The On-Track Retirement Show

Why Your IRA Could Be Your Biggest Retirement Risk

Have you spent decades building your retirement savings… only to discover your IRA could become one of your biggest tax liabilities? In this episode of the On-Track Retirement Show, Pat Schmidt and Jay Curatti break down the hidden tax dangers many retirees never see coming — including required minimum distributions (RMDs), the “widow’s penalty,” and how inherited IRAs can create massive tax burdens for your children. You’ll learn: • Why traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and TSPs may carry hidden tax exposure • How the SECURE Act changed inherited retirement accounts forever • What the “kiddos penalty” could mean for your family legacy • Why waiting until RMD age could cost retirees hundreds of thousands in taxes • How proactive Roth conversion strategies may help reduce taxes in retirement • The real-life story of “Jim & Kathy” and how they transformed their retirement strategy If you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you better understand how taxes can impact your income, Medicare premiums, and the legacy you leave behind. 👉 Schedule your complimentary On-Track Retirement Review at  MyOnTrackRetirement.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to: ✔ Subscribe to the channel ✔ Like this video ✔ Share it with someone planning for retirement ✔ Leave your questions or comments below#RetirementPlanning #IRA #RothConversion #RetirementTaxes #FinancialPlanning #OnTrackRetirement #401k #RetirementIncome #TaxPlanning #RetirementStrategies Thanks for listening! If today's episode was helpful, subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday episode. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit us at myontrackretirement.com [https://myontrackretirement.com]

How to Turn Your Savings Into a Retirement Paycheck

Are you worried about turning your retirement savings into reliable income that lasts? You’re not alone. In this episode of the On-Track Retirement Show, Pat Schmidt and Jay Curatti break down one of the biggest fears retirees face: running out of money in retirement. From understanding your monthly income needs to maximizing Social Security, pensions, and retirement income strategies, this conversation is packed with practical insights designed to help you retire with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why retirement income planning is different from saving for retirement • The biggest mistakes retirees make with withdrawals and budgeting • How Social Security spousal and survivor benefits work • Why pension election decisions matter more than most people realize • The importance of creating predictable, reliable retirement income • How to prepare for unexpected expenses in retirement • Why having a written income strategy can help reduce financial stress Whether you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you think differently about creating a paycheck for life.👉 Schedule Your Complimentary On-Track Retirement Review at MyOnTrackRetirement.com If you found this episode helpful, make sure to: ✔ Like this video ✔ Subscribe to the channel ✔ Share this episode with someone preparing for retirement Thanks for listening! If today's episode was helpful, subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday episode. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit us at myontrackretirement.com [https://myontrackretirement.com]

Annuities: Smart Retirement Tool or Costly Mistake?

Are annuities a smart retirement strategy… or one of the biggest mistakes you can make with your money? In this episode of the On-Track Retirement Show, Pat Schmidt and Jay Caratti break down one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in retirement planning: annuities. From the “good, bad, and ugly” of annuities to the differences between fixed, variable, immediate, and fixed index annuities, this conversation is designed to help you better understand how these tools actually work — and whether they may fit into your retirement plan. You’ll learn: • The 4 main types of annuities explained in simple terms • Why some retirees love annuities — and why others regret them • The hidden dangers of high-fee variable annuities • How fixed index annuities protect against market losses • The “100 minus your age” retirement risk rule • Why protecting your retirement may matter more than chasing returns • How peace of mind and predictable income can change retirement Whether you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you think differently about risk, income, taxes, and long-term financial confidence .👉 Schedule your complimentary On-Track Retirement Review at MyOnTrackRetirement.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone preparing for retirement. Thanks for listening! If today's episode was helpful, subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday episode. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit us at myontrackretirement.com [https://myontrackretirement.com]

What if retirement lasts 30 years… or more?

What if retirement lasts 30 years… or more? In this episode of the On-Track Retirement Show, Jay and Pat tackle one of the biggest risks retirees face — living longer than expected. While many people plan for retirement, far too few truly plan for longevity, rising healthcare costs, inflation, long-term care, and the hidden impact of investment fees over time. If you retire at 65 and live to 95, that’s potentially three decades of income needs, healthcare expenses, market volatility, and financial decisions. The question becomes: Will your retirement plan hold up? In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why longevity risk may be the most overlooked retirement threat * How inflation quietly doubles income needs over time * The growing cost of healthcare and long-term care * Why hidden investment fees can significantly impact retirement income * The importance of building a reliable income plan you can’t outlive * How retirement confidence comes from proactive planning, not guesswork The goal of retirement planning isn’t just to survive retirement — it’s to enjoy it with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. 👉  Schedule your complimentary On-Track Retirement Review at MyOnTrackRetirement.com If you found this episode helpful, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this video with someone preparing for retirement. #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #RetirementShow #LongTermCare #RetirementConfidence #Inflation #RetirementStrategy #OnTrackRetirement Thanks for listening! If today's episode was helpful, subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday episode. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit us at myontrackretirement.com [https://myontrackretirement.com]

The $1M Mistake Retirees Don't See Coming

What if you could retire with $1 million… and still run out of money? In this episode of the On-Track Retirement Show, Jay Curatti and Pat Schmidt break down one of the biggest retirement mistakes people never see coming — believing that having a large nest egg automatically guarantees financial security. The truth? Retirement isn’t just about how much money you have. It’s about having a plan for how that money works for you. In this conversation, you’ll discover: • Why retirees with the exact same savings can experience completely different outcomes • The hidden danger of sequence of returns risk • Why market downturns can permanently damage a retirement portfolio • The critical difference between accumulation and distribution planning • How income planning creates confidence in retirement • Why “the 4% rule” and “6% rule” may not be enough • The importance of stress-testing your retirement plan before retirement begins Jay and Pat also walk through a powerful real-world example comparing two retirees — “Bill” and “Steve” — who both retired with $500,000 and withdrew the same amount every year… but ended up with dramatically different results simply because of when they retired. If you’re within 10 years of retirement or already retired, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you protect your future and retire with confidence. 👇 Schedule Your Complimentary On-Track Retirement Review: http://www.MyOnTrackRetirement.com  Our mission is simple: Help you get on track, stay on track, and have a confident retirement. Thanks for listening! If today's episode was helpful, subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday episode. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit us at myontrackretirement.com [https://myontrackretirement.com]