Podcast
Planning for Retirement with Kevin Lao
Hosted by Kevin Lao · EN
After more than 17 years serving retirees, I’ve seen the same pattern: people spend 30–40 years building wealth, but the biggest financial decisions happen right before and after retirement.
I’m Kevin Lao, a fiduciary financial advisor specializing in retirement income planning, Roth conversions, Social Security, tax strategies, RMDs, and smart investing for those with $1M+ saved.
If you’re within 10 years of retirement or already retired and want clarity, confidence, and tax-efficient income, this podcast is for you. Bonus points if you love golf!
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
126: 7 Retirement Expenses That Catch Retirees By Surprise
1w ago00:25:46Tap to summarizeAre you interested in working with me 1 on 1? Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website Are you underestimating your retirement expenses?One of the biggest mistakes I see pre-retirees make isn't poor investing, claiming Social Security incorrectly, or even tax planning mistakes. It's failing to accurately estimate what retirement will actually cost.After 18 years helping people plan for and execute retirement, I've noticed the same retirement expenses catch people by surprise over and over again.In this episode, I break down the 7 retirement expenses most retirees underestimate, including:✅ Travel and the "Go-Go Years" of retirement✅ Home repairs, renovations, and aging-in-place upgrades✅ Retirement tax planning opportunities and tax surprises✅ Financial support for adult children and grandchildren✅ Hiring help for tasks you used to do yourself✅ Vehicle replacement costs✅ Healthcare, Medicare, and long-term care expensesIf you're within 5-10 years of retirement, already retired, or trying to determine how much money you need to retire comfortably, this episode will help you build a more realistic retirement budget and avoid costly planning mistakes.Why most retirees underestimate expensesMy own experience underestimating costsThe expensive "Go-Go Years" of retirementHome repairs and renovationsTax surprises in retirementAdult children still on the payrollPaying others to do things you used to do yourselfVehicle replacement costsHealthcare and long-term care expensesWhy retirement spending isn't linearThis is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →125: 12 Roth Conversion Landmines That Could Cost Retirees Thousands
2w ago00:30:15Tap to summarizeLast week, we covered why Roth conversions can beso powerful in retirement planning.This week, we’re talking about what can go wrong.In this episode, I walk through 12 real-world hurdles and“landmines” that can shrink — or completely eliminate — your Roth conversion window. These are the exact issues I see with retirees and pre-retirees whohave built substantial wealth in traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other tax-deferred accounts.We cover:Social Security timing Pension income Spousal employment Selling a business Deferred compensation plans IRMAA surcharges ACA premium tax credits Inherited IRAs and the 10-yearrule Tax-inefficient investments The new senior bonus deduction And more.If you’re planning for retirement and want to minimizelifetime taxes while maximizing flexibility, this episode will help you avoid some very costly mistakes.I hope you find it helpful.-KevinAre you interested in working with me 1 on 1? Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multipleseven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional whileminimizing taxes… welcome to the right place.***This is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →124: 7 Reasons Retirees Should Consider Roth Conversions
3w ago00:30:34Tap to summarizeIf you’re approaching retirement with a large 401(k) or IRA balance, this episode could save you and your beneficiaries hundreds of thousands in future taxes.In this episode I'll break down 7 strategic reasons to consider Roth conversions and explain when Roth conversions actually make sense for retirees and pre-retirees.Too many financial “gurus” push Roth conversions as a one-size-fits-all strategy. In reality, timing matters. Tax brackets matter. Medicare premiums matter. Legacy planning matters.You’ll learn:✔️ How Roth conversions can reduce future RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)✔️ Why retirees get trapped by large IRA balances later in life✔️ The hidden “widow penalty” surviving spouses face✔️ How Roth IRAs can create tax-free retirement income flexibility✔️ Why the SECURE Act changed inherited IRA planning forever✔️ How Roth conversions may protect your children from massive tax bills✔️ The best Roth conversion window for retirees ages 55–75✔️ When NOT to do Roth conversions✔️ How market downturns can create Roth conversion opportunities✔️ The impact Roth conversions can have on IRMAA, Social Security taxation, ACA subsidies, and Medicare premiumsWhether you have $1M, $3M, or more saved for retirement, understanding Roth conversion planning could dramatically improve your retirement income strategy and long-term tax efficiency.📌 Topics Covered:Roth Conversion StrategiesRetirement Tax PlanningIRA to Roth IRA ConversionRMD PlanningTax-Efficient Retirement IncomeSECURE Act & Inherited IRAsRetirement Planning for High Net Worth RetireesMedicare IRMAA PlanningSocial Security TaxationFinancial Planning for Retirees👇 If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Subscribe for weekly retirement planning videos✅ Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts✅ Share this with someone nearing retirement📞 Want help building a retirement tax strategy?Clickthis link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my websiteConnect with me here:YouTubeJoinMy Company NewsletterThis is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →123: Trump Accounts: Smart Move or Overhyped?
