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Jill Schlesinger
Real estate. It's been a cornerstone of wealth building for generations, but it's also often a major headache for investors. 3:00am Maintenance calls, tenant disputes, property taxes Enter the Fundrise Flagship Real estate fund, a $1.1 billion real estate portfolio built for you. We're Talking more than 4,000 single family homes in thriving Sunbelt communities, 3.3 million square feet of in demand industrial facilities, all professionally managed by an experienced team. With the Flagship Fund, you're tapping into real estate's most attractive qualities. Long term appreciation potential, a hedge against inflation, diversification beyond the stock market. Check, check, check. All without complex paperwork, massive down payments or soul sucking landlord duties. Visit fundrise.comjillonmoney to explore the portfolio. Check out historical returns and see just how easy it can be to add real estate to your investing strategy. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Flagship Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus@fundrise.com Flagship this is a paid advertisement. Hi, this is Jill Schlesinger. Being a business owner means you're always on adapting, innovating and making big moves. To take your vision to the next level, you need solutions that match your pace, offering flexibility, rewards and tools to help you keep going strong. That's where the American Express Business Platinum Card comes in, a partner for navigating today's business world. You can have a flexible spending limit that adapts with your business, plus the ability to earn one and a half times membership rewards points on select purchases so you earn rewards that can take your business further. See how the American Express Business Platinum Card gives business owners like you the tools and rewards to do more of what they love. Not all purchases will be approved. Terms and points cap apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com AmExBusiness welcome to the Jill on Money Show.
Mark
It's Monday, January 13th and we are here trying to help you make better, less bad, more considered financial decisions. Now, some of you are really smart.
Jill Schlesinger
You really don't need our guidance.
Mark
But maybe you need a little cheerleading. Maybe you need a little coaching. Some others may feel like, oh, you're embarrassed. Don't worry, it's just us and everybody listening. And if you've got something going on, we really would be loving it if you could get on that website, jillonmoney.com, click that contact Us button, write us a note. Let us know if you'd like to join us on the air while you're on the website. Don't forget to sign up for the free weekly newsletter. Hey, Mark, how do we end the year with weekly newsletter subscriptions? Did they tick up? Like, how did things go on the newsletter side?
Dennis
Yeah, they're always ticking up. They're not going down.
Mark
Well, people leave, so some people opt out.
Dennis
Yeah, but more are coming than leaving.
Mark
Okay, so I want a number. You know, I like numbers. And then we also had Jill on Money Live. We had a surge of activity at the end of last year because Jill on Money Live, our subscription service, the fee went from 35 to 45. I bet that a lot of people are still going to join us at 45.
Jill Schlesinger
We are beefing that up.
Mark
That's going to be good.
Dennis
Let me just say, if you signed up when it was 35, you will continue to be charged. 35.
Mark
Yeah, you get that. 35. But if you're at 45. Yeah, it's 45. But we're probably going to go up again. You know, we're trying to grandfather people in, you know, not for.
Dennis
Not next year. We just jacked it up.
Mark
All right, well, you never know. We're going to put a lot more stuff on the website and behind the paywall. So if you all want to be part of that.
Jill Schlesinger
Oh, yes, I'd love it.
Mark
Oh, by the way, someone gave me. Wrote me a nasty gram separately, Mark, and said to me, there's too many ads. I'm like, well, how do you think that we make money? How do you think we produce a show? Like, we have ads. Sorry, dude. Like, there's a way to create free content. It's called advertising. And since I come from not just this business, but also the television network. Television business. Yeah. Until all of you sign up for Jill on Money Live, there's gonna be ads. Gotta tell you, that's the way it's gonna go. Mark wants to take us all off ads and just make it a subscription service. I don't wanna do that. I want to have a free version for all of you. But if. If your guys are dying to get rid of the ads, then, you know, we'll, like, put a substack out there. We'll make a show that's just for you, but it's going to be like, real money. So let's have as many people as possible listening. That's the part that I like. Thank you very much. Okay, that's my soapbox. I'm stepping down now. Today we are joined by Dennis, who's on the line from Pennsylvania. And Dennis, we are delighted to hear from you. What's going on. How can we help you out?
Dennis
Just entering retirement right now, effective last Friday.
Mark
Oh my God. Congratulations. That's awesome.
Dennis
Nothing like getting ahead of the planning, right?
Mark
Wow. Yeah. You really, you got yourself together. But how did it feel?
Dennis
Oh, it feels great. Yeah?
