Cynthia de Fazio 00:28 Welcome to Retire Smart Austin. My name is Cynthia DeFazio, joined today by Phil Capriotti, Sr. and Parker Capriotti of Empower Wealth and Tax. To our viewers at
Short, watchable answers to the retirement questions we hear most. New videos every week on taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and building income that lasts.
Your ultimate resource for expert insights, strategic advice, and the latest updates in the world of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: I have a client who is age 52 and is being placed on hospice due to his battle with cancer. I understand that there is
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst IRA owners and retirement plan participants trip over the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules all the time. Bad advice is provided, misinformation is freely disseminated
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education QUESTION: Are there any penalties/consequences/tax issues if I move money from a Roth IRA to start a new Roth IRA at another company? Thanks,
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education With the cost of food, energy, healthcare and other basics on the rise, many Americans are facing a cash crunch. For some, their IRA
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The 72(t) rules (“series of substantially equal periodic payments”) allow a person to tap retirement dollars before age 59½ without a 10% early distribution penalty.
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I did a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) in early January of 2026 to cover a portion of my required minimum distribution (RMD), then took the
Your go-to source for timely and insightful analysis of the financial markets. Our weekly updates are designed to keep you informed and equipped to make sound investment decisions for your retirement portfolio.
U.S. financial markets logged weekly gains as Wall Street shook off tech sector volatility and focused on stabilizing energy prices. Despite severe global bond market pressure, the S&P 500 rose 1.15% and
As we move from the third quarter into the fourth, investors have a lot to consider in this crazy market. US equities finished the week mixed in volatile trade. A standstill in
Markets finished the week mixed as interest rates increased across the yield curve. Oil prices swung significantly during the week as reports suggested the US and Iran were close to a deal
It was a volatile week on Wall Street as traders assessed monetary policy decisions from several central banks, including the Federal Reserve. The Fed did, as expected, raise its policy rate by
US equity markets fell in the holiday-shortened week as oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel, raising inflation concerns and pushing interest rates higher. Additionally, elevated inflation data announced during the week increased
Markets finished the week mixed as investors assessed the escalation of tensions between the US and Iran and recalibrated expectations of Federal Reserve monetary policy. The week started with sharp declines after
Your essential guide to staying informed and making smart decisions for your financial future. Our newsletter is crafted to deliver the latest financial insights, strategic advice, and important updates.
For decades, you worked for your paycheck. In retirement, your money needs to start working for you. But will it be ready? Think about the last 30 or 40 years of your
Life rarely changes all at once. A new job brings a different benefits package. A growing family adds responsibilities. Retirement moves a little closer. Everyday expenses gradually take up more of the
As the year begins to wind down, your financial plan deserves a year-end review too. The final few months of the year can be an important time to evaluate retirement accounts, taxes,
A new home. A growing family. A career change. Retirement getting closer. Life rarely stays the same for long. Yet financial plans and insurance policies can sit untouched for years—even as the
You may have a clear picture of retirement: more time with family, a few trips you have been putting off, and the freedom to spend your days doing what matters most. But
Retirement planning is about more than reaching a particular savings goal. Even a substantial portfolio can face pressure from risks that are easy to underestimate—including market volatility, inflation, rising healthcare costs, and
You’re happy with your doctors. Your prescriptions haven’t changed. Your Medicare coverage worked well this year. So, is reviewing your plan really necessary? It’s a worthwhile step. Your healthcare needs may stay
Medicare Open Enrollment is one of the most important times of the year for people who already have Medicare. From October 15 through December 7, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to
You schedule an appointment, hand over your insurance card, and assume your coverage will take care of the rest. Then a bill arrives—or the pharmacy tells you that your new prescription needs
Turning 65 is an exciting milestone—but it also brings important Medicare decisions. With multiple enrollment periods, coverage options, and deadlines to understand, even a small mistake could lead to delayed coverage, unexpected
As your 65th birthday approaches, you will have several important Medicare decisions to make. One of the biggest is choosing how you want to receive your Medicare benefits. Should you select Original
When you become eligible for Medicare, you may hear several similar-sounding terms: the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, the Annual Wellness Visit, and a routine physical exam. Although these appointments can all play
