Retire Smarter with Kevin Kroskey, CFP® & Tyler Emrick, CFA® CFP®

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Many parents and grandparents want to help family financially, but gift tax rules are often misunderstood. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the 2026 gift tax rules in plain English, including how much you can give without triggering tax, when gifting appreciated stock makes sense, and how to properly structure family loans using IRS guidelines. We also explain when a gift tax return is required—and why filing one doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll owe tax. If you’re considering gifting money to children or grandchildren, this episode will help you do it the right way. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Gifts over the limit require filing IRS Form 709 🧱 Using appreciated stock instead of cash to potentially lower taxes 📉 Kids in lower tax brackets can sell gifted stock at reduced or zero tax 📝 Family loans are an alternative to large gifts and offer more control 🧠 Gifting strategy should consider estate size, tax brackets, and family dynamics   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/   Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth For decades, the 4% rule has been used as a simple guideline for retirement spending—but it was never meant to be a guarantee. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, will revisit the research behind the 4% rule and explore new findings from its creator, Bill Bengen, suggesting that retirees may be able to spend more under updated assumptions. We explain why sequence-of-returns risk matters more than average returns, how thinking in terms of portfolio “runway” can help manage downturns, and why dynamic withdrawal strategies often lead to better long-term outcomes. If you’re wondering how much you can realistically spend in retirement, this episode will help you think about it the right way. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔄 Retirement spending should be dynamic, not static 🧱 Diversification and flexible withdrawal strategies help weather market downturns 🛫 A “runway” of preservation assets (cash/bonds) buys time during volatility 🔧 Rebalancing and spending flexibility are critical to long-term success 💬 Planning should be annual, adaptive, and personalized—not one-and-done   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/   Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Most investors focus on returns. Smart investors focus on what they keep after taxes. In this episode of Retire Smarter, we break down how two portfolios can earn the same return—and still produce dramatically different tax outcomes. This isn’t about predicting markets or chasing performance. It’s about making structural investment decisions that reduce taxes and improve after-tax results in 2026. We walk through how to use tax-loss carryforwards intentionally, including how they interact with capital gains, Roth conversions, and rebalancing decisions—and why waiting indefinitely to realize gains is often a costly mistake. We also cover asset location strategy, explaining why where you hold investments (taxable, tax-deferred, or Roth) often matters more than the investments themselves. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Why after-tax returns matter more than headline performance 📉 Using tax-loss harvesting and carryforwards effectively 📍 Asset location: what belongs in taxable, IRA, and Roth accounts 🏦 The hidden tax impact of cash and high-yield savings accounts 🩺 How investment income affects Medicare IRMAA and healthcare costs   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/  Schedule your no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth In this episode of Retire Smarter, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks through a practical Retirement Planning Checklist for 2026, focused on the financial moves that matter most in the first few weeks of the year. From front-loading 401(k) and HSA contributions to planning Roth conversions, setting up Qualified Charitable Distributions, and rebalancing after a strong 2025, we break down what to do—and what mistakes to avoid. If you want to start 2026 with confidence—and avoid scrambling at tax time—this checklist is your roadmap. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ✅ January is the ideal time to reassess contributions, withdrawals & tax strategies 🔄 Retirees: map out your 2026 withdrawal strategy early 🔁 Split Roth conversions across the year for flexibility & potential tax efficiency 🎯 Use QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) to lower taxable income after 70½ 💸 Revisit cash positions: are they still yielding competitive returns? 📉 Consider rebalancing or realizing gains early to get ahead of tax strategy   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Over the past month, we released a six-part video series breaking down how ultra-wealthy investors think about taxes, and more importantly, how they legally minimize them. In this episode, we’ve stitched the entire Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS™) Strategy series together to allow you to hear the full framework in one place, and we’re making it our year-end podcast episode. We’ll talk about why traditional tax strategies fall short for high earners, how advanced tax-aware investing actually works, and the investment structures that have historically been reserved for ultra-high-net-worth families but are now becoming accessible to more investors. If you want to see the charts, visuals, and examples that go along with this discussion, you can watch the full six-part video series on YouTubehere: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz7lSTNSHng4fplwiwAD_26ou4CCU_GP-   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Understand how TALS generate real tax alpha 💼 When the strategy is best used and when it’s not 📉 Pairing with trader fund structure = business losses ❌ Why most CPAs and advisors miss this 💬 Real-world examples and implementation tips   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are powerful tools — but most people use them without a clear strategy. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how to think about Roth accounts before retirement, after retirement, and even how they impact your spouse and your legacy. We’ll explore how to decide between pre-tax and Roth contributions while you’re still working, why your tax bracket today may not be your tax bracket in the future, and how early retirees can position assets to maximize ACA healthcare credits Then, in retirement, we dive into one of the biggest planning questions: Should you prioritize Roth conversions or taxable gain harvesting? We explain the differences, how each affects your tax bill, and why IRMAA, NIIT, and future cash-flow needs all play a major role. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔍 Roth 401(k)s ≠ Roth IRAs - No income limits inside employer plans — huge advantage. 📊 Tax Bracket Targeting - Use your future bracket to decide Roth vs. pre-tax. 🏥 Near 65? Watch ACA Rules - Roth savings can preserve subsidies pre-Medicare. 🔄 Conversions After Retirement - Pay taxes strategically when income drops. 👩‍❤️‍👨Protect the Surviving Spouse - Single tax brackets + IRMAA penalties make Roths crucial.   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth  

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Most retirees worry about whether their money will last—but few understand the real variables that determine success. In this episode, we go beyond the usual “spend less, earn more” advice and unpack the math that truly drives a sustainable retirement: the rate of return you actually need, how to stress-test your portfolio against bear markets, and why flexible withdrawals can extend the life of your nest egg. Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks through how a real financial plan uses Monte Carlo simulations, withdrawal sourcing strategies, and tax-smart distribution planning to give you confidence—even in volatile markets. If you want your money to last as long as you do, this episode will give you the framework to make smarter decisions today and a stronger plan for tomorrow. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Do You Know Your Required Return? Most people don’t — yet it determines your entire investment strategy. 📊 Sequence-of-Return Risk - What happens if you retire into a 2008-style crash? 🔍 Monte Carlo Simulations - Not a Formula 1 race — a tool that models thousands of possible retirements. 🧮 Retirement Smile Concept - Why your spending won’t stay the same over 30 years. 💸 Smarter Withdrawals - The order of withdrawals can save thousands in taxes.   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/  Schedule your no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth For many retirees, healthcare costs before Medicare can be one of the biggest financial shocks — often exceeding $25,000 a year. But with the right planning, that same $25,000 can turn into a tax credit instead of an expense. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP® dives into how the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Premium Tax Credits work, what is and what isn't expiring after 2025, and how affluent retirees can still qualify through smart income control. From understanding Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to leveraging Roth accounts and taxable savings, you’ll see how advanced tax planning can make a big difference in bridging the healthcare gap to Medicare. Listen to learn: How the ACA subsidy formula really works The “$1 cliff” that can cost you $17,000 or more Which income sources to use — and avoid — in early retirement How to coordinate investment, tax, and income strategies to seek maximum benefits Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth In this episode of Retire Smarter, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how to gift smarter — whether your goal is to support family or give back to charity. With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reshaping charitable deductions starting in 2026, now is the time to rethink your strategy. Tyler explains why cash may not be the best asset to give, how Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can maximize your tax efficiency, and what to know about new AGI floors and deductions. If you want to make your generosity go further — for your loved ones, your favorite causes, and your long-term financial plan — this episode will help you do just that. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Cash isn’t king – Gifting appreciated assets can save you (and your kids) significant taxes. 🎁 Donor-advised funds – Get the deduction now, give later, and simplify your recordkeeping. 🙌 QCD advantage – Over 70½? Give directly from your IRA and reduce taxable income. 🧮 Annual limits – Gift up to $19,000 per person (or $38,000 per couple) tax-free each year. 👨‍👩‍👧 Family strategy – Thoughtful planning builds multi-generational wealth and avoids tax traps.   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Most don't realize how important structure and strategy impacts an investment's tax efficiency. Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how investment vehicles — from mutual funds to ETFs, Direct Indexing, and Tax-Aware Long/Short (TALS™) strategies — impact your after-tax returns. Learn why mutual funds can surprise you with taxable distributions, how ETFs use in-kind redemptions to avoid them, what SMAs are and how they may help, and how modern innovations like long-short overlays unlock new levels of tax efficiency. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💼 Investment structure matters – How mutual funds, ETFs, and more advanced vehicles impact your tax bill. 📈 ETFs = efficiency – Learn how they avoid unwanted capital gains distributions. 🔄 Tax loss harvesting – The strategy behind realizing losses for long-term tax benefits. 