treating the illness—it's about creating an environment where people can heal, live, and thrive.” – Murs Tariq

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit: POMWealth.net/podcast

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the current state of the 2025 economy with returning guest and economist Tom Siomades. Together, they examine the volatility of the first half of the year and the macroeconomic shifts influencing retirement portfolios. From policy shifts to global uncertainty, this episode offers a comprehensive mid-year economic update designed to help listeners plan for retirement amid ongoing changes. 

Listen in to learn about the Market Outlook 2025, including how tariffs, interest rates, and the “Big Beautiful Bill” are shaping economic trends. Tom shares insight on how the Federal Reserve may act, what to expect from financial market volatility, and the overall impact of global policies. Whether you’re watching the Federal Reserve update or simply seeking stability in your portfolio, this discussion will help you make informed decisions as you secure your retirement. 

In this episode, find out: 

• What’s driving the volatility in the US economy 2025. 
• Why the “Big Beautiful Bill” matters and how its passage (or failure) could reshape policy. 
• The likely direction of interest rates and how it could impact retirees. 
• How tariffs are affecting the markets and the economy globally. 
• Strategies to stay calm and focused through financial market volatility. 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Volatility won’t vanish—it’s how you respond that determines your financial peace of mind.” – Radon Stancil 

“Don’t let the day-to-day headlines derail your plan. Secure your retirement starts with clarity, not chaos.” – Murs Tariq 

Resources: 

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! 

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast. 

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the powerful benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with in-house tax strategist and Certified Financial Planner, Taylor Wolverton. Often overlooked or misunderstood, HSAs offer a rare and highly valuable triple tax advantage—tax-free contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. This episode breaks down the core principles of how HSAs work, how they integrate into your financial and retirement planning, and what rules to watch for, especially when transitioning to Medicare.

Listen in to learn about how to maximize HSA benefits for both short-term healthcare expenses and long-term retirement planning. Taylor explains how to use your HSA as a stealth retirement savings vehicle, how HSA and Medicare interact, and the critical contribution limits and eligibility requirements. If you’ve ever wondered how to use an HSA strategically in retirement, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, find out:

• What is a Health Savings Account and how does it offer a triple tax-free advantage?
• HSA contribution limits and eligibility rules under a high-deductible health plan.
• How HSAs interact with Medicare and when contributions must stop.
• The best strategies for HSA retirement planning and growing your account long-term.
• What happens to your HSA when you pass away and how HSA beneficiaries are taxed.

Tweetable Quotes:

"HSAs are the only triple tax-free account—contributions, growth, and withdrawals can all be tax-free when used correctly." – Taylor Wolverton

"A health savings account isn’t just for annual expenses—it’s a stealth retirement tool when used strategically." – Murs Tariq

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the essential elements involved in Transitioning into Retirement and how to ensure you make a smooth and confident shift into this next stage of life. They walk through practical retirement planning steps that cover everything from creating a reliable retirement income strategy, navigating tax-efficient withdrawals, preparing for healthcare costs, and protecting against common retirement risks like market volatility. The Peace of Mind Pathway—a comprehensive process developed by the team—serves as a guide to address all the complex moving parts of retirement planning.

Listen in to learn about crucial financial decisions such as Roth conversions explained, managing Healthcare before Medicare, effective Medicare planning, and Long-term care planning options that protect your assets. Radon and Murs also explore investment strategies like the Bucket investment strategy and how to guard against Sequence of returns risk. Plus, they dive into sophisticated tax strategies like utilizing Donor advised funds, the Direct indexing strategy, and optimizing Charitable giving in retirement. This episode is a masterclass for anyone who wants to plan for retirement, live confidently, and secure your retirement.

·     How to design a reliable retirement withdrawal strategy using the bucket system.

·     Why Roth conversions may offer powerful long-term tax benefits.

·     The importance of strategic tax withholding and year-by-year tax planning.

·     How to evaluate your healthcare options before Medicare and address future Medicare planning.

·     What to consider for Long-term care planning and protecting your retirement savings.

