Episodes

Join hosts John Bever and Jim Uren in episode 17 of The Year You Retire podcast as they tackle the crucial question: "Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security income?" This episode dives deep into the intricacies of how the IRS handles Social Security in retirement, offering valuable insights on how to minimize or even eliminate these taxes. The duo also sheds light on the infamous "Social Security tax torpedo," explaining how it can significantly impact your tax bill and what you can do to ...

Are you feeling lost with the new required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for IRAs and qualified retirement plans? Do you know when you have to start taking your RMDs and how much you need to withdrawal? Do you want to discover strategies to reduce your taxes on these distributions? Tune in to this episode for clear explanations and actionable advice! We'll cover the essentials of RMD regulations, how to navigate your lifetime income tax brackets, the impact of the Social Security tax torpedo,...

Did you know that paying off your mortgage before you retire might not always be your best move? In this episode of The Year You Retire, Jim Uren and John Bever delve into the hot topic of whether to pay off your mortgage before retiring. They discuss the advantages of being mortgage-free, such as potential interest savings and improved cash flow, but also emphasize the liquidity risk and misunderstood historical fears associated with mortgages. They discuss the importance of considering indivi...

Did you know that your retirement years are often accompanied by large capital gains tax bills? Do you know if you have the proper strategies in place to help reduce the damage that capital gains taxes can have on your portfolio? If you’re not sure you’re doing all you can to save big on your capital gains tax bill, then this episode is for you. In this eye-opening episode of The Year You Retire podcast, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren delve into the intricacies of capital gains taxes and the str...

Are you married, widowed, or divorced? If so, then you may be eligible to receive Social Security Benefits based on your spouse's or former spouse's work history even if you have also earned your own Social Security benefits. But unfortunately, understanding and claiming these benefits can be very complicated. And once you request benefits, the Social Security administration rarely lets you fix a mistake, even if that mistake means you miss out on thousands of dollars of income every year in ret...

Are you looking for a tax strategy that may help reduce the amount of taxes you pay during retirement? How about a strategy that may help increase the lifespan of your retirement portfolio? If so, then a Roth conversion may be the right move for you. In this episode of The Year You Retire, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren delve deep into the world of Roth conversions. They reveal the potential tax savings that a well-timed Roth conversion can provide during the retirement years. Through their insi...

Have you thought about working with a financial planner, but you’re just not sure what to expect? Have you thought you might benefit from creating a financial plan, but you just don’t know what the process might be like or if it would even be helpful? Wonder no more. In this episode you’ll be given a guided tour through the financial planning process at Phase 3 Advisory Services. Join hosts John Bever and Jim Uren as they reveal each step of the financial planning process that they follow with ...

In this episode of The Year You Retire, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren reveal their list of the seven primary retirement predators. These retirement predators are the biggest threats to your financial lifestyle in retirement and it is critical that you prepare yourself against the potential damage they can cause. So listen along as John and Jim discuss each of the seven predators and provide practical steps you can take to help protect yourself. With a friendly and relatable approach, they share ...

The buzz about Mint exiting the market has sent shockwaves through its user base, leaving many in search of a worthy alternative. Whether you've been a dedicated Mint user or are just diving into the world of budgeting apps, we've got you covered in this episode. The silver lining? There's a plethora of apps ready to empower you in taking charge of your spending and to help kick start your savings journey. However, with the sea of options out there, navigating through the information overload t...

In this episode, Jim Uren and John Bever discuss the decision of using a financial advisor versus managing retirement planning on your own. They cover the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, highlighting the cost-saving potential and personal enjoyment of the DIY method, but also cautioning about the time and potential for costly mistakes. On the other hand, they emphasize the expertise and knowledge that financial advisors bring to the table, along with the potential for costly mis...

Join John Bever and Jim Uren in this episode of "The Year You Retire" podcast as they tackle the topic of Getting the Most Out of Your Charitable Giving. Enjoy their friendly and approachable style, as you discover strategies like bunching charitable contributions and using donor advised funds, with real-life examples. Get inspired, informed, and uplifted with valuable insights on optimizing your charitable contributions for maximum tax benefits. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn why...

In this episode of The Year You Retire podcast, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren delve into the topic of retirement happiness, drawing from extensive research and insights to provide valuable takeaways for retirees. Listen along as they discuss the positive trend of happiness during retirement and emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose beyond your financial circumstances. Explore the transformative aspect of aging, the complex relationship between money and happiness, the role of ...

Planning for retirement involves navigating the complexities of Medicare sign-up, a process that can be confusing and lead to regrettable mistakes. Join hosts John Bever and Jim Uren as they break down key decisions, such as choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, understanding when to sign up, and avoiding enrollment penalties. They'll also address the need for separate prescription drug coverage and provide valuable insights to help you make informed choices. Tune in to g...

Deciding when to start claiming your Social Security retirement benefits is one of the biggest decisions you need to make in the year you retire. In this episode of The Year You Retire, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren will help you discover how you can get the most out of your individual Social Security benefits. With a laid-back and personable tone, they delve into key considerations such as the irrevocable nature of Social Security decisions, the earnings limit, timing of benefit payments, and t...

In the year you retire, you need to make sure that you are well versed in the world of short-term investments. So in this episode, we’ll explore the short-term investment options that you should consider adding to your retirement planning arsenal. We’ll guide you through the financial thrill ride of different bond types and the potential benefits that may help boost your earnings. We’ll also discuss FDIC insurance and the pros and cons of brokered CDs. And we discuss the tax implications and var...

One of the key decisions you need to make in the year you retire is what to do with the money in your 401(k). In this episode hosts John Bever and Jim Uren bring you the epic battle of the IRA versus the 401k. Do you leave all of your hard earned money in the 401(k)? Or do you move it into an IRA? Hold on to your seats as we unveil the thrilling pros and cons of each option. And be sure to listen until the end to discover the special circumstances that, if they apply to you, will help you avoid ...

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of retirement expenses and struggling to find an accurate estimation, then you are not alone! Many individuals nearing retirement are taking generic approaches, relying on rough estimates or outdated advice, which often leads to financial unpreparedness and anxiety about the future. Instead of achieving the desired result of a clear understanding of retirement expenses, they find themselves stuck in a cycle of guesswork and worry. But fear not, th...

Learn the purpose behind The Year You Retire podcast and discover the topics to be covered in future episodes.