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The Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 12: The One Big Beautiful Bill & Your Retirement PlanWelcome to Episode 12 of the Retirement Planning Podcast with your hosts Darren McComas and Jason Fox. In this episode, we dive into the new 'One Big Beautiful Bill' (O Triple B) act signed by President Trump, which makes the tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. We discuss how this crucial change provides a generational opportunity for proactive tax planning. Key highlights include examining historical tax rates, understanding new deductions and credits, especially for seniors, and the importance of being proactive in your financial planning. Learn how to maximize your tax benefits and protect your investments...2025-07-2229 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 11: How to retire "happy" with guest Tom HegnaRetirement Planning Insights with guest Tom Hegna, CLU, ChFC, CASL: The Myths, Risks, and Solutions and How to Retire "Happy"In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox welcome special guest Tom Hegna, a bestselling author and host of CNBC’s “Financial Freedom with Tom Hegna.” Tom discusses common misconceptions about retirement planning, emphasizing that it's not just about achieving a financial number but about ensuring increasing income and managing risks. He shares insights from his new show, sheds light on the importance of incorporating annuities and life insurance into retirement portfolios, and of...2025-06-1828 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 10: Speed Check: Managing Risk for a Secure RetirementIn episode 10 of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox delve into the topic of risk in retirement portfolios. They discuss the importance of understanding the amount of risk you're taking on, how much risk you should be taking, and aligning it with the current market environment. The hosts share personal updates and emphasize the significance of shifting from an accumulation mindset to a decumulation strategy upon retirement. They explain tools like Nitrogen (formerly known as Riskalyze) to quantify risk and provide actionable steps to avoid common pitfalls such as sequence of returns risk. The episode...2025-06-0627 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 9 - Dedicated and Ongoing ServiceEpisode 9: The Importance of Dedicated and Ongoing Service in Financial PlanningIn this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox discuss the vital role of dedicated and ongoing service in financial planning. They start with personal updates, then outline their comprehensive four-step planning process: Discover, Design, Delivery, and Dedicated Service. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of continuous plan monitoring and adjustments to accommodate life changes, market volatility, and client goals. The hosts also share insights into estate planning, avoiding probate, and the advantages of using eMoney software for real-time financial data. They stress...2025-05-2722 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 8: Protecting Your BlindsideSafeguarding Your Retirement: Protecting Your Nest Egg from Unexpected EventsIn this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox of Evergreen Wealth Advisors discuss the importance of protecting your nest egg that you took your entire life to accumulate. The series wraps up the three-part series, 'It's Not What You Make, It's What You Keep,' focusing on long-term care and the financial vulnerabilities that can arise from unexpected medical events. The hosts explore the limitations of Medicare, the impact of pre-tax retirement accounts, and various s...2025-05-1621 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 7: it's what you keep...TAXESIn this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, host Darrin McComas from Evergreen Wealth Advisors discusses the critical aspect of tax planning in retirement, as part of the series 'It's Not What You Make, It's What You Keep'. Darrin emphasizes the importance of having a long-term retirement plan rather than chasing stock market returns. He highlights the necessity of being proactive about tax planning to mitigate future tax burdens, particularly with regards to required minimum distributions from pre-tax accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. Darrin explains various tax considerations, including Roth IRA conversions and the widow tax trap, to...2025-04-2922 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 6: It's What You KeepIn this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox discuss the importance of preserving wealth during retirement rather than focusing solely on high returns. The episode is part one of a three-part series titled 'It's Not What You Make, It's What You Keep.' They introduce the Bucket Plan financial process, which includes strategies for investment, risk management, and ensuring a steady income during retirement. The hosts emphasize the need to shift from an accumulation mindset to a preservation mindset as one approaches retirement. They use real-life examples and statistical data to demonstrate the...2025-04-1120 min
The Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 5: Weathering the StormIn this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox from Evergreen Wealth Advisors delve into strategies for managing recent market volatility using the Bucket Plan financial process. The episode includes a discussion on mitigating risks in the stock market, insights from a recent mastermind retreat and advanced training, and the importance of having a long-term view and a well-structured financial plan. They highlight the three-bucket system: the now bucket for immediate needs, the soon bucket for short-term stability, and the later bucket for long-term growth. The hosts emphasize the importance of ongoing education, staying...2025-03-2024 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastWhat We BelieveIn this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox dive into comprehensive retirement planning. Darrin shares news about his upcoming training in the Bahamas and Jason's recent achievement of passing the Series 65 exam, making him a fiduciary financial advisor. They emphasize the importance of having a well-structured plan, utilizing the bucket plan system to endure market volatility and inflation, and ensuring long-term financial security. The episode also reflects on their firm's philosophy of customizing financial plans and remaining methodically consistent rather than reactive to market changes.2025-02-2517 min
Rainmaker Multiplier On-DemandPhilanthropic Marketing for Financial Advisors: How to Showcase Your Community Impact AuthenticallyLooking for ways to showcase your firm's community impact with purpose and authenticity? Whether you're just starting your philanthropic journey or looking to better communicate your existing charitable work, listen in for actionable insights on integrating charitable work into your firm's brand without appearing self-serving. Hear from host Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer at C2P, as he interviews Darrin McComas of Evergreen Wealth Advisors, Chelsea Konst, C2P's Content Marketing Manager, and Nikki Glynn, Director of Marketing at JL Smith. Discover how to. Learn proven strategies for integrating charitable activities into your firm's marketing plan, crafting compelling stories...2024-11-2127 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastPlanning Your Financial Needs - Step 2 DesignJoin our hosts Darrin McComas, BPC and Jason Fox as they continue breaking down The Bucket Plan® financial planning process step by step. This episode covers step two of The Bucket Plan® process, known as the “Design” phase, where we analyze all your assets and how they come together to formulate your holistic plan. Key Topics Discussed: Overview of The Bucket Plan® Process: A recap of the previous episode on “Discovery,” phase and each step of the planning process: Discovery, Design, Deliver, Dedicated. Document Analysis: Carefully reviewing your financial documents to gain a complete understanding of your current situation. Organizatio...2024-10-3012 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastEpisode 3: The Delivery MeetingJoin hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox, as they continue breaking down The Bucket Plan® financial planning process. This episode covers step three of The Bucket Plan® process, the “Deliver” phase, where we present and deliver the personalized, holistic financial plan we’ve developed for you.Key Topics Discussed: Understanding Your Risk Tolerance: Learn about our Volatility Tolerance Analysis, which will help assess your comfort with risk across different time horizons. Creating Your Custom Plan: We'll explain how we take all the information from our previous meetings to engineer a financial plan tailor...2024-10-3020 minThe Retirement Planning PodcastPlanning Your Financial Future - Step 1 - Discovery MeetingHosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox explore the intricacies of the holistic wealth management process through the widely acclaimed financial process, The Bucket Plan®. Their discussion offers a comprehensive look into the first, crucial step of financial planning called the discovery phase. This episode is a must for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of what to expect during the discovery phase of holistic wealth management and the value of holistic, personalized financial planning. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to the Discovery Process: Darrin opens with the purpose of the discovery step in unde...2024-08-0526 min
Getting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage with Retirement Savings? In this episode of Getting Retirement Right, Darrin McComas and Shon Peil discuss whether or not to pay off your mortgage using retirement savings. They reveal the advantages and potential pitfalls, leaving listeners with a tantalizing question: Should you risk your retirement security for the dream of a debt-free home, or is there another path to financial freedom? Find out on the next episode of Getting Retirement Right! In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the concept of trading mortgage payments for a stout retirement stash. Gauge the perks of swapping...2023-06-2824 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilThe Importance of Responsibly Transitioning into Retirement On this episode of Getting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas and Shon Peil, you will be able to: Gain insights on retirement planning essentials for a seamless transition into your golden years. Understand the benefits of setting a well-structured budget for managing retirement finances. Unravel the connection between active living, health, and a joyful retirement. Realize why financial adaptability