Accessible Finance For Retirement
by Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA with Equilibrium Financial Planning
Join us each week as we, Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA, and Rachael Johns, J.D., take on the world of finance with a fresh, approachable perspective. As spouses and business partners, we’re here to answer your questions, tackle real-life scenarios, and break down complex financial topics in a way that leaves you saying, "I get it now."Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to deepen your understanding, our warm and engaging conversations are designed to make finance accessible to everyone.Start your path to financial clarity with us and visit us at Equilibriumfp.com!
Episodes
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Episode 92: Trump Accounts (530A) Explained—Who Qualifies, $1,000 Rule, Limits, and Better Alternatives
In episode 92 of Accessible Finance For Retirement, Eric and Rachael Johns explain new “Trump accounts” (530A) designed to help children invest early, including the $1,000 government contribution available only for children born Jan 1, 2025 through Dec 31, 2028 if Form 4547 is filed, noting it is...
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Episode 91: The Science of Happiness (and Why It Matters for Financial Planning)
In episode 91 of Accessible Finance, Eric and Rachael Johns continue their discussion on happiness and its role in financial planning, using insights from Time magazine’s special edition The Science of Happiness. They review survey data on Americans’ self-reported happiness since 1972 (most...
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Can Money Buy Happiness? | Accessible Finance Episode 90
In episode 90, Eric and Rachael Johns begin a multi-episode discussion on whether money can buy happiness, especially for people nearing or in retirement who are shifting from accumulating wealth to using it to improve life. They review research suggesting happiness increases with income but not...
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Three Essential Questions for Retirement Success | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 89
In this episode, Eric and Rachael Johns answer listener questions and discuss an article from The Retirement Manifesto titled 'Three Questions That Determine 99% of Your Retirement Success.' They delve into the importance of having a reliable cash flow plan, accounting for healthcare and…
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Breaking Down Listener Questions on Retirement Planning and Investment Strategies | Episode 88
In Episode 88 of Accessible Finance for Retirement, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns address detailed listener questions focusing on retirement planning and investment strategies. The episode features an in-depth analysis of a specific retirement plan consultation involving a proposed complex...
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When to Hire a Financial Advisor and Managing Retirement Accounts: Listener Qs Answered | Episode 87
Welcome to episode 87 of Accessible Finance for Retirement with Eric and Rachael Johns. In this episode, we address listener questions covering crucial topics like the right time to hire a financial advisor, effective management of 401Ks and Roth IRAs, and navigating required minimum…
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Managing Retirement Accounts, Cash Strategies, and Roth Conversions | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 86
In Episode 86 of Accessible Finance for Retirement, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns address several pressing questions from their listeners. Topics include the benefits of opening a Roth IRA in a spouse's name, strategies for placing cash in high-yield money market accounts, understanding the...
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Advanced Roth IRA Strategies: Backdoor, Mega Backdoor & Tax-Free Retirement Planning | Episode 85
In this final installment of our Roth IRA miniseries, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns take you beyond the basics and dive deep into advanced Roth strategies that can help you maximize your retirement savings. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to explore Roth accounts, this episode…
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Roth IRA Conversions Explained: Optimize Your Retirement Strategy | Episode 84
Welcome to episode 84 of Accessible Finance for Retirement! Hosted by Eric and Rachael Johns, this episode dives into Roth IRA Conversions, a powerful strategy for managing taxable income and optimizing your retirement savings. Learn about the fundamentals of Roth conversions, strategic timing…
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Roth IRA Basics: Maximizing Retirement and Tax Benefits | Accessible Finance EP 83
Unlocking Roth IRA Secrets: Fundamentals Explained | Accessible Finance Ep 83 Welcome to episode 83 of Accessible Finance for Retirement! Eric and Rachael Johns kick off a three-part miniseries on Roth accounts, starting with the fundamentals. They discuss the origins of Roth IRAs, basic...
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Retirement Regrets: Avoiding Common Pitfalls | Accessible Finance Ep 82
In episode 82 of Accessible Finance, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns delve into retirement regrets and how to avoid common pitfalls. They discuss personal stories from retirees who wish they had started saving earlier, misunderstood Medicare coverage, mismanaged investment strategies, failed to seek...
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Making Your Retirement Bucket List a Reality: Financial Tips & Strategies | Accessible Finance Ep. 81
In episode 81 of Accessible Finance, Eric and Rachael Johns discuss how to create and fund your retirement bucket list without breaking the bank. They share their own bucket list items and emphasize the importance of quantifying costs and setting realistic goals. The episode covers key strategies...
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Top Retirement Questions Answered Rapid Fire | Accessible Finance Ep. 80
Welcome to episode 80 of Accessible Finance with Eric and Rachael Johns! In this rapid-fire session, Eric answers your most pressing retirement questions without his famous 'It depends' caveat. From the biggest mistakes made before retirement to whether you should downsize your home, we cover it...
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How to Evaluate Job Offers Beyond Just Salary | Accessible Finance Ep. 79
Welcome to episode 79 of Accessible Finance! Join Eric and Rachael Johns as they break down how to compare job offers beyond just the paycheck. Learn what benefits to look for, how to quantify those benefits, and why they matter more than you might think. From healthcare and retirement plans to...
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Managing Tax Risks in Your Retirement Accounts | Accessible Finance Ep. 78
In episode 78 of Accessible Finance, we tackle the challenge of managing tax risks in pre-tax accounts like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. Eric and Rachel discuss the importance of considering future tax brackets and RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) while planning your retirement. Learn about...
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How to Lower Your Taxes Before Retirement | Episode 77 of Accessible Finance
In Episode 77 of Accessible Finance, we tackle a pressing question: 'How do I reduce my tax bill before I retire?' Eric and Rachael discuss critical strategies for those nearing retirement, including deferring income, maximizing pre-tax contributions, leveraging donor-advised funds for charitable...
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Understanding the Three Tax Buckets for Smarter Financial Planning | Accessible Finance Ep. 76
In episode 76 of Accessible Finance, we break down the three tax buckets: taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. Discover how each impacts your taxes, flexibility, and financial planning. Learn the pros and cons of each account type and why having a balanced mix across all three buckets is...
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Navigating Financial Decisions After Losing a Spouse | Episode 75
In episode 75 of Accessible Finance, we address an emotional and critical listener question from someone who has recently lost a spouse and feels overwhelmed with financial decisions. The discussion covers key initial steps such as pausing big decisions, getting organized, securing income…
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Navigating Your Retirement in a Down Market | Accessible Finance Ep 74
🎙️ Episode 74: Navigating Your Retirement in a Down Market Are you planning to retire but worried about the market downturn? Is it wise to push on or is waiting the better option? In this episode, Rachael and Eric tackle one of the toughest questions facing soon-to-be retirees: the market’s…
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Understanding Pension Plans, Social Security & Recent Policy Changes | Accessible Finance Ep. 73
In episode 73 of Accessible Finance, hosts dive into a detailed listener question about retirees with pension plans. They discuss the implications of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) ending, its impact on social security benefits, and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The episode...
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Financial Planning for Life's Unexpected Curveballs | Accessible Finance Ep. 72
Financial Planning for Life's Unexpected Curveballs | Accessible Finance Ep. 72In Episode 72 of Accessible Finance, we tackle the topic of preparing your finances for life's unexpected events by sharing a very personal one of our own. Whether it's a sudden health diagnosis, an unexpected expense,...
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Accessible Finance Episode 71: Selecting The Right Advisor-What Questions Should I Ask? How Can I Ensure They Are The Right Fit?
In this episode, we answer the question: "I don't trust financial advisors because of bad past experiences. What questions should I ask to find the right one now?" Unfortunately, you're not alone, and this is SUCH an important topic! Firstly, NOT ALL FINANCIAL ADVISORS ARE CREATED EQUAL. There…
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Accessible Finance Episode 70: How Do We Handle Taxes With Such Different Income Brackets?
In this episode, we answer the question: "I just retired, but my spouse is still working. How should we handle taxes now that our income brackets are so different?" Ultimately, Filing status matters, the impact of retirement income needs to be assessed, and withholding adjustments should be...
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Accessible Finance Episode 69: How To Help Adult Child Without Jeopardizing Our Retirement?
In this episode, we answer the question: "Our adult child is struggling financially and keeps asking us for money. How do we help without jeopardizing our own retirement? Short answer: Assess your own financial help, the nature of the struggle, and the terms of the help--communication is key! Be...
