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.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisor and retirement planner Jim Martin of Martin Wealth Solutions is joined by special guest Linwood Fraher to tackle a common question many investors and retirees wrestle with: When does it make sense to hire a financial advisor?

Jim and Linwood discuss the moments in life when DIY investing can become risky — such as major life transitions, retirement planning, tax complexity, or managing emotions during volatile markets. They explain what a good advisor actually does beyond picking investments, how fiduciary advice differs from sales-driven guidance, and how working with the right advisor can bring clarity, confidence, and coordination to your entire financial life.

Whether you’re managing things on your own or already working with an advisor, this episode helps you evaluate when professional guidance can add real value.

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

00:00 – Introduction: The question of hiring an advisor 00:49 – Meet Jim Martin & special guest Linwood Fraher 01:44 – Why so many people try to manage finances on their own 03:18 – Life events that often trigger the need for advice 05:06 – Retirement planning complexity vs. DIY investing 06:58 – Taxes, income planning, and coordination challenges 08:52 – Emotional decision-making and market volatility 10:46 – What a good financial advisor actually does 12:34 – Fiduciary advice vs. product-driven sales 14:28 – How an advisor adds value beyond investments 16:22 – Signs it may be time to get professional help 18:20 – Questions to ask before hiring an advisor 20:16 – Red flags to watch out for 22:18 – Key takeaways and next steps

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 what it truly takes to retire before age 60 — and why it’s more about planning and discipline than luck or extreme investing.

Jim and Casey discuss the key building blocks of early retirement, including savings rates, tax strategy, healthcare planning, income flexibility, and lifestyle design. They also address common misconceptions about retiring early, the trade-offs involved, and how to build a plan that supports long-term sustainability rather than short-term freedom.

Whether early retirement is a firm goal or simply a possibility you want to keep open, this episode provides a realistic framework to help you decide if retiring before 60 is achievable — and what steps to take next.

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

00:00 – Introduction: Why retiring before 60 appeals to so many people 01:38 – What “retiring before 60” really means 03:06 – The biggest misconceptions about early retirement 05:02 – Savings rate vs. rate of return 06:58 – Tax strategy and account positioning 08:56 – Healthcare planning before Medicare 10:48 – Income flexibility and withdrawal planning 12:42 – Lifestyle expectations and trade-offs 14:28 – How early retirement changes risk management 16:16 – Common mistakes early retirees make 18:06 – Key questions to ask if early retirement is your goal 20:01 – Final thoughts and encouragement

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 discuss the growing reality many families face: supporting aging parents while protecting your own retirement plan.

Jim and Casey walk through the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that arise when parents begin needing help. They cover how to start difficult conversations, understand care options, coordinate finances, and avoid common mistakes that can strain relationships and derail long-term plans. The conversation offers practical guidance for navigating caregiving responsibilities with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

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

00:00 – Introduction: When caring for parents becomes part of your plan 02:02 – Why more families are facing caregiving decisions 03:34 – The emotional impact of helping aging parents 05:22 – Starting the conversation with Mom & Dad 07:14 – Understanding care options: in-home, assisted living, and beyond 09:26 – Financial considerations families often overlook 11:42 – Coordinating siblings and shared responsibilities 13:58 – How caregiving can affect your own retirement goals 16:04 – Planning ahead to avoid crisis-driven decisions 18:22 – Legal and documentation considerations 20:14 – When professional help may be needed 22:06 – Common mistakes families make 24:10 – Key takeaways for caregivers and planners

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 sensitive — but very common — retirement challenge: when one spouse is ready to retire and the other isn’t.

Jim and Casey discuss why this situation happens more often than people expect and how differences in identity, purpose, finances, and timing can create tension. They explore the emotional and practical considerations behind staggered retirements, how income planning changes when only one spouse stops working, and why communication and clarity are critical before making any big decisions.

If you or your spouse are approaching retirement and feeling unsure about taking that step together, this episode offers thoughtful guidance to help couples move forward with confidence and alignment.

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

00:00 – Introduction: When retirement timing isn’t aligned 01:46 – Why this issue comes up so often with couples 03:12 – Emotional reasons one spouse may not want to retire 05:08 – Identity, purpose, and work beyond the paycheck 07:06 – Financial concerns behind staggered retirements 09:02 – How income planning changes when one spouse retires 11:14 – Social Security and benefit timing considerations 13:06 – Communication mistakes couples often make 15:02 – How to start the retirement conversation productively 17:04 – Planning options when spouses retire at different times 19:10 – Real-life client examples and lessons learned 21:12 – 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 take on some of the most common — and dangerous — investment myths that can derail retirement plans.

Jim and Casey break down widely held beliefs about risk, market timing, diversification, income investing, and “playing it safe” in retirement. They explain why these myths persist, how they can quietly hurt long-term outcomes, and what a smarter, more disciplined investment approach looks like as you near or enter retirement.

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about how to invest once retirement is on the horizon, this episode provides clarity and perspective to help you make confident, informed decisions.

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

00:00 – Introduction: Why retirement investment myths are so common 01:42 – Why misinformation spreads in investing 02:10 – Myth #1: “The Stock Market is too risky in retirement” 05:03 – Myth #2: “Bond are always safe” 06:03 – Myth #3: “You can just live off dividends and interest” 08:34 – Myth #4: “Can you time the Market?” 10:12 – Myth #5: “Past performance predicts future results” 12:20 – Myth #6: “Fees don't matter if performance is good” 13:48 – Myth #7: “You don't need professional help - You can do it yourself” 16:40 – How to protect yourself from investment myths 21:06 – What smart investing really looks like in retirement 23:10 – Key takeaways 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.