Retired-ish

Cameron Valadez
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Retired·ish is the retirement podcast for those exploring retirement and those currently in retirement. The retirement ideas and strategies discussed are focused around preparing for one of life's biggest transitions, and how to preserve the wealth that you have worked so hard to achieve! This educational podcast was created to provide you with confidence in your retirement planning decisions. Your host, Cameron Valadez, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) and partner of financial planning firm for retirees, Planable Wealth. In each episode, Cameron shares actionable ideas and strategies to help you Simplify Investing, Reduce Taxes, & Grow Your Net Worth, so you can retire on your terms! Cameron will answer some of the top concerns of retirees including: How can I potentially pay less in taxes to the IRS? How can I better preserve my retirement nest egg and draw a sufficient income? How can I simplify my investments? How can I keep more wealth in the family? Cameron also takes a deep dive into more complex issues retirees face regarding retirement income, estate planning, Medicare, Social Security and more! Retirement doesn't have to be a means to an end. To be Retired-ish means to have the CONFIDENCE and FREEDOM to spend your time on what matters most, and retire on your terms! Cameron believes this can be achieved through well-designed financial planning that adapts to life's unknowns. Find more information about Cameron or ask a question you would like answered on the podcast by visiting retiredishpodcast.com Want even more detailed retirement planning insights? Join our monthly Retired·ish Newsletter!

  1. DEC 15

    I Want to Retire But I Have a 401(k) Loan & Are 401(k) Loans Double Taxed?

    If you're planning to retire in the next year or two and you have a 401(k) loan, this episode could save you thousands of dollars in taxes. I've seen too many people walk into retirement with an outstanding loan balance and get blindsided by a massive tax bill they could have easily avoided with a little planning. Then we're going to tackle one of the biggest myths in the retirement world - the idea that 401(k) loans are double taxed. Spoiler alert: they're not, and even very influential financial gurus get this wrong. More specifically, Cameron discusses: The requirements for a tax-free loan from an employer plan such as a 401(k) The tax ramifications of a "Deemed Distribution" The tax ramifications of a "Qualified Plan Loan Offset" or QPLO Potential tax pitfalls when retiring with an outstanding plan loan balance Are 401(k) loans double taxed? Key moments: (00:00) 401(k) Loans and Retirement (02:12) Requirements for Tax-Free 401(k) Loans (06:33) "Deemed Distributions" Explained (11:03) "Qualified Plan Loan Offsets" and Rollovers (15:43) Retirement Tax Planning & ACA Subsidies (19:28) Case Study: ACA Subsidies at Risk with Outstanding 401(k) Loan Balance (27:01) Alternatives for 401(k) Loan Repayment (30:20) Debunking the Double Taxation Myth of 401(k) Loans (39:51) True Costs of 401(k) Loans Resources From The Episode: Get Show Notes Here Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up See if you're a good fit for our Free Tax-Optimized Retirement Playbook™

    44 min

  2. NOV 17

    Tax Savings Opportunities For Retirees 65+ (Including Your Elderly Parents)

