Money Wisdom

Every January, people focus on getting back in shape, but what about their finances? In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through six practical steps to improving your financial fitness as retirement approaches. The conversation reframes what it really means to be "financially fit" and offers tips on a clear path forward. Tune in if you're looking for a smarter reset and a more confident way to start 2026. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Mindset Shift: Redefining financial success 📂 Consult Prep: What to bring and why for best results 🧩 Fund Segmentation: Giving each dollar a job ⚠️ Client Concerns: Addressing fear and uncertainty 💵 Income Planning: How you'll replace your paycheck   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Turning 59½ opens the door to a set of retirement decisions many people don't realize they have. In this episode, Nick is joined by Eric Hogarth, Senior Partner Johnson Brunetti, to discuss why 59½ is a major planning milestone and what options become available for your 401(k). If you're approaching 59½ and want more control, flexibility, and clarity around your retirement savings, this conversation will help you understand what to consider before making any 401(k) moves. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🎂 Age 59½ Rule: penalty-free access creates new planning options 🔄 IRA Rollovers: gaining flexibility, control, and broader investment choices 🏢 Staying Put: when keeping money in a 401(k) may still make sense 🔁 Roth Conversions: using lower-tax windows to your advantage 📉 Market Context: why timing and risk matter more as retirement nears   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Social Security isn't just about picking an age and calling it a day, it's one of the biggest financial choices you'll make, with lots of rules and personal factors to consider. In this episode, Nick walks you through exactly how your benefit gets calculated and breaks down the essential rules you really need to know. If retirement is on the horizon, Nick's clear and practical advice will help you ask the right questions and feel more confident in your Social Security decisions. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Benefit Calculation: based on your highest 35 earning years 📅 Claiming Ages: early, full retirement age, and delayed options 💻 Working Impact: how earned income can reduce benefits 💑 Spousal Rules: benefits tied to marriage and survivorship 🏦 Taxes: when Social Security becomes taxable 🗨️ Q&A: pensions, survivors, and common filing questions   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Why do so many retirees struggle to spend, even when they've saved enough? In this episode, Jake and Nick explore bucket list goals and why so many retirees struggle to give themselves permission to enjoy the money they've spent years saving. They talk about purpose, community, and building a plan that gives you confidence to spend intentionally rather than fearfully. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📝 Bucket Lists & Money: how dream goals fit into a financial plan ✈️ Popular Retirement Goals: travel, experiences, and lifelong "someday" ideas 💵 Spending Anxiety: why it's hard for retirees to use their own savings 🤝 Finding Community: purpose, connection, and staying engaged 🧭 Planning the Path: practical steps to fund the lifestyle you want   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Jake and Nick tackle a surprisingly common question, whether retirees are holding too much cash and what "safe" really means once your paycheck stops. They walk through how cash fits into a healthy retirement plan, where it can help, and where it can quietly hold you back. Ever wondered how much cash is "too much?" Tune in to hear some clear guidelines to help you decide. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💵 Cash in Retirement: why people lean toward cash—and the real question behind it ⚖️ Balancing Cash & Investments: finding the mix that supports flexibility and growth 🔥 Inflation Risk: the hidden cost of holding too much for too long 📆 RMD Rules: what to know as you approach your early 70s 🔄 Roth vs. Traditional: choosing the right tax treatment for your future   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

How do you know if you can support your lifestyle after retirement without a paycheck? Deciding when to retire isn't just about the date on the calendar, it's about confidence, clarity, and knowing whether your lifestyle can truly support the transition. In this episode, Nick and Jake explore the factors that shape the "work longer or retire early" decision and the answer often has less to do with money than people expect. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Assessing Lifestyle Support: determining what it really takes to fund daily life 💵 Income & Expense Planning: aligning withdrawals and income sources with your needs 🎯 Goal-Based Investing: knowing when continued work supports bigger dreams ⚖️ Lifestyle & Tax Balance: finding the sweet spot between comfort and efficiency 🧭 Practical Retirement Guidance: simple steps for making a confident transition 📬 Mailbag Minute: rapid-fire answers to real listener questions   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

