"If they're only worried about that current year, then that's what they're going to focus on. Let your accountant know, 'I'm interested in what my tax bill's going to be three, five years down the road. So, if there's something we need to be doing, let's have a conversation.'"

Tax season is among us. Or as Kevin would sing, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Whether you share Kevin's sentiment, or not so much, you'll want to tune into this one as our hosts Kevin Gaines and Stephanie McCullough peel back the curtain on the world of tax preparation, sharing their own stories of triumph and tribulation. Their chat isn't just theory; they offer actionable tips and stress the importance of software as a reliable sidekick, ensuring you can step into tax season with your head held high and your numbers in order.

Gathering tax documents can feel like a scavenger hunt. Stephanie and Kevin break down the must-have forms, from W-2s to various 1099s, and share strategies for proactively obtaining them, sometimes needing to look beyond the mailbox to online portals. They delve into the importance of keeping an organized record of deductible expenses for smoother and more accurate reporting.

This conversation is designed to help you understand the vital details so that you can either compile your documents like a pro or hand them off to one without a hitch. So join in, and let's chart a course through the fiscal galaxy, armed with knowledge and a dash of humor, because taxes don't have to be all that taxing, after all.

Key Topics:

• Tax Season is Here! DIY vs Professional Help (02:09)
• Tax Preparation and Documentation (10:52)
• Tax Planning and Strategies for Small Business Owners (15:45)
• Tax Planning, Retirement Savings and IRAs (20:45)
• Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement Accounts and Income Brackets (26:18)
• Wrap-Up (29:40)

Resources:

• Take Back Retirement Episode 82: Getting the Most from Social Security: Smart Strategies for Women with Heather Schreiber
• Take Back Retirement Episode 20: Women + Roth IRA's – What Should You Be Aware Of?
• Take Back Retirement Episode 12: What Women Need to Know About IRA's, with Sarah Brenner
• Take Back Retirement Episode 27: Health Savings Accounts (HSA's): What Women Need to Know

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"If you're looking at the costs of medical expenses over time, they've actually historically grown faster than regular inflation. Healthcare is expensive, and it goes up faster than the rest of your spending; don't overlook it."

Listen in as our hosts, Stephanie McCullough of Sofia Financial, and Kevin Gaines of American Financial Management Group tackle the critical yet often underestimated topic of healthcare costs in retirement. They uncover the harsh reality that healthcare expenses can become a significant financial burden if not properly accounted for in your retirement plan. Shedding light on the unpredictable nature of health and the associated costs, they stress the importance of being prepared for more than just your mortgage or grocery bills. They also debunk the common misconceptions around Medicare and long-term care.

Stephanie and Kevin explore the complexities of managing retirement funds with future taxes in mind. They highlight the strategies to mitigate the tax hit when withdrawing from IRAs and 401(k)s, and how these can impact your Medicare premiums through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Learn about the benefits of Roth conversions and how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Roth accounts can be powerful tools in reducing your tax burden. They also discuss the 'widow penalty' in tax brackets and the need for strategic planning, especially when it comes to Social Security and the real rate of medical expense inflation. This episode is packed with insights to help you secure your financial health.

Key Topics:

• Healthcare Expenses in Retirement Planning (02:25)
• Medicare Costs and Supplemental Insurance (04:36)
• Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) (06:58)
• Medical Expenses Planning for Retirement and Tax Implications (13:09)
• Spouses of Different Ages Who Want to Retire Simultaneously (17:46)
• Inherited IRAs, Tax Brackets, and the Widow Penalty (18:38)
• Inflation Rates and Medical Expenses (21:56)
• Wrap-Up (24:18)

Resources:

• Request to lower an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
• Take Back Retirement Episode 21: Simplifying Medicare: What's Important For You To Know with Susan Sloan
• Take Back Retirement Episode 62: What Women Need to Know About Longevity
• Take Back Retirement Episode 27: Health Savings Accounts (HSA's): What Women Need to Know

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"If you know about a certain scam, you're 80% less likely to engage with it. So, please tell everybody you know." -Kathy Stokes

Could your loved ones be vulnerable to a $9 billion wave of deception? Kathy Stokes from AARP joins our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines to unravel the complexities of fraud that's sweeping the nation, hitting older adults the hardest. With victims often bearing the burden of shame, they're challenging the stigma and equipping you with the knowledge to identify scams and shield your family.

