Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement

Many people begin their financial lives confidently handling everything on their own. They set up retirement accounts, save diligently, and make decisions that feel reasonable at the time. But as life evolves, that confidence can quietly erode. In this episode, we speak directly to the do-it-yourself investor who has started to wonder whether going it alone still makes sense. We unpack the most common reasons people resist working with an advisor, from concerns about fees and loss of control to confusion about what financial advisors actually do. We also share what typically triggers the shift from DIY to professional help, often a late-night moment of uncertainty sparked by taxes, retirement timing, or growing complexity. This conversation offers a candid look behind the curtain of comprehensive financial planning. It explores what advisory fees really buy, how proactive planning reduces costly mistakes, and why time, interest, and expertise eventually fall out of balance for many successful professionals. The goal is not to push a decision, but to help listeners decide when and if partnering with an advisor could add meaningful value to their financial lives. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Who this episode is for and why DIY investors start asking bigger questions [02:00] Why many people prefer to manage their finances alone [05:00] The common misconceptions about financial advisors and fees [07:00] The questions that prompt people to seek professional advice [12:00] What a financial advisor fee actually pays for [18:00] How complexity, risk, and missed opportunities compound over time Why many investors choose to do it themselves For many people, managing finances alone feels simpler. Setting contributions on autopilot and avoiding difficult decisions can be comforting, especially early on when life and finances are relatively straightforward. Cost concerns also play a major role, as do-it-yourself investors often question whether advisory fees are worth paying. Control is another powerful factor. Turning over financial decisions to someone else can feel uncomfortable, even when things are no longer as simple as they once were. Add in confusion about the financial services industry and fear of being judged for past decisions, and it becomes clear why many people delay seeking help, even when doubts begin to surface. The questions that push people to seek an advisor Most people don't wake up one day and decide to hire a financial advisor without a reason. It usually starts with a specific question they no longer feel confident answering. Am I truly able to retire when I think I can? Am I saving enough for college without sacrificing my own future? Why do my taxes feel higher every year? Other common triggers include managing company stock compensation, holding too much cash without a clear plan, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the growing complexity of life. As careers advance, families grow, and assets accumulate, the margin for error narrows and the cost of mistakes increases. What comprehensive financial planning actually includes A key theme in this episode is that financial planning goes far beyond investment management. Comprehensive planning helps turn vague goals into concrete decisions, supported by realistic projections and scenario analysis. It brings clarity to tax planning throughout the year, not just at filing time, and helps diversify not only investments but tax exposure as well. The hosts also discuss personalized investment strategies, behavioral coaching during market volatility, and identifying opportunities that can be missed without an objective third party. Risk management, from insurance coverage to concentrated stock positions, and estate planning round out the picture, ensuring that plans hold up not just today, but across decades and generations. Deciding if the fee is an investment, not just a cost Ultimately, the decision to work with an advisor is deeply personal. The team emphasizes that it's not about finding the lowest fee, but about understanding the value provided. For many, advisory fees represent an investment in better decisions, reduced risk, and greater confidence over time. As financial lives grow more complex, the question often becomes less about whether someone can manage everything themselves and more about whether they still want to. This episode offers a framework for evaluating that decision thoughtfully, with clarity and intention *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement. 🌐Download 5 Questions You Should Ask a Financial Advisor here  

The holiday season inspires generosity, but smart gifting can go far beyond festive moments and gifts under the tree. On the show this week, we're digging into the world of gifting strategies, just in time for the end of 2025. Whether you're navigating last-minute holiday shopping, planning gifts for loved ones, or looking to maximize your charitable donations, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh ideas.  We break down everything from tax implications of gifting cash, stocks, and even real estate, to making the most of donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions to help you balance generosity with smart financial planning, so you can give with both a warm heart and a wise mind. Outline of This Episode 00:00 Balancing gifting and planning. 03:18 Choosing between gifting or inheriting. 09:13 Tax implications of gifting stocks. 11:42 Caution when gifting non-cash assets. 15:17 Tax deductions and SALT limit. 17:29 2026 tax changes for donations. 20:46 Tax benefits of stock donations. 25:00 Qualified charitable distributions explained. 27:30 Tax-efficient inheritance strategies. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

