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/

For many retirees, Medicare feels like a maze of rules, parts, and choices that only get more confusing the closer you get to age 65. In this episode, Jude is joined by Medicare specialist Kerwyn Jones to bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood pieces of retirement planning. Kerwyn explains the different parts of Medicare- what they cover, what they don’t, and the common pitfalls people make when signing up.

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

🧩 Breaking down Medicare Parts A, B, C & D

💊 Understanding prescription drug coverage and gaps

💸 Avoiding costly enrollment mistakes

🛡️ Supplemental coverage: when and why it matters

👥 How Medicare coordinates with employer insurance

Learn more about Kerwyn and Jones Insurance Solutions

https://jisinsurance.com/about-us

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/

This week on the show, Jude answers some of the most common Roth IRA questions! First up: the Five-Year Rule. What does it really mean, how does it apply to contributions versus earnings, and why should you start the clock as soon as possible? Jude breaks it down in plain language with a reminder that waiting too long could delay your tax-free income in retirement. Next, Jude tackles two questions that often go hand in hand: what to do if you make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA, and whether you should convert your entire IRA all at once.

Here are the questions we discuss in this episode:

💭 What is the Roth five-year rule?

💭 What if I make too much to contribute to a Roth?

💭 Should I convert my IRA to a Roth all at once?

Tax Bomb Calculator: www.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/

The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) passed on July 4th, bringing major changes that retirees and pre-retirees need to understand. In this episode, Jude breaks down the top 3 provisions most relevant to his clients and listeners: the permanent extension of marginal tax brackets, the increased standard deduction, and a new senior citizen deduction that could reduce taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees. These updates offer new opportunities for Roth conversions, long-term tax planning, and smarter retirement income strategies- if you know how to use them.

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

📉 Marginal tax brackets extended, but not forever

🧠 Planning windows and why every tax law is written in pencil

🧾 Higher standard deduction simplifies filing for most

💬 Why “tax-free Social Security” didn’t make it into law

💰 New senior deduction may reduce taxes on Social Security income

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/

Is your retirement account a ticking tax time bomb? In this episode, Jude gives a hands-on demo of his Tax Bomb Calculator- a powerful tool at thetaxbomb.com- that helps you estimate how much of your 401(k) or IRA could be lost to taxes.

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

💣What is the tax time bomb?

📊 Understanding your future tax liability

🧠 “Mandatory” vs. “optional” taxes in retirement

🔄 The power of reallocating taxable retirement funds

📆 Using today’s low tax rates to your advantage

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/

The transition into retirement isn’t just a financial shift- it’s a psychological one. We’re excited to have a special guest on the show this week. Josh Bell, coach and consultant at The Josh Bell Company, is joining us to explore what it really means to leave your job title behind and step into the unknown.

Tune into this great conversation on building a retirement life filled with clarity, purpose, and healthy relationships!

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

🧭 Redefining your identity without your career title

🗓️ Designing new rhythms for your daily life

❤️ Navigating relationship shifts in retirement

🎯 The danger of retiring without a plan beyond finances

🎙️ How coaching can be helpful during big life transitions

Learn more about Josh:

https://www.joshwbell.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/