Shows
TaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Financial Gifts for Grandkids: Smart Moves or Costly Mistakes?Becoming a grandparent changes everything, including how you think about money. For many families, the natural instinct is to help financially. But the “how” matters just as much as the heart behind it. In this episode, Taylor tackles a listener’s question about the best ways to financially support grandchildren. The key is to give in a way that doesn’t compromise your own retirement and strategy that aligns with your long-term goals.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:💰 Grandparent Planning: Investing wisely for a newborn🎓 529 & Broke...
2026-02-2614 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The 5 Levels of Retirement Wealth in 2026After helping hundreds of retirees, Taylor has discovered a dirty secret about wealth... net-worth does not equate to net lifestyle. Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as t...
2026-02-2412 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Storm-Proof Your Retirement PlanSome investors stay calm when market turbulence hits. Others feel the pressure immediately. The difference often isn’t intelligence or experience; it’s preparation. Taylor uses a weather metaphor to explain why understanding your true risk tolerance matters more than predicting the next downturn. The goal isn’t to forecast every storm. It’s to build a plan strong enough to handle them without forcing lifestyle changes or emotional decisions when conditions get rough.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🌩 Storm-Proofing Strategy – Building plans that expect volatility📉 Volatility...
2026-02-1912 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The 5 Retirees Who Should NOT Hire A Financial AdvisorAfter working with hundreds of clients, Taylor has learned a hard truth most advisors will never say out loud... He has turned away more people than he has helped.Not because they could not afford it. Not because they were not smart. But because hiring an advisor would have been a waste of their money.Hiring a financial advisor is a lot like a marriage. If your goals are not aligned, it will be expensive, painful, and end badly.In this episode, Taylor breaks down 5 personality types who should not hire...
2026-02-1710 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The Gray Areas That Actually Matter in RetirementRules of thumb make retirement planning sound simple, but simplicity can be misleading. Many of the decisions that matter most don’t fit neatly into checklists or headlines. Today, Taylor challenges black-and-white thinking and focuses on the trade-offs that quietly shape how retirement actually feels. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t choosing, it’s realizing there isn’t a perfect answer.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🧾 Social Security Timing: Why there’s rarely one “correct” filing age💡 Income Ripple Effects: How one decision quietly reshapes the res...
2026-02-1216 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Why People Dumber Than You Retire Before 60 & You Don'tWhy are people with less money than you already free? Let's talk about it...Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal, financial, insurance, financial advice...
2026-02-1012 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Selling an Inherited Home: The Tax Fear That Stops FamiliesWhen a parent passes away, emotions and finances tend to collide, especially when real estate is involved. One of the most common things that stalls families is fear of taxes, even when that fear isn’t fully understood. Today’s listener question is about an inherited home and hesitant siblings.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🏡 How the step-up in basis works for inherited homes 💸 Why most families overestimate the tax hit 📊 What gains are actually taxable after inheritance 👨👩👧👦 Common sibling and estate planning pitfalls ⚖️ When emotions- not taxes- cause the biggest pro...
2026-02-0616 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®I am 57 With $4,000,000 in Savings. How Much Can I Spend in Retirement?Taylor recently worked with a client facing a challenge many high-net-worth individuals know all too well: analysis paralysis. Even at 57, with $4 million in savings and no debt, he was frozen by fear at the thought of taking the leap into retirement...Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827...
2026-02-0316 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Mailbag: Forced to Retire Early- Now What?What happens when retirement starts earlier than planned? In this mailbag episode, a listener facing a layoff at age 55 asks how concerned they should be- and what options they actually have. The conversation walks through why early retirement is more common than people expect, how the Rule of 55 can provide access to income, and why replacing your full salary may not be necessary.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🚪 Why many retirees leave work earlier than planned 📅 How the Rule of 55 can unlock penalty-free income 💰 Which accounts can he...
2026-01-2911 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Buy These 3 Things And Your Retirement Will Never Be The SameIf you've got 7 figures saved for retirement but it still doesn't feel like enough, the problem isn't your portfolio size- it's your deployment strategy. Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information s...
2026-01-2710 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Mailbag: Can an Inheritance Replace Long-Term Care Insurance?Is it smart to skip long-term care insurance if you expect a future inheritance? In this episode, a listener’s mailbag question sparks a conversation about the risks of planning around money that isn’t guaranteed. The discussion explores why inheritances are unpredictable, how parents’ own care needs can change the outcome, and why uncertainty makes assumptions dangerous. You’ll hear practical insights on scenario planning, self-insurance considerations, and the importance of building a retirement strategy that doesn’t rely on “maybe” money.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🐘 Why inheritances are an u...
