You can do everything right, save consistently, invest wisely, build a retirement plan, and still be one accident away from financial devastation. 

Why? Because many of us unknowingly overlook one critical piece of protection: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).

In this episode of The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, sits down with Mike Kane, a Personal Injury Attorney and Former U.S. Marine, to break down how this often-skipped coverage works, who it helps protect, and why so many people, even financially savvy ones, miss it.

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About Our Guest: 

Mike Kane is a Colorado personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents, truck accidents, and catastrophic personal injury litigation. He also represents victims of sexual assault against institutions and individuals.

Mr. Kane has spent his entire career helping the vulnerable fight back against the powerful. A third-generation lawyer and Colorado native, he is a former US Marine who served a tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving the military, he returned home and served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Arapahoe and Douglas County DA’s Offices. He then entered civil practice and has focused exclusively on the representation of injured plaintiffs.

A sweeping new financial law dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is changing the rules for retirees and those nearing retirement. 

From tax deductions on Social Security to estate planning thresholds, Roth account changes, healthcare cost shifts, and updates to 529 plans, the legislation is reshaping the financial landscape.

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, breaks down the details and explores how these changes may impact your retirement strategy. You’ll learn what’s staying the same, what’s phasing out and when, and how to plan smarter during this transition period.

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When markets drop, most people freeze or flee. But what if the smartest move isn’t to retreat, but to go on offense?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®,  unpacks why volatile markets can be a gift to strategic investors who know how to capitalize on short-term fear for long-term gain.

Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®,  walks listeners through how understanding market patterns, managing risk, and applying proactive investment tactics can turn turbulence into opportunity. Whether you’re accumulating wealth or distributing it in retirement, this episode explains why downturns don’t need to derail your plan—in fact, they might be just what your portfolio needs.

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What are the clear signs it’s time to stop DIYing your retirement planning? 

Here are the five indicators that call for professional guidance.

Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the complexities of retirement planning. With his wealth of experience, he explores when it’s best to transition from self-management to professional advice. 

This episode offers universal insights for anyone considering a DIY approach to retirement planning.

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What do tariffs mean for your retirement savings and investments? Is it still okay to retire right now?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, tackles the often-overlooked world of tariffs and their unexpected impact on your financial future. Whether you’re decades away from retirement or just around the corner, understanding these global financial levers can be crucial.

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How can artificial intelligence threaten your retirement savings? 

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, welcomes former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza, an expert in cybercrime and fraud prevention, to discuss how AI-driven scams could affect your financial security. 

Jeff shares eye-opening insights on various AI-driven scams, including phishing emails, romance scams, and the rise of deep fakes. They discuss how these scams exploit seniors and take advantage of technological naivety. 

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About  Jeff Lanza: 

Jeff Lanza has been described as the “# 1 FBI Agent Keynote Speaker” and “A Phenomenal Presenter.” He was an FBI agent for over 20 years and is a cybersecurity and identity theft expert. Jeff has provided hundreds of presentations to financial advisors and their clients on cyber security and identity theft prevention. They have been a great hit with clients! His presentation on body language is similarly a hit with financial advisors and others.

Jeff was an FBI Special Agent for over 20 years. He investigated cybercrime, fraud, organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism. He appears regularly on CNBC’s Closing Bell and Power Lunch, the Fox News Channel, and has appeared on Larry King Live, the Today Show, and Good Morning America. He has lectured at Princeton University and at Harvard University. He is a published author of two critically acclaimed books and he consulted for Oscar-winning movie director Ang Lee. Jeff has presented around the globe and in 49 U.S. States.

How does your savings strategy impact your financial future, particularly with tax season looming and new contribution limits set for 2025?

Jim KruzanCFP®, CRPC® and guest Dylan Stewart, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Public Accountant, unravel the concept of tax-efficient waterfall funding—an approach crafted to maximize your savings efficiency while minimizing tax burdens. Together, they provide insights into how this process not only benefits savers but also retirees by reversing strategies to efficiently tap into accumulated funds.

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About our Guest: 

Dylan Stewart, CFP®, CPA, serves as a Wealth Advisor at Kaydan Wealth Management, offering comprehensive wealth management and guiding clients through the Evolutionary Wealth Process. As a member of the Investment Policy Committee and collaborator with Senior Wealth Advisors, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining client financial strategies.

Starting the year with financial resolutions is common, but making them stick is the real challenge. 

How can you ensure your goals turn into lasting habits?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explores strategies to set realistic financial resolutions and sustain them. He provides actionable insights on how to turn resolutions into habits, prioritize effectively, and build accountability systems for long-term success.

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It’s time to reflect on the invaluable insights from the very best episodes throughout the year, featuring top experts who simplify financial complexities and share actionable strategies.

Join Jim Kruzan as he delves into unforgettable conversations and key takeaways from guests like Becky Eisen on aging with dignity, Dr. Jacqueline B. James on life well-lived beyond retirement, and cybersecurity expert Jeff Lanza on safeguarding your assets in the digital age.

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How have markets historically reacted to a change in U.S. presidency, and what can you do to safeguard your future investments?  

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, understanding the market dynamics and economic policies becomes critical—let’s delve into what this means for your financial strategy.

As markets show mixed reactions to the news of Trump’s re-election, it’s crucial to explore what these changes mean for both your investments and the economy at large. Throughout this episode, we delve into historical patterns, current market trends, and outline key strategies to help you prepare for potential shifts. 

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