Retire Stronger

What happens when your retirement plan shows you'll run out of money? In this episode, Bill Kearney and John Foard, CFP® introduce "The Red Line"—the point where your assets can no longer sustain your lifestyle—and explain why traditional financial plans miss this danger zone.We cover:Why "spend less" and "get higher returns" aren't real solutionsHow tax optimization can add years (or decades) to your retirement runwayThe multi-generational tax problem most people don't see comingReal case study: How one couple went from running out at 86 to leaving $3M to heirsTimestamps01:15 - What is the Red Line and why it matters03:58 - Why traditional financial plans miss this danger zone08:28 - The hidden problem when you DON'T have a Red Line11:03 - The 9-to-Know diagnostic tool (free retirement checkup)16:11 - Real case study: Solving a Red Line problem with tax optimization✅ Get your free 9-to-Know assessment at https://crownadvisorgroup.com/Crown Advisors specializes in retirement income planning and tax optimization strategies that help retirees avoid running out of money while minimizing lifetime tax burdens.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights#RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #TaxOptimization #FinancialPlanning #RedLine

#SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurityBenefitsThe Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run out of reserves by 2034—potentially triggering automatic benefit cuts of 20-25%. In this episode, Bill Kearney and John Foard break down what this means for your retirement and the claiming strategies you should be considering now.Timestamps02:38 - Current state of Social Security: The 2034 projection03:40 - Why this is happening: Demographics and longevity06:15 - Claiming basics: Age 62 vs. 67 vs. 7010:16 - Political reform proposals and their impact15:20 - Updated strategies for maximizing benefits18:28 - How Social Security integrates with your complete retirement plan🗓️ Want to model your Social Security claiming strategy? Schedule a complimentary assessment at: https://crownadvisorgroup.com/Crown Advisors helps families navigate complex retirement decisions with comprehensive planning that accounts for taxes, healthcare costs, and changing regulations.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights#SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurityBenefits #RetirementIncome #TaxPlanning

Thinking about downsizing or moving to a no-tax state in retirement? The financial impact goes far beyond the purchase price.In this episode, John Foard, CFP® and Bill Kearney break down the three major tax traps that catch retirees off guard—and how to avoid them.We cover:Why a smaller house doesn't always mean lower property taxesThe real cost of moving to Florida or Texas (it's not just about income tax)How selling your home can trigger a six-figure tax bill and spike your Medicare premiumsThe planning framework we use to help clients navigate these decisionsTimestamps01:58 - Property tax traps when downsizing04:31 - State income tax considerations for relocating07:39 - Capital gains exclusion rules on home sales08:21 - The $244,000 tax surprise example11:48 - Complete planning framework walkthrough18:33 - Why lifestyle still matters more than taxes📞 Ready to run a housing tax stress test before your move? Call us at 704-469-0200 or visit crownadvisorgroup.comCrown Advisors helps families retire with confidence through comprehensive tax planning, investment management, and retirement income strategies.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights#RetirementPlanning #TaxPlanning #Downsizing #RetirementIncome

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the financial challenges faced by young professionals, particularly those graduating from medical, dental, and law schools with significant student debt. They explore the importance of understanding the phases of financial life, managing debt intelligently, and building a strong financial foundation to ensure long-term wealth and retirement success. The conversation emphasizes the need for budgeting, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and strategic planning to navigate the complexities of financial independence.

In this episode, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, biotech, and clean energy on investment markets and retirement portfolios. They explore the opportunities and risks associated with these innovations, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to investing. The conversation covers market dynamics, investor psychology, and practical strategies for retirees to navigate the evolving landscape of innovation while protecting their retirement security.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the critical importance of planning for wealth transfer to the next generation. They explore the staggering $84 trillion expected to change hands in the coming decades and the potential pitfalls families face without proper planning. The conversation covers common mistakes in estate planning, the implications of tax changes, and various strategies to efficiently transfer wealth, including gifting, trusts, and charitable giving. They emphasize the importance of family communication in avoiding conflicts and ensuring a smooth transition of wealth. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to review their estate plans and take proactive steps to protect their legacies.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the true essence of retirement, emphasizing that it is not merely about reaching a certain age but rather about having a solid cash flow plan. They explore how to determine retirement income needs, the various sources of retirement cash flow, and the critical impact of taxes, inflation, and healthcare costs on retirement planning. The conversation aims to shift the listener's perspective on retirement readiness, highlighting the importance of planning and preparation for a secure financial future.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, hosts John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss a real-life case study of a couple, David and Lisa, who saved nearly $2 million for retirement but faced a hidden tax surprise due to IRS rules. They explore the importance of proactive planning to avoid significant tax liabilities and provide strategies such as Roth conversions and a multi-bucket approach to retirement savings. The episode emphasizes the need for early planning to ensure financial freedom and peace of mind in retirement.

