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

Do you really know how the holidays are impacting the people around you—or even yourself?

In this powerful episode of Financially Fluent, Ray sits down with Rachel Joy Baribeau, founder of I'm Changing the Narrative, to have a raw and real conversation about mental health, isolation, depression, and the hidden pain that many people carry—especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re a high-achieving professional, a parent, or simply someone trying to hold it all together, this conversation offers grace, practical tools, and hope.

Learn how to recognize early emotional warning signs in yourself or others during difficult seasons

Discover easy, real-life ways to reach out to people in a meaningful, non-invasive way

Hear how Rachel’s own story—from sportscaster to national mental health advocate—can help you find purpose in your own pain

Listen now to better support yourself and the people you love through one of the most emotionally intense seasons of the year—with practical tools and renewed purpose.

🎧 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

Still writing checks or trusting your cousin to handle your books? That might be killing your business without you even knowing it.

In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray welcomes Matt Tate, CEO of Decimal, who shares hard-earned insights from building one of the country’s fastest-growing AI-driven accounting firms. From avoiding outdated bookkeeping practices to preparing for a smooth business sale, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders, operators, and growth-stage entrepreneurs.

Discover how to eliminate wasted hours and reduce manual errors with the right tech stack

Understand when to hire fractional help like a CFO—and what happens if you wait too long

Learn how AI is changing bookkeeping, and why trust and systems still matter more than ever

Tune in now to uncover the back-office systems, processes, and mindsets that help 7-figure businesses scale smarter and sell faster.

🎧 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

How a Retired Air Force General Built a Purposeful Life & Pension-Backed Retirement

In this special Veterans Day bonus episode of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski sits down with his uncle, Lt. General Sid Clarke (Ret.), to talk about the true value of military pensions, leadership lessons from a 34-year Air Force career, and how veterans—and civilians—can plan for a more secure retirement.

🎖️ They cover everything from:

• What to know before joining the military (financially + mentally)
• The difference between military pensions and traditional 401(k)s
• Why defined benefit plans are becoming rare—and powerful
• How to navigate VA benefits, TSP accounts, and required minimum distributions (RMDs)
• Why mental health and community matter deeply after service

Whether you’ve served or simply want to understand how to retire with confidence and purpose, this candid episode is packed with wisdom you won’t find in a textbook.

In this Veterans Day special of Financially Fluent, host Ray Godleski interviews retired Air Force Lt. General Sid Clarke, who shares the untold story of his 34-year career—from flying A-10s and F-16s to leading national defense strategy—and how that experience shaped his financial future.

💡 They explore:
✅ The pros and cons of a military career
✅ How military pensions really work (high-three, SBP, disability)
✅ Transitioning from service to civilian life
✅ Why defined benefit pensions offer lifelong financial peace of mind
✅ Tips for veterans using VA benefits, TRICARE, and TSP accounts

Whether you're a veteran, active service member, or civilian interested in smarter retirement strategies, this episode will help you plan better, lead stronger, and live with purpose.

📌 Subscribe for more episodes on financial literacy, retirement planning, and wealth-building strategies.
🎖️ Thank you to all who serve and have served.

🎧 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

Are you unknowingly putting your home, car—or entire financial future—at risk with the wrong insurance moves?

Whether it’s an aging roof, a teen driver, or just navigating rising insurance premiums, most people are making insurance decisions based on myths, outdated advice, or rushed choices. In this episode, Ray sits down with insurance expert Alex Knapp to demystify what your policies actually cover—and what they don’t.

• Discover the most common (and costly) insurance mistakes homeowners and drivers are making today
• Learn how umbrella policies actually work—and when they become non-negotiable
• Understand how insurance scoring, clue reports, and deductibles really impact your premiums

Listen now to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind with smarter, more strategic insurance planning.

🎧 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

You may never have heard of trade finance—but it's quietly powering the global economy. And increasingly, investors are turning to it as a private market strategy that offers short-term, collateral-backed returns.

In this episode, Ray sits down with Andreas Schweitzer, CEO of Arjan Capital and author of Trade Works, to demystify trade finance. With over 25 years in banking and private debt, Andreas explains how the need to finance everyday products—from books to fuel to pharmaceuticals—is creating new income opportunities for qualified investors.

You’ll also hear how regulation, blockchain, supply chain shifts, and even chocolate have played a role in the evolution of this niche but growing asset class.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What trade finance really is (and how it works in plain English)
• How investors earn returns through short-term financing of real goods
• Where trade finance fits in a diversified portfolio
• What risks exist—and how they're managed with collateral and insurance
• Why this type of investing may appeal to those looking beyond public markets or traditional bonds

Plus:
→ How blockchain is making global trade safer
→ What ESG really means in this context
→ Andreas’ perspective on crypto adoption and global payment flows

Tune in now to learn why trade finance may be a smart addition to your alternative investment strategy—and whether it aligns with your long-term financial plan.

🎧 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