Episodes

  • Roth Conversions, Pension Lump Sums & Annuities: Is Bigger Always Better? - 581
    May 12 2026
    June in Washington State is 62 with $2.5 million saved and a $350,000 pension on the table. Should she take the lump sum or the monthly check for life? Spoiler alert: there's a 3-to-1 vote in the studio, and Big Al is the one, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 581 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Plus, how aggressive should “Homer and Marge” get with Roth conversions, and is it smart to pay the conversion tax from an inherited IRA RMD? Pompous Assets drops his big, fat wallet on the YMYW table next: with millions in tax-deferred and taxable accounts, why is his financial advisor fighting him on a Roth conversion? Of course, Joe and Big Al have some thoughts on the subject. Finally, Johnny Mercer in Georgia is eyeing an immediate income annuity and a MYGA. The fellas break down why that 7.5% “rate of return” might not be what he thinks.Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-581 (full show notes & episode transcript)Ultimate Guide to Roth IRAs - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/roth-ira-white-paper/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-ultimate-guide-to-roth-iras&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep581-description-whitepaperFinancial Blueprint (free, self-guided):https://purefinancial.com/financialblueprint/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=financial-blueprint&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep581-description-blueprintYour 11 Step Path to Financial Freedom - YMYW TV:https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/your-11-step-path-to-financial-freedom/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep581-description-tv-s10e13Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessmentREQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAlDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/PureGuidesREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/PureFinBlogWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/PureEdVideosSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletterConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast01:08 - Should I Take the Pension Lump Sum or Monthly Income? (June, WA State)09:23 - How Much Should We Convert to Roth Each Year? (Homer & Marge)16:26 - Should I Convert My Entire IRA to a Roth? (Pompous Assets, Arkansas)23:00 - $5M All in Pre-Tax. Should I Buy an Annuity Before It's Too Late? (Johnny Mercer, GA)36:00 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast
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    38 mins
  • You Have Enough to Retire Before 60. Why Are You Still Working? - 580
    May 5 2026
    Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 580, Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA, are spitballing for some folks who've done the work, hit the numbers, but aren’t sure if they can really walk away yet. Martha in DC is 44 and says her soul is being sucked out of her body by her employer. When can she stop working full-time and foster puppies instead? “Bandit” is bullish on his company stock in archeology instruments, but not so much on his work itself. “Kevin” is staring down a wall of deferred comp and needs a spitball on how aggressive his and “Winnie’s” Roth conversion strategy should be before RMDs hit. Can both “Bandit and Chilli” and “Kevin and Winnie” call it quits this year?Free Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-580 (full show notes & episode transcript)Tax-Free Retirement Guide - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/tax-free-retirement-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-tax-free-retirement-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep580-description-whitepaperRetirement Readiness Guide - free download:https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/retirement-readiness-guide/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-retirement-readiness-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep580-description-whitepaper401(k) After Retirement? Here Are Your 4 Options (And The Costly Mistakes) - YMYW TV:https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/what-happens-to-your-401k-ira-at-retirement/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep580-description-tv-s10e06Financial Blueprint (self-guided):https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprintFinancial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessmentREQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAlDOWNLOAD more free guides:https://bit.ly/PureGuidesREAD financial blogs:https://bit.ly/PureFinBlogWATCH educational videos:https://bit.ly/PureEdVideosSUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletterConnect With Us:Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:https://bit.ly/YMYW-YTSubscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:https://lnk.to/ymywLeave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast00:56 - Can We Exit the Rat Race in Our 40s With $6.5M? (Martha & George, DC)16:07 - Can I Retire at 51 Without Using Rule of 55? (Bandit & Chilli, CA)36:29 - Can I Retire Before My $3M Deferred Comp Pays Out? (Kevin & Winnie, Chicago)44:28 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast
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    46 mins
  • Too Much 401k Money? The $3M Roth Conversion Problem - 579
    Apr 28 2026

    Saving into Roth instead of traditional accounts to bring down required minimum distributions in retirement, and whether retiring early is in the cards: that's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 579 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Brian in New York and "Todd and Margo" in Utah each have over $3 million in their pre-tax accounts. What should their Roth conversion strategies look like, and can Todd retire this year? But first up, should "Captain Morgan" go Roth to avoid RMDs and can he retire in a couple of years? Should "Klo Jopine" contribute to Roth instead of traditional if his income will always remain the same? Finally, Kyle and Katie have high incomes and need a spitball on how they can avoid future RMDs. Ya think Roth conversions might be in their future? We'll find out.

