Episodes
How to Avoid the 10 Percent Early Distribution Penalty Trap
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into the 10 percent early distribution penalty trap that catches many retirees off guard. They explore the specific rule that allows penalty-free withdrawals from a 401k if you leave your job in the year you turn 55, a provision known as the Rule of 55. The hosts break down the eligibility requirements, the differences between 401k and IRA rules, and how to plan withdrawals to avoid unnecessary penalties. They also discuss…
How to Use a Solo 401k to Boost Retirement Savings
Lucas and Luna explore the solo 401k, a powerful retirement tool for self-employed individuals and small business owners. In Episode 158 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, they break down contribution limits for 2026, the difference between employee and employer contributions, and the potential to save over $70,000 annually. They discuss the importance of adopting the plan before year-end, the flexibility of Roth solo 401k options, and a real-world example of a freelance consultant maximizing…
How to Use a 401k to Build a Generational Wealth Transfer
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a less-talked-about angle of retirement planning: using your 401k as a tool for generational wealth. They break down the SECURE Act 2.0's 10-year rule, the power of naming beneficiaries, and the strategic use of Roth conversions to leave a tax-free inheritance. With the August 2026 market backdrop, they explain how a well-structured 401k can reduce taxes for your heirs and why the 'stretch IRA' is now legacy. The hosts also share the story of a retiree…
How to Avoid the Widow's Penalty on Social Security
When a spouse dies, the surviving partner faces a permanent cut in Social Security benefits if they claimed early. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the 'widow's penalty' — a little-known rule that can slash a survivor's income by thousands of dollars a year. They walk through a real-world example: a couple where one spouse claimed at 62, the other waited until full retirement age, and what happens when the early claimant dies first. They explain the two main claiming strategies — 'file…
How to Use a 401k Hardship Withdrawal Without Derailing Retirement
When an unexpected expense hits before retirement, a 401k hardship withdrawal can feel like the only option. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the rules, the tax traps, and the long-term cost of tapping your retirement savings early. They walk through a concrete example: a 45-year-old taking a $20,000 hardship withdrawal to cover a medical bill. You'll hear how the 10% penalty, income taxes, and lost compound growth can turn that $20,000 into a $40,000 hit to your retirement balance.…
How to Avoid RMD Penalties With Qualified Charitable Distributions
In this episode, Lucas and Luna discuss the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules that kick in at age 73, and how a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can help retirees meet their RMD while supporting causes they care about. With the IRS penalty for missing an RMD at 25 percent, getting it right matters. They walk through a real example: a 76-year-old retiree with a $500,000 IRA who donates $20,000 directly to charity from her IRA, reducing her taxable income and satisfying part of her…
How to Use a Roth Conversion Ladder for Early Retirement
Lucas and Luna dig into the Roth conversion ladder, the strategy that lets early retirees access 401k and IRA funds before age 59 and a half without the 10 percent penalty. They walk through the five-year clock, the two-step process of rolling a traditional IRA into a Roth, and the tax implications you need to plan for. Using a concrete example of a 45-year-old who wants to retire at 50, they show how to structure conversions so your taxable income stays manageable and your health insurance…
How to Plan a Retirement Withdrawal Budget That Actually Works
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into one of retirement planning's most practical—and least talked about—tasks: building a withdrawal budget that survives real life. They walk through a concrete example: a 66-year-old retiree with $1.1 million in a traditional IRA, $250,000 in a Roth, and Social Security benefits starting at 67. The focus is on the 'spending floor' approach—how to cover essential expenses with guaranteed income sources, then layer in flexible withdrawals for the fun stuff.…
How to Avoid the Medicare IRMAA Surcharge in Retirement
Lucas and Luna dig into the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, the surcharge that can quietly raise Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for retirees with higher incomes. Using a real couple's situation as a case study, they explain how IRMAA brackets work, why a one-time Roth conversion or a big capital gain can trigger it, and how to plan around it with strategies like managing taxable income, timing conversions, and appealing when your income drops. If you're approaching…
The 4 Percent Rule in an Era of Higher Rates
For decades, the 4 percent rule was the default answer to how much you can safely withdraw from your retirement portfolio. But with bond yields back to levels not seen in fifteen years, financial planners are asking whether the old math still holds. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the origins of the rule, how today's return assumptions change the numbers, and why the real risk in retirement might not be running out of money—but running out of story. They walk through a concrete…
