Are you still trying to decide when to take Social Security? Well, in this episode, I am deviating from my normal stance to share 4 reasons you might want to take your benefits ASAP rather than delay. And be sure to listen to the end, because I share why using a traditional break even analysis in your decision making process is not a good idea.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Reason 1

03:07 Reason 2

04:19 Reason 3

06:10 Reason 4

07:51 The Flaws of Break Even Analysis

12:28 Conclusion

Are you anxious about an abrupt transition to retirement? In this episode of Retirement Answers, I share the concept of phased retirement, where you can gradually reduce work hours or stress levels instead of stopping work entirely. I explain the financial and emotional benefits, offering practical advice for a smoother, more comfortable path to retirement.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Introduction

00:48 The Anxiety of Full Retirement

01:25 Phased Retirement: A New Approach

02:37 Changes in Retirement Landscape

04:04 Practical Steps for Phased Retirement

05:17 Employer Negotiations and Alternatives

07:53 Consulting and Part-Time Work Options

11:45 Financial and Health Benefits

15:39 Finding Purpose in Retirement

17:19 Conclusion

Have you ever wondered if your HSA contributions could cause unexpected issues as you approach retirement? In this episode, I highlight potential risks and mistakes that individuals near or in retirement might encounter with their HSAs.

Specifically around scenarios such as switching into an HSA plan mid-year, transitioning out of an HSA plan mid-year, and moving from an HSA plan to Medicare.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Intro

00:35 Understanding HSA Contributions and Limits

04:50 Scenario 1: Switching to an HSA Plan Mid-Year

07:42 Scenario 2: Switching Out of an HSA Plan Mid-Year

12:59 Scenario 3: Transitioning from HSA to Medicare

18:27 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Can you believe it's 2026 already?? Ready or not here we go! In this episode, I'm sharing the updated tax brackets, standard deductions, capital gains brackets, IRMAA brackets, provisional income brackets, and more.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Federal Income Tax Brackets for 2026

02:10 Standard Deductions and Additional Deductions

04:42 Long-Term Capital Gains Brackets

06:37 Retirement Contribution Limits

08:09 Roth IRA and Traditional IRA Rules

13:07 Medicare Premiums and IRMAA Surcharges

16:20 Social Security Taxation

19:16 Final Thoughts

If you're 50+ and making catching catch-up contributions to your employer 401k plan, this episode is for you. In 2026, you might have to change how you save to your employer plan if you earn to much money. In this episode, I share what you need to know about these new rules and how you can save with intention.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Intro

00:43 Updated Contribution Limits for 2026

01:25 Special Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 60-63

02:16 IRA Contribution Limits for 2026

03:13 New Rules for High Earners

05:22 Nuances and Exceptions

11:03 Strategizing Your Contributions

15:51 Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Have you ever wondered why so many people dream of early retirement but never actually do it? In this episode, I dive into the most common fears that hold people back from their dream retirement.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Fear #1

04:55 Fear #2

10:33 Fear #3

15:00 Fear #4

18:56 What's Next?

What if you could retire earlier than expected, access your savings without penalties, get health insurance subsidies, and pay no taxes for the first few years? Would you believe that's possible?

In this episode of Retirement Answers, I explain how it can be done using a case study of a client named Joe where I break down the strategies and financial maneuvers used to help him retire at 55.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2026 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2026-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Welcome

00:51 Special Announcement: 2026 Important Numbers Data Sheet

01:36 Meet Joe: A Real-Life Case Study

04:12 The Rule of 55: Accessing Retirement Funds Early

07:04 Tax Strategies for Early Retirement

08:04 Health Insurance and ACA Subsidies

16:25 Combining Strategies for a Tax-Free Retirement

18:42 Conclusion

Have you ever wondered if certain beliefs about retirement could actually jeopardize your future instead of securing it? In this episode of the Retirement Answers Podcast, Jacob Duke, a certified financial planner, delves into common assumptions that may seem harmless but can quietly derail your retirement plans. Tune in to learn how to identify and overcome these misconceptions for a secure and fulfilling retirement journey.

👉 Book a call with me: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/get-started

✅ Get your Important Numbers 2025 PDF here: https://www.rivertreewealth.com/2025-important-numbers

Email: jacob@rivertreewealth.com
Website: https://www.rivertreewealth.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobduke

Jacob Duke, CFP, MBA is the founder of Rivertree Wealth and the host of the Retirement Answers podcast.

DISCLAIMER: This should not be taken as tax, legal, or investment advice. All content is for educational purposes only.

00:00 Introduction

01:33 Belief #1: The Magic Number Myth

02:59 Belief #2: Spending Less in Retirement

05:45 Belief #3: Skipping the Financial Plan

10:12 Belief #4: Playing It Too Safe

14:12 Belief #5: Retirement Equals Happiness

15:31 Conclusion