Planner Pals, Mark and Jess, cover various topics about Planning, Bullet Journaling, Stationery, Productivity Methods, and more.
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Got your bucket list ready to go? Been fattening up your 401k, maxing out your IRA contributions, calculating your social security pay-out? Then you’re ready to talk amongst friends, which is what The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is all about. This biweekly conversation features Josh Bretl, a CPA, Senior Advisor, and owner of FSR Wealth Strategies who shares financial planning tips and informative insights gleaned over two decades of helping clients achieve their retirement dreams. A lo ...
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1
The Planner Layouts We Can't Live Without
1:02:55
1:02:55
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What are your must-have planner layouts? Join Mark and Jess as they each countdown their top 5!📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast📙 Want to find us elsewhere?Jess: https://youtube.com/JashiiCorrinMark: https://www.youtube.com/@markyourpages…
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Balancing planning for work and home can be challenging, especially when either space is better with different styles 😝 How do you plan for your work vs personal life?📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast📙 Want to find us elsewhere?Jess: https://youtu…
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Why don't we see more men in the planner community? Join the planner pals as they explore why we don't have as many planner guys.📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast📙 Want to find us elsewhere?Mark: https://www.youtube.com/@markyourpagesJess: https:/…
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Digital planning is a great alternative to analogue methods, but what are the things to watch out for? 🤔📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast📙 MentionedJess's digital bullet journal: https://jashii.com/products/notion-bullet-journal-bundle📙 Want to fi…
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1
Never Have I Ever... (Stationery Edition)
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Never have I ever is a great way to learn things about your friends, so join the Planner Pals as they expose their stationery-related secrets! 😝 📙 How many had you done?Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast📙 Want to find us elsewhere?Jess: https://youtube.com/JashiiCorrinMark: …
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One of the dangers with sharing your work online is that people can steal your pictures or designs 😅 Join Jess and Mark as they discuss the wild west of the planner community and how we can protect ourselves against art theft.📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/planne…
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The GO Wild experience can be a pricey one, so was GO Wild 2024 worth it?📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast📙 Want to find us elsewhere?Jess: https://youtube.com/JashiiCorrinMark: https://www.youtube.com/@markyourpages…
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The planner community is a great one, but that doesn't mean that creators don't feel the weight of competition! Join Jess and Mark as they explore how the community vs competition dynamic has changed during their time on social media and ways to build community with your "competitors". 📙 Mentioned Tory of @CreativeMindsCoffeeGrinds Julia of @julia-…
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The GO Wild 2024 planner conference is right around the corner! Super exciting stuff, but what are Jess and Mark expecting and how are they getting prepared? 📙 Mentioned GO Wild planner conference information: https://www.gowildconf.com/GO Wild hosts: @WildforPlanners Planner Pals / JCC meet up: https://www.facebook.com/events/929960248659040 or ht…
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Can Mark convert Jess to be a fountain pen lover? Well he sure can try! 😝📙 Links mentioned (feat. affiliate links)Atlas Stationers: https://tinyurl.com/Atlaspens (save 10% with code MarkYourPages10)Goulet Pens: https://www.gouletpens.comJulia Royal on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@julia-royal📙 Mark's pen suggestions for newbiesPlatinum Preppy: …
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Is there a right way to bullet journal? Join Jess and Mark as they explore how you might be bullet journaling wrong and what actually makes something a bullet journal. 📙 We want to hear from you! Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.com Send us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpalspodcast 📙 Want to find us elsewhere? Jess: https://…
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While there are plenty of planning systems, bullet journaling in the one we've stuck with. Join Jess and Mark to explore how they were introduced to bullet journaling and how their bullet journaling has changed over time.📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at https://instagram.com/plannerpals…
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Why do you plan the way you do? Join your planner pals, Jess and Mark, for a trip down memory lane to consider what influenced their planning systems, the styles they're currently using, and predictions for how their planning might change in the future. 📙 We want to hear from you!Send us an email at plannerpalspodcast@gmail.comSend us a message at …
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041: Annuities Part 2 - Because Some Is Never Enough!