How to Estimate Your Retirement Tax Bracket
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a question that catches many retirees off guard: what tax bracket will you actually be in during retirement? Most people assume they'll be in a lower bracket, but the reality is often different—especially when you factor in Social Security taxation, Required Minimum Distributions, and other income sources. Lucas walks through a simple framework to estimate your retirement tax bracket, using a realistic example of a…
How to Use a Spousal IRA When Only One Spouse Works
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna tackle a question many married couples face: what happens to retirement savings when one spouse stays home or works part-time? They explore the spousal IRA, a powerful but often overlooked tool that allows a working spouse to contribute to an IRA in the non-working spouse's name. The discussion covers the 2026 contribution limits, the income requirements to qualify, and the key difference between traditional and Roth spousal…
How to Avoid the Nasty Surprise Tax on Inherited Retirement Accounts
When you inherit a 401k or IRA, the IRS has specific rules about how quickly you must withdraw the money — and getting it wrong can trigger a massive penalty. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the SECURE Act's 10-year rule, explain who's exempt, and walk through a real-world example of a daughter who inherited her father's IRA and faced a 50 percent penalty from the IRS. They discuss why many beneficiaries are caught off guard, the difference between 'eligible designated beneficiaries'…
How to Use a Retirement Spending Floor to Protect Your Income
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the concept of a retirement spending floor — a guaranteed income layer that covers essential expenses. They use the example of a hypothetical retiree with $1.2 million in savings, showing how combining Social Security, a single-premium immediate annuity, and a bond ladder can create a floor that covers $48,000 of annual spending. They walk through the math, the trade-offs, and how this strategy differs from the classic…
How to Avoid the 10 Percent Early Withdrawal Penalty
What happens if you take money out of your 401k or IRA before 59 and a half? Most people know the 10 percent penalty exists, but few understand the exceptions and strategies that can help you avoid it legally. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the specific rules, from the Rule of 55 for 401ks to SEPP (substantially equal periodic payments) to 72(t) distributions, and how they apply in 2026. They walk through a realistic example of a 52-year-old who wants to retire early, and explain…
How to Turn Old 401ks Into a Rollover IRA Without Taxes
Lucas and Luna dive into the often-overlooked strategy of consolidating old 401(k)s into a single rollover IRA. They walk through the mechanics of direct versus indirect rollovers, the 60-day rule, and the one-rollover-per-year limit that trips up many investors. Using a concrete example of a listener with three old accounts, they show how a rollover can simplify your retirement savings, reduce fees, and give you more investment choices — all while avoiding surprise taxes and penalties. They…
How to Handle a 401k Loan Before You Retire
Borrowing from your 401k is one of the most common retirement mistakes, but it's not always a bad idea. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the mechanics of 401k loans: how the repayment works, what happens if you leave your job, and the double-tax trap that catches many borrowers. They walk through a specific example of a 45-year-old borrowing $30,000 for a home renovation, comparing the true cost versus a home equity loan. They also discuss the new SECURE 2.0 rules that allow employers…
How Retirement Plan Fees Can Cost You Decades of Growth
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the quiet retirement killer that most people overlook: account fees. Using a concrete example, they show how a seemingly small 1 percent fee on a $100,000 portfolio can wipe out nearly $100,000 over thirty years—money that could otherwise compound into a much larger nest egg. They break down the common places these fees hide, from 401k plan administration to mutual fund expense ratios, and explain the difference between a good adviser's fee and a drag…
New 401k Catch-Up Rules for Ages 60-63 in 2026
In 2026, SECURE 2.0 introduces a super-sized catch-up contribution for workers aged 60 to 63, allowing up to an extra $11,250 in your 401k. Lucas and Luna break down the new limits, the Roth catch-up mandate for high earners, and how to decide between traditional and Roth contributions. They use the example of a 62-year-old who can now defer an additional $18,750 per year, and discuss strategies for optimizing these contributions alongside other retirement planning moves. Plus, a quick note on…
How to Avoid the Pro-Rata Rule in a Backdoor Roth IRA
If your income is too high for a direct Roth IRA contribution, the backdoor Roth IRA is the workaround. But if you have any pre-tax money in a traditional IRA, the pro-rata rule can turn your supposedly tax-free conversion into a taxable mess. In this episode, Lucas and Luna walk through a concrete example: a high earner earning $200,000 in 2026, wanting to contribute $7,000 to a Roth IRA, but sitting on a $50,000 traditional IRA rolled over from an old 401(k). They explain how the pro-rata…
How an HSA Supercharges Retirement Savings
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into why a Health Savings Account might be the most overlooked retirement tool. They explain the triple tax advantage: deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. Using 2026 contribution limits ($4,150 individual, $8,300 family, plus $1,000 catch-up for ages 55+), they show how investing HSA funds over 20 years can build over $350,000 for healthcare costs in retirement. They also cover the catch: you…
How the Rule of 55 Unlocks Your 401k Before Age 59 and a Half
Most people know that withdrawing from a 401k before age 59 and a half triggers a 10 percent penalty. But there's a little-known exception called the Rule of 55 that lets you access your 401k penalty-free if you leave your job at age 55 or older. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down exactly how the rule works, who qualifies, and how to avoid costly mistakes. They walk through a real-life scenario: a 56-year-old engineer who lost his job and used the rule to tap his $400,000 401k to bridge…
How to Sequence Retirement Withdrawals to Minimize Taxes
Most retirees know they need to withdraw money from their accounts, but few realize that the order in which they tap taxable, traditional, and Roth accounts can cost them tens of thousands of extra taxes. In this episode, Lucas and Luna walk through a real-world example: a 72-year-old with $1 million in a traditional IRA, $200,000 in a Roth, and $150,000 in a taxable brokerage. They explain the logic behind the 'taxable first, then traditional up to a bracket, then Roth' strategy, and discuss…
How to Use NUA to Slash Taxes on Company Stock in Your 401k
When you've accumulated a sizable chunk of company stock in your 401(k), the standard advice is to roll it into an IRA and defer taxes. But for some retirees, that could mean paying ordinary income tax on the entire balance at withdrawal. Enter Net Unrealized Appreciation, or NUA — a tax strategy that lets you pay lower capital gains rates on the appreciation of employer stock when you take a lump-sum distribution. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how NUA works with a concrete…
How to Evaluate a Pension Buyout Offer
Many retirees are offered a lump-sum pension buyout, but deciding whether to take it or stick with monthly payments is tricky. This episode breaks down the math you need to do: how to compare a lump sum versus a lifetime annuity using inflation, interest rates, and life expectancy. Lucas and Luna walk through a real-world example—a $500 monthly pension vs. an $80,000 lump sum—and show how a change in the discount rate can flip your decision. They also cover tax implications, spousal benefits…
Why Your First Five Years of Retirement Matter Most
Lucas and Luna explain sequence of returns risk—how the order of market returns in early retirement can make or break your portfolio. Using a hypothetical couple retiring in 2026, they show why a 10% market drop in year one is far more dangerous than the same drop 15 years later. Plus, practical strategies like cash buckets, dynamic withdrawals, and bond tents to protect your income. #SequenceOfReturnsRisk #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #PortfolioSurvival #MarketDownturn #EarlyRetirement…
How Qualified Charitable Distributions Reduce Your RMD Tax
Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) allow retirees over 70½ to donate up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRA to charity, counting toward their required minimum distribution without adding to taxable income. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the rules, the tax savings—including how QCDs can lower your AGI to reduce Medicare premiums—and when it beats itemizing. Perfect for charitably inclined retirees looking to stretch their savings and give smarter.…
How RMDs Can Raise Your Medicare Premiums
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) can push retirees into higher Medicare premium brackets due to IRMAA surcharges. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the 2026 income thresholds that trigger higher Part B and Part D premiums, and explain how QCDs, Roth conversions, and careful income timing can help keep your Medicare costs manageable. A practical guide for anyone nearing or in retirement who wants to avoid an unexpected premium increase. #RetirementPlanning #RMD #IRMAA #Medicare…
How a Bucket Strategy Can Protect Your Retirement Income
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down the bucket strategy for retirement income. Learn how to divide your nest egg into cash, bonds, and growth buckets to weather market downturns without selling low. Using a hypothetical retiree with $1 million, they show how three years of living expenses in cash plus five years in intermediate bonds can let your equity bucket ride out a bear market. They also explain how the strategy adapts when the S&P 500 is near…
How a Solo 401k Can Slash Your Self-Employment Tax
Episode 130 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo dives into the Solo 401k — a powerful retirement account for the self-employed. Lucas and Luna walk through how a freelance graphic designer earning $120,000 a year could defer over $23,000 in self-employment taxes in 2026 by using a Solo 401k instead of a SEP IRA. They compare contribution limits, discuss the Roth option, and explain why the Solo 401k's ability to let you borrow from yourself is a hidden gem. If you're a freelancer, consultant…
Social Security Claiming Ages and Your Lifetime Benefits
When should you claim Social Security? In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down the trade-offs of claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70. Using a concrete example of a 65-year-old couple, they walk through how a 3-year delay can boost lifetime benefits by over $100,000. They also discuss spousal benefits, the earnings test, and why many retirees regret claiming early. If you're approaching retirement, this episode gives you a clear framework to decide…
Why Retirees Should Rethink the 4 Percent Rule in 2026
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo: 401k, IRA, and Saving for Your Future, Lucas and Luna examine why the classic 4 percent withdrawal rule may not be a safe starting point for today's retirees. With bond yields around 4.5 percent and equity valuations elevated, the original research from the 1990s Trinity Study may need adjustment. Lucas explains how a rising inflation-adjusted starting withdrawal can leave portfolios depleted by year 15, and why a more dynamic approach—like…
How the SECURE 2.0 Act Changes Your RMDs in 2026
Lucas and Luna break down the SECURE 2.0 Act's new RMD rules taking effect in 2026. The episode focuses on the increase in the required beginning age from 73 to 75, the 10-year rule for inherited IRAs, and the penalty reduction for missed RMDs from 50% to 25%. They use the example of a 73-year-old retiree named Karen who inherited an IRA from her brother in 2024 to illustrate the new 10-year payout requirement. Lucas explains how the penalty waiver form, Form 5329, can further reduce the…
Why Your IRA Beneficiary Form Matters More Than Your Will
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna discuss the critical importance of keeping your IRA and 401k beneficiary designations up to date. They walk through a real example from 2025 where a New Jersey man's $1.2 million IRA went to his ex-spouse because he forgot to update the form after remarrying. They explain how beneficiary designations override your will, the SECURE Act's 10-year rule for inherited IRAs, and why naming a trust as beneficiary can backfire. The…
When a Roth Conversion Actually Makes Sense in 2026
Lucas and Luna break down the mathematics behind Roth IRA conversions, explaining why 2026's lower marginal tax rates may create a rare window for savers. They walk through the income thresholds, the pro-rata rule trap, and a concrete example of a hypothetical couple in the 22 percent bracket. The hosts also discuss how a donor-advised fund can pair with a conversion to offset the tax bill, and why waiting until December could backfire. No theory — just the numbers and the calendar.…
How Retirees Can Use a Donor Advised Fund for Tax Savings
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how retirees can use a donor advised fund, or DAF, to bundle charitable donations and claim a larger tax deduction in a single year. They walk through a concrete example: a retired couple with $50,000 in annual charitable giving who bunch three years of donations into one DAF contribution, pushing them above the standard deduction threshold. The hosts explain how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act raised the standard deduction to around $27,700 for couples in…
How Old 401k Accounts Can Pay for Roth Conversions
In Episode 123 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a little-known strategy: using old 401k accounts to cover the tax bill for Roth conversions. They break down why paying conversion taxes from the account itself can actually work in your favor—if you're over 59½. Using a detailed example for a married couple with $300k in a former employer's 401k, they show how this approach lets you keep more money invested, bypasses pro-rata rules, and even allows you to revert to a…
How Roth IRA Withdrawal Order Can Save You Thousands
When you withdraw money from a Roth IRA, the IRS has strict rules about which dollars come out first: contributions, then conversions, then earnings. Many retirees accidentally trigger taxes or penalties by withdrawing in the wrong order. In this episode, Lucas and Luna walk through the five-year aging rules for conversions, the 'ordering rules' buried in IRS Publication 590-B, and a concrete example showing how a retiree with a $200,000 Roth IRA could owe $12,000 in unnecessary penalties by…
How Retirees Can Use a Self-Directed IRA for Alternative Assets
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the self-directed IRA — a retirement account that allows investors to hold alternative assets like real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrencies. They break down how it works, the tax rules you need to know, and the pitfalls that trip up even savvy investors. Using a concrete example of a retiree who bought a rental property inside a self-directed IRA, they walk through the prohibited transaction rules, the role of…
How a Longevity Annuity Can Secure Retirement Income
Lucas and Luna explore how longevity annuities (QLACs) can provide guaranteed income for retirees worried about outliving their savings. They break down the mechanics, tax benefits, and the specific rule changes in 2024 that made QLACs more flexible. Using a hypothetical retiree named Carol, they illustrate how deferring a portion of a 401k into a QLAC can reduce required minimum distributions and create a reliable income stream starting at age 85. The episode covers the updated QLAC limits…
How a Charitable Remainder Trust Can Cut Your Tax Bill
