Money Wisdom

What does it look like when your retirement plan truly starts to come together? At Johnson Brunetti, this process gets underway in the third meeting with our team, which is when people have enough information to determine if we’re the right fit for them to help implement these changes and guide them through this formative back third of life. This Retirement Building Meeting is a critical step where your financial strategy moves from concept to implementation, and it comes after our discovery meeting and the Money Map Retirement Review. After getting to know your goals and reviewing your current financial picture, this is the meeting where clients begin making real changes. Jake and Nick explain how they structure income plans, align investment buckets for growth and safety, and help clients confidently transition into the retirement phase of life. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧱 What happens in meeting #3 💰 How retirement income strategies are customized for each client ⚖️ Aligning your “buckets” for growth, income, and safety 📉 Minimizing taxes and avoiding early mistakes 🧠 The power of clarity, trust, and a plan you can actually follow 0:00 – Today’s question 2:28 – What happens in this meeting 5:18 – Finding the right tools for you Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

What happens after your first meeting with a financial advisor? As we continue our series on the Johnson Brunetti planning process, we’re going to take you inside meeting number two in our retirement planning process, which we like to call the Money Map Retirement Review. There's ​an ​element ​of ​vulnerability to meeting with an advisor, ​and ​we ​don't ​take ​it ​lightly ​that ​we ​get ​to ​hear ​the ​hopes ​and ​dreams, ​fears ​and ​aspirations ​of ​the ​folks ​we ​sit ​with. ​The goal of this series is ​to ​demystify ​that ​for ​you. ​We ​want ​to ​be ​transparent ​and ​clear during our process by moving one step at a time. ​ After learning your goals and gathering details in the Discovery Meeting, the Money Map Review is where the team presents their findings: a clear, customized, one-page summary of your financial picture. You'll see what’s working, what needs adjustment, and how your assets align with your retirement goals. Find out how we approach this and what you can expect when you sit down with us. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Behind-the-scenes homework and team analysis 💰 How risk and income strategies are evaluated 👥 Questions to ask when deciding who should guide your plan ✅ What comes next in the retirement planning journey Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Over the next few videos, we’re going to take you inside the planning process at Johnson Brunetti because many people are hesitant or intimidated to meet with an advisor. They might fear the pressure of a high-pressure sales pitch or feel unprepared for the questions that may arise. Today we’ll set some expectations by taking you inside the discovery meeting, which is the foundational first step for anyone considering retirement planning with our team. Jake and Nick will explain how this initial conversation is designed to be pressure-free and personalized, focused entirely on your concerns, goals, and questions. No matter what financial questions you might have, we’re going to walk you through how our team makes the experience approachable and empowering. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: ☕ What the “Discovery Meeting” is really like (spoiler: no pressure!) 💬 How planners uncover your biggest retirement concerns 📋 What to bring and what questions we’ll help you ask 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why this is a conversation about you—not your account statements ✅ The next steps in building a customized retirement plan Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

