In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions address the unique challenges and considerations that come with retiring single or after the loss of a spouse.

Jim and Casey discuss how retirement planning can change when you’re relying on a single income stream and making decisions on your own. They cover important topics such as Social Security strategies, income planning, tax considerations, estate planning updates, and managing risk — all while navigating the emotional side of major life transitions.

This episode is designed to help single and widowed retirees move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that supports both financial security and peace of mind.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Intro: Retirement planning when you’re on your own 01:52 – Why retiring single or widowed requires a different approach 03:26 – Emotional and financial shifts after loss or separation 05:12 – Income planning with a single household budget 07:08 – Social Security considerations for single and widowed retirees 09:12 – Survivor benefits and claiming strategies 11:18 – Managing taxes with one income stream 13:06 – Estate planning updates and beneficiary reviews 15:02 – Risk management and insurance considerations 17:06 – Building a reliable retirement income plan 19:04 – Common mistakes single and widowed retirees make 21:10 – Creating a trusted support team 23:04 – Practical steps to regain confidence and control 25:12 – Key takeaways and encouragement 27:00 – Final thoughts and closing

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions tackle a popular piece of financial advice: “Always max out your 401(k).”

Jim and Casey explain why this rule of thumb can be helpful in some situations — but harmful in others. They walk through how tax brackets, employer matches, cash flow needs, future tax uncertainty, and account diversification all play a role in determining whether maxing out a 401(k) actually makes sense for you.

This episode encourages listeners to move beyond blanket advice and instead focus on intentional retirement planning that aligns savings strategies with long-term goals, flexibility, and tax efficiency.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: The “max out your 401(k)” question 01:30 – Why this advice is so commonly given 03:02 – The benefits of maxing out a 401(k) 04:58 – Employer match vs. full max contributions 06:22 – Tax brackets and future tax uncertainty 08:10 – When maxing out doesn’t make sense 10:06 – Balancing retirement savings with cash flow 12:02 – 401(k)s vs. Roth and taxable accounts 14:04 – Flexibility and access to funds before retirement 16:06 – Building a diversified savings strategy 18:00 – Closing and final thoughts

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions break down key tax planning considerations for retirees coming out of 2025 and heading into 2026.

Jim and Casey discuss why taxes remain one of the biggest — and most controllable — risks in retirement. They cover topics such as changing tax brackets, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth strategies, capital gains planning, and how proactive tax decisions can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Rather than focusing on predictions, this episode emphasizes flexibility, planning, and awareness, helping retirees and pre-retirees understand where opportunities and pitfalls may exist in the coming years.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why tax planning matters more in retirement 01:36 – Why retirees need to think differently about taxes 03:02 – Current tax brackets and why future changes matter 04:56 – The role of RMDs in retirement tax planning 06:42 – Roth conversions: when they make sense (and when they don’t) 08:34 – Managing taxable vs. tax-deferred accounts 10:18 – Capital gains planning and investment taxation 12:04 – How Social Security benefits are taxed 13:52 – Medicare premiums and tax-related surcharges 15:24 – Coordinating income sources to reduce tax drag 17:06 – Common tax planning mistakes retirees make 18:56 – Action steps to consider for 2025–2026 20:24 – Final thoughts and closing

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.