2026-01-2210 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The Hidden Wealth Trap: Why These 5 “Safe” Assets Are Quietly Making You PoorTaylor reveals the 5 "safe" assets that secretly make you poor- investments that seem secure, but may actually be working against you.Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed...
2026-01-2013 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Financial Myths That Can Quietly Wreck a Retirement Plan (Part 2)Some retirement myths sound reasonable enough that they start to feel true. In Part 2 of this series, Taylor continues the conversation by unpacking four more of those assumptions and where they tend to fall apart. Because in retirement, small assumptions can carry much bigger consequences.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:💸 Lower Taxes? Why retirement doesn’t always mean a smaller tax bill📝 No Written Plan: The danger of relying on mental math⏳ Working Longer: Why this backup plan often fails
2026-01-1513 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Most Retirees IGNORE This Social Security Truth...Today, we're covering the ugly truth about claiming Social Security late, and why the conventional advice to wait until 70 could cost you money and freedom. Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this i...
2026-01-1320 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Financial Myths That Can Quietly Wreck a Retirement Plan (Part 1)Some of the most damaging retirement mistakes don’t come from reckless decisions; they come from ideas that sound reasonable and get repeated often enough to feel true. In part 1 of this 2-part series, Taylor tackles retirement myths that quietly undermine otherwise solid plans. These beliefs can create blind spots that don’t show up until it’s too late. If you want fewer assumptions and more clarity, this episode helps separate fact from fiction.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🧠 Myth Overload: Why common beliefs stick even when they’re...
2026-01-0814 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The 401k Change That COMPLETELY Changes Early RetirementWhat if the biggest mistake preventing your early retirement isn't your account balance, but how you're thinking about your 401k?Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as...
2026-01-0716 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Legacy Planning Without Overpaying the IRS: Retirement Tax StrategiesWondering how to leave a legacy for your heirs without handing more than you need to Uncle Sam? In this episode, Taylor tackles a listener’s question about legacy planning and smart tax strategies in retirement. Get insights on how to be more intentional with what you pass along and discover key moves that could help you keep more of your hard-earned savings. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🧾 Tax Planning: Reducing lifetime tax drag🔄 Roth Conversions: When to use them and how they make sense
2025-12-3117 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The ACA Medicare Hack That Makes Early Retirement Feel EasyToday, Taylor reveals the healthcare hack that makes early retirement feel easy and shows how the ACA marketplace can save you $20,000 a year, so the years before Medicare don’t hold you back. Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don...
2025-12-3016 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®How Much You Really Need to Retire Early (55/60/65)What if everything you've been told about retirement savings is wrong? According to Fidelity, by age 40, you should've saved 3x your annual salary, and by 50, that jumps to 6x your income. If you're shocked, you're not alone. And figures like this can be deceiving...Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https...
2025-12-2311 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Financial Gifting: What Retirees Need to KnowWith the holidays approaching, many retirees ask a simple question with complex implications: How can I help my kids financially- without creating tax headaches or hurting my own retirement? This conversation walks through smart gifting strategies, IRS rules to watch, and thoughtful guardrails that help generosity stay intentional. If you’re considering helping children or grandchildren, a little planning here can go a long way. 🎁 Annual gifting limits and what you can give without paperwork 📄 What happens when gifts exceed the IRS threshold 🎓 Tuition and medical expense exceptions most people overlook 💰 Which accounts are smartest to gift f...
2025-12-2315 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®How 2025 Changed Your Financial Plan: Year In ReviewA lot happened in 2025… Big political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But what actually matters for your financial life? Today, Taylor looks back at the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward. Sure, there was a lot of chaos, but learning to have a long-term strategy will give you the confidence you need for 2026. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🎉 Liberation Day: market shock and emotional reactions🌍 Tariffs: the markets saw volatility...
2025-12-1813 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®5 Smart Reasons to Start Social Security at 62Deciding when to take Social Security is a major decision in your retirement planning, and while many people wait until full retirement age or beyond, there are some solid reasons to start at age 62. Today, Taylor breaks down why taking early can be a financially smart move, depending on your situation. From maximizing years of payments to protecting yourself during market downturns, he’ll explain how taking social security at 62 can help you get the most out of your retirement.📫 Subscribe to Taylor's weekly retirement insights newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0eResou...
2025-12-1612 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Shiny Object Syndrome: What Smart Investors AvoidTaylor explores why so many investors get distracted by flashy ideas that promise more than they deliver. Instead of chasing hype, he breaks down the mindset and habits that help people stay focused on what truly drives long-term success. You’ll learn how to recognize a “shiny object” before it derails your financial plan. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:✨ Beware of “shiny objects” in investing —many look better than they are 📈 Guaranteed high returns usually involve higher risk😬 FOMO is natural, but don’t let...
