Coffee with Your Retirement Coach

Everyone is talking about SpaceX. But before the excitement makes the decision for you need to understand that FOMO is not an investment strategy. In today's conversation, Nic and Randy break down what SpaceX actually is, what history tells us about IPO investing, and why the masses are usually wrong. ⸻ ⏱️ Episode Timeline [00:29] – What is SpaceX? The five business segments beyond the rocket ships. [03:08] – Excitement is not a plan: Why emotional investing leads to the wrong move. [07:28] – IPO history lesson: What Facebook, Uber, and Amazon looked like post-IPO. [09:24] – The $10,000 minimum: Why this IPO's accessibility is actually a red flag. [10:10] – Buy the dip: What it really means and why nobody can time it perfectly. [13:49] – Firm risk: Why one person's decisions can take down innocent shareholders. [17:38] – The Buffett rule: Why greed and fear are the enemy of smart investing. [18:22] – Who should actually consider an IPO? The financial profile that makes it viable. [21:22] – The index fund play: Why you may end up owning SpaceX anyway — without the IPO risk. [25:32] – The Cindy story: Why wise counsel always beats FOMO. ⸻ Links & Resources Mentioned • Email: connect@meritfa.com • Website: meritfinancialadvisors.com/about/locations/marietta-ga/ ⸻ Closing Thoughts If today's episode resonated with you, please like, share, comment, and subscribe to help us reach more people who want smart, steady guidance over shiny distractions. There will always be another opportunity; the question is whether you have the right plan to act on it wisely. Reach out at connect@meritfa.com and stay coachable! _____________ Disclaimer! Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

In today's conversation, we sit down with our friend and leadership giant Mark Cole, CEO of Maxwell Leadership Companies, for a powerful deep dive into what it truly looks like to move from success to significance—especially as we enter retirement or the pre-retirement years. This episode is packed with insights on purpose, identity, calling, and what it means for us to step into the next chapter of life with clarity and excitement rather than uncertainty. Together, we explore the internal shifts that happen when we transition out of a title or high-pressure role, the mindset needed to carry our influence into the future, and the disciplines that help us continue growing well beyond the traditional career "finish line." Whether we're preparing for retirement or stepping into a new season of leadership, this conversation encourages us to pursue purpose intentionally and boldly. ⸻ ⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights [3:33] – Welcoming Mark & framing today's conversation. [6:07] – The global scale of Maxwell Leadership's impact. [11:08] – The mindset needed for our next chapter. [16:36] – Redefining success and embracing significance. [21:46] – Mark's vulnerable identity breakthrough. [26:37] – How we can build our own Year-End Review process. [36:36] – Three keys for staying disciplined when motivation fades. [52:10] – A 30-day challenge to discover our personal "Rule of Five." ⸻ Links & Resources Mentioned • Maxwell Leadership Podcast – Weekly leadership growth lessons • Books by John C. Maxwell, including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership • Bob Buford – Halftime • Maxwell Leadership Foundation & iLead Student Curriculum • Your Retirement Coach / Yeomans Consulting Group ⸻ Closing Thoughts If today's episode encouraged or inspired you, would you take a moment to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast? It helps us reach more people who want to retire with purpose, passion, and confidence. Remember—our best days aren't behind us. They are ahead. Let's keep moving toward the future with intention and excitement.

In this episode, Nic and I break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in estate planning: step-up in basis. We explain what basis is, why a step-up matters, and how common mistakes can cost your loved ones thousands in unnecessary taxes. If you've ever nodded along in conversations about basis while having no idea what it means, this episode is for you! We share real-world examples of how adding children to property deeds and accounts before death can create massive tax implications that could have been easily avoided with proper planning. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to basis and step-up in basis 00:21 - Why understanding basis matters to your legacy 02:15 - What exactly is "basis" and how does it work? 03:41 - Common mistakes people make with property titles 05:11 - The tax consequences of gifting vs inheriting 06:16 - Why adding children to bank accounts is problematic 06:43 - Better alternatives for estate planning 08:25 - Closing thoughts on staying "coachable" RESOURCES 📧 Have questions? Email us: connect@yourretirementcoach.com 🔍 For more retirement planning insights: yourretirementcoach.com 📱 Follow us on social media: [links] 📺 Subscribe to our channel for weekly retirement planning tips Thanks for joining us for another episode! Understanding concepts like step-up in basis might seem technical, but getting these details right can save your family significant money and headaches down the road. If you found this helpful, please hit that like button, subscribe to our channel, and share this video with someone who needs this information. Stay coachable, my friends! 🛑 Disclaimer: Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. #RetirementPlanning #StepUpInBasis #EstatePlanning #TaxStrategy #FinancialEducation #RetirementCoach #CapitalGains #WealthTransfer #InheritanceTax #FinancialLiteracy #TaxOptimization #RetirementTips

