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

Part 1: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing

For successful investors and high-income earners, this is an episode not to miss...
Sure, you can own an S&P 500 ETF or mutual fund.
You could also own the 500 stocks individually, a strategy nowadays called direct indexing. Direct indexing aims to capitalize on individual stock volatility and add tax benefits by harvesting losses.
Or you may choose to go a step farther up the complexity ladder to own the 500 stocks individually with a tax-aware, long-short overlay. Let's call that TALS for short. Here you expect to obtain the return of the S&P 500, add an extra return from the overlay, increase diversification, and provide significantly more tax benefits than direct indexing. It's a mouthful, but it sure sounds good!
Have a sizable brokerage account? Have unrealized capital gains? Be sure to listen to Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, MBA explore why adding the TALS strategy can help solve these good problems to have.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The Q4 focus for our clients and an office update.
These strategies are bit more complex so they broadly apply more for successful investors.
The risks associated with TALS.
The 3 key building blocks for this 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
 
Tax-Loss Harvesting: Wall Street’s New Strategy Cuts Rich Americans' Bills – Bloomberg - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-10-24/tax-loss-harvesting-wall-street-s-new-strategy-cuts-rich-americans-bills
 
Watch Wall Street Finds Another Workaround With Taxes, Losses – Bloomberg - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-10-25/wall-street-finds-another-workaround-with-taxes-losses-video

S&P 500 or Die? A Case For Diversification

Is diversification dead? Over the last decade, putting all your eggs in the S&P 500 basket has outperformed diversified strategies.
In this episode, hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, explore why the U.S. market has been on an unprecedented run, why the global market portfolio hasn't kept up, and whether diversification is really the best move for long-term investors. We dive into the rise of ETFs, global market trends, and why the "SPY or die" mentality might not hold up in the future. Learn why diversification should still be a priority despite the recent performance gap.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Taught diversification is fundamental to the investing process.
Why diversification has been a bad idea for the last decade.
The reasons why people would want to move beyond the S&P 500.
The changes globally that have impacted investing.
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

Upcoming Tax Changes and How You Should Plan for Them

The clock is ticking on the 2017 Tax Cuts, and big changes are looming. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the complexities of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and its upcoming expiration in 2025. We dive into the original intent behind these cuts, what changes were made, and the impact on your bottom line. Learn how the expiration could lead to a significant tax hike unless new legislation is passed. We highlight key strategies—like maximizing retirement accounts under lower rates and leveraging deductions—so you can prepare for the changes on the horizon.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Recapping the details around the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act.
Why were tax changes needed in the first place?
The permanent change that took place and the ones that will revert back in 2026.
How the income tax brackets break down.
The tax deduction was substantially increased and maximizing itemized deductions.
 
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
 

Is the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement Overblown?

This episode explores the disconnect between retirement expectations and reality, referencing a recent Gallup report that shows most retirees live comfortably despite fears about running out of money.
Hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, discuss why non-retirees may be more fearful than needed, the role of Social Security, and how age-based spending patterns contribute to the relative success of sustaining a retirement lifestyle. And be sure to pay attention to how working with the right financial advisor can help you achieve financial independence earlier (data suggests up to three years earlier) by measuring and modeling your current spending and retirement goals more appropriately.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why is there a disconnect between retirement expectations and more positive outcomes?
More people depend on Social Security for their retirement income than they expected to.
The disconnect in spending when people get into retirement.
A good advisor can help clients gain confidence and overcome their healthy sense of doubt.
 
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
 
Check out the Social Security episode referenced in this show: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/social-security-timing-reframing-your-thinking-for-better-decision-making/ 

Untangling The New Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules

Over the last few years, significant changes have been made to how retirement accounts are managed after death, especially with new RMD rules. In July, the IRS issued its new Final Regulations regarding the SECURE Act’s provisions.
In this episode, hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, break down the key provisions, including the 10-Year Rule for beneficiaries and updates to RMD timelines, and how these changes impact your retirement and estate planning.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What the SECURE Act changed when it passed in 2019 and what’s been updated since?
Which accounts are impacted by this and how does it impact taxes and estate planning?
Who are designated beneficiaries and what are the differences between eligible and non-eligible?
The 10-year rule for inheriting these accounts and what you need to know.
The new RMD rules that will begin in 2025.
Additional rules dealing with the surviving spouse, successor beneficiaries, and RMD ages.
 
