Phil's Tax Hacks

How Is Technology Redefining Retirement Planning?

In a world where technology touches every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that it has also made its mark on the financial industry. So, in today’s episode, we’re going to unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning. From robo-advisors to online calculators, we’ll discuss whether certain tools truly simplify the planning process or introduce new complexities.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:45 – Google has made life easier, but can lead to misformation
5:50 – Online calculators can provide a great starting point
7:52 – The benefits and drawbacks of do-it-yourself trading platforms
11:35 – Thinking about the end game with online courses and webinars
15:19 – Being careful with online advice from financial influencers
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts
 

The Rise of Retiree Healthcare Costs

The future of retiree health care costs is on the rise. In fact, the Employee Benefit Research Institute released numbers for 2023 showing an 8% increase in retiree healthcare costs for the year. Stay tuned as Phil and Marc unpack these latest figures, which suggest that a typical U.S. couple may need upwards of $413,000 to cover their healthcare expenses in retirement.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:20 – The 8% increase in healthcare costs in the U.S.
4:56 – Pros and cons of Medigap and Advantage plans
8:37 – How Phil’s office helps clients with healthcare
11:17 – Understanding the costs and complexities of Medicare and Medicaid
 
Resources for this episode:
https://www.fa-mag.com/news/retiree-healthcare-costs-increased-8--in-2023-76822.html
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts

Steering Clear of Retirement Stress

Retirement is often painted as a serene, stress-free period of life where the worries of the working world fade away. However, psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we’ll look at the ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirement process.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:02 – The major lifestyle changes that come with retirement
3:34 – Embracing new challenges
6:16 – Keeping your options open
9:16 – Keeping your sense of perspective
12:08 – Finding a good financial advisor
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts
 

Is Retiring at 65 Crazy?

Is retiring at 65 crazy? One billionaire thinks so. In this episode, Phil and Marc unpack a recent Yahoo Finance article where BlackRock CEO Larry Fink challenges the conventional notion of retiring at 65 and encourages investors to consider delaying retirement.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:46 – The current state of Social Security
5:02 – The shift to self-funded retirement plans
7:44 – Early retirement planning and saving
10:37 – Increased life expectancy in retirement planning
12:53 – Getting a personalized plan for you
 
Yahoo Finance Article: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/billionaire-calls-retirement-age-65-111627794.html
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts

Tax Mistakes to AVOID in 2024 (Part 2)

It’s that time of year! With tax season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into some tax tips on the podcast. Tune into this two-part series where we dive into a fidelity article titled “8 Tax Pitfalls to Avoid,” and get Phil’s thoughts as a CPA.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:15 – Waiting too long to strategize
4:08 – Engaging in wash sales
8:15 – Not taking advantage of tax breaks
9:45 – Forgetting deadlines
 
Fidelity Article:
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/tax-pitfalls?ccsource=email_monthly&mbox3rdPartyId=&mboxConvType=VPEmailClick&mboxCID=VM0224&pixelType=vpm&sfip=&sfCampaignId=16797&sfCellCode=169
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts

Tax Mistakes to AVOID in 2024 (Part 1)

It’s that time of year! With tax season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into some tax tips on the podcast. Tune into this two-part series where we dive into a fidelity article titled “8 Tax Pitfalls to Avoid,” and get Phil’s thoughts as a CPA.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:43 – Missing investment income
3:30 – Selling too soon
5:33 – Poor record-keeping
7:56 – Forgetting losses
 
Fidelity Article:
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/tax-pitfalls?ccsource=email_monthly&mbox3rdPartyId=&mboxConvType=VPEmailClick&mboxCID=VM0224&pixelType=vpm&sfip=&sfCampaignId=16797&sfCellCode=169
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts

Finance Fortress: Practical Strategies for Retirees Against Scams & Fraud

Just like any other threat, learning to recognize and avoid scams has become crucial for today's retirees. Join us as we discuss essential steps you can take to protect yourself against the increasing prevalence of scams and identity theft. Phil will offer real-life stories and practical advice to help you keep your finances safe in today’s digital age.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
1:35 – Real stories of financial scams
5:43 – Phishing, vishing, and smishing
8:20 – Examples of different scams
11:54 – Recognizing the signs of a scam
15:19 – Protections you can put in place to avoid being a victim of a scam
 
Resources for this episode:
CNBC article:
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/08/how-one-retired-woman-lost-her-life-savings-in-a-common-elder-fraud-scheme.html
Thomson Reuters article:
https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/investigation-fraud-and-risk/senior-citizens-financial-scams/
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts
 

Understanding Annuities: The Good, Bad & Ugly

You’ve probably heard some mixed opinions on annuities in your lifetime. But before you get swayed one way or another, it’s important to understand what exactly an annuity is and how they work. Listen in as Phil breaks down the difference between immediate and deferred annuities and offers insights into their benefits and drawbacks.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
1:08 – What is an annuity?
10:04 – When might an annuity be appropriate?
13:20 – The misunderstood features of annuities
18:31 – Working with a fiduciary that has your best interest in mind
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts
 

The Retiree Dilemma: To Sell Or To Rent?

Many retirees find themselves at a crossroads when deciding what to do with their existing property as they move into their dream home. Would it be best to sell, or should you consider becoming a landlord? Drawing from personal experiences and real client scenarios, Phil and Marc will explore the pros and cons of turning a home into a rental property in this episode.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
1:50 – Pros and cons of renting out a property in retirement
4:39 – Managing rental properties and dealing with tenants
9:41 – Understanding the potential downsides of rental properties
11:55 – What’s the right option for you?
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts
 

Retirement Planning Fear, Procrastination, and Indecision

Navigating financial decisions, especially as retirement approaches, can be a challenging terrain for many investors. Whether it's the anxiety around making the right choices or grappling with an overload of information, it can be tempting to push off important retirement planning conversations. It's a familiar scenario – putting things off to "next week," only to find that "next week" turns into a long period of indecision.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
1:31 – Struggling with paralysis analysis
2:58 – Procrastinating
4:40 – Information overload
7:32 – Is there a better option for you?
8:59 – Phil’s new book, “The Retirement Trifecta”
 
For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts