Retire Smarter with Kevin Kroskey, CFP® & Tyler Emrick, CFA® CFP®

Over 800 Pages of Taxes: Don’t Worry, We Read It So You Don’t Have To

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is over 800 pages long and packed with tax changes that impact retirees, individuals, and small business owners. From expanded standard deductions and new senior tax breaks to permanent small business deductions and the end of many green energy credits, this bill reshapes key parts of the tax code — at least for the next few years.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down what’s actually in the bill and what it means for your planning. You’ll learn:
How the standard deduction and senior deduction are changing (and why it matters for Social Security taxation)
The permanent extension of reduced tax rates from the 2017 tax law
New above-the-line deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest
Changes to SALT deductions and charitable contributions
What small business owners need to know about the permanent QBI deduction and phaseouts
Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead for your business and family, this episode will help you understand the real implications — without having to read 800 pages of tax law yourself.
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth
 
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Cybersecurity and Your Retirement: Protecting What You’ve Built

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Retirees are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals — and the scams are getting more sophisticated. From fake emails and stolen phones to account takeovers and SIM card fraud, even cautious investors can be at risk.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, shares a real story of an attempted security breach involving a True Wealth Design client — and what made the firm catch it before damage was done. You’ll learn the most common cybersecurity threats facing retirees, how to secure your financial accounts, and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
Plus, we cover smart strategies like using a password manager, enabling two-factor authentication, freezing your credit, and why every retiree should have a Trusted Contact on file.
If you’ve worked hard to build a secure retirement, this episode will help you protect it.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🔐 $3.4 billion lost to scams in 2023—just from retirees📞 How a client’s phone was hijacked and nearly cost them big🎣 Phishing, fake tech support, romance scams & more🔁 Best practices: strong passwords, 2FA, credit freezes, and identity monitoring🛡️ New safety features: trusted contacts and “safe words” for financial accounts
 
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 20-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Costly Retirement Mistakes To Avoid Before It’s Too Late

Some retirement mistakes are obvious. Others are silent — slowly eroding your plan year after year without setting off alarms. From investing the same old way to ignoring tax planning and claiming Social Security without a strategy, these missteps can cost you more than you think.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks through five of the most common — and avoidable — financial mistakes people make in and near retirement. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your plan, avoid missteps, and make more confident decisions as you approach — and live in — retirement.
Whether you're five years from retirement or already in it, this episode will help you spot hidden risks and take smarter action today.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Mistake #1: Investing the same way you always have💰 Mistake #2: Taking too much risk trying to “catch up”📊 Mistake #3: Not measuring progress against your plan🧾 Mistake #4: Ignoring tax planning opportunities🕰️ Mistake #5: Claiming Social Security without a clear strategy
 
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth
 
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Warren Buffett’s Final Chapter: Purposeful Wealth and Practical Planning

Warren Buffett announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the company’s 2025 annual meeting — marking the end of one of the most legendary investing careers in history. But his lessons aren’t just for billionaires or portfolio managers. They’re surprisingly relevant for anyone approaching retirement or looking to live more intentionally with their wealth.
 
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the timeless wisdom behind Buffett’s philosophy—from staying invested through downturns to making confident decisions when fear is high. We also discuss how a strong financial plan helps you make purposeful choices: knowing when to spend, when to give, and how to align your wealth with the life you want to live—now and in the future.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📈 What 90% of Buffett’s wealth after 65 teaches us about patience
🧠 "Be greedy when others are fearful" — and how to actually do it
📉 What to do when market fear clouds good decision-making
🌱 Giving while living — and planning to do it with confidence
🔧 Why your financial plan is your most powerful tool
 
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

One Year from Retirement: A Critical Window for Planning and Perspective

When you're 12 months away from retirement, everything starts to feel real. From hard deadlines like pension elections and Medicare sign-ups to emotional shifts around identity and purpose, this final year before retirement can feel like a perfect storm.
 
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explores the unique challenges clients face in this transition — and how the financial planning process needs to evolve accordingly. You'll hear how True Wealth Design helps clients navigate not just the dollars and cents, but also their lifestyle risk, time horizons, and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of leaving a long career behind.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📆 Why the last 12 months before retirement matter so much.💸 The truth about lumpy spending and how to plan around it.💑 Pension decisions, Social Security timing, and survivor benefits.🧠 How to navigate identity shifts and relationship changes.📊 Why advisors should be more than number crunchers.
 
Resources
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Should You Roth? Making the Right Call at the Right Time

Not all Roth dollars are created equal—especially during times of market volatility.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, unpacks when Roth contributions, conversions, or pretax savings make the most sense, and how recent market declines may present timely Roth conversion opportunities.
You'll learn how to be strategic with what assets you convert, when conversions might come with risks, and how tools like the mega backdoor Roth can help high earners build tax-free wealth. Whether you're retiring early or just looking for more tax-efficient growth, this episode offers practical guidance for getting Roth right.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🔄 Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k) vs. Mega Backdoor Roth
📉 How market drops create conversion opportunities
💡 Using Roths strategically before Medicare or RMD age
🧾 Why tax bracket awareness is essential
🧠 Advanced strategies like asset location and timing
 
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
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Tariffs, Turbulence, and How To Stay On Track

Markets have been shaken by a sharp selloff, with the S&P 500 down around 15% and the Nasdaq nearly 20% year-to-date. Much of the recent volatility is being driven by escalating trade tensions and a new round of tariffs that took effect on April 9.
In this episode, Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, and Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, unpack what’s driving the recent market moves — from global supply chain disruptions to shifting investor sentiment and international dynamics.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Why the market hates uncertainty—and how that’s showing up now
⚖️ Risk vs. uncertainty: what’s the difference and why it matters
🔁 How “Runway” helps retirees avoid emotional investment decisions
🧰 Strategies we’re using: rebalancing, dry powder, diversification
🧠 What to do (and not do) when tempted to time the market
 
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

Don’t Panic: Navigating Market Downturns and Boosting After-Tax Returns

If the recent market drop has you feeling uneasy, you’re not alone — but sharp swings are regularities you need to navigate. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have both taken hits this year, but history shows that intra-year declines like these are common and something long-term investors have weathered time and again.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down recent market moves, highlights where diversification is working, and shares how tax strategies and disciplined rebalancing can help keep your investment strategy running smoothing and financial plan on track.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Market pullbacks are normal—even healthy
📊 Diversification is your protection in volatile times
🔁 Rebalancing can improve long-term returns
💸 Tax-loss harvesting can create future tax benefits
🧠 Discipline beats emotion when markets get rocky
 
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

The Next Big Tax Shake-Up: How a New Tax Bill Could Impact You

Big tax changes could be coming soon!
On February 25, the House passed a budget resolution setting a $4.5 trillion cap for a new tax bill that could replace the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) before it expires at the end of 2025. But what will the new law look like, and how will it impact your financial plan?
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the key debates in Congress, what changes might be coming, and how you can prepare now to optimize your tax strategy.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 TCJA Expiration in 2026 – What happens when the current tax cuts expire?⚖️ New Tax Bill Proposals – The biggest changes lawmakers are considering💰 How to Prepare – What you should do now before changes take effect⏳ Why Timing Matters – Waiting too long could cost you thousands📊 Tax Planning for Retirement – Strategies to minimize your tax burden
 
Have questions?
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth

The Advisor Premium: More Than Just Investment Management

Are you leaving money on the table?
For families weighing their options when choosing a financial advisor, Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha study has long been the go-to guide—and now, fresh research from SmartAsset echoes the sentiment that the right advisor could boost your net returns by over 2% annually.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, reveals why many advisors miss that extra edge and how True Wealth Design’s holistic approach—integrating smart investments, proactive tax strategies, and comprehensive financial planning—ensures you capture every opportunity.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
New study puts annual financial advisor value premium at more than 2%.
The idea that your advisor should be both offensive and defensive in their approach to planning.
What differentiates ourselves when someone decides to get serious about managing some aspect of their financial life.
The four areas that most families come to us for help.
What happens when someone reaches out to us and how does the process begin?
 
Need help making sure your investments and retirement plan are on track? Click to schedule a free 15-minute call with one of True Wealth's CFP® Professionals.
http://bit.ly/calltruewealth