My 5-Step Financial Planning Process You Need to Know

How Retirees Pay Zero Tax on Capital Gains and Social Security

Did you know there's a window in the tax code where you can sell appreciated investments, collect Social Security, and owe the IRS nothing? In this episode I walk you through exactly how to coordinate your capital gains and Social Security income to land in the zero percent tax bracket legally, intentionally, and repeatedly. We cover the zero percent long-term capital gains rate and what the 2026 income thresholds actually mean for you, how to calculate your harvesting room using the standard deduction, which assets to sell and in what order, how to sequence withdrawals during the bridge years before Social Security, why Roth conversions and gain harvesting need to happen in separate years, and a simple annual checklist to keep you in the zero percent zone year after year. If you missed our last episode on the Tax Torpedo, go listen to that one first. It is the foundation for everything we cover here. This is the kind of planning my team and I do every day with people who are retired or getting close to it. If you want to talk through what this looks like for your specific situation, grab a complimentary Zoom consultation through the link below. No pressure, just a real conversation.

Most People Don't Know What Advisors Do…Here's the Truth

Work with Grant: https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30 [https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30] What does a financial advisor actually do? Most people hear terms like financial planner, wealth manager, advisor, and assume they all mean the same thing… they don't. In this episode, I break down what financial advisors really do in plain English, without the industry jargon. We cover: * The 3 core things advisors actually do * Why "financial advisor" means nothing legally * The truth about investments, products, and planning * When tools like insurance and annuities make sense (and when they don't) * How to know if an advisor is actually acting in your best interest * The #1 way to vet an advisor before hiring them If you've ever wondered what you're actually paying for—or if you even need an advisor—this will give you clarity.

401(k) to IRA Before Retirement? The Pros, Cons, and Mistakes to Avoid

401(k) to IRA Before Retirement? The Pros /Cons/ and Mistakes to Avoid Work with me: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ In this episode, I want to clear up one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from people who are in the pre-retirement stage. If you're over 59½ and still working, you may have been told, or assumed, that you're stuck in your 401(k) until you officially retire. I hear this all the time, and the truth is: that's not always the case. In this video, I walk through what's called an in-service distribution, an IRS rule that may allow you to move part or even all of your 401(k) into an IRA without triggering taxes or penalties, as long as your plan allows it. Here's what I cover: - What an in-service distribution actually is - Who qualifies and why age 59½ matters - How to find out if your 401(k) plan allows in-service distributions - Why flexibility and customization become more important as you get closer to retirement - The difference between managing money inside a 401(k) versus an IRA - Investment and tax-planning strategies that may be available inside an IRA - What you should consider before making a move, including fees and costs This isn't a strategy for everyone. I don't believe there's a single "right" answer that applies to all people. The goal here is to understand your options, weigh the benefits and considerations, and decide what actually makes sense for your situation. If you're getting closer to retirement and feeling limited by the investment options or flexibility inside your 401(k), this conversation may help you think differently about what's possible. 👉 If this feels overwhelming or you're not sure whether this applies to you, I'd be happy to talk it through. You can click the link above, answer a few quick questions, and book time directly on my calendar. No pressure, no sales tactics, just a conversation to see if it makes sense to go deeper. 👍 If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with a friend 🔔 Subscribe for more retirement planning insights 🌐 Learn more about us at ellisretirement.com 401k to IRA rollover, IRA vs 401k, retirement account rollover, pre-retirement financial planning, 401k rollover strategy, IRA benefits and risks, retirement savings options, tax efficient rollover, retirement planning mistakes, 401k management tips, IRA pros and cons, financial advisor advice, retirement account transfer, retirement investment strategy, 401k vs IRA comparison, retirement tax planning, retirement savings strategy, avoid rollover mistakes, retirement portfolio planning, wealth management #401k #IRA #RetirementPlanning #401kRollover #FinancialPlanning #RetirementSavings #TaxPlanning #RolloverStrategy #MoneyManagement #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #RetirementTips #Investing #SmartInvesting #RetirementStrategy #RetirementAccount #PreRetirementPlanning #FinanceEducation #AvoidMistakes #InvestmentStrategy #RetirementMoney #RetirementFinance #RetirementAdvice #FinanceTips #MoneyTips

5 Things You MUST Do Before You Retire

Work with me: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ If you're between 50 and 65 and starting to think seriously about retirement, you've probably realized something: it's overwhelming. I hear it from people every single day. There are so many moving parts, investments, estate planning, taxes, and income planning, that it's hard to even know where to begin. In this episode, I'm walking you through the 5 key pieces of your financial planning puzzle (plus a bonus 6th piece specifically for retirees). This is the exact framework I use with families across the country as they prepare for, enter, and live in retirement. Instead of trying to analyze hundreds of details, this framework helps you focus on what actually matters. And if you're at the point where it all feels like too much, that's usually the best time to start working with a financial advisor. I'd love to meet you, hear your story, and see if we're a good fit. 🔗 Work With Ellis Retirement Advisors We help people across the U.S. prepare for, enter, and live in retirement, both in person and virtually. Learn more: ellisretirement.com Schedule a call: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ 👍 If you found this valuable: • Subscribe for more retirement planning content • Share this with a friend or family member nearing retirement • Leave a comment with your biggest retirement question

My 5-Step Financial Planning Process You Need to Know

If you want help building a plan tailored to your goals, you can book a call with me here: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtNV3lKY05seXYxeWM5QzA3UVh2VXVfRVpBZ3xBQ3Jtc0tucU03NFR3OTVGMFVMTUZYYmRTZ2VEZWxQS0FBS1VHMXhkT1RZMUVsSlpBYko2SzRQZnM4QVo5RGl3Uk1EM2lIMEF2ajBpWDc3QlVNRGhHZFZvWHppRnZRbnh4cnBfZkc0Y0wycnFSdlRqcEtwZUE3dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fellisretirement.com%2Fget-started%2F&v=DK71tlDlaTw], so we can walk through your situation together. Today I'm breaking down the exact 5-step financial planning process I use with my clients so you know what real financial planning looks like and how to make smarter decisions for your money, retirement, investments, and long-term goals. In this episode, I'll walk you through the core stages of a complete financial plan: 1. Organize and Dream We gather every detail of your financial life, investments, retirement accounts, insurance, cash flow, estate documents, assets, and debt, and we talk about your goals, dreams, and vision for retirement. 2. Analyze We examine your investment portfolio, insurance and protection strategies, tax planning opportunities, estate plan, retirement income needs, and financial risks so we understand the full picture. 3. Present Your Financial Plan I show you personalized recommendations based on your goals. Not a one-time binder… but a living, adaptable financial plan built to evolve with your life. 4. Implement We help you execute each step, from investment adjustments to insurance updates to tax optimization and estate planning coordination. 5. Adjust Over Time Life changes quickly. Your retirement plan, tax strategy, investment strategy, and income needs will shift. Ongoing financial planning is where the real long-term value and peace of mind come from. My goal is simple: to give you the information and clarity you need so you can make confident decisions based on your goals and your future. 👉 If you want to find out what it looks like to work together, book a call with me here: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ [https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/] And if this helps, don't forget to subscribe and share it with a friend.