Wealth Decisions by Brian

Brian D Muller (AAMS©) (BFA™)
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Every day we have the opportunity to make better decisions around our money and our life. My goal is to help you do just that. Whether your goal is financial freedom, retiring early, or becoming a more successful investor, tune in each week. Each episode is 15 minutes or less and can make a significant difference to your future wealth. Brian D. Muller, AAMS® BFA™ Founder, Wealth Advisor Momentous Wealth Advisors www.momentouswealthadvisors.com #financialeducation #investingtips #financialindependence #moneymindset #moneypodcast #moneymanagement #financialplanning #financialfreedom #wealthbuilding #behavioralfinance

  1. Jun 25

    The Secure Act 2.0: Transforming Unused 529 Funds into Tax-Free Wealth

    Most parents open a 529 plan to pay for college — and that's exactly what it's designed to do. But buried inside the SECURE Act 2.0 is a provision most financial advisors aren't talking about: the ability to roll up to $35,000 from an overfunded 529 directly into your child's Roth IRA, completely tax and penalty free. In this episode, Brian walks you through the five rules you must know to qualify, the real math on how $35,000 in a Roth IRA can grow to over $500,000 tax-free by the time your child retires, and who this strategy makes the most sense for. As a fiduciary financial advisor with 25+ years of experience, Brian gives you the straight story — no fluff, no fine print left out. In this episode you'll discover: The one SECURE Act 2.0 provision changing how parents should think about 529s The 5 qualifying rules you must meet before you can do this rollover Why $35,000 is just the seed — and compound growth does the rest Who this strategy is NOT right for (and what to do instead) Your 5-Minute Challenge to see if your family qualifies today SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY ZOOM: https://calendly.com/brian-d-muller/zoom-discovery-call Get Your Risk Number by taking the FREE RISK ASSESSMENT: https://pro.riskalyze.com/embed/da35a673b96655a2f2b1 Pick up a copy of my book "Momentous Decisions: 7 Steps to Better Health, More Wealth, and a Richer Life" at: https://www.momentouswealthadvisors.com/book CHAPTERS: 00:00 529 Roth Rollover Reveal 01:03 Why Congress Changed It 02:00 The $35K Opportunity 02:55 Rule 1 The 15 Year Clock 03:17 Rule 2 Lifetime Cap 03:39 Rule 3 Annual Limits 04:10 Rule 4 Earned Income 04:39 Rule 5 Five Year Funds 05:19 Real Numbers Olivia Example 06:50 Who Should Use This 08:25 Momentous Decisions Mindset 09:09 5 Minute Action Challenge 09:53 Share And Sign Off WEALTH DECISIONS PLAYLISTS: WEALTH MANAGEMENT: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAO9K0wL6xkwapLaG3ZhyhERK7oB7qy4- WEALTH STRATEGIES: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAO9K0wL6xkwwr9zEDFde1J_ac11EkQWs FINANCIAL PLANNING: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAO9K0wL6xkyavtgSvnOKAFP59pjMSGsb WEALTH DECISIONS on YOU-TUBE: https://to.mysocial.io/s/e2EVRwlOI Brian D Muller(AAMS©), Founder, Wealth Advisor Podcast Disclaimer The Wealth Decisions Podcast is provided solely for general information purposes and should not be construed as accounting, legal, tax, or any other professional advice. Visitors are advised not to act upon the information or content found here without first seeking appropriate guidance from a qualified accountant, financial planner, lawyer, or other relevant professional. Any hypothetical performance is just that, and there is no guarantee that you will receive a specific average rate of return in any examples in this podcast. THE BASICS OF RETIREMENT PLANNING Retirement planning has several steps, with the end goal of having enough money to quit working and live your version of a richer life. My goal is to help people make better wealth decisions along their financial journey so they can retire and stay comfortably retired

    11 min

  2. May 14

    The 4% Rule: Why It Might Be Costing You Years of Freedom

    Most retirement calculators are built on a 40-year-old rule that could be costing you a decade of your freedom. After 25 years as a fiduciary financial advisor, I've seen this firsthand — and the math tells a very different story. In this video, I break down why you may need 50% less to retire than you've been told — and exactly how to calculate your real number using a 2-phase approach. I also answer the question nobody else is answering in this conversation: what do you do about health insurance before Medicare kicks in? What you'll learn: → Why the 4% rule overstates how much most people need — by hundreds of thousands of dollars → The 2-Phase Retirement Method (Bridge + Core) and how to calculate each → How ACA marketplace subsidies can dramatically cut healthcare costs in early retirement → Why the bridge years are a golden window for Roth conversions — and how to use them → What to do if you're already "on track" — you may be able to retire years earlier than planned CHAPTERS: 00:00 Retirement Number Myth 01:08 Why the 4% Rule Fails 02:07 Two-Phase Retirement Plan 02:58 Bridge Phase Breakdown 03:32 Health Insurance Before Medicare 04:53 Core Phase With Social Security 05:47 Putting the Numbers Together 06:09 You May Be Ahead 07:00 Health Benefits of Retiring Earlier 07:33 Three-Step Action Plan 08:15 Work With Me and Resources 08:47 Final Thoughts and Subscribe SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY ZOOM: https://calendly.com/brian-d-muller/zoom-discovery-call Get Your Risk Number by taking the FREE RISK ASSESSMENT: https://pro.riskalyze.com/embed/da35a673b96655a2f2b1 Pick up a copy of my book "Momentous Decisions: 7 Steps to Better Health, More Wealth, and a Richer Life" at: https://www.momentouswealthadvisors.com/book

    9 min

  3. May 7

    The Hidden Costs of Maxing Out Your 401k Contributions

    Maximizing contributions to one's 401(k) may appear prudent; however, it can inadvertently cultivate a substantial tax liability in retirement. As a fiduciary financial advisor with over 25 years of experience, I elucidate the critical juncture at which pre-tax contributions transform from a wealth-building strategy into a potential financial burden. The episode delves into the implications of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), escalating Medicare premiums, and the taxation of Social Security, all of which can exacerbate tax inefficiencies. I will guide listeners in calculating their optimal stopping point for 401(k) contributions and propose alternative investment strategies, such as allocating funds to a Roth 401(k) or a taxable brokerage account. Ultimately, the discourse emphasizes the importance of achieving a balanced financial approach that not only secures a prosperous retirement but also enriches one’s present life experiences. Takeaways: Maximizing contributions to a 401k may lead to significant tax liabilities in retirement.There exists a critical threshold where pre-tax 401k contributions become financially detrimental.RMDs can impose heavy tax burdens, affecting Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation.Transitioning to Roth 401k contributions can provide tax-free growth and mitigate future tax issues.Utilizing a taxable brokerage account allows for greater financial flexibility and favorable tax treatments.Financial planning should prioritize immediate life enjoyment alongside long-term retirement goals.

    7 min

  4. Apr 30

    Your Fear Is Wrong: The 5 Retirement Decisions That Change Everything

    Fear is a terrible financial advisor. In this episode, Brian breaks down the 5 most "terrifying" financial decisions that actually lead to a richer retirement. From the controversial math of paying off a 3% mortgage to the psychology of spending your principal (Die With Zero), we cover the choices most people avoid until it's too late. We also dive into the "Tax Torpedo" of RMDs, why delaying Social Security is actually an act of love for your spouse, and how to handle the Long-Term Care threat without going broke. SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY ZOOM: https://calendly.com/brian-d-muller/zoom-discovery-call Get Your Risk Number by taking the FREE RISK ASSESSMENT: https://pro.riskalyze.com/embed/da35a673b96655a2f2b1 Pick up a copy of my book "Momentous Decisions: 7 Steps to Better Health, More Wealth, and a Richer Life" at: https://www.momentouswealthadvisors.com/book Takeaways: Fear serves as a detrimental financial advisor, leading individuals to make misguided decisions.It is crucial to confront fear, especially regarding financial decisions before retirement.The wealth decision regarding taxes involves choosing when to pay them rather than avoiding them.Delaying Social Security benefits is a wise decision that guarantees an 8% annual increase in benefits.Spending principal instead of merely the interest is necessary for a fulfilling life in retirement.Long-term care insurance is essential for protecting one’s financial plan against unforeseen health expenses.

