Shows
Winning in RetirementBuild Wealth and Create a LegacySend a textBrian Akers and Jeffrey Akers, both Certified Financial Planners, discuss strategies for building wealth and creating a legacy in retirement. They emphasize the importance of planning beyond financial independence, focusing on wealth preservation and tax efficiency. They highlight the significance of determining the purpose of money, whether for family, charity, or other causes. The conversation covers various financial tools like trusts, charitable gift annuities, and donor-advised funds to manage and distribute wealth effectively. They stress the need for comprehensive estate planning to minimize taxes and ensure assets are distributed according to one's wishes, ultimately...
2026-01-3151 minWinning in RetirementParental Financial AdviceSend a textBrian AKERS, CFP, and his son Noah AKERS, a financial advisor, discuss the importance of parental financial advice on their radio show. Brian shares how his mother's influence led him to a career in financial planning, emphasizing the value of work ethic and confidence. Noah reflects on his own journey, highlighting the significance of small, consistent actions and the impact of his mother's encouragement. They stress the importance of financial planning, starting with a clear understanding of one's financial situation (financial fingerprint), and the role of financial advisors in guiding clients towards their goals...
2026-01-2451 minWinning in RetirementFinancial Fingerprint & The Akers WaySend a textBrian Akers and his son Noah discuss the concept of a "financial fingerprint," emphasizing the unique nature of each individual's financial situation. They highlight the importance of comprehensive financial planning, which includes identifying all assets and liabilities, educating clients on their financial status, assessing risk tolerance, and intelligently allocating investments. They stress the need for ongoing portfolio evaluations and the significance of having a detailed financial plan. The Akers Financial Group approach focuses on understanding clients' goals and providing tailored advice, contrasting with product-driven sales. They also discuss the importance of knowing where one's...
2026-01-1051 minWinning in RetirementWhat Does Winning in Retirement Look Like?Send a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers, co-hosts of the "Winning in Retirement" podcast, discuss strategies for achieving financial independence and planning for retirement. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's "financial fingerprint" and creating a personalized plan. Key points include the necessity of saving, investing wisely, and managing cash flow. They highlight the significance of tax planning, healthcare costs, and debt management. Success stories illustrate how proper financial planning can lead to a stress-free retirement, allowing individuals to enjoy their desired lifestyle. The hosts encourage listeners to start planning early and seek professional advice to...
2025-12-2751 minWinning in RetirementStarting Seriously for a Fun RetirementSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco from AKERS Financial Group discuss the importance of starting seriously with financial planning for a fun retirement. They emphasize the need to be proactive in planning, including understanding your financial situation, setting goals, and implementing strategies. They highlight the significance of comprehensive financial planning that includes asset allocation, income planning, estate planning, and tax strategies. The conversation also touches on the importance of regular reviews and adjustments to ensure financial stability. They encourage listeners to seek professional advice early and stress that planning should be tailored to individual needs...
2025-12-1351 minWinning in Retirement4 Taxes To AvoidSend a textBrian AKERS and Alex Monk, both Certified Financial Planners, discuss strategies to avoid taxes in retirement. They emphasize the importance of proper financial planning to minimize lifetime tax burdens. Key points include avoiding federal income tax by maximizing deductions and Roth conversions, avoiding mistake taxes like excess IRA contributions and estimated tax penalties, and understanding penalty taxes on early withdrawals and inherited IRAs. They also highlight the benefits of tax-efficient investing, such as tax harvesting and using tax-advantaged accounts. AKERS Financial Group offers free consultations to help individuals plan for their retirement.
2025-12-0651 minWinning in RetirementDo You Need Life Insurance?Send a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers, Certified Financial Planners, discuss the importance of life insurance in financial planning. They explain different types of life insurance: term, whole, and universal, highlighting their features and costs. They emphasize the need for life insurance to cover debts, replace income, and fund future goals. They also discuss the use of life insurance for long-term care and estate planning, including tax-free inheritance through irrevocable life insurance trusts. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding why life insurance is needed and how much is required, tailored to individual financial situations and...
2025-11-1551 minWinning in RetirementIncome In RetirementSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco from Akers Financial Group discuss strategies for creating income in retirement. They emphasize the importance of financial independence and planning for unexpected events like job loss. They highlight the need for a balanced approach to retirement income, including guaranteed sources like Social Security, pensions, and annuities. They stress the significance of tax planning, particularly Rothification, to minimize future tax liabilities. The conversation also covers the impact of income on Medicare premiums and the importance of a diversified portfolio to ensure longevity of retirement funds.
2025-11-0851 minWinning in RetirementRetiring SingleSend a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers discuss the financial challenges of retiring single, highlighting that 45% of people over 65 are single. They emphasize the importance of financial planning, especially after a spouse's death, to manage tax implications and ensure financial stability. Key points include the need for Roth conversions to take advantage of lower tax brackets, the impact of Medicare premiums under IRMAA, and the significance of having a retirement income plan and annuities. They stress the importance of working with a financial advisor to navigate these complexities and maintain a secure financial future.
