In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis explains how Social Security cost of living adjustments, rising Medicare premiums, and required minimum distributions can quietly reduce your retirement income. Stewart breaks down why a Social Security raise does not always mean more money in your pocket and how Medicare increases and IRMA penalties can create a net loss for many retirees.

You will learn how provisional income really works, why Social Security becomes taxable for so many people, and how outdated income thresholds are pulling more retirees into higher tax exposure every year. Stewart also dives into inherited IRAs, the end of the stretch IRA, and how compressed distribution rules can turn retirement savings into a tax time bomb if not planned properly.

The conversation also covers Roth conversions, Roth 401k strategies later in life, and why tax planning must be coordinated with Social Security and RMD decisions. If you want to reduce unnecessary taxes, protect your income, and build a smarter retirement plan, this episode delivers clear explanations and actionable guidance.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and tax planning analysis.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the most common tax and retirement planning mistakes he sees during the busiest season of the year. From understanding why tax preparation and tax planning are two very different things to knowing when a Roth conversion actually makes sense, Stewart explains why proactive planning is critical while today’s tax environment is still favorable.

You will hear real stories about layoffs, early Social Security decisions, severance packages, and how unplanned taxable income can trigger penalties that surprise retirees. Stewart also discusses why so many Americans are delaying retirement, how longer life expectancy and inflation are reshaping retirement timelines, and why having savings is not the same as having an income plan.

If you want to avoid unnecessary taxes, protect your Social Security, and build a retirement strategy that accounts for Medicare premiums, cash flow, and long term stability, this episode delivers practical guidance and clear next steps.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and retirement readiness report.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel pick up their conversation on required minimum distributions and why the timing of your very first RMD can create a surprise tax problem. Stewart explains the special rule that lets you delay that first withdrawal until April of the following year, and why doing that can force you to take two RMDs in one tax year, potentially pushing you into higher brackets and triggering more tax on Social Security and Medicare surcharges. He also walks through how qualified charitable distributions work, how they differ from just writing a check to your church, and why QCDs can be a powerful way for tithers and regular givers over age seventy and a half to support causes they love without increasing their taxable income.

From there, the focus shifts to Medicare open enrollment and the wave of commercials that hit every fall. Stewart explains why the plan and supplements you choose really matter, what Medicare does not cover such as long term nursing and custodial care, and the pros and cons of traditional long term care insurance versus self insurance strategies that are built into a broader financial plan. He shares personal stories about his own family, the realities of rising care costs, and why couples especially those with an age gap need to coordinate their Medicare and long term care decisions instead of simply copying each other’s elections.

Stewart also talks about how his team uses cash flow analysis and Monte Carlo simulations to test different life and health scenarios, so clients can see whether their portfolios can support better coverage, higher medical costs or an unexpected long stay in care without running out of money. The episode wraps with an invitation to review your Medicare choices, your risk level and your overall retirement readiness so you can feel confident about the path you are on.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review, Medicare discussion and retirement readiness analysis.