One For The Money

Episode 120: Health Care PlanningHealth care is something everyone needs to plan for. Whether you are still in the workforce or already retired, you need to have a plan.In this episode, I’ll explain the important factors to consider with health care planning at each stage of life.And in the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies segment, I’ll explain why FSAs and HSAs can be powerful tools for health care planning.Key Points: • Health care planning matters at every stage of life—whether you are working, retiring early, or already on Medicare. • Review your health insurance options each year during open enrollment rather than automatically renewing last year’s plan. • Compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, prescription coverage, provider networks, and anticipated medical needs. • Health care costs can create substantial financial stress, especially when medical events coincide with lost income or reduced ability to work. • A taxable brokerage account can provide income flexibility in early retirement and may help manage ACA premium costs. • Review Medicare coverage annually because premiums, deductibles, formularies, provider networks, and plan benefits can change. • Consider working with a specialized Medicare professional to help evaluate coverage choices. • FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts best suited for expected near-term health expenses, while HSAs are portable, individually owned accounts that can serve as both a health care spending and long-term retirement-planning tool.

Episode 119: Five Strategies for Retiring EarlyEarly retirement requires a different playbook. In this episode, I explain five strategies for bridging the gaps before Social Security and Medicare, managing taxes, and funding your lifestyle with greater flexibility.In the tips and tricks segment, I share how Roth IRA contributions can provide an additional source of penalty-free funds before age 59½.Key points • Build a taxable brokerage account • Maximize your HSA • Use pre-tax 401(k) contributions strategically • Establish a dedicated cash reserve • Understand early retirement-account access • Use Roth IRA contributions for added flexibility before age 59½

Episode 118: Building a More Satisfying RetirementWhat does a successful retirement really look like?In this episode, Jonny explores why retirement satisfaction depends on more than just the size of your portfolio. Research shows that four factors play an important role: income, savings, health, and social connection.You’ll learn why a comprehensive retirement plan should go beyond investments and include thoughtful planning for healthcare, relationships, purpose, and the lifestyle you want to enjoy.In This EpisodeThe four key drivers of retirement satisfactionWhy health and social connection can be as important as financial securityHow to avoid sacrificing well-being solely to build a larger nest eggWhy many retirees report being more financially comfortable than they expectedThe ongoing role of Social Security, Medicare, and lower work-related expenses in retirementKey TakeawayA successful retirement is not just about having enough money to stop working. It is about having the financial confidence, health, relationships, and purpose to enjoy the life you have built.

Episode 117: Social Security Claiming Strategies and Tips for Married CouplesIn this episode of One for the Money, we take a close look at one of the most important retirement decisions you can make: when to claim Social Security. While the timing can have a meaningful impact on your lifetime retirement income, too many people still make this choice without a clear strategy. We break down the key claiming ages, the tradeoffs between claiming early or delaying, and why the right decision should be based on your goals, income sources, life expectancy, and overall retirement plan.We also explore research showing why delaying benefits can often create more long-term value than claiming early and investing the difference. In the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies section, we discuss how married couples should think about spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and how to coordinate claiming decisions to support long-term retirement income.Key topics covered:When to claim Social Security and why timing matters.How claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70 changes your benefit.Why many retirees leave money on the table by claiming too early.Research on the value of delaying benefits.Social Security strategies married couples may want to consider.How to think about survivor benefits and spousal coordination.Why listen: If you want a clearer framework for deciding when to claim Social Security, this episode offers practical guidance, planning considerations, and a few strategies that can help you make a more informed choice.

Episode 116 – The Alphabet Soup of Employee Stock BenefitsWhy employee ownership can be a powerful wealth-building toolOverview of ESOPs, ESPPs, RSUs, and the NUA tax strategyHow ESOPs and ESPPs give you company stock through contributions or discounted purchasesHow RSUs work, when they’re taxed, and why they often lead to concentrated employer stockWhat NUA is and when it can reduce taxes on appreciated company stock in a 401(k)Key risks of single‑stock exposure and why diversification is crucialPractical RSU tip: when it can make sense to sell vested shares and reinvest or pay down debtHow to think about these benefits as part of an overall financial and tax planIf you’d like help reviewing your equity compensation and overall plan, schedule a free introductory meeting at betterplanningbetterlife.com.This material is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.