matters when facing unforeseen expenditures. Learn the value of seeking guidance from fiduciary advisors to optimize your retirement plan. Life's not over. You're in retirement. This is supposed to...2023-06-1422 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilTake Control of Your Retirement Plan - Roll Over Your 401(k) NowIn this episode, you will be able to: Learn groundbreaking strategies to supercharge your retirement savings with a seamless 401(k) rollover. Familiarize yourself with options for tailoring your IRA investments to suit your unique financial goals. Unravel the mystery behind maximizing tax planning benefits through strategic Roth account conversions. Master the art of adaptable estate planning to ensure a smooth and stress-free asset distribution. Realize the importance of working with a financial advisor who delivers indispensable advice for flexible withdrawals. 2023-06-0718 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilThe Roth IRA: Overview and Benefits for Your Retirement Discover the power of the Roth IRA and the misconceptions surrounding it, as hosts Darrin McComas and Shon Peil simplify the differences between a conand contribution and offer insights on maximizing your retirement plan. In this episode, you will be able to: Delve into the powerful benefits of Roth IRAs for long-term financial stability and generational wealth transfer. Dispel the misinformation surrounding Roth IRA contributions that may hamper your financial progress. Acquire the knowledge you need to plan systematic Roth IRA contributions and dodge tax hurdles. Recognize the potential d...2023-05-2424 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilPart 2 - 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement In this episode of Getting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas and Shon Peil, you will be able to: Unveil the importance of strategic investment planning and tranche methodologies for lasting prosperity. Understand the perks of collaborating with fiduciary advisors for optimal investment outcomes. Identify the hazards of bypassing company match contributions to your 401(K). Explore the advantages of incorporating a Roth 401(K) in your tax-saving game plan. Grasp the value of seeking professional insight for customized financial recommendations. Don't just wing it. It's important to have a p...2023-05-1724 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilPart 1 - 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement From shock to passion: How one conversation about retirement risks took an unexpected turn and sparked a mission to help others. But what happens when the unexpected strikes? Keep reading to find out. In this episode of Getting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas and Shon Peil, you will be able to: Grasp the significance of preparing for healthcare expenses during retirement. Recognize the consequences of underestimating the true costs of healthcare in retirement. Discover the advantages of having a well-rounded retirement plan with professional assistance. Identify retirement-related risks and...2023-05-1024 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilCould the Debt Ceiling Crisis Impact Your Retirement? Retirees, are you tired of feeling lost during market instability? Have you heard these myths about the Importance of having a proactive financial advisor? Let's debunk them together: Myth #1 - I'm too old to worry about the market, Myth #2 - I can handle my finances on my own, and Myth #3 - I only need an advisor during good times. The truth is, having a proactive financial advisor during market instability is more crucial than ever. Let's explore why. In this episode of Getting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas and Shon Peil, you will be able to: 2023-05-0324 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilUnderstanding Your Risks - Part 3: Inflation and Political Risk (Plus a Mystery Risk You Need to Take Action on Today!) In Getting Retirement Right, hosts Darren McComas and Sean Peil are talking about the risks that come with retirement. They discuss inflation and political risk, and the newly proposed budget of $4.7 trillion in new taxes, leaving the audience to wonder what will happen if taxes go up dramatically. But one thing is certain, a comprehensive financial plan is key to ensuring a safe and secure retirement, even in the face of unforeseen risks. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the effects of inflation risk on retirement planning and maintaining your hard-earned wealth.2023-04-2626 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilUnderstanding Your Risks - Part 2: Longevity and Liquidity Risks In this episode of Getting Retirement Right, hosts Darren McComas and Sean Peele discuss the pressing issue of longevity and liquidity risk and provide insight on how to protect your hard-earned nest eggs for a secure retirement. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover novel approaches to combat longevity risk in retirement planning. Unlock the secrets of managing liquidity effectively for a worry-free retirement. Master the art of balancing concentration risk with a diversified investment strategy. Uncover the hidden impacts of Social Security timing on total retirement...2023-04-1921 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilUnderstanding Your Risks - Part 1: Market Risk and Concentration RiskMarket risk and concentration risk are two types of risks that investors and businesses face in the financial markets. On this week's episode of Getting Retirement Right, hosts Darrin McComas and Shon Peil dive into these two risks and how to identify and understand them in your investment portfolio. Market risk refers to the risk that an investment will lose value due to changes in the overall market conditions or factors that affect the entire market. For example, changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation, or political instability can all impact the value of an investment...2023-04-1326 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilQuestions From Our Community: Demystifying Annuities: Fixed, Variable, and Indexed Explained and Other Topics On this episode of Getting Retirement Right, hosts Darrin McComas and Shon Peil face the 'firing squad' to help listeners navigate the confusing and costly world of taxes, retirement planning, annuities and Social Security, empowering their audience to make informed decisions and secure their financial freedom. In this episode, you will: Uncover the impact of taxes on Social Security and why income considerations matter Discover the potential of fixed-indexed annuities for reliable returns on your investment Know when to exercise caution when considering variable annuities by understanding hidden fees and risks Develop a strategic deaccumulation plan f...2023-04-0523 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilEffective Tax Strategies for RetirementIn this episode, you will learn how to maximize your tax savings with effective tax planning strategies. You will learn about tax planning, where the importance of minimizing taxes in retirement. Darrin and Shon highlight that taxes are not going away and must be accounted for in planning for retirement. It was noted that the Obama era tax codes will return in 2026, which could result in a significant increase in taxes. Strategies like Roth Conversions and avoiding the 'widow tax trap' in order to maximize tax efficiency. "Don't leave the IRS a tip, but unfortunately, a...2023-03-2923 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilNavigating Stock Market Volatility: The Risk Management RollercoasterIn this episode of 'Getting Retirement Right', a risk-averse protagonist is challenged to shift their mindset towards retirement and overcome their fears of volatile markets, as they strive to build a plan that will protect their hard-earned money and ensure a successful future. Hosts Darrin McComas and Shon Peil discuss the importance of having a plan for retirement and understanding the risks associated with stock market investing. They explain that banks are facing major issues, creating a lot of uncertainty and lack of confidence in the financial system. They highlight the fact that stock markets...2023-03-2223 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilMaximize Your Social Security: Uncovering the Pros & ConsUnlock the secrets to maximizing your Social Security benefits with the right strategies! In this episode of Getting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas and Shon Peil, you will learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits with the right strategies. They discuss the three main options for filing for Social Security: filing early at age 62, filing at full retirement age, or filing after full retirement age until age 70. It is important to remember that every filing strategy needs to be customized to the individual's situation, as 96% of Americans choose the wrong time to turn o...2023-03-1525 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilFundamentals of Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan On this episode, Darrin and Shon highlight the topics and questions you should as when you are starting to create the fundamentals of a comprehensive retirement plan. Below are the topics/questions with the timestamp to know when each topic is being discussed: 2:00 - What does a comprehensive retirement plan look like? 4:46 - How do you know when to start social security? 9:22 - People fear running out of money more than death 13:40 - Charitable giving and legacy planning 16:00 - The importance of updating your estate plan 20:39 - What does risk tolerance look like? 23:40 - Riding the volitity of the market For more...2023-03-0825 minGetting Retirement Right with Darrin McComas & Shon PeilIntroduction to the Getting Retirement Right CommunityOn today's inagural episode, hosts Darrin McComas and Shon Peil share their backgrounds and experience serving others as well as an outline of the topics that will be discussed on the podcast to help simplify your financial life and provide you freedom from taxes, risk, stress and poor advice.2023-02-2823 min