Mark
Yeah. How old are you?
Dennis
65.
Mark
Okay. Are you single, married, Partnered, married?
Dennis
My wife is 65 also.
Mark
She work or is she retired as well? How did you make the decision to like do it? What was the. What was the motivating factor?
Dennis
Just we're not getting any younger, you know, you gotta do it.
Mark
And do you guys have financial security? Was it a hard decision or not?
Dennis
No, I think we're. I think we're pretty good and I hope you tell me that we didn't make a mistake, but.
Mark
Yeah, I mean, I wish you would have done this like a year ago, but okay. Today is fine too. So let's, let's chat about what's going on and let's see how you are doing. Tell me everything. What is happening? What do you got?
Dennis
You want to know? Investment accounts. What?
Mark
Well, let's talk about income. You're 65 years old. Do either of you have pensions?
Dennis
My wife has a pension.
Mark
Oh, yes, tell me about that.
Dennis
She. About 5,500amonth.
Mark
Okay. And any other income she gets, she.
Dennis
Works part time, makes probably that's about 2,000amonth from that.
Mark
Well, it sounds like someone's carrying the load here for you guys. Nice of her. What about the, what about the Social Security outlook for you?
Dennis
I'd say we need one of his claimed yet. For myself. Retirement at full retirement, I think it's like 2850amonth.
Mark
Okay, and what about for her?
Dennis
Well, she's. She was a school teacher. That's how she got most of her pension. Everything so affected by the WEP or the Jeep, you know, the offset. So I think it's going to work out where she's going to have about a thousand a month.
Mark
Okay. That's a lot of money you guys have. What do you figure you need?
Dennis
You know, I'd like to go between 9 and 10,000amonth.
Mark
Let's use 10 just because it's a nice round number. Why not? Right? So what about your savings? How. How much have you saved?
Dennis
Well, we've got in various accounts, we've probably got about 628,000 and like a broke in investment accounts and brokerage. And then I've got a 401k, that's about 220,000.
Mark
Okay. And the 401k is a traditional 401k, not a Roth, right?
Dennis
Correct.
Mark
Okay, and what about for her? Does she have a 403B because she was a teacher?
Dennis
No, just the pension.
Mark
Okay. Oh, don't worry, I'll take it. I'll take it. Yeah. What about your home and do you own it?
Dennis
We own it. It's got probably about 375 worth. 375. We owe 140 on it with a 3.65.
Mark
Does your wife want to continue to earn this $2,000 a month part time? Is she like, I don't know if she's like substituting or whatever, but is that something you think is going to be consistent? What do you, what do you think?
Dennis
Yeah, that's consistent. We have that and a adult daughter who is disabled. She lives with us. So my wife is kind of employed to make sure that she gets adequate representation. Okay, so probably continue.
Mark
Does your daughter qualify for assistance because of. Okay, so, and that just. Is there money? When you said the $10,000 a month, does that include money that you would need for your daughter which is not covered by the assistance she receives?
Dennis
Yes.
Mark
Okay, got it. So no moving anywhere soon, right?
Dennis
No.
Mark
Okay. And no other homes. Just the. What you got. Okay. In for two years. What's the game plan for the next two years? You're both 65. You know, you've got $7,500 a month of income and we're not going to collect that Social Security for a couple of years. So what were you thinking of spending down some of the brokerage money or the 401k money?
Dennis
Really? You know, that's what we're looking for help from. I mean, we've got. In a brokerage account. We've got a couple. Well, I've got 125,000 in brokerage account and the rest of it's all in 401ks or IRAs or Roth.
Mark
Oh, I see, because you said brokerage, so I put it down brokerage. But let's, let's make. Let me get that straight. So 220 is 401k. That's not part of the 628 that you gave me, right?
Dennis
Correct.
Mark
Okay, so let break down that 628 for me. What has already been taxed like plain old brokerage account.
Dennis
Brokerage account. We've got 125,000.
Mark
Okay. And then the rest of it, tell me where is that? Is that Roth or is it traditional?
Dennis
We have two Roth. Each of them have about 57 in it. 57,000 each.
Mark
So 114,000 in Roth.
Dennis
Right.
Mark
Okay, gotcha.
Dennis
Ira, that's got 200,000 Ira, that's got 187.
Mark
Okay, so. And the game plan is we need to take out some money from this 401k, either of the 401ks or the. Or the IRAs, to get some of that money out. And I would do that before I did the brokerage account. So the 220 that you said is in a 401k, is that in the company's plan? Do you intend to roll that over or is that going to stay where it is?
