How much of your retirement savings is actually yours—and how much belongs to the IRS? In this episode of Beyond the Paycheck, host Paula Christine welcomes retirement planning expert Mel Stubbs to break down what most people overlook about taxes, income buckets, and the long-term impact of financial choices. From required minimum distributions and Roth conversions to Medicare premiums and inherited IRAs, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you protect your future wealth.

Mel Stubbs is a retirement planning expert at Christy Capital, specializing in helping federal employees make smart, tax-efficient decisions. He’s the author of Your FERS Federal Retirement and brings years of experience guiding clients through TSPs, Social Security, Roth conversions, and income planning. Known for his clear, practical advice, Mel is passionate about helping people keep more of their money in retirement—not give it away to taxes.

Connect with Mel Stubbs or his team

🌐 Website: christycapital.com

💬 Click “Talk to an Advisor” to schedule a consultation

Mel Stubbs’ Book: Your FERS Federal Retirement

📘 Get it at: christycapital.com/decisions


Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:44) Required distributions and tax jumps

(3:26) Roth Vs. Traditional contributions

(4:49) Widow tax trap explained

(5:52) Medicare premiums and RMDs

(7:19) Charitable giving from IRA

(9:02) Inherited IRA and 10-year rule

(10:39) Life insurance to offset taxes

(12:19) Tax buckets: Roth, pre-tax, non-qualified

(14:41) Know what’s actually yours

(16:50) Pass on wisdom before money

(17:46) DIY or delegate retirement planning

(18:30) Specializing in federal retirement

(19:42) Outro

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Reach Paula at paula@paulachristine.com or through her website, paulachristine.com.