Executive Retirement Compass: Financial Planning to Maximize Your Wealth and Reduce Taxes

Ray Godleski

You’ve done everything right - but how confident are you that retirement won’t expose a blind spot you didn’t see coming? If you’re an executive planning to retire in the next 3 years, this episode is for you. I want you walking into retirement with clarity, confidence, and no fear that you’ve missed a move you should have made. Listen to gain: • Clarity on which retirement decisions actually matter in the final 36 months—and which ones don’t • Insight into the costly moves executives commonly miss right before retirement (and how to avoid them) • A framework to retire with confidence, not second-guessing, even in uncertain markets I created this podcast because retirement confidence isn’t about guessing the market; it’s about sequencing decisions correctly, managing taxes intentionally, and eliminating uncertainty before your last paycheck ends. New episodes are released every Tuesday, cutting through the noise and myth-busting the financial untruths that surround retirement planning. Follow and listen each week for clear, practical insights that help you make smarter retirement decisions...before timing and taxes make them for you.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep30 | 3 Years from Retirement: Should You Change Your Investment Strategy Now?

    Embrace a retirement that best describes you. Take the RISA quiz now! Are you within a few years of retirement and wondering if your investment strategy still makes sense? If you’ve spent decades focused on accumulation, the shift toward retirement can feel unsettling—not because of the math, but because the rules change. As retirement approaches, your investment strategy needs to align with how you’ll actually spend, react, and make decisions when markets get noisy. In this episode, we explore why retirement is a transition—not a finish line—and how understanding your personal retirement style can give you a major psychological and financial advantage before you ever stop working. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to align your investment strategy with your retirement spending needs instead of market headlinesWhy identifying your retirement income style can reduce second-guessing and emotional decisionsHow structuring investments around tax buckets and spending priorities can increase confidence Listen now to learn how a personalized investment strategy can help you move from your final paycheck into retirement with clarity, control, and peace of mind. 🎧 Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at: www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    13 min

  2. FEB 3

    Ep29 | How One Simple Social Security Decision Could Add Hundreds to Your Monthly Retirement Income

    Did you know that if you’re divorced, you might still be entitled to Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record—even if you’re remarried after 60? Many retirees unknowingly leave money on the table because they aren’t aware of the rules around ex-spouse benefits. Whether you’re deciding when to file, balancing early income with long-term strategy, or managing complex retirement planning decisions, understanding Social Security options can make a huge difference. By listening to this episode, you’ll discover: How to claim Social Security benefits from an ex-spouse without affecting your current spouse.The timing strategies that could maximize your retirement income.Critical mistakes retirees make when deciding when to file and how to avoid them. Tune in to learn how to unlock hidden Social Security benefits and make smarter retirement planning decisions that could increase your monthly income. 🎧 Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at: www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    18 min

  3. JAN 27

    Ep28 | Why Your Retirement Accounts Might Be Costing You Taxes — And How to Fix It

    Are your retirement accounts working as hard as you do, or could taxes quietly be holding you back? Many executives contribute aggressively to retirement accounts but fail to allocate strategically across pre-tax, Roth, and taxable accounts. The result? Missed opportunities, reduced flexibility, and potentially higher taxes in the future. In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down how the right tax strategy can make your retirement accounts more efficient and put you in control, no matter how the rules change. By listening, you’ll learn: How to decide which retirement account each dollar belongs in to maximize flexibility and minimize taxesThe quiet mistakes executives make that limit future options if accounts are misallocatedHow spreading money across tax buckets gives control, not confusion, and sets up smarter retirement planning If you want your retirement planning to be proactive instead of reactive, listen now and learn how to make every retirement dollar count. 🎧 🎧 Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at: www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    12 min

  4. JAN 20

    Ep27 | The Real Story Behind IRA Fraud: What Happens After an Unauthorized IRA Withdrawal

    Are you prepared for what actually happens after an unauthorized IRA withdrawal—or are you assuming your custodian will fix it? Most investors believe IRA fraud is rare, reversible, and fully covered by the custodian. But once an unauthorized IRA withdrawal occurs, reality sets in fast—especially when taxes, documentation, and custodian responsibility collide. In this episode, we walk through what to do immediately after IRA fraud is discovered, why speed and documentation matter more than reassurance, and how small operational blind spots can turn a fixable problem into a permanent financial loss. In this episode, you’ll learn: How custodian responsibility is evaluated after an unauthorized IRA withdrawal—and why reimbursement is never automaticThe biggest security and process gaps that quietly increase your exposure to IRA fraudHow tax reporting, documentation, and timing determine whether the damage can be undone If you want to protect your retirement accounts before—and after—IRA fraud strikes, this episode gives you the clarity most investors don’t get until it’s too late. 🎧 Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    12 min

  5. JAN 15

    Ep26 | The Uncomfortable Truth About Custodian Responsibility (When Retirement Account Fraud Starts With an Unauthorized Withdrawal)