🧮 Direct indexing – Owning individual stocks for customized control and better tax outcomes. ⚙️ Tax-aware long-short investing – The next evolution in creating ongoing, flexible tax advantages. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth It will soon be that time of year again … the fourth quarter. Before you get swept up in the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to take stock. Have you accomplished the financial goals you set for yourself this year? If not, there’s still time to act. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks you through True Wealth Design’s year-end tax and investment review process — our end of the year tax focused meeting to help families stay on track. You’ll hear what we look for in these meetings, the common year-end items you should be reviewing, and the key decisions that can save you money on taxes. We’ll also highlight why it’s just as important to look ahead — from contribution limits and healthcare enrollment to income targets for the coming year — so you’re prepared for 2026 and beyond. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📑 Filing vs. planning – April files the return; December sets the strategy. 💰 Max out contributions – 401(k), HSA, IRA, and catch-up opportunities. 🎁 Charitable giving – Donor-advised funds and bunching strategies can cut your tax bill. 🏥 Healthcare choices – Open enrollment decisions can save thousands. 🧾 Legislative updates – New senior deduction and higher SALT cap change the math in 2025.   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth In today’s episode, we’re tackling the big question: Can you really retire with $1 million?  We’ll look at what the data says about how much people actually have saved How other assets like Social Security and pensions fit in, why your spending patterns matter more than you think Then we will finish up with the key planning opportunities — that can make all the difference. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really have enough to retire?” this episode will help you cut through the noise, understand the numbers, and feel more confident about your retirement readiness.   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth What do ultra-wealthy families prioritize when it comes to their money — and how is that relevant to your own retirement plan? In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the top three concerns that shape how the wealthiest families plan — and why those same issues are just as important for families with $1–$5 million of wealth. You’ll learn: Why inflation, elections, and market volatility are changing how people think about risk How to protect your wealth from threats beyond the stock market — including cybersecurity and inheritance missteps And how to build a plan that supports not just your retirement — but the kind of legacy you want to leave Whether you’re five years from retirement or already in it, this episode will help you think more clearly, act more confidently, and plan like it really matters. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Deferred compensation plans can be a powerful retirement tool — but they’re often misunderstood and carry unique risks. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how these plans work in 2025, from 409A rules to 457(b) and 457(f) plans that are especially common in the healthcare industry. We’ll cover why so many executives and physicians use them, how payout rules can trigger unexpected tax bills, and what happens when your employer is acquired — including timely insights for those in Northeast Ohio as Summa Health transitions from nonprofit to for‑profit under a private equity firm. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Know the fine print – Rules on payout timing are strict and often irreversible. ⚠️ Watch for triggers – Job changes or company buyouts can force unexpected distributions. 📉 Subject to credit risk – If your employer fails, you could lose your deferred comp. 📊 Plan your income – Coordinate payouts with your tax strategy to reduce the hit. 💡 Advanced tools – Strategies like TALS can help offset large taxable events.   Part 1: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/podcasts/part-1-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/   Part 2: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/podcasts/part-2-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/   Part 3: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/podcasts/part-3-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/   Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — the biggest tax overhaul since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — and it could change the way you plan for retirement. From a brand‑new $6,000 senior deduction to new rules for charitable giving and major shifts in healthcare subsidies before Medicare, the law creates both new opportunities and new pitfalls for retirees and pre‑retirees. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, unpacks what the changes really mean for you. We’ll explore how to take advantage of the charitable giving rules before new floors kick in, how to manage Roth conversions to maximize the senior deduction, and what to watch for as ACA subsidies become less generous starting in 2026. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already living it, this episode will help you understand the risks, the opportunities, and how to keep your plan on track under the new law. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Above-the-line charitable deduction coming in 2026 📦 SALT cap expanded = more families itemizing again 📉 New ACA subsidy cliff could cost early retirees $10K+ 🔁 Roth conversions just got trickier, but they’re still powerful Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/  Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Schedule your no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth  Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/  Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is over 800 pages long and packed with tax changes that impact retirees, individuals, and small business owners. From expanded standard deductions and new senior tax breaks to permanent small business deductions and the end of many green energy credits, this bill reshapes key parts of the tax code — at least for the next few years. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down what’s actually in the bill and what it means for your planning. You’ll learn: How the standard deduction and senior deduction are changing (and why it matters for Social Security taxation) The permanent extension of reduced tax rates from the 2017 tax law New above-the-line deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest Changes to SALT deductions and charitable contributions What small business owners need to know about the permanent QBI deduction and phaseouts Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead for your business and family, this episode will help you understand the real implications — without having to read 800 pages of tax law yourself. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Retirees are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals — and the scams are getting more sophisticated. From fake emails and stolen phones to account takeovers and SIM card fraud, even cautious investors can be at risk. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, shares a real story of an attempted security breach involving a True Wealth Design client — and what made the firm catch it before damage was done. You’ll learn the most common cybersecurity threats facing retirees, how to secure your financial accounts, and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed. Plus, we cover smart strategies like using a password manager, enabling two-factor authentication, freezing your credit, and why every retiree should have a Trusted Contact on file. If you’ve worked hard to build a secure retirement, this episode will help you protect it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔐 $3.4 billion lost to scams in 2023—just from retirees 📞 How a client’s phone was hijacked and nearly cost them big 🎣 Phishing, fake tech support, romance scams & more 🔁 Best practices: strong passwords, 2FA, credit freezes, and identity monitoring 🛡️ New safety features: trusted contacts and “safe words” for financial accounts   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Some retirement mistakes are obvious. Others are silent — slowly eroding your plan year after year without setting off alarms. From investing the same old way to ignoring tax planning and claiming Social Security without a strategy, these missteps can cost you more than you think. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks through five of the most common — and avoidable — financial mistakes people make in and near retirement. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your plan, avoid missteps, and make more confident decisions as you approach — and live in — retirement. Whether you're five years from retirement or already in it, this episode will help you spot hidden risks and take smarter action today. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Mistake #1: Investing the same way you always have 💰 Mistake #2: Taking too much risk trying to “catch up” 📊 Mistake #3: Not measuring progress against your plan 🧾 Mistake #4: Ignoring tax planning opportunities 🕰️ Mistake #5: Claiming Social Security without a clear strategy   Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth   Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/   We're now on YouTube! Subscribe so you don't miss a show: https://bit.ly/3SNWIkg 

Warren Buffett announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the company’s 2025 annual meeting — marking the end of one of the most legendary investing careers in history. But his lessons aren’t just for billionaires or portfolio managers. They’re surprisingly relevant for anyone approaching retirement or looking to live more intentionally with their wealth.   In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the timeless wisdom behind Buffett’s philosophy—from staying invested through downturns to making confident decisions when fear is high. We also discuss how a strong financial plan helps you make purposeful choices: knowing when to spend, when to give, and how to align your wealth with the life you want to live—now and in the future.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 What 90% of Buffett’s wealth after 65 teaches us about patience 🧠 "Be greedy when others are fearful" — and how to actually do it 📉 What to do when market fear clouds good decision-making 🌱 Giving while living — and planning to do it with confidence 🔧 Why your financial plan is your most powerful tool   Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

When you're 12 months away from retirement, everything starts to feel real. From hard deadlines like pension elections and Medicare sign-ups to emotional shifts around identity and purpose, this final year before retirement can feel like a perfect storm.   In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the unique challenges clients face in this transition — and how the financial planning process needs to evolve accordingly. You'll hear how True Wealth Design helps clients navigate not just the dollars and cents, but also their lifestyle risk, time horizons, and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of leaving a long career behind.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📆 Why the last 12 months before retirement matter so much. 💸 The truth about lumpy spending and how to plan around it. 💑 Pension decisions, Social Security timing, and survivor benefits. 🧠 How to navigate identity shifts and relationship changes. 📊 Why advisors should be more than number crunchers.   Resources Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/ Schedule your no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueWealthDesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-wealth-design/ X: https://x.com/truewealthdesgn