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Sometimes investment decisions (like saving for retirement) are black and white. No nuance or downsides. But when it comes to annuities, there are shades of grey that The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is here to help you understand. On this second of two parts, Host Josh Bretl shares FSR Wealth Strategies’ take on when, how and why certain annu…
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040: What’s Annuities Got to Do With It? - Part 1
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Annuities! For years now they’ve been dissed, maligned and misunderstood … which is why we’re setting the record straight on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom. Host Josh Bretl, owner of FSR Wealth Strategies, explains why this particular investment vehicle has gotten a bad rap (Co-Host Dave Schmidt can relate) and how to educate ourselves o…
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039: Choosing the Right Retirement Financial Advisor: A Checklist for Success
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Clarity. Simplicity. Certainty. When it comes to turning our finances over to an expert, these are the three guiding lights that Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, wants us to keep in mind. Retirement planning represents a different phase of life and requires the right expertise, which is why this episode of Retirement Equals Freedo…
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038: When It Comes to Taxes, It’s All in the Planning!
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When it comes to Tax Prep versus Tax Planning? Hands down, planning is king! Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth, is showing us the difference between putting together the info we need to file our taxes (always a short-term nuisance!) and positioning ourselves to minimize what we actually owe when April 15th rolls around (a long-term proposition…
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037: Waking Up to Bank Failures and What It All Means
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It’s been a bumpy ride for banks lately – but context is everything! That’s why Josh Bretl, our fearless host and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is here to decode the collapse in recent weeks of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic. When we talk about these bank failures and the role of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.…
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Medicare. The beauty and the terror! This episode of Retirement Equals Freedom features a first-ever guest, David Wylly of Medicare Solutions Network, who is here to liberate us from our fear of the unknown! Host Josh Bretl, Founder of FSR Wealth Solutions, runs through a list of key questions covering everything we need to know about this federal …
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Medicare with all its parts and options intimidates a lot of us – with good reason. But Host Josh Bretl, Founder of FSR Wealth, and his prize pupil, Co-Host Dave Schmidt, have got our backs! In the first of what will be a two-part blockbuster, the Retirement Equals Freedom team is bringing us the ins and outs of a federal health care benefit from w…
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034: FSR’s Mic Drop Mission Statement 2.0
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From its inception, the Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast has been laser-focused on providing practical info to help folks prepare for their golden years. But on this very special episode Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is letting us in on a secret! As he and Co-Host Dave Schmidt explain, their team’s positive energy and client s…
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033: Tax Challenges Are Unavoidable. But There Are Solutions!
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Buckle up for this one because Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is not messing around. This episode of the Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is getting down to the nitty-gritty of tax strategy for retirement. Following up on Episode 32, as promised we’re getting the solutions and work-arounds for a range of tax-related challenges …
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032: Don’t Let Tax Drag Drag Your Investments Down!
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Have you ever wondered whether your retirement nest egg is mired in Tax Drag? If not, it’ll definitely be on your radar after this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast. Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is breaking down the intent behind portfolio rebalancing and the difference between sheltered and unsheltered investme…
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031: SECURE Act 2.0 for Retirees – What You Need to Know!
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Whether we’re talking about gall bladders or the SECURE Act 2.0, there’s really no such thing as over-sharing. Right? That’s why on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, Host Josh Bretl is diving deep into both topics! In addition to finding out how he’s faring post-surgery, we’re also getting a thorough debrief on the many (in some cases subt…
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030: Fun With 401k Plans - America's Greatest Savings Tool!
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They are the single biggest savings tool we have available to us. Are you using them effectively? That’s the question Host Josh Bretl explores on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, which is devoted to all things 401k: How they work. Who can contribute. Ways to make and monitor investments inside them. When it’s okay to withdraw funds from t…
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029: Your Annual IRA Contributions – When, Why & How Much!
