Phil's Tax Hacks

Over the past year, one retirement video on YouTube pulled in 3.7 million views. The title: "Sell These 5 Things Before You Retire." We thought it was worth a conversation, not to tear it apart, but to react honestly. Does Phil agree? Let's get into it: 3.7 million people watched this video for a reason. It touches something real. Retirement isn't just about what you've accumulated. Sometimes it's about what you're willing to let go of. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Downsizing Debate: Bigger homes aren't always better 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Support: Helping kids versus retirement security 🚤 Costly Toys: When hobbies become burdens 🚗 Second Car: Freedom versus financial efficiency 💼 Work Identity: Life beyond your career 🔄 New Perspective: Reframing retirement tradeoffs Sell These 5 Things BEFORE You Retire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IltvyKpy8Z4 For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment Big-name financial personalities make bold claims that sound smart, but should you actually follow them? Phil reacts to some of the most talked-about money advice from well-known figures and puts it under a real-world lens. What happens when headline advice meets real people, real risk, and real retirement timelines? If you’ve ever wondered whether popular financial wisdom actually applies to you, this conversation will make you think twice before taking it at face value. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Bold Investment Claims: All-or-nothing retirement bets 🛡️ Extreme Safety Buffers: Cash comfort with hidden costs 🔥 Aggressive Withdrawal Rates: High risk in retirement 🤖 AI Utopian Promises: Betting retirement on future tech 🧭 Professional Perspective: Context beats headlines For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment If you’re weighing a Roth versus Traditional 401(k), you’re not alone and the right choice isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds. Phil breaks down the key factors that should drive the decision based on your long-term goals. Instead of leaning on generic rules of thumb, the focus is on understanding the math and the tradeoffs involved. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but guessing without a plan is almost always the wrong one. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🌱 Roth Benefits – Paying tax now for future freedom 📊 Tax Brackets – Why today’s rate still matters 🧠 Decision Strategy – Running the math, not guessing 🔄 Contribution Flexibility – Adjusting elections as circumstances change For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

A new year doesn’t just bring new headlines, it brings new rules that can quietly impact your money. Phil walks through the most important financial changes coming in 2026, and shares what you need to know if you want to start the new year informed instead of surprised. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 COLA & Inflation: What the Social Security adjustment really means 🏥 Medicare Costs: Premium increases and the give-and-take effect 🧾 Senior Deductions: New opportunities for Roth conversions 🏛️ SALT Deduction: Expanded limits and who benefits most ❤️ Charitable Giving: New above-the-line deductions For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner, or it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. In this episode, Phil breaks down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make without letting emotion lead the way. Before you file, make sure you’re choosing the strategy that supports your long-term retirement, not just the date on the calendar. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎂 Filing at 62: temptation to claim benefits early ❤️ Emotional Decisions: how fear and advice are driving choices ⏳ Waiting Advantage: higher lifetime benefits at full retirement age 📉 Early Impact: permanent reduction in monthly payments 👫 Spousal Strategy: survivor benefits affected by timing 📊 Client Examples: real scenarios reveal best-fit strategies For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96