Smart Money Questions

Buying a new home in or near retirement can look straightforward until you start weighing taxes, investments, cash flow, and what happens before the old house sells. Matt walks through two recent client scenarios that show why the best answer can look very different from one person to the next. The key is to look at the entire financial situation before deciding how to fund the move.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧾 Tax Impact: Considering capital gains, IRA taxes, and Medicare surcharges

🔄 Buy Before Sell: Planning for the gap between purchasing and selling

📍 Relocation: Evaluating affordability before making a move

🏘️ Rental Option: Deciding whether keeping the old home makes sense

🔁 Reverse Mortgage: Exploring another way to preserve investable assets

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💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

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Dave Ramsey has built one of the most recognized brands in personal finance. Millions of people have followed his advice out of debt and into savings. But when it comes to how much you should pull from your retirement accounts each year, Ramsey takes a position that some financial professionals find hard to get behind. Today, we break it down: what Dave says, what the research says, and what Matt actually thinks.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💸 Challenging the “8% Rule” – Why 8% withdrawals risk faster depletion.

📉 Sequence-of-Returns Risk – Down-market withdrawals can permanently erode portfolios.

🌎 Diversification Beyond S&P 500 – Broad global exposure beats single-index focus.

🛡️ Distribution vs. Accumulation Phases – Investing changes once paychecks stop.

🧭 Purpose-Driven Retirement & Estate Planning – Define goals, minimize taxes and probate.

Resources for this episode:

“Retirement Plan” (2026 Oscar Nominee) | The New Yorker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mqa4zfJdx4

Ramsey’s 8% Retirement Rule Sounds Nuts At First

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ramsey-8-retirement-rule-sounds-170209842.html

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

Most people think about taxes once a year. The problem is that by the time you're filing your return, it's often too late to make meaningful changes. Matt explains why tax planning is far more important than tax filing and shares a real-life story of a woman whose misunderstanding of the tax code resulted in a six-figure tax bill. If you're retired—or approaching retirement—this episode highlights several costly mistakes worth avoiding.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏠 Costly Mistakes: A six-figure tax surprise

⚖️ Tax Law Changes: Understanding new opportunities

💔 Surviving Spouse: Preparing for future tax challenges

📊 Retirement Taxes: Managing distributions wisely

🌅 Live Fully: Enjoying life while planning ahead

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

What if “playing it safe” with your money is actually creating a different kind of risk? In this episode, Matt challenges common assumptions about retirement investing and explains why financial decisions should be driven by purpose, flexibility, and long-term thinking rather than fear. You’ll also hear how asking better questions could completely change your financial future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Conservative Investing: Safety can limit growth

🧠 Risk Tolerance: Emotional reactions matter

👨‍👩‍👧 Legacy Planning: Invest with heirs in mind

📉 Alternative Investments: Due diligence is critical

⚠️ Investment Scams: Understand who holds assets

💳 Credit Card Points: Potential estate planning opportunities

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

Some big conversations are happening right now that could reshape retirement as we know it, from potential Social Security changes to the growing role of AI in investing and everyday life. The challenge isn’t reacting to headlines, it’s understanding what actually matters for your plan. Matt breaks down proposed Social Security changes, smarter ways to save, where AI could help (and hurt), and the risks many retirees don’t see coming.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📊 Social Security Changes: Possible age and benefit shifts

💰 Tax Diversification: Spread savings across buckets

🤖 AI & investing: Improve efficiency, not timing

🚨 Scam Awareness: Spot manipulation and red flags

🏡 Home Protection: Use equity and alerts 

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

Life insurance isn’t just about a death benefit anymore, and many people don’t realize how much it’s evolved. Matt discusses real client scenarios that highlight how life insurance can still play a powerful role at different stages of life.

If you already have a policy or are questioning its value today, it’s worth taking a closer look. The rules, features, and strategies surrounding life insurance have changed in ways that can impact both protection and flexibility.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🛡️ Life Insurance Scenarios: Different strategies for younger vs. older clients

💡 Policy Flexibility: Conversion options can preserve coverage without underwriting

🏥 Accelerated Benefits: Access funds early for healthcare or terminal illness needs

📉 Market Discipline: Staying invested matters more than reacting to headlines

📄 Beneficiary Check: Outdated or missing designations can create major issues

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

In this episode, Matt tackles one of the biggest tax decisions that retirees face: Roth or pre-tax? It’s not just about today’s tax bill. It’s about future flexibility, income planning, and how your choices ripple through the rest of your financial life. Using real-world scenarios and practical strategies, Matt walks through when each approach might make sense, and when it might not.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📅 Scheduling Matters – Timing your moves

💰 Roth vs. Pre-Tax – Taxes now or later

📊 Case Studies – Real-world tax strategies

📉 Market Fear – Planning beyond volatility

📞 Next Steps – Getting personalized guidance

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

A new year brings no shortage of market opinions and plenty of noise. Matt shares a grounded perspective on how to think about investing as 2026 takes shape, with an emphasis on preparation over prediction. This episode covers several long-term planning decisions that often get overlooked by pre-retirees and retirees. Tired of reacting to headlines? Tune in for a more thoughtful approach in 2026.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📊 2026 Investment Strategy: What to prioritize heading into the year

📈 Market Trends & Expectations: Why diversification still matters

🧾 Tax Planning Lens: Deductions and timing that affect outcomes

💼 Retirement Contributions: Making the most of workplace plans

🏛️ Estate & Legacy Planning: Preparing assets for efficient transfer

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

What if everything you thought you'd set up to protect your family turned out to be a maze of red tape and frustration? In this episode, discover the hidden roadblocks that can derail even the most carefully planned estates, as Matt reveals the eye-opening reality facing heirs in 2025, where paperwork alone isn't enough, and the real challenges begin after you're gone.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📆 2025 Review: estate planning lessons from a volatile year

🧾 Tax Strategy: how taxes shape investment decisions

⚠️ Disclaimers: know the difference between education and personal “advice”

📑 Estate Challenges: delays and confusion in distributions

🏦 Bank Experiences: inconsistent and frustrating processes you may face

🔍 Institution Rules: protocols to know before it’s too late

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

💸 Ready to take control of your financial future?

📞✨ Book a free call with Matt today! 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/matthausman

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect chance to step back and make sure your financial plan is aligned, optimized, and ready for the year ahead. Matt highlights key areas worth reviewing before the calendar turns, and what can happen if we don’t. Year-end planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few intentional steps now can create more clarity and confidence moving forward.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🗓️ Year-end planning & tax strategies: reviewing contributions, deductions, and opportunities

💼 Retirement contributions & Roth components: maximizing what goes into qualified accounts

🎁 Charitable contributions: using tax-advantaged moves before 12/31

📊 Investment rebalancing: aligning your portfolio with your retirement timeline

📜 Legacy & estate planning: ensuring documents, beneficiaries, and structures match your goals

Want to contact us?

Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/

Email - [email protected]

Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com    

Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/