Shows
The Real Retirement PodcastThank You: Concluding EpisodeToday marks the closing of a chapter for this next season of my life and just wanted to push out a quick episode of thanks to you! 2025-07-0104 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Get a Deal on a CarMost folks need to make car purchases over the course of their retirement. If stepping onto a dealer lot makes your palms sweat or you find yourself agreeing to paying big dealer mark-ups, then buckle up because I think I can help you save some money off your next car purchase by knowing a few strategies. To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodcapital.com/2025-06-0115 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhat a Real Retirement Portfolio Looks LikeToday, let me share what a real retirement portfolio looks like. Yes, actually! This is what I use at my firm for my clients. Referenced WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/stock-market-craziness-alternative-funds-7df17b9c Learn more about Birchwood: https://birchwoodcapital.com/2025-05-0123 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Redeem Your MoneyIf you've saved, invested, and achieved some level of wealth through hard work and luck, you might still feel a bit weird for having more money than most. How should we deal with this? Read more at: https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/ 2025-04-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastTiny Habits to Create Lasting ValueIn this month's episode, we discuss how we can actually achieve the goals that we want: saving for retirement college wedding building friendships traveling, being a generous person Learn more at https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/2025-03-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastI'll Take My Gov't Pension Now With More Social Security, PleaseToday's episode we chat through the Social Security Fairness Act and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you worked in the private and public sector (teacher, police officer, fire fighter), then perk your ears up. This is HUGE! Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2025-02-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhen To Do a Roth Conversion vs. a Roth IRA ContributionToday we discuss Roth Conversions vs. Roth Contributions. You'll be able to tell the difference between the two and when to implement each one. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2024-10-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastBack-To-Basics: How to Invest | E5Last episode in our back-to-basics series. Today, it's all about how to invest. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2024-09-0104 minThe Real Retirement PodcastBack-To-Basics: How to Avoid Fee Tragedy | E4Back-to-basics serious continues! Today, it's all about fees. I share a story highlighting the effects of fees on an investment portfolio.2024-08-0113 minThe Real Retirement PodcastBack-to-Basics: Why Money Makes Us Anxious | E3We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this 3rd episode. Today, we're talking about Why Money Makes Us Anxious Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2024-07-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastBack-to-Basics: Saving | E2We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this second episode. Today, we're talking about "savings." Where to do it How much to save How to become a saver And how to knock 7 years off your mortgage Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 2024-06-0113 minThe Real Retirement PodcastBack-to-Basics: Wealth & Budgeting | E1Today we’re kicking off our back to basics series. Where I’m going through different personal finance topics. Things like: net worth, budgeting, debt, savings, and investing. You might think that you’re beyond these and maybe so, but in putting this together even I found some great reminders about the basics. So let this be a reinforcement of what you believe or an opportunity to share it with someone else. Maybe a son, daughter, grandkid or family friend. Today, we’re talking about wealth, budgets and spending plans. Be the first to...2024-05-0116 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow To Earn Tax-Free IncomeToday we discuss how to earn tax-free income from your bond and money market funds. You may be familiar with Treasury or Municipal bonds, but you might not be getting the tax credit that you are owed. This is especially important in places like California! Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2024-04-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhat Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire?Today, we discuss the main issues you need to have nailed down before you retire. Cash Flow Healthcare Investment issues Tax issues Long-term planning issue Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2024-03-0115 minThe Real Retirement PodcastIs My Money Safe at my Brokerage Firm/Custodian?On today's episode, we're talking about what happens to your investments if a brokerage firm like Charles Schwab or Fidelity failed? Is there something we need to do in case this should happen? What protections are in place to help me not lose my money? Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2024-02-0115 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Read Financial NewsToday, I share how we currently absorb financial news is detrimental to our long-term strategies. And I offer a better way! Resources: JP Morgan: Guide to the Markets JP Morgan: Long-term Capital Market Assumptions How to read financial news - Robert Martorana, CFA2024-01-1509 minThe Real Retirement Podcast[Replay] Preparing the Family for the AssetsIf you've done a good job preparing the assets for the family (completed an estate plan), how's it going preparing the family for the assets? We'll discuss a huge unstoppable hurdle that's coming for us all as we age. And we'll lay out 2 easy steps to get started with answering this question. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings2024-01-0109 minThe Real Retirement Podcast[Replay] Are You a Real Investor?If we are going to have a chance at building wealth and making our money last through retirement, then we’d darn well better know what it means to actually be an investor. How most people define what an investor is could put your retirement in jeopardy. After this episode, you'll know how to be real investors because that’s what will put you in the best position to achieve your retirement goals. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2023-12-1514 minThe Real Retirement PodcastTax Moves to Consider NowWe discuss an article from the WSJ about tax moves retirees need to consider now before 2026. 2023-12-0116 minThe Real Retirement PodcastShould I Own Individual Bonds or Bond Funds?Today we'll be discussing the differences between owning individual bonds or a bond fund. Is one better than the other? 2023-11-1513 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow Much Can I Gift?Today we'll be discussing gifting. How much can you gift? Will it be taxable? Will it affect my IRMAA premiums? To learn more, head on over to birchwoodcapital.com. 2023-11-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastShould You Pay Tax Estimates?On today's episode, we discuss tax estimates. Should you pay them? When do you pay them? How much should you pay? Learn more at birchwoodcapital.com2023-10-1516 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhat a Meeting With an Advisor Looks LikeOn this episode, I share how I structure my client and guest meetings. If you've never worked with an advisor before, this might alleviate some hesitation due to wondering what actually takes place in a meeting.2023-10-0113 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe Roth IRA 5-Year Rules You Need to KnowToday, I'll be sharing with you the Roth IRA 5-Year Rules. Yes, there's 2 of them. One for contributions and one for conversions. As you approach retirement you need to make sure you are not running afoul of these rules or else your earnings could be taxable along with a 10% penalty. That completely washes out the benefits of doing a Roth IRA in the first place! Making this episode made me realize how confusing this part of Roth's can be. Now at least you'll know to watch out! Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.co...2023-09-1520 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Become a Millionaire - Part 22 Part of the series on one of my favorite books: The Millionaire Next Door. Today it's all about how millionaires: Buy cars Help their children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own Part 1 covers: Building wealth. See episode 36 Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 472023-09-0114 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Become a Millionaire - Part 1Over the next two episodes, we’re talking about one of my favorite books: The Millionaire Next Door If you’ve ever wondered - how do people become wealthy? Or how do I become a millionaire? And... After I am wealthy how do I help my children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own? Part 1 covers: Building wealth Check out Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 47 2023-08-1518 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe Problem with ESG FundsToday, I’m going to share with you the problems of ESG - or Environmental , Social, & Governance funds. The case for ESG makes sense: we want to put our money into companies that share our values. The issue is this: Wall Street likes to say that you can do this AND earn a good return or even a higher return! I review 3 problems with ESG investing and some ideas for what we can do. Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com2023-08-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe Case for Funding a Roth IRA Over a Traditional IRAToday, I give an argument for contributing to a Roth IRA vs. a Traditional IRA. Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com2023-07-1514 minThe Real Retirement PodcastAn Investing Lesson from Beethoven + Listener QuestionToday, we learn a lesson from musical composer: Beethoven. And we're answering listener questions! "If one has surplus income, is it advisable to put that towards paying down a mortgage to increase home equity, or rather just invest it instead and keep your mortgage as is?" Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapital.com Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com/2023-07-0108 minThe Real Retirement PodcastCan You Save Too Much in a Pre-tax IRA/401k?Today, we answer the question: should you ever stop saving for retirement in your traditional IRA or traditional 401k? And we're answering listener questions! Can combining investments with your spouse increase your returns? What are the pros/cons of contributing beyond your employer's match in your 401k versus putting the excess in a taxable account? Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapital.com Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ 2023-06-1521 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow Qualified Charitable Distributions Can Save You TaxesToday, we're talking about how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD's) can save you taxes. Also, I'll share the proper mechanics of doing one so you don't get double taxed!2023-06-0111 minThe Real Retirement PodcastShould You Pay Off Your House When You Retire?Today, we'll be working to answer this question. I provide a way to frame it which may make the solution a no-brainer and provide pros and cons for paying/not paying off your home2023-05-1509 minThe Real Retirement Podcast'Is This It?' When Retirement Isn't SatisfyingToday's episode, we're talking about what travel bucket lists and Silicon Valley Bank has to do with creating satisfying retirements. To learn more, head over to: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ Show notes: Shred the bucket list ‘Is this it?’ When Success isn’t satisfying A son's story about his father's retirement2023-05-0119 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Determine How Much Life Insurance You NeedToday, we’ll determine how much life insurance you need and only slightly make fun of whole-life policies. Show notes: https://clark.com/insurance/life-insurance/term-life-insurance-how-to-buy/ https://www.policygenius.com/ 2023-04-1510 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Maximize FDIC InsuranceToday we’re talking about FDIC insurance. What it covers and how much of it you can actually get at your current bank beyond $250K. You might be surprised! 2023-04-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastI'm Growing in My Career: How Much Should I Be Saving for Retirement?Today, if you’re growing in your career and wondering how much you should be saving for retirement. This episode is for you. I walk you through two ways on how to determine if you're saving enough. Show notes: JP Morgan Guide to Retirement: https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/insights/retirement-insights/guide-to-retirement/2023-03-1512 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Properly Take Advantage of Roth ConversionsIf you have a traditional retirement account, you have a built-in tax liability to the government. Essentially, the government "owns" a piece of that account. As the account grows, so too does this liability to Uncle Sam. What if there was a way to reduce Uncle Sam's take? There absolutely is. Today, we're talking about how to properly take advantage of a Roth conversion. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com.2023-03-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastShould I Buy a Second Home in Retirement or Prior to Retiring?If you’re planning on buying a second home, we’ll be talking about if you should buy it before you retire or after you retire?2023-02-1511 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe New 60/40 Portfolio? Are Long-Term Care Policies Worth It?On today's episode, I offer my thoughts on a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about re-allocating portfolios from the traditional 60% stocks 40% bond portfolios to a more bond-heavy weighting. If bonds are yielding much higher returns how should we adjust our portfolios? ALSO: Are Long-Term Care policies worth it? And when should I get one?2023-02-0114 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe Day You Became a Better InvestorToday is the day you became a better investor. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com. 2023-01-1506 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Properly Do a Backdoor Roth IRAToday's episode focuses on doing a Backdoor Roth IRA the CORRECT way. There are many hazards in this quest to overcome the income limitations of a normal Roth IRA contribution. For you higher earners, this is an episode for you. I'll walk you through the steps so you don't make a big mistake. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2023-01-0114 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHoward Marks Memos: '01-'05What I'm learning from Howard Marks Memos: '01-'05. My hope is this episode is a resource for you to develop your own competence with retirement, investing and taxes. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2022-12-1522 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow Do I Know if I Have Enough for Retirement?On today's episode, I help you determine if you can afford to live off of your savings and be financially independent. Easy enough! Joking aside, this is one of the burning questions in the back of most people's minds. Hopefully this episode either relieves some stress or gets you to kick it into gear! For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2022-12-0116 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHoward Marks Memos: '96-'00What I'm learning from Howard Marks Memos: '96-'00. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 2022-11-1537 minThe Real Retirement PodcastShould I Help My Adult Child with a Home Purchase?On today's episode, we discuss if you should help your children with a home purchase and what things you need to know before you do. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 2022-11-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHoward Marks Memos: '90-'95What I'm learning from Howard Marks Memos: '90-'95. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 2022-10-1530 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow Will Inflation Affect My Retirement?On today's episode we'll be talking about how inflation will affect your retirement and what we can do about them We'll also discuss what the biggest risks to any portfolio are. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. Further Reading: Why are my inflation hedges not working? Don't buy your advisor a house!2022-10-0111 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Properly Implement a Donor Advised FundOn today's episode, we discuss the amazing tax and gifting benefits of using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Many people have not heard of this incredible strategy. A DAF opens the door to avoiding capital gains (yes, that's not a typo), increasing your charitable contributions without costing you more out of pocket, taking advantage of itemizing your deductions and getting credit for your donations - among much more. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. Show Notes: 2022-09-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Get Back into the MarketOn today's episode, we'll talk about how to invest a large chunk of money. I’ll walk you through what your options are and explain how I approach this situation at Birchwood. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings Show Notes: Every Step of the Birchwood Investment Process How to invest a lump sum of money Even God Couldn’t Beat Dollar-Cost Averaging Why Buying the Dip is a Terrible Investment Strategy2022-08-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastYour Guide Through Social SecurityOn today's episode, we do an in-depth guide through Social Security. We discuss the rules surrounding Social Security, the monthly worker and spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and we talk about delaying Social Security or not. We also discuss the solvency of the system. Will it survive? For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings Show Notes: Summary of provisions for solvency problem "Social Security: The Inside Story" - Andy Landis2022-07-0115 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhy Invest When I Feel Like the Market Will Collapse?On today’s episode, we discuss this question: Why would I invest in the market when I feel like the market will collapse or we’ll have a recession? We confront the behavioral biases that interfere with our ability to invest for the long-term. We explain Birchwood's principles of investing, and why one would continue to invest even in this market. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings Show Notes: Meet Bob: The world's worst market timer (A Wealth of Common Sense...2022-06-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastPreparing the Family for the AssetsIf you've done a good job preparing the assets for the family (completed an estate plan), how's it going preparing the family for the assets? We'll discuss a huge unstoppable hurdle that's coming for us all as we age. And we'll lay out 2 easy steps to get started with answering this question. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings2022-05-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhat Is Your Enough?On today’s episode, we’re talking about limits on ourselves. If you want to maximize your retirement, that includes maximizing your joy in life. Turns out that putting limitations on ourselves can actually produce more joy. Find out how to start. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings Show Notes: 60% of Americans can't cover a $1,000 expense The Overspent American2022-04-0108 minThe Real Retirement PodcastYour Guide to Required Minimum DistributionsOn today's episode, we're going to be covering Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs. Including: What RMDs are When you have to take them How to determine the amount Tax impact of RMDs Medicare impact of RMDs Inherited IRA rules What you can do with your RMD Qualified Charitable Distributions For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to https://birchwoodcapital.com/ Show Notes: IRS Uniform Lifetime Table - to determine RMD amount2022-03-0113 minThe Real Retirement PodcastYour Guide to I-BondsEarning interest on safe investments is hard to come by these days. Today's episode covers Series I Savings Bonds sold directly by the US Treasury and these are important now. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to https://birchwoodcapital.com/2022-02-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow To Fix Your Investments When They Aren't Working“My investments don’t seem to be doing anything. Every time I look at a statement or check my balances online, they look stagnant. Something should be changed” Have you ever thought that? Today I want to share with you 3 things to help fix your investments. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings2022-01-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow to Give Money to Your HeirsRoughly $61 trillion will go to heirs between 2018 and 2042. On today's episode, I'm going to share with you how you can properly gift your piece correctly by thinking through 3 big questions: 1. Why do I possess what I possess? 2. What should we pass on? 3. How can we give financial capital effectively? For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings Show Notes: WSJ Older Americans Stockpiled a Record $35 Trillion The Almanack of Naval Ravikant 2021-12-0111 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe Do's and Don'ts of Estate Planning with Sarah SuiterOn today's episode, I speak with estate planning attorney, Sarah Suiter. We discuss what makes up an estate plan, why it's so important, and what most people mess up. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-11-0119 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhen is the Best Time to Trade?When you have to place a trade, WHEN you do it is very important. But I'm not talking about buying dips or selling at highs. I'm talking about a simple trading tactic to lower your transaction costs. Today's show discusses how ETF's and mutual funds trade and when to do them to minimize your costs. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-10-0107 min
