Mr. Stillman's Opus John Stillman

What should you do with an old 401k that you’re still holding onto from an previous employer? Does that answer change when the market is performing well and your account is generating strong returns? 
Let’s take a closer look at the rollover IRA and whether it’s something that you should be doing with your old 401k accounts. The primary reason someone uses a rollover is to gain more flexibility and control over that money so let’s talk about how the current investing environment impacts that decision. We’ll share our approach with clients when we’re helping them manage their portfolio and help you get a better idea of whether a rollover is a strategy you should utilize.
 
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro and today’s question
1:12 – The reason to rollover your money
4:18 – The investment options
5:44 – Tax considerations
7:40 – Can you do this on your own?
 
Connect with us:
Web: https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/
Phone: 919-391-3446

No one has a crystal ball that will tell them what will happen with tax rates in the future and we certainly can’t predict what will happen, but the expectation for many people is that rates will only be going up from where they are right now.
With that in mind, does it make sense to sell investments off ahead of those possible tax increases in order to take advantage of the lower rates? We’ve been talking to our clients at Rosewood Wealth Management about tax planning strategies that will position them better over time but does it make sense in this specific situation? We’ll break that down in this video.
 
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro on tax rates
1:32 – Today’s question
4:13 – Charitable giving strategies
9:32 – Capital gains taxes
 
Connect with us:
Web: https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/
Phone: 919-391-3446

The IRS first made significant changes to the stretch IRA with the introduction of the SECURE Act in 2020, and they’ve since made a few updates. Now the IRS has tweaked things even further for 2024 and we’re going to fill you in on what you need to know in this video.  
We’ll discuss the implications of the recent changes made by the IRS, including the new rules for inherited IRAs and the importance of having a well-thought-out plan for withdrawals.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro and background on the stretch IRA
4:00 – The update for 2024
5:58 – Is this significant?
 
Read more about the change here:
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/irs-waives-required-withdrawals-from-some-inherited-ira-for-2024.html
 
Connect with us:
Web: https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/
Phone: 919-391-3446

The housing market remains strong in North Carolina and throughout much of the country, which creates an interesting option for many people moving in retirement. Should you go ahead and sell your home to take advantage of the current home values and rent until you’re ready to buy your next place?
Today we’ll tackle a question that came in to us recently and asked about this same scenario:
The housing market in my neighborhood is still really good right now and I’m tempted to put our house on the market and get top dollar for it. We’re going to retire in 2-3 years and would be moving at that time anyway. Of course, I’d need a place to live for those next 2-3 years after selling; would it be dumb to rent something for that period?
Find out why we think most people are going to be better off owning their home in retirement and how renting could play into that process in a positive way.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:29 – What we’ve seen
6:20 – Interest rates
7:09 – Lifestyle consideration
 
Connect with us:
Web: https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/
Phone: 919-391-3446

Are you in your early 50s and dreaming of retiring early? It’s a feasible goal with the right financial planning but there are milestone ages that you need to take into account.
Retiring early means different things to different people. For some, it's bowing out before the traditional retirement age, while for others, it's about clocking out permanently while still in their fifties. But regardless of how you define 'early,' there are certain financial considerations that are pivotal in the planning process.
We’ll lay out the ages you need to know about and the planning that needs to take place as a result.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:05 – Age 65
4:36 – Age 62
7:10 – Age 59.5
10:45 – Get a jump on planning
 
Connect with us:
Web: https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/
Phone: 919-391-3446

The idea of retirement is one that’s filled with plenty of rest and relaxation, but the reality is stress doesn’t go away. From losing the structure of a daily routine to the challenges of socializing and finding a new purpose, the pitfalls of retirement can certainly increase the stress you’re feeling.   
We heard from someone recently who had this concern about their upcoming transition so we want to address the unexpected stresses that come with leaving the workforce.  Here’s the scenario John will discuss:
I heard someone talking the other day about how stressful life has been for her since she retired. Maybe I'm missing the point of retirement because I thought the idea was to reduce stress. But now I'm second-guessing my plans to retire in about six months. What am I missing?
Whether you're six months or several years away from retirement, this topic could change the way you approach your golden years.
 
Connect with us:
Web: https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/
Phone: 919-391-3446