May 1900:35:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode I’ll break down the brand-new TrumpAccounts created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and explain whether retirees and near-retirees should consider using them as part of their legacy planning strategy. If you’ve built substantial retirement savings and arethinking about:helping children or grandchildrenfinancially, reducing future estate taxes, gifting while living, or creating generational wealth… this episode walks through the pros, cons, tax implications,and alternatives to Trump Accounts in plain English. I’ll also compare Trump Accounts to:529 college savings plans custodial brokerage accounts(UGMA/UTMA) Roth IRAs for kids taxable brokerage accounts and lifetime gifting strategies. I’ll explain:how the new $1,000 government seedcontribution works, contribution limits, Roth conversion opportunities, the “kiddie tax” rules, liquidity restrictions, and why many retirees may stillprefer flexible brokerage accounts over these new retirement-style accounts forminors. Are you interested inworking with me 1 on 1? Click this link to fill out our Retirement ReadinessQuestionnaireOr visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multipleseven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional whileminimizing taxes… welcome to the right place.💬 Comment Below: Are you prioritizing a Trump Account over other alternatives? Connect with me here:YouTubeFollow the podcastJoinMy Company NewsletterThis is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →122: 7 Tax-Free/Efficient Retirement Strategies Every Retiree Needs to Know
May 1200:36:28Tap to summarizeAre you approaching retirement with $1 million or more savedand wondering how to minimize taxes on your IRA withdrawals, Social Security income, Roth conversions, brokerage accounts, and retirement income strategy?In this episode I'll break down 7 powerful retirement tax planning strategies that high-net-worth retirees can use to potentially reduce or even eliminate portions of their lifetime tax bill.You’ll learn:• How some retirees can take IRA withdrawals tax-free • Why Roth conversions are often overused • How the 0% long-term capital gains bracket works • Strategies to reduce taxes on Social Security income • Roth IRA withdrawal rules and common mistakes • Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) strategies • HSA planning opportunities in retirement • How Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) works for company stock If you are over 50, nearing retirement, or already retiredwith substantial IRA, 401(k), brokerage, or Roth assets, this episode will help you better understand how retirement tax planning impacts:If you are over 50, nearing retirement, or already retired with substantial IRA, 401(k), brokerage, or Roth assets, this episode will help you better understand how retirement tax planning impacts:• lifetime income, • Medicare premiums, • RMDs, • ACA subsidies, • estate planning, • and legacy goals. Areyou interested in working with me 1 on 1? Clickthis link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multipleseven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional while minimizing taxes… welcome to the right place.💬 Comment Below with one or two major takeaways from this episode!This is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →121: 5 Tax Planning Strategies When You’re High Net Worth, but Poor on Paper
Mar 2400:44:00Tap to summarizeAfter you retire, you might find your net worth continuing to grow, but your 'taxable income' drops significantly. That can create major tax planning opportunities. Hence, 'High net worth, poor on paper.'I’ll explain how that period of time can open thedoor to smarter planning around ACA subsidies, Roth conversions, Social Security taxation, and 0% capital gains harvesting.Remember, these strategies should not be looked at in asilo. A move that helps in one area can easily impact another if it isn’t coordinated with your full retirement plan.What you’ll learn in this episode:What “high net worth, poor on paper” actually means Why low-income years in retirement can be powerful planning years How ACA premium tax credits work for early retirees The tradeoff between ACA subsidies and Roth conversions How the Roth conversion window can reduce future RMD problems How Social Security taxation can potentially be reduced with proper timing When 0% capital gains harvesting may make sense Why these strategies must be coordinated, not implemented one by one Why retirement tax planning is about timing taxes wisely, not just avoiding them If you want help building a retirement plan thatcoordinates investments, taxes, income, and leaving a legacy, you can learnmore at www.imaginefinancialsecurity.comOr, start with requesting a Mutual Fit Meeting by filling out this shortquestionnaire:https://form.jotform.com/250847998463173 Resources / related episodes:ACA Tax Credits: The Cliff is Back in 2026: https://youtu.be/iZcF5IuH1Bg?si=x5l4SnH2nl3wnYS1$3m Net Worth, Free Healthcare(case study): https://youtu.be/iZcF5IuH1Bg?si=x5l4SnH2nl3wnYS1Aggressive Conversions to makeSocial Security Tax Free: https://youtu.be/oeo3jT5iUbQIf you enjoyed this episodePlease leave a 5-star review, follow the show, and shareit with someone who is close to retirement or recently retired.Thank you!-Kevin
Transcribe →120: 5 Retirement Strategies to Protect Your Portfolio During the Iran Oil Crisis
