This Early Retirement Strategy Could Be a Huge Mistake

This Early Retirement Strategy Could Be a Huge Mistake

From Your Money, Your Wealth by Joe Anderson, CFP® & Alan Clopine, CPA of Pure Financial Advisors

April 14, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 577

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential pitfalls of a popular early retirement strategy involving the 72(t) tax election.

Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on whether a popular early retirement strategy could actually blow up your financial plan, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 577. Red and Kitty from Wisconsin are burned out at 40 and wonder if retiring at 45 using the 72(t) tax election to take substantially equal periodic payments, or SEPP, is a smart bridge strategy. Jiminy Billy Bob in North Carolina is also considering a 72(t). How should he structure his withdrawal order, and does he need to shift into bonds before downshifting his career? Plus, Steve and Sharon in Minnesota have 8 million bucks. Steve is getting laid off at age 56. What should they do with their 401(k), stock options, incentives, and benefits before and after the layoff? Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-577 (full show notes & episode transcript) Recession Protection Guide - free download Retirement Readiness Guide - free download 6 Ways Americans Accidentally Sabotage Their Retirement - YMYW TV Financial Blueprint (self-guided): https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional): https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment…

People in this episode

Hosts: Joe Anderson, Alan Clopine

Topics covered

  • early retirement
  • financial planning
  • withdrawal strategies
  • 401(k) management
  • tax elections

Keywords

  • early retirement
  • 72(t) tax election
  • financial plan
  • withdrawal order
  • 401(k)

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Wisconsin, North Carolina, Minnesota

More episodes of Your Money, Your Wealth

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Your Money, Your Wealth podcast page.