2025-11-0151 minWinning in RetirementChildren and Grandchildren: LegacySend a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers, both certified financial planners, discuss strategies for funding children and grandchildren's education through 529 plans. They highlight the benefits of starting early, contributing $19,000 annually per beneficiary, and leveraging state tax deductions, such as Maryland's $2,500 deduction. They explain the flexibility of 529 plans, including using funds for K-12 education, private school, and trade schools, and the option to convert unused funds into Roth IRAs. They also address the importance of financial aid considerations and the potential for using 529 funds to pay off student loans. The discussion emphasizes the need for comprehensive financial...
2025-10-2551 minWinning in RetirementJump Into SavingsSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco discuss the importance of starting to save early for retirement. They emphasize the need to maximize workplace benefits, such as 401(k) matches and health savings accounts, and to avoid debt. Brian highlights the significance of financial planning, including understanding one's job benefits and creating a budget. They stress the importance of saving first and living off the rest, and the impact of compound interest. Paul advises cutting up credit cards once they are paid off to prevent future overspending. They conclude by urging listeners to take action and plan...
2025-09-201h 00Winning in RetirementTips for Those Under 40Send a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco discuss financial tips for those under 40, emphasizing the importance of early planning. They highlight the role of compound interest, urging listeners to start saving early to achieve financial independence. They stress the need to prioritize savings, avoid consumer debt, and understand expenses. Paul shares a client success story where consistent contributions over 26 years grew to $1.6 million. They also discuss the importance of having insurance, legal documents, and diversified investments. The rule of 72 is explained to illustrate the power of compounding, and they advise on maximizing employer matches and considering...
2025-08-3051 minWinning in RetirementHacks to Max Retirement SavingsSend a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers discuss strategies for maximizing retirement savings in 2025. They highlight the importance of contributing to retirement plans, emphasizing the tax advantages of qualified plans like IRAs and 401(k)s. For IRAs, the base limit is $7,000 annually, with a $1,000 catch-up for those over 50, totaling $8,000. Employer-sponsored plans allow up to $23,500 annually, with a $7,500 catch-up for those over 50, totaling $31,000. They also discuss the benefits of Roth IRAs, which offer tax-free growth and withdrawals, and the importance of starting early and regularly reviewing and contributing to retirement accounts.
2025-08-0952 minWinning in RetirementSmall Business FoundersSend a textBrian Akers and Alex Monk discuss the challenges and strategies for small business founders on their radio podcast. They emphasize the importance of planning, delegation, and balancing personal and professional life. Brian shares his experience of starting a business 35 years ago and the significance of having a well-structured business plan. They highlight the need for founders to treat their businesses as professional entities, including having separate business bank accounts and proper tax structuring. The conversation also touches on the value of financial advisors in guiding business owners and the importance of exit planning for...
2025-08-0251 minWinning in RetirementFinancial Independence DaySend a textBrian Akers and Alex Monk from Akers Financial Group discuss the concept of financial independence, likening it to the U.S. Independence Day. They emphasize the importance of financial planning to achieve this state, where individuals can retire on their terms without financial stress. They highlight the need for a comprehensive financial plan, including understanding one's financial fingerprint, managing debt, and optimizing tax strategies. They also discuss the impact of external factors like job security and market volatility on financial independence. The show encourages listeners to start planning for their financial independence to ensure...
2025-07-2651 minWinning in RetirementA Proper Legacy: First Steps - with Attorney Ashley Nelson-RautSend a textEstate planning is crucial for protecting one's legacy and managing family dynamics after death. Ashley Rowe and Brian Akers emphasize the importance of working with an attorney for personalized advice and highlight the dangers of using online platforms like Legal Zoom. They discuss essential aspects of estate planning, including understanding net worth, asset titling, and beneficiary designations. They also stress the importance of having a power of attorney and updating estate plans every few years. Establishing revocable trusts can provide creditor protection and avoid probate, while trusts and power of attorney are crucial for...
2025-06-2752 minWinning in RetirementEstate Planning 101 - with Attorney Ashley Nelson-RautSend a textBrian Akers and Ashley Row discuss the importance of estate planning, including power of attorney and legal documents. They emphasize the need for these documents to ensure wishes are carried out and to avoid probate. Brian and Ashley also highlight the benefits of having a will, including avoiding probate and offering protection for beneficiaries. In the second segment, Speaker 2 and Brian Akers explore potential issues with multiple power of attorney agents and the importance of regularly reviewing beneficiary designations. They emphasize the significance of having a clear estate plan in place, including wills, trusts...
2025-06-2651 minWinning in RetirementRothification - Never Pay Taxes AgainSend a textBrian Akers and Alex Monk discuss the concept of "rothification," or converting pre-tax retirement accounts to Roth IRAs to pay taxes now and enjoy tax-free growth. They explain the history of Roth IRAs, which began in 1998, and the rules for qualified withdrawals at age 59 1/2. They emphasize the importance of tracking contributions on Form 8606 to avoid paying taxes twice. The conversation also covers the benefits of Roth conversions for high-income earners and those nearing required minimum distributions. Additionally, they highlight the strategic use of Roth accounts in estate planning and the potential tax savings for...
