The Retirement Show: Your Life, Your Money with Scott Sierens

In today's show, we're going to share some crucial changes and strategies that will help you navigate your financial landscape in 2024. Scott will break down the latest adjustments you need to be aware of, from increased standard deductions to updates in Social Security and Medicare. We'll also share some strategic tips and tactics to position your tax and retirement plans for success in the coming year.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:52 – What's new in 2024?

12:01 – Is your money in the right bucket?

16:30 - Starting HSA contributions

17:34 – Reviewing your investments

19:45 - Considering QCDs

20:35 - Reevaluating tax withholdings

22:32 - Automation

24:31 - Get a plan in place

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

We're sharing this month's mailbag episode a bit early, but we have 3 great listener questions lined up for today's show! Miyuki asks if Scott can explain more about tax harvesting and how to take advantage of a stock loss. Lauren asks about the tax consequences of withdrawing from the Roth side of her 401(k) after 2023. Click play to see what you can learn!

Here are the questions we discuss in this episode:

• Can you explain more about tax harvesting? I sold two individual stocks last month. Both are a loss, but I don't know how I can take advantage of this loss.
• I was just laid off. I am past full retirement age and the Roth side of my 401k hits 5 years on the 1st of 2024. Can I withdrawal from the Roth 401K side without tax consequences after 2023?
• The 401k plan has pre-tax and post-tax (Roth). Is withholding required on post-tax Roth 401k money?

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

From 24/7 TV channels dedicated to economic news to artificial intelligence, have the advancements in technology made you a financial guru or just more confused? Today, we'll explore how technology is reshaping financial planning, for better and for worse.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Google is a powerful tool for immediate information, but it's important to use it with caution
• Online financial calculators are handy when used properly, but what if your inputs are wrong?
• Understanding the biases and goals of the media you're consuming is important
• Preparing your retirement portfolio for longer lifespans as technology continues to advance

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

In a world where technology has placed instant gratification at our fingertips, it can be hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we'll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards…

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Passing up a 401K match
• Saving only in tax-deferred accounts
• Claiming Social Security at age 62
• Skipping out on regular health check-ups and preventative care

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

It's the last week of the month, so you know what that means! We're back with a new mailbag episode. We've got some great listener questions lined up for you today, so stick around to see what responses and strategies might apply to your situation and help improve your financial picture.

Here are the questions we answer in this episode:

• I retired last month and started my state pension and Social Security. I'd like to do some part-time work, but I've heard that this can mess up my Social Security. Should I avoid getting a job?
• I just started a new job, and my base salary is low enough that it would be hard to contribute to a 401k and still pay my bills. Is it okay to just use my commissions for retirement savings?
• My company makes contributions to my 401k, but they'll only do it in the form of company stock. I've just been selling it immediately and then investing in something else. Any reason I shouldn't be doing that?

Check out episode 124 here!

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

Are we on the brink of a retirement renaissance or stormy seas ahead? In this episode, we jump into the pressing issues of Social Security, taxes, and the stock market. Whether you're an eternal optimist or cautious pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding question, "is the glass half full or half empty."

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The future stability of the Social Security system + what this means for you
• Navigating tax code changes and implementing strategic tax planning
• Recognizing short-term volatility as normal, focusing on long-term positive trends, and developing an emotion-free investment strategy

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. In this episode, we unearth and tackle these essential questions about retirement.

Listen in as Scott sheds light on the potential coverage gaps and costs that might catch retirees off guard when it comes to Medicare. He also explores the impact of where you choose to live in retirement, delving into state taxes, cost of living, and other financial considerations, and talks about planning for the care of elderly parents.

Stick around to make sure that these 3 overlooked planning topics aren't costing you time, energy and money in your golden years!

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The medical coverage you might need over and above Medicare
• Where you choose to live during retirement can significantly impact your financial situation- considering state taxes, cost of living, and other regional factors
• What considerations should be made when planning for the time and financial commitments of caring for elderly parents during retirement?

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. This episode is filled with straightforward changes that you can put into action now to generate positive effects on your financial life.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Building up your rainy-day fund + Keeping the right amount of cash
• Ensuring your beneficiary designations are up-to-date and accurate
• The benefits of automating your savings for retirement
• Consolidating old 401k accounts when you change jobs
• Reviewing and updating your life insurance policies

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree? Dive deep in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent across the board.

Here are the universal truths we discuss in this episode:

• Everyone needs an income plan
• No one can consistently time the stock market successfully
• Estate planning is not just for the wealthy- it's for everyone!

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ

We're back for our third and final week of answering listener questions about year-end tax planning. These episodes are a unique opportunity for you to gain insights from real-world scenarios and inquiries shared by our listeners. In this installment, we're delving into the crucial concept of tax diversification, exploring methods to optimize your tax deductions for charitable contributions, and more.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

• I'm 56 years old and plan to retire at 70. My wife and I have almost all our money in our 401ks- should we start saving somewhere else because of RMDs?
• I'm retiring toward the end of the year and have about 16 weeks of PTO I can use. I'm told that I can take this all in my final paycheck or continue being paid on my normal schedule every two weeks for a few months after I retire. Does it matter which way I do it?
• My husband and I give around $10,000 / year to different charitable organizations. Our tax preparer said we are no longer able to deduct these donations. Is that true? Is there any way to get a deduction again on our taxes?

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