    If you are turning 65 soon, you are closer to becoming eligible for potentially thousands of dollars in tax deductions and savings opportunities that many people never take advantage of. And if you're helping with your elderly parent's finances, there's a good chance they're entitled to tax breaks they don't even know exist. The tax code is full of opportunities specifically designed for retirees—but here's the problem: Social Security isn't going to call and tell you about them. The IRS certainly won't. And unfortunately, most tax preparers are so focused on compliance and filing deadlines that they miss most of these strategies entirely. I'm about to walk you through the most valuable tax-saving opportunities available once you reach your retirement years — some you've probably never heard of, and some that could literally save you tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement. More specifically, Cameron discusses: Changes in the Standard Deduction and the new Enhanced Senior Deduction for those over age 65 Tax impacts when a spouse or parent passes away When and what medical expenses can be deductible Using suspended rental real estate losses from previous years to offset other taxable income Funding Roth IRAs from otherwise taxable money and inheritances How an elderly parent can become a dependent of yours for tax purposes and the potential tax advantages Tax strategies when receiving lump sum payouts from Social Security now that the WEP & GPO provisions have been eliminated Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs   Key Moments: 03:11 Increased Standard Deductions & New Deduction for Seniors 05:32 Tax Opportunities After Spouse or Parent Passing 08:31 Deductible Medical Expenses 15:59 Utilizing Rental Real Estate Losses 19:54 Taxable Wealth to Tax-Free Wealth 26:12 Claiming Elderly Parents as Dependents for Tax Purposes 29:58 Taxation Options for Social Security Lump Sum Payments 34:50 Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) 41:39 Conclusion and Disclaimer Resources: Get Show Notes Here Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Cameron's book for Divorcées and Widows: Finding Financial Clarity & Confidence When Starting Over See if you're a good fit for our Free Tax-Optimized Retirement Playbook™

    44 min

  3. NOV 3

    Navigating Financial Decisions Entering Widowhood

    Most women become widows at just 60 years old—right when they're finalizing retirement plans and making critical Social Security decisions. And here's what nobody tells you: after the death of your spouse, your brain literally doesn't work the same way while you're grieving, yet people around you are pushing you to make life-altering financial decisions. In this episode, Cameron gives you a timeline of what needs to happen soon, what can wait six months, and what absolutely should not be decided on within your first year. Because the decisions you make in the next 6 to 18 months will determine your financial security for the next 20-30 years—and many widows are making at least two or three major mistakes that cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime. Whether you've recently lost your spouse, you're preparing for the inevitable, or you want to help someone who's going through this right now—this episode could be the difference between financial clarity and decades of financial struggle. More specifically, Cameron discusses: How your decision-making changes after the loss of a spouse The importance of creating a written timeline of to-do's to help gain financial clarity in widowhood What actions to take shortly after entering widowhood What actions can wait 6 months or more after entering widowhood Considerations and financial implications when it comes time to make big financial decisions When to consider making changes to your investment strategy and financial plan Resources: Get Show Notes Here Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Cameron's book for Divorcées and Widows: Finding Financial Clarity & Confidence When Starting Over See if you're a good fit for our Free Tax-Optimized Retirement Playbook™ Key moments: (00:00) Widowhood: A Financial Guide (03:26) Grief and Financial Decisions (06:18) Immediate Financial Organization (07:22) Urgent Financial Actions (09:39) Accessing Emergency Funds (10:41) One-Month Financial Priorities (12:09) Contacting Institutions & Asset Identification (14:37) Six-Month Review and Updates (16:17) Longer-Term Decisions: Housing (19:21) Housing: Financial and Tax Implications (21:02) Investment Strategy Overhauls (22:45) Key Takeaways for Widows

    28 min

  4. OCT 20

    Annual Open Enrollment & Medicare Options in Retirement

    Our firm is currently hard at work conducting our second semi-annual strategy meetings with clients, serving real people just like you, and doing important planning for their retirement for income, taxes, investing, estate planning, and making important decisions such as Medicare enrollment and Social Security claiming. Therefore, we're bringing you another encore episode today in honor of Medicare Open Enrollment, which kicks off every year on October 15th and runs through December 7th. During this time you can make certain changes to various types of additional Medicare coverage such as a Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug plan (Part D). Then, Cameron breaks down the different components of Medicare and additional coverage options in layman's terms. More specifically, Cameron discusses: Medicare Open Enrollment What is Medicare, and what are the main components What does Medicare pay for? What types of additional coverage are available? What are the costs? The difference between Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), and some of the pros and cons of each. What factors should you consider when making coverage decisions?Resources: Get Show Notes Here  Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up  See if you're a good fit for our Free Tax-Optimized Retirement Playbook™   Key moments: (00:00) Medicare Open Enrollment 2025 (05:16) Medicare Basics and Misconceptions (07:45) Original Medicare (Parts A, B, and D) (09:13) Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) (14:30) Costs of Medicare Advantage Plans (17:03) Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) (22:31) Costs and Benefits of Medigap Plans (28:27) MA vs. Medigap: Key Comparisons

