Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:05:13 -0400 https://retirementplanningeducation.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko yes 364de693-36bf-56db-ae87-2c0d27b3718f Andy Panko episodic false Teaching you all about IRAs & Roth IRAs, employer retirement plans, taxes, Social Security, Medicare, portfolio withdrawal strategies, annuities, estate planning and much more!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Retirement Planning, Financial Planning, Taxes, Tax Planning, Investing, Social Security, IRA, Roth IRA, 401k, Pension, Annuities, Roth Conversion Andy Panko https://storage.buzzsprout.com/nqaze59lkp2jybjnajybm0pfr6x6?.jpg Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko Andy Panko #199 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Jonathan Vance talk about opportunities in the current market environment, 2026 tax updates, questions to ask advisors and MORE! #199 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Jonathan Vance talk about opportunities in the current market environment, 2026 tax updates, questions to ask advisors and MORE! Andy and Jonathan Vance from Vance Financial Planning share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 


  • Given current world affairs and their impacts on the markets, should you do anything different with your investments, or are there any other planning opportunities to consider ( 14:20 )
  • Tax updates for 2026, and some recap of tax takeaways for 2025 now that the 2025 tax return season is mostly behind us ( 26:27 )
  • Using in-kind gifts to family and friends to get rid of appreciated non-qualified assets you no longer want, but don't want to sell and realize the gains ( 38:45 )
  • The importance of having a good grasp on your future expenses and how that impacts virtually all aspects of retirement planning ( 46:00 )
  • The practicality of the "die with zero" concept, and how Monte Carlo can help try to put it into practice ( 1:00:48 )
  • Questions to ask when interviewing a financial advisor ( 1:11:54 )
  • Options for what to do with permanent life insurance policies or annuities you might no longer want, or are no longer in your best interest ( 1:23:10 )


Links in this episode:

  • Vance Financial Planning website - https://www.vancefp.com
  • Manuka Financial's article, 9 Questions to ask a Flat Fee (or any!) Financial Advisor as you Near Retirement - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Jonathan Vance from Vance Financial Planning share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 


  • Given current world affairs and their impacts on the markets, should you do anything different with your investments, or are there any other planning opportunities to consider ( 14:20 )
  • Tax updates for 2026, and some recap of tax takeaways for 2025 now that the 2025 tax return season is mostly behind us ( 26:27 )
  • Using in-kind gifts to family and friends to get rid of appreciated non-qualified assets you no longer want, but don't want to sell and realize the gains ( 38:45 )
  • The importance of having a good grasp on your future expenses and how that impacts virtually all aspects of retirement planning ( 46:00 )
  • The practicality of the "die with zero" concept, and how Monte Carlo can help try to put it into practice ( 1:00:48 )
  • Questions to ask when interviewing a financial advisor ( 1:11:54 )
  • Options for what to do with permanent life insurance policies or annuities you might no longer want, or are no longer in your best interest ( 1:23:10 )


Links in this episode:

  • Vance Financial Planning website - https://www.vancefp.com
  • Manuka Financial's article, 9 Questions to ask a Flat Fee (or any!) Financial Advisor as you Near Retirement - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18978759 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400 5736 full false #198 - Whether to take a pension as a lump sum or monthly payments #198 - Whether to take a pension as a lump sum or monthly payments Andy discusses the pros and cons of taking a lump sum vs taking monthly payments for your pension, questions to ask yourself to help figure out if it might be better for you to take one vs the other, and other considerations to keep in mind in making the decision


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discusses the pros and cons of taking a lump sum vs taking monthly payments for your pension, questions to ask yourself to help figure out if it might be better for you to take one vs the other, and other considerations to keep in mind in making the decision


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18915675 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400 3939 full false #197 - Q&A edition...how often to rebalance, tracking Roth IRA contributions, are RMDs really that bad, paying off mortgages before retirement and MORE! #197 - Q&A edition...how often to rebalance, tracking Roth IRA contributions, are RMDs really that bad, paying off mortgages before retirement and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How often to check your accounts for rebalancing, and how often to check on your bigger picture finances and plan ( 2:32 )
  • What to do with old positions you no longer want in a brokerage account but they all have large unrealized gains ( 16:03 )
  • How Medi-Cal benefits interact with a high deductible health plan and an HSA (spoiler alert...I don't know!) ( 22:20 )
  • Are there any good reasons to leave old/prior employer 401(k) plans where they are ( 25:31 )
  • Tracking Roth IRA contributions (including money inherited from a deceased spouse's Roth 401(k)) ( 29:50 )
  • The mechanics of separating the cream from the coffee when rolling pre-tax money in an IRA to a 401(k) to leave behind in the IRA just the after-tax basis, and potential gotchas with that process ( 33:41 )
  • Are potentially large RMDs really a threat to someone's financial plan, or just a pain ( 42:37 )
  • Additional thoughts on whether to pay off a mortgage before retirement, particularly if using pre-tax funds (like from a 401(k)) to do it, even if the interest rate on the loan is really low ( 49:45 )
  • Why Roth money within a 401(k) isn't actually in its own separate account, but is instead just an internal accounting record type of "sub" account ( 53:04 )
  • Tax-free conversions of mutual fund share classes to ETF share classes of the same fund, where available ( 59:02 )
  • Thoughts on rental property vs bank CD's for purposes of estate transfer, tax implications and general retirement plan considerations ( 1:03:23 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:


  • My article about pros and cons of rolling over old employer plans to an IRA - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How often to check your accounts for rebalancing, and how often to check on your bigger picture finances and plan ( 2:32 )
  • What to do with old positions you no longer want in a brokerage account but they all have large unrealized gains ( 16:03 )
  • How Medi-Cal benefits interact with a high deductible health plan and an HSA (spoiler alert...I don't know!) ( 22:20 )
  • Are there any good reasons to leave old/prior employer 401(k) plans where they are ( 25:31 )
  • Tracking Roth IRA contributions (including money inherited from a deceased spouse's Roth 401(k)) ( 29:50 )
  • The mechanics of separating the cream from the coffee when rolling pre-tax money in an IRA to a 401(k) to leave behind in the IRA just the after-tax basis, and potential gotchas with that process ( 33:41 )
  • Are potentially large RMDs really a threat to someone's financial plan, or just a pain ( 42:37 )
  • Additional thoughts on whether to pay off a mortgage before retirement, particularly if using pre-tax funds (like from a 401(k)) to do it, even if the interest rate on the loan is really low ( 49:45 )
  • Why Roth money within a 401(k) isn't actually in its own separate account, but is instead just an internal accounting record type of "sub" account ( 53:04 )
  • Tax-free conversions of mutual fund share classes to ETF share classes of the same fund, where available ( 59:02 )
  • Thoughts on rental property vs bank CD's for purposes of estate transfer, tax implications and general retirement plan considerations ( 1:03:23 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:


  • My article about pros and cons of rolling over old employer plans to an IRA - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18882357 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 4235 full false #196 – "Real" person retirement planning chat with Jim Kellerman #196 – "Real" person retirement planning chat with Jim Kellerman Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jim Kellerman. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when he started getting serious about planning for retirement, how he now spends his days in retirement, what he's doing for health insurance since he's not yet on Medicare and why he's at the local prison each week...
 
 Links in this episode:


  • Puritas tax prep software (including for Form 709 gift tax returns) - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jim Kellerman. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when he started getting serious about planning for retirement, how he now spends his days in retirement, what he's doing for health insurance since he's not yet on Medicare and why he's at the local prison each week...
 
 Links in this episode:


  • Puritas tax prep software (including for Form 709 gift tax returns) - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18846078 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 5411 full false #195 - Retirement planner chat with Bradley Hilton from Sonas Financial Planning #195 - Retirement planner chat with Bradley Hilton from Sonas Financial Planning Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Bradley Hilton, CFP®, TPCP®, MBA from Sonas Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


  • Tax Foundation summary of state-level estate and inheritance taxes (as of 2025) - here 


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Bradley Hilton, CFP®, TPCP®, MBA from Sonas Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


  • Tax Foundation summary of state-level estate and inheritance taxes (as of 2025) - here 


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18789082 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 7163 full false #194 - Gifting, gift taxes, annual gift exclusion and gift tax returns (IRS Form 709) #194 - Gifting, gift taxes, annual gift exclusion and gift tax returns (IRS Form 709) Andy discusses the ins and outs of gifting, the annual gift exclusion, gift splitting, gift taxes, gift tax returns (IRS Form 709) and more!


Links in this episode:

  • Tenon Financial's March newsletter/blog about gifting - here
  • IRS Form 709 - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discusses the ins and outs of gifting, the annual gift exclusion, gift splitting, gift taxes, gift tax returns (IRS Form 709) and more!


Links in this episode:

  • Tenon Financial's March newsletter/blog about gifting - here
  • IRS Form 709 - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18766931 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 3966 full false #193 - Q&A edition...Social Security lump sum for retroactive payments, whether to pay off a mortgage, step-up in basis, gifting without having to file a gift tax return and MORE! #193 - Q&A edition...Social Security lump sum for retroactive payments, whether to pay off a mortgage, step-up in basis, gifting without having to file a gift tax return and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Income tax treatment of buying bonds in a normal non-qualified brokerage account when you buy or sell bonds in between coupon periods ( 8:37 )
  • When still working, are 50 or older, are maxing out your 401(k) contributions, and are high income and therefore would need to have your catch-up contribution go into your Roth (instead of pre-tax) 401(k), would it be better to skip the catch-up and instead put that money in a normal brokerage account ( 14:40 )
  • Taxation of Social Security lump sums received for prior month's retroactive payments; is it taxable in the year received or in the prior year that the payments were attributable to ( 17:56 )
  • Does the imputed wage income from employer group life insurance in excess of $50,000 death benefit qualify as earned income for purposes of making Roth IRA contributions ( 24:26 )
  • Deciding how/when to sell out of appreciated assets in a brokerage account you no longer want but don't want to have to deal with realizing taxable gains ( 29:11 )
  • Thoughts on direct indexing, and whether it's a strategy worth considering ( 37:01 )
  • Whether or not to pay off a mortgage, especially now that interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago ( 44:07 )
  • Thoughts on when to stop saving if/when you've saved "enough," balancing planning for the future you vs the present you, deciding how much to sacrifice now for saving for the future, etc. ( 49:24 )
  • The differences in step-up in basis rules for spouses in community property states vs common law states, and how that impacts federal taxes (even if the gains aren't taxable at the state level) ( 55:10 )
  • What to keep in mind when spouses want to maximize gift giving and not have to file a gift tax return ( 1:01:44 )
  • Deductibility of donating appreciated securities vs cash and how to plan large donations in years of doing Roth conversions to help manage taxable income ( 1:07:47 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Income tax treatment of buying bonds in a normal non-qualified brokerage account when you buy or sell bonds in between coupon periods ( 8:37 )
  • When still working, are 50 or older, are maxing out your 401(k) contributions, and are high income and therefore would need to have your catch-up contribution go into your Roth (instead of pre-tax) 401(k), would it be better to skip the catch-up and instead put that money in a normal brokerage account ( 14:40 )
  • Taxation of Social Security lump sums received for prior month's retroactive payments; is it taxable in the year received or in the prior year that the payments were attributable to ( 17:56 )
  • Does the imputed wage income from employer group life insurance in excess of $50,000 death benefit qualify as earned income for purposes of making Roth IRA contributions ( 24:26 )
  • Deciding how/when to sell out of appreciated assets in a brokerage account you no longer want but don't want to have to deal with realizing taxable gains ( 29:11 )
  • Thoughts on direct indexing, and whether it's a strategy worth considering ( 37:01 )
  • Whether or not to pay off a mortgage, especially now that interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago ( 44:07 )
  • Thoughts on when to stop saving if/when you've saved "enough," balancing planning for the future you vs the present you, deciding how much to sacrifice now for saving for the future, etc. ( 49:24 )
  • The differences in step-up in basis rules for spouses in community property states vs common law states, and how that impacts federal taxes (even if the gains aren't taxable at the state level) ( 55:10 )
  • What to keep in mind when spouses want to maximize gift giving and not have to file a gift tax return ( 1:01:44 )
  • Deductibility of donating appreciated securities vs cash and how to plan large donations in years of doing Roth conversions to help manage taxable income ( 1:07:47 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18726455 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 4359 full false #192 – "Real" person chat with Kevin Sebesta from the Rock Retirement Club, discussing FIRE...Financial Independence, Retire Early #192 – "Real" person chat with Kevin Sebesta from the Rock Retirement Club, discussing FIRE...Financial Independence, Retire Early Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. This week Andy is joined by Kevin Sebesta from the Rock Retirement Club

Kevin retired at 43 as part of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) concept. He shares his planning and retirement journey, and discusses more about FIRE including the FIRE community and thoughts everyone (not just FIRE folks) should consider when planning for retirement.


 
 Links in this episode:




To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. This week Andy is joined by Kevin Sebesta from the Rock Retirement Club

Kevin retired at 43 as part of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) concept. He shares his planning and retirement journey, and discusses more about FIRE including the FIRE community and thoughts everyone (not just FIRE folks) should consider when planning for retirement.


 
 Links in this episode:




To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18620116 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 4668 full false #191 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Jason Cutitta talk about inheritances, Die With Zero, TSP in-plan conversion, taking RMDs and MORE! #191 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Jason Cutitta talk about inheritances, Die With Zero, TSP in-plan conversion, taking RMDs and MORE! Andy and Jason Cutitta from ToBa Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 


  • How to incorporate a potential inheritance into your retirement planning ( 12:30 )
  • Limitations of the "Die With Zero" concept ( 18:55 )
  • The upcoming ability to do in-plan Roth conversions in the federal Thrift Savings Plan ( 29:06 )
  • Whose retirement accounts to take from first when spouses have a big age disparity ( 36:56 )
  • When are you required to file a tax return. And even if you aren't required to file one, why you still should anyway ( 45:04 )
  • How to try to project your income for the year when there are certain items you can't know for sure until later in the year ( 53:32 )
  • When in the year is the best time to take your annual Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") ( 1:01:02 )
  • How much money do you need in retirement to justify hiring a financial advisor ( 1:08:21 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Jason Cutitta from ToBa Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 


  • How to incorporate a potential inheritance into your retirement planning ( 12:30 )
  • Limitations of the "Die With Zero" concept ( 18:55 )
  • The upcoming ability to do in-plan Roth conversions in the federal Thrift Savings Plan ( 29:06 )
  • Whose retirement accounts to take from first when spouses have a big age disparity ( 36:56 )
  • When are you required to file a tax return. And even if you aren't required to file one, why you still should anyway ( 45:04 )
  • How to try to project your income for the year when there are certain items you can't know for sure until later in the year ( 53:32 )
  • When in the year is the best time to take your annual Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") ( 1:01:02 )
  • How much money do you need in retirement to justify hiring a financial advisor ( 1:08:21 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18595758 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 4736 full false #190 - All about "backdoor" Roth contributions #190 - All about "backdoor" Roth contributions Andy does a deep dive into everything about "backdoor" Roth contributions, which is where you make an after-tax contribution to a traditional/pre-tax account, and then convert it to a Roth account. Looks simple on the surface, but there are a lot of angles and gotchas to watch out for


Links in this episode:


  • IRS Form 8606 - here
  • Congressional meeting summary from December 2017 meeting on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy does a deep dive into everything about "backdoor" Roth contributions, which is where you make an after-tax contribution to a traditional/pre-tax account, and then convert it to a Roth account. Looks simple on the surface, but there are a lot of angles and gotchas to watch out for


Links in this episode:


  • IRS Form 8606 - here
  • Congressional meeting summary from December 2017 meeting on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18597675 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 3408 full false #189 - My background and prior experiences and how they shaped my views and approach to retirement planning and starting my own firm and creating this podcast #189 - My background and prior experiences and how they shaped my views and approach to retirement planning and starting my own firm and creating this podcast Andy shares his background and how/why that shaped his views, beliefs and approach to providing tax-efficient retirement planning and related content through the Retirement Planning Education website, podcast, YouTube channel, blog and Facebook group


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy shares his background and how/why that shaped his views, beliefs and approach to providing tax-efficient retirement planning and related content through the Retirement Planning Education website, podcast, YouTube channel, blog and Facebook group


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18573424 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 4694 full false #188 - Q&A edition...Social Security spousal benefits, cognitive biases in investing, changing state tax domicile, naming minors as beneficiaries and MORE! #188 - Q&A edition...Social Security spousal benefits, cognitive biases in investing, changing state tax domicile, naming minors as beneficiaries and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Can a spouse claim spousal benefits while delaying the start of their own benefit ( 10:40 )
  • What's the best way to view your accounts in terms of how much of them are actually yours after accounting for eventual taxes you have to pay on them ( 14:08 )
  • Can a minor be named as the beneficiary of a retirement account ( 23:28 )
  • His thoughts on dividend stocks and funds ( 26:55 )
  • Follow up thoughts about combining retirement account, in response to a previous listener question ( 34:43 )
  • Considerations and gotchas around changing state tax domicile ( 39:30 )
  • 10 cognitive biases in investing, and which three I see the most in my practice ( 46:48 )
  • Considering the present value of expected future Social Security payments when determining asset allocation ( 54:25 )
  • Additional thoughts about the 4% rule and whether you can increase your distribution if your portfolio value increases ( 1:01:40 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Can a spouse claim spousal benefits while delaying the start of their own benefit ( 10:40 )
  • What's the best way to view your accounts in terms of how much of them are actually yours after accounting for eventual taxes you have to pay on them ( 14:08 )
  • Can a minor be named as the beneficiary of a retirement account ( 23:28 )
  • His thoughts on dividend stocks and funds ( 26:55 )
  • Follow up thoughts about combining retirement account, in response to a previous listener question ( 34:43 )
  • Considerations and gotchas around changing state tax domicile ( 39:30 )
  • 10 cognitive biases in investing, and which three I see the most in my practice ( 46:48 )
  • Considering the present value of expected future Social Security payments when determining asset allocation ( 54:25 )
  • Additional thoughts about the 4% rule and whether you can increase your distribution if your portfolio value increases ( 1:01:40 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18537439 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 4233 full false #187 – "Real" person chat with Kevin Lyles from the Rock Retirement Club, discussing six "Retirement Truths" #187 – "Real" person chat with Kevin Lyles from the Rock Retirement Club, discussing six "Retirement Truths" Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. This episode is a bit different from our normal real people chats though. Andy is joined by Kevin Lyles from the Rock Retirement Club. Kevin is a retired corporate lawyer who has since become a certified retirement coach, focusing on helping people with the non-financial aspects of retirement.

In the episode, Andy & Kevin talk about six "Retirement Truths:"


  1. You never know when you have enough; there are too many uncertainties and too many changes in life
  2. The 90/10 rule; before retirement, planning is often 90% financial, 10% non-financial. In retirement, planning is often 90% non-financial, 10% financial
  3. Searching for purpose can lead to frustration and failure to find it
  4. Optimization is great. But don't let the elusive quest for perfect be the enemy of good. Don't let yourself get stuck in analysis paralysis
  5. To thrive in retirement, we must continue to grow and achieve
  6. Retirement isn't about money; it's about time. Tomorrow is not promised

 
 Links in this episode:


  • The Rock Retirement Club - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. This episode is a bit different from our normal real people chats though. Andy is joined by Kevin Lyles from the Rock Retirement Club. Kevin is a retired corporate lawyer who has since become a certified retirement coach, focusing on helping people with the non-financial aspects of retirement.