Mar 1700:35:16Tap to summarizeAre you retiring soon or recently retired and worried about market volatility, sequence of returns risk, and what the Iran conflict could mean for your plans?In this episode, I'm diving into what retirees should be considering as we head into potential prolonged volatility. I'll discuss the short term market impact of the conflict.Then, I'll touch on what I think might be an underlying long-term goal for the US getting involved. And most importantly, we'll touch on 5 strategies to help you prepare for and execute a successful retirement, despite this new wave of uncertainty. I hope it helps!-KevinRequest A “Mutual Fit Meeting” hereClick this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multipleseven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional while minimizing taxes… welcome to the right place.***This is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →119: Social Security for Married Couples: The Survivor Benefit Mistake
Mar 1000:07:53Tap to summarizeIf you're married, your Social Security claiming strategy is not just about your benefit — it's about protecting your spouse’s income for life. In this video, I'll explain the most overlooked Social Security rule for married couples and how it can dramatically affect the surviving spouse’s financial security.Many retirees don’t realize that when one spouse passes away, one Social Security check disappears. The surviving spouse only keeps the larger of the two benefits, which means the higher earner’s claiming decision may be the most important Social Security decision you make.Using a real-life style example, Kevin walks through how delaying Social Security can significantly increase the survivor benefit, potentially adding thousands of dollars per month for the spouse who lives the longest. He also explains why couples who claim too early may unintentionally reduce the surviving spouse’s income during the most financially vulnerable years of retirement.However, this strategy doesn’t apply to everyone. I'll also share three situations where it may actually make sense to ignore the typical advice to delay Social Security, including health considerations, investment strategies, and withdrawal rate concerns.If you are within 5–10 years of retirement, married, and have saved $1M or more, this Social Security strategy could have a major impact on your long-term retirement income plan.Are you interested in working with me 1 on 1? Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multiple seven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional while minimizing taxes… welcome to the right place.This is for general education purposes only and should not be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →118: Should You Annuitize in Retirement? 4 Surprising Benefits
Mar 300:14:15Tap to summarizeAre annuities really that bad?I’ve spent most of my career skeptical of annuities. Especially the expensive, complicatedproducts often sold to retirees. I don’t sell annuities. I don’t earn commissions from them. And in most cases, I still am skeptical of how they are ‘sold’and not planned for.In this episode, I break down four surprising benefits ofannuitizing part of your fixed income, especially if you’re approaching retirement with $1M+ saved and want a smarter retirement income strategy.We’ll cover:• Why everyone is a bull… until the market drops 10%• How annuitization can reduce sequence of returns risk• Why payout rates (like 6%–8%+) is hard to replicate with a ‘safe withdrawalrate’• How annuities can actually improve legacy outcomes in certain scenarios• The math behind lowering withdrawal pressure on your equity portfolio• How to evaluate TIAA Traditional payout options and vintagesRetirement isn’t just about asset allocation.It’s about income design.And if you’re over 55, retiring soon, or already retired,understanding annuitization could materially impact your retirement income,stress level, and long-term legacy. Hope you find this useful.-KevinAre you interested in working with me 1 on 1? Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multipleseven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional whileminimizing taxes… welcome to the right place. This is for general education purposes only and shouldnot be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
Transcribe →117: TIAA Traditional Explained: How Much to Keep, When to Use It, and What to Do at Retirement
Feb 2400:21:37Tap to summarizeIf you’re a TIAA participant, there’s a good chance you own TIAA Traditional—and it may be one of the most misunderstood “investments” in retirement plans.In this episode, I’m breaking down TIAA Traditional, TIAA Real Estate and answering the biggest questions I hear from TIAA participants:✅ Should I own TIAA Traditional?✅ If so, how much should I keep there?✅ Should I use the TIAA Real Estate Account?✅ What should I do with TIAA Traditional after I retire?✅ Bonus: How do I compare to other retirement savers?We’ll talk about the real issue most people miss—liquidity and contract type—and how TIAA Traditional can be used as a bond alternative or even as a retirement income floor depending on your plan.Resources mentioned:TIAA Real Estate AccountVideo, How to get money OUT of TIAA (contract breakdown)Video, Retirement Savings Relative to PeersAre you interested in working with me 1 on 1? Click this link to fill out our Retirement Readiness QuestionnaireOr,visit my website ⛳ PFR Nation (Who This Is For)If you're over 50, have saved seven figures (or multiple seven figures), love golf and travel, and you want to make work optional while minimizing taxes… welcome to the right place.💬 Comment BelowWhat is your biggest TIAA question!? This is for general education purposes only and should not be considered as tax, legal or investment advice.
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