Category: Podcast

Retiring With $2 Million vs $5 Million: What Women Actually Keep After Tax

$2 million nets about $12,377 a month and $5 million about $21,414, 2.5 times the portfolio for 1.7…

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If You Have $3 Million and All of It Is Pre-Tax, Here Is the Tax Bill Waiting at 75

A $3M pre-tax 401(k) means an RMD near $183,000 at 75, taxed Social Security, and a Medicare surcharge…

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You Have Two Social Security Checks. Only One Should Wait Until 70

For married couples, the higher earner’s Social Security check becomes the survivor’s income and should wait until 70….

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Roth Conversion Window: The Years High Earners Miss

The Roth conversion window is the stretch of low-bracket years between retirement and RMDs, and it closes for…

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Can I Retire With $2 Million? Real Math for a Single Woman at 55

Author: Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® 🎧 Prefer to watch or listen? This episode of Align Your Retirement covers…

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The 4% Rule in Retirement: Why It Doesn’t Work for Women

The 4% rule assumes a 30-year retirement. Women often need 35 to 40 years. Here’s the real safe…

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RSU Tax Withholding: The 22% Mistake That Costs $18,000

Your employer withholds 22% on RSU vests, but your bracket may be 35%. How to close the RSU…

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IRMAA 2026: The Medicare Surcharge That Hits Two Years Late

Author: Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® 🎧 Prefer to watch or listen? This episode of Align Your Retirement covers…

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Laid Off at 55 with $1M+? The Five-Move Financial Checklist

Laid off at 55 with $1M+? The five-move checklist: severance deadlines, stock option windows, COBRA vs. ACA, the…

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Should I Max Out My 401(k)? Why the Answer Changes in Your 50s

Author: Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® 🎧 Prefer to watch or listen? This episode of Align Your Retirement covers…

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