In the episode, Andy & Kevin talk about six "Retirement Truths:"


  1. You never know when you have enough; there are too many uncertainties and too many changes in life
  2. The 90/10 rule; before retirement, planning is often 90% financial, 10% non-financial. In retirement, planning is often 90% non-financial, 10% financial
  3. Searching for purpose can lead to frustration and failure to find it
  4. Optimization is great. But don't let the elusive quest for perfect be the enemy of good. Don't let yourself get stuck in analysis paralysis
  5. To thrive in retirement, we must continue to grow and achieve
  6. Retirement isn't about money; it's about time. Tomorrow is not promised

 
 Links in this episode:


  • The Rock Retirement Club - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18478384 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 4882 full false #186 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Cody Garrett talk about ACA tax credits, Roth conversions, tax gain harvesting, paying taxes in retirement, using HSAs and MORE! #186 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Cody Garrett talk about ACA tax credits, Roth conversions, tax gain harvesting, paying taxes in retirement, using HSAs and MORE! Andy and Cody Garrett from Measure Twice Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 


  • Affordable Care Act ("ACA") tax credits and income "cliffs" in tax planning ( 08:13 )
  • Doing Roth conversions vs tax gain harvesting ( 22:30 )
  • Paying taxes in retirement; estimated payments vs withholdings ( 31:33 )
  • Rushing into Roth conversions ( 38:50 )
  • When to start doing HSA distributions ( 51:31 )
  • Should you be worried about tech stocks ( 58:23 )
  • Timing Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs"); when in the year to take them ( 1:08:26 )
  • Retirement spending anxiety ( 1:17:37 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Cody Garrett from Measure Twice Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 


  • Affordable Care Act ("ACA") tax credits and income "cliffs" in tax planning ( 08:13 )
  • Doing Roth conversions vs tax gain harvesting ( 22:30 )
  • Paying taxes in retirement; estimated payments vs withholdings ( 31:33 )
  • Rushing into Roth conversions ( 38:50 )
  • When to start doing HSA distributions ( 51:31 )
  • Should you be worried about tech stocks ( 58:23 )
  • Timing Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs"); when in the year to take them ( 1:08:26 )
  • Retirement spending anxiety ( 1:17:37 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18465436 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 5357 full false #185 - My thoughts and commentary about what the financial markets did in 2025 #185 - My thoughts and commentary about what the financial markets did in 2025 Andy shares his thoughts and commentary about 2025 returns and events for:

  • U.S. stocks
  • International stocks
  • U.S. bonds
  • Gold & Silver
  • Bitcoin


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy shares his thoughts and commentary about 2025 returns and events for:

  • U.S. stocks
  • International stocks
  • U.S. bonds
  • Gold & Silver
  • Bitcoin


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18434059 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 3702 full false #184 - Q&A edition...consolidating accounts, tax withholdings vs estimated payments, QLACs, the 4% rule and MORE! #184 - Q&A edition...consolidating accounts, tax withholdings vs estimated payments, QLACs, the 4% rule and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Potential advantages or disadvantages of consolidating retirement accounts ( 4:28 )
  • Paying taxes through IRA withholdings vs making estimated payments ( 13:08 )
  • Whether a minister's housing allowance impacts Affordable Care Act subsidy eligibility ( 26:11 )
  • When Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts ("QLACs") might make sense to consider ( 30:27 )
  • When following the 4% "rule" for distributions, can you reset your initial distribution if/when your portfolio value increases from market gains ( 37:48 )
  • If someone has an outdated will and unused trust, but the person verbally stated their wishes to the heirs, is there a need to update will and/or trust, especially if there is currently nothing in the trust ( 49:19 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Potential advantages or disadvantages of consolidating retirement accounts ( 4:28 )
  • Paying taxes through IRA withholdings vs making estimated payments ( 13:08 )
  • Whether a minister's housing allowance impacts Affordable Care Act subsidy eligibility ( 26:11 )
  • When Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts ("QLACs") might make sense to consider ( 30:27 )
  • When following the 4% "rule" for distributions, can you reset your initial distribution if/when your portfolio value increases from market gains ( 37:48 )
  • If someone has an outdated will and unused trust, but the person verbally stated their wishes to the heirs, is there a need to update will and/or trust, especially if there is currently nothing in the trust ( 49:19 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-18393962 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3562 full false #183 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jill #183 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jill Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jill. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce relatively early, keeping expenses moderate yet still doing and enjoying a lot in life, what she wishes she would have known and done sooner for her retirement planning, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jill. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce relatively early, keeping expenses moderate yet still doing and enjoying a lot in life, what she wishes she would have known and done sooner for her retirement planning, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-18364342 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 5141 full false #182 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Kevin Thompson talk about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the markets, IRMAA, senior exploitation and MORE! #182 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Kevin Thompson talk about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the markets, IRMAA, senior exploitation and MORE! Andy and Kevin Thompson from 9i Capital Group share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Thoughts on how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act complicates 2025 tax planning. And in particular whether people 65 or older should try to keep their income low to get some or all of the extra $6k bonus deduction ( 7:41 )
  • What's up with the markets??? Should we be worried about the stock market? ( 17:33 )
  • Their views on private or alternative investments and whether consumers should embrace them ( 34:30 )
  • Should people try to prevent ever being in IRMAA (i.e. income-based Medicare surcharge) territory with their income, or instead consider SOME IRMAA in the name of longer term tax planning ( 44:04 )
  • Helping address client mental incapacity issues, elder/financial abuse, etc. ( 54:43 )
  • What keeps them up at night, in their roles as advisors ( 1:00:01 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Kevin Thompson from 9i Capital Group share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Thoughts on how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act complicates 2025 tax planning. And in particular whether people 65 or older should try to keep their income low to get some or all of the extra $6k bonus deduction ( 7:41 )
  • What's up with the markets??? Should we be worried about the stock market? ( 17:33 )
  • Their views on private or alternative investments and whether consumers should embrace them ( 34:30 )
  • Should people try to prevent ever being in IRMAA (i.e. income-based Medicare surcharge) territory with their income, or instead consider SOME IRMAA in the name of longer term tax planning ( 44:04 )
  • Helping address client mental incapacity issues, elder/financial abuse, etc. ( 54:43 )
  • What keeps them up at night, in their roles as advisors ( 1:00:01 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-18321293 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 4120 full false #181 - Q&A edition...understanding Roth IRA income limits, deciding between pension payment options, when to Roth convert vs distribute from an IRA and MORE! #181 - Q&A edition...understanding Roth IRA income limits, deciding between pension payment options, when to Roth convert vs distribute from an IRA and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • A correction on something incorrect I said last week regarding deciding which spouse's pre-tax account to distribute or convert from ( 3:28 )
  • Pros and cons of using a single total global stock market fund vs multiple other funds such as just US and just international  ( 8:17 )
  • What's in the calculation for Modified Adjusted Gross Income ("MAGI") for purposes of determining eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA ( 14:49 )
  • Deciding when to start a Roth account, and whether it should be a Roth IRA or Roth 401(K) (if you have the option), and whether it should be funded via conversion or contribution ( 20:40 )
  • What to consider when deciding on which pension payment type of choose ( 27:52 )
  • Should IRA distributions instead be converted to Roth if you don't need to use the money any time soon ( 35:50 )
  • What to consider when retiring late (e.g. late-60s or 70s) ( 42:02 )
  • Explaining certain "fees" on trade confirmations, such as when buying coupon-paying bonds or stocks/ETFs ( 47:21 )
  • Why just looking at unrealized gains or losses on a position in a dividend or distribution paying security don't tell the whole story with regards to how much money you've actually made or lost in the position ( 53:45 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • A correction on something incorrect I said last week regarding deciding which spouse's pre-tax account to distribute or convert from ( 3:28 )
  • Pros and cons of using a single total global stock market fund vs multiple other funds such as just US and just international  ( 8:17 )
  • What's in the calculation for Modified Adjusted Gross Income ("MAGI") for purposes of determining eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA ( 14:49 )
  • Deciding when to start a Roth account, and whether it should be a Roth IRA or Roth 401(K) (if you have the option), and whether it should be funded via conversion or contribution ( 20:40 )
  • What to consider when deciding on which pension payment type of choose ( 27:52 )
  • Should IRA distributions instead be converted to Roth if you don't need to use the money any time soon ( 35:50 )
  • What to consider when retiring late (e.g. late-60s or 70s) ( 42:02 )
  • Explaining certain "fees" on trade confirmations, such as when buying coupon-paying bonds or stocks/ETFs ( 47:21 )
  • Why just looking at unrealized gains or losses on a position in a dividend or distribution paying security don't tell the whole story with regards to how much money you've actually made or lost in the position ( 53:45 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:


]]> Buzzsprout-18290039 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3680 full false #180 - Q&A edition...Social Security spousal and survivor benefits, finding an advisor who doesn't require investment management, how a decedent's income is taxed and MORE! #180 - Q&A edition...Social Security spousal and survivor benefits, finding an advisor who doesn't require investment management, how a decedent's income is taxed and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Starting Social Security benefits early so your minor children can claim dependent benefits, and how the earnings test can come into play if you're still working ( 5:53 )
  • Social Security spousal benefits, and what happens when the lower earning spouse starts their own benefit early at a reduced amount, then later switches to spousal benefits ( 10:35)
  • Social Security survivor benefits and whether the surviving spouse should start their own benefits earlier before eventually starting the survivor benefit, and whether there will be a reduction to the survivor benefit as a result ( 13:46 )
  • If spouses each have IRAs, does it matter from which IRA they take distributions ( 18:28 )
  • How income from a decedent's investments is taxed after the death of the decedent ( 23:01 )
  • Whether tax withholdings from wages is treated the same as tax withholdings from IRA distributions with regards to the IRS viewing the amount withheld as having happened evenly throughout the year to help avoid underpayment penalties and interest ( 30:57 )
  • How to find a financial advisor/planner who works on a limited engagement basis for just certain guidance or questions (such as Social Security claiming questions and tax return reviews), without requiring management of investments  ( 36:49 )
  • Why do so many advisors require management of investments to provide their planning services, and how to find an advisor who doesn't (this is an extension of the previous question) ( 41:14 )
  • Using zero-coupon Treasury STRIPS in retirement for income after wages stop but before Social Security or other income sources start ( 45:40 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Starting Social Security benefits early so your minor children can claim dependent benefits, and how the earnings test can come into play if you're still working ( 5:53 )
  • Social Security spousal benefits, and what happens when the lower earning spouse starts their own benefit early at a reduced amount, then later switches to spousal benefits ( 10:35)
  • Social Security survivor benefits and whether the surviving spouse should start their own benefits earlier before eventually starting the survivor benefit, and whether there will be a reduction to the survivor benefit as a result ( 13:46 )
  • If spouses each have IRAs, does it matter from which IRA they take distributions ( 18:28 )
  • How income from a decedent's investments is taxed after the death of the decedent ( 23:01 )
  • Whether tax withholdings from wages is treated the same as tax withholdings from IRA distributions with regards to the IRS viewing the amount withheld as having happened evenly throughout the year to help avoid underpayment penalties and interest ( 30:57 )
  • How to find a financial advisor/planner who works on a limited engagement basis for just certain guidance or questions (such as Social Security claiming questions and tax return reviews), without requiring management of investments  ( 36:49 )
  • Why do so many advisors require management of investments to provide their planning services, and how to find an advisor who doesn't (this is an extension of the previous question) ( 41:14 )
  • Using zero-coupon Treasury STRIPS in retirement for income after wages stop but before Social Security or other income sources start ( 45:40 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Buzzsprout-18236382 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3365 full false #179 – "Real" person chat with Beth Pinsker about her new book, My Mother's Money, A Guide to Financial Caregiving #179 – "Real" person chat with Beth Pinsker about her new book, My Mother's Money, A Guide to Financial Caregiving Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor), Beth Pinsker, a columnist for MarketWatch, about her new book, My Mother's Money, A Guide to Financial Caregiving.

In the book, Beth details her personal experience in becoming her mother's financial caregiver, both during her mother's end of life and health decline, and beyond her mother's death and through the estate administration process.

The book provides tons of practical knowledge, insight and recommendations for how to ensure your financial affairs are in order, that others who need access to information and accounts have it, that end-of-life planning scenarios are less painful and difficult than they otherwise would be and that estate administration isn't more cumbersome, lengthy and challenging than it needs to be.

This book is a must read!


Links in the episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor), Beth Pinsker, a columnist for MarketWatch, about her new book, My Mother's Money, A Guide to Financial Caregiving.

In the book, Beth details her personal experience in becoming her mother's financial caregiver, both during her mother's end of life and health decline, and beyond her mother's death and through the estate administration process.

The book provides tons of practical knowledge, insight and recommendations for how to ensure your financial affairs are in order, that others who need access to information and accounts have it, that end-of-life planning scenarios are less painful and difficult than they otherwise would be and that estate administration isn't more cumbersome, lengthy and challenging than it needs to be.

This book is a must read!


Links in the episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-18208769 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 4420 full false #178 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Ben Brandt talk about Monte Carlo, Donor Advised Funds, paying taxes on Roth conversions, how advisors dress and MORE! #178 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Ben Brandt talk about Monte Carlo, Donor Advised Funds, paying taxes on Roth conversions, how advisors dress and MORE! Andy and Ben Brandt from Retirement Starts Today share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Thoughts on Monte Carlo analysis; the good, the bad, the ugly ( 9:10 )
  • Why all retirement plans are ultimately wrong as soon as they're made, and need to be agile and adaptable ( 13:30 )
  • How to try to help people get comfortable spending the money they've accumulated ( 22:53 )
  • Should people care how financial advisors dress? ( 29:18 )
  • Is IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) something that needs to be avoided, or is it okay to knowingly pay some IRMAA in the name of longer term tax planning ( 35:12 )
  • Are there any planning considerations or concerns people should have if the government shutdown continues to drag on ( 39:58 )
  • Is renting a home (instead of owning or buying) a home in retirement okay ( 44:27 )
  • Are Donor Advised Funds worth using ( 48:35 )
  • Their thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and how it may impact financial and retirement planning ( 52:52 )
  • Is it okay to pay taxes on Roth conversions by withholding it from the IRA, or should taxes on conversions only be paid with money outside of an IRA, such as in a bank or brokerage account ( 1:00:42 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Ben Brandt from Retirement Starts Today share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Thoughts on Monte Carlo analysis; the good, the bad, the ugly ( 9:10 )
  • Why all retirement plans are ultimately wrong as soon as they're made, and need to be agile and adaptable ( 13:30 )
  • How to try to help people get comfortable spending the money they've accumulated ( 22:53 )
  • Should people care how financial advisors dress? ( 29:18 )
  • Is IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) something that needs to be avoided, or is it okay to knowingly pay some IRMAA in the name of longer term tax planning ( 35:12 )
  • Are there any planning considerations or concerns people should have if the government shutdown continues to drag on ( 39:58 )
  • Is renting a home (instead of owning or buying) a home in retirement okay ( 44:27 )
  • Are Donor Advised Funds worth using ( 48:35 )
  • Their thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and how it may impact financial and retirement planning ( 52:52 )
  • Is it okay to pay taxes on Roth conversions by withholding it from the IRA, or should taxes on conversions only be paid with money outside of an IRA, such as in a bank or brokerage account ( 1:00:42 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-18070625 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 4336 full false #177 - 2025 year-end tax planning tips and items to consider #177 - 2025 year-end tax planning tips and items to consider Andy shares some year-end tax planning tips, deadlines and things to consider around the following topics:

  • contributions to qualified accounts
  • Roth conversions
  • distributions from qualified accounts
  • Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs")
  • charitable donations
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") from IRAs
  • gifting
  • tax loss and tax gain harvesting
  • doing a projected/pro forma 2025 tax return


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy shares some year-end tax planning tips, deadlines and things to consider around the following topics:

  • contributions to qualified accounts
  • Roth conversions
  • distributions from qualified accounts
  • Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs")
  • charitable donations
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") from IRAs
  • gifting
  • tax loss and tax gain harvesting
  • doing a projected/pro forma 2025 tax return


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-18116145 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3242 full false #176 - Guest host Brian Tegtmeyer from Truly Prosper Financial Planning talks about the non-financial aspects of planning a great retirement #176 - Guest host Brian Tegtmeyer from Truly Prosper Financial Planning talks about the non-financial aspects of planning a great retirement In this special guest host episode, Brian Tegtmeyer from Truly Prosper Financial  Planning talks about how to address and plan for the non-financial aspects of retirement such as intellectual engagement, purposeful activities, health and fitness, relationships and more. And he also shares a quick exercise to do to see how you can measure your satisfaction in these various areas, and how to help intentionally address the ones you feel need improvement


Links in this episode:




To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> In this special guest host episode, Brian Tegtmeyer from Truly Prosper Financial  Planning talks about how to address and plan for the non-financial aspects of retirement such as intellectual engagement, purposeful activities, health and fitness, relationships and more. And he also shares a quick exercise to do to see how you can measure your satisfaction in these various areas, and how to help intentionally address the ones you feel need improvement


Links in this episode:




To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-18078721 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2151 full false #175 - Q&A edition...The CAPE ratio and US stock market valuation, good enough vs optimization in retirement planning, tax on foreign stock dividends and MORE! #175 - Q&A edition...The CAPE ratio and US stock market valuation, good enough vs optimization in retirement planning, tax on foreign stock dividends and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • The CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price to Earnings) Ratio as a measure of whether the US stock market is overvalued or undervalued, and drawbacks with the CAPE Ratio ( 4:32 )
  • The meaning of Benjamin Graham's quote "In the short run, the stock market is a voting machine, but in the long run it's a weighing machine" ( 17:07 )
  • Helping clients overcome their frugality habits to enjoy more of their deferred spending from their nest eggs ( 19:18 )
  • Understanding "duration" and what it means in bond funds ( 26:58 )
  • How Annie Duke's concept of decision making and luck play into retirement planning ( 34:19 )
  • Balancing between good enough and optimization in retirement planning ( 38:45 )
  • Tax withholdings and credits on dividends from international stocks, and whether international stocks should be held only in normal brokerage accounts and not qualified accounts like IRAs and Roth IRAs ( 46:50 )
  • Additional resources in understanding and calculating 72(t) Substantially Equal Period Payments ("SEPP") to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty on accessing retirement accounts before 59 1/2 ( 52:20 )
  • A listener public service announcement about itemizable deductions for casualty losses due to federally declared disasters, and how IRS staffing issues and shutdowns exacerbate the inconvenience of the mandatory 20% federal tax withholding on 401(k) contributions ( 55:19 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • The CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price to Earnings) Ratio as a measure of whether the US stock market is overvalued or undervalued, and drawbacks with the CAPE Ratio ( 4:32 )
  • The meaning of Benjamin Graham's quote "In the short run, the stock market is a voting machine, but in the long run it's a weighing machine" ( 17:07 )
  • Helping clients overcome their frugality habits to enjoy more of their deferred spending from their nest eggs ( 19:18 )
  • Understanding "duration" and what it means in bond funds ( 26:58 )
  • How Annie Duke's concept of decision making and luck play into retirement planning ( 34:19 )
  • Balancing between good enough and optimization in retirement planning ( 38:45 )
  • Tax withholdings and credits on dividends from international stocks, and whether international stocks should be held only in normal brokerage accounts and not qualified accounts like IRAs and Roth IRAs ( 46:50 )
  • Additional resources in understanding and calculating 72(t) Substantially Equal Period Payments ("SEPP") to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty on accessing retirement accounts before 59 1/2 ( 52:20 )
  • A listener public service announcement about itemizable deductions for casualty losses due to federally declared disasters, and how IRS staffing issues and shutdowns exacerbate the inconvenience of the mandatory 20% federal tax withholding on 401(k) contributions ( 55:19 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:



]]> Buzzsprout-17986001 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3747 full false #174 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jackie Cummings Koski #174 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jackie Cummings Koski Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jackie Cummings Koski.

But Jackie isn't just the typical "real" person doing her own retirement planning. She went the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early) route and left her corporate job in her late-40s. She's since expanded on the financial knowledge she gained during her F.I.R.E. journey to get a masters degree in financial planning and coaching, obtain the CFP® designation, author the book F.I.R.E for Dummies and become the cohost of the Catching Up to FI podcast!

She's making the most of her retirement by being a financial educator to millions of people. She's since become a valuable contributor and presence to the financial community.

In this episode, Andy and Jackie talk about her F.I.R.E. journey and how she became so knowledgeable in personal finance after not having much prior knowledge or experience in the subject, what her "number" was to achieve financial independence, some of the technical planning aspects of her retirement (such as how she's accessing her retirement account without penalty before age 59 1/2 and what she's doing for health insurance before Medicare), and how she became a trusted source of financial knowledge and education for millions of people! 


Links in the episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jackie Cummings Koski.

But Jackie isn't just the typical "real" person doing her own retirement planning. She went the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early) route and left her corporate job in her late-40s. She's since expanded on the financial knowledge she gained during her F.I.R.E. journey to get a masters degree in financial planning and coaching, obtain the CFP® designation, author the book F.I.R.E for Dummies and become the cohost of the Catching Up to FI podcast!

She's making the most of her retirement by being a financial educator to millions of people. She's since become a valuable contributor and presence to the financial community.

In this episode, Andy and Jackie talk about her F.I.R.E. journey and how she became so knowledgeable in personal finance after not having much prior knowledge or experience in the subject, what her "number" was to achieve financial independence, some of the technical planning aspects of her retirement (such as how she's accessing her retirement account without penalty before age 59 1/2 and what she's doing for health insurance before Medicare), and how she became a trusted source of financial knowledge and education for millions of people! 


