TaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®

What can a galaxy far, far away teach us about retirement planning? More than you might think! Taylor brings his love of Star Wars into the financial world, exploring how familiar lessons from Jedi Masters, the Force, and even the Death Star apply to preparing for retirement. From following through on financial goals to identifying potential weaknesses in your strategy, this episode offers a fun perspective on building a stronger plan. 

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

🌌 Trust the Plan: Let strategy guide financial decisions

⚔️ Take Action: Good intentions require consistent follow-through

😟 Face Your Fears: Prepare for financial uncertainties ahead

💥 Find Weaknesses: Identify vulnerabilities before they become problems

🧙 Seek Guidance: Learn from experienced financial mentors

🚀 Stay Patient: Retirement success takes time and preparation

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice, or other advice and may be outdated or inaccurate.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.

Work with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46298

Get The $10,000 Sample Plan Here: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/sample-plan?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46252

Why does retirement planning change after you reach $3 million in savings? In this video, Taylor explains how a larger retirement portfolio can shift the focus from simply accumulating more money to making better decisions about income, taxes, risk, spending, and wealth preservation.

Retiring with $3 million can provide significant flexibility, but it does not eliminate the need for a plan. Your retirement age, lifestyle, withdrawal rate, investment returns, inflation, healthcare expenses, and desired legacy all influence how much income your portfolio may support.

He breaks down why retirement income planning becomes increasingly important at this level of wealth. Creating sustainable income involves deciding how much to withdraw, which accounts to draw from, and how to coordinate your portfolio with Social Security, pensions, and other income sources.

Tax planning can also become more complex. Withdrawals from 401(k)s and traditional IRAs may create taxable income, while Roth accounts and taxable investments are treated differently. The order and timing of withdrawals can affect your tax bill, Medicare premiums, and future required minimum distributions.

We also look at investment risk and why protecting a $3 million retirement portfolio is not the same as avoiding risk completely. The goal is to maintain enough growth to support a long retirement while reducing the chance that a market downturn disrupts your lifestyle.

If you are approaching retirement with $3 million or more, this episode will help you understand why the planning conversation changes and which financial decisions may deserve more attention.

0:00 The Hidden Risks of a $3 Million Nest Egg
1:25 The Tax Domino Effect Explained
3:44 Avoiding the Tax Tail Wagging the Dog
7:50 The Cause and Effect of Retirement Spending
13:28 Finding the Right Balance for Your Cushion

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Almost everyone has an IKEA story, whether it's getting lost in the showroom, leaving with way more than you planned, or spending a Saturday afternoon arguing over an Allen wrench. It turns out the whole experience, from the parking lot to the living room, has a lot in common with financial planning.

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

🗺️ Follow the Right Planning Sequence — Start with lifestyle and goals first

💰 Watch How Costs Can Stack — Income decisions can trigger tax consequences

🔍 Understand the Hidden Incentives — Know how financial professionals get paid

🛠️ Beware the DIY Attachment — Your homemade plan may need adjustments

🤝 Get on the Same Page — Planning can help couples find common ground

🧠 Know When You Need Help — DIY planning requires time, temperament, and talent

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Work with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46291

Get The $10,000 Sample Plan Here: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/sample-plan?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46252

If Taylor were starting retirement planning in 2026, this is the process he would follow. In this video, he walks through the key steps for building a retirement plan, from estimating future expenses to creating an investment and income strategy that can adapt over time.

Planning for retirement is about more than reaching a specific savings goal. Your retirement age, lifestyle, spending needs, taxes, Social Security benefits, healthcare costs, investment risk, and account structure all affect how much you may need and how long your money could last.

He explains how to evaluate where you are today, identify potential gaps in your retirement savings, and determine what needs to change. That may include adjusting your savings rate, reviewing your investment allocation, organizing your retirement accounts, or developing a clearer plan for turning your portfolio into income.

A strong retirement plan should also consider how withdrawals from 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, and taxable investments could affect your tax situation. Coordinating those withdrawals with Social Security and other income sources may give you more flexibility throughout retirement.

Whether you are beginning retirement planning in your 40s, preparing for retirement in your 50s, or getting closer to leaving work, this video provides a practical framework for making better financial decisions in 2026 and beyond.

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Real estate can sound like an attractive way to generate retirement income, but is owning a rental property really worth it? In this episode, Taylor breaks down the differences between buying investment property and investing through a REIT, along with the pros, cons, costs, and risks that can come with each. He also explains why it’s important to look beyond the potential income and make sure any real estate investment actually fits into your broader retirement plan.

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

🏠 Rental Property — Understand the real responsibilities involved
📈 REIT Basics — Know how they differ from ownership
🚽 Three T’s — Toilets, taxes, and tenants matter
💸 Hidden Costs — Account for expenses and your time
⚖️ Risk vs. Return — Make sure the tradeoff makes sense

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Work with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46284

Get The $10,000 Sample Plan: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/sample-plan?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46251

What could it actually look like to retire at 55 with $3 million saved? In this retirement case study, Taylor breaks down the key numbers, risks, and planning decisions that can determine whether an early retirement plan is sustainable. If you’re asking, “Can I retire at 55?” or “Is $3 million enough to retire?”, this video will help you understand what should be considered before leaving work.

Retiring with $3 million may sound straightforward, but the size of your portfolio is only one part of the equation. A successful $3 million retirement also depends on your spending, investment returns, inflation, taxes, healthcare costs, and the number of years your money may need to support you.

