New Retirement Radio With Dennis Prout Podcast

Roth! Roth! Roth! Can you hear the steady chant from the financial advisors and tax experts around the world? Ed Slott, a Roth enthusiast, believes we have entered a rothification era. On today’s show, we’re about to blow your mind by playing the devil’s advocate. Dare we question the Roth? Is there ever a time when a Roth or Roth conversion may not be the best financial move? Yes. Jon Sluis, CPA and tax expert, from Intrust will join our show and guide us through a lively discussion about the tax implications of Roth conversions. Being wise with money and saving for your financial future is not easy and the answer is not always black and white; there’s a lot of emotion attached to the green stuff. If you dare, join us as we discuss the “other side” of the Roth. Tune in and take control!

“I’m retired, now what?” How does one find that balance between excessive and overly conservative withdrawals? Every retiree’s situation is different. On today’s show, Dennis will uncover some key strategies to help guide you into discovering a withdrawal balance that’s right for you. He’ll also take a closer look at the article, “3 key considerations for sustainable retirement income” by Capital Group. Next, according to the IRS Code Section 2518, the term “qualified disclaimer” means an irrevocable and unqualified refusal by a person to accept an interest in property, but only if one follows the rules. Who knows those rules better than Ed Slott? Heidi will lead us in a discussion based on Ed Slott’s current manual of those rules, as well discuss the possible advantages of planning with disclaimers. You might be surprised by the flexibility that disclaimer planning can offer. Deann will join in the conversation and share timely stats regarding the topics at hand.  Tune in and take control!

Retirement planning is not only about saving for your future, but also about leaving a legacy, like an inheritance for your loved ones. But what if there were another way, a tax-saving strategy, other than leaving an inheritance after one’s passing? Dennis is back and ready to discuss Ed Slott’s gifting strategies to help identify those who might want to take advantage of these benefits. Whether gifting to children or charities, you could save taxes in the long-term and help capitalize on tax-free gifting opportunities. When it comes time to roll over a company plan, there are two questions one should ask: First, CAN the distribution from my company plan be rolled over? Second, SHOULD my distribution from my company plan be rolled over? Today, Heidi will discuss all the factors to consider when thinking about a company plan rollover as well as reasons to roll over a company plan to an IRA. And there may be reasons to leave your assets in the company plan. All this and more will be discussed as we dive into Ed

On today’s show, get ready for a listening adventure as we discuss ... the economy! Specifically, we’ll talk about navigating the current economy in a world of uncertainty, as well as charitable giving through the lens of the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution. So, strap on your helmets as we attempt to determine what’s happening and whether we are heading into a recession. (There, I said it.) Technically, however, a recession occurs when there are two successive quarters of declining gross domestic product. For an economy to tip into recession is not a stretch, but it always seems to be a worrisome thought for those who are concerned about the economy. Also, Dennis and Nathan will make this show an all-guys trio along with the host Ron Jolly. We’ll have lots of stats and information to assist you with the reality of a slowing economy and position yourself to take advantage.  Tune in and take control!

When discussing the state of the current American economy, we find ourselves at a place in time when negativity and uncertainty seem to take center stage. However, what if there were a glimmer of economic hope within these dark and uncertain times? On today’s show, we hope to illuminate a positive perspective as the United States takes center stage in global performance. According to a recent article by Capital Group, Economic Outlook: U.S. Powers Global Growth, the United States, along with Japan and India, find themselves in the top quadrant of resilient growth. As a result, the U.S. and India could generate strong tailwinds for the global economy due to a strong consumer-driven economy. Heidi will lead us through this discussion, on the global economy, as we look at the how, why and what could come from the impending election. And Nathan will highlight an Ed Slott article, “The Beneficiary Form Reigns Supreme – Even After 28 years.” July is as good a month as any to send a friendly reminder your way … CH

What? It’s mid-year already? Just yesterday, as my wife Jill and I walked around Boardman Lake, a gentleman reminded us that the days are getting shorter. (His wife, however, was not happy with that!) Being that we’re halfway through the year, we think it’s a great time to cover your frequently asked questions about Social Security, especially concerning future benefit cuts occurring after 2034. We’ll also discuss an article from The Wall Street Journal about surging penalties from the IRS that’s costing Americans billions, and what this might mean for you. Fortunately, history can help us here. Last, using historic data from Capital Group, we’ll examine the potential opportunities available to us during the current economy as it continues its resilience and performance on the world stage.  Tune in and take control! 