Dennis
I intend to roll it over.
Mark
Okay, so that'll be added to either the 200 or the 180. 200, right.
Dennis
Correct.
Mark
Okay, so what now I understand is that you have 420 that is, you know, associated with your tax ID number. She has her 187. So I think what I would do.
Jill Schlesinger
Is I would use.
Mark
Once you've rolled your money into your existing Iraq, that's what I would use for the next couple of years and start pulling money out of it. Because, you know, you're not in a huge tax bracket. I don't know what you guys were making. What were you making before you retired? What was your total income between.
Dennis
Yeah, between the two of us, gross was probably about 150.
Mark
Okay, so we're dropping down a tax bracket.
Jill Schlesinger
Right.
Mark
So that's kind of. That's maybe not necessary, but maybe, you know, like, because you still have income. But I think that it would be great for you to pull the money out of your account and you don't have to go nuts. But until you collect Social Security, maybe it's worth it to start being a little more aggressive. You could stay in the 22% bracket by having total income of 200,000. You could pull out 50 grand a year for the next couple of years. Did you ever consider waiting to claim your Social Security until to age 70?
Dennis
We have thought about everything from claiming it now until 70, and we really don't know what the best idea is.
Mark
Tell me about your health, both of you. How are you feeling? Life is good.
Jill Schlesinger
Are you healthy?
Dennis
We're both in pretty good health, yeah.
Mark
And do you have longevity in your genes?
Dennis
Both of us had one parent that passed, you know, 70, mid-70s to 80, and then both of us have a parent that lived to be 90.
Mark
Hmm, interesting. I think that what I would do is I would pull the money out. I'm not even sure, Mark, would you wait until 70 for them? They don't really need to. They can pull money out of his retirement account and, you know, take a bunch of money out at age for 65, 66, 67. And then once they claim, they maybe take a little bit less money out. But if they wait till 70, the benefit for you specifically is going to rise in a, in a pretty nice way. I mean, so you could claim at 70 and probably be over three grand, you know, Probably. Do you have a number?
Dennis
I think it's about 35, Mark.
Mark
Would you wait till 70?
Dennis
What's the 67 number?
Mark
2850 versus 3500. Yeah.
Dennis
That's a nice jump.
Mark
It is a nice jump. And they've got the money. I mean, okay, if you, if you die too soon, this doesn't work. I got to tell you that right now. Dennis, stay healthy, all right? I mean, it's not a bad gamble. She could take hers at 67 because she's going to have a weird. I mean, she's going to have a different kind of a benefit anyway. But what I think is if you waited and you. For the next five years, let's say that you took 50 grand a year out of your retirement account, okay? Paid the tax, it's due, stay in your 22% bracket. You don't need to go beyond that. And whatever you don't use for spending money, they'll go into your brokerage account, but you can get it out and you can pay it at the 22% bracket. And then at 70, you claim, and then you're probably not going to need to take much money out. You're really not. And then I think you're in perfect, perfect condition because, you know, you only need 7,500 gross. Maybe another 27,500.
Dennis
Isn't that, isn't that.
Mark
Yep, yep. I'm thinking that, like, if we got you that 50 grand a year for this year until age 70, you're good. I think if you took that 50 grand a year, you pay the tax that's due, that'll give you all of your post tax expense need that you have. We're not going to endanger your daughter's benefits, are we?
Dennis
No.
Mark
Okay, So I think that that's the game plan. I'd wait till 70. I think I would. I'd roll the dice.
Dennis
No fear in taking $250,000 out of the, what, 800 I have.
Mark
Look. What did we save it for? Yeah, you know, like you retired, like, you get to spend it, Mark, you want to give your impassioned plea for people to spend the money they save.
Dennis
This is the pension they've been building up for all these years. Time to turn it on. Right?
Mark
Right. Absolutely. And you're entitled to it, you know.
Dennis
Believe me. We want to spend it, you know?
Mark
Yeah. Do you have estate documents? Done?
Dennis
Yes.
Mark
And do you have something that's created called a special needs trust for your daughter?
Dennis
Yes.
Mark
Okay, good. I just want to double check on that.
Jill Schlesinger
I think you're good.