    8 min

  5. Apr 9

    Preparing for Change: How the Six Figure Limit Affects Your Retirement Strategy

    Takeaways: Understanding the proposed six figure limit on Social Security benefits is crucial for retirement planning.The impending funding shortfall of Social Security necessitates awareness and strategic financial planning.This proposal aims to close a significant solvency gap while potentially benefiting lower-income retirees.The long-term implications of freezing the benefit cap could lead to broader impacts on future retirees. Links referenced in this episode: ssa.gov Companies mentioned in this episode: Committee for a Responsible Federal BudgetSocial Security Administration

    11 min

  6. Apr 2

    The Essential Wealth Timeline: Strategic Planning from 50 to 73

    SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY ZOOM: https://calendly.com/brian-d-muller/zoom-discovery-call Get Your Risk Number by taking the FREE RISK ASSESSMENT: https://pro.riskalyze.com/embed/da35a673b96655a2f2b1 Pick up a copy of my book "Momentous Decisions: 7 Steps to Better Health, More Wealth, and a Richer Life" at: https://www.momentouswealthadvisors.com/book Takeaways: From the ages of 50 to 73, individuals encounter pivotal opportunities to optimize their wealth-building strategies.This age range represents a critical window where one should prioritize smarter saving rather than merely increasing contributions.Utilizing the MaidLife framework allows for comprehensive financial planning that aligns personal values with monetary decisions.Understanding the implications of retirement accounts and health savings accounts is essential for maximizing tax advantages and long-term benefits.

    15 min

  7. Mar 26

    A Tribute to My Father: Lessons in Early Retirement

    My dad retired at 50 following 10 simple principles anyone can copy. Discover how my dad achieved early retirement at 50 using 10 powerful wealth-building principles that anyone can implement today—no six-figure income required. In this episode of Wealth Decisions by Brian, I reveal the exact blueprint my father used to retire 15 years early while living on an average salary. These aren’t complex Wall Street strategies—they’re simple, actionable decisions about housing, investing, and lifestyle that compound into financial freedom. You’ll learn the housing strategy that eliminated decades of mortgage payments, the investment approach that balanced aggressive growth with smart risk management, and the lifestyle disciplines that freed up thousands of dollars annually for wealth building. Whether you’re in your 20s just starting out or your 40s playing catch-up, these principles will accelerate your path to financial independence and early retirement. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: • The 50% down payment strategy that creates instant equity and cash flow freedom • Why paying off your first house before upgrading changes everything • How to eliminate car payments forever and redirect that money into million-dollar growth • The investment balance between aggressive early growth and steady long-term gains • Tax-advantaged account strategies that maximize retirement wealth • Lifestyle optimization techniques that build wealth without feeling deprived • 3 Wealth Decision Principles you can implement immediately A complete action plan for retiring 10-15 years earlier than planned CHAPTERS: 00:00 Tribute and Promise 00:39 How He Retired at 50 02:57 The 10 Principles Overview 03:40 Housing Rules That Work 05:14 No Car Payments Ever 06:03 Smart Investing Basics 07:21 Debt and Tax Advantages 08:53 Lifestyle Discipline Secrets 10:51 Your Five Minute Challenge 11:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action CONNECT WITH WEALTH DECISIONS: Subscribe for weekly wealth-building strategies Comment your biggest takeaway from this episode Follow for daily financial tips: [social links] ABOUT BRIAN: Financial advisor with 25+ years of experience, author, and certified health and life coach dedicated to helping you save smarter, invest better, and keep more of your hard-earned money. #EarlyRetirement #RetireAt50 #FinancialFreedom #RetireEarly #WealthBuilding #PersonalFinance #FinancialIndependence #RetirementPlanning #DebtFreeJourney #MoneyManagement #FinancialLiteracy

