Retirement "Magic Numbers" Make Little Sense Retire Smarter With Kevin Kroskey, CFP® & Tyler Emrick, CFA® CFP® podcast

31:12

Warren Buffett announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the company’s 2025 annual meeting — marking the end of one of the most legendary investing careers in history. But his lessons aren’t just for billionaires or portfolio managers. They’re surprisingly relevant for anyone approaching retirement or looking to live more intentionally with their wealth. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the timeless wisdom behind Buffett’s philosophy—from staying invested through downturns to making confident decisions when fear is high. We also discuss how a strong financial plan helps you make purposeful choices: knowing when to spend, when to give, and how to align your wealth with the life you want to live—now and in the future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 What 90% of Buffett’s wealth after 65 teaches us about patience 🧠 "Be greedy when others are fearful" — and how to actually do it 📉 What to do when market fear clouds good decision-making 🌱 Giving while living — and planning to do it with confidence 🔧 Why your financial plan is your most powerful tool Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals . http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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One Year from Retirement: A Critical Window for Planning and Perspective 39:41

24 days ago39:41

39:41

When you're 12 months away from retirement, everything starts to feel real. From hard deadlines like pension elections and Medicare sign-ups to emotional shifts around identity and purpose, this final year before retirement can feel like a perfect storm. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the unique challenges clients face in this transition — and how the financial planning process needs to evolve accordingly. You'll hear how True Wealth Design helps clients navigate not just the dollars and cents, but also their lifestyle risk, time horizons, and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of leaving a long career behind. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📆 Why the last 12 months before retirement matter so much. 💸 The truth about lumpy spending and how to plan around it. 💑 Pension decisions, Social Security timing, and survivor benefits. 🧠 How to navigate identity shifts and relationship changes. 📊 Why advisors should be more than number crunchers. Resources Our website: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/ Schedule your no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueWealthDesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-wealth-design/ X: https://x.com/truewealthdesgn…

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Should You Roth? Making the Right Call at the Right Time 31:46

6 weeks ago31:46

31:46

Not all Roth dollars are created equal—especially during times of market volatility. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, unpacks when Roth contributions, conversions, or pretax savings make the most sense, and how recent market declines may present timely Roth conversion opportunities. You'll learn how to be strategic with what assets you convert, when conversions might come with risks, and how tools like the mega backdoor Roth can help high earners build tax-free wealth. Whether you're retiring early or just looking for more tax-efficient growth, this episode offers practical guidance for getting Roth right. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔄 Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k) vs. Mega Backdoor Roth 📉 How market drops create conversion opportunities 💡 Using Roths strategically before Medicare or RMD age 🧾 Why tax bracket awareness is essential 🧠 Advanced strategies like asset location and timing Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Tariffs, Turbulence, and How To Stay On Track 51:27

8 weeks ago51:27

51:27

Markets have been shaken by a sharp selloff, with the S&P 500 down around 15% and the Nasdaq nearly 20% year-to-date. Much of the recent volatility is being driven by escalating trade tensions and a new round of tariffs that took effect on April 9. In this episode, Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, and Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, unpack what’s driving the recent market moves — from global supply chain disruptions to shifting investor sentiment and international dynamics. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Why the market hates uncertainty—and how that’s showing up now ⚖️ Risk vs. uncertainty: what’s the difference and why it matters 🔁 How “Runway” helps retirees avoid emotional investment decisions 🧰 Strategies we’re using: rebalancing, dry powder, diversification 🧠 What to do (and not do) when tempted to time the market Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Don’t Panic: Navigating Market Downturns and Boosting After-Tax Returns 30:03

10 weeks ago30:03

30:03

If the recent market drop has you feeling uneasy, you’re not alone — but sharp swings are regularities you need to navigate. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have both taken hits this year, but history shows that intra-year declines like these are common and something long-term investors have weathered time and again. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down recent market moves, highlights where diversification is working, and shares how tax strategies and disciplined rebalancing can help keep your investment strategy running smoothing and financial plan on track. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Market pullbacks are normal—even healthy 📊 Diversification is your protection in volatile times 🔁 Rebalancing can improve long-term returns 💸 Tax-loss harvesting can create future tax benefits 🧠 Discipline beats emotion when markets get rocky Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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The Next Big Tax Shake-Up: How a New Tax Bill Could Impact You 27:22

12 weeks ago27:22

27:22

Big tax changes could be coming soon! On February 25, the House passed a budget resolution setting a $4.5 trillion cap for a new tax bill that could replace the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) before it expires at the end of 2025. But what will the new law look like, and how will it impact your financial plan? In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the key debates in Congress, what changes might be coming, and how you can prepare now to optimize your tax strategy. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 TCJA Expiration in 2026 – What happens when the current tax cuts expire? ⚖️ New Tax Bill Proposals – The biggest changes lawmakers are considering 💰 How to Prepare – What you should do now before changes take effect ⏳ Why Timing Matters – Waiting too long could cost you thousands 📊 Tax Planning for Retirement – Strategies to minimize your tax burden Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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The Advisor Premium: More Than Just Investment Management 36:18

14 weeks ago36:18

36:18

Are you leaving money on the table? For families weighing their options when choosing a financial advisor, Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha study has long been the go-to guide—and now, fresh research from SmartAsset echoes the sentiment that the right advisor could boost your net returns by over 2% annually. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, reveals why many advisors miss that extra edge and how True Wealth Design’s holistic approach—integrating smart investments, proactive tax strategies, and comprehensive financial planning—ensures you capture every opportunity. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: New study puts annual financial advisor value premium at more than 2%. The idea that your advisor should be both offensive and defensive in their approach to planning. What differentiates ourselves when someone decides to get serious about managing some aspect of their financial life. The four areas that most families come to us for help. What happens when someone reaches out to us and how does the process begin? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Home Sweet Retirement: A Guide to Your Perfect Retirement State 29:22

