The Semmax Way

In this episode of "The Semmax Way," host Matt Landon, CFP®, and fellow Semmax advisor Jordan Shinsky discuss the timeless lesson that it's never too early to begin your investment journey. While exploring the intricate realm of retirement planning, they underscore the critical distinction between good and bad debt. Viewers are encouraged to grasp their current spending habits and understand how these evolve in retirement, all while delving into budgeting, estate planning, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

In this episode of "The Semax Way," host Matt Landon, CFP®, guides listeners through a comprehensive exploration of annuities as a financial tool. Using a clever analogy involving the right tool for the job, the discussion highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate annuity type, covering fixed, fixed indexed, and variable annuities. Caution is advised against variable annuities due to their higher fees and potential for lower returns. The episode emphasizes the significance of working with fiduciaries, diversifying investments, and the benefits of annuities, including risk transfer and portfolio stability. It also underscores the tax advantages of annuities, particularly for high-income individuals aiming to reduce taxable income.

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of IRA taxation and demystify the often-confusing K-1 forms. Discover why K-1 forms can trigger taxable income in your IRA account, even when you haven't made any withdrawals. We'll explore how understanding K-1 forms in both non-qualified and IRA accounts is vital for your financial well-being.

Learn the ins and outs of tax-deductible contributions to your IRA and how your income levels can impact your tax benefits. We'll demystify the pro rata rule, a crucial concept that ensures you correctly allocate pre-tax and post-tax dollars in your account.

Did you know that your IRA can incur taxable income without a withdrawal? We'll explain how this happens and reveal the smart strategy of withdrawing tax-free if you've already paid your taxes. Explore Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), two powerful tools that can help you minimize taxes and optimize your retirement savings.

Discover how QCDs allow individuals aged 70 ½ or older to make tax-efficient charitable contributions directly from their IRA accounts. This strategy not only benefits charities but can also lower your Medicare premiums and maximize your savings.

But navigating the world of IRA taxes isn't a DIY task. We strongly recommend consulting with a CPA or tax professional for compliance and tailored advice.

We'll also delve into the importance of designating beneficiaries for your IRA account and how this decision can yield significant tax benefits. Explore estate taxes and learn how leveraging the $12 million per spouse exemption can help you pass on your assets to beneficiaries without a hefty tax burden, particularly if your estate is under $24 million.

Discover why leaving money to a charity in your will ensures they receive the full amount, and why financial advisors must stay up-to-date with current laws and rules to best serve their clients.

Understanding how your investments and account setups impact your tax returns is crucial, and we'll equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of IRA taxes confidently. Join us for this enlightening episode on tax-savvy retirement planning.

Discover the details and intricacies of life insurance and venture into the realm of indexed universal life (IUL) policies, harnessing the potential of stock market-linked cash value. Navigate a path to financial success by focusing on strategic investments such as Roth IRAs and 401Ks, while keeping indexed universal life (IUL) policies in mind for diversification, all under the guidance of seasoned advisors.

Discover the essential insights on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with financial expert Matt Landon on The Semmax Way podcast. Uncover strategies to optimize your IRA accounts, navigate Roth conversions, and manage inherited IRAs. Learn how to reduce RMD impact and gain valuable tax-efficient retirement planning knowledge. 

Financial advisor Matt Landon explores target date funds, their role in retirement planning, and suggests a tailored approach for lasting financial freedom.

• Bigger Standard Deduction
• Spousal IRA Contribution
• Deducting Medicare Premiums
• Tax Credit for Low-Income Seniors
• Timing Tax Payments

• Market volatility can cause us to become emotional and lose our sense of where we are and where we want to go.
• We tend to micromanage our investments because it makes us feel in control.
• We believe we are better at investing than we really are.
• Our perception can be faulty.

• Fiduciaries have a “duty of care” role.
• Fiduciaries are required to give advice in the best interests of their clients.
• Fiduciaries need to monitor their clients' investments, weighing risks.
• Fiduciaries need to be open about any conflicts of interest.

• When it comes to Social Security, each circumstance is different.
• Social Security forms part of your overall retirement plan.
• If you have a spouse, how does this affect your Social Security?
• How can delaying Social Security affect your beneficiaries?