    Ever wonder what happens if money disappears from your IRA — and the IRS still expects their cut? Most people believe market volatility is the biggest threat to their retirement, but this episode exposes a far more unsettling reality: retirement account fraud caused by an unauthorized withdrawal can happen quietly, and the consequences don’t stop with the missing money. When this occurs, questions around custodian responsibility become critical — and painfully confusing. In today’s episode, Ray walks through a real-world case involving a hacked retirement account, explaining how custodians process transactions, why advisors don’t actually hold your money, and what happens when fraud slips through the cracks. You’ll hear how delays, internal procedures, and reporting rules can leave investors stuck in limbo — facing tax notices, potential Medicare premium increases, and months of uncertainty. By listening, you’ll learn: How retirement account fraud actually occurs — even at major custodians with fraud detection systemsWhat custodian responsibility truly means when an unauthorized withdrawal is processedHow the IRS treats unauthorized withdrawals and what determines whether you owe taxes or not If you want to understand how to protect your retirement accounts, respond quickly to suspicious activity, and avoid costly tax surprises, this episode will change the way you think about custodians, advisors, and trust itself. 🎧 Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at: www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    13 min

  6. JAN 6

    Ep25 | How “Waiting It Out” Can Wreck Your Retirement Tax Plan (And What To Do Instead)

    Are You Banking on Lower Taxes in Retirement? You Might Be in for a Shock. Most executives believe that retirement means a drop in income—and taxes. But the truth is, without a clear tax strategy, you could find yourself paying more in retirement than you did while working. In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down the hidden tax traps that catch many retirees off guard—and what you can do to avoid them. In this episode, you'll discover: Why multiple income streams in retirement can push you into a higher tax bracket than expected.The most overlooked tax triggers like Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and capital gains.The critical 3-7 year "tax planning window" before RMDs begin—and the smart moves to make during that time. Listen now to learn how to take control of your tax future and retire with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    10 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    Ep24 | Why Waiting for the ‘Perfect Time’ to Invest Could Destroy Your Returns with Phil Blancato

    Summary In this episode of Financially Fluent, the host and guest discuss various aspects of financial fluency, including market outlooks, investment strategies, the impact of AI on finance, and the importance of financial wellness. The conversation covers the current state of the market, potential corrections, and the evolving landscape of investments, including alternative options and the role of cybersecurity. The episode emphasizes the significance of having a financial plan and staying invested for long-term success. Takeaways The stock market's historical performance shows that it generally appreciates over time.Investing in mid cap growth stocks can provide better value than large cap stocks.AI is becoming an integral part of business operations and decision-making.Financial wellness will be a significant focus as wealth transfers from boomers to younger generations.Market corrections are expected, and investors should be prepared for them.Having a financial plan is crucial for successful investing.Cybersecurity spending will increase significantly in the coming years.Investors should focus on companies with low price-to-earnings ratios for better value.The importance of dollar-cost averaging in investment strategies cannot be overstated.Understanding market trends and adapting investment strategies accordingly is essential.  🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at www.YourNextStepFinancial.com Sound Bites "Invest in mid cap growth stocks today.""Investing is about having a plan.""AI is a part of our everyday life." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Show Evolution 02:24Guest Background and Industry Experience 05:31Market Outlook for 2025 11:12Concerns and Corrections in the Market 17:13Trends in Small Cap and Alternative Investments 23:00The Role of AI in Financial Services 28:50Cybersecurity and Data Privacy 34:41Financial Wellness and Generational Wealth Transfer

    36 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Ep23 | Why RMDs Could Cost You More Than Taxes (Unless You Plan Ahead)

    Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory—but the penalties, taxes, and financial stress don’t have to be.  In this episode, Ray Godleski breaks down: When your first RMD is actually due (and how to avoid doubling up)How inherited IRA rules changed under the SECURE ActWhat to do if you miss an RMD—and how to fix it fastWhy QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) can reduce both taxes and IRMA surchargesHow to turn RMDs into long-term planning tools, not financial headaches Listen now to learn how to manage your RMDs with clarity and confidence—so they strengthen your retirement plan instead of derailing it. More on RMD: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/required-minimum-distribution-worksheets If you would like to set up a call with Ray Godleski, use this link: 15 minute call with Southeast Wealth Partners Email your financial planning questions to: info@SeWealthPartners.com 🗣️ “A discount on punishment is still a punishment. Let’s not give the IRS your Europe trip money.”🧠 “Required minimum distributions are mandatory. But penalties—and bad tax planning—are optional.” 💡 “You’re not just planning taxes for yourself. One day you might be planning for a widow, or even your kids’ tax future.” 🎯 “Use your RMDs strategically—not just to avoid penalties, but to strengthen your retirement plan.” 🙌 “The goal is simple: You control the timing. Not the IRS.” 🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113 📩 info@SeWealthPartners.com Questions welcome. Real answers given. Explore our free tools and resources at www.YourNextStepFinancial.com

    18 min
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About

You’ve done everything right - but how confident are you that retirement won’t expose a blind spot you didn’t see coming? If you’re an executive planning to retire in the next 3 years, this episode is for you. I want you walking into retirement with clarity, confidence, and no fear that you’ve missed a move you should have made. Listen to gain: • Clarity on which retirement decisions actually matter in the final 36 months—and which ones don’t • Insight into the costly moves executives commonly miss right before retirement (and how to avoid them) • A framework to retire with confidence, not second-guessing, even in uncertain markets I created this podcast because retirement confidence isn’t about guessing the market; it’s about sequencing decisions correctly, managing taxes intentionally, and eliminating uncertainty before your last paycheck ends. New episodes are released every Tuesday, cutting through the noise and myth-busting the financial untruths that surround retirement planning. Follow and listen each week for clear, practical insights that help you make smarter retirement decisions...before timing and taxes make them for you.

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