Do you know your RMD age? Now that taxes are simplified, there are four RMD ages and no longer just one. On today’s show, we’ll discuss numerous topics regarding RMDs, including: The various ages and what that means; the three steps to fixing a missed RMD; death and its impact on the RMD; work plan exceptions; and something called “RMD aggregation.” In the end, what may seem simple from afar can be much more complex up close. We’re excited for today’s discussion, and hope you will find it quite helpful. One further note, Dennis begins his sabbatical this week to write the book he’s wanted to do for a long time. He’ll show up periodically until his return in August. As always, your questions are welcome!  Tune in and take control!

Can anything in the tax law sunset? Yes it can! The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which included several major changes and provisions in the tax code, will see a majority of those changes sunset after 2025. For some, this will mean a tax increase. For others (depending on what, if anything, Congress might do), this may not mean much of anything. Unless the package from 2017 is extended, several changes will occur. First, the standard deduction will get cut in half. Next, individual tax rates will increase when the current rates sunset on December 31, 2025. How do we respond, when in essence, we’re looking in a mirror darkly? That is the question today’s show will deal with. If we anticipate that rates will increase, what (if anything) should we do now? What planning activities could we undertake rather safely and still profit and perhaps understand more of our options? We hope to answer these and any other questions with the help of Traverse City CPA, Jon Sluis. We look forward to a lively discussion and

Having just returned from our jaunt to Indianapolis to imbibe our insatiable need for new tax information, we are loaded for bear (if you will) with the most recent tax information related to IRAs, beneficiaries and the travails the mix of the two can cause.  We will share this information to help you to navigate and deal with the ever-changing world of your retirement accounts as well as discuss the issues you should be most concerned about. Heidi will discuss one of the simplest rules to remember – the “Once per Year Rollover Rule” – and explain its shortfalls in order to avoid paying unnecessary taxes and penalties. Dennis will provide information on possible investment opportunities and help you separate AI hype from investment opportunity with an article from Capital Group. Last, we will discuss the ramifications if the Fed does not cut interest rates this year. As always, Deann will share the stats related to these topics, along with your questions via text or phone. Tune in and take control!

On today’s show, elder law attorney Deborah Rysso, of the Rysso Law firm in Traverse City, will discuss navigating all things related to aging, care and estate planning from a legal perspective. Deb has extensive experience with the application of legal documents and how they interact with life’s realities. It’s amazing how interactive the documents of law intersect with the workings of care, family relationships and financial planning. Deb’s real-life stories of what she sees on a weekly basis, helping her clients navigate, will certainly be beneficial to many of our listeners. As we discuss these points with Deb, we are also very excited to share her knowledge of Medicaid planning, the limits of these planning options and, in many cases, where they might be best applied. We are looking forward to hosting Deb and think you will enjoy and benefit from hearing!  Tune in and take control!

On today’s show, Dennis will detail the characteristics of Defined Benefit Plans and Defined Contribution Plans – including their advantages and disadvantages. So if you have questions about your plans, or want to better understand, this show is for you! Because every investor’s needs are different, when planning for retirement, it is essential to map out a withdrawal strategy. Heidi will discuss the importance of understanding the portfolio reliance rate, which can help in planning for your future. She’ll also take a look at and further discuss how volatility affects withdrawals, how to tell if an investor relies too heavily on their investment portfolio, what determines a withdrawal rate, and the value of reducing withdrawal stress. And, as always, Deann will be sure to enlighten and educate our listeners by sharing stats in regard to our current economy. We look forward to answering all your questions via air, please text or phone.  Tune in and take control!

Today’s show title refers to the old axiom that no matter how well things are planned, unexpected problems may arise.  As we age, we may need some help with the details related to our financial lives that only very few can handle. Today’s guests are representatives from Fiduciary Services North. They will discuss the services they provide and understand when they may be needed. Things may not always go as planned. For instance, suppose you had anticipated being fully independent until your last day, but given today’s financial complexities, you need help with the basics of managing your monthly bills. Or, you have real estate that needs to be taken care of, and you’re not able to manage the property(ies) on your own. On the other hand, what if the probate court steps in and requires a guardianship be established to protect you and your estate from potential scammers? We’ll talk about estate settlement, court-appointed conservatorships and durable powers of attorney. Deann will bring stats to help with the

This recent market analysis by Capital Group got our attention: Over the last couple of years, the gap in both returns and valuations between small cap and large cap stocks has expanded against the backdrop of tighter monetary policy. To further summarize, a well-known index is trading near a 20-year low on a relative basis versus large caps. Limiting your exposure to these assets will limit your risk, but it is always interesting to see where the opportunities might lie in our allocation strategies for the future. We believe you, too, will find it interesting as we discuss why this information could be helpful to your portfolio. Next, Heidi will discuss what retirees can do right now to reduce next year’s taxes, backed by some great quotes from our IRA tax consultant, Ed Slott. Finally, Deann will share stats that better illustrate the subject at hand.  Tune in and take control!

