EPISODE · Apr 10, 2026 · 55 MIN
What Your Tax Return Reveals About Your Retirement Plan | Episode 150
from Safer Retirement Radio · host Brian Decker - Owner and Founder - Decker Retirement Planning
Most people file their taxes and move on. But if that's all you're doing, you're leaving serious money on the table — and walking into retirement blind. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP(R) of Decker Retirement Planning breaks down why your tax return is one of the most powerful forward-looking planning tools you have — and how to actually use it. Here's what we cover: The difference between effective tax rate and marginal tax rate — and why most people don't know their real number (hint: if you can't answer it quickly, you're flying blind in retirement). The IRA tax time bomb — why deferring, deferring, deferring into your 70s could force you into a higher tax bracket right when you can least afford it. Roth conversion strategy — who should be doing them, when to start, and why waiting too long is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes we see. Social Security taxation — yes, up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed. The thresholds haven't changed since 1983 and 1993. We'll show you how to plan around them. IRMAA surcharges — the Medicare premium trap that blindsides retirees who had a high-income year two years prior. Tax planning vs. tax preparation — your CPA is a tax historian. What you need going into retirement is a tax strategist. The bottom line: retirement is the first time in your life you actually get to decide what tax bracket you live in. The question is — are you taking advantage of it? If your tax return didn't lead to a conversation about the taxes you'll pay in the future, you're doing it wrong. Call 833-707-3030 for a no-cost, no-obligation conversation with the Decker Retirement Planning team. Download Brian's book, The Decker Approach, and other free retirement resources at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com under Safer Retirement Education. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.
What this episode covers
Most people file their taxes and move on. But if that's all you're doing, you're leaving serious money on the table — and walking into retirement blind. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brad Geddes, CFP(R) of Decker Retirement Planning breaks down why your tax return is one of the most powerful forward-looking planning tools you have — and how to actually use it. Here's what we cover: The difference between effective tax rate and marginal tax rate — and why most people don't know their real number (hint: if you can't answer it quickly, you're flying blind in retirement). The IRA tax time bomb — why deferring, deferring, deferring into your 70s could force you into a higher tax bracket right when you can least afford it. Roth conversion strategy — who should be doing them, when to start, and why waiting too long is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes we see. Social Security taxation — yes, up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed. The thresholds haven't changed since 1983 and 1993. We'll show you how to plan around them. IRMAA surcharges — the Medicare premium trap that blindsides retirees who had a high-income year two years prior. Tax planning vs. tax preparation — your CPA is a tax historian. What you need going into retirement is a tax strategist. The bottom line: retirement is the first time in your life you actually get to decide what tax bracket you live in. The question is — are you taking advantage of it? If your tax return didn't lead to a conversation about the taxes you'll pay in the future, you're doing it wrong. Call 833-707-3030 for a no-cost, no-obligation conversation with the Decker Retirement Planning team. Download Brian's book, The Decker Approach, and other free retirement resources at DeckerRetirementPlanning.com under Safer Retirement Education. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Decker Retirement Planning Inc., a registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.
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What Your Tax Return Reveals About Your Retirement Plan | Episode 150
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