Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers

Mark Struthers CFA, CFP®
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Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers Tax-Smart Retirement Investing is an educational podcast for professionals, pre-retirees, and business owners who want to make smarter decisions about retirement, taxes, investing, and long-term spending. Hosted by Mark Struthers, CFA®, CFP®, CRC®, RMA®, the show focuses on how real people navigate the trade-offs that come with retirement planning—before and after they stop working. Topics include: • Tax-aware retirement planning • Investment decisions before and during retirement • Retirement income and withdrawal strategies • Coordinating portfolios, taxes, and cash flow • Major financial events like retirement transitions, severance, and liquidity events Rather than rules of thumb or quick fixes, the podcast emphasizes process, judgment, and making better decisions under uncertainty—so you can get more out of what you’ve built. This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

  1. Jan 2

    A Year-End Reset: Protecting Health, Judgment, and Retirement Decisions

    The holidays often bring more than celebration. Shorter days, disrupted routines, family obligations, and year-end financial noise can quietly drain energy and cloud judgment. Many people don’t realize how much stress and poor sleep influence their decision-making, especially when it comes to retirement. In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers explores how protecting basic health habits during the busiest time of the year can support clearer thinking and better financial outcomes. Rather than chasing perfection, Mark focuses on simple ways to reduce reactivity and preserve judgment when it matters most. Listen in to hear how prioritizing sleep, pausing emotional financial moves, and reflecting on what actually worked this year can help you move through the holidays with more clarity and set the stage for a healthier, wiser start to the year ahead.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter: Subscribe here ‎Sleep Sounds by Sleep Pillow App BetterSleep myNoise Apple Background Sounds Apple Fitness+ Strava Peloton Nike Training Club App Calm Headspace InsightTimer Waking Up MyFitnessPal Lose It! Cronometer   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    20 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    Naughty or Nice?: A Holiday Checkup for Your Retirement Plan

    Many people quietly wonder if they’re doing retirement “right,” especially around the holidays. So in this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers puts a seasonal spin on some of the most common retirement behaviors he sees every day. Using a “naughty or nice” framework, Mark explains why certain choices—like holding too much cash, blindly following rules of thumb, or chasing the latest hot investment—can quietly undermine long-term outcomes.  Listen in to hear how small shifts toward intentional decision-making can reduce anxiety, improve predictability, and help you move more of your retirement choices onto the "nice" list. You'll learn the strategies that often allow retirees to spend more, as well as habits that support more confident, flexible, and enjoyable retirements.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter: Subscribe here Ep. 47: Don’t Let FOMO Destroy Your Nest Egg: NVIDIA, Concentration Risk, and Retirement Ep 43: Medicare Changes 2025: What Retirees Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Ep. 42: Rethink Retirement: How Green Light Spending Beats the 4% Rule   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    26 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    Don’t Let FOMO Destroy Your Nest Egg: NVIDIA, Concentration Risk, and Retirement

    Strong earnings from Nvidia have dominated headlines, and with it comes a familiar emotional tug for many investors: FOMO (the fear of missing out). For retirees and near-retirees, moments like these can create unnecessary stress and confusion about whether to chase big winners or stay the course with a long-term plan. In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers breaks down Nvidia’s latest earnings report, the concentration risk highlighted in Charlie Wells’ Bloomberg article, and why emotional reactions like FOMO are normal but often unhelpful when you’re building or protecting your retirement portfolio. Mark shares practical ways to evaluate single-stock exposure, understand your time horizon, and align your investments with your real-life needs. Listen in to learn how to navigate market excitement with clarity, reduce the pressure to “keep up,” and build a portfolio that supports your retirement without relying on perfect timing or chasing the hottest stock of the moment.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter: Subscribe here Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    21 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    Travel in Retirement: Smart Strategies for Cost, Comfort, and Connection

    Retirement is your time to explore, but meaningful travel takes more than just picking a destination. It’s about creating experiences that align with your values, health, and financial goals. In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers talks with veteran travel journalist Megan Padilla about how to plan trips that are memorable, manageable, and meaningful. With 25 years of travel writing, Megan shares insider strategies for smarter travel decisions, including when to use a travel advisor, how to budget for bucket-list trips, and why “slow travel” often leads to the richest memories. Listen in to learn how to design travel that fits your lifestyle, saves time and stress, and strengthens your relationships along the way.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter: Subscribe here   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    55 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Give More, Keep More: Tax-Smart Charitable Strategies for Retirees

    The holiday season brings out our generous spirit, but are you giving in the smartest way possible? In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers explains how to make your charitable giving more tax-efficient, emotionally rewarding, and financially sustainable through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Mark breaks down the pros and cons of each, shares practical examples (including his famous “Pebbles Donor-Advised Fund”), and highlights how recent tax law changes, including the SALT cap increase and new charitable deduction rules, can impact your giving this year. Listen in to learn how you can help others and strengthen your financial plan before year-end.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter: Subscribe here   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    21 min

  6. 10/17/2025

    How to Protect Your Retirement Savings: Spot Scams Targeting Seniors

    Scams are getting smarter, and retirees are increasingly in the crosshairs. In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers talks about one of the fastest-growing threats to retirees: financial fraud (especially powered by AI). He shares real-world stories of people caught in sophisticated scams and explains how emotion, urgency, and technology combine to create the perfect trap. Mark also reveals why retirees, especially in a post-pension world, are more vulnerable than ever — and what steps you can take to safeguard your money, identity, and peace of mind. Listen in to learn practical steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your retirement from modern scams that sound more convincing than ever.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter: Subscribe here   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    18 min

  7. 09/26/2025

    Medicare Changes 2025: What Retirees Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill

    Healthcare costs are rising, and new legislation could bring big changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and retirement planning. In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers interviews health insurance expert Matt Wicklund about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and how upcoming policy changes will affect Medicare, Medicaid, and premium tax credits. Listen in to learn the two biggest mistakes retirees make and practical advice, like when to enroll in Medicare, why brokers can save you money and stress, and how to factor healthcare costs into your financial plan. You'll hear what to watch for in 2025-2026, how rural services and Medicare Advantage plans may change, and simple ways to protect both your health and your finances in retirement.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    50 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    Rethink Retirement: How Green Light Spending Beats the 4% Rule

    The 4% rule has been the gold standard for decades, but is it holding you back? What if you could retire earlier, spend more, and still feel confident your money will last? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers introduces his Green Light Spending approach, a smarter, more flexible alternative to the rigid 4% rule. Listen in as Mark explains how to align your spending with real-life market conditions and personal goals so you can make the most of your healthiest, most active retirement years.   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com Get Your Free Retirement Review: Start Here   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

    16 min
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About

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers Tax-Smart Retirement Investing is an educational podcast for professionals, pre-retirees, and business owners who want to make smarter decisions about retirement, taxes, investing, and long-term spending. Hosted by Mark Struthers, CFA®, CFP®, CRC®, RMA®, the show focuses on how real people navigate the trade-offs that come with retirement planning—before and after they stop working. Topics include: • Tax-aware retirement planning • Investment decisions before and during retirement • Retirement income and withdrawal strategies • Coordinating portfolios, taxes, and cash flow • Major financial events like retirement transitions, severance, and liquidity events Rather than rules of thumb or quick fixes, the podcast emphasizes process, judgment, and making better decisions under uncertainty—so you can get more out of what you’ve built. This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

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