Links in the episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17980674 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400 7052 full false #173 – Retirement planner chat, with Allen Mueller from 7 Saturdays Financial #173 – Retirement planner chat, with Allen Mueller from 7 Saturdays Financial Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Allen Mueller, CFA, CFP® from 7 Saturdays Financial. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Allen Mueller, CFA, CFP® from 7 Saturdays Financial. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17955486 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400 4593 full false #172 - The conflicts, pros, cons and use cases of the different advisory fee structures #172 - The conflicts, pros, cons and use cases of the different advisory fee structures Andy shares his views on the few different ways in which people in the financial services/financial advisory industry can receive revenue:

  • Commission-only
  • Fee-only
  • Hybrid or fee-based


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy shares his views on the few different ways in which people in the financial services/financial advisory industry can receive revenue:

  • Commission-only
  • Fee-only
  • Hybrid or fee-based


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17923191 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400 4617 full false #171 - Q&A edition...how much you can spend in retirement, Roth IRA 5-year rule, RMDs, accounts for grandchildren and MORE! #171 - Q&A edition...how much you can spend in retirement, Roth IRA 5-year rule, RMDs, accounts for grandchildren and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to calculate how much money you can gift or donate in retirement without running out ( 8:47 )
  • Does the five-year rule met by a previous Roth IRA carry over to a new Roth IRA ( 17:03 )
  • Is it better to draw down an inherited IRA and delay starting Social Security, or vice versa ( 19:39 )
  • Can distributions from an annuity in a 403(b) be used to meet Required Minimum Distributions in IRAs ( 23:37 )
  • How to get cash flow or income from illiquid assets - such as real estate investments - when more income is needed than what's otherwise produced by the asset ( 31:21 )
  • What are the drawbacks of investing in a total world stock market fund or total world bond market fund vs instead using multiple funds for stock and bond exposure ( 37:14 )
  • If concerned about leaving money to an heir who may not be responsible for receiving a large inheritance, is it possible to pre-arrange for the purchase of an annuity upon death so the heir gets annuity income instead ( 44:48 )
  • Should target date funds be used in conjunction with other funds, or just used by themselves ( 48:24 )
  • When in an assisted living facility, how much of the facility's fees are deductible as medical expenses ( 53:50 )
  • What's the best way to save money for a grandchild: 529 account, Uniform Transfer to Minors account or an account in your own name (with the grandchild named as beneficiary) ( 57:29 )


Link to Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement 


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to calculate how much money you can gift or donate in retirement without running out ( 8:47 )
  • Does the five-year rule met by a previous Roth IRA carry over to a new Roth IRA ( 17:03 )
  • Is it better to draw down an inherited IRA and delay starting Social Security, or vice versa ( 19:39 )
  • Can distributions from an annuity in a 403(b) be used to meet Required Minimum Distributions in IRAs ( 23:37 )
  • How to get cash flow or income from illiquid assets - such as real estate investments - when more income is needed than what's otherwise produced by the asset ( 31:21 )
  • What are the drawbacks of investing in a total world stock market fund or total world bond market fund vs instead using multiple funds for stock and bond exposure ( 37:14 )
  • If concerned about leaving money to an heir who may not be responsible for receiving a large inheritance, is it possible to pre-arrange for the purchase of an annuity upon death so the heir gets annuity income instead ( 44:48 )
  • Should target date funds be used in conjunction with other funds, or just used by themselves ( 48:24 )
  • When in an assisted living facility, how much of the facility's fees are deductible as medical expenses ( 53:50 )
  • What's the best way to save money for a grandchild: 529 account, Uniform Transfer to Minors account or an account in your own name (with the grandchild named as beneficiary) ( 57:29 )


Link to Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement 


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:

]]> Buzzsprout-17879355 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3967 full false #170 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Scott #170 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Scott Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Scott. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce early than planned during COVID and later reengaging in part-time work to have social interaction, managing income for purposes of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, how life and financial plans always change even in retirement, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Scott. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce early than planned during COVID and later reengaging in part-time work to have social interaction, managing income for purposes of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, how life and financial plans always change even in retirement, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17784280 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3708 full false #169 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Justin Pritchard talk about target date funds, illiquid assets in 401(k) plans, firing an advisor and MORE! #169 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Justin Pritchard talk about target date funds, illiquid assets in 401(k) plans, firing an advisor and MORE! Andy and Justin Pritchard from Approach Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • The pros and cons of target date funds ( 11:05 )
  • Their thoughts on the recent presidential executive order allowing private and illiquid investments to be offered inside 401(k) plans ( 23:26 )
  • Can you make up for insufficient retirement savings by investing more aggressively ( 31:51 )
  • Understanding your advisor's succession plan and how to try to make the succession transition successful for you ( 39:35 )
  • Things to consider when firing an advisor or changing advisors ( 46:39 )
  • Whether people should consider getting a living/revocable trust ( 56:22 )
  • Things to consider if you're looking to hold cash in banks in currencies other than US Dollars ( 59:53 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Justin Pritchard from Approach Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • The pros and cons of target date funds ( 11:05 )
  • Their thoughts on the recent presidential executive order allowing private and illiquid investments to be offered inside 401(k) plans ( 23:26 )
  • Can you make up for insufficient retirement savings by investing more aggressively ( 31:51 )
  • Understanding your advisor's succession plan and how to try to make the succession transition successful for you ( 39:35 )
  • Things to consider when firing an advisor or changing advisors ( 46:39 )
  • Whether people should consider getting a living/revocable trust ( 56:22 )
  • Things to consider if you're looking to hold cash in banks in currencies other than US Dollars ( 59:53 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17792896 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0400 4155 full false #168 - Helpful tools and interesting information from the recent IRS Tax Forum #168 - Helpful tools and interesting information from the recent IRS Tax Forum Andy summarizes some helpful IRS tools and interesting IRS and tax return-related information after his recent attendance at the annual IRS Tax Forum/conference


Links in this episode:

  • IRS Taxpayer Online Account - here
  • ID.me - here
  • IRS IP PINs - here
  • IRS Document Upload Tool - here
  • IRS Interactive Tax Assistant - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy summarizes some helpful IRS tools and interesting IRS and tax return-related information after his recent attendance at the annual IRS Tax Forum/conference


Links in this episode:

  • IRS Taxpayer Online Account - here
  • ID.me - here
  • IRS IP PINs - here
  • IRS Document Upload Tool - here
  • IRS Interactive Tax Assistant - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17769111 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2952 full false #167 - Q&A edition...basis in inherited IRAs, Social Security break even analysis, coordinating RMDs and Roth conversions and MORE! #167 - Q&A edition...basis in inherited IRAs, Social Security break even analysis, coordinating RMDs and Roth conversions and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to account on your tax return for the basis in inherited IRAs ( 7:00 )
  • Is having large Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") really a bad thing ( 12:04 )
  • Is there any merit to using a break-even analysis to help decide when to start Social Security ( 15:59 )
  • When does it make sense for someone to consider working with a financial advisor ( 18:14 )
  • Are Roth contribution and conversion rules the same across all of the various types of employer retirement accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, TSP, etc. ( 26:18 )
  • Are there separate five-year holding periods for Roth conversions done in employer retirement plans ( 27:37 )
  • Do in-plan Roth conversions each have their own five-year holding period to waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty ( 30:36 )
  • Can Roth conversions be done before taking any distributions or doing Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") in the year someone turns RMD age ( 31:49 )
  • If receiving Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") or deferred compensation in years after you stop working, is that considered earned income eligible for making Roth IRA contributions ( 34:38 )
  • Does taking a really large Health Savings Account ("HSA") distribution make you a higher audit risk in the eyes of the IRS ( 39:19 )
  • Is there a way to invest in broad stock market exposure but without the ongoing dividends such index fund pay out ( 42:27 )
  • Does the progress toward meeting the five-year rule within an employer Roth retirement plan port over to a Roth IRA or other employer Roth plans when doing a rollover, or vice versa ( 46:08 )
  • How to plan and account for an inheritance that a person is rather certain to receive, but the timing of receiving it isn't certain ( 49:43 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to account on your tax return for the basis in inherited IRAs ( 7:00 )
  • Is having large Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") really a bad thing ( 12:04 )
  • Is there any merit to using a break-even analysis to help decide when to start Social Security ( 15:59 )
  • When does it make sense for someone to consider working with a financial advisor ( 18:14 )
  • Are Roth contribution and conversion rules the same across all of the various types of employer retirement accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, TSP, etc. ( 26:18 )
  • Are there separate five-year holding periods for Roth conversions done in employer retirement plans ( 27:37 )
  • Do in-plan Roth conversions each have their own five-year holding period to waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty ( 30:36 )
  • Can Roth conversions be done before taking any distributions or doing Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") in the year someone turns RMD age ( 31:49 )
  • If receiving Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") or deferred compensation in years after you stop working, is that considered earned income eligible for making Roth IRA contributions ( 34:38 )
  • Does taking a really large Health Savings Account ("HSA") distribution make you a higher audit risk in the eyes of the IRS ( 39:19 )
  • Is there a way to invest in broad stock market exposure but without the ongoing dividends such index fund pay out ( 42:27 )
  • Does the progress toward meeting the five-year rule within an employer Roth retirement plan port over to a Roth IRA or other employer Roth plans when doing a rollover, or vice versa ( 46:08 )
  • How to plan and account for an inheritance that a person is rather certain to receive, but the timing of receiving it isn't certain ( 49:43 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


Links in this episode:

]]> Buzzsprout-17721408 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3270 full false #166 - The most common retirement planning questions from "real" people #166 - The most common retirement planning questions from "real" people In this slight twist to the "real" person episode format, Andy doesn't interview a real person but instead addresses the most common retirement planning questions he gets from "real" people. The questions addressed are:


  • Do I have enough to retire?
  • When can I retire?
  • How much cash should I have?
  • When should I start my Social Security?
  • How do I get money out of my portfolio?
  • How do I pay taxes?
  • Should I do Roth conversions? If so, how much?


Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> In this slight twist to the "real" person episode format, Andy doesn't interview a real person but instead addresses the most common retirement planning questions he gets from "real" people. The questions addressed are:


  • Do I have enough to retire?
  • When can I retire?
  • How much cash should I have?
  • When should I start my Social Security?
  • How do I get money out of my portfolio?
  • How do I pay taxes?
  • Should I do Roth conversions? If so, how much?


Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17644080 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3066 full false #165 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Mark Rosinski talk about different withdrawal strategies, rule of 55 distributions, allocating the stock portion of a portfolio and MORE! #165 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Mark Rosinski talk about different withdrawal strategies, rule of 55 distributions, allocating the stock portion of a portfolio and MORE! Andy and Mark Rosinski from Dunes Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Thoughts on common withdrawal strategies and what they use in each of their firms ( 12:04 )
  • The level of impact of some of the changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ( 30:51 )
  • Things to consider when doing rule of 55 distributions from your employer retirement plan ( 37:56 )
  • Their thoughts on how many funds and holding the stock portion of a portfolio should have ( 45:40 )
  • When or if there are benefits to having multiple accounts of the same type, such as multiple IRAs, multiple brokerage accounts, etc. ( 57:31 )
  • How to actually take distributions from a portfolio; from which accounts, in what frequencies, etc. ( 1:06:02 )
  • General information and considerations about reverse mortgages ( 1:12:10 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Mark Rosinski from Dunes Financial share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Thoughts on common withdrawal strategies and what they use in each of their firms ( 12:04 )
  • The level of impact of some of the changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ( 30:51 )
  • Things to consider when doing rule of 55 distributions from your employer retirement plan ( 37:56 )
  • Their thoughts on how many funds and holding the stock portion of a portfolio should have ( 45:40 )
  • When or if there are benefits to having multiple accounts of the same type, such as multiple IRAs, multiple brokerage accounts, etc. ( 57:31 )
  • How to actually take distributions from a portfolio; from which accounts, in what frequencies, etc. ( 1:06:02 )
  • General information and considerations about reverse mortgages ( 1:12:10 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17632732 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0400 4965 full false #164 - Summary of the 2025 annual Social Security trustees report #164 - Summary of the 2025 annual Social Security trustees report Andy summarizes the recent 2025 annual Social Security trustees report, including what it would actually mean if the system's trust fund were to deplete, and what changes can be made to ensure that doesn't happen


Links in this episode:

  • The full 2025 Social Security trustees report - here 
  • My company's August 1 2025 newsletter summarizing the 2025 Social Security trustees report - here
    • The newsletter contains the links I mentioned to the various other newsletters, podcasts and YouTube video's I've done on the topic of Social Security



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy summarizes the recent 2025 annual Social Security trustees report, including what it would actually mean if the system's trust fund were to deplete, and what changes can be made to ensure that doesn't happen


Links in this episode:

  • The full 2025 Social Security trustees report - here 
  • My company's August 1 2025 newsletter summarizing the 2025 Social Security trustees report - here
    • The newsletter contains the links I mentioned to the various other newsletters, podcasts and YouTube video's I've done on the topic of Social Security



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17604128 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2887 full false #163 - Guest host Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning talks about managing and reducing concentrated stock holdings #163 - Guest host Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning talks about managing and reducing concentrated stock holdings In this special guest host episode, Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning talks about how to reduce and manage concentrated holdings in your investment portfolio. Particular emphasis is given to the tax implications and tax management of trying to reduce highly appreciated positions in normal brokerage accounts


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> In this special guest host episode, Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning talks about how to reduce and manage concentrated holdings in your investment portfolio. Particular emphasis is given to the tax implications and tax management of trying to reduce highly appreciated positions in normal brokerage accounts


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17581694 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2790 full false #162 - Q&A edition...more about bonds, taking distributions from a 401(k), when tax rates might actually go up (and by how much) and MORE! #162 - Q&A edition...more about bonds, taking distributions from a 401(k), when tax rates might actually go up (and by how much) and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Why you know the return you'll ultimately realize if you hold a bond to maturity, but can't know the return you'll eventually realize if you instead hold a bond fund ( 7:13 )
  • A commonsense intuitive answer why bond prices decrease (increase) when interest rates increase (decrease) ( 9:56 )
  • His thoughts on holding only fixed maturity instruments such as CDs, bullet ETFs, individual bonds and MYGAs for a fixed income allocation instead of traditional open-end bond funds ( 13:56 )
  • How to distribute money from a 401(k) when you can't pick which particular investments to sell within it ( 22:44 )
  • Will U.S. income tax rates eventually increase, and by how much ( 31:23 )
  • How to make an investment policy statement ( 43:41 )
  • What distribution plans and strategies typically look like for his clients ( 51:23 )


Links in this episode:

Morningstar article - How to Create an Investment Policy Statement


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Why you know the return you'll ultimately realize if you hold a bond to maturity, but can't know the return you'll eventually realize if you instead hold a bond fund ( 7:13 )
  • A commonsense intuitive answer why bond prices decrease (increase) when interest rates increase (decrease) ( 9:56 )
  • His thoughts on holding only fixed maturity instruments such as CDs, bullet ETFs, individual bonds and MYGAs for a fixed income allocation instead of traditional open-end bond funds ( 13:56 )
  • How to distribute money from a 401(k) when you can't pick which particular investments to sell within it ( 22:44 )
  • Will U.S. income tax rates eventually increase, and by how much ( 31:23 )
  • How to make an investment policy statement ( 43:41 )
  • What distribution plans and strategies typically look like for his clients ( 51:23 )


Links in this episode:

Morningstar article - How to Create an Investment Policy Statement


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17497431 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3671 full false #161 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jan #161 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jan Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jan. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce early due to family caregiving needs, how health changes have impacted retirement, how to distribute money from an IRA particularly when looking to do Qualified Charitable Distributions, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jan. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce early due to family caregiving needs, how health changes have impacted retirement, how to distribute money from an IRA particularly when looking to do Qualified Charitable Distributions, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17490133 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3577 full false #160 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Lauren Hunt talk about the Social Security annual trustees report, the ever-increasing stock market, whether to take out loans or pay for things outright and MORE! #160 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Lauren Hunt talk about the Social Security annual trustees report, the ever-increasing stock market, whether to take out loans or pay for things outright and MORE! Andy and Lauren Hunt from Daybreak Wealth share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Their thoughts on the takeaways from 2025 annual Social Security Trustees report ( 7:17 )
  • Some of provisions in the pending One Big Beautiful Bill Act that are likely to impact most people's tax returns ( 16:12 )
  • Whether or not to get a loan or pay cash for a new car or house. Or, similarly, to pay down or pay off an existing loan ( 32:27 )
  • Whether buying a 30 year Treasury bond is a replacement for a traditional income annuity in retirement ( 38:19 )
  • When to consider getting a living/revocable trust ( 46:43 )
  • Why the stock market keeps chugging ever-upward, even with so much seemingly uncertain in the world and the economy ( 54:38 )
  • What longevity assumptions we use, and why, when doing financial planning and projections for client ( 1:07:45 )


Links in this episode:

  • Lauren's firm - Daybreak Wealth
  • Lauren's prior appearance on the Retirement Planning Education podcast - Episode #098
  • The 2025 Annual Social Security Trustees Report - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Lauren Hunt from Daybreak Wealth share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Their thoughts on the takeaways from 2025 annual Social Security Trustees report ( 7:17 )
  • Some of provisions in the pending One Big Beautiful Bill Act that are likely to impact most people's tax returns ( 16:12 )
  • Whether or not to get a loan or pay cash for a new car or house. Or, similarly, to pay down or pay off an existing loan ( 32:27 )
  • Whether buying a 30 year Treasury bond is a replacement for a traditional income annuity in retirement ( 38:19 )
  • When to consider getting a living/revocable trust ( 46:43 )
  • Why the stock market keeps chugging ever-upward, even with so much seemingly uncertain in the world and the economy ( 54:38 )
  • What longevity assumptions we use, and why, when doing financial planning and projections for client ( 1:07:45 )


Links in this episode:

  • Lauren's firm - Daybreak Wealth
  • Lauren's prior appearance on the Retirement Planning Education podcast - Episode #098
  • The 2025 Annual Social Security Trustees Report - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17441114 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400 4785 full false #159 - SPECIAL EDITION...Provisions of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" most likely to impact your tax return #159 - SPECIAL EDITION...Provisions of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" most likely to impact your tax return In the SPECIAL EDITION episode, Andy summarizes the key provision of the recently signed into law One Big Beautiful Act that are most likely to impact you and your tax return. The topics summarized are:

  • Permanency of the current federal tax rates
  • Permanency, and a slight increase, to the current standard deduction amounts
  • A new temporary personal exemption up to $6,000 per person 65 or older
  • Permanency, and a slight increase, to the lifetime gift and estate size exemption
  • Permanency of the current Alternative Minimum Tax exclusion amount, but reduction/reversion of its income phase out levels
  • Permanency of the $750,000 limit on residential mortgage principal against which interest can be deducted
  • Permanency of the elimination of miscellaneous itemized deductions
  • Temporary increase to $40,000 for State and Local Tax ("SALT") deductions
  • A new permanent charitable deduction for people who use the standard deduction
  • A new minimum AGI-based floor on charitable donations before donations can be itemized deductions
  • A temporary exclusion from income tax of up to $25,000 tip income
  • A temporary exclusion from income tax of up to $25,000 of overtime income
  • A temporary deduction of up to $10,000 of interest loans to buy cars whose final assembly was in the U.S.
  • Recissions of multiple "Green New Deal" tax credits such as electric vehicle credits and residential clean energy credits
  • Creation of new "Trump" savings accounts for children under 18
  • And the bill having NO changes with regards to how Social Security is taxed (i.e. the bill did NOT make Social Security not taxable)


Links in this episode:

  • Final text of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - here
  • My written summary of the key individual income tax provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> In the SPECIAL EDITION episode, Andy summarizes the key provision of the recently signed into law One Big Beautiful Act that are most likely to impact you and your tax return. The topics summarized are:

  • Permanency of the current federal tax rates
  • Permanency, and a slight increase, to the current standard deduction amounts
  • A new temporary personal exemption up to $6,000 per person 65 or older
  • Permanency, and a slight increase, to the lifetime gift and estate size exemption
  • Permanency of the current Alternative Minimum Tax exclusion amount, but reduction/reversion of its income phase out levels
  • Permanency of the $750,000 limit on residential mortgage principal against which interest can be deducted
  • Permanency of the elimination of miscellaneous itemized deductions
  • Temporary increase to $40,000 for State and Local Tax ("SALT") deductions
  • A new permanent charitable deduction for people who use the standard deduction
  • A new minimum AGI-based floor on charitable donations before donations can be itemized deductions
  • A temporary exclusion from income tax of up to $25,000 tip income
  • A temporary exclusion from income tax of up to $25,000 of overtime income
  • A temporary deduction of up to $10,000 of interest loans to buy cars whose final assembly was in the U.S.
  • Recissions of multiple "Green New Deal" tax credits such as electric vehicle credits and residential clean energy credits
  • Creation of new "Trump" savings accounts for children under 18
  • And the bill having NO changes with regards to how Social Security is taxed (i.e. the bill did NOT make Social Security not taxable)


Links in this episode:

  • Final text of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - here
  • My written summary of the key individual income tax provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17465947 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2734 full false #158 - How investment custodians make money #158 - How investment custodians make money Andy discusses the main ways in which investment custodians like Scwhab, Vanguard and Fidelity make money (even when you often don't outright directly pay them anything...)


Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discusses the main ways in which investment custodians like Scwhab, Vanguard and Fidelity make money (even when you often don't outright directly pay them anything...)


Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17419553 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3487 full false #157 - Q&A edition...bonds and the bond market, paying estimated taxes, converting ALL pre-tax money to Roth and MORE! #157 - Q&A edition...bonds and the bond market, paying estimated taxes, converting ALL pre-tax money to Roth and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • A short explanation of bonds and "the bond market" ( 2:48 )
  • Are actively managed bond funds better than passive bond funds ( 21:53 )
  • What are the pros and cons of making all of the year's estimated tax payments in the first quarter ( 30:30 )
  • Why insurers don't offer a long term care product with a 2-3 years elimination period or deductible to cover just LTC needs beyond a few years ( 34:07 )
  • His thoughts on getting retirement income from dividends, Treasury interest and municipal bond interest ( 37:20 )
  • Are there any advisors who specialize in working with couples where only one couple is involved in the household finances ( 42:47 )
  • Are there any disadvantages to converting ALL pre-tax account balances to Roth ( 46:20 )
  • Is disability income considered "earned income" and eligible to make IRA or Roth IRA contributions ( 55:30 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • A short explanation of bonds and "the bond market" ( 2:48 )
  • Are actively managed bond funds better than passive bond funds ( 21:53 )
  • What are the pros and cons of making all of the year's estimated tax payments in the first quarter ( 30:30 )
  • Why insurers don't offer a long term care product with a 2-3 years elimination period or deductible to cover just LTC needs beyond a few years ( 34:07 )
  • His thoughts on getting retirement income from dividends, Treasury interest and municipal bond interest ( 37:20 )
  • Are there any advisors who specialize in working with couples where only one couple is involved in the household finances ( 42:47 )
  • Are there any disadvantages to converting ALL pre-tax account balances to Roth ( 46:20 )
  • Is disability income considered "earned income" and eligible to make IRA or Roth IRA contributions ( 55:30 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17283133 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3712 full false #156 - Three "real" people discuss how they handled the emotional transition into retirement and how they now find fulfillment, meaning and satisfaction #156 - Three "real" people discuss how they handled the emotional transition into retirement and how they now find fulfillment, meaning and satisfaction Andy chats with three different "real" people to discuss how they handled the non-financial/emotional transition from working to retirement, and what they do now to provide a sense of fulfillment, meaning and purpose and in retirement


Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with three different "real" people to discuss how they handled the non-financial/emotional transition from working to retirement, and what they do now to provide a sense of fulfillment, meaning and purpose and in retirement


Links in this episode:



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17315507 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 5130 full false #155 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Larry Pershing talk about the Big Beautiful (tax) Bill, US debt, concentration in the S&P 500 and MORE! #155 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Larry Pershing talk about the Big Beautiful (tax) Bill, US debt, concentration in the S&P 500 and MORE! Andy and Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • The pending "Big Beautiful Bill" tax bill that recently was approved by the House; what's in it, what's not in it, practical planning considerations around it, etc. ( 8:12 )
  • Potential concerns about US debt US government bond defaults ( 34:50 )
  • Talking to kids and heirs about your estate planning and wishes for after you're gone ( 50:02 )
  • Estimated tax payments for people who recently retire ( 59:40 )
  • Sources and tools to consider using to do tax return and estimated tax estimates ( 1:02:27 )
  • The level of the S&P 500's concentration to the top few companies and the technology sector ( 1:06:04 )
  • Whether 1.75% of assets is a reasonable fee for a financial advisor to charge ( 1:19:07 )
  • What to know and consider when keeping money behind in a 401(k) vs rolling it over to an IRA ( 1:26:01 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • The pending "Big Beautiful Bill" tax bill that recently was approved by the House; what's in it, what's not in it, practical planning considerations around it, etc. ( 8:12 )
  • Potential concerns about US debt US government bond defaults ( 34:50 )
  • Talking to kids and heirs about your estate planning and wishes for after you're gone ( 50:02 )
  • Estimated tax payments for people who recently retire ( 59:40 )
  • Sources and tools to consider using to do tax return and estimated tax estimates ( 1:02:27 )
  • The level of the S&P 500's concentration to the top few companies and the technology sector ( 1:06:04 )
  • Whether 1.75% of assets is a reasonable fee for a financial advisor to charge ( 1:19:07 )
  • What to know and consider when keeping money behind in a 401(k) vs rolling it over to an IRA ( 1:26:01 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17311786 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 6529 full false #154 - What retirement-focused financial and tax planning firms do for their fee, using my firm as an example #154 - What retirement-focused financial and tax planning firms do for their fee, using my firm as an example Andy discusses what financial firms do for their fee, using his own firm, Tenon Financial, as an example


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discusses what financial firms do for their fee, using his own firm, Tenon Financial, as an example


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17224924 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3767 full false #153 - Guest hosts Mike Powers and Kirsten Ashbaugh from Manuka Financial talk more about data and cybersecurity best practices #153 - Guest hosts Mike Powers and Kirsten Ashbaugh from Manuka Financial talk more about data and cybersecurity best practices In this special guest host episode, Mike Powers and Kirsten Ashbaugh from Manuka Financial talk cybersecurity best practices.


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> In this special guest host episode, Mike Powers and Kirsten Ashbaugh from Manuka Financial talk cybersecurity best practices.


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17224309 Thu, 29 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400 4684 full false #152 - Q&A edition...how to deal with market declines, Social Security spousal benefits, vacation home sale impacts on IRMAA and MORE! #152 - Q&A edition...how to deal with market declines, Social Security spousal benefits, vacation home sale impacts on IRMAA and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Why more fund managers don't offer mutual fund-to-ETF conversions ( 5:02 )
  • How my firm helps clients prepare for severe market declines, and how we communicate bad markets to them ( 8:48 )
  • Who's the voice of the intro and outro to this podcast ( 16:06 )
  • For spouses claiming Social Security, what's a good claiming strategy when one spouse doesn't have enough work history to get their own benefit and can only get spousal benefits ( 17:19 )
  • Could a person continue to fund a 529 for their children and later transfer the beneficiary to eventual grandchildren ( 21:37 )
  • What constitutes a gift of digital assets; is it the transfer of the key to the wallet? ( 24:01 )
  • What date/time is used for the date of death valuation of assets, like crypto, that trade 24/7 ( 25:52 )
  • How will the sale of a vacation property impact IRMAA ( 26:55 )
  • How will the sale of a vacation property impact Roth conversion analysis and trying to fill up a certain tax bracket ( 28:46 )
  • Why were the recent 3 and 5-year returns of total bond market funds so poor ( 32:48 )
  • Making estimated payments or withholdings to cover the tax obligations from a Roth conversion done late in the year ( 41:39 )
  • Thoughts on a listener's proposed basic retirement plan, investment allocation and bucketing strategy ( 47:20 )


  • The Smart Money, Fresh Minds podcast - here
  • My YouTube video on Estimated Taxes, Tax Withholdings and Underpayment Penalties - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Why more fund managers don't offer mutual fund-to-ETF conversions ( 5:02 )
  • How my firm helps clients prepare for severe market declines, and how we communicate bad markets to them ( 8:48 )
  • Who's the voice of the intro and outro to this podcast ( 16:06 )
  • For spouses claiming Social Security, what's a good claiming strategy when one spouse doesn't have enough work history to get their own benefit and can only get spousal benefits ( 17:19 )
  • Could a person continue to fund a 529 for their children and later transfer the beneficiary to eventual grandchildren ( 21:37 )
  • What constitutes a gift of digital assets; is it the transfer of the key to the wallet? ( 24:01 )
  • What date/time is used for the date of death valuation of assets, like crypto, that trade 24/7 ( 25:52 )
  • How will the sale of a vacation property impact IRMAA ( 26:55 )
  • How will the sale of a vacation property impact Roth conversion analysis and trying to fill up a certain tax bracket ( 28:46 )
  • Why were the recent 3 and 5-year returns of total bond market funds so poor ( 32:48 )
  • Making estimated payments or withholdings to cover the tax obligations from a Roth conversion done late in the year ( 41:39 )
  • Thoughts on a listener's proposed basic retirement plan, investment allocation and bucketing strategy ( 47:20 )


  • The Smart Money, Fresh Minds podcast - here
  • My YouTube video on Estimated Taxes, Tax Withholdings and Underpayment Penalties - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17185213 Thu, 22 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3215 full false #151 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Rob Berger #151 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Rob Berger Andy chats with real people (not advisors) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Rob Berger, the creator of the Rob Berger YouTube channel, the founder of the former DoughRoller website, published author and more!. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when he started getting serious about retirement planning and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, how he plans to address any potential long term care scenarios and more!


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with real people (not advisors) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Rob Berger, the creator of the Rob Berger YouTube channel, the founder of the former DoughRoller website, published author and more!. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when he started getting serious about retirement planning and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, how he plans to address any potential long term care scenarios and more!


Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17152437 Thu, 15 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3736 full false #150 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Brian Tegtmeyer talk about retiring in a down market, concerns about Social Security, making estimated tax payments and MORE! #150 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Brian Tegtmeyer talk about retiring in a down market, concerns about Social Security, making estimated tax payments and MORE! Andy and Brian Tegtmeyer share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Should someone delay their planned retirement if the markets are bad ( 6:50 )
  • Should someone cancel or delay taking a big trip in retirement if the markets are bad ( 13:48 )
  • Should someone start Social Security earlier than they were otherwise planning to since there appears to be increased uncertainty about the future strength of the system ( 18:22 )
  • Do people need to make estimated tax payments in retirement ( 26:44 )
  • If someone has never worked with an advisor and has always DIY'd their own planning, should they continue to DIY it in retirement ( 32:49 )
  • Are inheritances taxable, and what should people do with them ( 41:58 )
  • Tax smart ways to do charitable giving in retirement ( 54:01 )
  • Do gift givers or receivers of gifts have to pay tax on gifts ( 57:49 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Brian Tegtmeyer share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Should someone delay their planned retirement if the markets are bad ( 6:50 )
  • Should someone cancel or delay taking a big trip in retirement if the markets are bad ( 13:48 )
  • Should someone start Social Security earlier than they were otherwise planning to since there appears to be increased uncertainty about the future strength of the system ( 18:22 )
  • Do people need to make estimated tax payments in retirement ( 26:44 )
  • If someone has never worked with an advisor and has always DIY'd their own planning, should they continue to DIY it in retirement ( 32:49 )
  • Are inheritances taxable, and what should people do with them ( 41:58 )
  • Tax smart ways to do charitable giving in retirement ( 54:01 )
  • Do gift givers or receivers of gifts have to pay tax on gifts ( 57:49 )


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-17074485 Thu, 08 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3792 full false #149 - Tips and best practices to protect your ID and financial information #149 - Tips and best practices to protect your ID and financial information Andy provides some tips and best practices to help keep your ID and financial information secure. Specifically:

  • Check your credit report regularly
  • Freeze your credit
  • Get a tax return filing PIN from the IRS
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all websites and online accounts
  • Use a password manager
  • Use two-factor (if not multi-factor) authentication wherever possible
  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) whenever on public Wi-Fi
  • Use separate e-mails for different types of accounts
  • Put a "Self-Lock" on your SSN within the E-Verify system
  • Lock your SIM card with your cellular provider
  • Be cognizant of phishing and vishing scams
  • Be mindful of protection physical information and items


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy provides some tips and best practices to help keep your ID and financial information secure. Specifically:

  • Check your credit report regularly
  • Freeze your credit
  • Get a tax return filing PIN from the IRS
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all websites and online accounts
  • Use a password manager
  • Use two-factor (if not multi-factor) authentication wherever possible
  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) whenever on public Wi-Fi
  • Use separate e-mails for different types of accounts
  • Put a "Self-Lock" on your SSN within the E-Verify system
  • Lock your SIM card with your cellular provider
  • Be cognizant of phishing and vishing scams
  • Be mindful of protection physical information and items


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-17047674 Thu, 01 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3443 full false #148 - Q&A edition...buffer ETFs, direct indexing, bucketing strategies, kiddie tax and MORE! #148 - Q&A edition...buffer ETFs, direct indexing, bucketing strategies, kiddie tax and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Buffer ETFs and whether they can be used as replacements for CDs in building a ladder for upcoming years' expenses ( 4:29 )
  • His thoughts on direct indexing and whether it's worth doing to try to make non-qualified accounts for tax-efficient ( 14:11 )
  • Whether or not it's practical to implement a bucketing strategy ( 23:38 )
  • Considerations to put into a will when there is a beneficiary who may be contentious or difficult to deal with ( 34:18 )
  • Estate size exemptions and considerations for spouses splitting up accounts ( 42:55 )
  • Annualizing income on Form 2210 when making estimated payments and income earned or recognized is lumpy or uneven throughout the year ( 48:37 )
  • The "Kiddie Tax" and when it applies ( 54:27 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Buffer ETFs and whether they can be used as replacements for CDs in building a ladder for upcoming years' expenses ( 4:29 )
  • His thoughts on direct indexing and whether it's worth doing to try to make non-qualified accounts for tax-efficient ( 14:11 )
  • Whether or not it's practical to implement a bucketing strategy ( 23:38 )
  • Considerations to put into a will when there is a beneficiary who may be contentious or difficult to deal with ( 34:18 )
  • Estate size exemptions and considerations for spouses splitting up accounts ( 42:55 )
  • Annualizing income on Form 2210 when making estimated payments and income earned or recognized is lumpy or uneven throughout the year ( 48:37 )
  • The "Kiddie Tax" and when it applies ( 54:27 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-16967432 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3784 full false #147 – Chat with four "real" people, sharing what they wish they would have known or done differently during their divorces #147 – Chat with four "real" people, sharing what they wish they would have known or done differently during their divorces In this special edition "real" person chat, Andy talks with four different people who went through "gray" divorce (i.e. divorcing later in life; typically over the age of 50), to learn what they wish they would have known or done differently as they were going through the divorce process. 
 



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> In this special edition "real" person chat, Andy talks with four different people who went through "gray" divorce (i.e. divorcing later in life; typically over the age of 50), to learn what they wish they would have known or done differently as they were going through the divorce process. 
 



 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16922662 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 5274 full false #146 – Retirement planner chat, with Mark Rosinski from Dunes Financial #146 – Retirement planner chat, with Mark Rosinski from Dunes Financial Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Mark Rosinski, CFP®, CPA from Dunes Financial. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Mark Rosinski, CFP®, CPA from Dunes Financial. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16921379 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3470 full false #145 - Understanding mutual fund capital gain distributions #145 - Understanding mutual fund capital gain distributions Andy discusses the ins and outs of mutual fund capital gain distributions, particularly in normal taxable brokerage accounts.


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discusses the ins and outs of mutual fund capital gain distributions, particularly in normal taxable brokerage accounts.


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16886745 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2628 full false #144 - Q&A edition...Rule of thumb for retirement income needs, qualified vs ordinary dividends, Social Security taxation and MORE! #144 - Q&A edition...Rule of thumb for retirement income needs, qualified vs ordinary dividends, Social Security taxation and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Whether the rule of thumb saying in retirement you'll need about 80% of what you were making in wages is on a gross or net of taxes basis ( 6:49 )
  • Understanding why some dividends are "qualified" and some are not, why they're taxed differently, and why dividends from bond funds aren't qualified ( 14:15 )
  • Whether the decision to start Social Security sooner vs later would change if Social Security were to no longer be federally taxable ( 22:09 )
  • Whether spouses can combine their 401(k) balances ( 27:03 )
  • What a Form 5498 is, and if you need it to do your tax return, considering it often isn't available until after April 15th ( 30:27 )
  • If you can still make a 2024 Roth IRA or traditional IRA contribution in early-2025 ( 31:40 )
  • Whether you can make a contribution to a Roth IRA via transferring shares "in-kind" from a brokerage account ( 37:23 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Whether the rule of thumb saying in retirement you'll need about 80% of what you were making in wages is on a gross or net of taxes basis ( 6:49 )
  • Understanding why some dividends are "qualified" and some are not, why they're taxed differently, and why dividends from bond funds aren't qualified ( 14:15 )
  • Whether the decision to start Social Security sooner vs later would change if Social Security were to no longer be federally taxable ( 22:09 )
  • Whether spouses can combine their 401(k) balances ( 27:03 )
  • What a Form 5498 is, and if you need it to do your tax return, considering it often isn't available until after April 15th ( 30:27 )
  • If you can still make a 2024 Roth IRA or traditional IRA contribution in early-2025 ( 31:40 )
  • Whether you can make a contribution to a Roth IRA via transferring shares "in-kind" from a brokerage account ( 37:23 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-16838361 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2478 full false #143 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jim Jones #143 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jim Jones Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jim Jones. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as transitioning from owning a dental practice into retirement, investing, Social Security, when they got serious about retirement planning, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jim Jones. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as transitioning from owning a dental practice into retirement, investing, Social Security, when they got serious about retirement planning, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16800204 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3574 full false #142 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Mike Powers talk about tariffs, TIPs, international stocks, data/cyber security and MORE! #142 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Mike Powers talk about tariffs, TIPs, international stocks, data/cyber security and MORE! Andy and Mike Powers share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Tariffs: what they are, who pays them, do they cause inflation, etc. ( 9:42 )
  • Pros and cons of Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS  ( 21:32 )
  • Whether or not to hold international stocks ( 37:07 )
  • Considerations about whether to de-risk your portfolio and hold more cash a as result of expecting market uncertainty going forward ( 48:21 )
  • Options for where to hold cash ( 54:33 )
  • Observations and things to consider regarding doing your tax return ( 1:03:20 )
  • Data and cyber security considerations ( 1:13:54 )


Links in this episode:

  • Mike's article about TIPS - here
  • Mike's article on how to freeze your credit - here
  • Mike's article on properly reporting US government obligation interest on your tax return - here
  • Vanguard's forward-looking forecasts - here
  • California's one-time tax return penalty abatement - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy and Mike Powers share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: 

  • Tariffs: what they are, who pays them, do they cause inflation, etc. ( 9:42 )
  • Pros and cons of Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS  ( 21:32 )
  • Whether or not to hold international stocks ( 37:07 )
  • Considerations about whether to de-risk your portfolio and hold more cash a as result of expecting market uncertainty going forward ( 48:21 )
  • Options for where to hold cash ( 54:33 )
  • Observations and things to consider regarding doing your tax return ( 1:03:20 )
  • Data and cyber security considerations ( 1:13:54 )


Links in this episode:

  • Mike's article about TIPS - here
  • Mike's article on how to freeze your credit - here
  • Mike's article on properly reporting US government obligation interest on your tax return - here
  • Vanguard's forward-looking forecasts - here
  • California's one-time tax return penalty abatement - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-16699581 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0400 5359 full false #141 - Determining how much Roth conversion to do in a given year #141 - Determining how much Roth conversion to do in a given year Andy discussed how to determine how much Roth conversion to do in a particular year (assuming you've decided Roth conversions make sense for you). He walks through how to do a current year income & tax projection, and what tax "targets" or "goals" are commonly used in determining how much conversion to do.


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discussed how to determine how much Roth conversion to do in a particular year (assuming you've decided Roth conversions make sense for you). He walks through how to do a current year income & tax projection, and what tax "targets" or "goals" are commonly used in determining how much conversion to do.


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16711973 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3147 full false #140 - Q&A edition...Donor Advised Funds, back door Roth IRA contributions, 10-year Treasury bonds, crypto and MORE! #140 - Q&A edition...Donor Advised Funds, back door Roth IRA contributions, 10-year Treasury bonds, crypto and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Can Donor Advised Funds ("DAFs") be funded with pre-tax IRA money ( 2:22 )
  • How to do a backdoor Roth IRA contribution and avoid the pro rata rule if you have pre-tax funds in other IRAs  ( 5:46 )
  • What are the must have important things to address and get right in retirement planning, vs what are nice to have optimization things ( 10:51 )
  • How come most flat fee advisors don't work with clients with net worth in excess of $10 million ( 19:50 )
  • How to invest excess money in taxable brokerage accounts ( 26:21 )
  • Can funds or investments in taxable brokerage accounts be exchanged in-kind with others to avoid consequences ( 30:07 )
  • Why is the 10-year Treasury bond used as a benchmark for many fixed income products, and why do bond prices change when interest rates change ( 32:49 )
  • How to know if you're over-saving ( 38:27 )
  • Thoughts about timing in when you take distributions vs doing Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") ( 41:51 )
  • My thoughts on crypto assets ( 46:29 )


To find an "advice only" advisor - www.AdviceOnlyNetwork.com


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Can Donor Advised Funds ("DAFs") be funded with pre-tax IRA money ( 2:22 )
  • How to do a backdoor Roth IRA contribution and avoid the pro rata rule if you have pre-tax funds in other IRAs  ( 5:46 )
  • What are the must have important things to address and get right in retirement planning, vs what are nice to have optimization things ( 10:51 )
  • How come most flat fee advisors don't work with clients with net worth in excess of $10 million ( 19:50 )
  • How to invest excess money in taxable brokerage accounts ( 26:21 )
  • Can funds or investments in taxable brokerage accounts be exchanged in-kind with others to avoid consequences ( 30:07 )
  • Why is the 10-year Treasury bond used as a benchmark for many fixed income products, and why do bond prices change when interest rates change ( 32:49 )
  • How to know if you're over-saving ( 38:27 )
  • Thoughts about timing in when you take distributions vs doing Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") ( 41:51 )
  • My thoughts on crypto assets ( 46:29 )


To find an "advice only" advisor - www.AdviceOnlyNetwork.com


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Buzzsprout-16647440 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3182 full false #139 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, John McLaurin #139 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, John McLaurin Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with John McLaurin. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as planning for special needs and the "generational" planning involved, investing, Social Security, when they got serious about retirement planning, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with John McLaurin. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as planning for special needs and the "generational" planning involved, investing, Social Security, when they got serious about retirement planning, and more!
 
