Episodes

  • Episode 61: Linda Asks: How Do We Control Taxes When RMDs and Social Security Start?

    Episode 61: Linda Asks: How Do We Control Taxes When RMDs and Social Security Start?
    Jan 19 2026
    Many retirees are shocked to discover they’re paying more in taxes after retirement than before. In this episode, Scott responds to Linda’s question about managing taxes when most savings are in pre-tax retirement accounts. You’ll learn how required minimum distributions and Social Security can stack together, why tax brackets can rise unexpectedly, and why having a strategy to control income timing is a critical part of a successful retirement plan. Want a tax-smart retirement income plan? Get on our phone calendar at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 60: Mark Asks: How Bad Is the Illinois Estate Tax If You’re Just Over $4 Million?

    Episode 60: Mark Asks: How Bad Is the Illinois Estate Tax If You’re Just Over $4 Million?
    Jan 12 2026
    Illinois has one of the most misunderstood estate tax systems in the country. In this episode of Retirement Decoded, Scott answers Mark’s question about the Illinois $4-million estate tax threshold—and why being even slightly over it can create a significant tax bill for your family. If you live in Illinois or may retire here, this episode explains what families need to understand before it’s too late, and why estate planning decisions must be made during your lifetime—not after a death. Ready to talk it through? Get on our phone calendar at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    24 mins
  • Episode 59: Denise asks, “What’s the smartest way to start transferring wealth to our kids?”

    Episode 59: Denise asks, “What’s the smartest way to start transferring wealth to our kids?”
    Jan 5 2026
    New rules mean new opportunities — and pitfalls — for passing on your wealth.

    Scott Tucker explains how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes estate and gift-tax thresholds, trust planning, and retirement-account inheritance rules.

    Listener Denise asks how to start transferring assets to her kids without creating a huge tax bill.

    You’ll hear how to use the new exemptions, Roth strategies, and charitable tools to build a legacy that lasts.

    Get on our phone calendar, for free, at TuckerRetirement.com.

    Check-out our YouTube channel at TuckerYouTube.com.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 58: Mark asks, “How can I keep steady income in retirement without sitting in cash?”

    Episode 58: Mark asks, “How can I keep steady income in retirement without sitting in cash?”
    Dec 29 2025

    When you’re retired, the old “just ride it out” advice doesn’t cut it. Scott Tucker tackles the real-world problem of staying invested while still protecting your income from market swings. From bucket strategies and guaranteed-income tools to tax-smart withdrawals and cash buffers, you’ll learn how to balance growth and safety in today’s uncertain markets. Listener Mark asks how to keep steady income without sitting in cash — and Scott shares practical answers you can use now.
    Get on our phone calendar, for free, at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    25 mins
  • Episode 57: Karen asks, “How do Qualified Charitable Distributions really work with RMDs?”

    Episode 57: Karen asks, “How do Qualified Charitable Distributions really work with RMDs?”
    Dec 22 2025
    Turning 73 means RMDs are officially on the table — but what if you could satisfy your requirement and cut your tax bill? Scott Tucker explains how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) work, why they matter under today’s tax rules, and how to avoid common mistakes that trigger unwanted income tax. Listener Karen asks if sending her RMD directly to charity really helps — and the answer could reshape her retirement giving strategy. If you’re 73 or older, this episode is a must-listen.
    Get on our phone calendar, for free, at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    24 mins
  • Episode 56: Karen asks how to adapt when markets or tax laws change...

    Episode 56: Karen asks how to adapt when markets or tax laws change...
    Dec 15 2025
    Karen asks a smart question that every retiree should be thinking about:

    If the market or tax laws change again, how do you build flexibility into a retirement plan so you can adjust without starting over every time?

    In this episode, Scott explains how to design a retirement strategy that adapts to change—whether it’s new tax legislation, market volatility, or shifting income needs.

    You’ll learn why flexibility is one of the most valuable assets in retirement, and how proactive planning can help you protect what you’ve built while keeping options open for the future.

    Get on our phone calendar, for free, at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    25 mins
  • Episode 55: Linda's question: How to enjoy retirement today without jeopardizing tomorrow...

    Episode 55: Linda's question: How to enjoy retirement today without jeopardizing tomorrow...
    Dec 8 2025
    Linda and her spouse are asking one of the most common—and most personal—questions in retirement planning:

    How do you find the right balance between living comfortably now and protecting your legacy later?

    In this episode, Scott unpacks how to enjoy your retirement years—traveling, gifting, and living with confidence—while still preserving what you’ve built for your loved ones.

    He explains how income planning, tax strategy, and trust coordination all work together to create both freedom now and security later.

    If you’ve ever wondered how much you can spend without compromising your family’s future, this conversation is for you.

    Get on our phone calendar, for free, at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 54: Should you do Roth conversions now or wait for Congress?

    Episode 54: Should you do Roth conversions now or wait for Congress?
    Dec 1 2025
    With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act extending some tax breaks but letting others expire in 2026, many retirees are asking the same question Michael poses in today’s episode:

    Should I do Roth conversions now, or wait to see what Congress does next year?

    Scott breaks down what’s likely to change when current tax rates sunset, how those changes could impact your retirement income and estate plans, and the key factors to consider before you convert IRA or 401(k) money to Roth accounts.

    Listen in for a clear, practical discussion about timing, tax law uncertainty, and how to build flexibility into your retirement plan for whatever Washington does next.

    Get on our phone calendar, for free, at TuckerRetirement.com.
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    23 mins