Freedom for Retirement™

Josh Duncan, CFP®

Freedom for Retirement™ is the podcast designed to help you move beyond the fear of the complexity of finances so you can be financially free to achieve personal significance. Tune in with Josh Duncan each week to turn fear into fuel that drives you into Freedom & Significance.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    What to Do With a Large Payout (Step-by-Step Plan)

    What should you do with a large payout, like a bonus, commission, or profit distribution, before it disappears? When a significant amount of money hits your account, it creates both opportunity and risk. Without a clear strategy, even high earners can fall into lifestyle creep or tax surprises. In this episode, we walk through a proven, step-by-step framework to help you make smart, intentional decisions with your money. You’ll learn how to prioritize taxes, build or reinforce your emergency fund, strategically pay off debt, and align your payout with both short-term and long-term financial goals. We also cover when it makes sense to invest and when it doesn’t. If you’re a high-income household or business owner navigating irregular income, this process can help you turn a one-time payout into lasting financial progress. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial #LargePayout #Commission #Bonus #ProfitDistribution

    15 min
  2. 22 APR

    Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) Explained: How to Cut Taxes and Give More

    Are you already giving to charity but wondering if there’s a more tax-efficient way to do it? In this episode, we break down how donor-advised funds (DAFs) can help high-income families reduce taxes while maximizing charitable impact. If you’ve had a strong income year, hold appreciated investments, or want a more intentional approach to charitable giving, this is a strategy worth understanding. We walk through how DAFs work, when they make sense, and when they don’t. More importantly, we explain the three key tax levers that can dramatically improve your outcomes: timing your deduction, donating the right assets, and strategically bunching contributions. This isn’t about complexity for the sake of it. It’s about aligning your tax strategy with your values so you can give more to the causes you care about and less to unnecessary taxes. What you’ll learn: What a donor-advised fund actually is (and isn’t)How to use appreciated assets for tax efficiencyWhen bunching charitable contributions makes senseThe real costs and common mistakes to avoidWho should—and shouldn’t—use a DAF If you want a coordinated strategy that integrates tax planning, investments, and charitable giving, we can help. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial #DonorAdvisedFunds #TaxEfficiency #CharitableGiving

    16 min
  3. 15 APR

    Will Health Insurance Ruin Your Early Retirement?

    Health insurance is one of the biggest and most misunderstood expenses in early retirement. If you’re retiring before 65, you’re entering a gap where Medicare doesn’t apply yet. And without the right strategy, premiums can quietly erode your wealth year after year. In this video, we break down five strategic ways high-income families reduce health insurance costs while maintaining flexibility, control, and quality coverage. This isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about making smarter decisions across the ACA Marketplace, health sharing options, and income planning strategies. You’ll learn: How early retirees legally reduce ACA premiumsWhen health sharing may (and may not) make senseThe role of income planning in lowering insurance costsCommon mistakes affluent families make before age 65How to structure coverage without sacrificing careIf early retirement is part of your plan, this is one of the most important cost centers to get right. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial

    16 min
  4. 8 APR

    The Legal Gap Every Parent Faces When Their Child Turns 18

    The moment your child turns 18, everything changes—legally. Most parents don’t realize that without the right documents in place, you could be locked out of critical medical and financial decisions. In an emergency, that gap between what feels right and what’s legally allowed can create serious consequences. In this episode, we break down the hidden legal risks families face and the three essential documents every parent should have in place: Healthcare Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, and Durable Financial Power of Attorney. These tools ensure you can step in when it matters most, whether it’s a medical emergency, financial disruption, or unexpected life event. You’ll learn: Why parents become “legal strangers” at 18How HIPAA and FERPA restrict accessThe exact role of a power of attorneyThe 3 documents that close the legal gapHow to get this done quickly and efficiently If you have a child approaching adulthood, or already there, this is not something to delay. And it is one of the simplest, highest-impact steps you can take to protect your family. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial

    15 min
  5. 1 APR

    Health Sharing Plans: What Are They and How Do They Work?