As the year winds down, it's the perfect moment to double-check your tax strategy and make sure you're setting yourself up for long-term savings, not just short-term deductions. Today, Nick and Jake break down five smart tax moves worth considering before December 31st. A few intentional decisions now can save you money this year and put you in a better position for the years ahead. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Maximize retirement contributions: use the remaining weeks to hit 401(k) and IRA limits 💵 RMD Planning: avoid penalties and plan ahead for future RMD years 🎗️ Charitable giving strategies: QCDs, appreciated stock, and tax-efficient donations 🧾 Tax opportunities: pairing gains and losses to reduce what you owe ⏳ Roth conversion timing: why December 31 matters and when conversions make sense   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Is all debt truly harmful, or can it actually help you achieve your retirement goals? In this episode, Nick and Jake reveal how understanding the difference between good and bad debt can reshape your financial future. Discover whether being debt-free is always best, or if keeping certain debts could boost your flexibility and security in retirement. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💡 Understanding Debt: What separates good debt from bad debt in today's economy 📚 Real-Life Examples: When mortgages, business loans, and credit cards help or hurt 📈 Planning Ahead: Integrating debt reduction into a full retirement plan 🧾 Tax Considerations: When paying off debt could actually cost you more 📬 Mailbag Minute: The team answers real listener questions about managing debt in retirement   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

As we age, one of the biggest financial threats isn't the market, it's the cost of long-term care. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down the real facts behind long-term care insurance, hybrid policy options, and ways to protect what you've built. Are you prepared for the "what ifs" of retirement, whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond? Tune in to find out. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏥 Insurance Options: Traditional, hybrid, and annuity-based LTC plans explained ⚖️ Legal Protection: How trusts and other legal tools can safeguard assets 💸 Gifting Rules: Understanding Medicaid lookback periods and eligibility 🧮 Asset Strategy: Balancing self-insurance, hybrid policies, and Medicaid planning 📚 Mailbag Minute: Listeners' most common long-term care questions answered   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Changing jobs is more common than ever, but what happens to your old 401(k) when you move on? In this episode, Jake and Nick break down your four main options and the pros and cons of each. They'll explain when to leave it, when to roll it, and when to rethink your entire retirement strategy. Don't just "set it and forget it." Use your new position as a chance to simplify, consolidate, and get your money working smarter for your future. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💰Tax Awareness: how rollovers and withdrawals affect your future income 🏢 New Employer's Plan: pros and cons of rolling funds into your new 401(k) 🚫 Cashing Out: understanding the taxes and penalties before you act 💌 Mailbag Minute: answering real listener questions about job changes and retirement plans 🧭 Work With a Pro: make sure your next move fits your bigger plan   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

What could Fleetwood Mac possibly teach you about retirement planning? Turns out, plenty. Today, Jake and Nick take five classic Stevie Nicks songs and translate them into powerful financial lessons about independence, communication, and learning how to plan unexpected "landslides." You'll learn why flexibility matters, how to avoid regret, and how to make your money work in harmony with your goals and dreams. Great financial planning, like great music, never goes out of style. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Tax Efficiency: manage withdrawals and investments to minimize surprises 🧾 Estate Planning: know when (and if) an irrevocable trust makes sense 🪞 Self-Reflection: the best plans are personal, intentional, and adaptable 🎵 Go Your Own Way: embrace flexibility and financial independence 🔗 The Chain: build strong, trustworthy relationships with fiduciary advisors   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) might be one of the most underrated tools in all of financial planning and today we're going to tell you why. Nick and Jake will explain the three major benefits of an HSA and how to use it strategically before and during retirement. You'll learn how to make the most of this "triple tax advantage," including deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals. There aren't many financial tools that give you three layers of tax advantages, but the Health Savings Account (HSA) is one of them. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏥 What an HSA really is and how it works 🧾 Why HSAs beat most other tax-advantaged accounts 💳 Using an HSA for immediate medical expenses 🧠 The long-term strategy: treating it like an investment account   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Retirement brings freedom, but navigating health insurance can quickly become one of the most confusing parts of the transition. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through the key types of insurance every retiree should evaluate, from health and long-term care to life, homeowners, and umbrella coverage. Find out how each fits into your retirement plan and which policies make sense depending on your income and assets.   Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💊 Retirees may be able to save thousands on premiums 🧾 Traditional vs. hybrid long-term care coverage 🏠 Homeowners and auto coverage: what to review 🔍 The pros and cons of long-term care insurance   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai  

Want to pay less tax now, or never pay tax again? That's the real question behind the Traditional vs. Roth debate. When it comes to saving for retirement, few questions get asked more often than: Should I use a traditional account or a Roth? The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Jake and Nick unpack the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. They explain how income limits affect your ability to contribute, why tax brackets matter, and how Roth contributions can provide long-term tax-free growth.   Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🧮 Four keys to consider: income, age, taxes, goals 📊 Why income & tax brackets may shape your decision 🔄 Using backdoor Roths and Roth conversions as planning tools 🧭 How to blend both accounts for long-term strategy   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

