Most people nearing retirement aren’t thinking about tax legislation; they’re focused on their savings, Social Security timing, or making sure their lifestyle doesn’t outlive their money. But what if a single bill quietly reshapes the rules you’ve been planning around? In this episode, I break down a new piece of legislation that’s generating significant political buzz but concealing some far-reaching implications for retirees and pre-retirees alike. If you’ve heard soundbites about “the biggest tax cut in history,” you might assume you’re in for a windfall. The truth? It’s a lot more nuanced and more temporary than headlines let on.

I walk you through what’s actually in the bill, what got stripped out (spoiler: Social Security tax relief didn’t make the cut), and how all this might hit people aged 55 to 70. Then, in classic Retirement Made Easy fashion, I pivot to listener questions on how to tap your accounts in the smartest order, why RMD math isn’t as harsh as people think, and whether borrowing against your house in a downturn is ever a good idea. I close with a sobering but motivating list of what can go wrong in retirement planning and how to think more clearly and conservatively about your future.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (00:00) Intro
• (04:19) Key changes in the bill that might affect retirees
• (13:08) Listener Q1: Which retirement accounts to tap first?
• (19:58) Listener Q2: Clearing up RMD confusion
• (23:03) Listener Q3: Is using home equity a good backup plan?
• (27:06) Listener Q4: What could blow up your retirement plan?

Resources & People Mentioned

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• https://www.retirestrongfa.com
• “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill…” https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/05/one-big-beautiful-bill-is-a-once-in-a-generation-chance/
• IRS RMD table https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds

Connect With Gregg Gonzalez

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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