What The Wealth Retirement Podcast
When it comes to financial planning and investing, many of us have more questions than answers. The “What the Wealth?!” Retirement Podcast offers sound financial information and guidance on numerous concerns to help Gen X and Y families and professionals as well as 50-Forward individuals create the lives they love. Jonathan P. Bednar, II, CFP, joined Paradigm Wealth Partners in January 2010, where he is in partnership with his father, Jon P. Bednar. As a Wealth Advisor, Jonathan enjoys guiding his clients to make informed financial decisions and planning as a means to solve their investment and retirement concerns.Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Paradigm Wealth Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
Episodes
124 episodes
Why So Many Are Retiring to Tennessee — What You Should Know (124)
Retiring to Tennessee sounds simple until you start adding up the real numbers. We hear the same line again and again: “Tennessee is tax-friendly.” That’s true, but it’s also the fastest path to a bad decision if taxes are the only thing you co...
Retirement Episode: Biggest Risks, Options at Age 58, All Things Social Security, the $1.9 Portfolio (123)
There’s a retirement risk almost nobody models, and it has nothing to do with the stock market. It’s the quiet trade you make when you keep working past the point where your healthiest years are already slipping away.We stitched togethe...
Six Retirement Regrets (122)
The hard truth: Most retirements don’t fail on spreadsheets. They fail in real life when emotions, freedom, and spending collide. After decades of doing everything right, it’s easy to feel like you’ve earned the luxury car, the bigger house, th...
Retiring in the US with a Pension? How to Make it Fit with Social Security and Savings? (121)
Too many retirees make one pension decision they can’t undo and it reshapes their entire financial future. We break down the real trade-offs hiding behind payout options, survivor benefits, and the lure of a lump sum, then show you how to weave...
Using Your Lower-Income Years to Convert IRAs and Reduce Lifetime Taxes (120)
The years between your last paycheck and your first Social Security or RMD can be the most valuable tax planning window of your life. We call it the Golden Window, and it’s when your income is low, your tax brackets are flexible, and your choic...
A Big Inheritance: How to Successfully Pass Wealth (119)
In this episode, I explain how inheritances go wrong and lay out a plan to keep wealth private, tax-smart, and protective. We compare wills and trusts, share real examples, and detail tools that shield heirs from probate, overspending, taxes, a...
Avoid The Costly Estate Mistake That Erases Your Step-Up In Basis (118)
We break down a costly estate planning mistake that can cost you six-figures with the IRS! A simple change in timing preserves the step-up in basis. A real client story and a simple change that can preserve your gift.• The r...
Case Study: $1.4M, Early 50's – A Small Tweak Results in More Cash, Less Stress (117)
In this episode I share a real-life example of how a couple with $1.4 million was feeling crushed by cash flow but found relief with a 5% contribution change and a focused debt reduction. Small, smart tweaks restored breathing room, protected r...
Three Retirement Questions That Can Shape Our Future – MIT AgeLab Study (116)
In this episode I share three practical questions that can reshape retirement: Who you’ll have lunch with, Who will handle home tasks, andHow you’ll get an ice cream cone? The focus shif...
"We're Tired of All the Statistics — You're Not Hearing Us" (115)
A portfolio can grow while confidence shrinks—especially when every question gets answered with a statistic. In this episode I unpack a real case study of a retired couple who were told for 16 years to stay “70/30” and not touch their income be...
Bridging The Healthcare Gap: Planning For ACA Subsidy Expiration And Early Retirement Costs (114)
On episode 114 we lay out how the potential expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies after 2025 could affect early retirees and what can be done ahead of time to prepare. Practical planning moves to manage MAGI, use HSAs, shore up cash ...
The Million Dollar Retirement Myth, Holding You Back? (113)
I discuss the long-held myth that $1 million is the universal retirement target and explore why your personal number depends on your unique circumstances and goals.• The million-dollar retirement target originated from the 4% rule but d...
The One Big Beautiful Bill: Are There New Opportunities for Seniors and Retirees? (112)
Tax laws have changed dramatically with the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and your retirement planning strategy likely needs to adapt. This sweeping legislation extends several tax cuts and Jobs Act provisions while adding several po...
Nine Accounts, No Plan: Planning a Real Tennessee Retirement (111)
We recently worked with clients who had nine different financial accounts at nine different institutions with no coherent strategy, including around $450,000 sitting in cash earning nothing. After moving from California to Tennessee, they were ...
Beyond Market Dips: Why Your Long-Term Portfolio Might Be Stronger Than You Think (110)
Market downturns naturally trigger anxiety for investors, but having a better understanding of your investment strategy can provide peace of mind during market turbulence.• Broad-based market ETFs diversification vs individual stocks
Retirement on $625K: A Real-World Case Study (109)
In this episode I'll walk you through a detailed retirement case study for David (73) and Tammy (65) who have $625,000 in retirement savings plus a $180,000 business stake to sell, examining if they can retire comfortably with these assets....
The 6-5-4 Strategy: Creating Your Retirement Paycheck (108)
The 6-5-4 bucket strategy can transform your retirement savings into a sustainable income stream while maintaining long-term growth potential.In today's epsiode I dive into this on more detail: A simple yet powerful approach that creates...
Transforming an Inherited IRA into Tax-Free Retirement Wealth (107)
We unpack a strategy to transform an inherited IRA into tax-free retirement wealth through a strategic Roth conversion. A client recently inherited $52,000 from his mother and was taking RMDs without a clear plan until we implemented this appro...
Market Volatility: When Half "Want Out" and Half "Want In" — What Should You Do? (106)
Market uncertainty triggers two distinctly opposite responses from investors. We see some frantically call ready to cash out, while others eagerly seek opportunities to deploy additional capital.The CNN Fear and Greed Index ...
Stock Market Turmoil: When to Worry and What to Do? (105)
Market volatility triggers panic, but historical data reveals why staying calm and sticking to your financial strategy is the smartest approach during turbulent times.• Every time CNBC has aired a "Markets in Turmoil" special since 2010...
Home Value: Do We Have Enough Property Coverage? Essential for Homeowners (104)
Are you confident that your home insurance will cover you in times of crisis? When disaster strikes, many homeowners discover they lack sufficient protection. In this episode, I dive into the world of property and casualty insurance, especially...
Weathering the Storms: Long-Term Success Amid Market Volatility (103)
The recent sell-off in NVIDIA's stock highlights the fears surrounding market volatility. Past events quickly emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust financial plan and understanding emotional market reactions.On this episode:...
Healthcare in Retirement: Navigating Health Plans During Your Transition to Retirement (102)
This episode focuses on healthcare options for early retirees, highlighting the Affordable Care Act and its accessibility. I share insights into navigating healthcare.gov, addressing chronic health issues, and making informed decis...
Navigating Toward a Secure and Fulfilling Retirement: Insights from a Financial Advisor (101)
Retirement is not just a distant dream; it's an achievable destination that requires strategic navigation. The What the Wealth Retirement Podcast unravels the complexities of planning for your golden years. As I shift the ...
100 Episodes of What the Wealth: Celebrating Our Journey and Future Opportunities (100)
I look back on 100 episodes of What the Wealth with gratitude and pride. It's been a fun pursuit and your support has made it that much more rewarding.As we go forward, I am thrilled about the promise of more consistent episodes filled ...