When it comes to preparing for retirement, most people focus on the obvious goals of saving enough and building an emergency fund. But in this episode of Money Wisdom, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® explore the deeper, often overlooked financial goals that truly make or break your retirement experience. It’s not just about hitting a magic number. It’s about assigning purpose to each dollar you’ve saved. Proper planning goes well beyond investments to include things like tax strategies, income planning, healthcare expenses, gifting, legacy planning, and even how you’ll spend your time. If you're wondering what you might be missing as you approach retirement, join us as we answer Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Retirement planning is about purpose, not just savings goals 💡 Unexpected life events can reshape your financial priorities 💬 The right advisor brings clarity beyond the numbers 🏡 Legacy and lifestyle planning are often just as important as investments Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Getting engaged later in life is an exciting time, but it requires different financial planning conversations. With blended families, different retirement timelines, and evolving goals, couples in this situation face unique challenges. Jake and Nick break down how your relationship with money changes as retirement nears and why your financial plan should evolve right alongside it. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Your investments need a new job—income, not just growth 🏦 Assign purpose to each dollar to reduce risk and increase clarity ⏳ The closer you are to retirement, the more planning matters Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Establishing a solid relationship with a financial advisor is crucial for effective planning, but what does that look like in practice? Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® discuss the essential role that communication plays in the client-advisor relationship to help set expectations for the planning process. We received this question recently and wanted to open up the conversation so everyone can glean a little information from it. We’ll pull back the curtain on what ongoing communication looks like at Johnson Brunetti, with clients typically receiving ongoing education, quarterly events, newsletters, market updates, and in-depth reviews once or twice a year. Plus, we’ll explain why meeting too frequently might not be a good thing and give you a few red flags to watch for. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📞 Proactive Communication – Why regular updates matter more than you think 📊 Annual Review Strategy – What goes into those once or twice-a-year deep dives 🚩 Advisor Red Flags – What it means when you haven’t heard from them in years 🧭 Life Changes = Plan Changes – When it’s time to revisit your strategy 0:00 – Today’s question 1:14 – How we interact with clients 3:29 – Proactive communication 4:50 – Can you meet too frequently? 6:18 – Client needs Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Long-term care planning is a significant concern for individuals approaching retirement because it’s an expense most people aren’t prepared for. Trying to prepare for it with insurance isn’t cheap, and people often ask us if it’s worth it. In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® tackle this pressing issue by answering a listener’s question about long-term care insurance and the options available. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:39 – Reason it’s expensive 3:39 – Long-term care options 6:48 – Where is long-term care on the priority list? 9:18 – Final thoughts Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Preparing for required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be quite unsettling when you know withdrawals are coming and the IRS will be waiting. In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, we’re going to answer a question about what you can do from a planning standpoint when large RMDs are coming in retirement. This situation highlights a common issue: retirees often find themselves in higher tax brackets due to large mandatory withdrawals, reducing their financial flexibility. So what are the strategies you can utilize to manage your tax requirements? Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP will take you through some of the strategies today. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:05 – What to know about RMDs 4:13 – Income planning 8:49 – Tax planning Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Financial planning is an essential aspect of life, but every family handles their money a little differently. The Money Wisdom podcast tackled a common question: what happens when one spouse handles all financial matters, leaving the other uninformed? This scenario, while common, can create stress and uncertainty for family members, particularly adult children who may be concerned about their parents' financial security. Discover practical strategies to ensure that both partners are informed and prepared, and learn how to involve adult children in these important discussions. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:00 – Couples and finances 2:56 – Keeping planning simple 4:44 – Involvement is key 6:48 – Our clients Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

A health savings account can be an incredibly powerful tool for tax-advantaged savings but not every health plan includes that option. Is it worth switching your plan for one that allows you to contribute to an HSA? In the latest episode of Money Wisdom, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® tackle a listener's question about HSAs and walk you through a few of the things you need to know before you switch plans. With rising health care costs and the complexities of health insurance, understanding HSAs and whether they are the right choice for you is crucial. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 0:53 – What is an HSA? 2:09 – Qualifying for HSA 3:14 – Something to keep in mind 4:22 – Which health plan is right for you? 6:39 – Investing in HSA Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Most people want to know how they stack up to other people as they approach retirement, which is why people often ask about the average age most people decide to retire. We work with people across different states and regions, so we see a range of ages. In the latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® share their personal experiences from the planning process and explain why comparisons don’t provide the right perspective for retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:05 – Boston clients 2:10 – Connecticut clients 3:17 – Different ages that matter 6:00 – Managing this period of life Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

One of the primary concerns for individuals nearing retirement is the desire to be debt-free. While this is a noble goal, it raises several questions about financial strategy, liquidity, and credit scores. While being debt-free may feel like a significant milestone, it is crucial to consider the broader financial picture. In the latest episode of the podcast, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® discuss the various aspects of debt management and its implications on retirement planning. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 0:54 – Considerations 2:57 – Do you need to be debt free? 5:44 – Credit score Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

