A lot of retirement withdrawal advice is simple: Something like 1.) Spend your brokerage account first, then 2.) Use our pre-tax accounts, and 3.) save the Roth assets for last. But when you really study it, does that always make the most sense?

In this episode, Michael Custer CFP®, EA walks through a different way to think about retirement income. Instead of following a rigid order, this conversation explores how blending accounts, trying to use tax brackets intentionally, and thinking about asset location may create more flexibility and hopefully reduce your taxes over your lifetime.

Using a “retirement coffee shop” metaphor, we break down how each account works, where taxes show up, and how small decisions each year can shape the bigger picture.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧

💭 Why the common “spend this account first” rule may not fit your retirement income plan

💭 How brokerage accounts could be more tax efficient than many people think

💭 The role of standard deductions and lower tax brackets in retirement income planning

💭 How “use it or lose it” tax opportunities may be used each year

💭 When it may make sense to pull from multiple accounts instead of just one

💭 How required minimum distributions (RMDs) can impact future tax brackets and Medicare costs

💭 The difference between asset allocation and asset location—and why both matter

💭 How tax gain harvesting works and when it may create low or even zero federal tax outcomes on capital gains

💭 Why Roth accounts are often treated as long-term flexibility tools, not just “last to use” assets

Retirement isn’t just about what you’ve saved—it’s about how you can use it.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters:

00:00 Breaking the Normal Retirement Withdrawal Advice

01:17 What if We're More Tax Efficient?

02:10 Different Type of Accounts

03:37 Generating Income in Retirement

04:21 Pros/Cons of Different Account Types

06:49 Free Tax Refills?!

08:39 Why Not Spend Accounts One at a Time?

10:55 Using Tax-Gain Harvesting

13:18 Implementing Asset Location

16:29 Crafting Your Custom Income for Retirement

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.