We talk with hundreds of individuals and families every year, and many of the questions they ask come back to one core concern. Can my retirement plan really survive the messy, unpredictable situations that happen in real life. Instead of only looking at straight line projections or average returns, Chad and Allison walk through how to "stress test" your plan with real world what if scenarios so you can build confidence before a crisis hits.  In this episode, you will hear three of the biggest what if questions clients have been asking over the past year. What happens if there is a major market crash right as you retire? What if you retire earlier than expected, either by choice or by force? What if there is a major health shock for you or your spouse? Rather than focusing on doom and gloom, the goal is to rehearse these situations on paper so that when life happens, you already have a plan for how to respond. We also share a simple three-step framework you can use to run your own retirement stress test at home. You will learn how to identify the what-ifs that matter most to you, estimate their impact on your spending and timeline, and choose proactive moves that make your plan more resilient. Along the way, they discuss sequence of returns risk, health insurance bridges before Medicare, using taxable brokerage accounts strategically, and how to think about funding future healthcare needs without overpaying for insurance you may not need. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Retirement stress testing. [04:50] Key questions to ask about a 25 to 50 percent portfolio decline, spending flexibility, and your safety bucket. [09:20] Transition to scenario two, early retirement before age 65 and why health insurance is such a critical factor. [13:30] Cash in the bank versus long term growth. [17:20] Healthcare shocks and long term care needs that can show up later in retirement. [21:00] How HSAs, disability insurance, and understanding your deductibles and out of pocket maximums fit into the picture. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

When people think of what could haunt their retirement, they often imagine running out of money, facing unexpected expenses, or living too long. But as we discuss in this episode, there's a more insidious villain: sequence of return risk. Sequence of return risk refers to the threat of poor investment returns occurring early in your retirement years, just when you start withdrawing funds. Even if the average returns over your retirement are sufficient, early losses can irreparably damage your nest egg and dramatically increase the odds of running out of money. To bring these concepts to life (with a Halloween twist), we walk through a scenario featuring Jamie Lee Curtis's iconic character, Laurie Strode, imagining her retirement through 25 years of market ups and downs. The outcome all depends on her initial withdrawal strategy and, crucially, how her portfolio is allocated. Outline of This Episode [00:00] A Halloween retirement survival tale, ft. Laurie Strode. [03:16] Retirement withdrawal scenarios analysis. [07:30] Optimizing financial asset allocation. [11:47] Diversification protects retirement portfolios. [15:16] Retirement portfolio stress testing. [16:41] Retirement planning for stability. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Tax planning often slips to the bottom of our financial to-do lists—until a surprise bill or missed opportunity crops up. But behind the scenes, the right process for an ongoing tax strategy can put you leagues ahead, reducing uncertainty and helping you capitalize on changes. On the show this week, we'll walk through the seven stages of tax planning, highlighting key insights and practical actions you can take. Outline of This Episode 00:00 Holistic Tax Planning Overview 01:56 Understanding clients' overall current situation and future goals [03:11] Importance of staying up-to-date for maximizing client opportunities [05:05] Importance of gathering detailed, current financial information: [06:50] Identifying tax planning opportunities and potential pitfalls by life stage [09:53] Adjusting withholding, making estimated payments, and managing expectations [13:19] Identifying and quantifying strategic tax planning actions [18:34] Examples of in-year tax planning *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Planning for retirement isn't just about hitting your savings targets and hoping for the best. It's about getting creative, asking new questions, and challenging your own assumptions. We follow the retirement planning journey of a fictional couple, Dwight and Angela, who are three to five years from retirement, using the SIFT framework shared by Rohit Bhargava and Ben duPont in their book "Non-Obvious Thinking", to shed light on hidden financial opportunities. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Broadening perspectives on retirement strategies. [03:11] Making time to reflect to get better clarity on retirement plans.  [07:05] Expand your perspective by looking for alternative experiences and advice beyond typical financial practices. [11:05] Focus on solving the right problem to combat overwhelming options. [14:58] Explore other investment opportunities like a business 401k, HSA, or brokerage account. [17:35] Coordinated financial planning strategies for our case study couple. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Planning for your child's college education can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with skyrocketing tuition costs and countless savings options. This week on the show, we're discussing the question of exactly how much you should save in a 529 college savings plan. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Decide your college funding goal before saving in a 529 account. [02:06] An overview of college costs. {02:35] Advantages of the 529 Plan. [03:54] Weighing college savings vs. retirement savings. [05:31] What happens if I save too much?  [07:35] Expanded legislation as part of the OBBB. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Recently, an executive order has set the stage for 401 (k) providers to potentially start offering investments like private equity, private real estate, digital assets (think bitcoin), commodities, and more—options typically reserved for pension funds and institutional investors. But what does this really mean for everyday savers? We break down the differences between traditional 401k offerings and these new alternatives, discuss the risks and potential rewards, and share questions you should ask yourself before making any changes to your investment lineup. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Exploring 401k alternative assets. [05:56] 401k market shift & fee impact. [06:57] Potential high returns vs. risks. [11:06] Private equity and closed-end funds. [13:59] The differences between public REITs and private real estate. [16:34] Private investments and evaluating portfolio fit. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Are you taking advantage of all your Roth opportunities? We break down the differences between the Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), or the Mego Backdoor Roth 401(k). by comparing your choices with another favorite summer treat - ice cream. We break down the basics, benefits, and ideal life stages for each account type—whether you're just scooping your first vanilla cone with a Roth IRA, adding some flavor with a Roth 401(k), or going all-out Neapolitan with the Mega Backdoor Roth. We also share smart tips on tax brackets, income planning, and how to maximize your options for a sweeter financial future. If you're looking to optimize your retirement savings and want more flexibility, this episode is the perfect treat. Outline of This Episode (00:00) Roth IRA Overview. (04:00) Mid-career Roth 401(k) strategy. (06:42) 401(k): Traditional vs. Roth Benefits. (11:08) Optimizing retirement savings strategies. (12:57) Tax strategies for retirement flexibility. (18:04) Retirement tax flexibility insights. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