In today's fast-paced world, job security can often feel like a fragile concept, especially for those in their 50s. In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast with Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP®, address a listener's concern about preparing for potential layoffs and talk about steps to take if you’re facing similar uncertainties. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:05 – Initial checklist 2:26 – Why things change in your 50s 4:18 – Changing your saving strategies 5:18 – Retirement planning considerations 7:48 – Final Thoughts Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

With more people getting divorced later in life, blended families are common, and it leads to additional conversations involving planning. One of the things that need to be addressed when someone remarries is the estate plan, particularly the beneficiaries. Do you need to make changes or can you just let your will take care of your needs? In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast with Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP®, we’ll answer a question from someone in this position who doesn’t want to go through the hassle of updating all their estate documents but wants to change beneficiaries. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Today’s question 1:05 – Estate planning conversations 3:06 – Issues with not updating beneficiaries 5:04 – Important conversations Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

A key aspect of planning is finding ways to be as efficient as possible with your money and one great example of that is charitable giving. It’s something that many people care a lot about and if we can help them do that with more efficiency, it’s a win-win for everyone. That’s why this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast with Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP®, is all about donor advised funds and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). These financial tools are gaining attention for their ability to offer significant tax benefits while enhancing charitable giving and we’ll break down what you need to know. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro and question 0:42 – Defining donor advised funds 2:00 – When would you use this? 4:54 – QCDs Join us for our next financial workshop to learn about these strategies and more. Text WORKSHOP to 800-757-0436 to reserve your spot today. Check out our other free financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

With retirement approaching, many couples are faced with the challenge of aligning their financial goals without the traditional framework of marriage. In the latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP® address the challenges and planning needs for couples who aren’t married but still want to maintain a shared interest in their financial success. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro and question 1:04 – Joint planning 2:37 – Financial benefits of marriage 5:16 – Investment planning Check out our other free financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Everyone wants to find the right mix of investments, but it’s easy to become over-concentrated in a specific asset. Real estate investors will often run into this dilemma as property values rise and home equity increases. In this show, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP® will answer a question about how much real estate is too much and how should you start shifting investments as you approach retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro and question 0:57 – First step 2:53 – What are your retirement needs? 4:38 – Over-concentration 6:09 – Numbers to address Check out our other free financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Are you constantly comparing your retirement savings to those of your peers? If so, you're not alone. Many people find themselves trapped in the cycle of comparison, wondering if they measure up to others. In the latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP® tackle this common concern and explain why comparison can be detrimental to your financial health. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:02 – How do you quantify this? 2:32 – Every situation is different 3:45 – What really matters 6:55 – Planning Learn more about our financial workshops: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other free financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Estate planning can be difficult enough on its own but what happens when you’re hesitant to leave behind a large sum to a child who might be lacking financial responsibility. This challenge is the focus of the latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast with Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP®. They tackle a common concern shared by many parents: ensuring their wealth is managed wisely after they're gone. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro and question 0:47 – Common situation for families 2:06 – Types of accounts matter 4:50 – Ways to lower taxes 6:01 – Will vs trust 9:04 – Next steps Check out our other free financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

The reality of taxes in retirement starts to become more evident the closer you get, and it’s not uncommon for people to wish they had contributed more to a Roth while they were saving. Having those tax-free withdrawals in retirement is wonderful, so what can you do if you find yourself in this position? That’s the question we’re going to tackle in our latest Money Wisdom question series. Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nick Colantuono, CFP® will break down the Roth conversion and discuss the factors you need to weigh before deciding to convert any money. With it being the end of the year, this is the perfect time to be having this conversation. If you want to learn more about tax planning strategies, make sure you get a copy of the "Are You Paying Too Much in Taxes in Retirement?" booklet. Text the word OFFER to 800-757-0436 to get a complimentary copy. This guide can help retirees assess their tax situation and explore strategies to optimize their savings. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:54 – Today’s question 1:39 – What is a Roth conversion? 2:57 – How to get money into a Roth 4:34 – Main consideration Check out our other free financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai