With the holidays approaching, many retirees ask a simple question with complex implications: How can I help my kids financially- without creating tax headaches or hurting my own retirement? This conversation walks through smart gifting strategies, IRS rules to watch, and thoughtful guardrails that help generosity stay intentional. If you’re considering helping children or grandchildren, a little planning here can go a long way.

 🎁 Annual gifting limits and what you can give without paperwork
 📄 What happens when gifts exceed the IRS threshold
 🎓 Tuition and medical expense exceptions most people overlook
 💰 Which accounts are smartest to gift from in retirement
 ⚠️ Why generosity should never derail your own financial plan 

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

What if everything you've been told about retirement savings is wrong? According to Fidelity, by age 40, you should've saved 3x your annual salary, and by 50, that jumps to 6x your income. If you're shocked, you're not alone. And figures like this can be deceiving...

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

A lot happened in 2025… Big political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But what actually matters for your financial life? Today, Taylor looks back at the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward. Sure, there was a lot of chaos, but learning to have a long-term strategy will give you the confidence you need for 2026. 

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🎉 Liberation Day: market shock and emotional reactions

🌍 Tariffs: the markets saw volatility followed by rapid recovery

📈 Inflation: lingering pressure on long-term plans

🧾 Tax Changes: the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill

🏛️ Government Shutdown: what the disruption means for you

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

Deciding when to take Social Security is a major decision in your retirement planning, and while many people wait until full retirement age or beyond, there are some solid reasons to start at age 62. Today, Taylor breaks down why taking early can be a financially smart move, depending on your situation. From maximizing years of payments to protecting yourself during market downturns, he’ll explain how taking social security at 62 can help you get the most out of your retirement.

📫 Subscribe to Taylor's weekly retirement insights newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

Taylor explores why so many investors get distracted by flashy ideas that promise more than they deliver. Instead of chasing hype, he breaks down the mindset and habits that help people stay focused on what truly drives long-term success. You’ll learn how to recognize a “shiny object” before it derails your financial plan. 

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

✨ Beware of “shiny objects” in investing —many look better than they are

 📈 Guaranteed high returns usually involve higher risk

😬 FOMO is natural, but don’t let hot tips or hype derail your personal financial plan

🧭 Focus on your unique goals and peace of mind, not just chasing high returns

🏆 Be skeptical of advisor awards—many are more about marketing than merit

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

The longer you work, the better you retire...right? Well, what if that logic actually backfires after age 55?

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

We’ve all been told there’s no such thing as a bad question, but in retirement planning, how you ask the question can completely change the answer you get. Taylor breaks down why better-framed questions lead to clearer guidance, smarter strategies, and a plan that fits your life. Tune in to find out which questions could reshape your entire retirement outlook. 

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

❓ Smarter Retirement Questions: how the quality of your questions shapes your plan

🔄 Reframing “How Much?”: why savings targets only tell part of the story

🎯 Returns vs. Lifestyle: focusing on the life you want- not just the numbers

💼 Value in Good Advice: what real financial guidance should deliver

🧾 Retirement Tax Strategy: planning around the IRS before it’s too late

🏠 Mortgage Decision Making: when paying it off does or doesn’t make sense

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

Today, Taylor shares strategies that traditional planning overlooks, especially in the final 10, 5, and 1 years before retirement.

LTC Calculator: https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

What signs reveal an advisor isn’t truly planning for your best interest? Most people only ever work with one financial advisor, which makes it easy to miss warning signs that the fit isn’t right. Taylor breaks down the subtle but important red flags that often get overlooked, especially when you don’t know what “normal” should look like. And some of these red flags are so common you may not realize they’re red flags at all.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

📜 The “Long Resume” Problem: why a scattered work history can be misleading

📦 One-Size-Fits-All Advice: when every client gets the same solution

📝 Weak Information Gathering: advisors who don’t listen or ask the right questions

🔥 Over-Promising Results: big claims that signal trouble

💸 Missing Tax Strategy: ignoring taxes and costing you real money

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

Most people think crossing $2.5 million in retirement savings means their financial worries are over. But substantial wealth doesn't eliminate problems- it transforms them into new challenges.

Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e

Resources:

Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here

Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement

Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate. It is your responsibility to verify all information yourself. This content is prepared for entertainment purposes only. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with. Demars Financial Group, LLC or its members cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of this content. Advisory services offered through Demars Financial Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Demars Financial Group is not affiliated with LPL Financial.