 Links in this episode:




 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16642794 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3494 full false #138 – Retirement planner chat, with Liz Yoder from Dependent Financial Planning #138 – Retirement planner chat, with Liz Yoder from Dependent Financial Planning Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Liz Yoder, CFP®, ChSNC® from Dependent Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics with a particular emphasis on special needs planning and the unique considerations and areas to consider when you or your child has or is likely to have a disability


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Liz Yoder, CFP®, ChSNC® from Dependent Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics with a particular emphasis on special needs planning and the unique considerations and areas to consider when you or your child has or is likely to have a disability


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16596690 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0500 4366 full false #137 - 7 scenarios where it might be beneficial to do Roth conversions #137 - 7 scenarios where it might be beneficial to do Roth conversions Andy discussed seven common scenarios where it might be beneficial to do Roth conversions:

  1. You know your income now is much lower than it will be in the future
  2. You're married (and may eventually be single)
  3. You have large pre-tax accounts
  4. Your eventual heirs are likely to be in higher tax situations than you currently are
  5. Your plan on moving to a state that will have higher income taxes than your current state
  6. You're convinced tax rates will increase markedly in the future
  7. You want greater tax "diversity" amongst your investable accounts


Links in this episode:

  • Tenon Financial newsletter summarizing the 7 potential Roth conversion scenarios - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discussed seven common scenarios where it might be beneficial to do Roth conversions:

  1. You know your income now is much lower than it will be in the future
  2. You're married (and may eventually be single)
  3. You have large pre-tax accounts
  4. Your eventual heirs are likely to be in higher tax situations than you currently are
  5. Your plan on moving to a state that will have higher income taxes than your current state
  6. You're convinced tax rates will increase markedly in the future
  7. You want greater tax "diversity" amongst your investable accounts


Links in this episode:

  • Tenon Financial newsletter summarizing the 7 potential Roth conversion scenarios - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16522812 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3188 full false #136 - Guest host edition...Mike Powers walks through his retirement planning checklist #136 - Guest host edition...Mike Powers walks through his retirement planning checklist Special guest host, Mike Powers, CPA, PFS, CFP®, from Manuka Financial sits behind the microphone to walk through his 22-point retirement planning checklist, which includes financial, insurance and lifestyle considerations.
 
 Links in this episode:

  • Mike's blog post about the retirement planning checklist - here
  • George Kinder's life planning three questions - here
  • Mike's company's website - Manuka Financial



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Special guest host, Mike Powers, CPA, PFS, CFP®, from Manuka Financial sits behind the microphone to walk through his 22-point retirement planning checklist, which includes financial, insurance and lifestyle considerations.
 
 Links in this episode:

  • Mike's blog post about the retirement planning checklist - here
  • George Kinder's life planning three questions - here
  • Mike's company's website - Manuka Financial



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16491800 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500 1959 full false #135 - Q&A edition...understanding financial advisor's titles, repeal of Social Security WEP & GPO, umbrella insurance and MORE! #135 - Q&A edition...understanding financial advisor's titles, repeal of Social Security WEP & GPO, umbrella insurance and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • What it means between an advisor who calls themself a financial planner vs wealth manager vs any other label they choose to use ( 10:24 )
  • My thoughts on the recently repealed Windfall Elimination Provision ("WEP") and Government Pension Offset ("GPO") parts of Social Security ( 20:35 )
  • A follow up to a previously discussed Q&A topic about how much umbrella insurance to purchase ( 31:18 )
  • How income is taxed to a recently deceased person vs their heirs or their estate ( 37:08 )
  • How best to gift money to grandchildren to get them started with saving and investing ( 42:10 )
  • Understanding a bond or bond fund's "duration" and how to use it measure the bond or bond fund's interest rate price change risk. And what it means to have a recommended "holding period" for a bond fund ( 46:45 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • What it means between an advisor who calls themself a financial planner vs wealth manager vs any other label they choose to use ( 10:24 )
  • My thoughts on the recently repealed Windfall Elimination Provision ("WEP") and Government Pension Offset ("GPO") parts of Social Security ( 20:35 )
  • A follow up to a previously discussed Q&A topic about how much umbrella insurance to purchase ( 31:18 )
  • How income is taxed to a recently deceased person vs their heirs or their estate ( 37:08 )
  • How best to gift money to grandchildren to get them started with saving and investing ( 42:10 )
  • Understanding a bond or bond fund's "duration" and how to use it measure the bond or bond fund's interest rate price change risk. And what it means to have a recommended "holding period" for a bond fund ( 46:45 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16420316 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3438 full false #134 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Brian Alexander #134 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Brian Alexander Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Brian Alexander. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as investing, Social Security, when they got serious about retirement planning, funding potential long term care needs and more!
 
 Links in this episode:


 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Brian Alexander. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as investing, Social Security, when they got serious about retirement planning, funding potential long term care needs and more!
 
 Links in this episode:


 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16404931 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3665 full false #133 – Retirement planner chat, with Eric Niergarth from Retirement Roadmap Financial Planning #133 – Retirement planner chat, with Eric Niergarth from Retirement Roadmap Financial Planning Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Eric Niergarth, CFP®, RICP® from Retirement Roadmap Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Eric Niergarth, CFP®, RICP® from Retirement Roadmap Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16400214 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500 4153 full false #132 - Why the value in financial advisory services can't actually be measured #132 - Why the value in financial advisory services can't actually be measured Andy explains how there is definitely value in good financial advisory services, but how it's impossible to quantify that value and is often disingenuous for advisors to claim they can, or for studies to try to put a number on it


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy explains how there is definitely value in good financial advisory services, but how it's impossible to quantify that value and is often disingenuous for advisors to claim they can, or for studies to try to put a number on it


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16363395 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500 3431 full false #131 - Q&A edition...mutual funds vs ETFs, traditional vs rollover IRAs, how much umbrella insurance to get and MORE! #131 - Q&A edition...mutual funds vs ETFs, traditional vs rollover IRAs, how much umbrella insurance to get and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • What's the difference between index mutual funds and index ETFs, and why choose one over the other ( 6:32 )
  • Is a three-fund index fund portfolio reasonable for someone in the decumulation phase of life ( 17:04 )
  • What's the difference between a "rollover" and "traditional" IRA ( 20:54 )
  • How much of your net worth should you cover with umbrella insurance ( 24:32 )
  • What should someone do about a pre-tax employer plan they don't really need if they're only in their 60s and still a few years away from Required Minimum Distributions ( 33:17 )
  • What to consider when deciding whether to roll an old employer 403(b) into a new employer's 403(b) or to an IRA ( 36:30 )
  • What tax prep courses are there for individuals to learn about doing their own taxes ( 39:13 )
  • Discussion of "bullet" maturity bond funds/ETFs ( 42:30 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • What's the difference between index mutual funds and index ETFs, and why choose one over the other ( 6:32 )
  • Is a three-fund index fund portfolio reasonable for someone in the decumulation phase of life ( 17:04 )
  • What's the difference between a "rollover" and "traditional" IRA ( 20:54 )
  • How much of your net worth should you cover with umbrella insurance ( 24:32 )
  • What should someone do about a pre-tax employer plan they don't really need if they're only in their 60s and still a few years away from Required Minimum Distributions ( 33:17 )
  • What to consider when deciding whether to roll an old employer 403(b) into a new employer's 403(b) or to an IRA ( 36:30 )
  • What tax prep courses are there for individuals to learn about doing their own taxes ( 39:13 )
  • Discussion of "bullet" maturity bond funds/ETFs ( 42:30 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16304711 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3404 full false #130 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Peter Townsend #130 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Peter Townsend Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Peter Townsend. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as becoming self-educated in the details of retirement planning AFTER already retiring, Social Security, funding potential long term care needs and more!
 
 Links in this episode:


 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Peter Townsend. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as becoming self-educated in the details of retirement planning AFTER already retiring, Social Security, funding potential long term care needs and more!
 
 Links in this episode:


 To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16215325 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500 6952 full false #129 – Retirement planner chat, with Andrew Gray from Gray Wealth Strategies #129 – Retirement planner chat, with Andrew Gray from Gray Wealth Strategies Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Andrew Gray, CFP® from Gray Wealth Strategies. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Andrew Gray, CFP® from Gray Wealth Strategies. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16160412 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500 5692 full false #128 - How to decide whether to own or rent your home in retirement #128 - How to decide whether to own or rent your home in retirement Andy discusses the things to take into consideration when trying to decide whether to own or rent a home in retirement



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy discusses the things to take into consideration when trying to decide whether to own or rent a home in retirement



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16166835 Thu, 05 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500 2606 full false #127 - Q&A edition...concentration in the S&P 500, direct indexing, how to transfer accounts from one broker to another and MORE! #127 - Q&A edition...concentration in the S&P 500, direct indexing, how to transfer accounts from one broker to another and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • What to do about the concentration of the top few names in the S&P 500 ( 5:10 )
  • What is direct indexing, when could it make sense and how to manage wash sales when direct indexing ( 13:21 )
  • Whether you need to have taxes withheld from annuities or any other sources of income ( 30:39 )
  • When it might make sense to buy an annuity for only a few years, such as five or 10 years ( 34:34 )
  • If your only income is Social Security and IRA withdrawals, what level of IRA withdrawal will lead to income high enough that you will need to start paying income-based surcharges on Medicare ( 37:47 )
  • How to transfer investment accounts from one broker/custodian to another ( 43:02 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • The DinkyTown 1040 tax return calculator - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • What to do about the concentration of the top few names in the S&P 500 ( 5:10 )
  • What is direct indexing, when could it make sense and how to manage wash sales when direct indexing ( 13:21 )
  • Whether you need to have taxes withheld from annuities or any other sources of income ( 30:39 )
  • When it might make sense to buy an annuity for only a few years, such as five or 10 years ( 34:34 )
  • If your only income is Social Security and IRA withdrawals, what level of IRA withdrawal will lead to income high enough that you will need to start paying income-based surcharges on Medicare ( 37:47 )
  • How to transfer investment accounts from one broker/custodian to another ( 43:02 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • The DinkyTown 1040 tax return calculator - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16159416 Thu, 28 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3218 full false #126 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jane #126 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jane Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jane (anonymous name). They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as dealing with the unexpected death of a spouse, self-educating on retirement and tax planning, doing a really large Roth conversion, Social Security survivor benefits, healthcare options in retirement and more!

Links in this episode:

  • The book Die With Zero - here
  • The book The Psychology of Money - here
  • The Bogleheads forum - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jane (anonymous name). They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as dealing with the unexpected death of a spouse, self-educating on retirement and tax planning, doing a really large Roth conversion, Social Security survivor benefits, healthcare options in retirement and more!

Links in this episode:

  • The book Die With Zero - here
  • The book The Psychology of Money - here
  • The Bogleheads forum - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16005795 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500 4320 full false #125 – Retirement planner chat, with Jamie Lima from Woodson Wealth Management #125 – Retirement planner chat, with Jamie Lima from Woodson Wealth Management Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Jamie Lima, CFP®, CDFA from Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more! Also, Jamie interjects his experience and knowledge around divorce-related matters in the retirement and financial planning processes.

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Jamie Lima, CFP®, CDFA from Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more! Also, Jamie interjects his experience and knowledge around divorce-related matters in the retirement and financial planning processes.

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16059358 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500 5581 full false #124 - The basics of taxes and tax planning in retirement #124 - The basics of taxes and tax planning in retirement Andy talks about the basics of what to know regarding taxes and tax planning in retirement. Topics discussed include: 

  • What sources of income are taxable vs non-taxable
  • Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") from both your own accounts and inherited accounts
  • How to pay taxes in retirement: withholdings vs making estimated payments
  • Gifting tax-efficiently
  • Making charitable donations tax-efficiently
  • Overview of common long-term tax planning strategies:
    • Delaying Social Security and distributing from pre-tax accounts in the interim
    • Roth conversions
    • Tax loss and tax gain harvesting
    • Asset "location" of which investments to hold in which account types


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • The Rock Retirement Club - here


]]> Andy talks about the basics of what to know regarding taxes and tax planning in retirement. Topics discussed include: 

  • What sources of income are taxable vs non-taxable
  • Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") from both your own accounts and inherited accounts
  • How to pay taxes in retirement: withholdings vs making estimated payments
  • Gifting tax-efficiently
  • Making charitable donations tax-efficiently
  • Overview of common long-term tax planning strategies:
    • Delaying Social Security and distributing from pre-tax accounts in the interim
    • Roth conversions
    • Tax loss and tax gain harvesting
    • Asset "location" of which investments to hold in which account types


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • The Rock Retirement Club - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-16000518 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3628 full false #123 - My thoughts on 12 common financial and retirement planning rules of thumb #123 - My thoughts on 12 common financial and retirement planning rules of thumb Special edition episode in which Andy shares his views on whether the below 12 rules of thumb are accurate or not: 

  1. You should always contribute at least enough to your employer plan (like a 401(k)) to get the full employer match
  2. You shouldn't help your kids pay for college if it means shorting your own financial security in retirement
  3. You need at least $X million (where $X can be whatever amount someone wants to say) of savings to retire
  4. In retirement, expect to need 80% of whatever your pre-retirement income was each year
  5. The 4% "rule" is a good tool for determining how much of a portfolio someone can distribution each year in retirement
  6. Your target stock allocation percentage should be 100 minus your age
  7. You should pay off your mortgage before retiring
  8. The rule of 72 is a good tool to tell how long it will take to double your investment
  9. You should have an emergency fund of cash equal to three to six months of expenses
  10. Permanent life insurance should be avoided; only use term life insurance
  11. The owner of a large investment advisory firm says, "I hate annuities and you should too"
  12. That same person also says of his firm, "we do better when you do better"


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • My podcast about the 4% "rule" - here


]]> Special edition episode in which Andy shares his views on whether the below 12 rules of thumb are accurate or not: 

  1. You should always contribute at least enough to your employer plan (like a 401(k)) to get the full employer match
  2. You shouldn't help your kids pay for college if it means shorting your own financial security in retirement
  3. You need at least $X million (where $X can be whatever amount someone wants to say) of savings to retire
  4. In retirement, expect to need 80% of whatever your pre-retirement income was each year
  5. The 4% "rule" is a good tool for determining how much of a portfolio someone can distribution each year in retirement
  6. Your target stock allocation percentage should be 100 minus your age
  7. You should pay off your mortgage before retiring
  8. The rule of 72 is a good tool to tell how long it will take to double your investment
  9. You should have an emergency fund of cash equal to three to six months of expenses
  10. Permanent life insurance should be avoided; only use term life insurance
  11. The owner of a large investment advisory firm says, "I hate annuities and you should too"
  12. That same person also says of his firm, "we do better when you do better"


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • My podcast about the 4% "rule" - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15877220 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3073 full false #122 - Q&A edition...tracking Roth IRA contributions, what to do with leftover RMD money, using total bond market funds and MORE! #122 - Q&A edition...tracking Roth IRA contributions, what to do with leftover RMD money, using total bond market funds and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to keep track of Roth IRA contributions ( 6:45 )
  • Considering getting employer-sponsored health insurance to supplement Medicare ( 12:15 )
  • What to do with money from an RMD that you don't actually need ( 16:48 )
  • Understanding the capital gain exclusion on selling your primary residence ( 19:58 )
  • How to determine how much you can rent out a rental property for, and how to screen for tenants ( 23:42 )
  • How to distribute from a portfolio that includes total bond market funds as its fixed income allocation ( 28:10 )
  • Rolling over up to $35k of unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA ( 34:28 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • The Boomer Benefits Facebook group - here
  • My podcast about the primary residence sale capital gain exclusion - here
  • TransUnion SmartMove website - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to keep track of Roth IRA contributions ( 6:45 )
  • Considering getting employer-sponsored health insurance to supplement Medicare ( 12:15 )
  • What to do with money from an RMD that you don't actually need ( 16:48 )
  • Understanding the capital gain exclusion on selling your primary residence ( 19:58 )
  • How to determine how much you can rent out a rental property for, and how to screen for tenants ( 23:42 )
  • How to distribute from a portfolio that includes total bond market funds as its fixed income allocation ( 28:10 )
  • Rolling over up to $35k of unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA ( 34:28 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • The Boomer Benefits Facebook group - here
  • My podcast about the primary residence sale capital gain exclusion - here
  • TransUnion SmartMove website - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15873819 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2385 full false #121 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Doug Mann #121 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Doug Mann Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Doug Mann. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as retiring and living abroad in Thailand and the unique planning considerations involved with being abroad full-time

Links in this episode:

  • Doug's travel/photography website - www.photomann.com
  • The Rock Retirement Club - here
  • RetirePlan website - here
  • Doug's episode on Roger Whitney's Retirement Answer Man podcast - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Doug Mann. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as retiring and living abroad in Thailand and the unique planning considerations involved with being abroad full-time

Links in this episode:

  • Doug's travel/photography website - www.photomann.com
  • The Rock Retirement Club - here
  • RetirePlan website - here
  • Doug's episode on Roger Whitney's Retirement Answer Man podcast - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15923603 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5204 full false #120 – Retirement planner chat, with Erik Barnes from Retirement Portfolio Partners #120 – Retirement planner chat, with Erik Barnes from Retirement Portfolio Partners Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Erik Barnes, CFP® from Retirement Portfolio Partners. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Erik Barnes, CFP® from Retirement Portfolio Partners. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when people have enough to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15844350 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 6695 full false #119 - Andy's appearance on Rob Berger's YouTube channel, talking about taxes in retirement #119 - Andy's appearance on Rob Berger's YouTube channel, talking about taxes in retirement Andy appeared as a guest/co-host on the September 23, 2024 episode of Rob Berger's YouTube live stream video series. In it, they discussed taxes and tax planning in retirement, as well as a host of other questions such as account rebalancing, Roth conversion analysis, and more! There was also plenty of live Q&A from Rob's loyal followers/watchers.

For those who don't already know, Rob Berger has one of the best YouTube channels out there for straight-shooting, educational and informative content about retirement planning and investing. You can find a link to the channel and this specific episode below.


Links in this episode:

  • Rob's YouTube channel - here
  • My YouTube episode with Rob - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy appeared as a guest/co-host on the September 23, 2024 episode of Rob Berger's YouTube live stream video series. In it, they discussed taxes and tax planning in retirement, as well as a host of other questions such as account rebalancing, Roth conversion analysis, and more! There was also plenty of live Q&A from Rob's loyal followers/watchers.

For those who don't already know, Rob Berger has one of the best YouTube channels out there for straight-shooting, educational and informative content about retirement planning and investing. You can find a link to the channel and this specific episode below.


Links in this episode:

  • Rob's YouTube channel - here
  • My YouTube episode with Rob - here



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15817260 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 6074 full false #118 - Q&A edition...Itemized sales tax deductions, pension vs lump sum, surviving spouse tax increases and MORE! #118 - Q&A edition...Itemized sales tax deductions, pension vs lump sum, surviving spouse tax increases and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Itemizing sales taxes on Schedule A of your tax return, particularly when living in two states during the year ( 6:30 )
  • Considerations when deciding between taking a pension or its lump sum ( 11:51 )
  • Should a recently widowed person take advantage of their last year of Married Filing Joint tax brackets and do a large Roth conversion or IRA distribution ( 25:03 )
  • Understanding the pro rata rule when doing a Roth conversion when you have multiple IRAs and a 401(k) ( 31:40 )
  • How the IRS knows if you didn't take Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") when you were supposed to ( 37:02 )
  • How to ensure your Treasury interest received (including when received indirectly through a money market mutual fund) is properly reported as tax-free on your state tax return ( 41:36 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • IRS sales tax deduction calculator - here
  • Rob Berger's YouTube channel - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Itemizing sales taxes on Schedule A of your tax return, particularly when living in two states during the year ( 6:30 )
  • Considerations when deciding between taking a pension or its lump sum ( 11:51 )
  • Should a recently widowed person take advantage of their last year of Married Filing Joint tax brackets and do a large Roth conversion or IRA distribution ( 25:03 )
  • Understanding the pro rata rule when doing a Roth conversion when you have multiple IRAs and a 401(k) ( 31:40 )
  • How the IRS knows if you didn't take Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") when you were supposed to ( 37:02 )
  • How to ensure your Treasury interest received (including when received indirectly through a money market mutual fund) is properly reported as tax-free on your state tax return ( 41:36 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • IRS sales tax deduction calculator - here
  • Rob Berger's YouTube channel - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15752273 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2950 full false #117 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Alison #117 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Alison Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Alison (last name not disclosed). They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as the unique planning considerations of having a spouse who's nearly 10 years younger and how an unexpected major medical condition a few years ago resulted in her being on long term disability, presumably through when she starts Social Security. They also talk about about what she wishes she would have known earlier and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, how they got a late start in getting serious about saving for retirement and more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Alison (last name not disclosed). They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as the unique planning considerations of having a spouse who's nearly 10 years younger and how an unexpected major medical condition a few years ago resulted in her being on long term disability, presumably through when she starts Social Security. They also talk about about what she wishes she would have known earlier and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, how they got a late start in getting serious about saving for retirement and more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-15645345 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3564 full false #116 – Retirement planner chat, with Roger Whitney from the Retirement Answer Man podcast #116 – Retirement planner chat, with Roger Whitney from the Retirement Answer Man podcast Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA® from The Retirement Answer Man podcast. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, investing, annuities, how to help advise people get over the hurdle of not wanting to spend their money, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA® from The Retirement Answer Man podcast. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, investing, annuities, how to help advise people get over the hurdle of not wanting to spend their money, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-15652141 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5800 full false #115 - How to give to charities tax-efficiently #115 - How to give to charities tax-efficiently Andy summarizes the tax-related concepts to know when giving to charities, and summarizes a few ways in which to make your charitable donations as tax-efficient for you as possible


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy summarizes the tax-related concepts to know when giving to charities, and summarizes a few ways in which to make your charitable donations as tax-efficient for you as possible


Links in this episode:


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-15650950 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3344 full false #114 – Retirement planner chat, with me...Andy Panko from Tenon Financial #114 – Retirement planner chat, with me...Andy Panko from Tenon Financial We're switching things up a bit! In this week's episode, guest host Mike Powers (from Manuka Financial; was a previous guest on the podcast) chats with the show's host, Andy Panko from Tenon Financial.

