Ramp Up to Retirement

Most people see one or two meetings a year and assume that’s the whole picture. But real planning is happening year-round, often when no one is sitting across the table.

In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP, pulls back the curtain on how an annual service calendar guides financial planning throughout the year. He walks through how winter tax planning sets the foundat...

Retirement tax decisions often feel simple on the surface, but the ripple effects can last decades. The real question is not whether taxes will be paid, but when, how, and by whom.

In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, walks through how Roth conversions, a taxable event, can fit into a broader retirement and estate plan for high-income earners. He explains when conv...

Most business owners say they feel prepared to step away, but available data suggests gaps in readiness.

In this episode, Dan Reese breaks down insights from the National State of Owner Readiness Report and explains common areas where small and mid-sized business owners may lack preparation for a significant financial transition. With a large portion of many own...

Online platforms surface a steady stream of financial content, often from influencers whose guidance is not tailored to individual situations.

In this episode of Ramp Up to Retirement, Dan Reese discusses the difference between broad online commentary and fiduciary planning, and how that gap can affect real retirement decisions. He walks through examples involvi...

Gold is in the headlines again. 

Prices are higher this year, we see gold ads on TV, and fear-based marketing may be convincing more retirees to convert their savings into precious metals. But is gold truly as safe as it’s perceived to be, or are investors falling for glitter over substance?

Dan Reese delivers a calm,...

Mark and Susan thought they did everything right: no debt, over a million saved, markets trending up. But one well-intentioned gift to their kids set off a chain of financial consequences they didn’t anticipate.

In this episode, Dan Reese is joined by Brent Oliver for a hypothetical case study exploring how using the concept of a financial “postmortem̶...

Did you know that even one extra dollar of income in retirement may trigger higher taxes, Medicare premiums, or health insurance costs?

This week, Dan Reese explains common retirement planning situations where a single extra dollar in income can unexpectedly spike your taxes, Medicare premiums, and insurance costs. From IRMAA surcharges to Social Security taxati...

One of the biggest risks to your retirement may not be the market. It could be overconfidence.

Dan Reese examines the genuine risks of DIY financial planning, particularly in a world inundated with AI tools and financial influencers who oversimplify complex decisions. From emotional investing to overlooked tax landmines and Medicare surprises, Dan breaks down wh...

Most people think the hard part is saving for retirement, but the real challenge begins when the paychecks stop.

Dan Reese walks through the crucial mental and financial shift from accumulation to decumulation and why so many retirees get it wrong. From tax surprises and market volatility to emotional roadblocks and overlooked estate planning, Dan breaks down th...

Retirement planning doesn’t exist in a vacuum, especially when tax laws are shifting. 

Dan Reese and guest Brent Oliver, Senior Wealth Advisor at Avery Wealth, break down the latest tax legislation and what it means for your future income, charitable giving, and estate plans.

From the extension of lower tax brackets to the ...

Many people feel confident about Social Security until it’s time to file. That’s when the conflicting advice from neighbors, social media, and self-proclaimed experts can make a complex decision even harder. 

In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, breaks down the most common Social Security myths and explains how decisions around claiming, spousal benefits, and...

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about starting something new.

What happens after the celebration, the rest, and the first few months off?

In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, shares how creating a rhythm, not a rigid routine, can bring meaning, fulfillment, and balance to your retirement years.

What are the highs and lows of early retirement? We’re exploring whether it’s everything it’s cracked up to be and the steps needed to make it work for you.

Join Dan Reese from Avery Wealth as he delves into the pros and cons of early retirement. They discuss the allure of having more control over your time and the potential pitfalls that can t...

What drives your investment decisions—logic or emotion? 

In this episode of Ramp Up Your Retirement, Dan Reese of Avery Wealth explores how political emotions can influence investor behavior and market perceptions. From election-year anxiety to partisan-driven reactions, Dan unpacks why it’s essential to stay grounded and stick to a long-term plan, regardl...

What does it take to help ensure your wealth supports your family and favorite causes even after you’re gone?

In this episode, Dan Reese CFP® discusses the critical aspects of estate planning, focusing on inheritance and the importance of communication. Discover why talking about money with family isn’t as taboo as you might think and learn ways you ...

Are you wondering about the top pitfalls to avoid as you plan for retirement? Why do so many retirees end up facing unexpected financial challenges?

Tune in to this episode, where Dan Reese, host of “Ramp Up To Retirement,” invites Senior Wealth Advisor Brent Oliver to discuss eight critical retirement blunders you should avoid.

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