Category: Financial Planning
5 Key Tax Opportunities to Capture Before Year-End! (Ep. 77)

5 Key Tax Opportunities to Capture Before Year-End! (Ep. 77)

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Are you making the most of your year-end tax planning? 

In this episode, Josh Leonard dives into effective year-end tax planning strategies to maximize your savings. Prepare for an insightful discussion on Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, and charitable giving. 

Learn how to navigate potential tax pitfalls and make informed financial decisions before the calendar flips to a new year.

Josh covers:

  • Roth conversions and their tax advantages
  • Tax loss harvesting to offset gains
  • Charitable giving strategies, including QCDs and donor-advised funds
  • Maximizing deductions for medical expenses
  • Adjusting withholding for accurate tax planning
  • And more!

Resources:

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How to Safeguard Your Identity in Retirement (Ep. 76)

How to Safeguard Your Identity in Retirement (Ep. 76)

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Are you protecting yourself from the growing threat of identity theft, especially as you near retirement?

This week on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard sits down with Angela Ferrante, Leonard Advisory Group’s in-house expert on identity theft, to shed light on this pressing issue. They delve into the methods used by scammers to target older Americans and discuss practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information.

Josh and Angela explore:

  • How identity theft commonly occurs
  • Red flags that might suggest your identity has been compromised
  • The importance of credit monitoring and how to set it up 
  • Steps to take if your identity has been stolen 
  • Best practices for password and device security
  • And more!

Resources:

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About our Guest:

Angela Ferrante is a 1987 graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Economics and Finance. She started with Equitable Life as an insurance representative 2 weeks after graduation selling life and disability insurance to the medical community. By 2005 she was supervising 165 representatives in 4 states and running the brokerage side of the office which included the opening of accounts, research, trade placement, cashiering of upwards of $2 million per month, as well as her own client base. Angela became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary in 2015. Angela and Mark live in Somerset County where she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and gardening.

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Managing Job Loss on the Path to Retirement (Ep. 75)

Managing Job Loss on the Path to Retirement (Ep. 75)

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What happens when an unexpected job loss disrupts your retirement plans? 

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro delve into strategies for navigating the economic and emotional turbulence of being laid off near retirement. 

They offer essential tips on managing finances, addressing healthcare needs, and maintaining a positive outlook during this challenging transition. Additionally, they bring insightful stories from their experience.

They discuss: 

  • Recognizing and managing emotions post-layoff
  • Filing for unemployment and understanding severance packages 
  • Healthcare options post-employment
  • Evaluating financial standing and the sustainability of retirement plans
  • Finding purpose and connection through hobbies and community involvement
  • And more!

Resources:

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Financial Planning Strategies to Avoid Costly Mistakes (Ep. 74)

Financial Planning Strategies to Avoid Costly Mistakes (Ep. 74)

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Feeling empowered in retirement requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary costs and maximize enjoyment. 

Are you prepared to handle debt, taxes, and big life changes in retirement? 

Learn how financial strategies can help you manage taxes, pay down debt, and even enjoy your golden years worry-free.

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the world of financial empowerment through careful planning and smart tax strategies. They explore real-world scenarios, including helping clients navigate unexpected credit card debt and embrace the freedom of spending wisely in retirement. Learn how tailored planning can lead to a worry-free retirement, allowing you to focus on living your life to the fullest.

They discuss: 

  • How comprehensive tax planning can significantly reduce unnecessary expenses
  • The benefits of using a structured, three-bucket strategy for financial security
  • Real-life success stories demonstrating financial empowerment through planning
  • Strategies for maximizing income in retirement while minimizing potential financial stressors
  • And more!

Resources:

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Maximizing Charitable Giving in Retirement (Ep. 73)

Maximizing Charitable Giving in Retirement (Ep. 73)

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Charitable giving can be a powerful part of your retirement, and it’s about more than just donations—it’s about making a lasting impact with your finances.

How do you ensure your giving is intentional and efficient? What strategies can help you make the most of your contributions without incurring unnecessary taxes?

Join Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro as they dive into the fulfilling world of charitable giving and how it can play a critical role in your financial planning. 

Learn about the impact of charitable contributions, the importance of a personalized giving strategy, and efficient ways to manage generosity through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, and stock gifting. 

They discuss: 

  • How Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can benefit your taxes and your favorite charities
  • How donor-advised funds offer a strategic approach to managing philanthropic efforts and tax planning
  • The benefits of gifting appreciated stock to family or charities to reduce potential capital gains tax
  • Inspiring stories about the impact of efficient giving on individual lives and overall financial health
  • And more!

