The Wise Money Show™

Are you in your 50s and planning for retirement? This decade can make or break your financial future. From cashing out retirement accounts too early to overlooking critical tax strategies, these mistakes can quietly derail your retirement goals. In this episode, we're revealing the top seven costly money mistakes people commonly make in their 50s and how you can avoid them.

Season 11, Episode 6

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Should you keep life insurance once you retire, or is it time to drop it? In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we reveal when life insurance still makes sense in retirement, when it doesn't, and how to make the best decision for your financial future. Whether you're still working, planning retirement, or already retired, understanding how life insurance fits (or doesn't fit) into your financial plan is essential. 

Season 11, Epi...

Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult transitions in life, emotionally and financially. We're sitting down with Tayler Rhoda CFP® to discuss the unique financial challenges widows and widowers face, especially in retirement.

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Major tax law changes are here in 2025. Are you ready to take advantage of them before year-end? In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the most important updates from the Secure Act 2.0 and One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and show you how to proactively plan so you pay the least amount of tax over your lifetime. We cover the increase of the SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,000, how the new senior deduction works, the truth ab...

College planning doesn't have to break the bank. From 529 plans and tax credits to student loans and smart money habits, this episode of the Wise Money Show walks you through practical strategies to help families save for education, reduce student debt, and set students up for lifelong financial success. 

Season 11, Episode 3

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Thinking about tapping into your retirement accounts to buy a home or cover a big move? In this episode of Wise Money, we break down the pros and cons of using IRA or Roth IRA funds for non-retirement needs like down payments or relocation costs. We'll also answer listener questions on Roth conversions later in life, inherited IRA planning, and the five-year rule on Roth withdrawals.

Season 11, Episode 2

Think you know taxes? Think again. In this episode of Wise Money, we uncover the most common tax misconceptions that could be hurting your financial plan. From mortgage interest myths to the truth about 401(k) contributions and gifting rules, we break down what's fact and what's fiction so you can keep more of your hard-earned dollars.

Season 11, Episode 1

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Should you invest your HSA (Health Savings Account), and if so, how do you actually do it? In this episode of Wise Money, we're answering listener questions on some of the most important areas of your financial life. We kick things off with one of the most common questions we receive: Should you invest your HSA, and if so, how? We'll explain what a Health Savings account is, why it's such a powerful tool, and who should (and should...

Selling your business isn't just about the top-line sale price; it's about how much you actually get to keep after taxes, debt payoff, and transition costs. In this Wise Money Spotlight, CFP®, CEPA Jared Moxness joins Mike to unpack the essentials of business exit planning. We cover when to start planning, how to prepare your business and yourself for the transition, the most common ways to sell, tax-efficient strategies to keep mo...

Is $1 million enough to retire? It's a question nearly every saver has wondered, and the answer might surprise you. In this episode of Wise Money, we dig into the $1 million retirement goal. What does being a "millionaire" actually mean today? Can you stop saving once you hit that milestone? And how do spending, lifestyle, and longevity factor into your ability to retire confidently? We'll walk through the five key factors that det...

Are you just a few years away from retirement and wondering how to get more of your wealth growing tax-free? In this episode of Wise Money, we're answering a question from a listener who wants to maximize Roth contributions in the final stretch of their career. Should you draw from taxable brokerage assets to fund more Roth contributions? What are the tax implications, limits, and risks to watch out for? We'll talk through the stra...

Are you one unexpected expense away from a financial crisis, even if things look fine on the surface? In this episode of Wise Money, we're revealing five hidden signs that you may not be financially secure as you think and helping you identify blind spots, strengthen your financial foundation, and take your next wise step. 

Season 10, Episode 49

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Taxes, savings, and retirement planning work differently for pastors, and if you're in ministry, you need to understand how these unique rules impact your financial plan. In our first Wise Money Spotlight bonus mini episode, we are joined by Brandon Stoller, CFP®, CKA®, for a deep dive into the complex financial planning landscape for pastors and ministers.

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Big changes are coming with the new tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and you need to know how they will impact your financial life. In this episode of Wise Money, we are breaking down what's staying the same, what's changing, and what it all means for your tax planning. From extended tax brackets and standard deductions, to changes in SALT limits and the real facts behind "no tax on tips, overtime or Social Security...

How much of your retirement income should come from guaranteed or steady sources? Striking the right balance between predictable income and flexibility is key to a successful, confident retirement. In this episode of Wise Money, we're discussing what "guaranteed income" really means, the trade-offs between income stability and flexibility, and how to structure your retirement income plan for confidence. 

Season 10, Episode 47

Financial independence isn't just about retiring early. It's about gaining freedom, flexibility, and the ability to choose how you live and work. In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down the five essential steps you can take to move toward financial independence, whether you're just starting out, nearing retirement, or somewhere in between. We're covering:

- What financial independence really means (and how it's differ...

Losing a spouse is emotionally devastating, and it also comes with complex financial decisions. If you've inherited an IRA and you're under age 59 1/2, the choices you make could significantly impact your financial future. In this episode of Wise Money, we're joined by Matt Hoke to break down the unique rules and options available to surviving spouses under 95.5 who inherit a retirement account. 

We'll cover:

- The difference betwe...

Health insurance is a major decision and a growing trend is reshaping how some employers provide it. Enter the ICHRA, or Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement. What is an ICHRA, why are companies offering them, and how can you know if it's a smart decision for you and your family? We're joined by health insurance advisor Corey Johnson to break it down and help you make a wise choice. 

Season 10, Episode 44

If you're planning to retire before you're eligible for Medicare at age 65, one of the biggest questions you'll face is: What do I do about health insurance? In this episode of The Wise Money Show, we break down your options—including COBRA, Healthcare.gov plans, and health-sharing networks.

We'll walk through:

- The pros and cons of COBRA

- How the Affordable ...