Shotwell Rutter Baer

Health insurance in retirement does not have to be confusing. In this episode, Nick talks with Justine Bell of BeneGuides about marketplace coverage before 65, Medicare at 65, and how to compare real-world costs based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We cover timing, penalties, and why an annual re-enrollment check can keep you from paying more than you need to.

https://youtu.be/z-SnGX-qR88

Contact BeneGuides

Medicare 101 webinar from BeneGuides

Listen to the full episode for the complete conversation and practical next steps.

At Shotwell Rutter Baer, we believe retirement planning should feel simple and personal. As independent, fee-only financial advisors, our priority is you. We are not paid by commissions or product sales. Instead, our advice is focused on helping you make clear decisions about your money, your retirement, and your future.

We are proud to serve individuals and families who want practical guidance, a reliable strategy, and a trusted partner for every stage of life. Whether you are just beginning to think about retirement or you want to fine tune your income plan, we are here with straightforward advice and a plan that reflects your goals.

Email us at SRBadvisors.com to connect with our team.

Learn about the Strategic Reliable Blueprint which is our process for building a financial plan that works for your future.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for helpful conversations and practical retirement planning tips.

Taxes aren’t usually described as “big and beautiful,” but the new tax bill brings plenty of changes worth understanding. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick sits down with Matt Cooper, CPA and owner of Matthew Accounting in DeWitt, Michigan, to unpack what these updates mean for individuals and small business owners.

https://youtu.be/MTJXctr_nf8

Together, they cover what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what opportunities you may have to better plan for your financial future.

Tax Brackets & Standard Deduction: Both remain permanent, with inflation adjustments built in.

Charitable Contributions: Above-the-line deductions return—up to $2,000 for joint filers—even if you don’t itemize.

State and Local Taxes (SALT): Deduction cap temporarily increases from $10,000 to $40,000.

Car Loan Interest: Interest on new vehicles assembled in the U.S. is now deductible up to $10,000.

Social Security Benefits: Still taxable, but seniors get an additional deduction ($6,000 single / $12,000 joint).

Tips & Overtime Pay: Both receive new, limited tax carve-outs.

EV & Clean Energy Credits: Phasing out by late 2025—home improvement credits end sooner.

Takeaway: Tax laws will continue to change, but now is the time to take advantage of the opportunities available. Proactive planning with your financial advisor and tax professional can make a real difference.

Contact SRB Advisors: [email protected] | srbadvisors.com

Connect with Matt Cooper: Matthew Accounting – DeWitt, MI

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitchen Table Finance podcast and YouTube channel so you never miss an update on your money and retirement planning.

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance, the podcast where we serve up bite-sized financial advice to simplify your money and your life. Pull up a chair with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nauta as they dive into the latest retirement and financial planning headlines from June and July.

You can also check out this episode on our YouTube Channel.

This episode is packed with insights drawn from real articles, client questions, and timely topics that matter for anyone preparing for or living in retirement.

Why family conversations matter
Lessons from a Wall Street Journal piece on talking about death, money, and estate planning before it’s too late.

Investment basics worth repeating
A New York Times interview with Charlie Ellis reminds us that time—not timing—is the most powerful factor in investment success.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Should you take them monthly or as a lump sum? We share the pros, cons, and common client approaches.

The housing conundrum
With today’s higher interest rates, is it wise to move, refinance, or rent in retirement?

Long-term care concerns
How facility bankruptcies and changes in ownership can affect your planning—and why evaluating stability is just as important as cost.

Turning savings into income
Exploring strategies beyond the “4% rule,” including how lifestyle, taxes, and inflation affect your drawdown plan.

Helping adult children
What happens if you want—or feel you need—to provide financial help to your kids, and how to plan for it without derailing your own retirement.

Rethinking homeownership in retirement
Why renting is becoming more common among retirees, and how flexibility can be a hidden benefit.

What to ask a financial advisor
From fiduciary status to technology, a fresh look at the questions you should ask before choosing an advisor.

Top retirement fears
Healthcare costs, inflation, market downturns, and recession worries—what surveys are showing and how planning can reduce stress.

The long-term care insurance puzzle
Christine Benz of Morningstar shares when it might make sense, and how peace of mind often factors into the decision.

From family conversations to navigating market fears, the headlines this summer remind us of one truth: a thoughtful plan brings confidence. The best step you can take is to prepare ahead and make sure your strategy is tailored to your life and goals.

If you come across an article you’d like us to review, send it our way at [email protected].

Let’s Talk
At Shotwell Rutter Baer, trust is the foundation of what we do. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing investments, or building a financial strategy for your future, we’d love to see if we’re the right fit for you. Visit srbadvisors.com to learn more.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform—and on YouTube—to keep up with every new conversation.

https://youtu.be/Ga6XssMhozY

When a grandchild arrives, it’s more than a joyful addition to the family — it can also bring new considerations for your retirement plan. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave shares his own recent experience becoming a grandfather and how it’s shifted his financial focus.