Freedom 1st Retirement#10 Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast: Market Updates 2-21-2023Welcome to the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast with your host Darrin McComas, Chief Investment Officer and Investment Adviser at Abraham & Co., Inc. On this episode, Darrin discusses what he sees as a capitulation in the markets as inflation remains sticky and interest rates on the rise again. the US Dollar appears to be gaining strength as recession fears begin to creep back in. Who will win this latest round in the fight between the bulls and the bears? Recorded on 2-21-2023.2023-02-2123 minFreedom 1st Retirement#9 Freedom 1st Retirement PodcastIn episode #9 of the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Shon Peil dive into a recent article from Forbes regarding the Top 10 Retirement Tips for 2023. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/top-retirement-tips-2023/ Shon and Darrin discuss sequence of returns risk, delaying social security, rethink where you want to live, having a game plan for healthcare and getting professional help from a fiduciary financial advisor in retirement. Darrin also dives into the most recent economic data and the impacts on today's markets. Thanks for joining our podcast and don't forget to hit that subscribe button. Recorded on 1-26-2023...2023-01-2625 minFreedom 1st Retirement#8 Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast - Secure Act 2.0 and Market Updates for 2023Welcome to the 8th episode of the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast, hosted by Shon Peil and Darrin McComas of Abraham & Co., Inc. In today's episode, Shon and Darrin discuss the recent changes ushered in by the Secure Act 2.0. Some of the biggest changes with this legislation concerns RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions). Darrin and Shon also dive into the markets and what expectations are for the 1st Quarter of 2023. We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast.2023-01-0916 minFreedom 1st Retirement#7 Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast - Fed kills Santa (rally)!!!Welcome to episode #7 of the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast. Your host Darrin McComas, CIO and IAR of Abraham & Co., Inc. discusses the recent inflation (CPI) numbers as well as what Jerome Powell and the Fed are doing to combat inflation. Darrin also discusses how exchanges like FTX and Binance as well as REITs like Blackstone are pausing redemptions and how this can impact the markets and may increase the odds of a recession in 2023. Lastly, Darrin outlines his views on the markets and how the Fed officially has killed the Santa Rally. Thanks for tuning in.2022-12-1523 minFreedom 1st Retirement#6: Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast - Recession ImminentWelcome to the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast. In this episode, your host Darrin McComas, walks listeners through his viewpoints on why the US is in a recession already and what you can do about it as investors. Also listen as Darrin discusses Roth Conversions for 2022 as well as making sure you get this year's Required Minimum Distribution taken care of before the clock runs out on December 31st. We hope you enjoy this 6th episode of the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast.2022-11-2523 minFreedom 1st Retirement#5: Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast - Fed Pivot Narrative Won't Die EasilyHost Darrin McComas is joined by fellow Abraham & Co., Inc. advisor Andy Amoroso as they discuss the current market setup. Andy and Darrin breakdown the narrative of the "Fed pivot" and why as investors you should be careful what you wish for. 2022-11-0526 minFreedom 1st Retirement#4: Freedom 1st Retirement PodcastWelcome to the 4th episode of the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast. Darrin McComas discusses the newest inflation number hot off the press and how it will likely impact the markets going forward. Darrin dives into what makes up the CPI number and what is likely to happen moving forward. Social Security also announced a major cost-of-living-adjustment for 2023 along with a decrease in Medicare part B premiums. Darrin also reviews what the markets have done recently and what we are likely to see heading into earnings season.2022-10-2418 minFreedom 1st Retirement#3 Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast: Estate Planning in RetirementWelcome to the 3rd episode of the Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast where we are joined by Kyle Appelbaum, licensed financial advisor. Kyle and Darrin discuss some important concepts around estate planning. We answer the age old question, "Should we get a will or a trust?" We also discuss some important tax consequences of each kind of estate planning tool. Darrin and Kyle also dive into the markets and discuss what we can expect heading into the 4th quarter of 2022. Will the Fed continue to tighten as the stock markets and bond markets sell off? Are we headed for a recess...2022-10-0425 minFreedom 1st Retirement#2 Freedom 1st Retirement Podcast: Maximizing Social Security and Minimizing InflationWith inflation running at 40 year highs, you are losing purchasing power faster than ever. Join Abraham & Co., Inc.'s Shon Peil and Darrin McComas as they discuss what you can do with your cash that's in savings to keep your purchasing power from being eroded too quickly. Darrin and Shon also discuss things you need to consider when determining the right age to turn on Social Security. For most Americans, Social Security will be the backbone of their retirement plan. However, 96% of Americans turn it on at the wrong time. Shon and Darrin will dig into the things you shoul...2022-09-1729 min
Freedom 1st RetirementWelcome to the Freedom 1st Retirement PodcastThis is our very first podcast episode. Your host Darrin McComas, Chief Investment Officer and IAR for Abraham & Co., Inc. joins his brother-in-law and insurance expert Shon Peil as they discuss what it takes to put the freedom back into your retirement through four main pillars - Freedom from Taxes, Freedom from Risk, Freedom from Stress, and Freedom from Poor Advice. 2022-09-0423 min