Money Wisdom

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    

Get Your “Are You Ready to Retire?” Starter Kit: Text “KIT” to 800-757-0436 Retirement isn’t just a financial milestone, it’s a major life transition. After decades of building a career, your daily routines, social circles, and sense of purpose can be deeply tied to work. When the paychecks stop and your calendar opens up, how will you adjust? In this episode, Nick and Jake go beyond the numbers to explore the psychological and practical steps for navigating life without work. They discuss why retirement is the most significant mental and financial shift you’ll ever make, how to redefine your identity outside of a job title, and ways to build purpose and community in this next chapter. You’ll also hear real strategies for staying connected, avoiding the loneliness trap, and aligning your retirement dreams with a solid income plan so you can live with confidence. If you want your retirement years to be the most fulfilling chapter of your life, this conversation will help you get there. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🔄 Redefining your identity beyond work 🤝 Building community and staying socially connected 🌟 Finding purpose and meaning in retirement 📜 Creating a written income plan to support your goals 🧭 Adapting as your needs and priorities change over time   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    

There’s been a lot of noise around the One Big Beautiful Bill, an 887-page piece of legislation that just reshaped key elements of the tax code. But what does it actually mean for your retirement? In this episode, Jake and Nick cut through the headlines to explain what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why this bill may be the biggest planning opportunity in years. Join us as we unpack some of the common myths, including confusion around Social Security taxes, and explain what high-net-worth families need to know about estate planning.  Plus, we dive into the extension of the 2017 tax cuts and bigger deductions for those over 65, changes that could directly impact how you plan, save, and retire. The bill brings real benefits, but only if you know how to use them. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Why taxes are “on sale” through 2028 🧾 Standard deduction boost for retirees over 65 🏛️ Federal estate tax thresholds made “permanent” 📚 Expanded uses for 529 plans (not just college!) ❌ The truth about Social Security taxes ⚠️ Medicaid and ACA cuts: what to watch   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    

Unsure about social security? Check out our guide: Text “SOCIAL” to 800-757-0436 Social Security has been in the headlines, and for good reason. Estimates show the Social Security Trust Fund may be depleted by 2032–2034 if no changes are made, raising alarm bells for retirees and pre-retirees alike. In this episode, Jake and Nick explain what’s at risk, what parts of the system will keep running, and what Congress can do to keep the system going. They also discuss the real factors that should drive your decision on when to claim Social Security. Plus, they share how raising the full retirement age and increasing FICA taxes could reshape the program’s future. The system likely isn’t going away, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the warning signs. Wondering what to do next? This episode will help you build a smarter plan when it comes to Social Security and feel more confident about your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📉 What “running out” of money really means 🧾 The 75/25 split: where your benefit comes from 📆 Why 2032–2034 is a pivotal timeline 📊 Options Congress has to shore up the system 👫 How your spouse or legacy should affect your timing   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    

Medicare may feel overwhelming, but this fast-paced episode breaks down what you really need to know in just 10 minutes. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk you through the basics: when you're eligible, how enrollment works, and what each part (A, B, C, D) actually covers. They also explain the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with supplements, how your income can impact premiums, and why certain medical expenses like long-term care and alternative treatments might not be covered. Get tips on how Medicare fits into your broader retirement plan and the importance of working with an independent Medicare agent. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📅 When and how to enroll in Medicare 🏥 What Parts A, B, C, and D actually cover 💰 How your income can affect your Medicare premiums ⚖️ Medicare Advantage vs. Supplements: pros and cons 📞 Why working with an independent agent matters   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    

No one likes thinking about death but ignoring what happens to your money after you’re gone can leave your loved ones with stress, confusion, and financial trouble. In this episode, Nick and Jake unpack the essential documents and decisions that determine where your assets end up, from wills and probate to powers of attorney and trusts. They explain how poor planning can lead to legal headaches, tax burdens, and family conflict, and why it’s critical to have conversations now, not later. If you want to make sure your wishes carried out clearly and your family protected, this is a must-listen. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📝 The must-have document everyone needs ⚖️ Why having a will doesn’t necessarily avoid probate 🔑 What authority is granted under a POA 📦 When a trust makes sense, and when it doesn’t 💸 The silent tax trap your kids might inherit   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    

