The Retirement Planning Podcast

Season 2 Episode 2 - Sequence of Returns Risk in Retirement

The Hidden Danger of Sequence of Returns Risk The Retirement Planning Podcast | Season 2, Episode 2 Hosts: Darrin McComas & Jason Fox In this episode, Darrin and Jason tackle the "roller coaster" volatility currently hitting the markets in early 2026. With the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all seeing significant pullbacks due to geopolitical uncertainty and inflation, the hosts explain why your "retirement math" changes the moment you stop saving and start spending. They dive deep into Sequence of Returns Risk—the danger of a market downturn occurring early in retirement—and how the Bucket Plan system acts as a shield for your nest egg. Key Topics & Highlights * The 2026 Market Landscape: A review of the "sea of red" across major indices and the impact of the conflict in Iran on oil and manufacturing costs. * Stagflation and "Quad 3": Using the Hedgeye framework to explain why the current environment of high inflation and slowing growth creates a "choppy" market that drives investors nuts. * The Math of Sequence Risk: A side-by-side comparison of "Mrs. Happy" and "Mr. Unhappy". Despite both averaging a 6% return over 10 years, the order of those returns results in a wealth gap of over $1.1 million. * The RMD Trap: Why being forced to take Required Minimum Distributions at age 73 or 75 can permanently "lock in" losses if you haven't planned for market dips. Strategic Defense: The Bucket Plan System To mitigate Sequence of Returns Risk, the hosts break down the three-bucket approach: 1. The NOW Bucket: Safe, liquid money (cash, CDs, money markets) to cover emergencies and planned expenses for the first year or two so you don't have to sell stocks when they are down. 2. The SOON Bucket: Conservatively invested assets (using tools like buffered ETFs or fixed indexed annuities) designed to bridge the gap for years 2 through 10. 3. The LATER Bucket: Assets held for long-term growth (10+ years) that can afford to ride the market's "roller coaster" because they aren't needed for immediate income. Connect with Evergreen Wealth Advisors * Website: EWAdvisors.com [http://ewadvisors.com/] * Complimentary Strategy Session: Book a call to evaluate your specific risk tolerance and tax profile. Expert Insight: "It’s not a matter of if volatility shows up during your retirement; it’s when. Are you in a good position before it happens, or are you on your heels trying to react?" — Darrin McComas Sources & Tools Cited * https://www.google.com/search?q=Hedgeye.com: Source for the Quad Map economic forecasting tool. * IRS Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Tables: For updated ages (73 and 75) based on birth year. * Historical Market Benchmarks: Analysis of the 2008 financial crisis and the "Lost Decade" (2000–2010).

2026 Retirement Strategies - Moving Beyond Cookie-Cutter Portfolios Like the 60/40

S2E1: 2026 Retirement Strategies - Moving Beyond Cookie-Cutter Portfolios Episode Overview As we head into 2026, the financial landscape is shifting. With market pundits split between "Dow 60,000" and "market crash" predictions, the "set it and forget it" strategies of the past are being put to the test. In this season premiere, Darrin and Jason discuss why traditional portfolio models—like the classic 60/40—may no longer be sufficient for those entering or currently in retirement. The team dives into recent industry shifts, including a major Vanguard report suggesting a flip to a more conservative 40/60 model for retirees. They also break down the Bucket Plan® philosophy—a strategy designed to manage sequence of returns risk and provide peace of mind regardless of market volatility. Key Discussion Points * The Vanguard Shift: Why Vanguard's head of portfolio construction is moving toward a 40% stock / 60% bond weighting for specific retirement scenarios. * Sequence of Returns Risk: How market volatility in the early years of retirement can devastate a portfolio when you are forced to sell assets in a down market. * The Bucket Plan® System: A deep dive into segmenting assets by time horizon: * Now Bucket: Safe, liquid cash for the next 12 months of income and emergencies. * Soon Bucket: Conservative growth for years 1–10, accounting for RMDs and taxes. * Later Bucket: Long-term growth assets (10+ year horizon) to outpace inflation. * The Three Tax Funnels: Understanding the critical difference between Pre-Tax (IRA/401k), Post-Tax (Brokerage), and Tax-Advantaged (Roth/HSA) accounts. * The "Trinity" of Investing: Why no single product can simultaneously provide high returns, full liquidity, and zero risk. 00:00 – 2026 Retirement Outlook: Market Highs & Volatility 01:51 – Why the Traditional 60/40 Portfolio is Shifting 03:45 – Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk in Retirement 06:00 – The Bucket Plan®: A Strategic Framework for Income 07:13 – The "Now" Bucket: Liquid Cash & Emergency Funds 07:44 – The "Soon" Bucket: Planning for RMDs and Taxes 10:04 – The "Later" Bucket: Long-Term Growth & Market Recovery 12:15 – Vanguard’s New 40/60 Call for Retirees 14:02 – The Hidden Danger of Bond Market Declines 17:42 – Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Strategies 19:25 – Is Your 401(k) Target Date Fund Actually De-risking? 23:45 – The Investment Trinity: Risk, Return, and Liquidity 26:45 – The Three Tax Funnels: Optimizing Your Net Income 28:30 – Holistic Wealth Management vs. "Winging It" Featured Resources * Vanguard Article: Vanguard - Why we are underweight in stocks [https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/vemo/why-were-underweight-stocks.html] * The Bucket Plan®: Download our free white paper, The Bucket Plan Philosophy, to learn how we structure assets for a worry-free retirement. * Prosperity Capital Advisors: Learn more about our partnership with Prosperity Capital Advisors [https://www.ewadvisors.com/meet-the-team-page], which provides us with national-scale resources and the Bucket Plan methodology. Take the Next Step If you are entering 2026 without a proactive income or tax plan, don't "wing it." Schedule a complimentary strategy session with our Spokane-based team to see if our holistic approach is right for you. Visit us at: www.ewadvisors.com [https://www.ewadvisors.com/] Call our office: 509-740-4183

