The Retirement Reality Report

Missing an RMD can cost far more than most retirees realize. In this episode, the Linskys break down required minimum distributions, how the rules changed under SECURE Act 2.0, and why mistakes are more common than people think. The conversation explores inherited IRAs, RMD penalties, and how tax planning decisions made today can affect both retirement income and what heirs receive later. It’s a practical discussion on how ov...

Living longer changes everything about retirement—and many plans aren’t built to handle it. In this episode, Dylan and David Linsky explore how increased life expectancy reshapes retirement income, tax strategy, and long‑term care planning. The discussion walks through planning for multiple phases of retirement, managing income before and after Social Security, preparing for RMDs, and addressing the financial impact of ...

Annuities get a strong reaction—but most people don’t actually know what the word means. In this episode, The Linskys break down why annuities are so widely misunderstood and how different types work inside a retirement plan. The conversation clarifies the differences between fixed, fixed indexed, and variable annuities, where fees and risk come into play, and why annuities are tools—not strategies. A straightforw...

You don’t win a Super Bowl by winging it—and retirement works the same way. The Linsky family uses football analogies to explain why a pie chart and a withdrawal rule aren’t a real retirement plan. This episode breaks down income gaps, asset roles, and the importance of assigning purpose to every dollar you’ve saved. The conversation also explores protection strategies, planning for market disruptions, and w...

What if part of your retirement savings is hiding in plain sight? In this episode, The Linskys discuss the growing problem of forgotten 401(k)s and overlooked accounts—and how disorganization can quietly drain confidence and clarity. The conversation covers why forgotten assets are becoming more common, how old workplace plans and annuities slip through the cracks, and why simply getting everything organized can change how pe...

Retirement decisions don’t happen in a vacuum—and pensions, Social Security, and taxes rarely line up the same way twice. The Linskys walk through real retirement scenarios that show why understanding your options matters more than following old rules of thumb. From choosing between pension payouts to deciding when income actually needs to start, this episode highlights how flexibility, timing, and personal goals shape ...

What if your tax bill in retirement is shaped more by the rules you don’t know than the ones you do? In this episode, The Linsky Family breaks down the newest tax‑code changes affecting retirees in 2026 — from expanded deductions and senior tax breaks to Social Security taxation, IRMAA considerations, Minnesota Care rules, and smarter ways to give charitably. They explain how income levels influence disappearing advanta...

What happens when interest rates fall but markets keep climbing? In this episode, the Linsky family breaks down how retirees can adapt as yields shift, tax rules change, and income needs evolve. They explain why covering your income gap is the foundation of any retirement plan, how bond laddering works when rates drop, and why fixed annuities may offer stability when markets wobble. With clear explanations across different retireme...

What if the “magic number” for needing a will or trust is far lower than you think? Marc, Dylan, and David Linsky explore why estate planning isn’t just for the ultra‑wealthy and how goals, assets, and legacy wishes shape the right plan. They share real‑world examples, including how charitable tools and tax strategies can work together, and explain what to expect in an initial consultation. It’s a clear look...

What if you didn’t have to choose between steady income and long‑term growth in retirement? Marc, Dylan, and David Linsky break down how a balanced plan—mixing liquidity, protected income, and growth—helps retirees navigate spending needs without constantly selling stock. They explore why first‑year retirement costs often surprise people, how annuities can support cash flow, and why thoughtful planning prevents pa...

What if the year you retire matters more than the size of your portfolio? In this episode, the Linskys break down how market cycles, sequence‑of‑returns risk, and emotional reactions to headlines can create dramatically different retirement outcomes. They explore why relying on timing is unreliable, how structured income planning can help navigate volatility, and the role taxes play when every withdrawal counts. Through clear examp...

Are you stuck in analysis paralysis with your retirement savings? This episode explores why leaving money idle in employer plans or cash can undermine your financial future. Discover how asset allocation, income strategies, and careful tax planning—like Roth conversions—can help retirees navigate complex choices, avoid costly mistakes, and adapt to changing needs in retirement.

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Could a simple mistake cost you thousands in retirement? Marc Linsky and family reveal how overlooked details—from weak passwords to poor tax management—can derail your financial future. Learn why a tailored plan, intentional asset allocation, and expert guidance are essential for navigating inflation, market swings, and tax traps. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls and secure your legacy with confidence.

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Could one financial move today impact your Medicare premiums—and your family’s inheritance—years from now? The Linsky family unpacks the hidden connections between Roth conversions, taxes, and legacy planning, revealing how a single decision can ripple through your retirement. Learn why seeing the whole picture matters when it comes to protecting your wealth and your loved ones.

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Ready for retirement? One decision flips your financial world upside down. Marc and David Linsky reveal how changing tax codes, income sources, and longevity risks can reshape your retirement strategy. Learn why personalized planning matters, how to navigate Social Security timing, and ways to avoid common pitfalls like unnecessary taxes and income gaps. This episode delivers practical insights for building a flexible, multi-phase ...

Are you ready for the real challenges that come after reaching your retirement summit? Marc and David Linsky reveal why the descent—managing withdrawals, taxes, and cash flow—is often trickier than the climb. Discover strategies for handling required minimum distributions, optimizing charitable giving, and making your nest egg last. This episode explores practical ways to navigate the complexities of retirement and keep...

What happens when your required minimum distributions (RMDs) trigger a massive tax bill? This episode unpacks the real-life challenges facing retirees with large IRAs, exploring how strategies like Roth conversions and charitable trusts can help manage taxes and align your legacy with your goals. The Linskys share stories of creative planning, why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and how understanding your options can m...

Is your 401k quietly stuck while you approach retirement? This episode uncovers how “set it and forget it” investing can leave your savings stagnant—and what you can do about it. Learn about in-service distributions, brokerage sleeve windows, and strategies to unlock more options for your retirement funds, so you can take control of your financial future before it’s too late.

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Are you ready for the year-end financial rush—and the hidden decisions that could shape your retirement? This episode explores the critical timing of retirement planning, new 401(k) options, and the risks of alternative investments. Learn why personalized advice, understanding self-directed brokerage accounts, and knowing your rollover opportunities can make all the difference. Get practical insights from decades of experienc...