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We’re at the dawn of 2023 and Co-Hosts Josh Bretl and Dave Schmidt are here to help us all fill our buckets – financially and otherwise! Join us for a special New Year Edition of the Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast focused on figuring out how traditional and Roth IRAs as well as 401k plans can work for you! #TaxNerds: You’ll come away understandi…
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028: 4 Things to Know Before Claiming Social Security (Part 3)
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You may be getting ready to tuck into your favorite holiday movie, but not quite yet! There’s more to learn about Social Security, thanks to Retirement Equals Freedom’s very special Part III episode all about the gift that keeps on giving! Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is closing out the year with a recap and deeper dive into s…
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027: When Should You Claim Social Security? (Part 2)
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Have you been counting down the hours? Well, it’s heeere! Part II of what promises to be a Retirement Equals Freedom ratings bonanza focused on – you asked for it – Social Security! Host Josh Bretl is walking us through some of the variables that we all want to factor into the all-important decision about when to start receiving Social Security. So…
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026: Getting the Lowdown on Social Security (Part 1)
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Are you ready for all things Social Security? On this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, Host Josh Bretl is starting off a 360° look at this federal program that touches the lives of just about every retired American. (We promise, it’s exciting!) This jam-packed show is focused on the system’s history – from how it got started to how its paramet…
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025: Factoring Longer Lifespans into Retirement Security – and Fun!
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Actuarially speaking, death these days isn’t really a downer! As Host Josh Bretl highlights with data points on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, the average human life span has stretched way out beyond previous generations. The good news is, that means more years to enjoy! But that positive headline also comes with a word to the wise: You…
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They say timing is everything, which is most definitely the case when it comes to year-end financial planning. That’s why Host Josh Bretl is bringing us his Top Six End-of-Year Considerations as we bring 2022 to a close. This episode of Retirement Equals Freedom (crisply choreographed with a big assist from Erin!) features a comprehensive “to do” l…
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If you’ve been impatiently waiting for another installment in Host Josh Bretl’s compelling tutorial about all things bonds, then this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is for you! In addition to recapping how today’s bond market differs from what we’ve seen over the past 40 years, Josh is explaining everything you need to know about …
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022: All About Inflation Fighting I Bonds
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Guess what? I Bonds are no longer the bell bottoms of financial investments! In fact, they are right on point in these inflationary times! Host Josh Bretl, CPA and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, explains exactly why Co-Host Dave Schmidt – and anyone else with some spare cash being eroded by inflation – might want to consider this low-risk govern…
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021: How Does the SECURE Act Affect Your IRAs?
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Wait for it! Who knew that anticipating one person’s “Byeee!” could create such compelling podcast drama? We don’t want to undersell the exciting insights Host Josh Bretl is sharing about the Secure Act of 2019 on this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast. But its special guest Erin Fogarty, an advisor at FSR Wealth, who generates the e…
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Welcome to this very special follow-up to Episode 19 – which was all about an edge-of-your-seat subject: Bonds. This time out The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is building on that theme by taking an unvarnished look at the 60/40 portfolio. For decades, explains FSR Wealth Strategies Founder and Host Josh Bretl, it’s provided retirees a reliable…
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019: Do Bonds Have a Place in My Portfolio?
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Don’t fast forward! No matter what you’ve heard (from extended family who shall remain nameless), we promise it only gets better! This week’s episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast features Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth, taking a deep dive into the sexy world of … bonds. Co-host Dave Schmidt is along for the ride, with some quest…
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018: What Happens to Your Money When You Die?