2025-06-0751 minWinning in RetirementNervous or Excited? First MeetingSend a textBrian Akers and Alex Monk discuss the emotional aspects of financial planning, including understanding and separating emotions from money, building trust, and guiding clients towards their financial goals. They emphasize the importance of personalized financial planning for retirement, tailored approaches that consider each individual's unique situation, goals, and circumstances, and the need to balance life's enjoyment with saving for the future. Both speakers highlight the benefits of starting early and the anxiety that comes with running out of time, emphasizing the importance of saving money and paying off debt for a comfortable retirement.
2025-05-1752 minWinning in RetirementRetire Once: Retire and Stay RetiredSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco discuss retirement planning and financial literacy and how to retire once! They emphasize the importance of personalized planning, understanding an individual's unique financial situation and goals, and managing cash flow effectively. They also discuss the significance of reducing volatility through protected investments and individualized portfolio design in volatile markets. Additionally, they highlight the importance of understanding current pension plans and social security, and saving through workplace plans and other accounts.https://www.akersfinancial.com/winning-in-retirement?utm_source=podcast%20description&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast%20description
2025-04-2652 min
Leading In The DarkNick Akers & Brian WilcoxIn the premiere episode of Leading in the Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Brian Wilcox, a seasoned executive, former CFO/COO, and current board member, to discuss leadership, career transitions, and the lessons learned from decades of experience in corporate America. From GE’s intense culture under Jack Welch to scaling Fortitech into a global leader, Brian shares insights on leadership, strategic growth, and the transition from executive to board member. Tune in for a candid conversation about navigating business challenges, fostering a winning culture, and building meaningful professional relationships.
2025-04-1458 minLeading In The DarkNick Akers & Brian WolfeIn this episode of Leading in the Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Brian Wolfe, former Kirkland & Ellis partner turned investor, educator, and entrepreneur. Brian shares lessons from his early career at Amazon, his unexpected leap into public education leadership, and his deep experience in private equity and ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition). They explore the realities of buying and scaling small businesses, the importance of relationship-driven leadership, and hard truths from his widely read paper on what ETA investors do and don't do. Whether you're exploring search funds or just curious about strategic pivots in...
2025-04-1442 minWinning in RetirementThe Myth of Conventional Financial WisdomSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco, financial advisors from AKERS Financial Group, discuss the myths of conventional financial wisdom on their radio show "Winning in Retirement." They emphasize the importance of personalized financial planning over generic advice. Key points include the misconception that Medicare covers long-term care, the necessity of planning for long-term care, and the need for proper estate planning. They also address the fallacy that taxes will be lower in retirement, the importance of Roth IRAs, and the impact of Social Security benefits on taxation. The hosts advocate for a balanced investment strategy...
2025-04-0551 minWinning in RetirementPay Less Tax - LevelizeSend a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers discuss strategies for minimizing taxes in retirement through the concept of "levelizing." They explain how current tax decisions can impact future tax liabilities, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax brackets and the benefits of contributing to Roth accounts. They highlight that the 2025 tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, with significant jumps at certain income levels. They also discuss the impact of state taxes, such as Maryland's, and the potential benefits of moving to tax-free states. The key takeaway is to plan now to pay less tax over a lifetime, ensuring...
2025-03-2952 minWinning in RetirementThe Inheritance TalkSend a textBrian Akers and Jeff Akers, Certified Financial Planners, discuss inheritance planning on their radio show "Winning in Retirement." They emphasize the importance of proper estate planning, including naming beneficiaries and setting up trusts. They highlight the concept of "estate flow" to outline where money goes upon death. They explain the tax implications of inheritance, such as step-up basis for stocks and tax-free status for life insurance payouts. They also discuss the importance of planning for special needs and the role of trusts in managing inheritances. The show aims to educate listeners on the complexities...
2025-03-2251 minWinning in RetirementAdvisors who Solve vs. SellSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco from AKERS Financial Group discuss the importance of having an advisor who solves financial problems rather than just selling products. They emphasize understanding client needs, planning for retirement, and ensuring financial security. They highlight cases where clients lacked basic financial planning, faced tax issues, and needed guidance on inheritance and annuity reviews. The advisors stress the importance of comprehensive financial planning, including tax and estate planning, and the value of having a trusted advisor who provides unbiased advice and long-term support. They encourage listeners to schedule free consultations to...
2025-03-1552 minWinning in RetirementYour Important QuestionsSend a textBrian Akers and Paul Franco discuss the importance of financial planning in retirement. They address common questions such as when to retire, whether one has enough income, tax planning, and investment strategies. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive financial plan tailored to individual circumstances. Akers highlights the significance of cash flow, tax planning, and the 4% withdrawal rate. Franco shares examples of clients' financial situations, such as a federal employee who could retire immediately and a couple planning tax-efficient strategies. They stress the importance of understanding one's financial fingerprint and seeking professional advice to...
2025-03-0851 min