In this episode of The Retirement Matters Show, we break down one of the most powerful- and often misunderstood- retirement planning tools: Roth conversions.

We discuss when Roth conversions may make sense, when they don't, and how using them correctly could help:

• Lower your lifetime tax bill

• Improve tax efficiency across your retirement journey

• Change how your money is taxed when it passes to your loved ones

We also show you how to identify unnecessary or hidden fees in your investment accounts- simply by reviewing your account statements - so you can better understand where your money may be leaking.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Roth conversions work in real retirement scenarios

• Common mistakes that make Roth conversions ineffective or costly

• How to spot excessive investment or advisory fees

• Why tax planning is just as important as investment performance

If you enjoy this episode, please consider liking, subscribing, and leaving an honest review- it helps us reach more people looking to make smarter retirement decisions!

The Retirement Matters Podcast helps you plan smarter so your retirement isn't left to chance.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan?
Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future

Thinking about early retirement? In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down the biggest mistakes people make when planning for retirement- especially the dangerous habit of trying to time the market.

Using a comical (and painful) first-and-last skiing experience, we draw parallels between skiing without a plan and retiring without one. We explain why building a retirement plan is far more important than chasing market performance, and we introduce a critical retirement planning tool everyone should understand before retiring early.

If you're focused on financial independence, early retirement planning, or avoiding costly retirement mistakes, this episode is a must-watch.

Topics covered:

• Early retirement planning essentials

• Why timing the market can derail your retirement

• The importance of having a strategy- not just investments

• Common mistakes retirees make (and how to avoid them)

• A key retirement tool you need to know

The Retirement Matters Podcast helps you plan smarter so your retirement isn't left to chance.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan?
Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future

Are you confident you have enough income to retire- or are you heading into retirement blindly?

In this episode of The Retirement Matters Show, we break down why cash flow planning is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of a successful retirement plan. Too many retirees are told to simply "fill up the gas tank," but without knowing your destination or how far you need to go, how do you know how much is enough?

Using a simple road-trip analogy, we explain:

• Why retirement without cash flow planning is risky

• How income planning impacts your ability to retire early

• Why small monthly changes (even $500) can make or break a retirement plan

• How forecasting future income helps remove emotion from retirement decisions

• What confident retirees do differently before they leave the workforce

Our advisor team walks through a real client scenario where one small adjustment made retirement possible, proving that clarity- not guesswork- is the key to financial confidence.

If you're approaching retirement or considering retiring early, this episode will help you understand the importance of knowing how much income you actually need to sustain the lifestyle you want. Our team is here to help!

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan?
Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future