You asked, and we listened. In this episode of Coffee with Your Retirement Coach, we tackle one of the most common questions we get: "I'm 58 and have $2.4 million saved. Can I retire?" But as you'll hear, it's not just about the number on the page. We dive deep into what that figure could mean for your income, lifestyle, taxes, healthcare, and overall retirement vision. Join us as we break down the math behind the 4% rule and explore the often-overlooked factors that make or break a retirement plan—things like purpose, timing, Social Security strategy, and where and how you want to live. Plus, we share a real-life success story of a couple who made their beachside retirement dreams a reality. **Timeline Summary** [0:06] - The $2.4 million question: Can I retire at 58? [1:25] - Why cash flow isn't the whole picture (think taxes and purpose) [2:38] - What a 4% withdrawal rate means for your retirement income [5:03] - Taking Social Security early: a controversial yet practical option [6:35] - Bridging the healthcare gap before Medicare kicks in [9:38] - The missing piece: lifestyle planning and location-based costs [13:08] - Real-life case: high-end travel vs. smart budgeting trade-offs [14:52] - Tax planning strategies to keep more of what you've earned [16:48] - The power of a retirement coach and building your dream team [18:08] - Client success story: from $2.4M to sunset strolls by the beach **Final Thoughts** Retiring at 58 with $2.4 million? It's possible—but your success depends on your income needs, healthcare planning, tax strategy, and what kind of life you want to lead. If this episode hit close to home, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. And as always, stay coachable! 📬 Questions? Email: [connect@yourretirementcoach.com](mailto:connect@yourretirementcoach.com) Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063585099972 🛑 Disclaimer: Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

You've done it—you hit your retirement number. 🎉 Now what? In this episode, Nic and I walk through how to shift from saving to spending with intention: building a paycheck from your portfolio, deciding when (and how) to use Roth dollars, and coordinating taxes and healthcare so you don't accidentally create avoidable costs. We also talk through a real-world success story and the four biggest takeaways I want you to leave with—without spoiling the details. If you're wondering how to turn a lifetime of saving into a confident, sustainable retirement income plan, press play. ## **Episode Highlights** - [0:36] Welcome back + why "I hit my number" is actually the beginning of a new plan - [3:10] The framework: from accumulation to a deliberate income strategy (paycheck, taxes, timing) - [5:21] The hidden gotcha: healthcare costs and Medicare IRMAA—and why they belong in your income plan - [6:58] Get your team aligned: coordinating with your CPA and other pros before you push the big buttons - [7:35] Funding big purchases (cars, travel, home projects) without derailing the plan - [12:17] A client case study: building Roth strength early to create flexibility later (and calm around RMDs at 73) - [14:13] The four takeaways I don't want you to miss ## **Links & Resources** - Request your worksheet or ask a question: **connect@yourretirementcoach.com** - Topics mentioned: Roth conversions, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs at age 73), Medicare IRMAA considerations If you enjoyed this conversation, please **follow, rate, and review** the podcast—and share this episode with a friend who just hit their number. Thanks for listening and for being coachable! 📬 Questions? Email: connect@yourretirementcoach.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063585099972 🛑 Disclaimer: Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Thinking about buying a car? Before you sign on the dotted line, grab your coffee and join me and our coach on the clipboard, Nic, as we share *proven* car-buying strategies that can save you thousands. Whether you're eyeing a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, this episode reveals how to negotiate like a pro, avoid dealership traps, and understand the *true* cost of ownership. We'll break down the difference between sales price and "Out the Door" pricing, how to factor in maintenance, insurance, fuel, and even resale value. Plus, you'll hear how Nic saved a client $11,000 on a Lexus and why buying an unpopular car at the right time can be a genius money move. This is your roadmap to a smarter, stress-free car purchase—no buyer's remorse required. **Episode Timeline:** [00:40] - Why most people overpay for cars—and how to avoid it. [02:22] - The "time limit" tactic that makes dealerships work faster. [05:20] - Real story: How research turned a $11K overpay into a huge win. [08:00] - New vs. used: The millionaire's approach to vehicle buying. [12:28] - Calculating total cost of ownership (insurance, fuel, and more). [16:45] - "Out the Door" pricing: The number that *really* matters. [22:33] - The contrarian strategy: Why buying the car nobody wants can be brilliant. **Links & Resources:** - *The Millionaire Next Door* by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko - MSN Autos: [msn.com/autos](https://www.msn.com/autos) If you found this episode helpful, please **rate, follow, review, and share** *Coffee with Your Retirement Coach*. It's the easiest way to help others save money and drive away happy! 📬 Questions? Email: connect@yourretirementcoach.com Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063585099972 🛑 Disclaimer: Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