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

What Really Matters In Retirement? Six Lessons from One Retiree

In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, reviews the rich insights from Fritz Gilbert's blog post, "Six Lessons From Six Years of Retirement." Exploring the complexities of retirement that go beyond financial concerns, highlighting how true fulfillment often lies in navigating the non-financial aspects of this life stage.
 
Join us as we unravel the lessons that can guide you to a more satisfying retirement.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Background on The Retirement Manifesto Blog and the blog post we’re discussing.
The complexity of non-financial issues and why these lead to our true happiness.
Your retirement will be different than you expect.
Retirees find that their priorities change as they move through retirement.
Retirement can be the best years of your life but it’s up to you.
 
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

Buffered ETFs: Market Downside Protection? Are They Right for You?

There is no such thing as a free lunch – or is there? 
 
Discover the world of buffered ETFs, a fast-growing segment in financial markets designed to offer investors defined outcomes with built-in downside protection.
 
In this episode, hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, dive into the mechanics, benefits, and potential drawbacks of these complex financial instruments. And be sure to listen to the comparisons of buffered ETFs against traditional investment options and how each may fit (or not) in your diversified investment strategy.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The rapid growth we’ve seen in Buffer ETFs.
Defining and explaining the Bufffer ETF or Defined Outcome ETF.
Why are investors using these and what are the benefits compared to structured notes and annuities?
What you need to know that they aren’t telling you.
Our overall feelings on this investment and whether they work in a long-term portfolio.
 
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

No Budget Needed

In this episode, hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, discuss why meticulous budgeting isn’t necessary for most people approaching retirement. Discover how understanding your lifestyle spending and anticipating future changes can lead to more effective financial planning.
Learn about the "Retirement Spending Smile" concept and why focusing on your lifestyle expenses is more beneficial than a line-by-line budget. Plus, we’ll explore how your financial advisor should be helping you monitor spending against your goals.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The common perception of budgeting and why a detailed budget might not be necessary.
What areas of your expenses should you be focused on?
The importance of identifying and understanding the spending associated with your lifestyle.
Anticipating how your lifestyle will change in retirement and how that will impact expenses.
 
Check out our interview with retirement researcher Dr. David Blanchett:
Part 1 - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ep-101-interview-with-retirement-researcher-dr-david-blanchett-part-1/
Part 2 - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ep-102-interview-with-retirement-researcher-dr-david-blanchett-part-2/
 
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

How To Navigate Markets In An Election Year

It's almost Election Day in the US, and opinions are flying. But should elections sway your long-term investment strategy?
Find out in this episode as Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, cuts through the political noise exploring historical market performance in past election years and Presidential terms. Sharing how you can use this data to set your emotions aside and make more informed investment decisions.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Elections provide a great degree of uncertainty, which can cause emotional and usually illogical behavior.
What market returns have looked like for election years dating back to 1928.
The market’s performance the month that the election took place.
A look at the annualized returns during US Presidential terms.
What can YOU control?
 
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

Social Security Timing: Reframing Your Thinking For Better Decision-Making

Our brain uses mental shortcuts to help us solve problems. While they can be quite helpful, in some areas they may harm our decision-making. Social Security claiming is often one of these negatively impacted areas.
In this episode, hear Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, discuss the mental shortcuts (aka cognitive biases) at play when deciding to take your Social Security benefits. Being cognizant and acting with a more prudent decision-making process will likely help you realize a better outcome and improved retirement.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Optimism and pessimism bias can skew our judgments when making decisions.
Present bias and temporal discounting. In the context of Social Security, this means favoring smaller payments now over larger payments later, a decision that can significantly impact long-term financial health.
The anchoring effect is another critical bias discussed. This occurs when individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information they encounter—such as the earliest age they can claim Social Security—making it challenging to adjust their plans with new information.
Tyler explains the concept of delayed retirement credits and how Social Security benefits are designed to be actuarially equivalent, regardless of when you start claiming them.
How Social Security is uniquely impacted by inflation and interest rates.
 
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