This conversation delves into the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) in retirement planning. The hosts, John Foard and Bill Kearney, discuss how RMDs are calculated, their tax implications, and strategies to manage them effectively. They emphasize the importance of planning ahead to avoid unnecessary tax burdens and highlight the evolution of RMD rules over the years. The discussion also covers various strategies such as Roth conversions and charitable distributions that can help retirees navigate their financial landscape more effectively.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney delve into the emotional complexities surrounding spending in retirement. They discuss how retirees often struggle with spending due to ingrained habits of saving and the fear of running out of money. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing security and freedom, addressing feelings of guilt related to spending, and the need for intentional financial planning. Practical strategies such as the bucket approach and goal-driven planning are highlighted to help retirees manage their emotions and align their spending with their values.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the common tax mistakes retirees make, particularly the pitfalls of relying too heavily on tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. They emphasize the importance of tax diversification and provide actionable strategies for individuals in their 40s and 60s to mitigate tax liabilities and enhance their retirement planning. The conversation highlights the need for proactive tax planning to avoid unexpected tax burdens in retirement.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss how to navigate down markets by leveraging strategic tax moves. They emphasize the importance of viewing bear markets as opportunities rather than setbacks, focusing on strategies like Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, rebalancing, charitable giving, and estate planning. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges investors face during downturns and encourages a proactive mindset to capitalize on potential benefits.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, hosts John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the critical question of how much of retirement savings is truly yours after accounting for taxes. They explore a case study of a hypothetical retiree, Susan, who has saved $1.8 million, and analyze the tax implications of her retirement accounts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, including Roth conversions and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, to minimize tax liabilities and maximize retirement income. The hosts encourage listeners to take proactive steps in their financial planning to ensure a secure retirement.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the critical importance of understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and the potential financial pitfalls of waiting until age 73 to address them. They emphasize the need for proactive tax planning, particularly through strategies like Roth conversions, to minimize tax liabilities and maximize retirement income. The conversation also highlights the impact of RMDs on heirs and the importance of legacy planning. Listeners are encouraged to take action early to ensure a tax-efficient retirement strategy.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, hosts John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the complexities of Social Security taxation, revealing that up to 85% of benefits can be taxed. They emphasize the importance of understanding provisional income and the common mistakes retirees make regarding withdrawals and tax planning. The conversation also covers strategies to minimize taxes on Social Security, including the benefits of Roth conversions and tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing. The hosts encourage listeners to start planning early to ensure a tax-efficient retirement.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the critical aspects of retirement income planning. They emphasize the importance of having a structured income plan that goes beyond mere accumulation of wealth. The conversation covers the creation of a personal retirement income plan, the retirement paycheck system, withdrawal strategies, and the bucket approach to managing income. They also address the risks of inflation and longevity, providing actionable steps for listeners to ensure a secure and fulfilling retirement.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the five biggest retirement mistakes that can derail even the most diligent savers. They emphasize the importance of early tax planning, understanding sequence of returns risk, estimating healthcare and long-term care costs, developing a clear withdrawal strategy, and planning for longevity risks. The hosts provide actionable insights and strategies to help listeners avoid these pitfalls and retire with confidence and peace of mind.

In this episode, John Foard and Bill Kearney discuss the pitfalls of the 'set it and forget it' approach to retirement planning. They emphasize the importance of actively managing retirement accounts, reviewing strategies regularly, and adapting to life changes. Through real-life examples, they illustrate the consequences of neglecting retirement planning and provide actionable steps to ensure a successful retirement strategy. The conversation highlights the need for periodic reviews, understanding tax implications, and the value of working with a trusted financial advisor.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, Bill Kearney and John Foard discuss significant changes in retirement legislation, referred to as the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' They explore the implications of these changes on retirement planning, including earlier required minimum distributions, mandatory Roth contributions for high earners, and new inherited IRA rules. The hosts emphasize the importance of adapting financial strategies to these changes and highlight opportunities for tax-efficient planning, particularly through Roth conversions. They also stress the need for effective legacy planning and the evaluation of financial advisory teams to navigate the evolving tax landscape.

In this episode of Retire Stronger, hosts John Foard and Bill Kearney delve into the concept of Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA), a tax strategy that can significantly benefit individuals with substantial company stock in their 401k plans. They explain how NUA works, who should consider it, and the potential tax savings it offers compared to traditional withdrawal methods. The conversation includes real-world examples, the strict IRS rules governing NUA, and the importance of consulting with financial professionals. The hosts also discuss the differences between NUA and Roth conversions, and strategies for managing company stock after executing an NUA transaction.