    Free Financial Resources in This Episode:

    https://bit.ly/ymyw-579 (full show notes & episode transcript)

    LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER: THE DIY RETIREMENT GUIDE - download before the Special Offer changes on Friday, May 1, 2026!

    https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-diy-retirement-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep579-description-whitepaper#specialoffer

    Financial Advisors Expose Internet's Worst Retirement Strategies! - YMYW TV:

    https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/financial-advisors-expose-internets-worst-retirement-strategies/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep579-description-tv-s11e11

    Financial Blueprint (self-guided):

    https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint

    Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):

    https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment

    REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:

    https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAl

    DOWNLOAD more free guides:

    https://bit.ly/PureGuides

    READ financial blogs:

    https://bit.ly/PureFinBlog

    WATCH educational videos:

    https://bit.ly/PureEdVideos

    SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:

    https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletter

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:

    https://bit.ly/YMYW-YT

    Subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:

    https://lnk.to/ymyw

    Leave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast 00:58 - Should I Go Roth to Avoid RMDs and Retire at 51? (Captain Morgan, CA) 11:33 - Roth vs Traditional for Flat Income Earners? (Klo Jopine, TN) 22:53 - Big Roth Conversions to Tame a $3.5M 403(b)? (Brian, NY) 27:36 - Can I Retire in 2026 and Spend $200K/yr? (Todd 54 & Margo, UT) 34:53 - How High Income Earners Can Reduce Future RMDs (Kyle & Katie, Midwest) 44:37 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

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    46 mins
  • The Retirement Question Every Couple Asks: Can We Afford It? - 578
    Apr 21 2026

    "Chase and Ryder" are 56 and 55 with $5 million saved and huge pensions the day they retire. So why are they so nervous about pulling the trigger? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 578 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. "Andy and April" are 46 with $2.4 million saved and 10 years until they want to retire. Can they get there, and do they need a trust? "Burt and Sally" are in their late forties with solid pensions and a retirement dream, but is the math close enough to make it work? Finally, does "Dolly" have any options for squeezing more out of Social Security when she and her spouse have identical benefits? She's inheriting a brokerage account too, and wonders about the asset mix.

    Free Financial Resources in This Episode:

    https://bit.ly/ymyw-578 (full show notes & episode transcript)

    Withdrawal Strategy Guide - free download:

    https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/withdrawal-strategy-guide/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-withdrawal-strategy-guide&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep578-description-whitepaper

    Retirement Spending: How Much is Too Much? - YMYW TV:

    https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/retirement-spending-how-much-is-too-much/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ymyw-tv&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep578-description-tv-s12e02

    Financial Blueprint (self-guided):

    https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint

    Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):

    https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment

    REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:

    https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAl

    DOWNLOAD more free guides:

    https://bit.ly/PureGuides

    READ financial blogs:

    https://bit.ly/PureFinBlog

    WATCH educational videos:

    https://bit.ly/PureEdVideos

    SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:

    https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletter

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:

    https://bit.ly/YMYW-YT

    Subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:

    https://lnk.to/ymyw

    Leave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast

    00:58 - $5.5M, Big Pensions: Safe to Retire at 57? (Chase & Ryder, San Diego)

    10:39 - We're 46. Can We Retire in 10 Years? Do We Need a Trust? (Andy & April, CA)

    21:28 - Can We Retire in 2027 With a Pension + $655K? (Burt & Sally, Nonesuch, KY)

    34:19 - How to Max Social Security with No Spousal Benefit? (Dolly, TN)

    41:41 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

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    44 mins
  • This Early Retirement Strategy Could Be a Huge Mistake - 577
    Apr 14 2026

    Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on whether a popular early retirement strategy could actually blow up your financial plan, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 577. Red and Kitty from Wisconsin are burned out at 40 and wonder if retiring at 45 using the 72(t) tax election to take substantially equal periodic payments, or SEPP, is a smart bridge strategy. Jiminy Billy Bob in North Carolina is also considering a 72(t). How should he structure his withdrawal order, and does he need to shift into bonds before downshifting his career? Plus, Steve and Sharon in Minnesota have 8 million bucks. Steve is getting laid off at age 56. What should they do with their 401(k), stock options, incentives, and benefits before and after the layoff?

