Stay Wealthy San Diego

Today I’m sharing 11 surprising facts about tax planning, investing, and retirement. For example, if you: Retired in the year 2000 with $1 million, invested all of it in the U.S. stock market, and withdrew $50,000 (adjusted for inflation) per year...  ...you would have been out of money by 2018! If you want to learn how that could be + have some educational fun with retirement/investing statistics, today’s episode is for you.

Today I'm clearing up some confusion from a prior episode. I'm also tackling part 2 of our equity compensation series.  Specifically, I'm sharing: How ESPP Lookback Periods Work Qualifying vs Disqualifying Dispositions Tips for Offsetting an RSU Tax Bill If you want to better understand the tax implications of equity compensation, you're going to love today's episode. 

In 2018, GE stock traded at $7/share—an 85% drop from its all-time high.  Who was hit the hardest?  Company retirees...including former factory workers who used equity compensation packages to save for retirement. In part one of our equity comp series, I'm breaking down: What it is Why it exists How to manage the risks Friend and fellow planner, Odaro Aisueni, also drops by to share his wisdom and expertise. If you want to better understand equity compensation + learn about the overlooked risks of company stock, you’re going to love today’s episode.

Today I'm talking about inflation. While inflation has historically averaged ~3%, the most recent CPI report showed an annual rate of 5.4%.

Today I'm talking about preferred stocks. Why? One of our listeners, Gene, was recently concerned about the low yields he was getting on bonds & cash. And he was wondering if preferred stocks would be an appropriate alternative. In addition to answering Gene's great question, I'm also breaking down:  What preferred stocks are Why you might invest in them How to spot little-known risks If you're ready to learn all about preferred stocks (in plain English!), today's episode is for you.

Today I'm talking about the U.S. National Debt which currently sits at ~$28 trillion. While that is a GIANT number, I'm sharing why current debt levels are not as big of a problem as most think. If you want to learn why (in plain English!), you're going to love today's episode. 

Today I’m talking about the benefits of Market-Cap-Weighted index funds (e.g., Vanguard Total Stock Market). Why? Last week, I made a brief comment that there were some benefits to owning them...and a number of you reached out asking what those were. If, like these other listeners, you’re also curious about the benefits of market-cap-weighted funds, you’re going to love today’s episode!

The average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.06%. National home prices just reported their highest one-year gain in history. The U.S. stock market is up ~700% since March 2009. When everything seems risky and overbought, what do retirement savers do? How do you earn a healthy 7-8% return over the next 10-20 years? I break it all down in this week's episode.

Today I'm sharing the hot off the press results of the annual "Mind the Gap" study. Once again, over the last 10 years, investors earned ~2% per year less than the funds they invested in. (Hint: It's not because of fees or taxes.) If you want to learn... Why this return gap exists What asset classes are most at risk And how you can improve your returns ...you'll love this episode.

Today I’m talking about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Specifically, I'm sharing: How RMD withdrawal rates can creep up to 12% Why they can cause you to overpay the IRS How to use an RMD-based approach to create retirement income When RMDs can put you at risk of over withdrawing What you can do to reduce your RMD tax bill If you want to get a quick Masterclass on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and take control of your tax bill, this episode is for you!

Today I’m wrapping up our retirement income series by talking about Dynamic Withdrawal Strategies. Dynamic strategies are designed to: Maximize retirement income Greatly lower the chance of running out of money Combat inflation and maintain purchasing power If you want to learn about dynamic withdrawal strategies, their pros & cons, and how to implement them, today's episode is for you. 

Today I'm talking about immediate annuities and dividend stocks as potential retirement income solutions. Specifically, I'm sharing the what, why, and how behind each strategy. I'm also sharing their pros + cons. If you want to find out if annuities and dividends will solve your retirement paycheck puzzle, you're going to enjoy this episode!

Today I'm breaking down the 4% rule. Specifically, I'm sharing: A brief history of the rule Why the creator doesn't follow it The pros and cons I'm also sharing how you might take the current environment into consideration when using the 4% rule.  If you want to understand the most popular retirement income strategy once and for all, this episode is for you. 

Today I'm kicking off a multi-part series on creating a reliable income stream in retirement. To help set the stage for this series, Michael Kitces drops in to share why most retirees will NEVER draw down their portfolio. In fact, he shares how the 4% rule is more likely to quintuple wealth than deplete it over 30-years. If you're ready to learn everything you need to know about creating a retirement paycheck, this series is for you. 

Today I'm talking about car ownership.  Specifically, I'm sharing: The Total Lifetime Cost of Owning a Car How Buying New Can Cost the Same as Buying Used Why Leasing a Car Isn't Always the Wrong Decision I also let you in on a little secret about my personal approach to car ownership.

Today I'm talking about I-Bonds, a type of savings bond that some call "the best kept secret in America."   Specifically, I'm sharing: What they are Why successful retirement savers might NOT be racing out to buy them Who they might be a good fit for  If you're interested in learning about a safe investment designed to combat inflation, today's episode is for you.

Today I'm responding to some constructive criticism I received from a listener. I'm also sharing my conversation with Steve Chen, host of The NewRetirement Podcast. Along with sharing a personal update on having three kids under age 5, we dig into: Tax planning opportunities + misconceptions What to do when you've saved more for retirement than you can spend Why people put off estate planning and how to take action Be sure to stick around to the end where we answer a few listener questions and chat about the current state of the markets.

Want to learn how to lower your tax bill + improve retirement success? Click Here to Get Your FREE Retirement & Tax Assessment --------------------------------------------- Today I’m tackling part two of our series on Long Term Care (LTC). Specifically, I’m breaking down three big things: The types of LTC insurance available (and the pros and cons of each!) Major pitfalls to avoid Vetted resources to help you take action If you want to understand how to maximize your dollars (and coverage!) when buying long-term care insurance, today’s episode is for you.

Today I'm kicking off a two-part series on Long Term Care (LTC). In part one, I'm sharing: LTC statistics that don't often make headlines Why everyone (yes everyone!) needs a plan for LTC My 5-step process for determining if you can self-fund If Long Term Care is one of those financial planning items you STILL haven't tackled yet, this series is for you!

Today, guest host Jeremy Schneider talks about retirement accounts. Specifically, he shares why having all of your money locked up in them is a problem + how to access your funds early. He also answers a listener question about where to prioritize investing in a 403(b). If you invest in any type of retirement account (e.g., IRA, 401k, etc.), you don't want to miss his VERY last episode.