#199 - "Hot topics" edition...Andy and Jonathan Vance talk about opportunities in the current market environment, 2026 tax updates, questions to ask advisors and MORE!

Andy and Jonathan Vance from Vance Financial Planning share their thoughts on a handful of current events and "hot topics" relating to retirement planning. Specifically, they talk about: Given current world affairs and their impacts on the markets, should you do anything different with your investments, or are there any other planning opportunities to consider ( 14:20 )Tax updates for 2026, and some recap of tax takeaways for 2025 now that the 2025 tax return season is mostly behind us ( 26:27 )Using in-kind gifts to family and friends to get rid of appreciated non-qualified assets you no longer want, but don't want to sell and realize the gains ( 38:45 )The importance of having a good grasp on your future expenses and how that impacts virtually all aspects of retirement planning ( 46:00 )The practicality of the "die with zero" concept, and how Monte Carlo can help try to put it into practice ( 1:00:48 )Questions to ask when interviewing a financial advisor ( 1:11:54 )Options for what to do with permanent life insurance policies or annuities you might no longer want, or are no longer in your best interest ( 1:23:10 )Links in this episode:Vance Financial Planning website - https://www.vancefp.comManuka Financial's article, 9 Questions to ask a Flat Fee (or any!) Financial Advisor as you Near Retirement - hereTo send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email [email protected] company newsletter - Retirement Planning InsightsFacebook group - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Taxes in Retirement)YouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.com