Mark
I don't think you should have a fear in some respects. I'd love for this money to get taken out now, especially over the next four years or five years, where we kind of understand that tax rates are going to be where they're going to be. Right, Right. They're gonna. I think. I mean, I guess if something strange happened and there was no tax deal in Congress this year, which would be surprising to me, and we wanna hear from you again. But other, based on where we are today, I'd like you to take as much money as you can out at 22%. You're not gonna go much below that, you know, so why not? I would go ahead and do that. I'd pull the money out, I'd pay the tax on it. And you're not gonna pay 50. You're not gonna pull 50 grand a year forever. You're just gonna do it till, at your age, 70. And because of her windfall elimination, does that mean that the thousand dollars she gets, it doesn't really help her to wait. She'll just have to grab that at 67. So that will help your cash flow as well, right?
Dennis
Yeah, that's with the. Since the elimination, they've changed the law, so that should be gone. So she should be at $1,000.
Mark
All right, so she gets that at her 67. That seems good to me. I just think that you have done something which is you worked very hard. You've put the money away. We've got this, you know, 800 grand in retirement assets. You'll probably never have to touch the roth. Why not use it? And by the way, when does that mortgage get paid off? Do you know how many more years you have?
Dennis
Seven. Eight to nine, maybe. Eight to nine, yeah.
Mark
So when that happens, your cash flow is going to get even better.
Dennis
Right.
Mark
So I think you're in good shape, and so I applaud you. And I think that you should take the money run, have fun, and, you know, if something changes, get back in touch with us. But I think that if anyone is listening, like, it doesn't sound like you know, you were not. I get you are not hasty in making this decision. You didn't say it's. I'm 56 and I want to retire. You worked your butt off and you worked to your 65. You got your Medicare. Everything is good.
Jill Schlesinger
Right.
Mark
Like, why? Was there any chance that you were going to wait even longer or not?
Dennis
No, no. This was. This was our target date. Really? I guess a question would be. You're saying take it out of my IRS. Yeah, she is. She was born in 59, so her RMDs will start before mine.
Mark
Oh, all right. So do hers. It doesn't really matter. Yeah, it's fine. It's totally fine. There's not a huge difference. But since she is a little older.
Jill Schlesinger
Yeah.
Mark
And maybe it'll be even easier. We'll just like, drain hers out. We'll be done. Right. And then we'll. We'll reconvene and see where you are.
Dennis
Okay.
Mark
How's that?
Dennis
That sounds good. Yeah.
Mark
Are you nervous? You feel good?
Dennis
I. I feel good about it. You know, I've just have never really thought about taking money out of the IRAs. You know, my thought was maybe just spin down the brokerage account.
Mark
No, I want that. That money's already been taxed. We haven't taxed this money yet. And now we know the taxes again. Let's deal with what is today.
Jill Schlesinger
Today is.
Mark
Hey, tax rates are really low. Let's. Let's like, take advantage of that. And they're probably going to be low for the next four years, so why not? I think. I think it's a great time for you to use the tax law to your advantage. Absolutely.
Dennis
Okay.
Mark
All right, good.
Dennis
Yeah, sounds great.
Jill Schlesinger
Take care.
Mark
Hey, if you've got a question about retirement, don't wait till you've retired. Wait. Why don't you give us a holler before you retire? Or if you have somebody in your life who is special needs and you want to have a conversation about how to make sure that you don't forego their benefits, but also take care of them, Give us a Holler. Go to jillonmoney.com, click the contact us button, and of course, check the box if you want to come on the air live with us. All of our content lives on Jill on Money, and you can check that out. We've got another podcast. We've got a radio show.
Jill Schlesinger
We've got a blog, We've got a video section.
Mark
Resources.
Jill Schlesinger
It's all there for you.
Mark
You can subscribe to us on the Odyssey app. Or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
Jill Schlesinger
Please leave us a rating and review wherever you listen.
Mark
And of course, please try to do something nice for someone else today. Change your work, change your wealth, change your life. Thank you for listening and we'll talk to you tomorrow.
Jill Schlesinger
Real Estate it's been a cornerstone of wealth building for generations, but it's also often a major headache for investors. 3:00am Maintenance calls, tenant disputes, property taxes Enter the Fundrise Flagship Real estate fund, a $1.1 billion real estate portfolio built for you. We're Talking more than 4,000 single family homes in thriving Sunbelt communities, 3.3 million square feet of in demand industrial facilities, all professionally managed by an experienced team. With the Flagship Fund, you're tapping into real estate's most attractive qualities. Long term appreciation potential, a hedge against inflation, diversification beyond the stock market. Check, check, check. All without complex paperwork, massive down payments or soul sucking landlord duties. Visit fundrise.comjillonmoney to explore the portfolio. Check out historical returns and see just how easy it can be to add real estate to your investing strategy. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Flagship Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus@fundrise.com Flagship this is a paid Advertisement.