The second quarter of 2025 was anything but dull in the financial world. But despite the turbulence, both US and international stocks finished the first half of the year up over 10%. Over the last 12 months, markets have performed robustly, returning 14-19%.  Bonds have also held their own, with 6% returns over the last year. Investors have endured a roller coaster ride, especially after the dramatic market drop following tariff announcements and the subsequent quick recovery. Outline of This Episode [00:00] More about market volatility and recovery in 2025. [03:40] Tariff uncertainty challenges markets. [08:08] Gold offers inconsistent long-term real returns, unlike investments that generate cash flow. [09:49] The federal funds rate is expected to decrease, leading to lower bank interest rates for consumers. [12:56] Stick to your financial plan and ignore distractions to ensure long-term stability. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Tax season may feel far off, but with sweeping legislative changes just passed, proactive financial planning starts now. In this episode, we're sharing our accessible, in-depth breakdown of the new Big Beautiful Bill, highlighting ten key tax provisions that every taxpayer should understand. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Summarizing the latest major legislation in 10 key tax provisions. [04:59] Be mindful of income limits for a taxpayer deduction. [08:05] Consider collating deductions into a single year to maximize tax benefits due to the temporary higher SALT limit. [11:44] Starting in 2026, non-itemizers can claim a permanent below-the-line deduction for charitable donations. [14:24] Many individual clean energy credits are being repealed. [18:16] Certain income isn't subject to federal tax, but deductions vary by filing status. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

When is enough, enough? Many investors have recently found solace in growing their cash reserves, whether in their checking accounts, savings accounts, or certificates of deposit (CDs). With attractive yields and recent market turbulence still fresh in mind, it's easy to assume that loading up on cash is a safe strategy. But there's a hidden cost to keeping more money than you need. Not only does excessive cash limit your growth potential, but it can erode your long-term wealth, all because of a mix of emotional biases, historical events, and overlooked risks. Outline of This Episode [03:56] Artificial anchoring and recency bias can lead to overly cautious investing decisions. [09:14] Cash underperforms stocks and bonds long-term. [11:30] Market timing is risky; missing the 10 best days can significantly reduce returns. [15:10] Optimize cash flow through strategic sales while considering tax efficiency. [19:50] Maximize equities in a portfolio for high returns. [20:39] Focus on planning goals for the next 5 to 7 years. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