In the episode, they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics and Andy's view and approach toward them, such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:




To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> We're switching things up a bit! In this week's episode, guest host Mike Powers (from Manuka Financial; was a previous guest on the podcast) chats with the show's host, Andy Panko from Tenon Financial.

In the episode, they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics and Andy's view and approach toward them, such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:




To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-15591646 Thu, 29 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400 6884 full false #113 - Q&A edition...how to find a retirement tax planner, Medicare premium surcharges, bullet maturity bond ETFs and MORE! #113 - Q&A edition...how to find a retirement tax planner, Medicare premium surcharges, bullet maturity bond ETFs and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Can you retroactively increase your income for a prior tax year ( 2:37 )
  • How to find a retirement planning tax specialist ( 8:16 )
  • How the Medicare IRMAA premium surcharge income lookback works ( 17:24 )
  • Determining how much mega back door Roth contributions to do ( 22:02 )
  • Is it okay to employ your child part-time in your small business to give them earnings so you can contribute to a Roth IRA for them ( 28:07 )
  • My thoughts on "bullet" maturity bond ETFs ( 31:30 )
  • Whether reducing withdrawal rates or setting up a bucketing system eliminates Sequence of Returns Risk in retirement ( 43:27 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • List of flat-free retirement planner referrals - here
  • Link to the Facebook group post about Sequence of Returns Risk - here
  • My YouTube video on Sequence of Returns Risk - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Can you retroactively increase your income for a prior tax year ( 2:37 )
  • How to find a retirement planning tax specialist ( 8:16 )
  • How the Medicare IRMAA premium surcharge income lookback works ( 17:24 )
  • Determining how much mega back door Roth contributions to do ( 22:02 )
  • Is it okay to employ your child part-time in your small business to give them earnings so you can contribute to a Roth IRA for them ( 28:07 )
  • My thoughts on "bullet" maturity bond ETFs ( 31:30 )
  • Whether reducing withdrawal rates or setting up a bucketing system eliminates Sequence of Returns Risk in retirement ( 43:27 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • List of flat-free retirement planner referrals - here
  • Link to the Facebook group post about Sequence of Returns Risk - here
  • My YouTube video on Sequence of Returns Risk - here


]]> Buzzsprout-15578365 Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3286 full false #112 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jane #112 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Jane Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jane (an anonymous name). They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when she started getting serious about retirement planning, what she wishes she would have known earlier, what she learned from seeing her parents go through a long term care event with her father, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, how she and her husband plan to address their own potential long term care scenarios and more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Jane (an anonymous name). They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when she started getting serious about retirement planning, what she wishes she would have known earlier, what she learned from seeing her parents go through a long term care event with her father, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, how she and her husband plan to address their own potential long term care scenarios and more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15474633 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2439 full false #111 – Retirement planner chat, with Victor Medina from Palante Wealth #111 – Retirement planner chat, with Victor Medina from Palante Wealth Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Victor Medina, CFP®, RICP®, CELA® from Palante Wealth. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Victor Medina, CFP®, RICP®, CELA® from Palante Wealth. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:

To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15462304 Thu, 08 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5232 full false #110 1/2 - ONE MORE pro of rolling over employer plans (like a 401(k)) to an IRA #110 1/2 - ONE MORE pro of rolling over employer plans (like a 401(k)) to an IRA I'm a buffoon and I missed including another important pro of doing an employer plan-to-IRA rollover in episode #110's list of pros and cons of rollovers. The additional potential pro is the ability to do Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") out of the IRA if you're at least 70 1/2 and charitably inclined.

So, the recap the full list of pros (including QCDs) and cons of doing an employer plan-to-IRA rollover:

Potential PROS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • More investment options
  • Likely lower fees and costs
  • Access to professional advice
  • Better control over tax withholdings
  • More withdrawal options
  • Less Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") to manage
  • Less financial clutter
  • Gain the ability to do Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCD")


Potential CONS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • May lose the ability to take early distributions without penalty
  • May lose the ability to cleanly do backdoor Roth IRA contributions
  • May lose the ability to continue to delay RMDs from that plan (if you're still working at that employer)
  • Lose the ability to take loans from the money
  • May lose the ability to take advantage of Net Unrealized Appreciation ("NUA") of company stock
  • May lose access to a stable value or managed income portfolio investment option
  • Potentially less creditor protection


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> I'm a buffoon and I missed including another important pro of doing an employer plan-to-IRA rollover in episode #110's list of pros and cons of rollovers. The additional potential pro is the ability to do Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") out of the IRA if you're at least 70 1/2 and charitably inclined.

So, the recap the full list of pros (including QCDs) and cons of doing an employer plan-to-IRA rollover:

Potential PROS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • More investment options
  • Likely lower fees and costs
  • Access to professional advice
  • Better control over tax withholdings
  • More withdrawal options
  • Less Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") to manage
  • Less financial clutter
  • Gain the ability to do Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCD")


Potential CONS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • May lose the ability to take early distributions without penalty
  • May lose the ability to cleanly do backdoor Roth IRA contributions
  • May lose the ability to continue to delay RMDs from that plan (if you're still working at that employer)
  • Lose the ability to take loans from the money
  • May lose the ability to take advantage of Net Unrealized Appreciation ("NUA") of company stock
  • May lose access to a stable value or managed income portfolio investment option
  • Potentially less creditor protection


Links in this episode:



To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-15524235 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400 600 full false #110 - Pros and cons of rolling over employer plans [like a 401(k)] to an IRA #110 - Pros and cons of rolling over employer plans [like a 401(k)] to an IRA Andy summarizes the pros and cons of rolling over an employer plan (such as a 401(k), 403(b), 401(a), 457 or the federal Thrift Savings Plan) to an IRA or Roth IRA. To sum up:

Potential PROS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • More investment options
  • Likely lower fees and costs
  • Access to professional advice
  • Better control over tax withholdings
  • More withdrawal options
  • Less Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") to manage
  • Less financial clutter


Potential CONS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • May lose the ability to take early distributions without penalty
  • May lose the ability to cleanly do backdoor Roth IRA contributions
  • May lose the ability to continue to delay RMDs from that plan (if you're still working at that employer)
  • Lose the ability to take loans from the money
  • May lose the ability to take advantage of Net Unrealized Appreciation ("NUA") of company stock
  • May lose access to a stable value or managed income portfolio investment option
  • Potentially less creditor protection


Links in this episode:

  • Summary of the creditor protection of IRAs and Roth IRAs by state - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Andy summarizes the pros and cons of rolling over an employer plan (such as a 401(k), 403(b), 401(a), 457 or the federal Thrift Savings Plan) to an IRA or Roth IRA. To sum up:

Potential PROS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • More investment options
  • Likely lower fees and costs
  • Access to professional advice
  • Better control over tax withholdings
  • More withdrawal options
  • Less Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") to manage
  • Less financial clutter


Potential CONS of rolling over an employer plan to an IRA or Roth IRA:

  • May lose the ability to take early distributions without penalty
  • May lose the ability to cleanly do backdoor Roth IRA contributions
  • May lose the ability to continue to delay RMDs from that plan (if you're still working at that employer)
  • Lose the ability to take loans from the money
  • May lose the ability to take advantage of Net Unrealized Appreciation ("NUA") of company stock
  • May lose access to a stable value or managed income portfolio investment option
  • Potentially less creditor protection


Links in this episode:

  • Summary of the creditor protection of IRAs and Roth IRAs by state - here


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

]]> Buzzsprout-15482553 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3922 full false #109 - Q&A edition...how to know if your 401(k) is good, how much tax to withhold from Social Security, should you invest in International stocks and MORE! #109 - Q&A edition...how to know if your 401(k) is good, how much tax to withhold from Social Security, should you invest in International stocks and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to know if your 401(k) is good ( 5:57 )
  • Is it safer to bank at multiple banks instead of just one ( 14:33 )
  • How much tax should you withhold from your Social Security ( 21:10 )
  • Whether each spouse needs to take out excess Roth IRA contributions if only one spouse's income put their Married Filing Joint total income over the Roth IRA contribution eligibility threshold ( 25:20 )
  • Should you hire an advisor for a one-time Roth conversion analysis and plan if they claim it can save you millions in lifetime taxes ( 27:20 )
  • Should you own international stocks in your stock allocation ( 31:58 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • Form W-4V to have federal taxes withhold from your Social Security payments - here
  • Dinkytown online tax return calculator - here
  • My YouTube video on fixing excess Roth IRA contributions - here
  • My article about the futility of trying to quantify the value of Roth conversions - here




]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to know if your 401(k) is good ( 5:57 )
  • Is it safer to bank at multiple banks instead of just one ( 14:33 )
  • How much tax should you withhold from your Social Security ( 21:10 )
  • Whether each spouse needs to take out excess Roth IRA contributions if only one spouse's income put their Married Filing Joint total income over the Roth IRA contribution eligibility threshold ( 25:20 )
  • Should you hire an advisor for a one-time Roth conversion analysis and plan if they claim it can save you millions in lifetime taxes ( 27:20 )
  • Should you own international stocks in your stock allocation ( 31:58 )


To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

Links in this episode:

  • Form W-4V to have federal taxes withhold from your Social Security payments - here
  • Dinkytown online tax return calculator - here
  • My YouTube video on fixing excess Roth IRA contributions - here
  • My article about the futility of trying to quantify the value of Roth conversions - here




]]> Buzzsprout-15412078 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2623 full false #108 – Retirement planning chat with "real" people, Ali & Alison Walker #108 – Retirement planning chat with "real" people, Ali & Alison Walker Andy chats with real people (not advisors) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Ali & Alison Walker, who live in Arizona currently but lived and traveled abroad for a few years after retiring. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Ali & Alison started getting serious about retirement planning, what they wish they would have known earlier, how they planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how they plan to address any potential long term care scenarios and more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with real people (not advisors) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Ali & Alison Walker, who live in Arizona currently but lived and traveled abroad for a few years after retiring. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Ali & Alison started getting serious about retirement planning, what they wish they would have known earlier, how they planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how they plan to address any potential long term care scenarios and more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15294161 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5907 full false #107 – Retirement planner chat, with Mike Powers from Manuka Financial #107 – Retirement planner chat, with Mike Powers from Manuka Financial Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Mike Powers, CPA, PFS, CFP®, from Manuka Financial. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:

  • Mike's company's website - Manuka Financial
  • Michael Kitces website - here
  • Mr Money Mustache blog - here
  • ChooseFI financial independent community - here
  • Early Retirement Now website - here
  • Allan Roth from Wealth Logic - here
  • David Hulstrom from Financial Architects - here


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Mike Powers, CPA, PFS, CFP®, from Manuka Financial. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:

  • Mike's company's website - Manuka Financial
  • Michael Kitces website - here
  • Mr Money Mustache blog - here
  • ChooseFI financial independent community - here
  • Early Retirement Now website - here
  • Allan Roth from Wealth Logic - here
  • David Hulstrom from Financial Architects - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15294099 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0400 6711 full false #106 - How to decide the optimal time to start your Social Security benefits #106 - How to decide the optimal time to start your Social Security benefits Andy talks about the main points to consider when deciding when to start your Social Security retirement benefits

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy talks about the main points to consider when deciding when to start your Social Security retirement benefits

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15293952 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2605 full false #105 - Q&A edition... having mortgages in retirement, understanding Medicare coinsurance, when to consider long term care insurance and MORE! #105 - Q&A edition... having mortgages in retirement, understanding Medicare coinsurance, when to consider long term care insurance and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Whether or not it's okay to have a mortgage or rent in retirement ( 1:56 )
  • Medicare Part B coinsurance of 20% and whether Medigap/Supplemental policies are worth it ( 8:50 )
  • How much money is TOO MUCH money to have in a Health Savings Account ( 13:50 )
  • If I've changed any of my views or processes around retirement planning as a result having chatted with multiple "real people" and other retirement planners in this podcast ( 24:57 )
  • How advisors can help improve the perception of the industry and how consumers can help try to better vet their potential advisor ( 28:58 )
  • How much net worth is enough to consider not having long term care insurance or life insurance ( 43:52 )


Links in this episode:

  • FINRA's BrokerCheck - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Whether or not it's okay to have a mortgage or rent in retirement ( 1:56 )
  • Medicare Part B coinsurance of 20% and whether Medigap/Supplemental policies are worth it ( 8:50 )
  • How much money is TOO MUCH money to have in a Health Savings Account ( 13:50 )
  • If I've changed any of my views or processes around retirement planning as a result having chatted with multiple "real people" and other retirement planners in this podcast ( 24:57 )
  • How advisors can help improve the perception of the industry and how consumers can help try to better vet their potential advisor ( 28:58 )
  • How much net worth is enough to consider not having long term care insurance or life insurance ( 43:52 )


Links in this episode:

  • FINRA's BrokerCheck - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15292295 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3299 full false #104 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Laura Maione #104 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Laura Maione Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Laura Maione, who lives in Illinois and retired during the pandemic. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Laura started getting serious about retirement planning, what she wishes he would have known earlier, how she planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how she plans to address any potential long term care scenarios and more!

Links in this episode:

  • Bogleheads forum - here
  • Early Retirement - here
  • FireCalc - here
  • i-ORP Retirement Planner - here


]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Laura Maione, who lives in Illinois and retired during the pandemic. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Laura started getting serious about retirement planning, what she wishes he would have known earlier, how she planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how she plans to address any potential long term care scenarios and more!

Links in this episode:

  • Bogleheads forum - here
  • Early Retirement - here
  • FireCalc - here
  • i-ORP Retirement Planner - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15170628 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400 4267 full false #103 – Retirement planner chat, with Angie Furubotten-LaRosee from Avea Financial Planning #103 – Retirement planner chat, with Angie Furubotten-LaRosee from Avea Financial Planning Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Angie Furubotten-LaRosee CFP®, from Avea Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Angie Furubotten-LaRosee CFP®, from Avea Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to help advise people who are spending more than planned, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15042013 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5628 full false #102 - Highlights of the 2024 Social Security Trustees Report #102 - Highlights of the 2024 Social Security Trustees Report Andy gives a summary of the key takeaways from the recently released 2024 Social Security Trustees Report

Links in this episode:

  • The 2024 Social Security Trustees Report - here
  • The "Summary of Provisions That Would Change the Social Security Program" - here


]]> Andy gives a summary of the key takeaways from the recently released 2024 Social Security Trustees Report

Links in this episode:

  • The 2024 Social Security Trustees Report - here
  • The "Summary of Provisions That Would Change the Social Security Program" - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15074223 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2413 full false #101 - Q&A edition...Choosing a custodian, 401(k) contribution limits, gift tax exclusion limits and MORE! #101 - Q&A edition...Choosing a custodian, 401(k) contribution limits, gift tax exclusion limits and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to choose a brokerage firm/custodian to use ( 3:00 )
  • How frequently to rebalance your portfolio ( 11:46 )
  • Annual 401(k) contribution limits between employee and employer contributions ( 14:55 )
  • Understanding gift taxes, when a gift tax return is required, the lifetime gift/estate size exemption and the annual gift exclusion ( 19:08 )
  • The two different 5-year rules for Roth IRAs ( 24:03 )
  • How mortgages or home equity lines of credit play into how much of the gain on the sale of your primary residence can be excluded ( 28:43 )


Links in this episode:


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to choose a brokerage firm/custodian to use ( 3:00 )
  • How frequently to rebalance your portfolio ( 11:46 )
  • Annual 401(k) contribution limits between employee and employer contributions ( 14:55 )
  • Understanding gift taxes, when a gift tax return is required, the lifetime gift/estate size exemption and the annual gift exclusion ( 19:08 )
  • The two different 5-year rules for Roth IRAs ( 24:03 )
  • How mortgages or home equity lines of credit play into how much of the gain on the sale of your primary residence can be excluded ( 28:43 )


Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15087705 Thu, 30 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2064 full false #100 – 100th episode celebration!!! Andy's 100 words of retirement planning wisdom #100 – 100th episode celebration!!! Andy's 100 words of retirement planning wisdom Thank you for your support through 100 episodes!!! 🥳 To celebrate the milestone of the 100th episode, Andy shares his 100 best bits of retirement planning wisdom, broken up into 10 topics of 10 pieces of wisdom each. The 10 topics are:

1) Investments, 2) Social Security, 3) Medicare, 4) Taxes, 5) Estate & Legacy Planning, 6) Annuities & Life Insurance, 7) Pensions, 8) Long Term Care, 9) the Financial Advisory Industry and 10) Non-Financial & Life Planning

Links in this episode:

  • Genworth Cost of Care Survey - here
  • FINRA's BrokerCheck - here 


]]> Thank you for your support through 100 episodes!!! 🥳 To celebrate the milestone of the 100th episode, Andy shares his 100 best bits of retirement planning wisdom, broken up into 10 topics of 10 pieces of wisdom each. The 10 topics are:

1) Investments, 2) Social Security, 3) Medicare, 4) Taxes, 5) Estate & Legacy Planning, 6) Annuities & Life Insurance, 7) Pensions, 8) Long Term Care, 9) the Financial Advisory Industry and 10) Non-Financial & Life Planning

Links in this episode:

  • Genworth Cost of Care Survey - here
  • FINRA's BrokerCheck - here 


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15063672 Thu, 23 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5456 full false #099 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Al DiSalvio #099 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Al DiSalvio Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Al DiSalvio, who lives in New Jersey and plans on retiring in 2025. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Al started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, Roth conversions, how he recently took a work assignment abroad and more!

Links in this episode:

  • Roger Whitney's Retirement Answer Man podcast - here
  • Rob Berger's YouTube channel - here
  • Joe Kuhn's YouTube channel - here


]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Al DiSalvio, who lives in New Jersey and plans on retiring in 2025. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Al started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, Roth conversions, how he recently took a work assignment abroad and more!

Links in this episode:

  • Roger Whitney's Retirement Answer Man podcast - here
  • Rob Berger's YouTube channel - here
  • Joe Kuhn's YouTube channel - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15036133 Thu, 16 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400 3765 full false #098 – Retirement planner chat, with Lauren Hunt from Daybreak Wealth Management #098 – Retirement planner chat, with Lauren Hunt from Daybreak Wealth Management Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Lauren Hunt, CFP®, from Daybreak Wealth Management. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Lauren Hunt, CFP®, from Daybreak Wealth Management. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-15030441 Thu, 09 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400 4381 full false #097 – Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules #097 – Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules Explanation of the Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules for inherited IRAs

Links in this episode:


]]> Explanation of the Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules for inherited IRAs

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14924063 Thu, 02 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2663 full false #096 - Q&A edition...US government debt concerns, Health Savings Accounts, how to estimate taxes and MORE! #096 - Q&A edition...US government debt concerns, Health Savings Accounts, how to estimate taxes and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Am I concerned about the increasing amount of US government debt, and how do I think it will impact retirees' investments ( 1:32 )
  • Are there any custodians that offer Roth versions of SEP IRAs ( 16:58 )
  • Is there a simple way to estimate what your total taxes will be for the year ( 19:28 )
  • Could it make sense to invest in municipal bonds instead of bonds where the interest is taxable - even if the after-tax yield of the non-municipal bonds is higher - if the interest from the municipal bonds will have smaller impact on Modified Adjusted Gross Income for things like Medicare premium surcharges and Affordable Care Act premium tax credits ( 26:01 )
  • A listener's feedback on why he feels a living/revocable trust was a good idea for him ( 31 :48 )
  • How much money is TOO MUCH to have in a Health Savings Account ("HSA") ( 36:16 )
  • Is it better to take a year's Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") all at once, or spread out throughout the year ( 42:05 )


Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Am I concerned about the increasing amount of US government debt, and how do I think it will impact retirees' investments ( 1:32 )
  • Are there any custodians that offer Roth versions of SEP IRAs ( 16:58 )
  • Is there a simple way to estimate what your total taxes will be for the year ( 19:28 )
  • Could it make sense to invest in municipal bonds instead of bonds where the interest is taxable - even if the after-tax yield of the non-municipal bonds is higher - if the interest from the municipal bonds will have smaller impact on Modified Adjusted Gross Income for things like Medicare premium surcharges and Affordable Care Act premium tax credits ( 26:01 )
  • A listener's feedback on why he feels a living/revocable trust was a good idea for him ( 31 :48 )
  • How much money is TOO MUCH to have in a Health Savings Account ("HSA") ( 36:16 )
  • Is it better to take a year's Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") all at once, or spread out throughout the year ( 42:05 )


Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14895957 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2751 full false #095 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Judy Ocaya #095 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Judy Ocaya Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Judy Ocaya, who lives in California and retired in 2019. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Judy started getting serious about retirement planning, what she wishes he would have known earlier, how she planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how she leveraged her professional experience as a retirement plan actuary and more!

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Judy Ocaya, who lives in California and retired in 2019. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Judy started getting serious about retirement planning, what she wishes he would have known earlier, how she planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how she leveraged her professional experience as a retirement plan actuary and more!

