In this episode, we’re diving into the often-overlooked tax benefits of 529 plans. Most people know that 529 plans can help cover college expenses, but there are other valuable perks beyond just tuition savings.

From paying down student loans to making the most of tax deferral advantages, this episode breaks down five key tax benefits you may not be aware of. Let me help you maximize the potential of your 529 plan.

• [1:39] What are 529 plans?
• [3:04] Repaying student loans
• [4:14] Covering K-12 expenses
• [5:20] Tax deferral
• [8:10] Roth conversion
• [12:40] Potential state tax deductions

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
• How To Complete a Fidelity 529 To Roth IRA Rollover
• 6 Ways To Use An Old CHET 529 Plan

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The S&P 500 is having another stellar year, yet small-cap stocks—representing the smallest publicly traded companies in the United States—haven't performed as well. While this might seem like a downside, it can also present unique opportunities for investors. In this episode, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of investing in small-cap stocks, the potential growth they offer, and how you can get started.

• [0:51] Should you consider investing in small-caps?
• [1:59] What are small-cap stocks?
• [3:28] Pros and cons of small-cap stocks
• [5:00] The growth potential of small can stocks
• [7:03] Why is there a projected turnaround?
• [8:23] How do you invest in small-cap stocks?
• [11:17] How to invest in value stocks

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
• Is the small-cap Premium Dead?
• The Russell 2,000
• The S&P 600
• VB Vanguard small-cap S&P Index
• IJR ETF
• SPSM
• SLYV

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The 2024 election is just days away, and soon you'll have your final chance to cast your vote. With so much at stake, many are anxious about how the markets might respond based on who takes the White House. In this episode of Retire with Ryan, I’ll dive into what we could expect from a Trump or Harris presidency—and explain why, no matter the outcome, it shouldn't drastically change your investment strategy.

• [2:37] The state of the Presidential election
• [6:00] How the stock market is impacted
• [6:50] How will a Harris presidency impact the market?
• [8:01] How will a Trump presidency impact the market?
• [12:57] Nothing will fundamentally change how you invest

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
• State Street Global Advisors

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In some states, probate is avoidable. However, in many states, you can avoid having your estate go through the probate process. I recently went through the probate process when my grandfather passed away and I helped my father settle his estate. It is far easier for your family to settle your estate once you’re gone if it doesn’t go through probate. So, in this episode, I’ll cover 7 things you can do to keep your estate from landing in probate.

• [1:57] Settling my grandfather’s estate
• [4:06] Tip #1: Give things away while you’re alive
• [5:50] Tip #2: Own your real estate jointly
• [7:16] Tip #3: Joint ownership for non-real-estate
• [9:43] Tip #4: Use a “Payable Upon Death” account
• [11:46] Tip #5: Designate beneficiaries on accounts
• [13:07] Tip #6: Designate a beneficiary for vehicles
• [13:52] Tip #7: Create a living trust
• [16:27] Probate is unavoidable in many states

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
• Federal gift tax allowance

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Protecting your finances from hackers is more critical than ever. Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, accessing sensitive information like social security numbers and attempting to steal directly from financial accounts.

I recently experienced this firsthand when someone impersonated one of my clients. The fraudster knew my client’s social security number and tried to withdraw funds under the guise of an emergency.

Fortunately, we were suspicious and confirmed the scam before any money was lost. This encounter highlights the importance of being proactive about securing your accounts. That’s why, in this episode, I’ll share seven essential steps to protect your Schwab accounts from hackers.

• [1:22] Join a live in-person retirement readiness workshop or sign up online
• [1:56] What happened when a hacker tried to access a client’s account?
• [3:37] Step #1: Make sure your email is secure
• [5:00] Step #1: Protect your passwords
• [5:56] Step #3: Keep your web browser up to date
• [6:48] Step #4: Set up online access to your accounts
• [9:30] Step #5: Turn on alerts on your Schwab accounts
• [12:31] Step #6: Monitor your monthly statements for suspicious activity
• [13:11] Step #7: If you’ve been hacked, call Schwab

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel

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Age 59 ½ is the magic age at which you can start taking distributions from retirement accounts without a penalty. This listener is wondering if he can convert part of his IRA to a Roth IRA even though he’s not 59 ½. And if he goes ahead with the conversion, will it be subject to the 10% penalty? Listen to this episode to find out.

• [1:09] Attend a Retirement Readiness Review Workshop
• [2:26] The basics of a Roth IRA/Roth conversion
• [5:18] The first way you can do a Roth conversion
• [8:20] How to do a conversion with an existing IRA
• [9:00] What can be converted to a Roth IRA?
• [9:45] When a Roth conversion makes sense

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel

www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

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It can be overwhelming to think about what you can do to minimize your tax burden. That’s why, in last week’s episode, we covered 7 year-end tax moves for retirees. This week, we’ll tackle what those nearing retirement need to dive into at the end of every calendar year. We all need to be mindful of how our decisions impact our tax burden and this is a great place to start!

• [1:16] Tip #1: Maximum your contributions to your retirement plans
• [4:05] Tip #2: Consider a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA
• [7:30] Tip #3: Do a Roth conversion
• [11:52] Tip #4: Make charitable contributions
• [14:15] Tip #5: Exercise non-qualified stock options
• [15:07] Tip #6: Max out your FSA contributions
• [17:14] Tip #7: Max out your HSA contributions

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel

www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

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Tax planning—and anything related to taxes, in general—isn’t most people’s favorite topic. But because we’re getting toward the end of the year, it’s actually a great time to think about tax planning and all of its benefits. In this episode of Retire with Ryan, I’ll share 7 things you should think about that can (and will) help save you money in retirement.

• [1:17] Check out my course: Retirement Readiness Review
• [2:14] Tip #1: Look at your Social Security taxes
• [3:57] Tip #2: Watch your income once you go on Medicare
• [6:37] Tip #3: Consider doing a Roth conversion
• [11:18] Tip #4: Take a close look at required minimum distributions
• [13:06] Tip #5: Think about capital gains and losses
• [14:09] Tip #6: Pay the correct taxes to the IRS
• [15:07] Tip #7: Look at your state’s income tax breaks

• Retirement Readiness Review
• Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
• Will Social Security Become Tax-Free?
• IRS Update For Inherited IRAs and Roth IRAs
• Low Tax Burden States

www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

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