Strategic Planning Podcast

A new proposal out of Washington is adding a fresh angle to the Social Security solvency debate. Today, we're breaking down what's proposed, if it might cost you money in the future, and what questions it raises for anyone planning around Social Security right now. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

This week on Strategic Planning, the team answers listener questions about smart financial decisions as retirement approaches. They discuss what to do with extra cash flow after paying off your mortgage, options for covering health insurance if you retire before Medicare eligibility, and how taxes work when withdrawing money from retirement accounts. Tune in for practical insights to help you think through these common retirement planning challenges. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Nobody likes tax season. But for new retirees, it can come with a few unwelcome surprises. The rules have changed, the income sources have shifted, and strategies that made sense during your working years may no longer apply. Today we're looking at some of the biggest tax mistakes retirees make as discussed in a recent Kiplinger article and whether these match what we see in the real world. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

When a parent passes away, emotions and finances tend to collide, especially when real estate is involved. One of the most common things that stalls families is fear of taxes, even when that fear isn’t fully understood. Today’s listener question is about an inherited home and hesitant siblings. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Everyone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful. Some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Let’s break it down. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

There’s no shortage of financial advice out there, and unfortunately, not all of it is good. Some of the most damaging retirement mistakes don’t come from reckless behavior, but from ideas that sound reasonable and get repeated often enough to feel true. Today, we’re busting some of the most common retirement planning myths and explaining why believing them can quietly derail an otherwise solid plan. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

What’s new in 2026 for retirees & pre-retirees? From Social Security and Medicare to tax breaks and retirement contributions, this year brings several updates that could quietly impact your cash flow, taxes, and savings strategy. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to answer some of the listener questions we’ve received over the past few months. One listener asks about taking on a mortgage heading into retirement, another wonders whether rolling multiple 401(k)s into one IRA hurts diversification, and a third is concerned about minimizing taxes when leaving money to their kids. Mike and Philip break down these timely questions and share thoughtful planning insights to help listeners finish the year strong. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to answer some of the listener questions we’ve received over the past few months. One listener asks how they can give meaningful monetary gifts to their kids or grandkids while staying within gift tax rules. Another listener wonders whether keeping a large sum of cash in the bank- like $150,000- is really necessary, or if that money could be working harder for them elsewhere. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning… some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame your question often determines the quality of your answer and, in some cases, the quality of your retirement. In this second installment, we pick up the conversation and dig even deeper into how asking smarter questions can shape your financial future. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning… some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame your question often determines the quality of your answer and, in some cases, the quality of your retirement. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom. But does it really equal double the problems? Today, we’ll tackle a person’s question about this very dilemma. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Every fall it feels like Congress flirts with a government shutdown. But what if you’re a federal employee planning to retire right as the headlines are screaming? Does the political drama in Washington threaten your retirement date? Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people subscribe to the “first year rule,” which says that the majority of your best retirement months will all take place in the first year of retirement. So how can you be strategic during that first year and set the tone in the right way, both emotionally and financially? Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Think Medicare is free once you hit 65? Not quite. If your income’s too high, there’s a hidden surcharge that can quietly shrink your Social Security check by thousands a year. It’s called IRMAA. And most people don’t see it coming. Let’s break down who’s impacted and how to avoid it. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

The kids may be heading back to class, but it’s not a bad time for adults to hit the books too, especially when it comes to retirement. So, let’s test your knowledge with a quick financial pop quiz and see how ready you really are. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from Kiplinger outlined five surprising signs that you might be richer than you think. And none of them involve yachts or private jets… Let’s analyze the habits that signal real, lasting wealth and what to do if you are (or aren’t) on the right track. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

You’ve worked hard, saved well, and now you’re thinking about giving back—maybe to your kids, your grandkids, or a cause you care about. But should you wait and pass that wealth on later, or give while you’re still around to enjoy the impact? Let’s talk about how to make that decision with confidence. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

When most people think of milestone ages, they think of ages like 50, 60, 65, or 70. But turning 62 can also be a big milestone, and the decisions you make in that year can set the stage for many of your retirement plans. Let’s talk about some of the reasons it can be a milestone and questions you need to have answers to… Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/

For many parents, retirement planning includes the idea of an empty nest. But what if that’s never going to be your reality? One viewer asked how to plan for retirement while continuing to care for an adult child on the autism spectrum. It’s a question more families are facing, and in this episode, we’re walking through the financial and emotional factors that come with a “forever caregiving” retirement. Show Links & Info: SPC Investing: http://spcinvesting.com/ Schedule A Visit: https://talkstomike.com/