16 weeks ago29:22

29:22

Retirement isn’t just about your savings—it’s also about where you choose to live. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores WalletHub’s 46-factor framework for ranking states for retirees, examining everything from tax rates and cost of living to leisure opportunities and healthcare access. We also unpack the key financial and personal considerations, such as state taxes on Social Security and the importance of staying close to loved ones. Tune in for practical insights to help you pick the retirement destination that fits your lifestyle and financial goals. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The 46 different factors related to well-being in retirement and how they can help you pick a state to live. Moving to a lower-tax state doesn’t always result in lower taxes on deferred income. Weighing all the different financial factors that will directly impact your retirement. The soft factors that could make the difference when it comes to enjoying retirement. Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Money, Memory, and Longevity: Navigating Retirement Challenges 25:34

19 weeks ago25:34

25:34

Can money really buy a longer, healthier life? In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, dives into the surprising connection between wealth and longevity, uncovering how financial freedom can unlock better health, reduced stress, and more fulfilling retirement years. We also tackle the challenges of cognitive decline, exploring its impact on financial decision-making and how a trusted financial advisor can help safeguard your investments and create a solid aging plan to spend smarter, plan better, and protect your legacy as you age. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Wealth can unlock many benefits for retired clients. The four components of an ‘aging plan’ to help people as they experience cognitive decline. Aging and the impact of cognitive decline on investment decisions. What studies tell us about the value of financial advisors as people age. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Big Changes to Social Security 22:19

21 weeks ago22:19

22:19

The Social Security Fairness Act is shaking up the retirement landscape, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for millions of retirees. These long-standing provisions have impacted Social Security benefits for public sector workers like teachers, firefighters, and police officers—until now. In this episode, hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP® dive into what the changes mean, how retirees can expect retroactive payments, and the broader impact on the Social Security system. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Background on the Social Security Fairness Act that was signed into law on January 5. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offsets (GPO) reduce regular Social Security benefits. Affected retirees stand to gain significant financial relief. The benefits come with a cost so what it does it mean for the long-term solvency? Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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The Case for Patience: Why Waiting for Social Security Pays Off 31:43

24 weeks ago31:43

31:43

In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the key financial and psychological factors driving early Social Security claims. Discover how a well-optimized strategy could boost your lifetime spending by more than 10%. Your Social Security decision isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s a critical piece of your retirement puzzle. Join us to learn how to sidestep common pitfalls, maximize your benefits, and secure a more confident, fulfilling retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What research and stats tell us about the benefits that get left on the table. What’s the motivation behind the decision to claim early. Will Social Security still be around when it’s time for you to claim? What if President Trump stops taxes on Social Security? The benefits of waiting to take it later in life. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Part 3: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing 37:43

26 weeks ago37:43

37:43

Remember in 2022 when both stocks and bonds fell in lockstep? Did you think diversification failed? Want to build a more diversified, resilient portfolio to better grow and protect your hard-earned dollars? Hear Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, MBA discuss how the TALS strategy adds unique sources of returns to your portfolio outside of traditional stocks and bonds. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How this strategy helps with asset allocation and tax efficiency. The strategy involves long and short positions in a basket of stocks. Who are the clients that would benefit the most from this? Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Part 2: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing 48:43

28 weeks ago48:43

48:43

Have a sizable brokerage account? Have unrealized capital gains? Pay income taxes at the highest rates? Want to pay your fair share but no more? If so, this is an episode not to miss. In part 1 of this series, Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, MBA explored why adding the TALS strategy may yield significant investing and tax benefits. He described how TALS can help you defer, avoid, and potentially eliminate your capital gains. For the most successful investors that meet the definition of an SEC Qualified Purchaser, generally one with $5m+ of investments, there is another leg to the TALS strategy that can help you solve your ordinary income tax problems too. Whether derived through your business or from non-business income such as wages, interest, non-qualified dividends be sure to tune in and listen closely. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why should you care about this investing strategy? The tax benefits to TALS and the keys to smart trading and executing. Applications of how realizing capital losses can be beneficial. The TALS separately managed account and limited partnerships strategy. Learn more about tax strategies and tax-aware investing here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/part-2-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/ Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth…

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Part 1: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing 45:24

30 weeks ago45:24

45:24

For successful investors and high-income earners, this is an episode not to miss... Sure, you can own an S&P 500 ETF or mutual fund. You could also own the 500 stocks individually, a strategy nowadays called direct indexing. Direct indexing aims to capitalize on individual stock volatility and add tax benefits by harvesting losses. Or you may choose to go a step farther up the complexity ladder to own the 500 stocks individually with a tax-aware, long-short overlay. Let's call that TALS for short. Here you expect to obtain the return of the S&P 500, add an extra return from the overlay, increase diversification, and provide significantly more tax benefits than direct indexing. It's a mouthful, but it sure sounds good! Have a sizable brokerage account? Have unrealized capital gains? Be sure to listen to Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, MBA explore why adding the TALS strategy can help solve these good problems to have. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The Q4 focus for our clients and an office update. These strategies are bit more complex so they broadly apply more for successful investors. The risks associated with TALS. The 3 key building blocks for this strategy. Have questions? Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals. http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Tax-Loss Harvesting: Wall Street’s New Strategy Cuts Rich Americans' Bills – Bloomberg - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-10-24/tax-loss-harvesting-wall-street-s-new-strategy-cuts-rich-americans-bills Watch Wall Street Finds Another Workaround With Taxes, Losses – Bloomberg - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-10-25/wall-street-finds-another-workaround-with-taxes-losses-video…

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S&P 500 or Die? A Case For Diversification 30:08

31 weeks ago30:08