Taylor walks through retirement planning at 55 and explains why early retirement planning must extend beyond the first few years. We look at how to create a flexible retirement income plan, manage market downturns, and build a retirement withdrawal strategy that can adapt as your expenses and circumstances change.

We'll also discuss how the 4% rule may apply when retiring early with $3 million, along with the limitations of relying on a single withdrawal percentage. This high-net-worth retirement example shows how cash flow, portfolio structure, and withdrawal timing can work together to support long-term spending.

Taxes can have a major effect on how long a retirement portfolio lasts. Taylor examines early retirement taxes, the potential value of strategic withdrawals, and how the accounts you draw from can affect your future tax situation. We also consider health insurance before Medicare, since retiring at 55 could mean covering approximately a decade of healthcare expenses before Medicare eligibility.

Finally, he explains how Social Security retirement planning may fit into the broader income strategy later in life. The goal is not simply to determine whether $3 million is enough to retire, but to understand how that money could be structured to provide sustainable income throughout retirement.

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Talking about money can be hard for some people, and sometimes it just takes the right question to get things rolling. In this episode, we share some conversation starters that can help you think beyond the numbers and focus on what you want retirement to look like. From how you’d spend your time if money were no object to the goals you’d regret putting off, these questions can reveal a lot about what your retirement plan should be built to support.

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

💭 Define Success — Picture your ideal retirement life
⏳ Value Your Time — Identify what matters most now
🧳 Prioritize Goals — Plan experiences for the right years
🪄 Solve Problems — Clarify what you want to avoid
🗣️ Open Up — Build a plan around real priorities

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Work with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46277

Download A Sample of Our $10,000 Retirement Plan: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/sample-plan?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46250

Retirement can change a relationship in ways most couples never expect. In this video, Taylor shares five important lessons about retirement planning for couples and the things every couple should discuss before retirement. Preparing for retirement involves more than building a portfolio. It also means preparing for changes in your routines, roles, spending, identity, and relationship.

One of the biggest surprises is the marriage friction that can develop when one spouse becomes the financial “pilot” and the other becomes the “passenger.” Many couples also enter retirement with a saver-versus-spender dynamic that can make everyday financial decisions feel much more significant.

We’ll explore how couples can build a retirement routine they both enjoy, navigate different approaches to saving and spending, adjust to the loss of career identity, and give themselves permission to spend after decades of saving. We’ll also discuss how unspoken expectations can lead to disagreements and why both partners should feel confident managing important financial decisions independently.

Taylor introduces the Retirement Tuesday Test, a simple exercise that helps you look beyond vacations and imagine what an ordinary week in retirement will actually feel like. We’ll also discuss the retirement honeymoon phase, the difference between retirement needs, wants, and wishes, and why every couple should have a surviving spouse retirement plan.

These retirement blind spots are often overlooked because most retirement planning focuses on investments, taxes, and income projections. However, successful retirement planning for couples should also include honest conversations about time, purpose, independence, spending, expectations, and connection.

The first year of retirement can bring major adjustments, but strong communication can make those changes easier to navigate. If you’re approaching retirement with your spouse or partner, these five retirement lessons can help you start the right conversations now and build a retirement that works for both of you.

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Retirement planning in 2026 looks very different from what prior generations experienced, and some of the biggest shifts have little to do with investment returns. In this episode, Taylor gives you 5 realities you need to be aware of in 2026 to build toward a successful retirement. Retirement isn't the same finish line it used to be, and pretending otherwise makes it harder to plan for. The realities change. A good plan should be able to change with them.

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

🏥 Healthcare Costs: Planning for expenses that can rise faster than general inflation

🥪 Sandwich Generation: Balancing retirement goals with support for parents and adult children

🏠 Family Support: Deciding how much help you can realistically provide for housing, education, or other needs

🤖 AI Planning: Using new technology as a tool without treating it as the final authority

⚠️ Changing Rules: Why retirement strategies need to adjust as laws and costs evolve

🧭 Flexible Planning: Building a retirement strategy that can adapt over decades

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.

Work with Taylor: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/start-here?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46257

Download a sample of our $10,000 retirement plan: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/sample-plan?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Videolink&utm_campaign=46249

The 4% rule is one of the most widely repeated ideas in retirement, but following it blindly could lead to a retirement plan that doesn't fit your actual life. Taylor breaks down what the 4% rule retirement strategy gets right, where the 4 percent rule can fall short, and why your personal retirement withdrawal strategy deserves more thought than simply multiplying your portfolio by 4%.

Effective retirement income planning isn't about finding one magic percentage. Your retirement planning should account for your age, lifestyle, taxes, investments, Social Security, and how your expenses change over time. A flexible retirement spending strategy can look very different from relying on a fixed safe withdrawal rate for decades.

He explains how to think about your retirement withdrawal rate alongside retirement tax planning, especially if you're asking 'how much can I spend in retirement' without unnecessarily restricting your lifestyle. Your approach to retirement portfolio withdrawals may also need to change as markets and your circumstances change.

One major factor is sequence of returns risk. Poor market returns early in retirement can have a very different impact than poor returns later. He also discusses how Social Security retirement income, Roth IRA withdrawals, and an IRA withdrawal strategy can work together instead of treating every account the same.

For those considering a high net worth retirement, the 4% rule can be particularly limiting when your actual spending needs don't move in a straight line. Whether you want to retire with $2 million or retire with $3 million, the goal isn't simply to follow a rule—it's to build a withdrawal plan around the retirement you actually want.

Resources:

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

Phone: (509) 536-9556

Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast

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

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

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.