For many retirees, Social Security is one of the most important income streams, but also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to taxes. In this episode, Jake and Nick break down the rules around how Social Security benefits are taxed at both the federal and state level, and what strategies might help you keep more of what you've earned. Find out how the One Big Beautiful Bill reshaped standard deduction rules, creating new planning opportunities (and pitfalls to watch for). As Jake points out, extracting money in retirement is often far more complicated than accumulating it. That's why tax planning and income planning go hand-in-hand if you want to minimize surprises and maximize your retirement paycheck. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📜 How federal and state rules impact Social Security taxation 🧾 Why modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) matters 🏦 How withdrawal timing and Roth conversions influence taxes 🏛️ Big Beautiful Bill: what it means for federal taxation   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Interest rates are in the headlines as people await the next Fed meeting, but what do they really mean for you? Interest rates ripple through nearly every aspect of your financial life, from mortgages and credit cards to savings accounts and even the stock market. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down how they work, why the Fed adjusts them, and what those moves mean for borrowers, savers, and investors. You'll hear historical lessons from times when rates were sky-high or near zero, plus practical strategies for tackling high-interest debt and deciding whether to pay off your mortgage early. One small shift in interest rates can shake the entire economy, and this conversation shows you how to stay ahead. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏦 Why the Fed raises or lowers interest rates 💳 How borrowing costs change with rates 💰 Why high rates can help savers but often hurt spenders 📉 The link between interest rates and the stock market 🎯 Strategies for handling high-interest debt Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Social Security will look different in 2026, and while the adjustments may seem minor on the surface, they can carry real weight over the course of retirement. Today we'll explain what's changing and why it matters for your long-term planning. Join Jake and Nick as they discuss how benefits are shifting, why retirement ages continue to move later, and the impact of higher costs tied to healthcare and taxes. More importantly, they highlight how these changes fit into the bigger picture. Social Security was never meant to be a stand-alone retirement plan, and relying on it exclusively can leave you vulnerable to inflation, rising medical expenses, and legislative tweaks like the ones we're seeing now. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 2026 COLA: 2.7% raise, still trails inflation ⏳ A later full retirement age means planning for longer lifespans and income needs 🏥 Healthcare costs keep climbing with Medicare premium hikes 🧭 Small changes add up, so planning ahead is essential   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Football season is here, and so are the lessons we can borrow from the field to improve our financial game plan. Just like an NFL team can't win without balance, your retirement strategy needs more than one play. In this episode, Jake and Nick draw from the NFL playbook to show how offense, defense, special teams, coaching staff, and even audibles translate into smart money moves. But football isn't just about winning games. It's about adapting, relying on your team, and preparing for the unexpected. That's where retirement planning parallels real life: your goals, your risks, and your "game day" decisions need a plan that adjusts when life throws a surprise blitz. Plus, you'll hear how managing inflation and building safeguards against risk can help keep you moving the ball down the field towards a confident retirement. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏈 Offense & growth – You must keep scoring points with growth-oriented assets to outpace inflation 🛡️ Defense & protection – Avoiding losses is critical, but being too conservative can hurt just as much 🚨 Special teams – Tax planning, insurance, and estate strategies are as essential as investing 👥 Team coordination – Household members and professional advisors must work together seamlessly 📣 Be flexible – Life will throw curveballs, and your financial plan must adapt   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai    

For many people, the 401k is their largest retirement asset, but is it enough to carry you through decades without a paycheck? Today, Jake and Nick unpack one of the most common questions they hear: "Will my 401k be enough for retirement?" Find out why simply looking at the balance isn't enough. You need to know your numbers, which means identifying income sources like Social Security, pensions, or rental income, understanding your monthly expenses, and then calculating what gap your savings must cover. Plus, we'll break down the latest contribution limits, catch-up rules, and the growing importance of Roth options. And does it make sense to move money from a 401k to an IRA? We'll tell you what the benefits could be and why most people make that move to provide more options in retirement.   Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💵 2025 contribution limits and catch-up rules explained 🔀 When to consider rolling a 401k to an IRA ⚖️ Roth vs. pre-tax: what to know now 🛠️ Why control and flexibility matter most in retirement   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai  

Retirement success isn't about luck, it's about knowing your numbers before you take the leap. In this episode, Nick and Jake break down the five must-know numbers before you retire so you can step into your next chapter with confidence instead of scrambling. They'll walk you through why it's critical to know your exact monthly and annual expenses (including the "fun" costs), what guaranteed income streams you can count on, and how much you've actually accumulated in retirement accounts, savings, and investments. You'll also learn why estimating healthcare costs is more important than ever and how understanding your withdrawal rate—before and after taxes—can keep your plan sustainable for decades. Packed with practical tips, this conversation shows how each number connects to your bigger financial picture. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏗️ Why expenses are your retirement foundation 💰 Mapping out guaranteed income sources 📈 Knowing your total retirement savings 🩺 Estimating lifetime healthcare costs ⏳ Understanding withdrawal rates before and after taxes   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai