Finance on the Fly with Rizek Housari CPA, CFP®

Target date funds promise simplicity—just pick the year you plan to retire and let the fund do the rest. But are they really the best fit for your retirement strategy? In this episode, we break down how target date funds work, their pros and cons, and why they might not always align with your goals once you’re nearing or in retirement.You’ll learn how these “set it and forget it” investments manage risk, adjust over time, and where they often fall short when it comes to taxes, income planning, and diversification.Based on strategies from Rizek’s book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making investment or retirement decisions.

💡 Why so many people love the Roth IRA:✅ Tax-free growth over your lifetime✅ Tax-free withdrawals in retirement✅ No required minimum distributions✅ Flexibility to pass wealth to heirs efficientlyIt’s a simple account with powerful long-term benefits.📘 From Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting WealthDisclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Individual situations vary, and what’s right for one person may not be right for another. Always consult a qualified financial or tax professional before making decisions about investments, retirement accounts, or conversions.

Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are some of the most powerful tools in retirement planning—yet many investors overlook their long-term benefits. In this episode, we unpack how Roth accounts work, why tax-free growth can be such a game-changer, and when it makes sense to contribute or convert. From managing future tax rates to reducing Required Minimum Distributions, Roth strategies can give you greater flexibility and control in retirement.Whether you’re nearing retirement or already there, this discussion will help you see Roth accounts not just as an investment option, but as a key piece of your retirement income strategy.Based on strategies from Rizek’s book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

In this conversation, Rizek Housari discusses the critical importance of understanding taxable income and its implications for financial planning, particularly in retirement. He emphasizes the need for proactive tax strategies, such as Roth conversions and careful management of required minimum distributions (RMDs), to avoid unexpected tax burdens. Housari also highlights the significance of account allocation over investment allocation and encourages comprehensive financial planning that integrates tax considerations.takeawaysTaxable income is a key factor in determining your tax bracket.Having diverse income sources provides more flexibility in tax planning.Proactive tax planning can lead to long-term savings.Roth conversions can be beneficial for tax efficiency over time.Required minimum distributions can surprise many retirees.Investment allocation is important, but account allocation is crucial.Smoothing out taxable income can prevent higher tax brackets.Tax planning should be prioritized alongside investment strategies.Understanding tax principles is essential for effective financial planning.Comprehensive financial planning includes both tax and investment strategies.00:00Understanding Taxable Income and Its Impact02:50The Importance of Income Planning in Retirement06:05Strategic Withdrawals: Smoothing Taxable Income08:01Integrating Tax Planning with Investment Strategies

Healthcare might be one of your biggest expenses in retirement—but it can also be one of your biggest tax-saving opportunities.In this episode, we explore how to plan for rising healthcare costs without derailing your retirement plan, and how to take full advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)—one of the most powerful and underused tax shelters available.💡 You’ll learn:What healthcare expenses to expect in retirementHow HSAs work—and why they’re better than Roth IRAs for certain costsTax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals, and how to maximize bothWhy you should avoid touching your HSA until retirementSmart healthcare planning isn't just about coverage—it's about controlling costs and leveraging tax-efficient tools.📘 Based on strategies from Rizek Housari’s book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult your advisor before making financial decisions.

Many retirees lose track of old accounts—and the IRS won’t remind you. In this episode, we unpack the real risks of forgetting to take Required Minimum Distributions—especially from old or forgotten retirement accounts. If you're in your 70s or caring for a spouse who is, this is a mistake you can't afford to make. Based on strategies from Rizek Housari’s book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth—a practical guide for turning retirement savings into tax-smart income.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult your advisor before making financial decisions.

It’s one of the most common retirement planning questions — and getting it wrong could mean paying more taxes than you need to.If you’re in your 50s or 60s and want to make smarter choices now and in retirement, my book Finance on the Fly breaks it down in plain English.👉 Check out the link in my bio to grab your copy — and drop your questions in the comments. I’m here to help you sort it out.Disclosures: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed professional regarding your individual situation.#RothVsTraditional #SmartRetirement #FinanceOnTheFly

Creating a retirement income plan is more than just “living off your savings.” It’s about choosing which accounts to draw from, when, and how much — while minimizing taxes and making your money last.If you’re in your 50s or 60s and want to avoid common missteps, my book Finance on the Fly walks you through how to turn your nest egg into a steady, tax-smart income stream.👉 Find the book and free tools in the link in my bio — and start planning with clarity and confidence.Disclosures: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed professional regarding your individual situation.#RetirementIncome #SmartWithdrawals #RetireWithConfidence #Over50Finance #TaxSmartRetirement

In this conversation, Rizek Housari discusses the critical aspects of estate planning, emphasizing the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan to protect assets and ensure a smooth transition of wealth. He covers various topics including the differences between wills and trusts, the implications of estate taxes for high net worth individuals, essential estate planning documents, the role of life insurance, strategic gifting, and the significance of beneficiary designations. Housari provides practical advice and insights to help individuals avoid common pitfalls in estate planning and make informed decisions for their financial future. TakeawaysNot having an estate plan can lead to catastrophic consequences.An estate plan protects your assets and ensures a smooth transition.Wills are basic documents, while trusts offer more power and flexibility.Revocable trusts allow changes, while irrevocable trusts have strict rules.High net worth individuals need to consider estate taxes in their planning.Communication between financial professionals is crucial for effective estate planning.Powers of attorney are essential for managing affairs when incapacitated.Digital assets must be included in estate planning considerations.Life insurance can help cover estate taxes and provide liquidity.Beneficiary designations should be regularly updated to reflect current wishes.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Estate Planning02:52 Understanding Wills and Trusts06:08 Navigating Estate Taxes and High Net Worth Planning08:59 Essential Estate Planning Documents11:54 Life Insurance and Its Role in Estate Planning15:06 Strategic Gifting and Tax Implications20:51 Beneficiary Designations and Their Importance28:03 Financial Disclosure with music

Thinking about retirement in the next 5–10 years? 🧓📈 It’s not just about how much you saved — it’s about how you use it. Here’s a key strategy that can help you keep more in retirement and pay less in taxes. 👇 #RetirementPlanning #WealthStrategy #RothConversion #FinancialFreedom #TaxPlanning #Over50Money #RetireSmart📌 For informational and educational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult your advisor.

There’s a lot of buzz about the “One, Big, Beautiful” tax bill—so what does it actually mean for your retirement and investment strategy?In this episode, we break down the key changes proposed in the latest tax legislation and what they could mean for your income planning, Roth conversions, estate strategy, and overall tax efficiency.We’ll cover:How the bill could affect high-income earners and retireesPotential sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026Smart moves to consider before tax rates shiftWhat to watch for in capital gains, estate, and income tax changesDon’t let shifting tax laws catch you off guard—learn how to stay ahead of the curve.📘 Based on strategies from Rizek Housari’s book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult your advisor before making financial decisions.#RetirementPlanning #TaxBill2025 #RothConversions #TaxStrategy #FinanceOnTheFly

In this episode, we delve into the significant updates to 401(k) catch-up contributions for 2025, crucial for those nearing retirement. The IRS has maintained the standard catch-up contribution limit at $7,500 for individuals aged 50 and over. However, a notable change is the introduction of a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 for employees aged 60 to 63, as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act.

In this episode, we dive into the world of cash balance plans — a powerful and flexible retirement savings option that’s often overlooked by small business owners. Learn how these hybrid plans combine the benefits of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to help you and your employees build significant retirement savings, potentially with larger tax advantages and higher contribution limits than traditional plans. We’ll break down how cash balance plans work, who they’re best for, the setup process, and key considerations to maximize your business’s financial future. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or run a small team, this episode will give you practical insights to level up your retirement planning game.

Roth IRA or IUL—which is the better tool for tax-free retirement income?In this video, we compare the pros, cons, and real-world uses of Roth IRAs and Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policies. Both offer tax advantages, but they serve very different purposes—and choosing the wrong one could cost you.💡 You’ll learn:How Roth IRAs and IULs really workTax-free growth vs. tax-deferred accessFees, flexibility, and control: what matters mostCommon sales myths and what to watch out forWhen (if ever) an IUL makes sense over a Roth IRA📘 Based on strategies from Rizek's book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth.Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult your financial advisor.

You've spent decades building wealth—now it’s time to turn those assets into income that lasts.In this episode, we dive into strategic income planning: how to structure your withdrawals, investments, and tax strategies to create a sustainable, tax-efficient income in retirement.💼 You’ll learn:How to sequence withdrawals from IRAs, Roth accounts, and taxable portfoliosWhy income planning matters more than “just living off the interest”How to minimize taxes with smart asset location and timingThe role of dividends, interest, annuities, and capital gainsHow to avoid the common traps that erode retirement incomeWhether you're already retired or just a few years out, this episode helps you shift from accumulation to distribution—with confidence and clarity.📘 Based on strategies from Rizek's book Finance on the Fly: Simple Strategies to Build Lasting Wealth.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult your advisor before making financial decisions.#RetirementIncome #IncomePlanning #RetirementStrategy #SmartInvesting #FinanceOnTheFly #RetireSmart

Thinking about retirement in the next 5–10 years? 🧓📈 It’s not just about how much you saved — it’s about how you use it. Here’s a key strategy that can help you keep more in retirement and pay less in taxes. Most investors know about tax loss harvesting—but what about tax gain harvesting?

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most powerful tools for retirement savings: the 401(k). Whether you're still building your nest egg or approaching retirement, understanding how your 401(k) works—and how to make the most of it—can make a huge difference in your financial future.🎙️ Topics we cover:How 401(k) plans work (and why they matter)Traditional vs. Roth 401(k): What's the difference?Contribution limits and catch-up strategies after 50Employer matches and vesting schedulesCommon mistakes to avoidHow your 401(k) fits into a broader retirement strategy

Ever wondered what a "stock" actually is? In this episode, we’re breaking it all the way down—no confusing jargon, just real talk. Whether you’re brand new to investing or just want to finally understand what people mean when they say “buying shares,” this episode is for you.We’ll cover:✅ What a stock really represents✅ Why companies offer them✅ How owning one makes you a part-owner of a business✅ And how people make (or lose) money in the stock marketBy the end, you'll be able to follow the conversation when people talk investing—and maybe even start thinking about getting in the game yourself. Let’s make money make sense.

Think the stock market is just for Wall Street pros? Think again. This episode breaks down what’s happening in the markets in plain English—no jargon, no suit required. Whether you’re curious, confused, or just want to sound smarter at dinner parties, we’ve got you.Get the new book here:⁠https://a.co/d/0sV3NyC

Whether you’ve changed jobs, retired, or simply forgot about those accounts, your old 401(k) could be hiding valuable assets that deserve your attention. Join me as we explore why you should care about those forgotten funds, the best strategies for rolling them over, and how to avoid costly mistakes. From understanding your options to ensuring your money grows as it should, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to take control of your financial future—one 401(k) at a time. Don’t let your old accounts collect dust—tune in and reclaim your money!Get the new book here:https://a.co/d/0sV3NyC

Looking for more? Check out a copy of my new book: https://a.co/d/7GSiuhz

In this insightful podcast, Rizek Housari breaks down the complex world of economics to help you understand the forces shaping our financial future. From tariffs and interest rates to inflation and broader economic trends, Rizek provides practical insights into how these factors impact your wallet, investments, and long-term financial strategy. Whether you're an individual investor, business owner, or just looking to stay informed, this show offers expert advice on what you should be doing to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Tune in for a no-nonsense approach to understanding the economy and taking control of your financial future.Get the book:https://a.co/d/7aXZz6H

Join Rizek Housari on Finance on the Fly, where complex financial concepts meet real-time insights and practical advice. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, Rizek breaks down the world of finance in an easy-to-understand way, offering quick, actionable tips for everyday financial success. From market trends to personal finance hacks, this podcast covers it all — on the fly, with no fluff. Tune in and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of finance!