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Accessible Finance Episode 68: How to Choose a Fiduciary Advisory, Roth Withdrawals, and Conversions
In this episode, we answer questions regarding Roth withdrawals, Roth conversions, and how to choose a fiduciary advisor--including a crucial discussion on what questions to ask and what could cause a lack of consensus among planners when comparing.🎙️ Have a financial scenario you’d like us to...
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Accessible Finance Episode 67: Retirement Roth Contributions, Commission Jobs, and IBonds
In this episode, we answer questions regarding whether you can contribute to a Roth if your income is a pension, where a full commission job should put retirement savings, and timing cashing in of iBonds. 🎙️ Have a financial scenario you’d like us to discuss (without giving personalized advice)?...
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Accessible Finance Episode 66: Equities Only Portfolios, Roth conversions vs IRA distributions
In this episode, we answer questions regarding whether it ever makes sense to have a portfolio with only equities if equities truly outpace other investment classes over the long run, and clarification on the tax code while making a decision on a Roth conversion versus taking more from an…
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Accessible Finance Episode 65: High Yield Savings, CDs, Stock/Fixed Income Allocations, and More!
In this episode, we answer questions regarding high yield savings versus CDs, inherited stock portfolios, whether there is a time one should leave the market altogether, and how to split bond/stock investment allocations as you age. 🎙️ Have a financial scenario you’d like us to discuss (without...
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Accessible Finance Episode 64: Give Your Younger Self Financial Advice That Would Have Benefitted You Today
Crowdsourced from a knowledgeable group, the prompt was posted "Give your younger self financial advice that would have benefitted you today". We break down the commentary and recommendations and discuss the merits of each of them while discussing our own. 2025 is a great opportunity to make...
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Accessible Finance Episode 63: IRMAA, Roth Conversions, RMDs, Pro Rata, Aggregation, and more!
This week, we're tackling listener questions about pro rata and aggregation rules, IRMAA, Roth conversions, RMDs, and how to plan for retirement when you’d rather not hire a financial planner. We’ll share insights on why paying upfront for expert guidance can often save you from costly,...
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Accessible Finance Episode 62: Annuities, Roth IRAs, HELOCs, Capital Gains and More...Listener Questions
This week we answer listener questions about whether to deplete an annuity and how to allocate the funds amongst current debt and retirement goals, whether to invest in an annuity using money from a 401k, general discussions of tax efficiency, and more. If you would like us to discuss your…
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Accessible Finance Episode 61: Fee based vs Fee Only, Taxes, 401k and more- Listener Questions
This week we answer listener questions about fee based versus fee only, tax advice, how to justify a 1% fee, what to do when you find all of your retirement savings are in a 401k or other tax deferred account, and more. How should you decide whether to go with a fee only or fee based advisor?...
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Accessible Finance Episode 60: Investment Selection, Estate Planning, and Annuities - Listener Questions
This week we answer listener questions about investment selection and estate planning for grandkids as well as annuity vs. lump sum pension plans. How should you decide whether to annuitize a pension or take the lump sum? Unfortunately, "it depends" is the correct answer here. You are more likely...
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Accessible Finance Episode 59 : The Golden Years or The Broke Years? Avoiding the Retirement Pitfalls
Most of us dream about "the golden years", but without a plan, they can easily turn into the "broke years"! So how do you avoid spending your retirement on instant noodles? In this episode, we discuss how the reality is that with longer life expectancies and increasing costs, often times retirees...
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Accessible Finance Episode 58: Talking Money with Family-Navigating Tricky Financial Conversations
We all have a bucket list dream for retirement: maybe it's a world cruise, joining the Disney Vacation Club, or hosting the grandkids every summer. But there’s an essential question to ask—can your retirement fund make it happen? In this episode, we’re digging into a topic that often feels…
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Accessible Finance Episode 57: Retirement Roulette - Are You Betting on a Winning Strategy?
Retirement can be like a trip to the casino--except instead of hoping for a big jackpot, you're trying to avoid going broke! This week we focus on how retirement planning can feel like gambling, but shouldn't if you are prepared. Having a retirement strategy is crucial for diversifying risk,...
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Accessible Finance Episode 56: The Sandwich Generation: Preserving Your Sanity While Caring for Aging Parents and Kids
Should you be concerned about your parents’ retirement? Yes, considering they will be bombarded with dinner seminar offers from financial product salesmen, especially annuities, and most of us will step in to help if the situation becomes dire. This week we focus on adult children juggling both...
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Accessible Finance Episode 55: Why are Roth Conversions Useful, and How Can They Help You?
