Ever feel like there are way too many retirement account names to keep straight? It’s almost like alphabet soup for your retirement planning.

In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, Michael, CFP® and EA is joined by his wife, who asks the questions many people may secretly have. Like what to do with extra money now, what about extra money I don't need now, how do these different accounts actually work, and who can (or can’t) fund a specific account?

Along the way they cover:

💬 What's different between traditional IRA from a Roth IRA outside of just the taxes and who the heck is “Mr. Roth” anyway?

💬 Why are there so many types of accounts? 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs (and how they connect with one another)

💬 Who can open or contribute to a Roth IRA (even if you’re under 18)

💬 Why earned income matters (and what the IRS really means by that)

💬 The “Starbucks app” version of paying taxes now vs. later

💬 Plus, a little “girl math” and TJ Maxx logic to keep things grounded

Inside this episode we explore:

💭 Why 42% might feel tight depending on your lifestyle and income

💭 How the size of your income may change what percent of income your home may be

💭 The problem with planning your life around a forecast of three percent rates

💭 How mortgage rates connect to the federal funds rate

💭 Why the ultra low rates after the Great Recession were the exception not the rule

💭 What inflation and unemployment have to do with potential future rate cuts

💭 The impact of layoffs in tech and the race for artificial intelligence

💭 Why a higher rate today with a refinance option later can sometimes make sense

💭 How slower housing markets and price cuts may work in your favor

💭 Why assuming rates will drop soon can be dangerous for your long term plan

Ever wonder why your tax refund may change so much from year to year or why making a little more money doesn’t always feel like it pays that much extra?

In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, Michael CFP® and EA breaks down how our progressive tax system actually works, using everyday language (and a few buckets of water).

We walk through side-by-side examples of a married couple earning $120,000 and $200,000 to see how their tax bill may look, what tax deductions they may get (or not get) and even look at planning around certain tax credits.

You’ll learn:

💧 How each “bucket” of income gets taxed differently

💡 The difference between marginal and effective tax rates

👶 How credits may reduce your tax bill (and when some begin to phase out)

💭 Why tax planning can be valuable and should align with your investment and retirement planning

It’s a practical, down-to-earth look at how the numbers actually stack up hopefully understandable as well.

Because good financial planning isn’t just about investing… it’s about knowing how taxes, savings, and long-term goals all fit together like ingredients in a recipe that works for you.

If you’re a Michigan school teacher, you only get 75 days from your first pay period to choose your retirement plan and that one decision may shape your financial future for decades.

In this episode, Michael CFP® and EA unpacks what those two options really mean. There's the Pension Plus 2 plan and the Defined Contribution plan. He discussed how they work differently when it comes to paychecks, matching contributions, potential taxes, early access, and even what happens to your money after you’re gone.

In this episode, Michael is joined by his wife Jacqueline (who's wearing all his clothes, apparently) for a casual chat that starts with some of Jacqueline's questions she hears about money recently to get those questions answered.

They cover:

💭 What an LLC actually does — and what it doesn’t do for taxes

💭 The difference between tax avoidance (smart) and tax evasion (illegal)

💭 What’s better: getting rich quick or building wealth the slow and steady way?

💭 Common money misconceptions small business owners fall for

💭 Why “write it off” ≠ “get it for free”

💭 And a reminder: hard work, patience, and planning still works (even if tjat doesn’t create trends on TikTok)

Gold has been shining bright lately (pun intended) and has hit all-time highs as 2025 is coming to a close. But what’s really behind the surge? In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, we dig into some ideas of why reasons why gold’s up, and explore whether it still makes sense as part of a modern portfolio.

Markets are hitting record highs as we are ending 2025, but what’s really driving it? In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, we take a curious look under the hood of today’s market momentum.

We’ll unpack a few key forces fueling the climb including:

💭 Many strong corporate earnings that are beating expectations

💭 Interest rate cuts — after a few years of tightening interest rate increases, potential interest rate cuts could be on the horizon

💭 Artificial intelligence - Many believe it's not just hype, but a potential long-term shift in how companies operate. What does the future mean for that?

💭 Investor participation — More and more people are now investing. Is that a good thing?

Of course, all-time highs don’t mean buy everything now. Markets move in cycles — and those pullbacks can be part of a healthy rhythm. This episode is all about understanding why we’re here, what might be next, and how to stay curious and have a plan ahead of time through the ups and downs

Ever wondered if you should wipe out your debt as fast as possible or maybe hang on to those loans and invest instead? In this episode, we explore the balance between math and mindset because financial plans don’t live in spreadsheets, they live in real life.

