In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, the "Old Irish Guys"—John and Brendan—pour a couple of pints of Guinness and dig deeper into the world of individual retirement accounts. Following their look at workplace plans, they break down the critical differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, helping you decide whether to "pay the tax man" now or later.

From the history of the IRA to "backdoor" strategies for high earners, this episode is a deep dive into tax-sheltered growth and how to build a flexible, tax-efficient legacy.

In this episode:

• IRA History 101: A look back at 1974 and how contribution limits have evolved over the last 50 years.
• Shared Features: Understanding penalty-free exceptions for first-time homebuyers and higher education, plus the critical asset protection these accounts offer.
• Tax Shelters vs. Tax Deferral: John and Brendan settle the debate on "tax-sheltered" growth and why the Roth IRA is such a powerful tool for tax-free distributions.
• The Backdoor Roth: How to get money into a Roth account even if your income has "phased you out" of traditional contribution limits.
• RMDs and the Long Game: Why Roth IRAs offer more flexibility in your 70s by helping you avoid Required Minimum Distributions.
• Legacy Planning: How these accounts can serve as "legacy money" for the next generation.

Contact & Resources

• Visit us online: oldirishguysfinancial.com
• Email your questions: info@oldirishguysfinancial.com

Don't let your retirement strategy be full of Blarney—get your pots in order and start the stack today. See you at the pub!

• (00:00) - Welcome and Pint Talk
• (00:45) - IRA Origins and Limits
• (01:42) - Shared IRA Benefits
• (03:37) - Roth vs Traditional Taxes
• (05:29) - Traditional Deduction Rules
• (06:29) - Roth Income Limits
• (06:56) - Backdoor Roth Strategy
• (07:31) - Roth 401k Option
• (09:24) - Required Minimum Distributions
• (10:40) - Roth Flexibility and Legacy
• (11:59) - Wrap Up and Next Episode

In this episode, the "Old Irish Guys"—John and Brendan—shake off the winter snow and welcome the signs of spring in South Baltimore. Inspired by the upcoming 70th anniversary of the South Baltimore Little League, they dive into the essentials of employer-sponsored retirement plans.

From the basic mechanics of a 401(k) to the "secret" benefits of the SECURE Act 2.0, the guys break down how to stop leaving free money on the table and start building real wealth.

In this episode:

• Signs of Spring in SoBo: Celebrating the 70th season of the South Baltimore Little League and the return of sunny days to the neighborhood.
• 401(k) & 403(b) Fundamentals: Why these workplace plans are the most effective way for most people to save for the future.
• The "Free Money" Rule: A deep dive into company matches and why missing out on them is a critical financial error.
• New Rules for 2026: Understanding the updated contribution limits and the new "Student Loan Match" provision that helps younger workers save while paying off debt.
• Portability & Rollovers: What happens to your "stack" when you change jobs and how to keep your retirement building blocks organized.

Visit us online: oldirishguysfinancial.com
Email your questions: info@oldirishguysfinancial.com

Remember, don't wait until you're making six figures to start saving; if someone tells you otherwise, they’re just talking Blarney. Get that compounding clock ticking today!

• (00:00) - Welcome to the Podcast
• (00:28) - Springtime in South Baltimore
• (00:54) - Little League and Orioles Talk
• (01:38) - Why This Episode Is Different
• (02:48) - 401k Segment Begins
• (03:23) - Auto Enrollment and Contributions
• (04:41) - Limits and Employer Match
• (06:18) - Catch Up Contributions After 50
• (07:24) - Portability and Rollovers
• (08:53) - Student Loan Match Provision
• (10:47) - 401k Recap and Next Episode
• (11:34) - Contact and Sign Off

In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, the "Old Irish Guys" - John and Brendan discuss why it’s never too early (or too late) to start thinking about retirement. After a chance encounter with a local South Baltimore legend, the guys are inspired to break down the mechanics of 401(k)s, the power of company matches, and why "beer money" shouldn't stand in the way of your future wealth.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to maximize your current plan, this episode provides the roadmap to stop guessing and start stacking your financial building blocks.

In this episode:

• The Billy Beal Inspiration: How a Friday afternoon meeting with a South Baltimore character sparked a conversation about "playing the game" right for retirement.
• 401(k) Fundamentals: Breaking down tax-deferred growth and why the 401(k) is a powerful tool for every worker.
• The "Free Money" Rule: Why leaving an employer match on the table is a mistake you can't afford to make.
• Roth vs. Traditional: Understanding the difference between paying the "tax man" now versus later.
• The Power of Compounding: Why starting in your 20s—even with small amounts—positions you significantly better than waiting for a six-figure salary.

Have a question for the Old Irish Guys? Visit us at OldIrishGuysFinancial.com or email us at info@oldirishguysfinancial.com

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

• (00:00) - Meet Billy Beal
• (01:09) - Why Retirement Matters
• (02:07) - Beach vs Mountains Goals
• (03:41) - Sponsor Break and Guinness
• (04:29) - 401k Basics and Tax Deferral
• (06:58) - Enroll and Get the Match
• (10:26) - Self Employed Retirement Options
• (11:51) - Investing and Compound Growth
• (13:18) - Roth Accounts Explained
• (15:32) - Retirement Planning and Timelines
• (17:01) - Recap Start Now and Increase
• (18:42) - Wrap Up and Contact Info