When it comes to retirement planning, two deceptively simple questions can reveal everything: Am I going to be okay? What rate of return do I actually need? In this episode, Nick and Jake unpack what those questions really mean and why getting clear answers can make or break your retirement. From defining what “okay” looks like (hint: it’s not just a dollar amount) to calculating how hard your money needs to work without taking unnecessary risk, they illustrate how a solid retirement plan is more like tubing behind a boat than picking the hottest stock. You don’t want to go so slow that inflation sinks you, or so fast that you wipe out. Join us to get more clarity, balance, and confidence in the next phase of life. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Define what you want from retirement 📊 Understand the actual return you need ⚖️ Finding your risk balance 🧩 Your plan should fit your life, not someone else’s number 💸 It’s not just about returns, it’s about purpose   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    

You’ve climbed the mountain and now it’s time to come down. In retirement, the question shifts from “Where should I invest?” to “Which account do I take money from first?” It’s not just about risk, but timing, taxes, and long-term flexibility. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through the three major account types, pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax, and explain how withdrawing from the wrong one at the wrong time could cost you thousands. They discuss sequence of returns risk, why market losses in early retirement are so dangerous, and how to avoid "catching a falling knife" by planning withdrawals with both market and tax efficiency in mind. If you want your money to last, and your tax bill to potentially shrink, this conversation offers a simple framework for smarter decisions in the withdrawal phase. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax: what’s the difference? 📉 The danger of selling during a downturn 🧾 Why tax timing is just as important as returns 📊 Use each account for what it’s best for 🔒 Building safety nets before the market turns   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  

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? In this episode, Jake and Nick offer advice for navigating a down market without making costly mistakes. They explain why emotional reactions often lead to regret, and how fear-based decisions, like pulling out of the market, can do more harm than good. That’s the value of having a financial plan that aligns your risk level with your timeline and needs. The markets may be shaky, but your plan doesn’t have to be. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 😬 Why emotions sabotage long-term wealth 🪣 How a “bucket strategy” softens downturn impact ❌ The myth of timing the market 🎯 Why good planning outperforms good guessing   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 may be one of your most reliable retirement income sources, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to taxes. Many retirees are surprised to learn that yes, Social Security can be taxable, depending on your overall income. In this episode, we break down how the rules aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💵 When Social Security becomes taxable 📊 What MAGI thresholds really mean 🌎 State rules that may surprise you ⏳ How timing affects your benefit 📈 Why tax planning starts before you file   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 isn’t just the end of your working years, it’s the beginning of what could be the most financially demanding third of your life. With people living longer than ever, planning for a 30-year retirement is no longer just smart, it’s essential. In this episode, Jake and Nick address how the old model of relying solely on Social Security and pensions doesn’t hold up anymore, especially when inflation, healthcare costs, and market volatility enter the picture. They also discuss how to build a retirement plan that adapts to every stage, from the energetic “go-go” years to the slower seasons that come with higher medical expenses and fewer travel plans. Find out how Johnson Brunetti helps you identify the real income gap, assess your risk exposure, and create a spending strategy that balances lifestyle with longevity. You’ll learn why “sitting in cash” may feel safe but could actually hurt you, and how to position your savings for both sustainability and flexibility. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📅 Why your retirement might last 30+ years 📉 The danger of being “safely” in cash 🩺 Planning for future healthcare surprises 📊 Aligning your investments with real-life use   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    

Most people go into retirement assuming their taxes will drop, but what if that assumption sets you up for a nasty surprise? In this episode, Jake and Nick unpack the “tax trap” that catches countless retirees off guard. It’s a hidden pitfall that turns decades of diligent saving into unexpected tax bills when you finally tap into your nest egg. They will reveal how common retirement strategies, like deferring taxes through 401(k)s and IRAs, might backfire if not planned for properly. They also break down why general financial advice may not serve you well once you're within 10 years of retirement, and what to consider instead. You’ll hear practical discussion about Social Security taxation, Roth conversions, and how legacy goals shape tax strategy. This episode doesn’t just teach you how to avoid mistakes, it urges you to ask better questions about how and when to pay Uncle Sam. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💥 The myth of lower taxes in retirement 📉 Social Security surprise tax bills 🧾 Timing your “tax check” for maximum savings 🏛️ Roth conversions and smarter legacy planning   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    