    Free Financial Resources in This Episode:

    https://bit.ly/ymyw-577 (full show notes & episode transcript)

    Recession Protection Guide - free download

    Retirement Readiness Guide - free download

    6 Ways Americans Accidentally Sabotage Their Retirement - YMYW TV

    Financial Blueprint (self-guided):

    https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint

    Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):

    https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment

    REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:

    https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAl

    DOWNLOAD more free guides:

    https://bit.ly/PureGuides

    READ financial blogs:

    https://bit.ly/PureFinBlog

    WATCH educational videos:

    https://bit.ly/PureEdVideos

    SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:

    https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletter

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:

    https://bit.ly/YMYW-YT

    Subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:

    https://lnk.to/ymyw

    Leave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro: This week on the YMYW Podcast

    01:06 - Why Retiring at 45 Using 72(t) SEPP Withdrawals is Risky (Red & Kitty, WI)

    13:28 - Early Retirement Strategy: Withdrawal Order, Bonds, and 72(t) (Jiminy Billy Bob, NC)

    22:49 - Laid Off at 56 With $7.9M: How to Handle Your Exit Strategy (Steve & Sharon, St. Paul, MN)

    43:51 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

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    45 mins
  • When Roth Conversions Don't Make Sense (And When They're a No-Brainer) - 576
    Apr 7 2026

    Are Roth conversions worth it? We'll find out, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 576. TJ in PA is gonna have huge capital gains. Joe and Big Al spitball on whether it's worth it for him to convert. Rebels Without a Gauze in New England are over 70. Is it too late for them to convert? How much should Biking Barnsey convert from his tax-deferred accounts to Roth each year, and are there any single ladies in the YMYW audience that would like to help him spend his retirement money? Finally, the fellas spitball on whether Zisi and his wife are being too aggressive with their conversion strategy.

    Free Financial Resources in This Episode:

    https://bit.ly/ymyw-576 (full show notes & episode transcript)

    Complete Roth Papers Package - free download:

    https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/the-complete-roth-papers-package/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=whitepaper-the-complete-roth-papers-package&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep576-description-whitepaper

    Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):

    https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment

    Financial Blueprint (self-guided):

    https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint

    REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:

    https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAl

    DOWNLOAD more free guides:

    https://bit.ly/PureGuides

    READ financial blogs:

    https://bit.ly/PureFinBlog

    WATCH educational videos:

    https://bit.ly/PureEdVideos

    SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:

    https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletter

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:

    https://bit.ly/YMYW-YT

    Subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:

    https://lnk.to/ymyw

    Leave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast 00:55 - We Have Over $7M. Capital Gains are Huge. Are Roth Conversions Worth It? (TJ in PA) 12:37 - Too Late for Roth Conversions at Age 70+? (Rebels Without a Gauze, CT) 23:19 - Am I Spending Too Much or Not Enough in Retirement? How Much Should I Convert? (Biking Barnsey, Arkansas) 33:37 - We have $18M. Are We Doing Too Many Roth Conversions Before Age 75? (Zisi) 41:14 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast 42:16 - The Derails: Big Al's New Jacket

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    Not Yet Known
  • Die With Zero: Are You Giving Your Kids Too Much? - 575
    Mar 31 2026

    Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on how to build your own retirement AND support your kids financially, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 575. "Lloyd and Diane" in Montgomery County are 50 with $8.4 million. Can they retire early and still be generous with their kids? E and T in Missouri are 34 and 31 with $255K, and hopefully some big inheritances in the future. Can they fund the kids' college, and help them buy their first homes, AND retire early? Kent in Kansas City is 73 with 12 million bucks and $2 million in life insurance. Do Joe and Big Al back up his plan to buy an annuity, gift money to his kids now, and still spend freely in retirement, Die With Zero style? Finally, should John in the San Francisco Bay Area sell the family home and move to Nevada, or hold the house for his autistic daughters to inherit later?