Resources:

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Key Strategies to Maximize Your Medicare Benefits (Ep. 72)

Key Strategies to Maximize Your Medicare Benefits (Ep. 72)

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When was the last time your reviewed your Medicare plans?

In this episode of *Relax It’s Retirement*, host Josh Leonard sits down to discuss the ins and outs of Medicare open enrollment. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and ensure you’re prepared for the year ahead. With open enrollment running from October 15th to December 7th, this discussion is essential listening for anyone looking to navigate Medicare.

Josh discusses:

  • Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D and their benefits.
  • Key dates for enrollment and why they matter.
  • The importance of reviewing and possibly switching your drug plan to save costs.
  • The differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and why it matters for your health coverage.
  • And More!

Join us as we dive into these topics and more on ensuring your healthcare needs are met without unexpected costs in retirement. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions for your health and wallet. Subscribe and get ready to retire with intent!

Resources:

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Market Shifts: How to Stay Informed and Prepared (Ep. 71)

Market Shifts: How to Stay Informed and Prepared (Ep. 71)

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As inflation cools, new questions arise about the market’s direction and future economic trends.

How will the Fed’s decisions on interest rates affect your investments? Can the economy withstand reduced inflation without entering a recession?

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the significant shift of investor concerns from inflation to other economic factors, highlighting vital strategies to navigate these changes. 

Join them as they discuss how these trends influence your retirement planning, the potential for future rate adjustments, and strategies to protect your investments during market volatility. 

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Understanding the shift from inflation to broader economic concerns 
  • Strategies to manage potential market volatility and protect your investments
  • The impact of interest rate changes on savings and investments
  • The importance of staying informed and focused on long-term trends in financial planning
  • And more!

Resources:

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Overcoming Retirement Fears During Election Season (Ep. 70)

Overcoming Retirement Fears During Election Season (Ep. 70)

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Election seasons often bring a wave of anxiety, especially for those nearing retirement.

How do you prepare for potential economic shifts without succumbing to fear? How can you ensure your retirement plan remains robust regardless of political outcomes?

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard explores how the election results could potentially affect your financial future, and why most fears may be overblown. 

Discover practical strategies for setting yourself up to navigate market uncertainties, just in time for the upcoming elections.

Josh discusses: 

  • The real impact of election outcomes on the stock market and your retirement
  • How to manage fears related to market unpredictability by maintaining a diversified portfolio
  • Practical advice on keeping an appropriate emergency fund and navigating the three-bucket strategy
  • Insights on long-term financial planning despite the political climate
  • And more!

Resources:

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Capital Loss Harvesting vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: What’s Right for Your Retirement? (Ep. 69)

Capital Loss Harvesting vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: What’s Right for Your Retirement? (Ep. 69)

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Are you maximizing the potential of capital gains and losses in your retirement planning?

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the often-overlooked strategies of capital gain and loss harvesting. You’ll learn the essential differences between capital loss and capital gain harvesting, why timing and tax brackets play a crucial role in your financial planning, and how these strategies can help minimize your tax liability, particularly in retirement. 

Join us for an informative discussion that could significantly influence how you manage your investments for a more secure financial future.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Exploring Capital Loss vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: Understanding the fundamental principles and their implications for your tax strategy
  • Timing is Everything: Why the fourth quarter is critical for reviewing and adjusting your tax planning strategies
  • Tax Brackets: How these affect your decision-making on selling assets and realizing gains or losses
  • Retirement Focus: Tailoring these strategies to optimize tax savings and maintain financial health in your golden years
  • And more!

Resources:

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Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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Putting Time on Your Side in Retirement (Ep. 68)

Putting Time on Your Side in Retirement (Ep. 68)

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Time can still be on your side even in retirement!

In this episode, Josh dives into the fascinating dynamics of time and retirement planning. You’ll learn how to maximize your retirement years by leveraging the power of compounding interest, making strategic investment decisions, and using financial tools like annuities and HSAs to ensure your money lasts. Join us as we explore practical strategies to make the most of this new chapter in your life.

Josh discusses: 

  • 03:28) The importance and impact of time and compounding interest in retirement
  • (06:07) How to manage finances effectively with Cash, Income, and Growth Buckets
  • (09:18) Utilizing financial tools like HSAs and annuities to maximize benefits
  • (16:57) Adapting to market volatility without making hasty decisions
  • (21:18) Making the most of your newfound time, hobbies, family time, and volunteering
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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