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What happens to your money after you die? This episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast goes right to the heart of this sensitive question – one that lots of us squeamishly avoid. Co-hosts Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies and Dave Schmidt (aka Vulcan Schmidt Todd Lopez) move us out of denial into a clearer understanding of what estate pl…
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Hiyeee! Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, and his Retirement Equals Freedom sidekick, Dave Schmidt, are back to regale you with everything from a Fleetwood Mac cover to eating Cheerios off the floor to some great news: You’re probably under-dreaming when it comes to what you can afford to enjoy in retirement. Even Dave might have a shot…
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Show me the money! On this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast we’re finding out about the world of financial planning fees. What’s totally worth it, what’s so-so and when can you save $$ by managing on your own? Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, breaks down the different types of fees and shares advice he gives folks …
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Live from the FSR Wealth Strategies podcast studio in the heart of Elmhurst, Illinois, it’s another episode of The Retirement = Freedom and for the very first time … featuring Host Josh Bretl drinking Cometeer Coffee's flavorful La Esperanza roast. Guess what? He likes it. He really, really likes it! You also won’t want to miss Co-Host Dave Schmidt…
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014: What to Look For in a Retirement Advisor
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Choosing a financial advisor is serious business. Ideally, you’re entering into a reciprocal relationship based on … what? That’s what we’re finding out. On this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast we’re learning from Host Josh Bretl about the Top 9 things to consider in forming what is arguably one of the most significant – and hopefully e…
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013: Should Taxes Play a Role in Where You Decide to Retire?
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When you imagine your Golden Pond – the retirement venue of your dreams – what does it look like? Have you really done your research and thought it through? On this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast we learn from Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, some of the factors that are important to consider when choosing where to la…
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012: Roth IRA Conversions Are For Everyone
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Back by popular demand (probably), Host Josh Bretl is diving into the finer points of savings conversions in a follow-up to Part I of a very special Retirement = Freedom Podcast arc devoted to all things Roth IRA. If you missed the first installment, you might want to review the basics by listening to Episode 011, which you’ll find here. This episo…
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011: Roth IRAs May be the Greatest Tax Benefit to Retirees
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You’ve heard it before: Timing is everything. On this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast we’re learning about the ins and outs of the Roth IRA and why it’s such a fantastic savings tool, so long as it's executed correctly. Host Josh Bretl gets into the finer points of tax-deferred versus tax-free distributions, what conditions must be met …
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010: Inflation is Here and it's Not Going Away
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And once again we’re rolling … LIVE from the new FSR Wealth Strategies studio, this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast takes on a financial bogeyman that impacts absolutely everyone. We’re talking: Inflation. And, sorry folks, but it’s here to stay. Host Josh Bretl breaks down what it means in user-friendly economic terms while co-host Dav…
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009: Putting Money Into Your IRA & 401k is Easy. Now How do You Get it Out?
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Buckle up for this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast, which with the help of co-hosts Josh Bretl, CPA and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, and his best buddy “The Dave,” will make tax strategy and the timing of retirement account withdrawals more fascinating than you could ever have imagined! On this exciting episode – laughs aside – we …
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008: Know Your Risk Score and Don't Rely on Dumb Luck!
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Live! From their new podcast studio, it’s a big day for co-hosts Josh Bretl and Dave Schmidt of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast. They’re even pretty sure that at least one of their mothers will be tuning in for sage advice delivered with inimitable (truly) wit and charm! This episode offers important follow-up on the topic of greed – not what it i…
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007: Don't Let Fear and Greed Derail Your Retirement
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We’re baack! And this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast moves us seamlessly from riveting to morbid with lots of light-hearted banter in between. Host Josh Bretl is taking us through risk – what it is, how to monitor it and why retirees often carry too much. The Dave is also debuting a new and catchy jingle (very likely to hit the pop cha…
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006: Knowing Your Budget and How Much You Spend is Critical in Retirement!
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“If you don’t have a good sense of humor, you’re better off dead.” ~Roger Rabbit. Has anything truer ever been said? Not according to The Dave, who helps kick off this episode of Retirement = Freedom with several pearls of wisdom before he and Host Josh Bretl, CPA and Founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, get down to business. When it comes to getting …
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005: You Get to Decide How Much Taxes to Pay in Retirement!
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Are you ready for fun with taxes? No joke! This episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast features Host Josh Bretl, CPA and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, debriefing us not only on why savvy tax strategy is important but how – when done right – it can be turned into a kind of game. The winners wind up handing less of their hard-earned sav…
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