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Planning for retirement is a journey, and choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. In this episode of Retire Ready, host Kyle Hammerschmidt unpacks the essentials for finding the perfect advisor to guide you through the complexities of retirement planning.

🔑 What You'll Learn:
- The Six-Point Checklist:
- Fee-only financial advisors and why their transparency matters.
- The importance of independence for unbiased advice.
- Fiduciary duty and its impact on your financial future.
- Tax-focused planning to minimize your retirement tax burden.
- Tailored strategies designed for your unique financial goals.
- Why your advisor's age and specialization make a difference.
- Actionable Tips: How to evaluate potential advisors and align their expertise with your retirement needs.
- Real Insights: Examples and explanations to help you navigate the "decumulation phase" with confidence.

Whether you're within 10 years of retirement or on the cusp, this episode equips you with the knowledge to secure your financial future.

Connect With Us:
Website: https://mokanwealth.com/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@retirewithkyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirewithkyle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mokanwealth
Retire Ready Academy: https://retirereadyacademy.org/

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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In this episode, Kyle dives into a real-world retirement planning case study featuring a pre-retiree couple in their early 60s with diverse income streams, including Social Security, pensions, rental income, and investments. This discussion addresses three main concerns: maximizing Social Security, implementing a strategic Roth conversion plan, and developing an efficient withdrawal strategy.

Kyle highlights how the couple’s financial choices—such as delaying Social Security, leveraging Roth conversions, and adjusting spending based on market performance—will impact their financial security over time.

Tune in to learn how these strategies are customized to balance income needs, manage taxes, and build flexibility for future adjustments. This episode is packed with insights on how to prepare for early retirement, navigate market fluctuations, and support long-term goals, making it a must-listen for anyone approaching retirement.

Connect With Us:
Website: https://mokanwealth.com/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@retirewithkyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirewithkyle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mokanwealth
Retire Ready Academy: https://retirereadyacademy.org/

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s going to impact everyone’s finances in the coming year: the new 2025 federal income tax brackets. The IRS recently announced adjustments to the tax bracket ranges to keep up with inflation, helping taxpayers avoid "bracket creep" — the phenomenon where inflation alone pushes you into a higher tax bracket without any real gain in purchasing power.

We’ll break down what these changes mean for different income levels and compare them to 2024’s brackets. Plus, we’ll explore updates to the standard deduction, which could significantly affect your taxable income. And looking ahead, we’ll discuss the upcoming sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and its potential effects on tax rates.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these adjustments could affect your take-home pay, retirement planning, and overall tax strategy. Tune in to get informed and empowered to make smart decisions in the evolving tax landscape.

Sources:
https://www.thetaxadviser.com/issues/2023/dec/tax-planning-for-the-tcjas-sunset.html

https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/new-income-tax-brackets-are-set

Connect With Us:
Website: https://mokanwealth.com/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@retirewithkyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirewithkyle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mokanwealth
Retire Ready Academy: https://retirereadyacademy.org/

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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In this episode, we explore essential retirement strategies through a real-life case study. Topics include:

• Crafting a sustainable retirement income plan
• Roth conversion strategies and how they can benefit retirees
• Maximizing Social Security to enhance income
• Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies for lasting savings
• Navigating retirement income guardrails to minimize risk
• Aligning financial goals with a tailored retirement plan

Whether you're preparing for retirement or already retired, this episode is filled with insights to help secure your financial future and achieve peace of mind.

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the 2025 Social Security changes that will impact your retirement plans. We’ll cover the essential updates, including:

• 2025 COLA Increase
• Earnings Limits for Working Retirees
• Impact on Your Benefits
• Holistic Retirement Planning

Whether you're already retired or planning your retirement, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make the most of your Social Security benefits.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated with more retirement planning tips and strategies!

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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In this episode, Kyle covers Roth conversions and how they can revolutionize your retirement strategy. Key topics include:

• The "five golden windows" for optimal Roth conversions
• How Roth IRAs and conversions work, including income limits and tax benefits
• Understanding backdoor Roth IRAs for high-income earners
• Strategies to minimize taxes and maximize tax-free retirement income
• Long-term planning tips for legacy building and Social Security optimization

Whether you're looking to cut down taxes or secure your financial future, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you retire smarter.

Subscribe, rate, and review for more retirement insights!

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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Join Kyle as he dives deep into the critical distinction between risk tolerance and risk capacity, two essential components for building a successful retirement strategy. In this episode, Kolin explains the emotional and rational sides of risk and how they influence investment decisions. Discover real-world examples and learn why understanding your true financial situation is more important than relying solely on your gut feeling.

Key Highlights:

• Risk Tolerance vs. Risk Capacity
• Real-Life Examples
• Time Horizon Importance
• Holistic Approach
• Limitations of Risk Questionnaires
• Education Matters

Tune in to learn how to craft a retirement strategy that aligns with both your emotional comfort and rational financial goals.

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive into the top concerns for individuals nearing retirement, such as how to maximize Social Security benefits, implement tax-efficient strategies, and develop a comprehensive retirement plan that goes beyond just investments. Discover overlooked strategies that can help you keep more of your income and minimize risks as you plan for a secure retirement.

Tune in to learn actionable tips and insights on:

• Maximizing Social Security benefits beyond the typical advice of "waiting until 70."
• Implementing tax-efficient strategies to reduce lifetime tax bills by six to seven figures.
• Navigating employer retirement benefits for a smooth transition into retirement.
• Developing investment strategies to maximize returns and minimize risk before and after retirement.
• Utilizing Roth conversions and optimizing the timing for long-term tax savings.
• Structuring effective withdrawal strategies to maximize income and reduce tax burdens.
• Avoiding common pitfalls such as Social Security taxation and sequence of returns risk.
• Creating a comprehensive financial plan that aligns all the moving parts of your financial life.

Whether you’re 10 years away from retirement or just beginning to plan, this episode will guide you through the most important yet often overlooked aspects of retirement planning!

Subscribe to The Retire Ready Weekly Newsletter
Get more information on The Retire Ready Academy
Looking for personalized financial planning? Visit our website

Disclosure: You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.