Amidst the digital age, where swindlers lurk behind screens, this episode takes a hard look at the emotional web of online romance scams, originating from the most unexpected places like vacant Cambodian casinos. The conversation navigates through the tactics of cybercriminals as they exploit trust for financial gain.

Stephanie, Kevin, and Kathy outline the actionable steps every individual should consider, from skepticism towards unsolicited communication to the merits of credit freezes. AARP's robust network of fraud-fighting volunteers and their educational resources are just a call or click away, serving as your allies in the battle against fraudsters who target your wallet and well-being.

Key Topics:

• Welcome Kathy Stokes! (03:08)
• Financial Fraud's Impact on Victims, Specifically Elders (04:57)
• Phone Scams and How to Identify Them (11:43)
• Protecting Seniors from Scams (17:30)
• Law Enforcement Response to Financial Scams (22:11)
• Online Safety and Cybersecurity (31:12)
• AARP, Getting Direct Support (43:20)
• Stephanie's and Kevin's Takeaways (47:46)

Resources:

• [email protected]
• Victim Helpline 877-908-3360
• CryptoScam from Wall Street Journal (free podcast): https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/pig-butchering-a-texting-scam-with-a-crypto-twist/296e499f-ba82-46f2-ade9-5b70710d558e
• NPR story on crypto scam https://www.npr.org/2023/06/25/1180256165/crypto-scam-senior-victims-spirebit

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"People tend to underestimate both how long they'll live and how long they'll spend in retirement. That's something that we really need to be realistic about." - Heather Schreiber

Have you ever wondered how the labyrinth of Social Security intricacies might be uniquely affecting your retirement plan? Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines sit down with Heather Schreiber, a Social Security sage, to dissect the complex world of retirement planning for women. In this episode, the spotlight is on the hidden challenges women face due to career pauses, and how these disruptions can significantly alter the course of their Social Security benefits. They're not just discussing the issues but also providing the guidance needed to traverse these rocky terrains with confidence.

Navigating the bends and turns of the Social Security benefits calculation can feel like a daunting task. However, armed with knowledge such as how the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) works, and understanding the bend point formula, women can better position themselves for retirement. Heather explains how the PIA is influenced by a full 35-year earnings record and how earnings-related reductions can be avoided. Whether you're considering working past retirement age or have already begun receiving benefits, this conversation is packed with insights on how to bolster your retirement income.

But wait, there's more! Our hosts along with Heather go beyond the basics and enter the realm of survivor and spousal benefits, an area where strategic planning can make a substantial difference. They unravel how the decisions of the higher-earning spouse can have far-reaching effects on survivors and discuss the nuances between survivor and spousal benefits. All of this critical information and more in this episode of Take Back Retirement, brought to you by Sofia Financial and American Financial Management Group.

Key Topics:

• Kevin's Dream Has Come True…Welcome, Dream Guest Heather Schreiber - Social Security Expert (01:30)
• Heather's Passion for Consumer Advocacy and Reliable Guidance (02:10)
• Women's Retirement Challenges and Planning Strategies (03:59)
• Social Security Benefits and Earning Limits for Widows/Widowers (06:17)
• Social Security Claiming Strategies (16:45)
• Social Security Spousal Benefits and Filing Strategies (19:16)
• Social Security Divorce Rules (21:58)
• Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (33:53)
• Retirement Planning and Taxes (36:36)
• Social Security Claiming Strategies for Singles (38:00)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Wrap-Up (48:33)

Resources:

• HLSRetirementConsulting.com
• HLS Retire on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
• HLS Retire on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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Ever feel like you're wading through murky waters when it comes to retirement planning? You're not alone. Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines of Sofia Financial and American Financial Management Group illuminate the path with their expertise, debunking pervasive myths that cloud the judgment of many investors.

They kick things off by setting the record straight on investment growth, cutting through the confusion surrounding account consolidation, and revealing the true engine of growth—percentage rates. Diversification is another victim of misunderstanding, and they're untangling the real meaning from the common misperception that more accounts always equals better diversity.

As the discussion wades deeper, Stephanie and Kevin tackle the intricacies of IRAs with precision. Did you know that your 401(k) doesn't barricade the door to IRA contributions? Our hosts share why tax deduction eligibility is a whole different ball game. Plus, they don't shy away from the tough stuff—like financial emergencies—guiding you through the maze of withdrawal rules to keep penalties at bay. The conversation then turns to market volatility and holding steady to your investment strategy. So buckle up and tune in; this episode is your financial GPS, navigating you away from common pitfalls and towards a more secure retirement.

Key Topics:

• Growth Rate of Money in One Account vs Multiple Accounts (00:00)
• Investment Accounts and Diversification (05:21)
• IRAs, Contributions, and Emergency Funds (09:21)
• Financial Options for Emergencies (13:50)
• Borrowing and Credit (17:47)
• Changing Investment Strategy Because of World Events and Headlines (21:03)
• Investment Strategies for Various Life Stages (24:45)
• Retirement Planning with Nuanced Investment Strategies (30:23)

Resources:

• Movie Clip: There is always… Threat (Men in Black)
• Tack Back Retirement Ep. 12: What Women Need to Know About IRA's, with Sarah Brenner
• Tack Back Retirement Ep. 44: Don't Try This at Home! Unique Situations Call for Unique Strategies
• Tack Back Retirement Ep. 64: What is Money Insurance?
• Tack Back Retirement Ep. 27: Health Savings Accounts (HSA's): What Women Need to Know

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"You'll start seeing some things that are really helping you in life and some that are hurting you. And when you don't have an outlet or a way to review these things, we stay to our consistent habits just like with our diet."

Dive into the world of financial therapy with our guest, Erika Wasserman. Fully 81% of Americans were taught not to talk about money, and that has a profound impact on emotional well-being and relationships. Join us as Erika shares both her personal journey and practical advice on navigating the complexities of financial silence, and find out how she empowers individuals to break free from its shackles. Are you ready to explore the key to trust, harmony, and financial well-being?

When it comes to managing finances, an accountability partner can be a game-changer. Erika helps us understand the traits that make a perfect accountability partner. This person needs to be invested in your successes, hold you accountable when you trip up, and be your partner in devising innovative solutions.

Retirement planning can be an emotional journey - one in which money, feelings, and values are intricately linked. Erika leads us through a visualization exercise, and encourages that instead of struggling with a rigid budget, we instead think about a 'Yes Plan' - a prioritization of expenses that vibe with our own values.

Let this episode inspire you to curate a clear vision for your retirement, setting you up for a fulfilling future. Tune in now for a transformative financial journey.

Key Topics:

• Intro to Erika Wasserman (01:07)
• "Wait, there's a field called Financial Therapy?!" (02:35)
• Three Ways We Get Our Money Beliefs (06:34)
• Finding an Accountability Partner for Financial Success (07:24)
• Financial Infidelity and Accountability in Relationships (12:26)
• "Let's Talk About Finances, Baby!" Card Deck (17:25)
• Retirement Planning and Prioritizing Spending Obligations (20:39)
• Retirement Planning Sensory Exercises (24:52)
• Financial Habits and Therapy (30:43)
• The Money Egg (31:55)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Wrap-Up (35:48)

Resources:

• YourFinancialTherapist.com
• Email [email protected] and mention TAKE BACK RETIREMENT for $50 off the Money Egg Exercise mentioned at 31:45 of episode
• "Let's Talk About Finances, Baby!" Card Deck
• Erika on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook @yourfinancialtherapist

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"You have a choice about everything, and not choosing is still a choice. Prioritize yourself and ask for what you need." - Emi Kirschner

What if you were told that self-care isn't just an indulgence, but a key player in achieving personal and professional success? Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines chat with Emi Kirschner, a seasoned investor, serial entrepreneur, and coach to women business owners.

They pull back the curtain on the issue of avoidance, especially when it comes to financial planning and essential self-care, and share insights about why we often avoid these important tasks and how changing our mindset can lead to a transformation in our personal and business finances. Emi shares some pearls of wisdom about the power of self-care and its direct impact on productivity and clarity.

Stephanie, Kevin, and Emi then tackle one of the most challenging topics - the taboo around financial conversations. They share personal experiences and insights on breaking societal norms and approaching these conversations with curiosity rather than apprehension. Tune in for an episode that challenges norms, encourages curiosity and most of all, prioritizes self-care!

Key Topics:

• Intro to Self-Care and Finances (02:42)
• Breaking Down Financial Tasks into Manageable Steps (05:10)
• Overcoming Overwork and Finding Balance (09:56)
• Work-Life Balance and Productivity (15:01)
• Prioritizing Self-Care and Inner Knowledge for Success (19:19)
• Financial Planning, Avoiding Procrastination, and Breaking Taboos (24:16)
• Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Taking Control of Finances (30:09)
• Self-Care, Mindfulness, and Financial Wellness (36:05)
• Wrap-Up (36:43)

Resources:

• https://www.emikirschner.com/

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"The account you inherit as far as the IRS is concerned, it's not your retirement account. You are just receiving the money from it. It's still the original owner's retirement account."

Have you ever considered the complexities that come with inheriting retirement accounts? They can be a minefield of rules and regulations that, if not handled with care, can result in irreversible mistakes. Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines untangle these complex rules, shedding light on the importance of paying attention when dealing with inherited accounts. Because once that money is taken out, it doesn't go back in. They also look at how the rules change when the original contributor has started their required distributions.

Did you know that spouses have a unique privilege when inheriting retirement accounts? They can transfer the accounts into their own and take full ownership. But like everything else in life, there are rules to follow.

And then comes the all-important matter of tax considerations. From the repercussions of not emptying the account within ten years to the importance of naming your own beneficiaries, and the complications that arise when inheriting an inherited IRA - Stephanie and Kevin cover it all. That said, it's important to remember that each situation is unique and requires specific guidance.

Under the SECURE Act, there are now 3 kinds of retirement plan beneficiaries for determining post-death payouts after 2019:

1. Non-Designated Beneficiary (NDB)

These are not people.

Examples: Estate, charity or non-qualifying trust (non-look through trust)

2. Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (NEDB)

All designated beneficiaries who do not qualify as EDBs (see #3 below).

Examples: grandchildren, older children, some look-through trusts

3. Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB)

The SECURE Act exempts these beneficiaries from the 10-year rule. However, if the account owner dies before the RBD, an EDB can elect the 10-year rule.

EDBs must be designated beneficiaries.

5 Classes of Eligible Designated Beneficiaries:

1. Surviving spouses
2. Minor children of the account owner, until age 21 - but not grandchildren
3. Disabled individuals – under the strict IRS rules
4. Chronically ill individuals
5. Individuals not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner. (Those older than the IRA owner also qualify.)

