Sheryl Rowling positions income tax returns as diagnostic tools — not merely a compliance document — and outlines four common red flags that suggest a client failed to take advantage of proactive tax strategies.

Here are "4 Tax Return Red Flags That Signal Poor Tax Planning":

Very Low or Zero Taxable Income
Charitable Giving After Age 70½ Without Using QCDs
Donating Cash Instead of Appreciated Securities
Holding Municipal Bonds in Low Tax Brackets

For our listener question: "I'm in a job I hate and would love to scale back to something that could pay less but be more enjoyable -- how can I evaluate if that is possible?". Most people think the first question is: "How much do I have saved?", but that's actually backwards. I share a calculation for cash burn that matters more than your portfolio balance.

And to wrap up the show in our "Retire to Something" segment, I'll share Jerry's story that shows us how retirement isn't about winding down — it's about doubling down on growth, adventure, and intentionally building an active, meaningful life.

Resource: Article by Sheryl Rowling on Morningstar: 4 Tax Return Red Flags That Signal Poor Tax Planning

Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com
Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com
Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start

Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement

Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart