Are You Banking on Lower Taxes in Retirement? You Might Be in for a Shock.

Most executives believe that retirement means a drop in income—and taxes. But the truth is, without a clear tax strategy, you could find yourself paying more in retirement than you did while working. In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down the hidden tax traps that catch many retirees off guard—and what you can do to avoid them.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why multiple income streams in retirement can push you into a higher tax bracket than expected.
• The most overlooked tax triggers like Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and capital gains.
• The critical 3-7 year "tax planning window" before RMDs begin—and the smart moves to make during that time.

Listen now to learn how to take control of your tax future and retire with clarity and confidence.

🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113

📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com

Questions welcome. Real answers given.

Explore our free tools and resources at

www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

Summary

In this episode of Financially Fluent, the host and guest discuss various aspects of financial fluency, including market outlooks, investment strategies, the impact of AI on finance, and the importance of financial wellness. The conversation covers the current state of the market, potential corrections, and the evolving landscape of investments, including alternative options and the role of cybersecurity. The episode emphasizes the significance of having a financial plan and staying invested for long-term success.

Takeaways

• The stock market's historical performance shows that it generally appreciates over time.
• Investing in mid cap growth stocks can provide better value than large cap stocks.
• AI is becoming an integral part of business operations and decision-making.
• Financial wellness will be a significant focus as wealth transfers from boomers to younger generations.
• Market corrections are expected, and investors should be prepared for them.
• Having a financial plan is crucial for successful investing.
• Cybersecurity spending will increase significantly in the coming years.
• Investors should focus on companies with low price-to-earnings ratios for better value.
• The importance of dollar-cost averaging in investment strategies cannot be overstated.
• Understanding market trends and adapting investment strategies accordingly is essential.

🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113

📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com

Questions welcome. Real answers given.

Explore our free tools and resources at

www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

Sound Bites

• "Invest in mid cap growth stocks today."
• "Investing is about having a plan."
• "AI is a part of our everyday life."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Show Evolution

02:24
Guest Background and Industry Experience

05:31
Market Outlook for 2025

11:12
Concerns and Corrections in the Market

17:13
Trends in Small Cap and Alternative Investments

23:00
The Role of AI in Financial Services

28:50
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

34:41
Financial Wellness and Generational Wealth Transfer

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory—but the penalties, taxes, and financial stress don’t have to be.

In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down:

• When your first RMD is actually due (and how to avoid doubling up)
• How inherited IRA rules changed under the SECURE Act
• What to do if you miss an RMD—and how to fix it fast
• Why QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) can reduce both taxes and IRMA surcharges
• How to turn RMDs into long-term planning tools, not financial headaches

Listen now to learn how to manage your RMDs with clarity and confidence—so they strengthen your retirement plan instead of derailing it.

More on RMD: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/required-minimum-distribution-worksheets

If you would like to set up a call with Ray Godleski, use this link: 15 minute call with Southeast Wealth Partners

Email your financial planning questions to: info@SeWealthPartners.com

🧠 “Required minimum distributions are mandatory. But penalties—and bad tax planning—are optional.”

💡 “You’re not just planning taxes for yourself. One day you might be planning for a widow, or even your kids’ tax future.”

🎯 “Use your RMDs strategically—not just to avoid penalties, but to strengthen your retirement plan.”

🙌 “The goal is simple: You control the timing. Not the IRS.”

🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113

📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com

Questions welcome. Real answers given.

Explore our free tools and resources at

www.YourNextStepFinancial.com