Why Dave moved from contributing to his adult children’s Roth IRAs to funding a 529 college savings plan for his granddaughter.

The pros and cons of grandparents owning the 529 versus letting parents manage it.

How to avoid “overfunding” a college plan when multiple family members are contributing.

Why the Michigan 529 plan ranks among the top in the country — and how residents get an extra tax perk.

How 529 plan rules have evolved, making funds more flexible for K–12, trade schools, and even Roth IRA rollovers.

Balancing helping family with making sure your own retirement savings are on track first.

Dave also shares some lessons learned from starting his own kids’ 529 plans back in 2001 — and how even small, consistent contributions can add up over time thanks to compounding.

Whether you’re a new grandparent or just starting to think about how you want to help the next generation, this episode will give you practical, real-world insights you can put into action.

Don’t miss an episode — subscribe to our YouTube channel for more friendly, down-to-earth financial advice: YouTube.com/@KitchenTableFinance

https://youtu.be/KGnNPiD_gf0

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nonna! In this quarterly market update, Dave and Nick walk through the rollercoaster that was Q2 2025. From unexpected returns to ongoing uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what’s happening in the markets—and what it might mean for your financial plans.

Q2 Surprises: Despite a rocky start in April, markets closed the quarter on a strong note. A 60/40 portfolio returned an impressive 6.5% for the quarter.

https://youtu.be/Uf9SXXxUO0k

Large-cap U.S. stocks bounced back, with big names driving growth

Bonds held strong, even as the U.S. debt was downgraded

Inflation declined to 2.4% by May, despite tariff pressures

Labor and macroeconomic data remained solid

Trade policy and tariffs continue to create uncertainty

The U.S. credit downgrade in May raises long-term concerns

Ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine

Unclear full impact of tariffs on prices and inflation

The S&P 500 hit 9 all-time highs in the first half of 2025

A 9.5% single-day increase in April proves timing the market is nearly impossible

Real-world example: Dave shares how a small business passed along a 10% tariff on a product from Italy—and what that means for consumers and small businesses alike

Inflation uptick in June to 2.67% might signal future pressures

Even with market noise, surprises, and headlines, long-term planning remains the cornerstone of financial success. This episode reinforces why staying disciplined and focused on your plan is more important than reacting to short-term news.

Looking for guidance through the ups and downs of the market? It all starts with a Fit Meeting—a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if we’re the right financial partner for you.

Contact us at [email protected] or visit srbadvisors.com

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates and episodes!

With Michigan State University announcing potential layoffs and buyouts, financial anxiety is growing—not just in East Lansing, but across many university communities. In this episode, Dave and Nick share practical, down-to-earth advice for those facing employment uncertainty.

This isn’t just for MSU employees—anyone experiencing a rocky job outlook can benefit from the financial strategies shared in today’s conversation.

https://youtu.be/CSGaoVsvG-4

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The #1 thing to have in place before a job loss: a well-funded emergency fund

How to cut discretionary spending and increase your financial “runway”

Why now is a good time to review your retirement readiness—even if you don’t plan to retire yet

Health insurance options if you lose employer coverage (COBRA, ACA Marketplace, Medicare)

Smart moves around debt, 403(b) loans, and accessing retirement accounts

How to avoid emotional decision-making in uncertain times

Strategic ideas like home equity lines of credit or Roth conversions in low-income years

Why a financial check-in helps—even if layoffs never happen

Resources Mentioned:

Need Help Planning?
If you’re feeling uneasy about your financial future, we’re here to help. Contact SRB for a no-pressure conversation at [email protected] or visit srbadvisors.com to schedule a chat.

Subscribe for More:
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Kitchen Table Finance YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts.

When the kids move out and the house gets quieter, life—and your finances—enter a whole new chapter. In this episode, Dave and Nick talk about the often-overlooked financial opportunities (and pitfalls) that come with becoming an empty nester. From downsizing and budgeting to increasing retirement contributions or finally testing the snowbird lifestyle, this is your chance to reimagine the next stage of life.

https://youtu.be/4nZfHhDv_kA

How becoming an empty nester creates new financial flexibility

Tips for reevaluating your budget, savings goals, and mortgage

Why this is a prime time to ramp up your retirement planning

The emotional (and financial) difference between “empty nester” and “off the payroll”

Why having honest conversations with your adult kids is more important than ever

How grandkids and geography might play into your future plans

Real stories from Dave and Nick’s own families

Whether you’re already in the empty nest phase or you see it on the horizon, use this time intentionally. Make a plan. Talk to your spouse. Talk to your kids. And most of all—know how your choices today will shape your retirement tomorrow.

At Shotwell Rutter Baer, it all starts with a no-pressure fit meeting. Visit srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected] to take the first step.