    Health insurance costs keep rising—but are you actually getting better coverage? In this video, we break down health sharing plans, one of the most misunderstood health insurance alternatives available today. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a smarter way to protect your family from major medical expenses without paying massive premiums, this is a conversation worth having. You’ll learn: How health sharing plans really workWhat they typically cover (and don’t)Why they’re designed to handle catastrophic healthcare costs, not everyday expenses  We also walk through real numbers, including monthly costs, initial unshared amounts, and how these plans compare to traditional insurance from a financial planning perspective. More importantly, we address the bigger strategy: why bundling everything—prescriptions, dental, and vision—into one insurance plan may not be the most efficient approach for high-income families. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. But for the right household, a health sharing plan can reduce costs while still protecting long-term financial goals. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial

    13 min
  6. 25 MAR

    What Every College Student Should Know About Money

    Most college students are never taught how money actually works—but the financial decisions you make now can shape your future for decades.  In this episode, Josh breaks down 6 things every college student should know about finances, from opening the right checking account and savings account to understanding student loan debt, tax preparation, and how to prepare for your first job. This is practical, real-world financial advice for college students who want to avoid expensive mistakes and start building strong money habits early. You’ll learn how to create a financial foundation, manage debt wisely, avoid lifestyle inflation, understand your pay stub and taxes, and begin investing with confidence. If you’re trying to get smarter about college finances, this conversation gives you a roadmap you can actually use. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial

    19 min
  7. 18 MAR

    Don’t Invest Like the Top 1% (Here’s Why)

    Private equity funds and private placements are often marketed as investments reserved for the top one percent. The pitch sounds compelling: access to exclusive deals, the potential for higher returns, and the idea that sophisticated investors allocate heavily to alternatives instead of traditional stocks and bonds. But the reality is often very different. In this episode, Josh breaks down what private equity and private placements actually are and why they can carry risks that many investors underestimate. While institutional investors and ultra-wealthy families may allocate to these investments, that doesn’t automatically mean they belong in every financial plan. We walk through the structure of these deals, why they’re aggressively marketed to accredited investors, and the critical risks that rarely make it into the pitch deck. Private investments can be complex, illiquid, and high-risk. Before committing capital to a private equity fund or private placement, it’s critical to understand how these investments actually work and how they fit within a broader financial strategy. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial

    16 min
  8. 11 MAR

    Why Target Date Funds Are Quietly Hindering Your Financial Freedom

    Target date funds are one of the most common investments used in retirement planning. They promise a simple solution: choose the year you plan to retire and let the fund automatically adjust your portfolio over time. But for many families with significant assets, that simplicity can come with hidden trade-offs. In this episode, we take a closer look at target date funds and why they may quietly limit your long-term financial freedom. While they seem useful in certain situations, they most often rely on a one-size-fits-all investment strategy that may not align with your goals, tax strategy, or broader financial plan. If you’re serious about retirement planning and building lasting wealth for your family, understanding the limitations of target date funds is critical. In this conversation, we explore what makes target date funds attractive, why “set it and forget it” investing can be misleading, the hidden assumptions built into target date portfolios, why affluent families often outgrow target date strategies, and how personalized retirement planning can create more flexibility and control For many investors, target date funds are a starting point, but they shouldn’t necessarily be the finish line. If you want a retirement strategy designed around your life, your goals, and your wealth, it may be time to look beyond the default options. 👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com. About F5 Financial Planning: At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida. At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most.  Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process. ***** Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. #FinancialFreedom #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #F5Financial

    15 min

About

Freedom for Retirement™ is the podcast designed to help you move beyond the fear of the complexity of finances so you can be financially free to achieve personal significance. Tune in with Josh Duncan each week to turn fear into fuel that drives you into Freedom & Significance.