2025-12-1114 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The Surprising Cost of Delaying Retirement Past 55...The longer you work, the better you retire...right? Well, what if that logic actually backfires after age 55?Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as tax, legal...
2025-12-0912 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Why Better Questions Build Better RetirementsWe’ve all been told there’s no such thing as a bad question, but in retirement planning, how you ask the question can completely change the answer you get. Taylor breaks down why better-framed questions lead to clearer guidance, smarter strategies, and a plan that fits your life. Tune in to find out which questions could reshape your entire retirement outlook. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:❓ Smarter Retirement Questions: how the quality of your questions shapes your plan🔄 Reframing “How Much?”: why savings targets on...
2025-12-0415 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Less Than You Think? Savings 10, 5 and 1 Year Before RetirementToday, Taylor shares strategies that traditional planning overlooks, especially in the final 10, 5, and 1 years before retirement.LTC Calculator: https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-careResources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none...
2025-12-0219 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®5 Financial Advisor Red Flags You Can’t IgnoreWhat signs reveal an advisor isn’t truly planning for your best interest? Most people only ever work with one financial advisor, which makes it easy to miss warning signs that the fit isn’t right. Taylor breaks down the subtle but important red flags that often get overlooked, especially when you don’t know what “normal” should look like. And some of these red flags are so common you may not realize they’re red flags at all.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:📜 The “Long Resume” Problem: why a scattered work...
2025-11-2617 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Why Everything Changes Once You Save $2.5M In Retirement SavingsMost people think crossing $2.5 million in retirement savings means their financial worries are over. But substantial wealth doesn't eliminate problems- it transforms them into new challenges.Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0eResources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0...
2025-11-2514 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®The Truth About Downsizing in RetirementDownsizing might sound simple until you’re the one making the decision. There’s the emotional weight of leaving a home full of memories, the financial realities of today’s real estate market, and the lifestyle questions that come with changing how you live. Today, Taylor unpacks the most common beliefs about downsizing and explains when moving makes sense and when it doesn’t. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🏡 Downsizing Emotions: the personal side of leaving a longtime home📉 Real Estate Reality: why a smaller home doesn...
2025-11-2017 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Retire at 55 vs 65: How Life Actually Looks DifferentMost people think choosing between retiring at 55 vs 65 comes down to one question: Do you have enough money to stop working early? But after working with hundreds of retirees, Taylor has identified stark differences that go far beyond your savings account. Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c...
2025-11-1816 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®What It’s Really Like to Be a Client of a Financial AdvisorEver wonder what it’s actually like to work with a financial advisor long-term? In this episode, Taylor pulls back the curtain on the client experience, from regular check-ins and tax planning to navigating life’s biggest transitions. Discover how true planning goes far beyond numbers, focusing on relationships, strategy, and lifelong financial confidence.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:💼 Beyond Basics: support that extends past typical financial services💬 Ongoing Dialogue: covering health, cash flow, and life changes📄 Hands-On Help: from tax forms to...
2025-11-1313 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®4 Things To Know If You're Retiring With A Pension in The USEveryone treats pensions like the holy grail of retirement benefits. Guaranteed income for life, so what could go wrong? Almost everything if you don’t understand these four key factors...Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your sp...
2025-11-1116 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Should You Have More Than One Financial Advisor?Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom. But does it really equal double the problems? In today’s episode, Taylor breaks down the hidden challenges and provides insights into why a unified approach with one financial advisor might be a better strategy, especially as you near retirement. What most people really need isn’t more voices in the mix. It’s one clear, coordinated plan.Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🚨 Hidden Pitfalls: The challenges of conflicting advice and lack of coordination between adviso...
2025-11-0619 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®My Honest Advice To Anyone Working Past 60... RETIRE NOWIn this episode, Taylor discusses the hidden cost of working past 60 and why it's much worse than you might think.Resources: Website: https://www.demarsfinancial.com/ Phone: (509) 536-9556 Schedule an introduction call with Taylor: https://bit.ly/demarspodcast Check out Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMadeRetirement Taylor's Newsletter: https://demars-financial-group.kit.com/827c64fe0e Disclaimer: Since we don't know your specific situation, none of this information should be construed as...
2025-11-0418 minTaylorMade Retirement with Taylor Demars, CFP®Welcome to TaylorMade RetirementIn this kickoff episode of TaylorMade Retirement, Taylor Demars shares his journey as a third-generation advisor and how his family’s legacy shaped his passion for helping others build a secure, meaningful retirement. He reflects on lessons learned from his dad and grandpa, the values that guide his approach, and the trust he works to build with every client. Taylor also gives a glimpse into life outside the office, explains his two-stage planning process, and previews what listeners can expect from the show ahead. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:🎙️...
2025-10-2922 min