Discover how to avoid one of retirement’s biggest threats: the dreaded “tax bomb.” Phillip unpacks the hidden triggers that can derail your financial future. Learn why Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Social Security timing, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, “Widow Bomb” tax brackets, and delayed Roth conversions can all converge to raise your tax bill unexpectedly. Phillip also explains why a proactive strategy is vital to minimize the lifetime tax burden on your 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts. If you’re approaching retirement (age 55–65) and want guidance on tax planning, estate planning, or portfolio management, this episode offers practical tips on defusing high taxes before they strike. You’ll walk away with insights into the best time for Roth conversions, managing withdrawals to keep your bracket in check, and strategic Social Security decisions that can save you thousands. Don’t let hidden tax traps ruin your retirement. Tune in for a clear roadmap on how to preserve more of your hard-earned savings.

Episode Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Roadmap for the Episode
3. What Is a Tax Bomb & Why It Happens
4. Retirement Tax Bomb Triggers (RMDs, Social Security, Widow Bomb, IRMAA)
5. Strategies to Defuse the Bomb
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
7. Action Steps
8. Closing

#TaxPlanning #RetirementAdvice #RetirementPlanning #RMDs #FinancialAdvice

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are you among the millions of Americans who’ve left an old 401(k) behind with a former employer? In this episode, Philip Smith, a financial planner at Tidepool Wealth Strategies in Oregon, explores the crucial steps late-career professionals (ages 55–65) should consider before ignoring a potentially major part of their retirement savings. Learn why these “forgotten” accounts can potentially sabotage your long-term goals through unnecessary fees, poor investment choices, and lost growth opportunities. Discover the four key options (leaving your 401(k) in place, rolling it into a new employer’s plan, transferring it into an IRA, or cashing it out) and why the last choice can be especially costly in terms of taxes and penalties. Philip also covers 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and other retirement plans, offering insights on risk management, tax planning, and portfolio management for professionals looking to optimize their future cash flow. If you’ve ever wondered how to locate old accounts or combine multiple retirement plans for simplicity and reduced fees, this episode provides the answers. Tune in for valuable, actionable advice on consolidating your nest egg and keeping your retirement strategy on track.

#401k #403b #retirementplanning #retirementadvice

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are you nearing retirement and wondering whether you’re truly ready to leave the workforce? In this episode titled “How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Retire? 5 Benchmarks You Shouldn’t Ignore,” Phillip offers professional guidance to help late-career professionals (ages 55-65) assess their retirement readiness.

This essential episode covers five critical benchmarks, from savings milestones and budgeting considerations to debt management, emergency funds, and emotional preparedness. Learn how to test-drive your retirement budget, explore dynamic withdrawal strategies, and minimize tax exposure with effective risk and portfolio management. If you’re looking for clarity on retirement timelines, estate planning, or cash flow optimization, this episode provides actionable insights to help you better prepare to retire with confidence.

Episode Chapters
• Introduction (0:00)
• Savings Milestones (1:36)
• Budget & Cash Flow (3:38)
• Debt Management (4:51)
• Emergency Fund (6:29)
• Emotional Preparedness (8:20)
• Action Steps (9:43)

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes packed with tailored advice for people nearing retirement across the U.S., primarily focused on serving Oregon residents.

Tune in and begin to cultivate a resilient retirement plan.

#RetirementPlanning #RetirementHelp #RetirementSavings #FinancialPlanning #Retirees

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.