Money Matters with Ken Moraif

Will your savings reliably support you through your retirement years?

In this episode of the Retirement Planners of America podcast, Ken Moraif and co-host Jeremy Thornton walk through their Retirement Cash Flow Plan framework — a practical way to think about income, withdrawals, taxes, inflation, and bear markets when you’re in (or approaching) retirement.

Using a real-world style example, they discuss:

Separating pre-tax and after-tax accounts for smarter withdrawal decisions

How Social Security fits into an overall income strategy

Stress-testing your plan with higher taxes, higher inflation, and modest returns

Why protecting against major market downturns matters so much once paychecks stop

How to think about “SCWPer” years (your second childhood without parental supervision)

This conversation is designed for people age 50+ who want clarity, structure, and a more disciplined approach to retirement income.

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RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The “Invest and Protect Strategy” (the “Strategy”) refers to a strategy that Retirement Planners of America fundamentally employs for its clients. Retirement Planners of America previously employed a similar strategy that it referred to as the “buy, hold, and sell” strategy or “buy hold, and protect” strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Therefore, current or prospective clients should not assume that the future performance of the Strategy, any specific investment, or any other investment strategy that Retirement Planners of America recommends will be profitable or equal to past performance levels. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. References to recommendations made under the Strategy that predate 2011; and statements such as and similar to: “we told our clients to be out of the market in 2007 and 2008,” “we told our clients to get back into the market in 2009,” and “clients that followed our advice were out of the market in 2008;” refer to strategies collectively employed and recommendations collectively made by Retirement Planners of America’s principals while employed at Eagle Strategies, LLC., and also at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Three of the five principals remain as principals today, including the Retirement Planners of America’s founder, Ken Moraif. Retirement Planners of America has been employing the Strategy since its inception in 2011. Therefore, any references to Retirement Planners of America’s performance or its investment advisory recommendations predating 2011 generally refer to recommendations made by Retirement Planners of America’s principals at the respective other firms described above.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can impact taxes, Medicare premiums, and cash-flow in retirement. In this episode, Ken Moraif and Jeremy Thornton explain when RMDs start (age rules), how the penalties work, and practical ways retirees plan ahead—like tax-bracket management, Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), spousal planning, and timing tactics that help you stay organized and invested.

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Inflation eats into purchasing power—especially once pay raises stop. In this episode, Ken and Jeremy cover practical, level-headed ways retirees can plan for inflation without hype: from choosing where to keep cash, to timing Social Security, budgeting with intention, and setting the right mix of stocks versus safer assets.

We keep it simple, educational, and actionable so you can feel more confident about your retirement plan. If you’d like a personalized review or a second opinion, connect with our team at Retirement Planners of America.

If this helped, please Like, Subscribe, and Share with a friend who’s planning to retire.

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Retirement has a “red zone”: the 5 years before and the 5 years after you retire. Decisions in this window can shape the rest of your financial life. In this episode, Ken Moraif and CIO Jordan Roach discuss why this decade matters, how major market drawdowns have impacted real families, and practical ways to think about risk, withdrawals, and planning so your savings can support your goals for the long run.

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The “Invest and Protect Strategy” (the “Strategy”) refers to a strategy that Retirement Planners of America fundamentally employs for its clients. Retirement Planners of America previously employed a similar strategy that it referred to as the “buy, hold, and sell” strategy or “buy hold, and protect” strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Therefore, current or prospective clients should not assume that the future performance of the Strategy, any specific investment, or any other investment strategy that Retirement Planners of America recommends will be profitable or equal to past performance levels. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. References to recommendations made under the Strategy that predate 2011; and statements such as and similar to: “we told our clients to be out of the market in 2007 and 2008,” “we told our clients to get back into the market in 2009,” and “clients that followed our advice were out of the market in 2008;” refer to strategies collectively employed and recommendations collectively made by Retirement Planners of America’s principals while employed at Eagle Strategies, LLC., and also at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Three of the five principals remain as principals today, including the Retirement Planners of America’s founder, Ken Moraif. Retirement Planners of America has been employing the Strategy since its inception in 2011. Therefore, any references to Retirement Planners of America’s performance or its investment advisory recommendations predating 2011 generally refer to recommendations made by Retirement Planners of America’s principals at the respective other firms described above. Like all investment strategies, the Strategy is not guaranteed. It is possible that it can incorrectly predict a bear market (generally accepted as a 20% drop in a market index), which has, in-fact, happened before at Retirement Planners of America and affected its clients accordingly. When the sell / “protect” portion of the Strategy is implemented, affected investors will incur transaction costs and taxable accounts will incur tax consequences. However, when implementing that portion of the Strategy, Retirement Planners of America believes that the benefit of avoiding bear markets outweighs the burden of these transaction costs and tax consequences.