Ben Stiller
Hey, I'm Ben Stiller.
Adam Scott
I'm Adam Scott and we make a.
Ben Stiller
TV show called Severance. On January 17th, Severance is back for season two on Apple TV and we can't wait for you guys to see it.
Adam Scott
And before the premiere, Ben and I are going to be big binging season one and putting out daily recap podcasts.
Ben Stiller
Yep, each weekday beginning January 7th, we'll be dropping an episode featuring exclusive behind the scenes tidbits and brilliant insights from our cast and crew and us Patricia.
Adam Scott
Arquette, Britt Lauer, Zach Cherry, John Turturro, the list goes on.
Ben Stiller
All your favorite Lumen employees, their friends, families, enemies in your feed every single weekday.
Adam Scott
And here's the best part. After that, we're going to keep going. Tune in weekly as we recap every episode of season two. The podcast drops on the same day the episode comes out.
Ben Stiller
It's the Severance Podcast with Ben and.
Adam Scott
Adam on Apple Podcasts, the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Podcast Summary: Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger – Episode: Moving Parts in Retirement
Release Date: January 13, 2025
In this episode of "Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger," host Jill Schlesinger, CFP®, delves into the multifaceted aspects of retirement planning. Joined by co-host Mark and guest Dennis from Pennsylvania, the conversation navigates the complexities of transitioning into retirement, emphasizing strategic financial decisions to ensure a secure and fulfilling post-work life. The episode, titled "Moving Parts in Retirement," offers listeners actionable insights and expert advice tailored to those approaching or entering retirement.
Dennis, a 65-year-old retiree from Pennsylvania, joins the show to discuss his recent transition into retirement. Accompanied by his wife, also 65, who is partially retired and draws a pension from her career as a school teacher, Dennis provides a real-world perspective on retirement planning. Their daughter, who is disabled and resides with them, adds another layer to their financial considerations, particularly concerning special needs trusts and beneficiary planning.
Dennis recently began his retirement, effective the previous Friday. The hosts congratulate him and his wife, highlighting the significance of their decision to retire at the age of 65. Mark and Jill explore Dennis's feelings about this transition, with Dennis expressing a sense of accomplishment and readiness to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
The conversation outlines Dennis and his wife's income streams:
Notable Quote:
"We have thought about everything from claiming it now until 70, and we really don't know what the best idea is." – Dennis [05:36]
Dennis and his wife have accumulated significant savings and investment accounts:
Discussion Highlights:
Notable Quote:
"This was our target date. Really?" – Dennis [17:16]
"I think you're in good shape, and so I applaud you. I think that you should take the money out now, especially over the next four years where tax rates are going to be where they're going to be." – Mark [12:43]
Dennis has an adult daughter with disabilities, necessitating the establishment of a special needs trust to ensure she continues to receive necessary benefits without jeopardizing her eligibility. Both Dennis and his wife have estate documents in place to secure their daughter's future.
Notable Quote:
"Do you have estate documents? Done?" – Mark [14:50]
"Yes." – Dennis [14:51]
Mark's Strategic Recommendations:
Estate Planning:
Mark underscores the importance of having robust estate planning documents, including special needs trusts, to safeguard the financial well-being of dependents.
Notable Quote:
"Why not use it? And by the way, when does that mortgage get paid off? Do you know how many more years you have?" – Mark [16:07]
The episode "Moving Parts in Retirement" offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate planning required for a successful retirement. Through Dennis’s personal experience, Jill and Mark provide listeners with valuable strategies for income management, tax optimization, and estate planning. The discussion emphasizes the importance of proactive financial planning and the benefits of seeking expert advice to navigate the challenges of retirement. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their own retirement plans and consider similar strategies to ensure a secure and enjoyable retirement.
Final Notable Quote:
"If you've got a question about retirement, don't wait till you've retired. Wait. Why don't you give us a holler before you retire?" – Mark [18:30]
Listeners are encouraged to visit jillonmoney.com for more information, subscribe to the free weekly newsletter, and explore other content offerings such as blogs and video sections to further enhance their financial literacy and retirement planning strategies.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the critical aspects of retirement planning discussed by Jill Schlesinger, Mark, and guest Dennis, enriched with direct quotes and timestamps for authenticity and deeper understanding.