"Transitioning into retirement isn’t just about stopping work — it’s about creating a sustainable income plan that gives you peace of mind." – Murs Tariq

"Every great retirement plan needs nurturing, because life happens and adjustments are always part of the journey." – Radon Stancil

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the complexities of Inherited IRAs with special guest Taylor Wolverton, a Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent. They break down what beneficiaries need to know about inherited retirement accounts, including crucial updates introduced under the Secure Act. Whether you're a spouse, non-spouse, or special exception beneficiary, this episode helps you understand how to navigate the rules and avoid costly mistakes when it comes to inherited IRA distributions.

Listen in to learn about the different rules based on whether the account was inherited before or after 2020, how the 10-year rule inherited IRA provision works, and how it contrasts with the old Stretch IRA rules. They also explain IRA beneficiary rules for both Roth inherited IRA and traditional IRAs, helping you determine the most tax-efficient strategy for your situation. With insights on Inherited IRA RMD rules, Secure Act IRA changes, and options for non-spouse IRA beneficiaries, this is a must-listen episode for anyone dealing with an IRA inheritance.

In this episode, find out:

• What the 10-year rule inherited IRA really means for beneficiaries.
• How IRA rules for beneficiaries differ for pre- and post-2020 inheritances.
• The difference between spousal vs non-spouse IRA beneficiary strategies.
• How to handle Inherited IRA RMD rules and avoid tax penalties.
• Why Roth inherited IRA strategies may involve waiting until year 10.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Just because you're not required to take a distribution every year doesn't mean it’s the best strategy for your taxes.” – Murs Tariq

“Understanding whether you're a spouse or non-spouse IRA beneficiary changes everything about how you manage the account.” – Taylor Wolverton

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the important and often confusing world of Medicare Part D with Medicare expert Shawn Southard. With the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act Medicare provisions in 2025, significant updates have changed the way Medicare drug coverage works, especially for those nearing or already in retirement. Whether you’re currently working and covered by an employer plan or about to transition to Medicare, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know to avoid unnecessary costs and lifelong penalties.

Listen in to learn about how Medicare Part D changes affect your coverage decisions, how employer coverage and Medicare interact, and why understanding creditable drug coverage is now more crucial than ever. Shawn also discusses HSA and Medicare rules, key timelines for enrollment, and strategies to avoid the dreaded Medicare late enrollment penalty. This is a must-listen for anyone planning to retire comfortably while staying informed and protected when it comes to their Medicare Part D options.

In this episode, find out:

·      What exactly Medicare Part D covers and how it works.

·      How the Inflation Reduction Act Medicare provisions lower out-of-pocket drug costs.

·      What "creditable" drug coverage means and how to know if your employer plan qualifies.

·      When and how to enroll in Part D to avoid Medicare penalties.

·      How HSA and Medicare rules impact your decision to delay enrollment.

Tweetable Quotes:

“With Medicare Part D changes, what used to be a no-brainer may now require a complete reevaluation.” – Murs Tariq

“Missing a 63-day window could mean a lifetime of penalties—knowing your coverage status is critical.” – Radon Stancil

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the critical but often overlooked topic of Retirement Life Planning with special guest Dr. Corinne Auman a Ph.D. in geriatrics and author of Keenagers While financial strategies and retirement income are vital, this conversation emphasizes the non-financial aspects of retirement, helping you prepare for not just “how much to save for retirement,” but how to truly live well through it. As people live longer, healthier lives, planning for aging with intention has become essential.

Listen in to learn about the difference between a financial plan and a Retirement Lifestyle Plan, how to proactively prepare for transitions like moving into a retirement community or making your home age-friendly, and how to find purpose beyond work. Whether you're looking into continuous care, exploring early retirement, or trying to stay mentally and socially engaged, this episode will help you build a vision that goes far beyond your nest egg.

·      Why retirement life planning is just as important as financial planning.

·      The SPIES framework: addressing Social, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual needs in retirement.

·      When to start planning for retirement lifestyle goals and how to structure your future.

·      The importance of purpose and stimulation after leaving the workforce.

·      Why being on a waitlist for a retirement community is part of smart planning.

“Retirement planning isn't just financial—it's emotional, intellectual, and deeply personal.” – Radon Stancil

 “We all need purpose after retirement. Don’t wait to plan your next chapter.” – Murs Tariq

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.