Episode 18: Debunking the Myths About Long Term Care with Kirsten Schlumbohm

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox are joined by Kirsten Schlumbohm from C2P, to discuss the pressing topic of long-term care insurance. The conversation covers the high likelihood of needing long-term care, the evolution of insurance policies to provide better options than in the past, and the importance of planning and protecting oneself and family from the financial and emotional burden of long-term care. Kirsten shares personal stories and statistics, emphasizing the necessity of having a plan in place and debunking common myths, such as the misconception that Medicare will cover long-term care costs. The episode highlights the value of holistic wealth management and the importance of addressing long-term care as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:46 Introduction of Hosts and Special Guest 01:19 Debunking Myths About Long-Term Care 04:16 The Evolution of Long-Term Care Policies 07:55 The Financial Burden of Long-Term Care 13:13 Medicare and Medicaid Misconceptions 18:19 The Importance of Planning Ahead 22:22 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts 29:05 Podcast Outro and Disclaimers Sources: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html#increased-demand [https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html#increased-demand] https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html#cost-of-long-term-care [https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html#cost-of-long-term-care] https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html [https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/long-term-care-statistics.html] https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need [https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need] https://investor.genworth.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1030/long-term-care-costs-increase-in-washington-exceeding [https://investor.genworth.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1030/long-term-care-costs-increase-in-washington-exceeding]

Episode 17: The One Big Beautiful Bill Deep Dive Part 2 - Capital Gains Opportunities

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, host Darrin McComas, along with Jason Fox, explores crucial aspects of retirement planning with a focus on capital gains tax opportunities introduced by 'The One Big Beautiful Bill.' They discuss various tax funnels, emphasizing the benefits of Roth conversions and strategic portfolio liquidation. The episode includes detailed examples, explaining how retirees can leverage current tax laws to maximize their financial gains. Listeners are provided with actionable insights on how to utilize available deductions and opportunities to minimize their tax liabilities effectively. The hosts also offer free resources and consultations to help the audience better navigate their financial planning.  To download your free guide to the One Big Beautiful Bill please go to our website: www.ewadvisors.com/guides 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:47 Introduction to Today's Episode 00:58 Understanding Capital Gains Tax Opportunities 01:34 Exploring Tax Funnels 02:52 Deep Dive into the Post-Tax Funnel 04:48 Capital Gains Harvesting Example 09:07 Strategic Portfolio Liquidation Example 13:12 The Importance of Proactive Tax Planning 16:37 Free Resources and Final Thoughts 18:44 Podcast Disclaimer and Legal Information

Episode 16: Protecting Your Blindside with Stoyan Petev

In this episode of the Retirement Planning Podcast, hosts Darrin McComas and Jason Fox celebrate Life Insurance Awareness Month by discussing the vital aspects of life insurance with Stoyan Petev, VP of Advanced Markets at C2P. The episode delves into the differences between term and cash value life insurance, alongside detailed explanations of living benefits, tax advantages, and effective financial planning tools. Real-world case studies are examined to highlight the applications and benefits of integrating life insurance into a holistic financial plan. This episode is packed with thoughtful insights, practical tips, and strategies designed to help listeners build and preserve wealth while ensuring their loved ones are protected financially. 00:00 Welcome to the Retirement Planning Podcast 00:47 Introduction of Hosts and Special Guests 02:24 Understanding Life Insurance: Term vs. Cash Value 05:42 Tax Benefits and Living Benefits of Life Insurance 09:17 Holistic Financial Planning and Life Insurance 14:48 Case Studies: Real-Life Applications of Life Insurance 15:06 Myths and Misconceptions About Life Insurance 38:03 Final Thoughts and Conclusion This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risks. Guest opinions are their own. Consult a professional before making financial decisions.