Money Wisdom

No one likes thinking about death but ignoring what happens to your money after you’re gone can leave your loved ones with stress, confusion, and financial trouble. In this episode, Nick and Jake unpack the essential documents and decisions that determine where your assets end up, from wills and probate to powers of attorney and trusts. They explain how poor planning can lead to legal headaches, tax burdens, and family conflict, and why it’s critical to have conversations now, not later. If you want to make sure your wishes carried out clearly and your family protected, this is a must-listen. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📝 The must-have document everyone needs ⚖️ Why having a will doesn’t necessarily avoid probate 🔑 What authority is granted under a POA 📦 When a trust makes sense, and when it doesn’t 💸 The silent tax trap your kids might inherit 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 retirement planning, two deceptively simple questions can reveal everything: Am I going to be okay? What rate of return do I actually need? In this episode, Nick and Jake unpack what those questions really mean and why getting clear answers can make or break your retirement. From defining what “okay” looks like (hint: it’s not just a dollar amount) to calculating how hard your money needs to work without taking unnecessary risk, they illustrate how a solid retirement plan is more like tubing behind a boat than picking the hottest stock. You don’t want to go so slow that inflation sinks you, or so fast that you wipe out. Join us to get more clarity, balance, and confidence in the next phase of life. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Define what you want from retirement 📊 Understand the actual return you need ⚖️ Finding your risk balance 🧩 Your plan should fit your life, not someone else’s number 💸 It’s not just about returns, it’s about purpose 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

You’ve climbed the mountain and now it’s time to come down. In retirement, the question shifts from “Where should I invest?” to “Which account do I take money from first?” It’s not just about risk, but timing, taxes, and long-term flexibility. In this episode, Nick and Jake walk through the three major account types, pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax, and explain how withdrawing from the wrong one at the wrong time could cost you thousands. They discuss sequence of returns risk, why market losses in early retirement are so dangerous, and how to avoid "catching a falling knife" by planning withdrawals with both market and tax efficiency in mind. If you want your money to last, and your tax bill to potentially shrink, this conversation offers a simple framework for smarter decisions in the withdrawal phase. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax: what’s the difference? 📉 The danger of selling during a downturn 🧾 Why tax timing is just as important as returns 📊 Use each account for what it’s best for 🔒 Building safety nets before the market turns 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

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? In this episode, Jake and Nick offer advice for navigating a down market without making costly mistakes. They explain why emotional reactions often lead to regret, and how fear-based decisions, like pulling out of the market, can do more harm than good. That’s the value of having a financial plan that aligns your risk level with your timeline and needs. The markets may be shaky, but your plan doesn’t have to be. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 😬 Why emotions sabotage long-term wealth 🪣 How a “bucket strategy” softens downturn impact ❌ The myth of timing the market 🎯 Why good planning outperforms good guessing 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

Social Security may be one of your most reliable retirement income sources, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to taxes. Many retirees are surprised to learn that yes, Social Security can be taxable, depending on your overall income. In this episode, we break down how the rules aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💵 When Social Security becomes taxable 📊 What MAGI thresholds really mean 🌎 State rules that may surprise you ⏳ How timing affects your benefit 📈 Why tax planning starts before you file 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

Retirement isn’t just the end of your working years, it’s the beginning of what could be the most financially demanding third of your life. With people living longer than ever, planning for a 30-year retirement is no longer just smart, it’s essential. In this episode, Jake and Nick address how the old model of relying solely on Social Security and pensions doesn’t hold up anymore, especially when inflation, healthcare costs, and market volatility enter the picture. They also discuss how to build a retirement plan that adapts to every stage, from the energetic “go-go” years to the slower seasons that come with higher medical expenses and fewer travel plans. Find out how Johnson Brunetti helps you identify the real income gap, assess your risk exposure, and create a spending strategy that balances lifestyle with longevity. You’ll learn why “sitting in cash” may feel safe but could actually hurt you, and how to position your savings for both sustainability and flexibility. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📅 Why your retirement might last 30+ years 📉 The danger of being “safely” in cash 🩺 Planning for future healthcare surprises 📊 Aligning your investments with real-life use 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 go into retirement assuming their taxes will drop, but what if that assumption sets you up for a nasty surprise? In this episode, Jake and Nick unpack the “tax trap” that catches countless retirees off guard. It’s a hidden pitfall that turns decades of diligent saving into unexpected tax bills when you finally tap into your nest egg. They will reveal how common retirement strategies, like deferring taxes through 401(k)s and IRAs, might backfire if not planned for properly. They also break down why general financial advice may not serve you well once you're within 10 years of retirement, and what to consider instead. You’ll hear practical discussion about Social Security taxation, Roth conversions, and how legacy goals shape tax strategy. This episode doesn’t just teach you how to avoid mistakes, it urges you to ask better questions about how and when to pay Uncle Sam. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💥 The myth of lower taxes in retirement 📉 Social Security surprise tax bills 🧾 Timing your “tax check” for maximum savings 🏛️ Roth conversions and smarter legacy 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

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