Why are Roth conversions useful, and how can they help you? Roth conversions allow us to pull income forward into years where our marginal (and effective) tax rates are expected to be lower than in the future. This enables us to fill up the “lower” tax buckets with dollars that would otherwise be...
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Accessible Finance Episode 54: Ron & Hermione, 58 & 56, Pre-Retirees Planning For Early Retirement
How should we adjust our investment portfolio as we approach early retirement? What strategies can help us pay off credit card debt before retirement? How can we ensure our savings and investments will support a comfortable retirement lifestyle? We begin by addressing the credit card debt, have a...
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Accessible Finance Episode 53: Bruce & Rachel, 66 and 64, Recently Retired Struggling With Asset Management
How can we optimize our asset allocation to ensure long-term financial stability? Are there better investment options than cash value life insurance for our current needs? How can we manage our funds to ensure the ylast throughout retirement while covering all expenses? As always, we verify and...
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Accessible Finance Episode 52: Linda, 60, Planning Her Retirement With A Large Cash Reserve Currently
How should I allocate my large cash reserve? Should I invest more aggressively or keep it as a safey net? What is the best way to balance between cash & investments as retirement approaches (Safety vs growth)? Should I consider using the cash to purchase a lifetime annuity for guaranteed income…
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Accessible Finance Episode 51: John, 70, Looking To Retire With A Legacy Planning Focus
How can I balance my withdrawal strategy to ensure I don't outlive my savings while still leaving a legacy? Should I consider setting up a trust or other estate planning tools to minimize taxes and ensure my wishes are fulfilled? What are the pros and cons of gifting assets now vs. leaving them…
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Accessible Finance Episode 50: Listener Write-In - Concerned My Parents Have Underfunded Retirement Accounts - What Do We Do?
Underfunded retirement accounts, what do we do? If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, have seen any article or advice you'd like some feedback on, or have any general questions, feel free to write to us at [email protected]. We will...
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Accessible Finance Episode 49: Listener Scenario - High Net Worth Couple, 68 & 66, Looking To Maintain Lifestyle While Being Tax Efficient
Should I convert 401k to Roth IRA to minimize RMD and future tax liabilities? What strategies can I use to tax impact to heirs? Yes, if impending RMDs will catapult you into a higher bracket, you likely want to employ a Roth conversion strategy to minimize your lifetime effective tax rate. This...
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Accessible Finance Episode 48: Eric Reacts to Financial Advice Quotes - Part 3
This week, Rachael has cultivated various quotes from multiple sources touting financial advice and Eric weighs in on how accurate he perceives the statements to be. If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, have seen any article or advice you'd…
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Accessible Finance Episode 47: Eric Reacts to Financial Advice Quotes - Part 2
This week, Rachael has cultivated various quotes from multiple sources touting financial advice and Eric weighs in on how accurate he perceives the statements to be. If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, have seen any article or advice you'd…
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Accessible Finance Episode 46: Eric Reacts to Financial Advice Quotes - Part 1
This week, Rachael has cultivated various quotes from multiple sources touting financial advice and Eric weighs in on how accurate he perceives the statements to be. If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, have seen any article or advice you'd…
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Accessible Finance Episode 45: Retirement Part 7 - Estate Planning Part B
This week we share our thoughts on how estate planning is incorporated with your retirement picture. If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, feel free to write to us at [email protected]. We will anonymize your personal information.…
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Accessible Finance Episode 44: Retirement Part 6 - Estate Planning Part A
This week we share our thoughts on how estate planning is incorporated with your retirement picture. If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, feel free to write to us at [email protected]. We will anonymize your personal information.…
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Accessible Finance Episode 43: Retirement Part 5 - Long Term Care
This week we explore Long Term Care costs and how they may impact your financial plan. If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, feel free to write to us at [email protected]. We will anonymize your personal information. Thanks! What LTC...
About this show
Join us each week as we, Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA, and Rachael Johns, J.D., take on the world of finance with a fresh, approachable perspective. As spouses and business partners, we’re here to answer your questions, tackle real-life scenarios, and break down complex financial topics in a way that leaves you saying, "I get it now."Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to deepen your understanding, our warm and engaging conversations are designed to make finance accessible to everyone.Start your path to financial clarity with us and visit us at Equilibriumfp.com!
Hosted by
Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA with Equilibrium Financial Planning