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

Structure Matters for Tax Efficiency: From Mutual Funds, ETFs, SMAs to Tax-Aware Long-Short

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Most don't realize how important structure and strategy impacts an investment's tax efficiency.
Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how investment vehicles — from mutual funds to ETFs, Direct Indexing, and Tax-Aware Long/Short (TALS™) strategies — impact your after-tax returns.
Learn why mutual funds can surprise you with taxable distributions, how ETFs use in-kind redemptions to avoid them, what SMAs are and how they may help, and how modern innovations like long-short overlays unlock new levels of tax efficiency.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💼 Investment structure matters – How mutual funds, ETFs, and more advanced vehicles impact your tax bill.
📈 ETFs = efficiency – Learn how they avoid unwanted capital gains distributions.
🔄 Tax loss harvesting – The strategy behind realizing losses for long-term tax benefits.
🧮 Direct indexing – Owning individual stocks for customized control and better tax outcomes.
⚙️ Tax-aware long-short investing – The next evolution in creating ongoing, flexible tax advantages.
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

Year-End Tax Planning & Tax-Smart Retirement Withdrawal Strategies

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It will soon be that time of year again … the fourth quarter. Before you get swept up in the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to take stock. Have you accomplished the financial goals you set for yourself this year? If not, there’s still time to act.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, walks you through True Wealth Design’s year-end tax and investment review process — our end of the year tax focused meeting to help families stay on track. You’ll hear what we look for in these meetings, the common year-end items you should be reviewing, and the key decisions that can save you money on taxes. We’ll also highlight why it’s just as important to look ahead — from contribution limits and healthcare enrollment to income targets for the coming year — so you’re prepared for 2026 and beyond.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📑 Filing vs. planning – April files the return; December sets the strategy.
💰 Max out contributions – 401(k), HSA, IRA, and catch-up opportunities.
🎁 Charitable giving – Donor-advised funds and bunching strategies can cut your tax bill.
🏥 Healthcare choices – Open enrollment decisions can save thousands.
🧾 Legislative updates – New senior deduction and higher SALT cap change the math in 2025.
 
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
 
Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

$1M Saved for Retirement – Can I Retire?

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In today’s episode, we’re tackling the big question: Can you really retire with $1 million? 
We’ll look at what the data says about how much people actually have saved
How other assets like Social Security and pensions fit in, why your spending patterns matter more than you think
Then we will finish up with the key planning opportunities — that can make all the difference.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really have enough to retire?” this episode will help you cut through the noise, understand the numbers, and feel more confident about your retirement readiness.
 
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

Lessons from the Ultra-Wealthy: Smarter Planning for Real Life

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What do ultra-wealthy families prioritize when it comes to their money — and how is that relevant to your own retirement plan?
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the top three concerns that shape how the wealthiest families plan — and why those same issues are just as important for families with $1–$5 million of wealth.
You’ll learn:
Why inflation, elections, and market volatility are changing how people think about risk
How to protect your wealth from threats beyond the stock market — including cybersecurity and inheritance missteps
And how to build a plan that supports not just your retirement — but the kind of legacy you want to leave
Whether you’re five years from retirement or already in it, this episode will help you think more clearly, act more confidently, and plan like it really matters.
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
 
Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

Deferred Compensation in 2025: What’s Changed, What to Watch For & New Planning Opportunities

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth
Deferred compensation plans can be a powerful retirement tool — but they’re often misunderstood and carry unique risks. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how these plans work in 2025, from 409A rules to 457(b) and 457(f) plans that are especially common in the healthcare industry. We’ll cover why so many executives and physicians use them, how payout rules can trigger unexpected tax bills, and what happens when your employer is acquired — including timely insights for those in Northeast Ohio as Summa Health transitions from nonprofit to for‑profit under a private equity firm.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧾 Know the fine print – Rules on payout timing are strict and often irreversible.
⚠️ Watch for triggers – Job changes or company buyouts can force unexpected distributions.
📉 Subject to credit risk – If your employer fails, you could lose your deferred comp.
📊 Plan your income – Coordinate payouts with your tax strategy to reduce the hit.
💡 Advanced tools – Strategies like TALS can help offset large taxable events.
 
Part 1: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/podcasts/part-1-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/
 
Part 2: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/podcasts/part-2-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/
 
Part 3: The Long and Short on Tax-Aware, Long-Short (TALS) Investing - https://www.truewealthdesign.com/podcasts/part-3-the-long-and-short-on-tax-aware-long-short-tals-investing/
 
Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ 
Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN
Contact our team: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/contact-a-financial-advisor/ 
Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/ 
Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

The Big Beautiful Bill Act Could Change Your Retirement Plan — Here’s How

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Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — the biggest tax overhaul since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — and it could change the way you plan for retirement. From a brand‑new $6,000 senior deduction to new rules for charitable giving and major shifts in healthcare subsidies before Medicare, the law creates both new opportunities and new pitfalls for retirees and pre‑retirees.
In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, unpacks what the changes really mean for you. We’ll explore how to take advantage of the charitable giving rules before new floors kick in, how to manage Roth conversions to maximize the senior deduction, and what to watch for as ACA subsidies become less generous starting in 2026. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already living it, this episode will help you understand the risks, the opportunities, and how to keep your plan on track under the new law.
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
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💸 Above-the-line charitable deduction coming in 2026
📦 SALT cap expanded = more families itemizing again
📉 New ACA subsidy cliff could cost early retirees $10K+
🔁 Roth conversions just got trickier, but they’re still powerful
Our website:  https://www.truewealthdesign.com/ 
Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN
Schedule your no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth 
Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/ 
Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

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
 
Watch the show now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjENBHOti-IEJFqeydZm_Fg?sub_confirmation=1

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
 
Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/financial-resources/
 
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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