Market downturns are inevitable, but panic doesn’t have to be. Today, Scott and Shawn talk about how to face the unexpected with preparation instead of fear. They unpack the idea of “Black Swan” events- rare shocks like the 2008 financial crisis or COVID- that no one sees coming but everyone feels. More importantly, they explain why the real danger isn’t the event itself, but how we react to it. You’ll hear how emotions can lead us off track, and the practical ways to stay grounded: building a bucket strategy for your money, diversifying wisely, and even turning downturns into opportunities through rebalancing or Roth conversions.

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

🦢 What “Black Swan” events are and why they matter

📉 Why emotions can magnify losses

🪣 The bucket strategy: safety, income, and growth

🌍 Diversification across assets, sectors, and geography

💡 Opportunities hidden inside downturns

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

Is working with a financial advisor really worth it? For many do-it-yourself investors, the idea of paying for advice can feel unnecessary until retirement approaches and the stakes get higher. In this episode, Scott and Shawn dive into the real value that an advisor can bring, drawing on industry research like Vanguard’s “Advisor Alpha” study and their own years of experience.

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

📈 The Vanguard study proving advisor value

🧠 How behavioral coaching prevents costly mistakes

💸 Smart tax moves like Roth conversions

🩺 Planning ahead for healthcare and long-term care

⏳ Saving time and reducing retirement stress

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

When it comes to retirement planning, too many people think of their money as one big pile. That mindset creates stress, confusion, and unnecessary risk, especially when market volatility hits. In this episode, Chris and Shawn explain why the “three-bucket approach” offers clarity, security, and confidence for retirees and pre-retirees.

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

🪣 The three-bucket approach explained

🧠 Psychology matters: clarity reduces fear during volatility

📊 Where Roth conversions & legacy planning fit into the bucket strategy

💵 Ensuring consistent cash flow in retirement

📉 How to handle market downturns

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

When markets swing wildly, many retirees are left wondering: Is my portfolio built for this? In this week’s show, Chris and Shawn break down the four essential questions retirees should be asking about their investment allocation. With humor (and plenty of coffee), they unpack why a long-held investment strategy might need adjusting as you age. When you're no longer saving, but withdrawing, the game changes, and your strategy should too.

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

📊 Should your investment mix change with age?

🧠 Managing emotion in volatile markets

🛡️ Buffer funds: Limiting losses without losing sleep

💸 How market dips create smart tax opportunities

🔢 The “three numbers” that could change your whole retirement plan

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

For many nearing retirement, understanding RMDs is crucial for effective financial planning. But what exactly are RMDs, and why are they so important? RMDs might sound like just another tax rule, but mismanaging them could cost you thousands in penalties, unnecessary taxes, or missed planning opportunities. 

On this week’s show, Chris and Shawn break down the ABCs of RMDs. You’ll learn when RMDs start, how they’re calculated, what happens if you delay, and why you can’t combine your spouse’s with your own, even if you file taxes jointly. 

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

📆 When RMDs start and why timing matters

💸 What happens if you forget to take one

📊 How to reinvest, redirect, or donate your RMDs

🏦 Rules for IRAs vs. 401(k)s (yes, they’re different!)

❤️ How QCDs can reduce taxes and support your favorite charities

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

Retiring without a pension? You’re not alone, and you’re not without options. In this week’s show, Scott and Shawn break down how to build reliable, sustainable income in retirement when pensions aren’t part of the equation. 

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

📉 Why retiring without a pension is the new norm — and what to do about it

📊 The three income buckets every retiree needs to consider

📆 Social Security timing strategies and how they impact your plan

🧾 How to minimize taxes through smart withdrawal sequencing

🔥 What inflation means for your retirement income over 30+ years

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

Market volatility can rattle even the most seasoned investors, but what if it didn’t have to? This week’s show is all about the concerns investors are having right now due to uncertainty in the market. Scott and Shawn tackle one of the biggest questions in retirement planning: how to stay calm, confident, and strategic when the market is anything but.

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

📉 Bull vs. bear markets—and why definitions matter

🧠 How behavioral finance explains panic-selling

⏳ The cost of missing the market’s best days

⚖️ Risk analysis and rebalancing during market dips

💡 Using volatility to your advantage with tools like Roth conversions

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

In a world where financial literacy is becoming increasingly essential, the message is clear: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. This week’s show will serve as a reminder that you can have help preparing for the next chapter of life, and for many people, it makes all the difference. With retirement becoming more complex due to rising taxes, inflation, healthcare costs, and the decline of pensions, individuals are now responsible for more financial decisions than ever before. 

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

📊 You’re either owning or loaning your money—learn the difference

🧠 Most people are “part-time” investors facing full-time retirement challenges

📈 Stocks and bonds have different roles in a well-built plan

🧭 A solid financial plan covers income, taxes, healthcare, risk, and legacy

🙌 You don’t have to do it all alone—guidance makes a difference

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

Taxes are one of the biggest financial burdens, but with the right strategies, you can keep more of your hard-earned money. In this week’s show, Chris and Scott dive into the dreaded topic but they’ll provide a comprehensive look at our approach to planning, including tax-free investment options, Roth conversions, and tax-efficient retirement withdrawals.

Here are some of the key topics we discuss:

💰 Roth IRAs & Roth 401(k)s – The tax-free growth strategy that could change your retirement.

📈 Tax-Efficient Retirement Withdrawals – Why the order you withdraw from your accounts matters.

🏛 Municipal Bonds & Tax-Free Investments 

🔁 Roth Conversions – Should you convert your traditional IRA?

🎯 Legacy & Inheritance Planning – The tax advantages of passing wealth to your heirs.

Taxes don’t have to eat away at your retirement savings. Learn more about maximizing your tax efficiency and take another step towards a stronger financial future.

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.

This week, we’re talking all about the intricacies of Roth accounts and conversions to help anyone looking for ways to optimize their retirement savings. Understanding the difference between traditional and Roth IRAs is crucial for effective tax planning and long-term financial security. 

We’ll discuss the powerful benefits of Roth conversions, the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, and the implications for your financial future. Whether you're considering a Roth conversion or simply want to understand how to maximize your retirement savings, this show provides valuable insights and actionable steps.

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

• Should you convert a part of your traditional IRA or 401k into a Roth?
• All the differences between a Roth and the traditional post-tax accounts.
• How can a Roth conversion benefit clients and what should you consider first?
• Two ways to treat the taxes associated with Roth conversions.
• The five-year rule for Roths. 

WAYS TO CONNECT:

Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg

Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team.

If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can also reach the team by phone at (916) 458-8199.