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Big Picture Retirement®
Big Picture Retirement®
Author: Devin Carroll, CFP® & John Ross, JD
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Planning for, or already enjoying, your retirement? This is the show for you.
The success of your retirement hinges on how well you connect the dots between legal, tax, and financial planning. Join your hosts John Ross, JD and Devin Carroll, CFP® as they dig beneath the surface to help you gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate your retirement journey successfully.
The success of your retirement hinges on how well you connect the dots between legal, tax, and financial planning. Join your hosts John Ross, JD and Devin Carroll, CFP® as they dig beneath the surface to help you gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate your retirement journey successfully.
293 Episodes
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The tax planning process doesn't change for single retirees—but the margin for error does. In this episode, we explain why taxes behave differently when there's only one tax bracket, no spousal coordination, and no survivor window to clean things up later. We discuss why IRMAA thresholds hit sooner for single filers and how small income decisions can have outsized consequences. We walk through a simple framework that focuses on understanding your income baseline, where your assets are held, how Medicare premiums factor into tax decisions, and why time horizon matters more when there's only one lifetime to plan around. This episode isn't about squeezing out every last tax advantage. It's about protecting flexibility, avoiding irreversible mistakes, and building a plan that works without a backup. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
For single retirees, Social Security isn't just another filing decision. It's the foundation of the entire retirement income plan. In this episode, we explain why claiming decisions matter more when there's no spouse, no survivor benefit, and no backup income stream. We walk through the four filters we use with single clients, including prior marriages, life expectancy, retirement income needs, and the tradeoffs between delaying Social Security and drawing from investment assets. We also discuss the emotional side of these decisions—fear of running out of money, fear of dying too early, and the pressure of making irreversible choices alone. This episode isn't about finding the "perfect" strategy. It's about building a plan you can stick with, even when markets and assumptions don't cooperate. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Most retirement advice is designed for married couples. But planning for retirement when you're single comes with a very different set of risks and decisions. In this first episode of a five-part series, we explain why retirement planning changes when there's no spouse to share income, benefits, caregiving, or decision-making. We define what "single" really means in retirement, explore the lack of financial and personal backup, and outline how this affects Social Security, taxes, investment risk, long-term care, and estate planning. This episode isn't about tactics. It's about mindset. When you're planning alone, the goal isn't perfection. It's resilience. In Part 2, we begin with Social Security, the foundation for many single retirees. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
For many people, retirement feels less like a reward and more like a financial cliff. In this episode, we break down seven key factors that lead to a more financially stable retirement. You'll learn how small, practical decisions can add up to lasting stability, no matter how markets or headlines behave. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Selling a business isn't just about finding a buyer and shaking hands on the terms — it's about choosing the right structure. In this episode, we break down stock sales, asset sales, common tax traps, and the key details buyers and sellers often overlook. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Frank is interviewing financial advisors and asks whether it is reasonable to expect them to share client names as references. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
In this episode, we break down the headlines about eliminating the federal income tax, $2,000 tariff-funded checks, and "no taxes below $150,000." We look at the math, the Supreme Court challenges, and what these proposals would actually mean for retirees. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Scott finds it difficult to manage asset allocation and buckets across multiple accounts and asks for an efficient way to coordinate everything. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
In this episode, Devin and John break down the key tax and retirement planning changes coming in 2026 and what they mean for your income, benefits, and long term strategy. We cover the latest Social Security COLA update, the expected increase to Medicare Part B premiums, and the new Social Security earnings test thresholds. We also walk through the shifting rules around capital gains, the standard deduction, and the return of the SALT cap. For charitable giving, we outline the new above the line deduction, the AGI floor for itemizing, the cap tied to the highest tax rate, and the updated QCD limit of one hundred eleven thousand dollars. If you want to understand how the 2026 landscape could affect your plan, this episode gives you the practical guidance you need. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
In this episode, John talks about the 5 things that he hates to hear from his clients. You will learn why certain statements (and thinking) slow everything down, what your attorney wishes you understood before walking into the meeting, and how to approach your plan with clarity, calm thinking, and realistic expectations. If you want to make better decisions and create an estate plan your family can actually rely on, this episode will point you in the right direction. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Meera and her husband have $4.5 million in retirement accounts and a $430K income. They want guidance on when to start Roth conversions, how much to convert each year, and whether to continue 401(k) contributions. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Everyone's wondering if this is the worst time to retire. With high valuations, stubborn inflation, and constant uncertainty, it's easy to feel uneasy about your timing. In this episode, we look at what history teaches from past "lost decades," why the order of returns matters, and how to protect your plan without panic. You'll learn three ways to prepare just in case: build a spending bucket, stress-test your plan, and rethink your risk exposure. Retirement success isn't about timing the market. It's about preparation and peace of mind. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
David asks for a general idea of what estate planning services typically cost, following up on the six-part podcast series. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
You've heard it a thousand times: "Wait until 70 to file for Social Security." But if that's such obvious advice, why do most retirees file earlier? In this episode, we uncover the hidden cost of waiting and the trade-offs most experts ignore. You'll learn how early withdrawals, taxes, and real-life emotions all change the math—and why the "right" answer isn't the same for everyone. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Daryl wants a simple explanation of why Health Savings Accounts matter and what makes them such a powerful retirement planning tool. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
John asks if taking larger IRA withdrawals beyond his RMD to fund his daughter's Roth IRA makes sense as a strategy to reduce future RMDs, lower estate taxes, and pass on tax-free assets. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Many retirees think they have a plan when what they really have is an investment pitch dressed up as planning. This episode uncovers why that illusion is dangerous, the costly mistakes it hides, and how to spot the difference between true planning and portfolio sales. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
Winning the lottery may be rare, but estate tax mistakes aren't. In this episode, we use the recent $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot to highlight how generational wealth can be eroded by estate taxes and how tools like a BDIT can help protect growth assets. We'll also show why this strategy isn't just for lottery winners, but for anyone holding assets with explosive growth potential. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
So far in 2025, early Social Security filings have jumped dramatically compared to last year. Nearly half of those filing early say they're doing so because they're worried about cuts. But will filing early really help? In this episode, we talk about what the data shows, what most people get wrong about Social Security cuts, and how to think about your filing strategy with clarity, not fear. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
When should you claim Social Security? For high-net-worth retirees, this is not a simple decision. In this episode, we explain why Social Security is not just a monthly check but a strategic part of a well-built retirement plan. Devin begins by challenging the common belief that wealthy retirees do not need to think about Social Security. In reality, those with more assets often have more choices, and those choices make the timing decision even more important. You will learn about the three core priorities that should guide how and when you file: protecting a surviving spouse, maximizing guaranteed income, and coordinating Social Security with the rest of your retirement plan. Devin explains how each of these goals can shape your filing strategy and why getting the timing right can support better outcomes for both income and taxes. This episode also covers how delaying benefits can increase lifetime income for a surviving spouse, reduce tax burdens through coordinated withdrawals, and help create a stronger income floor that is not tied to the markets. If you have flexibility in when you file, use it wisely. Social Security decisions should support your long-term goals, reflect your income needs, and fit within your overall tax and investment strategy. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.




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