Big Picture Retirement®

Devin Carroll, CFP® & John Ross, JD
Big Picture Retirement®

Planning for, or already enjoying, your retirement? This is the show for you. The success of your retirement hinges on how well you connect the dots between legal, tax, and financial planning. Join your hosts John Ross, JD and Devin Carroll, CFP® as they dig beneath the surface to help you gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate your retirement journey successfully.

  1. 11 HR. AGO

    REPLAY | The Surprisingly Hardest Part of Retirement

    For countless retirees, the greatest challenge isn't saving money, but spending it. After years of diligent saving, the transition to drawing down those hard-earned funds can be fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. But what if there was a way to ease this tension? In this episode, we explore the often unexpected emotional hurdles of retirement spending and reveal the antidote: a well-defined plan. With the right roadmap, retirees can grant themselves permission to spend, savoring the fruits of their labor with the confidence that their financial future remains secure. Join us as we share real-life stories of this struggle and offer insights into crafting a plan that truly brings peace of mind Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  📍Contact Devin’s team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1   📍Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/  If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

    36 min
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Inbox Questions | IRA Income & Medicaid Eligibility: Will Too Much Disqualify You?

    Dan asks: If monthly income from an IRA exceeds $2,908 for a single person, would that result in disqualification for Medicaid? We break down the income limits, potential strategies to navigate Medicaid eligibility, and how certain tools—like Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts)—can help individuals qualify despite exceeding the income cap. Tune in for a clear explanation of how Medicaid rules apply to retirement accounts and long-term care planning. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1   Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/  If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

    10 min
  3. FEB 24

    REPLAY | 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Retirement

    We’ve heard this hundreds of time... 'I wish someone had warned me about this when I retired.' More often than not, they're referring to one of five key challenges that catch many retirees by surprise. In today's episode, we're diving into each of these five areas. If you're on the cusp of retirement, this is crucial viewing to help you steer clear of unexpected hurdles and enter this new phase of life with confidence. Pay particular attention to the last point–it's the most frequently mentioned and the most impactful. Being unprepared for this could have significant consequences, so make sure you are ready for this.  If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1  Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

    34 min
  4. FEB 20

    Inbox Questions | Should We Consider Roth Conversions with a High Income?

    In this episode, Tammy asks about the pros and cons of doing Roth conversions in retirement to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) down the road. With $2.9 million in combined IRAs and current income of $196,000, she’s concerned about future tax implications. While we can’t give personal advice, we’ll break down the potential benefits, drawbacks, and factors retirees like Tammy should consider when deciding if Roth conversions make sense.  If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/  Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

    8 min
  5. FEB 17

    What Happens to Your Crypto When You Die? Estate Planning for Digital Assets

    Cryptocurrency has changed the financial landscape, and that includes estate planning. Unlike traditional assets, crypto presents unique challenges—there’s no customer service line to recover lost passwords, and without proper planning, your digital assets could be lost forever. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/  Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

    23 min
  6. FEB 13

    Inbox Questions | Cryonics and Trusts: Planning for a Future You?

    In this episode, we dive into Stephen’s fascinating question about estate planning for the far future—trusts designed to preserve wealth for individuals who undergo cryonic preservation. Is this cutting-edge legal strategy realistic, or is it more science fiction than practical planning? John can barely contain his excitement as we explore the legal, financial, and philosophical implications of planning for a revival hundreds of years down the line. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/  Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

    23 min
  7. FEB 10

    The 4 Mindsets That Shape Your Retirement Success

    Your mindset can make or break your retirement. Are you a Pollyanna, Delegator, Controller, or Realist? In this episode, we dive into the four common mindsets retirees bring to the table and how each one impacts their financial, tax, and legal decisions. From blind optimism to overconfidence, we explore the strengths and pitfalls of each mindset—and how you can evolve to make better choices. Whether you're just starting to plan or reevaluating your approach, this episode will help you identify your mindset and build a strategy for long-term success. If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/  Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

    43 min
  8. FEB 6

    Inbox Questions | Why Use Your IRA First for Long-Term Care Expenses?

    In this episode, we tackle Richard’s question about why it might make sense to use IRA (non-Roth) accounts first to pay for long-term care expenses. We’ll explain the reasoning behind this strategy, including the tax implications, potential benefits for your overall financial plan, and how it fits into managing your retirement assets.  If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!  Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517  Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.  Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.  Contact Devin’s team at https://www.carrolladvisory.com/  Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

    22 min
4.6
out of 5
451 Ratings

About

Planning for, or already enjoying, your retirement? This is the show for you. The success of your retirement hinges on how well you connect the dots between legal, tax, and financial planning. Join your hosts John Ross, JD and Devin Carroll, CFP® as they dig beneath the surface to help you gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate your retirement journey successfully.

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