Michael, CFP® and EA unpacks the pros and cons of paying debt quickly versus investing for the long haul, why behavior often beats math in the real world, and when taking on debt may actually make sense, especially if it’s investing in yourself or your career.

Most people who donate give cash to charities. Which is very generous of them, but what if there’s a better way to gift where the charity can still get the benefit but you may also receive some more tax benefits?

In this episode of Common Curiosities Retirement, Michael CFP® and Enrolled Agent unpacks one of the most overlooked tax strategies for charitable givers: donating appreciated assets.

Ever wonder when you can actually use your Roth IRA without getting smacked with taxes and penalties? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, we unpack one of the most common unused tools with Roth accounts. When and how to tap them before 59½ without giving the IRS a reason to celebrate.

If you’re over 70½ or just planning ahead for when you will be this simple move could make your money go further. We walk through what a QCD is, how it’s different from an RMD, who it’s typically best suited for, and some overlooked rules that could help you avoid unnecessary taxes (and maybe some paperwork headaches too).

📘 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) actually is

• Why it could be better than writing a check to charity

• How QCDs interact with RMDs and standard deductions

• Who may benefit most from using a QCD

• A real-world example that shows how much you could save

Roth IRAs can be one of the most powerful tools in retirement planning, but only if you understand the rules and how they fit into your bigger picture.

In this episode, we break down practical strategies for using Roth IRAs from retirement tax planning and early retirement options. Whether you’re just getting started or already building your retirement nest egg, this conversation should help you see where Roth accounts may (or may not) make sense for your financial strategies.

Thinking about how much you need in retirement and but unsure how what you'll actually need? You’re certainly not alone. In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, we break down two methods that have helped our members get a clearer picture of their potential expenses helping them feel more confident in their retirement planning.

𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫:

🎯 Why many people actually overestimate how much income they’ll need

🎯 Two practical ways to track your spending (you may not even need spreadsheets or budgets)

🎯 Commonly missed costs

🎯 How to factor in inflation, taxes, and those early retirement "freedom years" spending

Whether you're a numbers person or just looking for a simple way to estimate your spending, this episode should help you avoid surprises and plan smarter.

RMDs can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. We explain RMDs in plain language including why the IRS requires them, when they start, and how they may affect your taxes, Medicare costs, and retirement strategies.

Wondering how much income you'll actually need in retirement? You're not alone. In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, we explore two practical methods to help you estimate future expenses (without spreadsheets or complicated budgets) Learn why many people overestimate their retirement needs, how to track spending simply, and how to factor in inflation, taxes, and those early "freedom years."

Whether you're detail-oriented or just want a clearer picture, this episode will help you avoid surprises and plan with confidence.

Most people overlook their tax return, but your 1040 could be a goldmine for smarter financial planning. In this episode, we break down key sections of the 1040 to help you uncover strategies that may lower your lifetime tax bill, boost retirement readiness, and try to keep more of your hard-earned money. Learn how filing status, deductions, income types, and planning moves like Roth conversions and QCDs can shape your financial future.

Confused when signing up for your 401(k)? This video breaks down common employee questions from real plan meetings. Including Roth vs. pre-tax contributions, employer matches, target date funds, contribution limits, catch-up rules, automatic enrollment, and ways to potentially reduce lifetime taxes.

Whether you're just starting out or rethinking your retirement strategy, you'll gain clarity, confidence, and actionable tips to make your 401(k) work harder for you.

Many retirees worry about running out of money, but thoughtful planning may ease those fears and lead to more confident, purposeful spending. In this video, we explore the emotional and strategic side of retirement, covering everything from how much you could spend with $2.5 million, to evaluating large purchases, managing taxes, and building a flexible budget that supports travel, lifestyle, and peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating income flows or considering Roth conversions, this is about spending wisely—not just saving endlessly.

Interest can be a great ally or a major financial hurdle. This blog breaks down the difference between simple and compound interest, showing how each works and where they show up in real life. Learn how time, strategy, and smart investing can turn compound interest into a powerful wealth-building tool, while understanding when simple interest may be the better choice for managing debt.

If you’re 65 or older, a new federal tax deduction could lower your tax bill and open doors for smarter retirement planning. Learn how this extra $6,000–$12,000 deduction works, who qualifies, and how it can impact Roth conversions, capital gains, and lifetime tax strategy. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to give your retirement budget more breathing room.