The Real Retirement PodcastHow to Invest a Pile of CashIf you've come into some money from a relative passing, sold a business or investment property, or maybe downsized your home, you might be wondering how to properly invest this pile of cash. Whatever the case may be, you're sitting on some cash and don't want to make a bad decision and have the market crash as soon as you invest it. Today's show discusses what you should do. For more content on how to retire confidently head over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. Show Notes: How to...2021-09-0107 minThe Real Retirement PodcastWhat Happens to a Retirement Account When You Reach Retirement Age?Have you ever wondered what happens to your retirement account once you retire? On today's episode, we'll discuss this along with how you can avoid unnecessary penalties and not get killed in taxes. For more content on how to retire confidently head over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-08-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastInvesting Part 4: The Most Important PiecePart 4 and final episode of our mini-series on investing. Today, we are going to talk about the most important piece of investing. If you get this part wrong then not much else matters. For more content on how to retire confidently head over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-07-0108 minThe Real Retirement PodcastInvesting Part 3: A Simple Way to Increase ReturnsHere's a very easy way to increase your after-tax returns in your investment account that most people miss. More: For more content on how to retire confidently head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-06-0108 minThe Real Retirement PodcastInvesting Part 2: What Does A Diversified Portfolio Look Like?Everyone says that you should have a diversified portfolio, but most people do it wrong. Here's what you need to know. Links: Analysis tool to review your portfolio More: For more content on how to retire confidently head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-05-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastInvesting Part 1: How to Allocate Your PortfolioPart 1 of a mini-series on investing. How you allocate your money into asset classes is said to be the most important decision you will make as an investor. I'm here to tell you that is exactly wrong. We'll discuss this and how we should be thinking about asset allocation. Today, we'll hit on three things: What asset allocation is How to do it correctly How to avoid a large pitfall For more content on how to retire confidently head over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-04-0117 minThe Real Retirement PodcastShould I Be Panicked Over Owing Tax From a 2020 RMD Rollover?This is the number one question I've been getting from people who redeposited their RMD from 2020. The CAREs Act suspended 2020 RMDs and people were allowed to put the money back in. Yet, people are getting 1099-Rs that's saying they owe taxes! Is this true? And how do we handle this? For more content on how to retire confidently head over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2021-03-0110 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow Much Is Your Advisor Costing You?Did you know you could lose over 20% of your earnings to fees? The way you pay your advisor matters! Not only in just the dollar amounts, but in how the fees are structured and how that affects investors over time. This is a peek behind the curtain of the financial advising space that hopefully will serve to inform and give you a better understanding for what you're actually paying for. We talk through the history of the financial advisory business and how fee models evolved over time and what it means for you...2021-01-3115 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThe Secret to Paying for Large Expenses Tax EfficientlyHave you ever needed to take a large withdrawal from your retirement account over and above your monthly income needs? Maybe you need a new car or have wanted to purchase a boat for your lake house. How do you go about making these withdrawals without getting killed in taxes and jeopardizing the rest of retirement? You'll find out in this episode. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings. 2021-01-0112 minThe Real Retirement PodcastThree Tax-Saving Strategies From The CAREs ActAs we head into the holiday and giving season, here’s 3 strategies to help you save on taxes thanks to the CARES Act that was passed last spring in response to the coronavirus. These changes are for this year only, so I want you to know about them. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2020-12-0109 minThe Real Retirement PodcastAre You A Real Investor?If we are going to have a chance at building wealth and making our money last through retirement, then we’d darn well better know what it means to actually be an investor. How most people define what an investor is could put your retirement in jeopardy. After this episode, you'll know how to be real investors because that’s what will put you in the best position to achieve your retirement goals. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.2020-11-0113 minThe Real Retirement PodcastHow Will The Election Affect The Markets?What you need to know heading into this Fall's election. Is it better to have a Democrat or Republican in office for the stock market? What changes should be made in my portfolio heading into the election? I dive in to what the data tells us and what you must do if you are going to come out ahead. Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings2020-09-3008 min