The $1.5 Million Retirement Trap Most Successful Savers Fall Into

The $1.5 Million Retirement Trap Most Successful Savers Fall Into

If you have $1.5 million or more in retirement accounts — and you don’t actually need all of it to live on comfortably — this episode is for you. In this video, Tony Leonardi, CFP®, reveals the hidden problem that affects many successful savers: Without proper planning, the IRS can end up as one of your largest “heirs” — taking two bites at the same retirement savings. You’ll learn: -Why RMDs and the 10-year inherited IRA rule can cost your family hundreds of thousands (or more) in taxes -The critical distinction between Live On assets (for you) and Leave On assets (for your heirs) -How to structure your plan more intelligently for both your lifestyle and your legacy Whether you have strong pension income, substantial non-retirement savings, or simply more in IRAs and 401(k)s than you need, this episode will show you how to avoid the common traps most successful savers fall into. Take the Free Smart Retirement Strategy Quiz Discover which of the 18 retiree profiles best matches your situation: → LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com/quiz Free Guides Mentioned: -Roth IRA Conversion Playbook (2026 Edition) -Smart Tax Shield Legacy Playbook Both available for free on my website. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The $1.5M+ Retirement Trap 02:10 – Why the IRS Takes Two Bites at Your Savings 05:30 – Live On vs Leave On Assets Explained09:15 – Real Impact on You and Your Heirs 12:40 – The Smart Retirement StrategyQuiz 14:20 – Next Steps & Complimentary Smart Retirement Model Offer If you have substantial retirement savings and want a smarter, more personalized plan, book a quick 15-minute call with me:LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #LegacyPlanning #SmartRetirement#HighNetWorth #RetirementTrap

The Smart Retirement Strategy Quiz – Which of the 18 Profiles Are You?

Most retirement advice is too generic. That’s why I created the Smart Retirement Strategy Quiz — it identifies which of the 18 unique retiree profiles best matches your situation. In this episode, Tony Leonardi, CFP® explains the four key questions behind the quiz and shares three common profiles so you can start thinking about where you fit. You’ll learn: Live On vs Leave On assets and why it matters The “two bites” problem with inherited IRAs How your tax focus, charitable goals, and concern about running out of money shape your ideal plan Tailored resources based on your profile (including the Smart Tax Shield Legacy Playbook and Roth Conversion Playbook) Take the free quiz here: https://form.typeform.com/to/jKGvC0CS LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Smart Retirement Strategy Quiz 01:30 – The Four Key Questions 04:20 – The Two Bites Problem 06:10 – Three Sample Profiles09:30 – What You’ll Get + Tailored Resources 11:45 – Next Steps & Smart Retirement Model Offer #SmartRetirement #RetirementQuiz #RetirementPlanning #LiveOnVsLeaveOn#TaxStrategy

Trump Accounts for Kids: Everything Parents & Grandparents Need to Know in 2026

New in 2026 — Trump Accounts (Section 530A) give families apowerful way to save for children and grandchildren with tax-deferred growth and a $1,000 government seed contribution.   In this episode, Tony Leonardi, CFP® breaks down: - Who qualifies and how to open an account - Contribution limits and growth potential (including realnumbers at 6% and 7%) - How Trump Accounts compare to 529 plans, UGMA/UTMA,brokerage accounts, and Roth IRAs - Why grandparents should strongly consider this tool forgenerational wealth   Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, this is one of thebest new opportunities to give kids a financial head start.   **Timestamps:** 00:00 – Introduction to Trump Accounts 02:10 – Key Features & Eligibility 04:30 – How to Open an Account 07:45 – Growth Projections at 6% and 7% 12:20 – Comparison with 529s, UGMA, and Roth IRAs 17:00 – Action Steps & Modeling Offer   Ready to see how this fits into your family plan? Book afree 15-minute call and I’ll run your Smart Retirement Model.   Link: LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com   #TrumpAccounts #Section530A #SavingForKids#GrandparentWealth #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning

Charitable Lead Trusts: Reduce Estate Taxes While Supporting Charity

If you have a large estate and want to support causes you care about while potentially reducing taxes for your children, a Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) may be worth exploring. In this episode, Tony Leonardi, CFP®, breaks down how Charitable Lead Trusts work, who they’re best suited for, and how they can help reduce the taxable value of assets passed to the next generation. You’ll learn: How a CLT flips the traditional trust structure — paying charity first, then passing remaining assets to your heirs A realistic example of a $42 million estate and how a CLT couldpotentially save $2M – $3.5M+ in estate taxes Key advantages, risks, and important considerations before moving forward Why this strategy is mainly an estate tax tool (not an income tax tool) This is an advanced planning strategy — not for everyone — but it can bevery powerful for the right family. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Charitable Lead Trusts 01:45 – How a CLT Works03:20 – Real Example: $42 Million Estate 06:10 – Potential Tax SavingsBreakdown 09:30 – Important Risks & Considerations 12:15 – Who ThisStrategy May Be Right For 14:00 – Next Steps & Smart Retirement Model Offer If you're concerned about estate taxes and want to explore smarter ways to support charity while protecting your legacy, this episode is for you. 👉 Ready to see how strategies like thiscould impact your plan? Book a complimentary 15-minute call and I’ll build yourSmart Retirement Model at no cost or obligation: →LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com Free Resources: • Smart Tax Shield Legacy Playbook → • Roth IRA ConversionPlaybook 2026 → LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com #CharitableLeadTrust #EstateTaxPlanning #LegacyPlanning#RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #CFP

Charitable Remainder Trusts: Tax-Efficient Strategy for Appreciated Assets

Tony Leonardi, CFP®, breaks down Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) — an advanced planning strategy that may help individuals with appreciated assets potentially reduce capital gains taxes, generate lifetime income, and support charitable causes. In this episode, Tony walks through how CRTs work, shares a detailed example of a business owner comparing an outright sale versus using a CRT, and discusses important considerations including irrevocability and whether thisstrategy is a fit for your situation. This episode is designed for educational purposes. Any advanced planning strategy should be reviewed with your full advisory team.