Links in this episode:

]]> Buzzsprout-14757285 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5002 full false #094 – Retirement planner chat, with David and Mary Oransky from Laminar Wealth #094 – Retirement planner chat, with David and Mary Oransky from Laminar Wealth Andy chats with fellow retirement planners Devin Oransky and Mary Oransky, from Laminar Wealth. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planners Devin Oransky and Mary Oransky, from Laminar Wealth. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14830877 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5149 full false #093 – Advisory fees...the good, the bad, the ugly #093 – Advisory fees...the good, the bad, the ugly Discussion of the different ways in which advisory firms charge fees, why the percentage of assets under management fee is illogical and unfair, and what alternate fee structures may be less illogical and less unfair

Links in this episode:

]]> Discussion of the different ways in which advisory firms charge fees, why the percentage of assets under management fee is illogical and unfair, and what alternate fee structures may be less illogical and less unfair

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14816108 Thu, 04 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5542 full false #092 - Q&A edition...determining state tax residency, tax underpayment penalties and MORE! #092 - Q&A edition...determining state tax residency, tax underpayment penalties and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to establish tax residence in a new state, and how to leave tax residence in your old state
  • Carrying over capital loss deductions
  • Minimizing or eliminating underpayment interest penalties by "annualizing" income using Form 2210
  • When in the tax return season should you file your return
  • Is an advisory fee of 1.25% to 1.50% worth it

Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • How to establish tax residence in a new state, and how to leave tax residence in your old state
  • Carrying over capital loss deductions
  • Minimizing or eliminating underpayment interest penalties by "annualizing" income using Form 2210
  • When in the tax return season should you file your return
  • Is an advisory fee of 1.25% to 1.50% worth it

Links in this episode:

]]> Buzzsprout-14740410 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2142 full false #091 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Tom Santi #091 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Tom Santi Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Tom Santi, who lives in Florida and is currently in a part-time/transitional work phase leading toward retirement.  They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Tom started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier, how he planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions and how he received the CFP in the 1990s but never actually formally practiced as a financial planner!

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Tom Santi, who lives in Florida and is currently in a part-time/transitional work phase leading toward retirement.  They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Tom started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier, how he planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions and how he received the CFP in the 1990s but never actually formally practiced as a financial planner!

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14495589 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0400 4643 full false #090 – Retirement planner chat, with Devin Carroll from Carroll Advisory Group #090 – Retirement planner chat, with Devin Carroll from Carroll Advisory Group Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Devin Carroll, from Carroll Advisory Group. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Devin Carroll, from Carroll Advisory Group. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14611102 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0400 5107 full false #089 – Understanding the S&P 500 index and why it's NOT the right benchmark for your portfolio #089 – Understanding the S&P 500 index and why it's NOT the right benchmark for your portfolio Explanation of what the S&P 500 index is, what it measures, how it works and why it's NOT the right benchmark to use for your portfolio and it's returns

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of what the S&P 500 index is, what it measures, how it works and why it's NOT the right benchmark to use for your portfolio and it's returns

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14496506 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0500 2274 full false #088 – Retirement planning considerations for women, with Laura Adams #088 – Retirement planning considerations for women, with Laura Adams Andy talks with Laura Adams, author and host of the The Money Girl podcast, about retirement planning considerations and issues unique to women

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy talks with Laura Adams, author and host of the The Money Girl podcast, about retirement planning considerations and issues unique to women

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14556727 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500 4108 full false #087 - Q&A edition...tax return filing statuses, advisor succession plans and MORE! #087 - Q&A edition...tax return filing statuses, advisor succession plans and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • The summary of the five different tax return filing statuses
  • Whether a particular listener could file as Head of Household for his 22 year-old son in college
  • How to get the 1099-INT form if you sold any I Bonds last year
  • Whether you can still do a 2023 Roth conversion now, in February 2024
  • What to look for and ask regarding an advisor's succession plan

Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • The summary of the five different tax return filing statuses
  • Whether a particular listener could file as Head of Household for his 22 year-old son in college
  • How to get the 1099-INT form if you sold any I Bonds last year
  • Whether you can still do a 2023 Roth conversion now, in February 2024
  • What to look for and ask regarding an advisor's succession plan

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14520022 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500 2791 full false #086 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Bill Stevenson #086 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, Bill Stevenson Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Bill Stevenson, a married military retiree currently living in Hawaii.  They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Bill started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier, how he planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how the GI Bill helped pay for Bill's daughters' colleges and more!

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Bill Stevenson, a married military retiree currently living in Hawaii.  They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when Bill started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier, how he planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, how the GI Bill helped pay for Bill's daughters' colleges and more!

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14364050 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3713 full false #085 – Retirement planner chat, with Brian Tegtmeyer from Truly Prosper Financial Planning #085 – Retirement planner chat, with Brian Tegtmeyer from Truly Prosper Financial Planning Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Brian Tegtmeyer, CFP®, from Truly Prosper Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Brian Tegtmeyer, CFP®, from Truly Prosper Financial Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14335648 Thu, 08 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3581 full false #084 – Understanding Target Date Retirement Funds #084 – Understanding Target Date Retirement Funds Explanation of target date retirement funds and how they work, what their fees are, when they can make sense, pros and cons, etc.

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of target date retirement funds and how they work, what their fees are, when they can make sense, pros and cons, etc.

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14341864 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500 3198 full false #083 - Q&A edition...Solo 401(k)s, tax gain harvesting, bonds vs bond funds and MORE! #083 - Q&A edition...Solo 401(k)s, tax gain harvesting, bonds vs bond funds and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • For those who have solo 401(k) plans, when having to file Form 5500EZ is required
  • What's tax gain harvesting and when it's beneficial
  • How to select between online banks that offer high yield savings accounts
  • Bonds vs bonds funds and what should be considered when figuring out how to invest the bond portion of your portfolio

Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • For those who have solo 401(k) plans, when having to file Form 5500EZ is required
  • What's tax gain harvesting and when it's beneficial
  • How to select between online banks that offer high yield savings accounts
  • Bonds vs bonds funds and what should be considered when figuring out how to invest the bond portion of your portfolio

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14299854 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500 2744 full false #082 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, David Folts #082 – Retirement planning chat with a "real" person, David Folts Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with David Folts, a married retiree in Ohio.  They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when David started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier, how he planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, long-term care and more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with David Folts, a married retiree in Ohio.  They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as when David started getting serious about retirement planning, what he wishes he would have known earlier, how he planned for the non-financial aspects of retirement, and a variety of financial topics such as Social Security, investing, portfolio distributions, long-term care and more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14279364 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500 5162 full false #081 – Retirement planner chat, with Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning #081 – Retirement planner chat, with Larry Pershing from Optimum Retirement Planning Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Larry Pershing, CFP®, RMA® from Optimum Retirement Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy chats with fellow retirement planner Larry Pershing, CFP®, RMA® from Optimum Retirement Planning. In this episode they talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as tax planning, distribution strategies, investing, annuities, long-term care insurance, how to know when someone has "enough" to retire, what consumers often overlook in retirement planning and much more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14244446 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500 5642 full false #080 – How to lower your taxes in 2024 #080 – How to lower your taxes in 2024 Summary of the December 29, 2023 The Wall Street Journal article, To Lower Your Taxes in 2024, Make These Moves Now. The article gives a handful of tips on how to reduce your taxes (not actually  just in 2024; the tips in the article can apply to ANY year)

Links in this episode:


]]> Summary of the December 29, 2023 The Wall Street Journal article, To Lower Your Taxes in 2024, Make These Moves Now. The article gives a handful of tips on how to reduce your taxes (not actually  just in 2024; the tips in the article can apply to ANY year)

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14242630 Thu, 04 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500 2149 full false Retirement Planning Education is coming back! Retirement Planning Education is coming back! You read that right...the Retirement Planning Education podcast is BACK!  :-)

New weekly episodes will begin Thursday, January 4th 2024. Be there or be square.

Links in this episode:

]]> You read that right...the Retirement Planning Education podcast is BACK!  :-)

New weekly episodes will begin Thursday, January 4th 2024. Be there or be square.

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-14174876 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0500 673 full false Retirement Planning Education is going on hiatus Retirement Planning Education is going on hiatus Retirement Planning Education is going on hiatus. But hopefully I'll be back at making episodes again in the not too distant future!

-Andy

Links in this episode:



]]> Retirement Planning Education is going on hiatus. But hopefully I'll be back at making episodes again in the not too distant future!

-Andy

Links in this episode:



]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-13051396 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400 205 full false #079 – The non-financial or “softer” side of retirement planning, with Kevin Lyles (Part 2 of 2) #079 – The non-financial or “softer” side of retirement planning, with Kevin Lyles (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with retirement coach Kevin Lyles where he shares his knowledge of planning for the “softer” side of retirement readiness through discussions about having meaning, purpose, fulfillment, etc. (original recording was from January 13 2021) 

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with retirement coach Kevin Lyles where he shares his knowledge of planning for the “softer” side of retirement readiness through discussions about having meaning, purpose, fulfillment, etc. (original recording was from January 13 2021) 

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12989866 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400 1857 full false #078 – The non-financial or “softer” side of retirement planning, with Kevin Lyles (Part 1 of 2) #078 – The non-financial or “softer” side of retirement planning, with Kevin Lyles (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with retirement coach Kevin Lyles where he shares his knowledge of planning for the “softer” side of retirement through discussions about meaning, purpose, fulfillment, etc. (original recording was from January 13 2021) 

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with retirement coach Kevin Lyles where he shares his knowledge of planning for the “softer” side of retirement through discussions about meaning, purpose, fulfillment, etc. (original recording was from January 13 2021) 

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12989829 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2608 full false #077 - Understanding cash value life insurance and how it's sold, with Kevin Lao #077 - Understanding cash value life insurance and how it's sold, with Kevin Lao Andy and Kevin Lao from Imagine Financial Security discuss when cash value (aka permanent) life insurance may be appropriate, and what to know about the sales processes around such products

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy and Kevin Lao from Imagine Financial Security discuss when cash value (aka permanent) life insurance may be appropriate, and what to know about the sales processes around such products

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12921016 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400 3734 full false #076 - What exactly is "Financial Planning?" #076 - What exactly is "Financial Planning?" Explanation of what financial planning is (and isn't)

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]]> Explanation of what financial planning is (and isn't)

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12896586 Thu, 25 May 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2097 full false #075 - Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") #075 - Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") Explanation of what Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") are and why they're the most tax-efficient way to donate cash

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of what Qualified Charitable Distributions ("QCDs") are and why they're the most tax-efficient way to donate cash

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12847757 Thu, 18 May 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2025 full false #074 - How to break up with your financial advisor #074 - How to break up with your financial advisor Explanation of the process for how to part ways with your financial advisor

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of the process for how to part ways with your financial advisor

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12791313 Thu, 11 May 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2472 full false #073 - What does it actually mean to be a "fiduciary," and does it matter? #073 - What does it actually mean to be a "fiduciary," and does it matter? Explanation of what it means to be a fiduciary and why that term has become a marketing buzzword

Links in this episode:


  • FINRA BrokerCheck - here


]]> Explanation of what it means to be a fiduciary and why that term has become a marketing buzzword

Links in this episode:


  • FINRA BrokerCheck - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12739256 Thu, 04 May 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2764 full false #072 - The benefit of "step up in basis" #072 - The benefit of "step up in basis" Explanation of "step up in basis" and how it can make unrealized taxable gains magically disappear when leaving property to heirs

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]]> Explanation of "step up in basis" and how it can make unrealized taxable gains magically disappear when leaving property to heirs

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12675437 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 01:00:00 -0400 1906 full false #071 - Understanding the $250k or $500k gain exclusion on selling your primary residence #071 - Understanding the $250k or $500k gain exclusion on selling your primary residence Summary of the "Section 121" exclusion of up to $500k of gain on selling your primary residence

Links in this episode:


  • IRS Publication 523 - here


  • My podcast about the Net Investment Income Tax - here


]]> Summary of the "Section 121" exclusion of up to $500k of gain on selling your primary residence

Links in this episode:


  • IRS Publication 523 - here


  • My podcast about the Net Investment Income Tax - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12655768 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2119 full false #070 - Q&A edition...dividend reinvestment, gifting stocks, Social Security survivor benefits and MORE! #070 - Q&A edition...dividend reinvestment, gifting stocks, Social Security survivor benefits and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Whether or not to reinvest dividends when in retirement
  • Capital gain exclusion when selling a primary residence, and the "step up in basis" when leaving a primary residence to heirs
  •  How the Social Security "earnings test" impacts benefits when under Full Retirement Age and still working
  • How to amend a tax return
  • Considerations when gifting stock that has appreciated in value

Links in this episode:


  • My podcast episode about the 4% Rule - here


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • Whether or not to reinvest dividends when in retirement
  • Capital gain exclusion when selling a primary residence, and the "step up in basis" when leaving a primary residence to heirs
  •  How the Social Security "earnings test" impacts benefits when under Full Retirement Age and still working
  • How to amend a tax return
  • Considerations when gifting stock that has appreciated in value

Links in this episode:


  • My podcast episode about the 4% Rule - here


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12633333 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 01:00:00 -0400 1981 full false #069 - Highlights of the 2023 Social Security Trustees Report #069 - Highlights of the 2023 Social Security Trustees Report Summary of the key takeaways from the 2023 Social Security Trustees Report

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]]> Summary of the key takeaways from the 2023 Social Security Trustees Report

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12568664 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 01:00:00 -0400 1895 full false #068 - What happens to my investments if my broker goes under? #068 - What happens to my investments if my broker goes under? Explanation of what happens to investments when a broker fails, and why that is a very different (and generally better) scenario for clients than a bank failing

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]]> Explanation of what happens to investments when a broker fails, and why that is a very different (and generally better) scenario for clients than a bank failing

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12510984 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0400 1672 full false #067 - Why are banks failing and should we be concerned about more failures? #067 - Why are banks failing and should we be concerned about more failures? Discussion of the basics of the U.S.'s monetary and banking systems, and why there have recently been multiple bank failures. And, should we be concerned about the broader banking system and more failures going forward?

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]]> Discussion of the basics of the U.S.'s monetary and banking systems, and why there have recently been multiple bank failures. And, should we be concerned about the broader banking system and more failures going forward?

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12472665 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2529 full false #066 - Common tax forms retirees get at tax return time #066 - Common tax forms retirees get at tax return time Summary of the various tax forms retirees are likely to receive at tax return time. Discusses 1099s, 5498's, 1095's and more!

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]]> Summary of the various tax forms retirees are likely to receive at tax return time. Discusses 1099s, 5498's, 1095's and more!

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12426293 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2438 full false #065 - 7 Social Security myths, with Devin Carroll (Part 2 of 2) #065 - 7 Social Security myths, with Devin Carroll (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with Social Security expert, Devin Carroll, where he debunks 7 common Social Security myths (original recording was from December 2020) 

Links in this episode:


]]> Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with Social Security expert, Devin Carroll, where he debunks 7 common Social Security myths (original recording was from December 2020) 

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12313271 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0500 2188 full false #064 - 7 Social Security myths, with Devin Carroll (Part 1 of 2) #064 - 7 Social Security myths, with Devin Carroll (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with Social Security expert, Devin Carroll, where he debunks 7 common Social Security myths (original recording was from December 2020) 

Links in this episode:


]]> Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with Social Security expert, Devin Carroll, where he debunks 7 common Social Security myths (original recording was from December 2020) 

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12313195 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0500 2370 full false #063 - Q&A edition...401(k)s & Highly Compensated Employees, interest rates & Social Security, inherited 401(k) distributions and MORE! #063 - Q&A edition...401(k)s & Highly Compensated Employees, interest rates & Social Security, inherited 401(k) distributions and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • When Highly Compensated Employees may need to retroactively have some of their 401(k) contributions removed
  • How changes in interest rates and inflation impact Social Security benefits 
  • Required Minimum Distributions (“RMDs”) from a 401(k) inherited in 2006 
  • The difference in income taxation between revocable and irrevocable trusts 
  • Pros and cons of target retirement date mutual funds 
  • His thoughts on a career changer entering the retirement and tax planning field

Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: 

  • When Highly Compensated Employees may need to retroactively have some of their 401(k) contributions removed
  • How changes in interest rates and inflation impact Social Security benefits 
  • Required Minimum Distributions (“RMDs”) from a 401(k) inherited in 2006 
  • The difference in income taxation between revocable and irrevocable trusts 
  • Pros and cons of target retirement date mutual funds 
  • His thoughts on a career changer entering the retirement and tax planning field

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12281027 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0500 2832 full false #062 - Introduction to Investing (Part 6 of 6) - Creating and managing your portfolio #062 - Introduction to Investing (Part 6 of 6) - Creating and managing your portfolio Part 6 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode, Andy talks about how to create and manage your portfolio including what to consider when picking an asset allocation, how often to rebalance and how to do tax-efficient asset "location"

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 6 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode, Andy talks about how to create and manage your portfolio including what to consider when picking an asset allocation, how often to rebalance and how to do tax-efficient asset "location"

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12239115 Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0500 4209 full false #061 - Introduction to Investing (Part 5 of 6) - Cash and alternative investments #061 - Introduction to Investing (Part 5 of 6) - Cash and alternative investments Part 5 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about the various places in which cash can be invested, as well gives a summary of multiple types of "alternative" investments such as real estate, commodities, hedge funds, interval funds and insurance products

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 5 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about the various places in which cash can be invested, as well gives a summary of multiple types of "alternative" investments such as real estate, commodities, hedge funds, interval funds and insurance products

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12214958 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0500 2444 full false #060 - Introduction to Investing (Part 4 of 6) - All about mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") #060 - Introduction to Investing (Part 4 of 6) - All about mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") Part 4 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETFs"); what they are, what strategies they use, how to trade them, how they're valued, tax considerations, etc.  

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 4 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETFs"); what they are, what strategies they use, how to trade them, how they're valued, tax considerations, etc.  

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12119021 Thu, 02 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0500 3387 full false #059 - Introduction to Investing (Part 3 of 6) - All about bonds #059 - Introduction to Investing (Part 3 of 6) - All about bonds Part 3 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about bonds; what they are, how to trade them, how to value them, what makes their prices change, what terminology to know, etc.  

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 3 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about bonds; what they are, how to trade them, how to value them, what makes their prices change, what terminology to know, etc.  

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12082689 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0500 4526 full false #058 - Introduction to Investing (Part 2 of 6) - All about stocks #058 - Introduction to Investing (Part 2 of 6) - All about stocks Part 2 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about stocks; what they are, how to buy and sell them, how to value them, what terminology to know, etc.

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 2 of 6 of a multi-part series on an introduction to investing. In this episode Andy talks about stocks; what they are, how to buy and sell them, how to value them, what terminology to know, etc.

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-12006957 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0500 4620 full false #057 - Introduction to Investing (Part 1 of 6) - Background considerations and explanation of account types #057 - Introduction to Investing (Part 1 of 6) - Background considerations and explanation of account types Part 1 of 6 of an introduction to investing. This episode talks about some background considerations to investing, such as risk-reward trade off and the concepts of risk tolerance & capacity, and also gives an overview of the different types of investment accounts such as brokerage accounts, IRAs, 401(k)s, etc.

Links in this episode:


]]> Part 1 of 6 of an introduction to investing. This episode talks about some background considerations to investing, such as risk-reward trade off and the concepts of risk tolerance & capacity, and also gives an overview of the different types of investment accounts such as brokerage accounts, IRAs, 401(k)s, etc.

