Healthcare costs in retirement just keep climbing- and the newest Fidelity study shows how serious the challenge has become. In this episode, Jude breaks down what retirees can expect to pay for medical expenses, why those costs are outpacing inflation, and the most overlooked ways to plan ahead.

From the hidden expenses Medicare doesn’t cover to how an HSA can serve as a “stealth Roth,” Jude shares actionable strategies to help you prepare for one of retirement’s biggest financial wildcards. You’ll also learn how tax moves like Roth conversions can unexpectedly impact your Medicare premiums and why it’s crucial to factor healthcare into your overall income plan.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📈 Healthcare costs rising twice as fast as inflation

🏥 Medicare doesn’t cover everything

⚠️ Watch out for IRMAA and tax surprises

🧩 Plan early to avoid financial strain

Fidelity Report:

https://newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity-investments--releases-2025-retiree-health-care-cost-estimate--a-timely-reminder-for-all-gen/s/3c62e988-12e2-4dc8-afb4-f44b06c6d52e

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

In this episode, Jude tackles two listener questions from the mailbag, focusing on two of the most common retirement concerns: life insurance and investing. First up, what should you do if someone is pitching you a life insurance policy as an “investment”? Jude explains the pros, cons, and the middle ground between the extremes of “buy it all” and “avoid it completely.”

Jude also lays out the key questions you need to ask before signing on the dotted line and why your financial goals, not someone else’s agenda, should guide the decision. Then, Jude responds to a saver who has built up a sizable 401(k) balance but admits he doesn’t know what to do next.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📝 Not all life insurance is created equal

⚖️ Making financial decisions based on your goals

💰 A large 401(k) balance isn’t enough without strategy

🪣 How the “bucket plan” can help give your money purpose

🧘 Structure brings peace of mind

The Tax Bomb Calculator:

https://retirementtaxbill.com/?u=Z00xeHQrK3lieGhOMlYvdnlNSUIvQT09

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

Choosing between a traditional 401k and a Roth 401k is one of the most common questions workers face today. With more employers now offering both options, many people default to a 50/50 split simply because they don’t know what else to do. But is that really the best strategy? And how do you figure out the right mix for your situation?

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏦 Traditional 401k: tax deduction today, taxable withdrawals tomorrow

💡 Roth 401k: after-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals later

⚖️ Why a 50/50 split isn’t always optimal

📉 The “sweet spot” strategy: maximize deductions + future tax-free income

📊 Using standard deductions wisely to avoid giving money away

The Tax Bomb

https://thetaxbomb.com/

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/