    12 min

  8. Mar 12

    Unveiling the Seven Milestones to Financial Freedom

    The 7 Biggest Investing Milestones: From $10k to Complete Freedom Takeaways: The seven significant investing milestones delineate the divide between struggling and successful investors, as I elucidated in this episode.Achieving financial freedom necessitates surpassing key thresholds, each representing unique opportunities and strategies.Starting with a mere $10,000 can fundamentally transform one's investment approach from consumerism to serious investment discipline.Reaching the milestone of $1.5 million signifies financial independence, granting individuals substantial lifestyle choices and security.Only a small fraction of Americans attain the highest milestones, emphasizing the importance of consistent investment habits.The psychological shifts at each milestone mark critical transformations in one's perception of investing and financial management. FREE ACCESS to my Financial Planning Portal: https://app.rightcapital.com/account/sign-up?referral=8ad2311f-2028-406d-998e-6abce7daa85c&type=client&advisor_id=80ZBLxszDwXIrA6qrB8J7Q SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY ZOOM: https://calendly.com/brian-d-muller/zoom-discovery-call Get Your Risk Number by taking the FREE RISK ASSESSMENT: https://pro.riskalyze.com/embed/da35a673b96655a2f2b1 Pick up a copy of my book "Momentous Decisions: 7 Steps to Better Health, More Wealth, and a Richer Life" at: https://www.momentouswealthadvisors.com/book #financialplan #financialplanning #retirementplanning #financialfreedomjourney #financialmilestones CHAPTERS: 00:00 Seven Wealth Milestones 00:48 Milestone 1 Ten Thousand 01:28 Milestone 2 Fifty Thousand 02:13 Milestone 3 One Fifty 03:05 Milestone 4 Five Hundred 03:55 Milestone 5 One Million 04:42 Milestone 6 One Point Five 05:43 Milestone 7 Two Point Five 06:43 Timeline Math Progression 07:59 Three Costly Mistakes 08:47 Personalized Saving Path 09:36 Recap And Call To Action Brian D Muller(AAMS©), Founder, Wealth Advisor Podcast Disclaimer The Wealth Decisions Podcast is provided solely for general information purposes and should not be construed as accounting, legal, tax, or any other professional advice. Visitors are advised not to act upon the information or content found here without first seeking appropriate guidance from a qualified accountant, financial planner, lawyer, or other relevant professional. Any hypothetical performance is just that, and there is no guarantee that you will receive a specific average rate of return in any examples in this podcast. THE BASICS OF RETIREMENT PLANNING Retirement planning has several steps, with the end goal of having enough money to quit working and live your version of a richer life. My goal is to help people make better wealth decisions along their financial journey so they can retire and stay comfortably retired

    11 min
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About

Every day we have the opportunity to make better decisions around our money and our life. My goal is to help you do just that. Whether your goal is financial freedom, retiring early, or becoming a more successful investor, tune in each week. Each episode is 15 minutes or less and can make a significant difference to your future wealth. Brian D. Muller, AAMS® BFA™ Founder, Wealth Advisor Momentous Wealth Advisors www.momentouswealthadvisors.com #financialeducation #investingtips #financialindependence #moneymindset #moneypodcast #moneymanagement #financialplanning #financialfreedom #wealthbuilding #behavioralfinance

Information

  • Creator
    Brian D Muller (AAMS©) (BFA™)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright 2026 Brian D Muller (AAMS©) (BFA™)
  • Show Website
    Wealth Decisions by Brian

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