Episodes

  • 👶💰 Tax Bill Includes a $1,000 Baby Bonus in 'Trump Accounts' — Here's Who Is Eligible
    Jan 31 2026

    A new provision in President Trump's tax bill is getting a lot of attention: a government-funded $1,000 savings account for children, now known as "Trump Accounts."

    But as with most things in tax policy, the details matter. In this interview, Peter with Richonplanning and Erin Kennedy break down:

    Who's eligible — and how families actually receive the money

    Who can contribute and how much

    How these accounts are invested

    How tax-deferred growth and capital-gains treatment compare to other options

    When it makes sense to fund a Trump Account vs. a 529 plan or custodial account

    If you're a parent, grandparent, or loved one who wants to learn more about setting your child up for success, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

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    14 mins
  • Are You Ever Too Old For An Annuity?
    Jan 24 2026

    How old is too old to buy an annuity? It typically doesn't make sense to buy one if you're under 50, and most insurance companies stop selling them once you hit 90. But as Americans live longer, our fear of outliving our savings has pushed sales of annuities to record highs. In fact, annuity sales topped $432 billion in 2024, but as Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy discuss, that doesn't mean they're right for everyone. In this interview, we break down: 🔹 When an annuity actually makes sense — and why timing is everything 🔹 The core problem annuities solve 🔹 How much liquidity you should keep before locking money up 🔹 The tax implications for you and your heirs 🔹 And what to consider if you're too young or too old for an annuity If you've ever wondered whether an annuity fits into your retirement income plan, please give Peter a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com to learn more.

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    15 mins
  • Are You Taking on Too Much Risk? 4 Signs to Watch 🚩
    Jan 17 2026

    Risk isn't just a number on a chart... it's how you feel when markets move. If you've ever wondered whether your portfolio matches your true risk tolerance, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy lay out four red flags to pay attention to:

    🔹 You check your accounts constantly. How often is too often? If market swings dictate your mood, it may be time to reassess.

    🔹 Market drops keep you up at night. The headlines are loud, and it's hard to tune out the noise.

    🔹 You've made panic-driven decisions before. Emotional investing is one of the biggest threats to long-term returns.

    🔹 You feel pressure to "chase" returns.

    FOMO can push you into taking risks you're not comfortable with.

    The good news? Peter can help align your investments with your true risk tolerance, keeping you disciplined, diversified, and focused on the long-term plan (not the daily swings). If you'd like to find a plan that's in line with your goals and your tolerance, please call (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

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    14 mins
  • 3 Easy Ways to Jeopardize Your Retirement ⚠️💸
    Jan 10 2026

    Most people are so focused on saving for retirement that they overlook the everyday habits that can derail it. According to Kiplinger, only 44% of Americans have calculated what they'll need to live on in retirement, and without that number, it's easy to overspend or take on risks that shrink your nest egg. In this week's interview, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down the three most common pitfalls pre-retirees face:

    🚫 Maintaining Debt Many retirees carry credit cards, car loans, mortgages, sometimes totaling $55,000. We discuss why entering retirement debt-free is so critical and what steps to take now to get there.

    👨‍👩‍👧 Helping the Kids Half of parents are providing financial support to their adult children... averaging $1,500 a month. How do you help family without sacrificing your own financial future? 💳 Living "Large"

    Are you spending more than you should? We lay out how to realistically evaluate your lifestyle so you don't outlive your savings.

    If you'd like to learn how small decisions and simple habits today can protect your retirement, please call Peter at (919) 300 - 5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

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    12 mins
  • Roth Conversions Under 59½: How to Avoid the 10% Penalty ⚠️💡
    Jan 3 2026
    Thinking about a Roth conversion before age 59½? It can be a smart move... but only if you handle the tax bill the right way. As Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy explain, using retirement funds to pay those taxes could trigger a 10% early withdrawal penalty, and that's a mistake we want younger investors to avoid. In this week's interview, we break down:
    Why paying taxes with outside, after-tax money is essential
    How Peter helps clients decide if a Roth Conversion makes sense
    And why Roth conversions are so popular right now If you'd like to determine if a Roth Conversion is right for you, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 , or visit www.RichonPlanning.com... a little planning now can save you a big penalty.
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    12 mins
  • Don't Let the IRS Keep Your Money: 5 Tax Moves to Make Before Dec. 31
    Dec 27 2025

    The end of the year is fast approaching, and so is the deadline for the tax moves that can lower your 2025 tax bill. In this video, Peter with RIchon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down the top five simple steps to help keep more money in your pocket, including:

    1. Max Out Your 401(k)

    2. Contribute to Your HSA

    3. Max Out Your Roth IRA

    4. Harvest Your Investment Losses

    5. Donate to Charity

    This easy checklist can make a big difference come tax time. And keep in mind, it's never too late (or too early) to start thinking about how you can earn more and save more next year. And if you'd like to have a conversation with Peter about how to save more in taxes over the course of your lifetime (not just the filing year), please give him a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

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    16 mins
  • Why 60% of Wealth Transfers Fail (and the Conversation Every Family Should Have This Holiday Season)
    Dec 20 2025

    The holidays bring families together... multiple generations under one roof, to share stories and look ahead. And as Peter with Richon Planning explains to Erin Kennedy it's also an ideal time to start meaningful conversations about family finances and the legacy you want to leave behind. The truth is, 60% of wealth transfers fail simply because families never talk about them. Opening the door to that conversation now can reduce stress later and help protect the people you care about most.

    If your family is ready to take that first step, Peter is here to help start that discussion and make the process feel simple, supportive, and clear. To set up a complimentary appointment, please call (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

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    16 mins
  • 🎉 Seniors Will Get a Raise in 2026! Here's What the New Social Security COLA Means for You
    Dec 13 2025
    Good news for retirees! The Social Security Administration just announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.8% for 2026 — that's an average increase of about $56 per month starting in January. In this video, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down:
    How inflation drives COLA increases
    What the 2026 bump means for retirees
    Why waiting to claim Social Security could still make sense
    The updated Earnings Test limits for those who keep working before full retirement age It's not just a raise — it's a reminder to make sure your claiming strategy fits your overall retirement plan. If you'd like to learn more about social security claiming strategies, or how to create several streams of sustainable income in retirement, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
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    16 mins