Straight Talk on Retirement with JBL Financial

Jeff, Erin Lapidus, and Robert Markham discuss required minimum distributions (RMDs), inherited IRA rules, Roth conversion considerations, Medicare Part D prescription cost caps, and practical mid-year financial planning topics, including car loans, housing affordability, retirement savings, and value investing.

The Retirement Coaches tackle listener questions about diversification, rising interest rates, and managing market volatility, along with the pros and cons of buying versus leasing a car in retirement. Plus, they explain how reducing debt can reshape a retirement income plan and break down important Medicare considerations, including HMO vs. PPO coverage and changing provider networks.

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Disclaimer: The hypothetical situations are based on real-life examples. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.  No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.  There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio.  Diversification does not protect against market risk

Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity.  Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.

ETFs trade like stocks, are subject to investment risk, fluctuate in market value, and may trade at prices above or below the ETF’s net asset value (NAV).  Upon redemption, the value of fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost.  ETFs carry additional risks such as not being diversified, possible trading halts, and index tracking errors.

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal.  Fund value will fluctuate with market conditions and it may not achieve its investment objective.

The prices of small cap stocks are generally more volatile than large cap stocks.

The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all NASDAQ domestic and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market.  The market value, the last sale price multiplied by total shares outstanding, is calculated throughout the trading day, and is related to the total value of the Index.

Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is comprised of 30 stocks that are major factors in their industries and widely held by individuals and institutional investors.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels of such securities.  An investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels.  Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction cost and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.

Tactical allocation may involve more frequent buying and selling of assets and will tend to generate higher transactional cost.  Investors should consider the tax consequences of moving positions more frequently.

The fast price swings in commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor’s holdings.  Commodities include increased risks, such as political, economic, and currency instability, and may not be suitable for all investors.

This program was created to provide accurate and reliable information on the subjects covered but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects.  It is not intended to provide specific legal, tax or other professional advice.  The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.

JBL Financial and LPL Financial do not provide legal or tax advice.  Please consult with your tax or legal advisor regarding your personal situation.

Erin Lapidus and Robert Markham explore some of the decisions that can shape retirement, from determining income needs and choosing when to claim Social Security to planning for health care costs. They also discuss phased retirement, Medicare coverage options and how thoughtful planning can provide greater flexibility when transitioning from your working years into retirement.

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Disclaimer: The hypothetical situations are based on real-life examples. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.

The Consumer Price Indexes (CPI) program produces monthly data on changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services (Source:  U.S. Department of Labor).

This was created to provide accurate and reliable information on the subjects covered but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects.  It is not intended to provide specific legal, tax or other professional advice.  The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.

Should you pay off your mortgage quickly in retirement, or could a more gradual approach make sense? The Retirement Coaches walk through a hypothetical real-world scenario involving mortgage debt, retirement accounts, taxes, and Medicare premiums.

They also explore how Social Security timing and changing expenses can affect retirement income needs, plus what to consider when reviewing your Medicare coverage during annual enrollment.

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Disclaimer: The hypothetical situations are based on real-life examples. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.

JBL Financial and LPL Financial do not provide legal or tax advice.  Please consult with your tax or legal advisor regarding your personal situation.

LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. They also have access to non-affiliated third parties that specialize in creating trusts and wills for use by LPL advisor’s clients. 

Municipal bonds are subject to availability and change in price.  They are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity.  Bond values will decline as interest rates rise.  Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.  Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply.  If sold prior to maturity, capital gains tax could apply.

Dividend payments are not guaranteed and may be reduced or eliminated at any time by the company.

JBL Financial and LPL Financial are not associated with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.  Clients should seek guidance from the Social Security Administration regarding their particular situation.  Social Security payout rates can and will change at the sole discretion of the Social Security Administration.  For more information, please visit your local Social Security Administrative office, or visit www.ssa.gov.

Do you need a trust, or could beneficiary designations and other planning tools meet your estate planning needs?

The Retirement Coaches discuss when families may consider a trust, then walk through a hypothetical scenario showing how debt and savings can factor into retirement planning.

They also cover Medicare benefits, Trump Accounts vs. 529 plans, and the role of fixed income in a retirement portfolio.

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Disclaimer: The hypothetical situations are based on real-life examples. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.

LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. They also have access to non-affiliated third parties that specialize in creating trusts and wills for use by LPL advisor’s clients. 

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.  No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.  Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.

Trump Accounts offer tax deferred growth on earnings.  Family contributions are made with after tax dollars, and eligible employer contributions may be excluded from the employee’s taxable income.  A one-time $1,000 federal contribution may be available for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028.  Distributions are generally prohibited during the child’s growth period and, once permitted, are taxable as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% IRS early distribution penalty if taken before age 59½.  Contribution limits and other restrictions apply, and some rules remain subject to future Treasury and IRS guidance.  Consult a qualified tax advisor or financial professional before making decisions.

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free.  Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity.  Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.

Government bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

Dividend payments are not guaranteed and may  be reduced or eliminated at any time by the company.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.

Retirement planning can change as your life, income needs, and financial circumstances evolve. In this episode, The Retirement Coaches Jeff Lapidus, Erin Lapidus, and Robert Markham discuss practical considerations for reviewing your retirement game plan.

Topics include required minimum distributions (RMDs), beneficiary designations and estate planning considerations, options for old 401(k) accounts, annuity withdrawals, and what to consider when transitioning to a new financial advisor. Plus, the team reviews Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits and why understanding the details of your current plan can be important as Annual Enrollment approaches.

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JBL Financial and LPL Financial do not provide legal or tax advice.  Please consult with your tax or legal advisor regarding your personal situation.

LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.  They also have access to non-affiliated third parties that specialize in creating trusts and wills for use by LPL advisor’s clients.

The target date is the approximate date when investors plan to start withdrawing their money.  The principal value of a target fund is not guaranteed at any time, including at the target date.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.  No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio.  Diversification does not protect against market risk.

What does it take to be financially prepared for retirement? The Retirement Coaches Jeff Lapidus, Erin Lapidus and Robert Markham explore how pensions, Social Security, retirement savings, upcoming expenses and investment risk can work together in a retirement game plan.

Plus, they discuss estate planning considerations, 401(k) decisions, Medicare coverage and listener questions to help those approaching retirement better understand the financial decisions ahead.

How do you know whether the retirement you’re planning is financially workable? The Retirement Coaches walk through a real-world planning scenario involving a couple hoping to retire before Social Security and Medicare eligibility, including how spending needs, savings, 401(k) assets, taxes, Social Security timing, and healthcare coverage can fit together. 

Plus, Frank joins the conversation to explain what to consider when transitioning from employer health coverage to Medicare after age 65, including timing your coverage, gathering the necessary employer documentation, and preparing ahead to help avoid gaps. 

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Disclaimer: The hypothetical situations are based on real-life examples. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.

LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. They also have access to non-affiliated third parties that specialize in creating trusts and wills for use by LPL advisor’s clients.

Is a Roth conversion the right move for your retirement plan? The Retirement Coaches discuss how Roth conversions can help reduce future taxes—but only when they're done strategically. They explain how tax brackets, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and cash flow all work together when evaluating a conversion strategy.

Is there a better way to approach retirement? In this episode, The Retirement Coaches discuss retirement income planning, Social Security claiming strategies, tax-aware Roth and traditional IRA withdrawals, inherited IRA planning, and important Medicare enrollment decisions—including COBRA and Medicare Advantage. Plus, they answer listener questions to help you make informed retirement planning decisions.