Best James Conole Podcasts (2024)

1
Politics and Personal Finance: Strategies for Stability During a Wild Election Season 24:08

4h ago24:08

24:08

It’s election time again and right on cue, everything feels a little out of control. But should it? What does history have to say about market behavior around elections? Join us as we consider the influence of Democrats vs. Republicans, presidents vs. senators, the Fed vs. the DOJ, and more as we seek to find where politics and economics overlap (a…

1
Introducing the New Ready For Retirement 9:46

1h ago9:46

9:46

Ready for Retirement is on a mission to be the most valuable source of retirement information in the world. In that light, we’re making some changes. The biggest change is that rather than James doing all the talking, he’s inviting people like you to be part of the show. Some of you have real-life retirement advice to share. Others of you have ques…

1
Am I Too Old for Roth Conversions? 3 Things to Consider 23:42

7d ago23:42

23:42

Gary is a 73-year-old with $8 million in savings. Despite having substantial assets, he’s concerned about missed opportunities for Roth conversions as he faces significant required minimum distributions. James encourages Gary to reassess his investment strategy, particularly the bond funds in his Roth IRA, and align his tax planning with his broade…

1
Balancing Stocks, Bonds, Cash, and Your Financial Goals 30:13

12d ago30:13

30:13

How do financial advisors mix stocks, bonds, and cash to achieve the best returns to meet each person’s financial needs? In today’s episode, Scott Frank and Meg Bartelt discuss the unique risks and potential returns each one offers; focusing on these primary asset classes can lead to a more stable and profitable investment strategy. They dive into …

51
3 Key Factors to Consider Before Paying Your Mortgage Off in Retirement 19:12

16d ago19:12

19:12

Connor plans to retire soon and wonders if he should pay off his mortgage of $300,000 or invest those funds, especially since he has a low interest rate. James gives a detailed response and reveals why there is no one-size-fits-all answer. When it comes to having a mortgage in retirement, math and spreadsheets can help with part of the question, bu…

1
Pre-Retirement Tax Planning: Things to Know to Save Big in Retirement 21:51

21d ago21:51

21:51

Retirement tax planning should begin well before retirement. Listener Jodie, with over $2 million in assets in various types of accounts, is concerned about the high tax bracket she anticipates she be in in retirement. Is there a tax strategy that would put her in a lower tax bracket? James explores some often-overlooked tax strategies that can sav…

1
How to Stop Your Instincts and Biases From Ruining Your Portfolio Returns 20:46

27d ago20:46

20:46

People say it’s just business, it’s not emotional, but that’s really not the case. In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, tackle the psychological minefield of investment decisions and uncover how recent trends, like the meteoric rise of big …

1
Social Security Demystified: Calculating Taxation, Provisional Income, and the Tax Torpedo 17:18

28d ago17:18

17:18

Listener Michael asks about how Social Security is taxed, the rationale behind the 50% and 85% tax thresholds, and the implications of these taxes on Social Security and IRA withdrawals. James responds by explaining how Social Security is taxed at the federal level, highlighting the concept of provisional income and the thresholds that determine th…

1
The Roth Conversion Sweet Spot: Maximize Retirement Savings (And Avoid Costly Mistakes) 24:31

1M ago24:31

24:31

Listener Nael opens up a discussion about Roth conversions. There are benefits to doing Roth conversions, but can you do too many? Are there any downsides to Roth conversions? Reaping the tax benefits from Roth conversions requires hitting a specific sweet spot. If you convert too little or too much, you’ll be leaving money on the table. So, how do…

1
How to Build an Emergency Plan 24:52

1M ago24:52

24:52

How prepared are you for a financial crisis when job security feels more fragile than ever? In today's episode, Scott Frank and Meg Bartelt break down the essential steps to creating a strong emergency plan able to withstand the tech industry’s volatile job market. Learn how to navigate financial instability with actionable strategies. In order to …

1
How to Estimate Your Tax Bill in Retirement (And How to Pay it) 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

David has a question about taxes in retirement: When you’re retired and no longer getting a regular paycheck from which your employer withheld tax payments on your behalf, how do you estimate the taxes you’ll owe? To answer this question, it’s important to understand where income in retirement will be coming from and how that income is taxed. Once …

1
Retirement Income Strategies: IRA vs. Brokerage Withdrawals (The Tax-Smart Choice for Retirees) 33:01

2M ago33:01

33:01

Mark asks a common question – What should I do regarding my withdrawal strategy? Should I first pull from my brokerage account or my IRA? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but James provides a framework for creating a strategy to increase your odds of getting the most out of your money saved. He walks through the pros and cons of first pulling …

1
How Can You Plan For An Uncertain Future? 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

How do you secure your retirement against an uncertain future? In this episode of “Real Personal Finance,” Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, explore strategies to predict future expenses and ensure financial readiness, even if retirement is decades away. They address a listener …

1
The Four Phases of Retirement with Dr. Riley Moynes 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

Dr. Riley Moynes, author and creator of a popular TED Talk joins James to discuss his own retirement which led him to become the author of The 4 Phases of Retirement. While Dr. Moynes was financially prepared for retirement, he wasn’t prepared for the boredom and depression that followed the first two years of retirement fun. As it turns out, his r…

1
Planning for Large Costs in Retirement | Beyond the 4% Rule 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

Listener Sherry asks a good question: How do large, one-off expenses (like a new roof, new car, etc.) fit in the 4% Rule? James explains the concept of the 4% Rule and its limitations while demonstrating how it can be an effective guideline in planning and forecasting retirement success. He addresses the importance of anticipating one-off expenses …

1
Is Giving to a Donor-Advised Fund Worth It? 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

Rethink your charitable giving and maximize your tax benefits with Donor-Advised Funds. Discover how this streamlined and tax-efficient alternative to traditional donation methods might just be a game-changer to your financial strategy. Scott and Meg contrast DAFs with conventional giving methods like checks and credit cards, to paint a clearer pic…

1
Early Retirement Health Insurance Strategies | Roth Conversions vs. ACA Subsidies 33:36

3M ago33:36

33:36

Healthcare subsidies are like a tax break and should always be optimized, right? That seems like an easy question that should have a straightforward answer. But the correct answer is, “It depends.” Cole from Move Health is back, as he and James explain how advanced premium tax credits work, when you might not want to take them, and why it’s imperat…

1
Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement 29:25

3M ago29:25

29:25

We meet many people who are in a position to retire early. But when they think about healthcare in retirement and not being eligible for Medicare until age 65, they feel stuck, even though they’re ready for retirement in every other way. Cole Craven of Move Health Partners chats with James about the healthcare options that are available for early r…

1
Should I Invest in My Health Savings Account? 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Are you using your Health Savings Account to its full potential? HSAs are great for covering immediate healthcare costs, but with careful planning, they can also become a strategic part of your long-term wealth plan. This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, take on HSAs, sha…

1
Everything You Need to Know About Medicare: Q&A with a Medicare Expert 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

Drew Shockley of MOVE Health Partners joins James to address questions about Medicare. He overviews the Medicare system, explains Parts A, B, C, and D, and breaks down what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, who is covered, and when/why you might want alternative coverage. Questions Answered: I’m 65, still working and qualify for Medicare, but I have…

1
What Should You Do With Your Stock Portfolio? 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

Deciding what to do with your stocks can prove to be a problem, challenge, and opportunity all at once. With a huge portfolio in front of you, what can you do to slim it down? This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, provide insights on how to cut down on your stocks to achi…

1
How to Prepare for Retirement Within 5 Years: 401k, Savings & Investment Changes 30:28

3M ago30:28

30:28

Graham and his wife are in their early 50s and plan to retire in 5 years. He wonders if they should continue maxing out their 401ks, how their investments should change, and what they should do with savings accounts to best prepare for their retirement goals. James addresses these questions, Graham’s biggest risk as he nears retirement, and potenti…

1
What Should You Do With Your Pile of Cash? 23:09

3M ago23:09

23:09

Is your cash currently sitting under your mattress, withering away with inflation? While stashing your cash seems like a safe bet, it limits your access to investment opportunities. With inflation rising, the value of your cash may not have the longevity you hoped for. If you currently have a pile of cash and are asking yourself, “Well…what now?” t…

1
Is It Possible To Actually Reach FIRE? 25:34

3M ago25:34

25:34

What does being financially independent mean to you? Those chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) are choosing to live frugally now to achieve early retirement. FIRE is a means to unlock a life where work is optional and the freedom of choice reigns supreme. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flo…

1
How Can You Avoid Surprises Next Tax Season? 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

Does your anxiety spike every time tax season rolls around? The possibility of receiving an unexpected tax bill can bring a sense of dread to the entire month of April. We all have to pay taxes, but we don’t have to stress about them. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, is joined by Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, t…

1
How to Know When You Should Stop Saving for Retirement (and What to Do Next) 31:23

3M ago31:23

31:23

Drew, a burnt-out, financially responsible 40-something father of two, hopes he can scale back from his stressful job and still be okay when it’s time to retire. James offers a practical and philosophical take as he tackles Drew’s question. He demonstrates how to determine when Drew and his wife will be in a good position to fully retire. He also c…