Many families are surprised to learn that while life insurance proceeds are generally income-tax free, they can still be included in your taxable estate if ownership and premium rules aren’t handled correctly. In this episode, Ken and Jeremy break down when a policy may be pulled into your estate and how a properly structured Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can help. We also cover the three IRS “ownership/incidents/premiums” tests, the “three-year rule,” and why Crummey notices matter.

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Protecting an inheritance for children and grandkids can be done thoughtfully and within the law. In this episode, we unpack how dynasty (aka generation-skipping) trusts are structured, what they can and cannot do, and why some families use them to help insulate assets from lawsuits, divorce, bankruptcy, and potential estate taxes—subject to state rules and careful drafting. This discussion is educational, not legal advice. Please consult a qualified estate-planning attorney about your situation.

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Thinking about how to pass your home to family the right way? In this episode, Ken and Jeremy walk through the Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT)—what it is, when it’s considered, key trade-offs, and common pitfalls to avoid. You’ll learn high-level concepts like present-value discounting, trust timelines, living arrangements, and why professional advice is essential.
What we cover:
• What a QPRT is (at a high level)
• Why some families explore a QPRT for a primary residence
• The trade-offs (control, timelines, and irrevocability)
• “What if I outlive the trust term?” considerations
• Selling and moving (e.g., replacing the residence within the trust)
• Why you must speak with an experienced estate attorney and tax professional
Important: This video is educational and not legal, tax, or financial advice. Trusts and tax rules are complex and change over time. Outcomes vary based on your situation. Please consult a qualified professional before making decisions.

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Thinking about excluding an heir from your estate? This video gives you a clear, education-focused guide to what’s involved, what commonly goes wrong, and legal tools that may help (like living trusts).
What you’ll see in the video:
• Why disinheritance is almost always emotional, not just financial
• Risks to your plan if you don’t set up documents carefully
• How a living trust can help avoid surprises or challenges
• The importance of honesty and communication with your family

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

✍️ Estate planning may not be the most glamorous topic—but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your legacy. Without a plan, you risk letting the government decide what happens to your wealth, or worse, creating family conflicts that last for generations.

In this episode of the Retirement Planners of America Podcast, Ken Moraif and Jeremy Thornton break down:
✅ The basics of wills and why every retiree should have one
✅ What happens if you die intestate (without a will)
✅ How A/B trusts and dynasty trusts protect your heirs and minimize estate taxes
✅ When to consider a living trust—and how it helps avoid costly probate
✅ Power of Attorney documents you should have to protect yourself while alive
✅ Common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them

Estate planning is more than a legal exercise—it’s an act of love that can save your family money, time, and heartache.

👉 Subscribe for more retirement insights and planning strategies

RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

If you’re not careful, the way you take money out of your retirement accounts could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes. The good news? With the right strategy, you can keep more of your hard-earned savings.

In this episode, Ken Moraif (Founder & CEO of Retirement Planners of America) and CIO Jordan Roach cover:
✅ The biggest withdrawal mistakes retirees make
✅ How tax treatment differs across IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and brokerage accounts
✅ Why sequencing your withdrawals can make (or break) your tax bill
✅ How withdrawals impact Social Security and Medicare costs
✅ Tips to maximize after-tax retirement income and avoid “stealth taxes”

Every dollar you save in taxes is another dollar you can spend on travel, family, or simply enjoying your second childhood without parental supervision.

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RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America ) (“Retirement Planners of America”, “RPOA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with a primary business location in Plano, Texas. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that Retirement Planners of America has attained a certain level of skill, training, or ability. The “Invest and Protect Strategy” (the “Strategy”) refers to a strategy that Retirement Planners of America fundamentally employs for its clients. Retirement Planners of America previously employed a similar strategy that it referred to as the “buy, hold, and sell” strategy or “buy hold, and protect” strategy. 
These videos are presented for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, or tax advice. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Retirement Planners of America as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Please make sure you fully understand the risks involved before trading cryptocurrencies.
Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss of principal.
Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Past performance discussed in these videos is no guarantee of future results. Indicators such as the yield curve, building permits, investor sentiment, and credit conditions discussed herein are used for illustrative purposes only and are not reliable predictors of market performance or economic conditions.