In this episode, Dave and Nick (back from vacation) tackle a wide mix of financial headlines so you don’t have to. From stock market shifts to Social Security panic, long-term care planning, and yes—even pet insurance—this episode covers the real-life stuff affecting your money and your future.

https://youtu.be/Pst2wmkjOC8

Here’s what we dig into:

Mistakes in Today’s Stock Market
What Jason Zweig says about growth vs. value stocks, and why diversification and rebalancing are more important than ever.

Social Security: Fear vs. Facts
We break down recent updates, insolvency projections, and why panic may not be the smartest plan.

Retirement Medical Costs You Might Not See Coming
Drug coverage, isolation, concierge care—the hidden costs that can sneak up on retirees.

Wall Street Journal: The Underestimated Cost of Healthcare in Retirement

Annuities: Are They Right for You?
Christine Benz offers a balanced view, and we chime in with when annuities can actually be a smart move.

Financial Advice: Who’s Selling You Candy?
Not all free financial advice is created equal. We explain how to spot the difference between helpful insights and someone trying to sell you something.

Pet Insurance: Necessary or Nonsense?
We unpack the rising cost of pet ownership and whether those monthly premiums really make sense.

The True Cost of Owning a Dog

Long-Term Care Planning in Michigan
A recent study shows most older Michiganders aren’t prepared. We walk through five important steps everyone should consider.

Retire Now or Wait It Out?
Is delaying retirement a smart move, or just headline-induced anxiety? We explain how to evaluate your real readiness.

Side Hustles, Late-Night Logins, and the Evolving Workforce
The post-pandemic work world is shifting fast. We talk about how remote work, second jobs, and burnout are changing retirement planning—and what that means for you.

Americans are Sidehustling Like We Are In a Recession

Pull Up a Chair
This episode is full of down-to-earth discussion, financial clarity, and a few laughs along the way. As always, we’re here to make your retirement and financial planning a little less overwhelming.

Have an article you’d like us to cover? Email us at [email protected]
Want to see Nick’s vacation shirt in all its glory? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Ready to get serious about your finances?
Schedule your fit meeting today at srbadvisors.com

It’s been a bumpy ride in the markets this spring, and in this episode, Dave and Cole (filling in for Nick) sit down to talk through what happened, what it means for investors, and how to move forward with confidence.

https://youtu.be/OlXVM0GV66M

From steep drops to quick rebounds, the market has kept everyone on their toes. They break it all down in plain language and share their thoughts on:

What actually happened in March and April—and why it felt so extreme

The difference between risk tolerance and risk perception (and why you might feel differently now than you did a few months ago)

Why doing nothing might have been the smartest move

How diversification helped soften the blow for many investors

The importance of keeping short-term savings and goals top of mind

Whether you stayed calm, felt anxious, or made some changes to your portfolio, there are lessons to take from all of it. They offer practical advice for what to do next, how to think about your investments going forward, and why focusing on your long-term goals is still the best approach.

This is a great episode for anyone wondering: Did I handle that market swing the right way?

🎧 Listen now to hear why market timing is a trap, what to do if you bailed, and how financial advisors really invest their own money (hint: it’s simpler than you think).

🔗 Visit SRBAdvisors.com for more resources or to schedule a chat with one of our advisors.

📺 Subscribe to the Kitchen Table Finance podcast on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Dave and Nick dive into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of retirement planning: how to actually enjoy it.

You’ve spent decades saving, investing, and working hard. But have you really thought about what your ideal retirement looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not just endless rounds of golf and sunsets on a beach. It’s about purpose, lifestyle, relationships, and flexibility.

https://youtu.be/ddfIokXyRUg

Dave and Nick walk you through:

Why setting realistic expectations is the foundation of retirement planning

The surprising importance of part-time work, volunteering, or staying engaged

Top retirement concerns like healthcare costs, investment losses, and losing that steady paycheck

How to run tradeoff scenarios—like “What if I work just one more year?”

The idea of a “practice retirement” (hint: mini-retirements, RV rentals, and snowbird test runs)

Why flexibility is king, and how the best retirement plans are the ones that evolve

This episode is packed with relatable stories, expert advice, and just the right dose of humor to help you think differently about your future.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Retirement should be designed around your lifestyle and values, not just your finances.

“Practicing” retirement before you commit can save money and stress.

It’s okay to change your mind—retirement should be flexible and fulfilling, not rigid and stressful.

Planning ahead for healthcare, housing, and income strategy is just as important as your travel dreams.

📞 Ready to start planning?
It all starts with a no-pressure Fit Meeting at Shotwell Rutter Baer.
Let’s find out if we’re the right financial planning partner for your next chapter.

📧 Contact us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit srbadvisors.com

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe!
Join us each week for practical, real-world financial advice from two guys who’ve helped hundreds of people plan smarter retirements.

Subscribe to the Kitchen Table Finance Podcast HERE