1
3 Simple Steps to Determine If You Can Retire 21:19

4M ago21:19

21:19

How do you know if you can retire? It seems straightforward, but the answer is far from simple. Beyond portfolio balances and age thresholds, there are other things to consider. James explains his three-step test to determine your retirement readiness. By pulling together principles from the 4% Rule, straight-line projection, and a Monte Carlo anal…

1
Tax Planning for Widowed Retirees: How to Optimize Your Tax Strategy 21:54

4M ago21:54

21:54

Jennifer, 54, plans to retire soon. Her husband, 70, is retired, on Social Security, and dealing with some severe health issues. Jennifer worries about possibly becoming single in retirement, which could result in a higher tax bracket for her. Jennifer is considering whether to convert her traditional accounts to Roth to lower future taxes or to ch…

1
Lump Sum vs. Annuitization: Tax Implications for Your Non-Qualified Annuity 17:43

4M ago17:43

17:43

Joe is planning for retirement and wants to minimize his tax burden, especially on the interest earned from his three annuities. James explains that non-qualified annuities are purchased with post-tax money and offer tax deferral on growth until withdrawal. When taking out funds, the principal is tax-free, but earnings are taxed at ordinary income …

1
At What Age Should I Work with a Financial Advisor? 24:02

4M ago24:02

24:02

Deciding to work with a financial advisor is about more than how much you've stashed away. It's also about determining whether an advisor's benefits outweigh the costs. In your higher earning years, finances become more complex. More money means more decisions and more chances to make mistakes or miss out on opportunities. That's where a quality ad…

1
Sell, Rent, or Borrow? Best Ways to Use Home Equity in Retirement 24:48

5M ago24:48

24:48

Listener Ray is wondering what to do with his home as he embarks on a nomadic, van-life journey in retirement. Should he sell it to finance his travels or retain it for potential appreciation and cash flow? James explores the nuances of home ownership as an asset versus an investment. He considers cash flow and leverage as he looks at Ray’s three o…

1
Pay ZERO Capital Gains Tax vs Roth Conversions in Retirement: How to Determine Which is Best 34:55

5M ago34:55

34:55

Listener Drew asks about a tax strategy for juggling capital gains and Roth conversions. While it can be a complicated question – especially when large accounts are involved – James provides some general guidelines that can be helpful for anyone with similar gnarly tax strategy challenges in retirement. In this episode, we’ll cover the extent to wh…

1
Tax-Smart Strategies for Wealth Transfer: Secure Your Family's Future 28:25

5M ago28:25

28:25

James responds to listener Jerry’s question about the optimal time to distribute inheritance or charitable gifts: before or after passing away. James walks listeners through four important things to consider when it comes to gifting and inheritance: your gifting goal, whether you have a strong desire to see the assets gifted within your lifetime, t…

1
Roth Conversion Strategies to Protect Your Spouse's Future Tax Burden 35:14

5M ago35:14

35:14

A listener says, “Eventually, one spouse will pass before the other, which will often catapult the survivor into a significantly higher tax bracket. Shouldn’t a Roth strategy take this into account?” James explores several factors that could positively and negatively impact a survivor’s tax liability and what to consider when creating a Roth conver…

1
Should I Fund my Retirement Needs by Purchasing an Annuity? 19:17

6M ago19:17

19:17

Jason and his wife face a crucial decision: whether to purchase an annuity or pursue traditional investments as they prepare for a full-time, slow-travel retirement. With a diverse array of income sources, including pensions, 401k, property sales, and Social Security, they estimate their monthly expenses at $7,500. James analyzes their situation, e…

1
How Should I Invest Bucket #1 of my Retirement Portfolio (3 Bucket Strategy) 26:01

6M ago26:01

26:01

The "Three Bucket Strategy" is a popular retirement income planning method. The first bucket covers immediate expenses in retirement. Listeners John and Donna are seeking advice on constructing their first bucket. With $1.6 million in assets and pension incomes, they aim to retire in 2026. James analyzes their needs, income sources, and portfolio a…

1
At What Point Should I Take the Tax Hit on Unrealized Gains? 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

Benjamin, nearing retirement at 65, faces a familiar dilemma with his taxable account housing expensive mutual funds. Despite their underperformance, converting to low-cost index funds entails a significant tax hit due to long-held appreciable value. James explains weighing the immediate tax consequences against the risk of holding onto underperfor…

1
Maximize Your Early Retirement: Should You Save to 401k or Brokerage Accounts? 32:08

6M ago32:08

32:08

Typical retirement strategies assume a retirement age of over 60. With an earlier retirement goal, a careful look is required to determine what strategies will create the best outcome. James responds to a listener’s question about where to invest as he anticipates an early retirement. James walks through the steps of Root’s Sequoia System to explor…