Lucas and Luna explore the Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT), a powerful tax strategy for retirees with highly appreciated assets. They walk through a concrete example: a retired couple with $500,000 in Apple stock (cost basis just $80,000) who donate it to a CRUT, receive a 6% annual income stream for life, and get a $140,000 charitable tax deduction—all while avoiding capital gains tax. The episode explains how the trust works, the required 10% charity minimum, and why this isn't for…
Why a Fixed Indexed Annuity Can Protect Your Retirement
Lucas and Luna explore the case for fixed indexed annuities in a 2026 retirement portfolio. They break down how FIAs work, the role of the participation rate and cap, and why some retirees are adding them as a buffer against sequence-of-returns risk. With an example using a 62-year-old delaying Social Security, they explain the trade-offs between upside caps and downside protection, and why the 'accumulation' versus 'income' phase matters. No sales pitch — just a clear-eyed look at a product…
Why Retirees Should Think Twice About Rebalancing Monthly
Episode 117 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna challenge the conventional wisdom that retirees should rebalance their portfolios monthly or quarterly. They drill into a specific 2026 Vanguard study showing that a simple 5 percent drift-trigger rebalancing strategy (rebalance only when an asset class strays more than 5 percent from target) actually outperformed calendar rebalancing over the last 20 years by roughly 0.3 percent annualized, with lower turnover and fewer taxable…
How the HSA Triple Tax Advantage Works in Retirement
Lucas and Luna break down the Health Savings Account's unique triple tax advantage — tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses — and explain how retirees can use it as a powerful retirement savings vehicle. They walk through the 2026 contribution limits, catch-up rules for those 55 and older, and strategies like paying current expenses out of pocket to let the account grow. They also cover the penalty-free rule after age 65, where…
How to Check Your Retirement Plan Fees Without a Calculator
Episode 115 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo: Lucas and Luna break down the hidden fees lurking in 401(k) plans and IRAs. They walk through the three main fee layers — administrative, investment management, and individual service charges — and show how a seemingly small 0.5% difference can cost a median saver over $100,000 by retirement. Using the Department of Labor's fee disclosure form (the 408(b)(2) notice), they explain exactly what to look for and how to compare fund expense ratios…
How Retirees Can Use an HSA as a Retirement Account
Episode 114 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo explores the health savings account as a retirement tool. Lucas and Luna dig into the triple tax advantage of HSAs—tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses—and how retirees can use HSAs to cover healthcare costs in retirement. They discuss contribution limits for 2026, the catch-up contribution for those 55 and older, and the strategy of paying medical expenses out-of-pocket now while…
How Downside Protection Can Shield Your Retirement Portfolio
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how downside protection strategies can help retirees weather market downturns without sacrificing long-term growth. They focus on the role of equity-indexed annuities and structured notes, using the example of an investor who avoided a 20% loss in late 2025 by allocating 15% of their portfolio to a buffer product. The hosts explain how buffer ETFs and registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) work, what a 10% buffer…
How Sequence of Returns Risk Can Derail Your Retirement
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore sequence of returns risk—the danger that a market downturn early in retirement can permanently reduce your portfolio's longevity, even if average returns over time are positive. They break down how the order of returns matters more than the average, using a concrete example of two retirees with identical portfolios but different start dates. The hosts discuss practical strategies to mitigate this risk, including having a cash buffer, dynamic withdrawal…
How the 5 Year Rule on Roth IRA Conversions Works
Episode 111 of Retirement Planning with Fexingo dives into the often-overlooked 5-year rule on Roth IRA conversions. Lucas and Luna explain why a converted Roth IRA has two separate 5-year clocks — one for the conversion itself and one for earnings — and how misreading the rule can trigger surprise taxes. Using a concrete example of a retiree converting $100,000 in 2026, they walk through the timing rules, the order-of-withdrawal exceptions, and a practical strategy to avoid penalties while…
How Retirees Can Use a Roth IRA for Tax-Free Growth in 2026
In this episode of Retirement Planning with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore why a Roth IRA remains one of the most powerful tools for tax-free retirement income in 2026. They break down the income limits, contribution rules, and conversion strategies — including how high earners can still get money into a Roth via the backdoor method. The hosts use a concrete example: a 50-year-old couple earning $240,000 who contribute $7,000 each per year for 15 years, growing at 7% to over $350,000 in…
Showing the latest 50 episodes. The full archive of 159 is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and every major podcast app — or via the RSS feed above.