Amidst all the blather about an election (you remember, right?), where are the opportunities? Today, we’ll discuss the realities markets have historically experienced during an election year,  how investors have responded, and the mistakes investors made. Long-time money manager, The Capital Group, will provide us stats going all the way back to 1933. We’ll also discuss recent moves in the gold market … so hold on to your hats on this one! Also, Nathan will discuss some very interesting findings from LPL Group that, we found, should be particularly helpful. And Heidi will discuss the rules of engagement for Roth IRAs and 529 plan conversions SECURE 2.0 Act. Deann will bring the stats to add to the conversation. So much to talk about! We truly appreciate you, our listeners, and we’re glad to be back live this Thursday!  Tune in and take control!

On today’s show, we’ll hear about the changes that the Marsh brothers at Bill Marsh Automotive Group are experiencing as they sell their long-held business to Serra Motors. About three years ago, in 2021, the Marsh brothers came on the New Retirement Radio Show to share their experience and knowledge gained over the years with their joint management of the business. They return today to discuss their transition out of Marsh Auto and shed light on this period – what they are learning from it from a business standpoint, and what they hope to personally accomplish in this next phase of their lives. As with all our shows, we hope to provide all our listeners a learning experience, whether you’re a business owner, thinking of retirement or are newly retired. We are very excited to hear from them, and hope you’ll tune in for a very active conversation with Bill Jr., Jamie and Mike Marsh.  Tune in and take control!

Around the turn of the previous century, Alan Greenspan made the following famous and prescient comment regarding the dot-com bubble: “A decline in perceived risk is often self-reinforcing in that it encourages presumptions of prolonged stability and thus a willingness to reach for risk over an ever-more extended time period. History cautions that extended periods of low concern about risk have invariably been followed by reversal, with an attendant fall in the prices of risky assets.” On today’s show, we’ll ponder and discuss several sources that we think you’ll find helpful in considering these issues as they relate to your own well-being and retirement. Next, Heidi will discuss the importance of getting good Social Security advice as well as explore some of the problems others have encountered in getting that guidance. Lastly, Deann will provide all of us stats of the day to help us all gain perspective.  Tune in and take control!

Market volatility can easily occur in an election year, which could affect your personal investments. On today’s show, we will review the Guide to investing in an election year, published by Capitol Group, in order help us all gain a better perspective. We’ll then discuss investors’ biggest questions like, “How can we invest with confidence in an election year?” “Which political party is better for investors?” “What typically happens to the stock market during election years?” “What have been the best ways to invest in election years?” Next, Heidi will discuss the 10 tax forms retirees receive and what they mean. Lastly, Deann will bring the stats to add to the discussion and help us all navigate what looks like a very interesting year.  Tune in and take control!

Many of us are familiar with that famous line from Mark Twain’s 1892 novel. In our attempts to deign what's going on in this economy, there is always enough warning for any of us and … of course … plenty of opportunity. Given the current trends we’re seeing in the stock market, especially with some indexes reaching all-time highs, we’re looking forward to see what the future might hold. It is truly amazing what can be gleaned from history. Given the dynamics of this market, it can be very helpful to us to remember the past and take what we can learn from it. On today’s show, Heidi will discuss the potential long-term impact of opening a Roth IRA for the teens in our lives, and Deann will provide the stats to bolster and brighten the conversation! And as always, your questions are welcomed to expand the dialogue.  Tune in and take control!

For the Sherlock Holmes aficionados in our audience, Sherlock would say, “Watson, the game is afoot!” This would often take them to new adventures of investigation. Today’s new adventure is planning for ever larger IRA balances and the impact this can have on you and your loved ones, given the stock market run we’re having, and key new IRA rulings for 2024. The IRS has already answered several questions about their official interpretation of new SECURE Act 2.0 regulations … but we intend to discuss this in more detail on today’s show! These new rules will be important to know as they can make a difference to your long-term financial health. Also, Heidi will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of paying off your mortgage for retirement, and what this can mean for your long-term financial success. Deann joins in again this week with the stats to add to the mix of retirement.  Tune in and take control!

John Wayne once said, “Life is hard if you’re stupid.” For investors, this means being wary of a whole lot of the information disseminated by the popular media of today. Today, we’ll be working with solid data to keep our focus on the information we know is certain. In that light, we’ll cover the economic news of the day from our primary research sources, which include Capital Group’s 2024 edition of their long-term perspective on markets and economies, as well as various economists like Ed Yardeni. We’ll have enough stats to assist you in getting a better idea of ’24 as well as current opportunities you may want to take advantage of. Next, Heidi Cartwright will discuss the new FAFSA rules and regulations related to saving for children and grandchildren’s higher education costs, and the surprising relaxing of some of these rules. Last, Nathan Prout will bring you the current stats of the day, which help so much with perspective.  Tune in and take control!