In this episode of Coffee With Your Retirement Coach, we're continuing the conversation around intentional generosity and smart tax planning with Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs). Building on our last episode, we dive deeper into how these trusts can transform your giving strategy while creating powerful tax and income benefits. Whether you're a generous giver, a savvy investor, or both, this episode is packed with strategies to help you build a lasting legacy and minimize your tax burden. We share real-life client stories, break down the components of CRTs, and explore how combining them with Roth conversions can dramatically reshape your retirement plan. You'll also hear us discuss tools like donor-advised funds and the vital role collaboration between financial planners, CPAs, and attorneys plays in making it all work. If generosity and tax savings are part of your future, you don't want to miss this one. Episode Timeline [0:00] - Welcome back and celebrating Marietta's culture of generosity [2:15] - Why Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) are ideal for the "middle-class millionaire" [3:00] - CRT benefits: tax deductions, Roth conversions, income, and legacy impact [5:10] - Demystifying trusts and how CRTs aren't just for the ultra-wealthy [6:30] - Real-life example: Jim and Margot's CRT strategy and $600k Roth conversion [10:12] - How CRTs provide living benefits and leave a charitable legacy [12:20] - Using donor-advised funds for flexibility and multigenerational giving [14:35] - Why execution matters: the need for experts and coordination [17:45] - Strategic planning for tax-free income and generational wealth [20:10] - Setting goals for your "tax matrix" and long-term tax-free strategies [21:00] - Why coordinated planning between professionals is how you win Links & Resources Contact our team: connect@yourretirementcoach.com Learn more: Your Retirement Coach Website About Donor-Advised Funds: National Philanthropic Trust If this episode inspired you to rethink your giving or tax strategies, share it with someone who needs to hear it! And don't forget to rate, follow, and leave a review—we'd love to hear how this helped your financial journey. Stay generous, and as always, stay coachable. 🛑 Disclaimer: Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Does the phrase "tax-free" curl your toes? Then you'll want to grab your mug and join the team for this episode focused on Roth conversions — and more importantly, the mistakes people often make when trying to convert retirement funds to a Roth account. Your hosts Aaron, Nic, and Randy bring their signature blend of insight, humor, and clarity to help you avoid costly missteps and understand the strategic importance of Roth conversions done right. 💡 Quick Takeaways: Don't overconvert — watch for Medicare and tax thresholds Market dips = Roth conversion opportunities Use non-IRA money to pay the taxes Coordinate between financial planners and CPAs Start small to activate the five-year clock Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: The appeal of tax-free growth and Roth conversions 00:18 – Meet the coaches: Aaron, Randy, and Nic discuss their passion for Roth strategies 00:43 – Two gateways to Roth: Contribution vs. Conversion (focus on conversion mistakes) 01:09 – Why mistakes happen: Overlooking rules and the importance of understanding them 02:07 – The importance of wise counsel: Consulting tax and financial professionals 03:11 – Mistake #1: Converting too much in one year (impact on Medicare premiums) 03:37 – Mistake #2: Not coordinating Roth conversions with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) 04:34 – Mistake #3: Attempting to convert RMDs to Roth (not allowed) 04:57 – Mistake #4: Forgetting about state income tax exposure 05:21 – Mistake #5: Not converting during a market downturn (opportunity for tax-free growth) 06:08 – Mistake #6: Believing you need wages to do a Roth conversion 07:52 – Mistake #7: Withholding taxes from the IRA during conversion (why it's a problem) 08:25 – Mistake #8: Letting your CPA drive the plan without input from your financial professional 09:24 – Real-life example: The importance of communicating your goals to your CPA 10:07 – Generic rules vs. specific planning: Why context matters 10:15 – Mistake #9: Missing the Roth conversion deadline (must be done by year-end, not tax filing date) 11:02 – Mistake #10: Waiting until the last minute to convert (custodian processing delays) 11:32 – Bonus mistakes: Over-contributing, exceeding income limits, and missing low-tax-bracket opportunities 13:01 – The value of proactive tax planning: How missed opportunities can cost hundreds of thousands 15:21 – The importance of collaboration between financial planners and CPAs 16:30 – Encouragement: Don't disqualify yourself from considering a Roth conversion 17:00 – Playground analogy: Forced taxation and planning for the future 17:26 – Technical note: The two five-year rules for Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s 18:30 – Final takeaways: • Don't eyeball your conversion—calculate and leave margin • Consider all taxes (state, federal, Medicare) • Use outside funds to pay conversion taxes • Collaborate with all your advisors 19:35 – Outro: How to contact the coaches, share the podcast, and important disclaimers 📬 Questions? Email: connect@yourretirementcoach.comConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063585099972 If this episode reminded you of someone, please share it! 🛑 Disclaimer: Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.