    36 min

  5. OCT 6

    Your Retirement Income Plan Can Make or Break You

    This is an encore episode of one of our favorites! Retirement income planning is vital to the sustainability of your lifestyle in retirement, so don't neglect it! Plain and simple, your retirement income plan will make or break you in retirement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating an actual plan that focuses solely on how you will get your income in retirement, and the greatest risks your income will face. An appropriately structured income plan is crucial so that you can avoid entering retirement being uncertain about how much you can spend each month, vulnerable to the big retirement risks, and unstructured with your nest egg – meaning that you really have no idea how to arrange your affairs, what accounts to have, what investments to select, and what accounts they should go in. Your retirement income will drive your lifestyle, not necessarily the amount of money you have. The more confidence you have in your retirement income plan, the more likely you will live a happy and fulfilling lifestyle that allows you to focus on the more important things in life. More specifically, I discuss: How to Determine of You Are a Constrained Investor The Dangers of "The 4% Rule" Retirement Timing Risk (Sequence of Returns Risk) Explained Inflation and Longevity Risk Advantages of Segmenting or Bucketing Your Nest Egg Our Free Tax-Optimized Retirement Playbook™ Resources: Get Episode Resources Here Free Tax-Optimized Retirement Playbook™ Retired·ish Newsletter Sign-Up

    34 min

  6. SEP 22

    Asset Protection Planning With Credit Freezes + Real Estate & Trusts

    This one free action could save you thousands in an identity theft or fraud situation - yet 90% of affluent Americans never do it. In today's world of AI-powered scams and relentless fraudsters, protecting your identity isn't just optional, it's essential. Whether you're safeguarding substantial assets, retirement funds, or helping an elderly parent navigate their financial vulnerability, the threats are real and growing. While some asset protection strategies require complex planning for those with intricate financial situations, there's one powerful tool that's available to everyone: the credit freeze. In this episode, we dive into how this simple step can become your first line of defense against identity theft and fraud. More specifically, Cameron discusses: What is a credit freeze or security freeze? Who is a credit freeze a good strategy for? How do you freeze your credit? What happens if you need to apply for a loan or new credit when you have a credit freeze in place? How do you remove or lift a credit freeze? Can you help your elderly parents freeze their credit to better prevent fraud? LISTENER Q & A:  Question: "I am about to start the process of creating a revocable living trust for my spouse and I. We own our home, but we also own three rental properties out of state, two located in the same state and one located in another state. From what I understand so far, this trust is going to be specific to the state in which I live. What are the implications here for my home and my other properties? Any tips you can provide on what to do so I can make sure I understand the situation better when I consult the attorney?" Resources From The Episode: Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Access Show Notes Here Key moments: (03:17) Credit Freeze: How It Works (06:12) Implementing and Managing Credit Freezes (08:17) Lifting and Removing a Freeze and Other Tips (11:18) Credit Freezes for Elderly Parents (13:39) Listener Question: Funding a Revocable Living Trust with Real Estate (16:25) Multi-State Properties and Insurance When Dealing with Trusts (18:47) Estate Planning Guidance & Additional Resources

    22 min

  7. SEP 8

    Should I Do Roth or Pre-Tax Retirement Contributions?

    Attention retirement savers! If you don't expect to accumulate tens of millions in your retirement account, you may want to stop contributing to a Roth. That's right, I said tens of millions. Roth accounts can be a fantastic wealth accumulation for some, and an expensive mistake for others. In this episode, we discuss what many people, including many professionals often miss when it comes to deciding whether or not to contribute on a pre-tax basis, or after-tax basis to a Roth. More specifically, Cameron discusses: The common errors people make when trying to determine whether or not to go Roth. 3 major factors that contribute to your future tax situation The impacts of taxation at marginal vs. effective tax rates An example case study of a high earning married couple A shocking reality for some making the case for Roth contributions An alternative example for our case study that reflects most people's reality   Key moments: (01:05) The Critical Math Most People Miss (02:30) The Real Decision Factor: Your Personal Future Tax Situation (04:12) Three Key Questions to Ask Yourself (05:15) Understanding Marginal vs Effective Tax Rates (06:28) High Earner Example: $500K Income Analysis (08:36) The Shocking Reality: $40 Million Required to pay 32% in Fed Taxes (09:55) Realistic Retirement Scenario: $240K Annual Spending (12:25) The 32% Tax Rate Scenario Breakdown (14:54) Why You Need a Financial Plan   Resources From The Episode: Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Get Show Notes Here

    19 min

  8. AUG 25

    Investing in the Stock Market – Simplified

    If you've ever wondered why seasoned investors tell you to "stay the course," it's because history has taught us something simple but profound: time in the market beats timing the market. But let's rewind a bit. Investing isn't just about stocks going up and down on a chart — it's about preserving your purchasing power, compounding your money, and building resilience against life's financial curveballs. So today, I'm going to take you on a journey: from the magic of compound interest, to the harsh reality of inflation, to how the stock market has historically rewarded patience — even through wars, recessions, and crises. More specifically, Cameron discusses: A powerful example of how compound interest and inflation will affect you over time Historical statistics of the U.S. stock market that will shock you Bull markets vs. Bear markets and what to expect The difference between volatility and risk when investing for your financial goals How to manage risk with asset allocation and diversification The overconcentration problem of the S&P 500 as it stands today Resources From The Episode: Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Get Show Notes Here Definitions: The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 large-cap U.S. companies, serving as a benchmark for the U.S. stock market. The index is weighted by market capitalization. Compound Interest: Compound interest is the interest earned on both the original amount and the accumulated interest. Bear Markets are defined as periods when the S&P 500 experiences a price loss of 20% or more following a gain of 20% or more from its previous trough. Bull Markets are defined as periods when the S&P 500 experiences a price gain of 20% or more following a decline of 20% or more from its previous peak. Key moments: (03:24) Compound Interest and Inflation Explained (06:48) Rethink What You Think You Know About Investing (09:55) Historical U.S. Stock Market Performance (14:27) Understanding Market Cycles (17:49) Market Volatility vs. Investment Risk (21:11) Asset Allocation and Diversification (26:20) Key Takeaways

    31 min
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About

Retired·ish is the retirement podcast for those exploring retirement and those currently in retirement. The retirement ideas and strategies discussed are focused around preparing for one of life's biggest transitions, and how to preserve the wealth that you have worked so hard to achieve! This educational podcast was created to provide you with confidence in your retirement planning decisions. Your host, Cameron Valadez, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) and partner of financial planning firm for retirees, Planable Wealth. In each episode, Cameron shares actionable ideas and strategies to help you Simplify Investing, Reduce Taxes, & Grow Your Net Worth, so you can retire on your terms! Cameron will answer some of the top concerns of retirees including: How can I potentially pay less in taxes to the IRS? How can I better preserve my retirement nest egg and draw a sufficient income? How can I simplify my investments? How can I keep more wealth in the family? Cameron also takes a deep dive into more complex issues retirees face regarding retirement income, estate planning, Medicare, Social Security and more! Retirement doesn't have to be a means to an end. To be Retired-ish means to have the CONFIDENCE and FREEDOM to spend your time on what matters most, and retire on your terms! Cameron believes this can be achieved through well-designed financial planning that adapts to life's unknowns. Find more information about Cameron or ask a question you would like answered on the podcast by visiting retiredishpodcast.com Want even more detailed retirement planning insights? Join our monthly Retired·ish Newsletter!

Information

  • Creator
    Cameron Valadez
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Cameron Valadez ©
  • Show Website
    Retired-ish