    Free Financial Resources in This Episode:

    https://bit.ly/ymyw-575 (full show notes & episode transcript)

    Estate Plan Organizer - free download:

    https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/estate-plan-organizer/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-575

    Retirement Readiness Guide - free download:

    https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/retirement-readiness-guide/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-575

    Four Hard Truths About Retirement You Need to Face - YMYW TV:

    https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/4-hard-retirement-truths-about-retirement-you-need-to-face/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-575

    Financial Blueprint (self-guided):

    https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint

    Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):

    https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment

    REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:

    https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAl

    DOWNLOAD more free guides:

    https://bit.ly/PureGuides

    READ financial blogs:

    https://bit.ly/PureFinBlog

    WATCH educational videos:

    https://bit.ly/PureEdVideos

    SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:

    https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletter

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:

    https://bit.ly/YMYW-YT

    Subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:

    https://lnk.to/ymyw

    Leave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro: This Week on the YMYW Podcast

    01:10 - 50 with $8.4M. Can We Retire Early and Still Give to Our Kids? (Lloyd Dobler and Diane, Montgomery County, MD)

    11:41 - Die With Zero: Spend My $12M or Buy an Annuity? (Kent, 73 & 70, Kansas City)

    25:08 - Can We Afford Kids' College AND Houses AND Our Own Early Retirement? (E & T, 34 & 31, Missouri)

    34:17 - Should We Move to Save Money or Keep the House for Our Autistic Kids? (John, 68 & 66, San Francisco Bay Area)

    42:29 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYW Podcast

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    44 mins
  • When Should You Take Social Security? (Don't Screw This Up) - 574
    Mar 24 2026

    Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA focus on Social Security claiming strategies as part of the retirement spitballs, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 574. Bijou Plutus and her husband in Massachusetts are 62 and 64 with about a million dollars. Can she retire at 65, and should he claim Social Security early? Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde in the Twin Cities have about the same at 51 and 49, plus big pensions and high spending. Can they afford to retire early, and when should they claim Social Security? Diggler and Roller Girl in Tennessee are 57 and 58 with about $600K, and Diggler estimates his Social Security break-even is at age 77. Can he collect Social Security early and simply work recreationally?

    Free Financial Resources in This Episode:

    https://bit.ly/ymyw-574 (full show notes & episode transcript)

    Social Security Handbook - free download:

    https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/social-security-handbook/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-574

    Tax-Free Retirement Guide - free download:

    https://purefinancial.com/white-papers/tax-free-retirement-guide/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-574

    How To Retire Tax-Free With A Smart Income Plan - YMYW TV:

    https://purefinancial.com/ymyw/episodes/how-to-retire-tax-free-smart-income-plan/?utm_source=LibsynDestinations&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=YMYW-574

    Financial Blueprint (self-guided):

    https://bit.ly/PureFinancialBlueprint

    Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):

    https://bit.ly/PureFreeAssessment

    REQUEST your Retirement Spitball Analysis:

    https://bit.ly/AskJoeAndAl

    DOWNLOAD more free guides:

    https://bit.ly/PureGuides

    READ financial blogs:

    https://bit.ly/PureFinBlog

    WATCH educational videos:

    https://bit.ly/PureEdVideos

    SUBSCRIBE to the YMYW Newsletter:

    https://bit.ly/YMYWNewsletter

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments:

    https://bit.ly/YMYW-YT

    Subscribe or follow YMYW in your favorite podcast app:

    https://lnk.to/ymyw

    Leave your honest reviews and ratings in Apple Podcasts:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-your-wealth/id312900254

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro: This week on the YMYW Podcast

    01:07 - 62 and 64 with About $1M. Can I Retire at 65? Should Hubby Claim Social Security Early? (Bijou Plutus, MA)

    11:52 - Can We Retire in Our 50s With Pensions and High Spending? (Dr. Jekyll & Mrs. Hyde, Twin Cities, MN)

    29:53 - Social Security Break-Even at 77. Claim Early and Work Recreationally? (Diggler & Rollergirl, 57 & 58, Tennessee)

    42:52 - Outro: Next Week on the YMYY Podcast

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    45 mins