SECURE Act Videos Here

Key Topics:

• Inheriting an IRA or Another Type of Retirement Account (02:00)
• Unique Rules of Inherited Accounts (05:31)
• Inherited IRA Rules and Options for Spouses and Non-Spouses (10:26)
• IRA Inheritance Rules and RMDs (15:49)
• The 10-Year Rule (20:52)
• Inherited Retirement Accounts and Potential Pitfalls (30:34)
• Wrap-Up (31:00)

Resources:

• Take Back Retirements Episodes:
• 12: What Women Need to Know About IRA's, with Sarah Brenner
• 18: How Do We Prepare for the Worst? with Mary Beth Simón
• 20: Women + Roth IRA's – What Should You Be Aware Of?
• 40: What Women Need to Know About Income Tax
• 58: Secure Act 2.0: New Retirement Account Rules, Same Old Message!

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"The thing you've got to start with is what does life cost you? What does it cost to be you in this world?"

Listen in as our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines tackle some big questions in this episode of Take Back Retirement, like "Do I need to go back to work after retirement or a divorce?" and "What kind of financial considerations should I have?" They walk through how to evaluate your life costs, not just the regular monthly expenses, but those that come up less frequently, like holidays, vacations, and any extra costs that come with having children or pets. They also discuss how to handle assets after a divorce, the different types of assets, tax implications, and the importance of planning for the future.

Stephanie and Kevin examine figuring out how much you can safely withdraw from your investments or savings if you need to supplement your income. They shed light on the 4% rule, which suggests that you should not withdraw more than 4% of the balance of your account each year. Plus, they discuss possible ways to reduce expenses and the importance of having a plan ahead of time. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice, don't miss out!

Key Topics:

• Intro: How to Decide Whether to Go Back to Work After Divorce (02:10)
• It's Not Solely a Financial Question (03:32)
• How Much Does Life Cost You? Looking at Spending (06:56)
• Looking at the Income Side of the Equation (11:42)
• Retirement Savings and Investment Spending Strategies (17:01)
• Making That Money…Pulling in Some Income (24:35)
• Wrap-Up (31:24)

Resources:

Organizations that support women returning to the workforce:

• https://betterbalancelife.com/
• https://www.irelaunch.com/
• https://womenbacktowork.org/
• https://theriveter.co/voice/best-websites-for-moms-reentering-workforce/

Related Take Back Retirement Episodes:

• How Do We Reduce Financial Anxiety? with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Financial Therapist
• You Want to Retire Before Age 65? Here's What You Need to Know
• Retire on Your Own Terms – Or Don't!
• What Women Need to Know About IRA's, with Sarah Brenner
• Women + Roth IRA's – What Should You Be Aware Of?

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"In the world of the IRS, if it's not documented, it's not real."

Get set for a value-packed journey as our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines tackle the critical topic of keeping financial records in this latest episode of Take Back Retirement. But they don't go it alone. They invite two clients - Steve and Doug - and two experts – Enrolled Agent Marianne Borneman and CPA Sonya Pappas - to give a well-rounded perspective on just how important record keeping really is.

First, discover how proper documentation can serve as a shield in financial disputes as Stephanie and Kevin introduce two of their clients - Steve and Doug. They share their personal experiences dealing with pension plans, tax determinations, and the powerful role of keeping precise records in securing their interests.

Next, learn from Marianne about the possible hazards of not having accurate documentation when dealing with the IRS and how it may prompt the tax collectors to dig even deeper. Sonya shares valuable tips on maintaining record security and the necessity for a systematic approach to saving and purging documents. Tune in, learn, and protect your financial future by mastering the art of vigilant record-keeping!

Key Topics:

• Introducing the Importance of Record Keeping (00:54)
• Exploring Record Keeping with Client Steve (02:41)
• Exploring Record Keeping with Client Doug (12:55)
• Exploring Record Keeping with Expert Marianne Borneman (20:28)
• Exploring Record Keeping with Expert Sonya Pappas (33:27)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Wrap-Up (45:45)

Resources:

• Find Marianne Here - Thetaxreductionnetwork.com
• Sonya on LinkedIn - GSM Advisory Group on LinkedIn

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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