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11999501 Thu, 12 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0500 3348 full false #056 - New RMD rules and other retirement planning changes in SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 #056 - New RMD rules and other retirement planning changes in SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 Summary of the provisions of the recently enacted SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 legislation that are most likely to impact you and your retirement planning

Links in this episode:

]]> Summary of the provisions of the recently enacted SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 legislation that are most likely to impact you and your retirement planning

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11961397 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0500 2842 full false #055 - Financial planning and divorce, with Amy Colton (Part 2 of 2) #055 - Financial planning and divorce, with Amy Colton (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with Amy Colton, MBA, CDFA, founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, to talk about financial planning considerations specific to divorce (original recording was from November 2021)

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with Amy Colton, MBA, CDFA, founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, to talk about financial planning considerations specific to divorce (original recording was from November 2021)

Links in this episode:

]]> Buzzsprout-11889855 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500 1838 full false #054 - Financial planning and divorce, with Amy Colton (Part 1 of 2) #054 - Financial planning and divorce, with Amy Colton (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with Amy Colton, MBA, CDFA, founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, to talk about financial planning considerations specific to divorce (original recording was from November 2021)

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with Amy Colton, MBA, CDFA, founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, to talk about financial planning considerations specific to divorce (original recording was from November 2021)

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11889812 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2218 full false #053 - What is tax planning? #053 - What is tax planning? Explanation of what tax planning is, and isn't. Andy discusses the typical types of services and advice that make up tax planning within retirement planning

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of what tax planning is, and isn't. Andy discusses the typical types of services and advice that make up tax planning within retirement planning

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11849331 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2467 full false #052 - Q&A edition...457(b) plans, Roth 401(k) conversions, wash sales, Treasury notes and MORE! #052 - Q&A edition...457(b) plans, Roth 401(k) conversions, wash sales, Treasury notes and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about:

  • The differences between governmental and non-governmental (aka “tax-exempt”) 457(b) plans
  • When Roth 401(k) conversions can be accessed without tax or penalty
  • Whether certain mutual fund sales and purchases will constitute a wash sale
  • Whether it’s better to purchase 10-year US Treasury notes sooner or later if you assume the Federal Reserve will continue raising interest rates
  • How to contribute the maximum HSA family contribution in 2023 if both spouses in a married couple will be at least 55 by the end of 2023

Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about:

  • The differences between governmental and non-governmental (aka “tax-exempt”) 457(b) plans
  • When Roth 401(k) conversions can be accessed without tax or penalty
  • Whether certain mutual fund sales and purchases will constitute a wash sale
  • Whether it’s better to purchase 10-year US Treasury notes sooner or later if you assume the Federal Reserve will continue raising interest rates
  • How to contribute the maximum HSA family contribution in 2023 if both spouses in a married couple will be at least 55 by the end of 2023

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11812039 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2799 full false #051 - Introductory overview of the Federal income tax system #051 - Introductory overview of the Federal income tax system Explanation of the basic structure of the U.S. Federal income tax system

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]]> Explanation of the basic structure of the U.S. Federal income tax system

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11778132 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2236 full false #050 - What I'm thankful for (from a retirement planning perspective) #050 - What I'm thankful for (from a retirement planning perspective) Andy discusses what he's thankful for with regards to his career in retirement planning, and more broadly about retirement planning in general

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy discusses what he's thankful for with regards to his career in retirement planning, and more broadly about retirement planning in general

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11744982 Thu, 24 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2519 full false #049 - The basics of estate planning #049 - The basics of estate planning An introduction to the key aspects of estate planning

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]]> An introduction to the key aspects of estate planning

Links in this episode:


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11695102 Thu, 17 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2543 full false #048 - Q&A edition...the Social Security "Earnings Test," 401(k) RMDs, tax gain harvesting and MORE! #048 - Q&A edition...the Social Security "Earnings Test," 401(k) RMDs, tax gain harvesting and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy talks about:

  • How the Social Security "Earnings Test" and "Family Maximum" are applied
  • Whether RMDs can be delayed from a Solo 401(k) if still working
  • How Social Security Survivor Benefits work
  • If you can still contribute to a 401(k) if you're still working beyond RMD age
  • What Tax Gain Harvesting is and how to use it


Links in this episode:





]]> Listener Q&A where Andy talks about:

  • How the Social Security "Earnings Test" and "Family Maximum" are applied
  • Whether RMDs can be delayed from a Solo 401(k) if still working
  • How Social Security Survivor Benefits work
  • If you can still contribute to a 401(k) if you're still working beyond RMD age
  • What Tax Gain Harvesting is and how to use it


Links in this episode:





]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11641672 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500 1711 full true #047 - Everything you wanted to know about Medicare, with Danielle Roberts (Part 2 of 2) #047 - Everything you wanted to know about Medicare, with Danielle Roberts (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with Danielle Roberts, founder of Boomer Benefits, to talk about all things Medicare (original recording was from October 2020)

Links in this episode:

  • 2023 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, as well as Medicare surcharge (aka "IRMAA") income levels and surcharge amounts - here
  • 2023 Medicare Part D catastrophic coverage out of pocket limit - here



]]> Part 2 of 2 of my discussion with Danielle Roberts, founder of Boomer Benefits, to talk about all things Medicare (original recording was from October 2020)

Links in this episode:

  • 2023 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, as well as Medicare surcharge (aka "IRMAA") income levels and surcharge amounts - here
  • 2023 Medicare Part D catastrophic coverage out of pocket limit - here



]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11556461 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2245 full false #046 - Everything you wanted to know about Medicare, with Danielle Roberts (Part 1 of 2) #046 - Everything you wanted to know about Medicare, with Danielle Roberts (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with Danielle Roberts, founder of Boomer Benefits, to talk about all things Medicare (original recording was from October 2020)

Links in this episode:

  • 2023 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, as well as Medicare surcharge (aka "IRMAA") income levels and surcharge amounts - here
  • 2023 Medicare Part D catastrophic coverage out of pocket limit - here




]]> Part 1 of 2 of my discussion with Danielle Roberts, founder of Boomer Benefits, to talk about all things Medicare (original recording was from October 2020)

Links in this episode:

  • 2023 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, as well as Medicare surcharge (aka "IRMAA") income levels and surcharge amounts - here
  • 2023 Medicare Part D catastrophic coverage out of pocket limit - here




]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11556378 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2888 full false #045 - Will the 8.7% 2023 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment apply to me? #045 - Will the 8.7% 2023 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment apply to me? Summary of Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (or "COLAs") and whether the recently announced 2023 COLA of 8.7% will apply to you (spoiler alert...it doesn't apply to everyone!)

Links in this episode:

]]> Summary of Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (or "COLAs") and whether the recently announced 2023 COLA of 8.7% will apply to you (spoiler alert...it doesn't apply to everyone!)

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11497395 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2028 full false #044 - Q&A edition...RMDs on inherited IRAs, deducting LTC expenses, planning for unknowns and MORE! #044 - Q&A edition...RMDs on inherited IRAs, deducting LTC expenses, planning for unknowns and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • How the IRS knows if you satisfy RMDs on an inherited account if  you move the account between custodians during the year
  • The deductibility of long-term care expenses as medical expenses
  • Taxation of selling Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
  • Medicare premium surcharges while your Medicare benefits are suspended
  • How to plan for the known knowns, the known unknowns and the unknown unknowns


Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • How the IRS knows if you satisfy RMDs on an inherited account if  you move the account between custodians during the year
  • The deductibility of long-term care expenses as medical expenses
  • Taxation of selling Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
  • Medicare premium surcharges while your Medicare benefits are suspended
  • How to plan for the known knowns, the known unknowns and the unknown unknowns


Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11363713 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2472 full false #043 - Everything you wanted to know about reverse mortgages, with Josh Blum (Part 2 of 2) #043 - Everything you wanted to know about reverse mortgages, with Josh Blum (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Josh Blum from Mutual of Omaha where we talked all about reverse mortgages

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 2 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Josh Blum from Mutual of Omaha where we talked all about reverse mortgages

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11356293 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2192 full false #042 - Everything you wanted to know about reverse mortgages, with Josh Blum (Part 1 of 2) #042 - Everything you wanted to know about reverse mortgages, with Josh Blum (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Josh Blum from Mutual of Omaha where we talked all about reverse mortgage

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 1 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Josh Blum from Mutual of Omaha where we talked all about reverse mortgage

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11356248 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2735 full false #041 - The Net Investment Income Tax and how it may impact your retirement planning #041 - The Net Investment Income Tax and how it may impact your retirement planning Summary of the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax ("NIIT") and how it may impact your retirement planning

Links in this episode:

]]> Summary of the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax ("NIIT") and how it may impact your retirement planning

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11356005 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1805 full false #040 - Q&A edition...delaying Social Security, when to start a pension, RMDs on inherited IRAs, where to save cash and MORE! #040 - Q&A edition...delaying Social Security, when to start a pension, RMDs on inherited IRAs, where to save cash and MORE! Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • How to calculate the increase to Social Security for delaying the start of benefits, or the decrease for starting benefits early
  • What to consider with regards to when to start receiving a pension
  • What Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") are necessary when inheriting an IRA from someone who inherited it from its original owner
  • How bullet ETFs are taxed
  • Taking just spousal benefits while letting your own Social Security benefit grow
  • The options available to safely save cash for a few years


Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • How to calculate the increase to Social Security for delaying the start of benefits, or the decrease for starting benefits early
  • What to consider with regards to when to start receiving a pension
  • What Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") are necessary when inheriting an IRA from someone who inherited it from its original owner
  • How bullet ETFs are taxed
  • Taking just spousal benefits while letting your own Social Security benefit grow
  • The options available to safely save cash for a few years


Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11287103 Thu, 15 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2327 full false #039 - Health insurance options if you're retired and not yet eligible for Medicare #039 - Health insurance options if you're retired and not yet eligible for Medicare Summary of the options for health insurance if you no longer have employer-sponsored health insurance and aren't yet 65 and therefore can't yet sign up for Medicare

Links in this episode:

]]> Summary of the options for health insurance if you no longer have employer-sponsored health insurance and aren't yet 65 and therefore can't yet sign up for Medicare

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11238114 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1801 full false #038 - Understanding Affordable Care Act ("ACA") health insurance and premium tax credit subsidies #038 - Understanding Affordable Care Act ("ACA") health insurance and premium tax credit subsidies Explanation of health insurance offered through the Affordable Care Act (aka ACA or ObamaCare) and subsides for such insurance in the form of premium tax credits

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]]> Explanation of health insurance offered through the Affordable Care Act (aka ACA or ObamaCare) and subsides for such insurance in the form of premium tax credits

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11151150 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2495 full false #037 - There's a lot value in retirement planning, but it can't actually be measured #037 - There's a lot value in retirement planning, but it can't actually be measured Discussion of how there is a lot of value in retirement planning & investment management, but how it's impossible to actually quantify and measure that value

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]]> Discussion of how there is a lot of value in retirement planning & investment management, but how it's impossible to actually quantify and measure that value

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11149421 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2508 full false #036 - Q&A edition...Roth conversion optimization, tax on crypto, when to start annuity payments and more! #036 - Q&A edition...Roth conversion optimization, tax on crypto, when to start annuity payments and more! Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • Whether I prefer simplification or optimization in financial planning
  • Roth conversion optimization
  • Is crypto mining taxable
  • How to buy I Bonds through tax return refunds
  • What positions to sell when distributing from an IRA
  • When to start annuity payments


Links in this episode:

]]> Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • Whether I prefer simplification or optimization in financial planning
  • Roth conversion optimization
  • Is crypto mining taxable
  • How to buy I Bonds through tax return refunds
  • What positions to sell when distributing from an IRA
  • When to start annuity payments


Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11072940 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2367 full false #035 - Everything you wanted to know about long term care insurance, with Kerry Peabody (Part 2 of 2) #035 - Everything you wanted to know about long term care insurance, with Kerry Peabody (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Kerry Peabody from Clark Insurance where we talked all about long term care insurance

How to contact Kerry - https://www.clarkinsurance.com/long-term-care-insurance/

Replay of the original video - here

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 2 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Kerry Peabody from Clark Insurance where we talked all about long term care insurance

How to contact Kerry - https://www.clarkinsurance.com/long-term-care-insurance/

Replay of the original video - here

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11044480 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2367 full false #034 - Everything you wanted to know about long term care insurance, with Kerry Peabody (Part 1 of 2) #034 - Everything you wanted to know about long term care insurance, with Kerry Peabody (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Kerry Peabody from Clark Insurance where we talked all about long term care insurance

How to contact Kerry - https://www.clarkinsurance.com/long-term-care-insurance/

Replay of the original video - here

Links in this episode:

]]> Part 1 of 2 of the audio replay of my previous video with Kerry Peabody from Clark Insurance where we talked all about long term care insurance

How to contact Kerry - https://www.clarkinsurance.com/long-term-care-insurance/

Replay of the original video - here

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11044428 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2354 full false #033 - Summary of different portfolio withdrawal strategies #033 - Summary of different portfolio withdrawal strategies Explanation of the various portfolio withdrawal strategies

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]]> Explanation of the various portfolio withdrawal strategies

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-11015522 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2289 full false #032 - Q&A edition...spousal Roth IRAs, 401(k) to Roth IRA conversions, self-funding LTC and more! #032 - Q&A edition...spousal Roth IRAs, 401(k) to Roth IRA conversions, self-funding LTC and more! Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • Spousal Roth IRAs
  • 401(k) to Roth IRA conversions
  • Splitting up IRAs to have different beneficiaries for each
  • Investing money earmarked for potential future long term care expenses
  • How I named my company, Tenon Financial


]]> Listener Q&A where Andy answers questions about:

  • Spousal Roth IRAs
  • 401(k) to Roth IRA conversions
  • Splitting up IRAs to have different beneficiaries for each
  • Investing money earmarked for potential future long term care expenses
  • How I named my company, Tenon Financial


]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10943724 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2361 full false #031 - What is a bond ladder? #031 - What is a bond ladder? Explanation of a bond ladder and how to build one

]]> Explanation of a bond ladder and how to build one

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10942239 Thu, 14 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2407 full false #030 - Dividend Investing and Equity Income Strategies, with Chris D'Agnes (Part 2 of 2) #030 - Dividend Investing and Equity Income Strategies, with Chris D'Agnes (Part 2 of 2) Part 2 of 2 of the replay of my previously aired Facebook live video with Chris D'Agnes, CFA, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager at Hamlin Capital Management. Chris talked about the high dividend equity portfolio he manages and why dividends are an important part of investing for retirees

]]> Part 2 of 2 of the replay of my previously aired Facebook live video with Chris D'Agnes, CFA, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager at Hamlin Capital Management. Chris talked about the high dividend equity portfolio he manages and why dividends are an important part of investing for retirees

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10837050 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2075 full false #029 - Dividend Investing and Equity Income Strategies, with Chris D'Agnes (Part 1 of 2) #029 - Dividend Investing and Equity Income Strategies, with Chris D'Agnes (Part 1 of 2) Part 1 of 2 of the replay of my previously aired Facebook live video with Chris D'Agnes, CFA, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager at Hamlin Capital Management. Chris talked about the high dividend equity portfolio he manages and why dividends are an important part of investing for retirees

]]> Part 1 of 2 of the replay of my previously aired Facebook live video with Chris D'Agnes, CFA, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager at Hamlin Capital Management. Chris talked about the high dividend equity portfolio he manages and why dividends are an important part of investing for retirees

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10836995 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 3360 full false #028 - What is a LIRP, or Life Insurance Retirement Plan? #028 - What is a LIRP, or Life Insurance Retirement Plan? Explanation of a LIRP, or Life Insurance Retirement Plan, which is ultimately an Indexed Universal Life insurance policy

]]> Explanation of a LIRP, or Life Insurance Retirement Plan, which is ultimately an Indexed Universal Life insurance policy

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10834250 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 3005 full false #027 - What is Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI? #027 - What is Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI? Explanation of the five different versions of Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI, you're likely to come across in retirement planning

]]> Explanation of the five different versions of Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI, you're likely to come across in retirement planning

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10777793 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1726 full false #026 - Highlights of the 2022 Social Security Trustees Report #026 - Highlights of the 2022 Social Security Trustees Report Summary of the key points in the 2022 Social Security Trustees Report

]]> Summary of the key points in the 2022 Social Security Trustees Report

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10742546 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2288 full false #025 - Introduction to Social Security #025 - Introduction to Social Security The basics of the Social Security system

]]> The basics of the Social Security system

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10715938 Thu, 02 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2149 full false #024 - What should retirees or near-retirees do as a result of the bad markets and high inflation? #024 - What should retirees or near-retirees do as a result of the bad markets and high inflation? Actions retirees and near-retirees should (and shouldn't) consider doing as a result of bad financial markets and high inflation

]]> Actions retirees and near-retirees should (and shouldn't) consider doing as a result of bad financial markets and high inflation

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10661245 Thu, 26 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2193 full false #023 - What is Tax Loss and Tax Gain Harvesting? #023 - What is Tax Loss and Tax Gain Harvesting? Explanation of tax loss harvesting and tax gain harvesting, as well as an introduction to "wash sales"

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]]> Explanation of tax loss harvesting and tax gain harvesting, as well as an introduction to "wash sales"

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10636482 Thu, 19 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1617 full false #022 - All about annuities, Part 3; Variable annuities, Indexed annuities and withdrawal riders #022 - All about annuities, Part 3; Variable annuities, Indexed annuities and withdrawal riders Summary of variable annuities, indexed annuities and a Guaranteed Living Withdrawal Benefit rider

Links in this episode:

]]> Summary of variable annuities, indexed annuities and a Guaranteed Living Withdrawal Benefit rider

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10546845 Thu, 12 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2395 full false #021 - All about annuities, Part 2: Income annuities and payment options #021 - All about annuities, Part 2: Income annuities and payment options Summary of immediate and deferred income annuities, and explanation of the different annuity payment options available

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]]> Summary of immediate and deferred income annuities, and explanation of the different annuity payment options available

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10510998 Thu, 05 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2331 full false #020 - All about annuities, Part 1: Introduction and MYGAs #020 - All about annuities, Part 1: Introduction and MYGAs The basics of annuities and details about Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities ("MYGAs")

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]]> The basics of annuities and details about Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities ("MYGAs")

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10503951 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2047 full false #019 - What are I Bonds? #019 - What are I Bonds? Everything you ever wanted to know about I Bonds

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]]> Everything you ever wanted to know about I Bonds

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10458635 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2226 full false #018 - What is Monte Carlo simulation? #018 - What is Monte Carlo simulation? Explanation of Monte Carlo simulation in retirement planning

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]]> Explanation of Monte Carlo simulation in retirement planning

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10421604 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1898 full false #017 - What are the alternatives to bonds and bond funds? #017 - What are the alternatives to bonds and bond funds? Discussion of the pros and cons of possible alternatives to using bonds or bond funds in your portfolio

Links in this episode:

]]> Discussion of the pros and cons of possible alternatives to using bonds or bond funds in your portfolio

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10321577 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1820 full false #016 - What are bonds and bond funds? #016 - What are bonds and bond funds? Explanation of bonds and bond funds; how they work, what risks they have, what their purpose is, etc.

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of bonds and bond funds; how they work, what risks they have, what their purpose is, etc.

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10321548 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2058 full false #015 - What do all of the letters mean after financial advisors' names? #015 - What do all of the letters mean after financial advisors' names? Explanation of some of the various letters and professional designations often seen after financial advisors' names

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of some of the various letters and professional designations often seen after financial advisors' names

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10258035 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2091 full false #014 - How to do your own tax return or find a preparer #014 - How to do your own tax return or find a preparer Summary of the ways to do and file your own tax return, or how to find a paid tax return preparer

Links in this episode:

]]> Summary of the ways to do and file your own tax return, or how to find a paid tax return preparer

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10251046 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1895 full false #013 - What are all of the forms in a retiree's tax return? #013 - What are all of the forms in a retiree's tax return? Explanation of the various forms and schedules commonly used in retiree tax returns

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of the various forms and schedules commonly used in retiree tax returns

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10197173 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2026 full false #012 - What are mutual fund capital gain distributions? #012 - What are mutual fund capital gain distributions? Explanation of mutual fund capital gain distributions, and why 2021 was a unique year for large (and taxable) distributions

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of mutual fund capital gain distributions, and why 2021 was a unique year for large (and taxable) distributions

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10147268 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0500 1826 full false #011 - How do financial advisors get paid? #011 - How do financial advisors get paid? Explanation of how financial advisors get paid, including the differences in compensation structure between investment managers, securities salespeople and insurance salespeople

Links in this episode:

]]> Explanation of how financial advisors get paid, including the differences in compensation structure between investment managers, securities salespeople and insurance salespeople

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10116058 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2138 full false #010 - When do I have to take distributions from inherited retirement accounts? #010 - When do I have to take distributions from inherited retirement accounts? Summary of the Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules around inherited retirement accounts

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]]> Summary of the Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules around inherited retirement accounts

Links in this episode:

]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-10078540 Thu, 17 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2045 full false #009 - What are Required Minimum Distributions, and when do I have to take them? #009 - What are Required Minimum Distributions, and when do I have to take them? Summary of Required Minimum Distributions or "RMDs"

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]]> Summary of Required Minimum Distributions or "RMDs"

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9978873 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0500 1900 full false #008 - When can I take money out of my Roth IRA without tax or penalty? #008 - When can I take money out of my Roth IRA without tax or penalty? Summary of the rules around taking money out of your Roth IRA without tax or penalty

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]]> Summary of the rules around taking money out of your Roth IRA without tax or penalty

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9923827 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0500 1973 full false #007 - What's the difference between tax-deferred, Roth and normal brokerage accounts? #007 - What's the difference between tax-deferred, Roth and normal brokerage accounts? Comparison of the features of tax-deferred vs Roth vs normal brokerage accounts

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]]> Comparison of the features of tax-deferred vs Roth vs normal brokerage accounts

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9922160 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0500 1743 full false #006 - What's a "backdoor" Roth? #006 - What's a "backdoor" Roth? Explanation of how to do a "backdoor" Roth contribution, and what to look out for when doing it

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]]> Explanation of how to do a "backdoor" Roth contribution, and what to look out for when doing it

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9891942 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2115 full false #005 - Will I have to pay extra Medicare premiums? #005 - Will I have to pay extra Medicare premiums? Explanation of income-based Medicare premium surcharges known as IRMAA, Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

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]]> Explanation of income-based Medicare premium surcharges known as IRMAA, Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9888013 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500 1610 full false #004 - Should I rollover my employer retirement plan? #004 - Should I rollover my employer retirement plan? The pros and cons of rolling over employer retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP) to IRAs and Roth IRAs

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]]> The pros and cons of rolling over employer retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP) to IRAs and Roth IRAs

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9886225 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500 2230 full false #003 - Should I take my pension as payments or a lump sum? #003 - Should I take my pension as payments or a lump sum? Discussion of the pros and cons, and a decision-making framework, in deciding between taking a pension as lifetime payments or a lump sum

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]]> Discussion of the pros and cons, and a decision-making framework, in deciding between taking a pension as lifetime payments or a lump sum

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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9884091 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500 2346 full false #002 - What's the 4% Rule? #002 - What's the 4% Rule? Everything you ever wanted to know about the 4% Rule


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]]> Everything you ever wanted to know about the 4% Rule


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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9880611 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500 2387 full false #001 - How much money do I need to retire? #001 - How much money do I need to retire? A framework for figuring out how much money you need to retire.


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]]> A framework for figuring out how much money you need to retire.


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]]> Andy Panko Buzzsprout-9880609 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500 1756 full false