1
Safe Withdrawal Rate Myths: Debunking 3 Common 4% Rule Mistakes 20:00

7M ago20:00

20:00

The 4% rule helps us understand how much we can safely take out of our portfolio each year without running out of money in retirement. Yet, as simple as the 4 percent rule seems, the practical implications are drastically misunderstood. I explore the three common mistakes people make when applying this rule and how to avoid them. Questions Answered…

1
Secrets to a Happy Retirement: What the Research Shows 31:21

7M ago31:21

31:21

Retirement is not just about financial readiness; it's also about finding purpose, passion, and personal growth. James and guest Cynthia Meyer debunk the arrival fallacy, the illusion that reaching retirement will bring lasting happiness. Having structure in retirement and pursuing your passions is vital to feeling fulfilled. Although it's easy to …

1
What's the Right Roth Conversion Amount to Avoid a Tax Nightmare in the Future? 26:40

7M ago26:40

26:40

Sammy, a 51-year-old retiree, is seeking advice on how much she should convert from her traditional IRA to a Roth IRA each year to avoid jumping tax brackets and minimize the taxation of her social security benefits. James analyzes Sammy's current financial situation and offers guidance on approaching the tax planning aspect of her retirement strat…

1
How to Maximize Social Security Spousal Benefits 20:07

7M ago20:07

20:07

James addresses a common concern for a couple approaching retirement through a listener’s question. Listener Rob plans to collect Social Security early at 62, raising questions about his wife’s retirement. Understanding Social Security strategies to avoid potential losses during retirement is important. James explains the intricacies of spousal ben…

1
Bond Ladders in 2024: How to Build a Bond Portfolio for Your Retirement 35:16

7M ago35:16

35:16

As one listener prepares for an early retirement, James discusses the situation, covering how to build a bond ladder based on non-retirement funds. James provides a different way of looking at the stock-to-bond conversation. Learn how to determine the appropriate amount to have a bond ladder and whether you should own individual bonds or bond funds…

1
3 Ways to Protect Against Sequence of Return Risk in Retirement 26:43

8M ago26:43

26:43

James explores the concept of sequence of return risk in retirement planning. Most people are unaware of how risky this is, as it doesn’t become an issue until you begin living off your portfolio. Responding to a listener’s inquiry about early retirement, James dives into the potential impact of market timing on retirement outcomes. Learn three act…

1
Should We Sell Stocks to Make a Large Purchase? 21:46

8M ago21:46

21:46

Should you sell long-term stocks for a real estate investment? I walk through one listener’s question and explain what you need to consider before making such a decision. Aside from the obvious–is it a good financial investment–you also need to consider if it's a good emotional decision. Learn: ➡ The tax implications: how are capital gains taxed di…

1
Am I Crazy For Paying My Financial Advisor $25k/year? 30:20

8M ago30:20

30:20

When you’re doing well financially, paying advisor fees might seem unnecessary. So do you need an advisor if you’re already in a good place? Having a successful retirement isn’t just about not running out of money; it’s about what more you can do. Through a real-life client story, I explain how having an advisor’s perspective to implement the right…

1
When Should You Collect Social Security if Your Spouse is Much Older? 20:39

8M ago20:39

20:39

James addresses a listener's question regarding Social Security strategies in retirement. Sasha, aged 59, seeks advice on when to start collecting Social Security, considering her husband's benefits and their overall retirement plan. James emphasizes the importance of considering spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and age gaps in making this deci…

1
Roth IRA Tax-Free Withdrawals: 5-Year Rule Explained 19:44

9M ago19:44

19:44

James explores the nuanced aspects of Roth IRAs, shedding light on intricacies that can confound even experienced investors. Through a listener question from Manfred, a retiree contemplating a $50,000 conversion from a 401k to a Roth account, James dissects the crucial five-year holding period and the order in which contributions, conversions, and …

1
Retire Happy: How to Navigate Your Retirement Transition with Joe Kuhn 40:20

9M ago40:20

40:20

When we think of retirement, it often evokes dreams of leisure, relaxation, and the freedom to pursue one's passions. Yet, the decision to retire is not merely about leaving a career; it's about embarking on a new chapter filled with purpose and fulfillment. Joe Kuhn, a seasoned retiree and creator of the "Joe Kuhn Loves Retirement" YouTube channel…

1
Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategies to Maximize Your Benefit and Avoid Costly Mistakes 25:23

9M ago25:23

25:23

Tax loss harvesting is a strategy that investors use to reduce their tax bill. However, there are many misconceptions about tax loss harvesting, including when it's valuable and how to do it effectively. James debunks some of the most common myths about tax loss harvesting and explains how to use this strategy to your advantage. Questions Answered…

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James Conole Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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