At Financial Symmetry, our internship program has become a core pillar of our growth, innovation, and client experience. Over time, our program grew from simply filling resource gaps to a foundational development engine, helping to shape the services Financial Symmetry offers and the team culture itself. What has emerged from these iterations is the recognition that our best chance of success comes from integrating interns directly into the firm's core wealth management processes. This hands-on approach creates a feedback loop where interns don't just complete busywork; they contribute valuable perspectives and even shape workflows that staff rely upon to this day. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Financial Symmetry's influential internship program, with insights from Heather Gudac. [04:13] Refining processes through internships. [06:42] Internship growth and uniqueness. [12:06] Intern assessment and development process. [14:50] Empowering interns through engagement. [17:49] Internship planning and goal setting. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to ensure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Claiming Social Security as soon as you become eligible at age 62 is a common choice for Americans. While understandable, this decision can have significant, and often underappreciated, long-term consequences. For many, the urge to claim early may stem from financial necessity, lack of other income sources, or simply a desire to "get what you've paid for." However, claiming early can reduce your benefit by as much as 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age (typically around 67). If you are in the fortunate position of having other income sources, such as a pension, 401(k), brokerage accounts, or IRAs, delaying Social Security becomes a viable strategy. This moves the decision away from immediate need and toward maximizing lifetime income, building multigenerational wealth, and supporting charitable or legacy goals. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Most Americans claim Social Security at 62 due to a lack of other income, but those with additional resources or financial advice might delay claiming for long-term wealth planning. [04:16] Consider life expectancy in financial planning, especially for married couples. [08:56] Evaluate claiming benefits at different ages to optimize long-term financial outcomes, considering life expectancy and age gaps between spouses. [11:38] Social Security benefits, combined with other income, affect your tax bracket. [16:00] It's important to integrate Social Security decisions into your broader retirement plan, considering income sources, tax liabilities, legacy goals, and timing. [17:18] Retirement tax decisions are complex, involve varying tax rates, and impact Social Security timing strategies. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Chad and Mike break down the major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter, revealing why diversification works unexpectedly. They chat through the impact of recent tariff news, what those headlines might mean for the economy and your portfolio, and share evidence-based strategies for taking action (or not!) when markets get rocky. Outline of This Episode [0:00] Major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter [4:22] The benefits of diversified portfolios  [9:15] Trade deficit and tariffs explained [9:54] Tariffs impact product prices, and consumer costs increase  [13:03] Historic tariff surge of 22% shocks the stock market [16:27] Top Tech Chart Insights [20:39] Interest rates are expected to decline, making equities better for long-term growth *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Market volatility is never comfortable, but with the right mindset and a thoughtful plan, you can face downturns not as a victim, but as an opportunist. On this episode of the Financial Symmetry Show, we're sharing our advice on managing your finances amid turbulent markets and giving you a helpful checklist to guide your decision-making when headlines make your stomach flip. Outline of This Episode [0:00] We discuss the importance of planning, reviewing its steps, and controlling expectations during unforeseen events. [4:29] Evaluate income, expenses, job security, income sources, and potential risks in financial planning. [7:14] Consider delaying major purchases or expenses if income is uncertain. Assess whether postponing could increase costs or cause issues. [12:53] Prepare for significant financial events that may impact your portfolio, like downsizing a home or receiving a large sum. [14:17] Evaluate your portfolio by considering your stock choices. [17:32] Avoid panic selling stocks, which often leads to long-term financial regret. [22:50] Take informed action for peace of mind; mindset and planning are key. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Tax planning might not top everyone's list of leisure activities, but in the middle of tax season there's a hidden opportunity. What if, instead of seeing it as a mere logistic hurdle, we embraced it as a moment to refine our financial strategy?  *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

What if your retirement lasts much longer than you anticipated? Increasing life expectancies have reshaped our understanding of retirement and financial planning in recent years, and we'll likely become more concerned about effectively managing financial resources throughout a potentially very long life in the future.  In this episode, we're sharing some insights gleaned from a recent industry conference focused on the impacts of longevity on retirement planning. There's a growing need to rethink how long you'll need your savings to last and how you approach your investment strategies to accommodate potentially decades more of life.  We're discussing the intriguing idea of a 150-year lifespan and the emergence of cutting-edge longevity research and how this thought-provoking information challenges our traditional views on aging and needs us to rethink traditional financial planning strategies.  Whether it's reimagining retirement careers or evaluating the future of medical advancements, we have to align our wealth span with a potentially extended health span. Join us as we unravel the financial implications of living longer and healthier lives. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

We're spotlighting women's wealth in honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Join us as we dig into some of the stats surrounding women's financial empowerment. From the rising number of women controlling wealth as they outlive their spouses to tackling stereotypes that hinder women's earning potential, this episode addresses the systemic barriers that impact women's financial journeys.  *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.

Four categories are recognized under current regulations to qualify as an Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB). These include the surviving spouse, minor children of the decedent, a disabled or chronically ill individual as assessed at the time of the decedent's passing, and other individuals who are no more than ten years younger than the deceased account owner. If you fall into one of these categories, you'll be afforded more time and flexibility than Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries. This is due to recent regulatory changes, underscored by The Secure Act, altering the landscape of inherited IRAs. Outline of This Episode [00:00] The complexities and benefits of being an eligible designated beneficiary (EDB) for inheriting an IRA. [03:34] Eligible designated beneficiaries have two key advantages: more time and flexibility in inheritance. [08:21] Withdrawing from an IRA before age 59 incurs a 10% penalty and income tax; RMDs depend on age, starting at 73 for most people. [10:10] The stretch IRA avoids a 10% penalty by basing RMDs on life expectancy.  [15:46] Timing distributions strategically can reduce tax liability. Wait until retirement to avoid high tax brackets.  [18:01] Evaluate options carefully when inheriting an IRA, considering tax implications and future changes. *********** 📰 See the full show notes here 🌐 Sign up here to receive a detailed pre-retirement checklist to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.