When it comes to preparing for retirement, most people focus on the obvious goals of saving enough and building an emergency fund. But in this episode of Money Wisdom, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® explore the deeper, often overlooked financial goals that truly make or break your retirement experience. It’s not just about hitting a magic number. It’s about assigning purpose to each dollar you’ve saved. Proper planning goes well beyond investments to include things like tax strategies, income planning, healthcare expenses, gifting, legacy planning, and even how you’ll spend your time. If you're wondering what you might be missing as you approach retirement, join us as we answer Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Retirement planning is about purpose, not just savings goals 💡 Unexpected life events can reshape your financial priorities 💬 The right advisor brings clarity beyond the numbers 🏡 Legacy and lifestyle planning are often just as important as investments   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    

Getting engaged later in life is an exciting time, but it requires different financial planning conversations. With blended families, different retirement timelines, and evolving goals, couples in this situation face unique challenges. Jake and Nick break down how your relationship with money changes as retirement nears and why your financial plan should evolve right alongside it. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Your investments need a new job—income, not just growth 🏦 Assign purpose to each dollar to reduce risk and increase clarity ⏳ The closer you are to retirement, the more planning matters   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    

Establishing a solid relationship with a financial advisor is crucial for effective planning, but what does that look like in practice? Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® discuss the essential role that communication plays in the client-advisor relationship to help set expectations for the planning process. We received this question recently and wanted to open up the conversation so everyone can glean a little information from it. We’ll pull back the curtain on what ongoing communication looks like at Johnson Brunetti, with clients typically receiving ongoing education, quarterly events, newsletters, market updates, and in-depth reviews once or twice a year.  Plus, we’ll explain why meeting too frequently might not be a good thing and give you a few red flags to watch for. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📞 Proactive Communication – Why regular updates matter more than you think 📊 Annual Review Strategy – What goes into those once or twice-a-year deep dives 🚩 Advisor Red Flags – What it means when you haven’t heard from them in years 🧭 Life Changes = Plan Changes – When it’s time to revisit your strategy   0:00 – Today’s question 1:14 – How we interact with clients 3:29 – Proactive communication 4:50 – Can you meet too frequently? 6:18 – Client needs   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

Long-term care planning is a significant concern for individuals approaching retirement because it’s an expense most people aren’t prepared for. Trying to prepare for it with insurance isn’t cheap, and people often ask us if it’s worth it. In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® tackle this pressing issue by answering a listener’s question about long-term care insurance and the options available. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:39 – Reason it’s expensive 3:39 – Long-term care options 6:48 – Where is long-term care on the priority list? 9:18 – Final thoughts   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

Preparing for required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be quite unsettling when you know withdrawals are coming and the IRS will be waiting. In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, we’re going to answer a question about what you can do from a planning standpoint when large RMDs are coming in retirement.   This situation highlights a common issue: retirees often find themselves in higher tax brackets due to large mandatory withdrawals, reducing their financial flexibility. So what are the strategies you can utilize to manage your tax requirements? Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP will take you through some of the strategies today. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:05 – What to know about RMDs 4:13 – Income planning 8:49 – Tax planning   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    

Financial planning is an essential aspect of life, but every family handles their money a little differently. The Money Wisdom podcast tackled a common question: what happens when one spouse handles all financial matters, leaving the other uninformed? This scenario, while common, can create stress and uncertainty for family members, particularly adult children who may be concerned about their parents' financial security. Discover practical strategies to ensure that both partners are informed and prepared, and learn how to involve adult children in these important discussions. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:00 – Couples and finances 2:56 – Keeping planning simple 4:44 – Involvement is key 6:48 – Our clients   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