Accessible Finance For Retirement

Hosted by Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA with Equilibrium Financial Planning

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Oct 2025

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About the show

Join us each week as we, Eric Johns CFP®, EA, MBA, and Rachael Johns, J.D., take on the world of finance with a fresh, approachable perspective. As spouses and business partners, we’re here to answer your questions, tackle real-life scenarios, and break down complex financial topics in a way that leaves you saying, "I get it now." Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to deepen your understanding, our warm and engaging conversations are designed to make finance accessible to everyone. Start your path to financial clarity with us and visit us at Equilibriumfp.com!

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60 recent

October 27, 2025Episode 8920 min

Three Essential Questions for Retirement Success | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 89

In this episode, Eric and Rachael Johns answer listener questions and discuss an article from The Retirement Manifesto titled 'Three Questions That Determine 99% of Your Retirement Success.' They delve into the importance of having a reliable cash flow plan, accounting for healthcare and unexpected costs, and how to spend time and stay fulfilled in retirement. The hosts also explore various aspects of retirement planning, including budgeting, healthcare, and the significance of estate planning, providing listeners with valuable insights on achieving a successful and fulfilling retirement.00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions01:12 Question 1: Reliable Cash Flow Plan03:23 Question 2: Healthcare and Unexpected Costs04:41 Budgeting for Unexpected Expenses07:36 Planning for Major Purchases08:58 Tools and Tips for Financial Planning10:08 The Financial Focus in Retirement10:22 The Impact of Retirement on Mental Health10:37 Hobbies and Spending in Retirement11:42 Social Dynamics in Retirement12:58 Planning Your Retirement Days13:38 Retiring to Something vs. From Something15:09 Strategies for Retirement Income18:08 Estate Planning and Withdrawal Strategies19:02 The Importance of Trusted Advisors20:18 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

October 13, 2025Episode 8830 min

Breaking Down Listener Questions on Retirement Planning and Investment Strategies | Episode 88

In Episode 88 of Accessible Finance for Retirement, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns address detailed listener questions focusing on retirement planning and investment strategies. The episode features an in-depth analysis of a specific retirement plan consultation involving a proposed complex portfolio. They explain key financial concepts like Monte Carlo analysis, portfolio diversification, risk tolerance, and tax efficiency. Eric and Rachael provide actionable advice for balancing risk and rewards, emphasizing the importance of clear investment strategies and tailored financial planning. Tune in to learn how to optimize your retirement portfolio for long-term success.00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions00:41 Understanding Retirement Projections00:59 Monte Carlo Analysis Explained01:49 Balancing Probability of Success03:31 Legacy Goals and Financial Planning06:25 Investment Allocation Discussion08:47 Complex vs. Simple Investment Strategies14:38 Breaking Down Stock Holdings15:37 Bond Market Analysis16:15 Investment Strategies and Risk Management17:48 Tax Efficiency and Portfolio Rebalancing19:36 Psychological Comfort in Complex Investments21:56 Advisor Value and Client Perception28:42 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

October 2, 2025Episode 8721 min

When to Hire a Financial Advisor and Managing Retirement Accounts: Listener Qs Answered | Episode 87

Welcome to episode 87 of Accessible Finance for Retirement with Eric and Rachael Johns. In this episode, we address listener questions covering crucial topics like the right time to hire a financial advisor, effective management of 401Ks and Roth IRAs, and navigating required minimum distributions (RMDs). Additionally, we discuss the timing of IRA rollovers and estimated tax payments. Gain expert insights into financial planning for retirement, including comprehensive advice on managing your investments and planning your decumulation strategy.

September 10, 2025Episode 8618 min

Managing Retirement Accounts, Cash Strategies, and Roth Conversions | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 86

In Episode 86 of Accessible Finance for Retirement, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns address several pressing questions from their listeners. Topics include the benefits of opening a Roth IRA in a spouse's name, strategies for placing cash in high-yield money market accounts, understanding the differences between active and passive investment management fees, and guidance on handling tax implications for Roth conversions. The hosts provide detailed and practical advice on retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of aligning investment philosophies with financial advisors and understanding the nuances of tax planning. Tune in for insightful discussions and valuable tips for managing your retirement finances effectively.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:25 Question 1: Roth IRA for Spouse01:55 Question 2: Best Place for Cash03:45 Question 3: Active vs Passive Management12:11 Question 4: Roth Conversion Tax Implications18:05 Conclusion and Call for Questions

August 28, 202525 min

Advanced Roth IRA Strategies: Backdoor, Mega Backdoor & Tax-Free Retirement Planning | Episode 85

In this final installment of our Roth IRA miniseries, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns take you beyond the basics and dive deep into advanced Roth strategies that can help you maximize your retirement savings. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to explore Roth accounts, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert tips.What you'll learn in this episode:-The latest on Roth conversions and how to decide if they're right for you-Strategies for high-income earners, including the backdoor Roth-How to use Roth accounts for tax diversification in retirement-Common mistakes to avoid with Roth IRAs-Real-life scenarios and listener questions answeredDon't miss out on the key takeaways that could make a big difference in your financial future!👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more accessible, jargon-free retirement advice.💬 Have questions or want us to cover a topic? Drop a comment below!Listen to previous episodes and get more resources at https://equilibriumfp.com/podcast.#RothIRA #RetirementPlanning #PersonalFinance #AccessibleFinance

August 12, 2025Episode 8425 min

Roth IRA Conversions Explained: Optimize Your Retirement Strategy | Episode 84

Welcome to episode 84 of Accessible Finance for Retirement! Hosted by Eric and Rachael Johns, this episode dives into Roth IRA Conversions, a powerful strategy for managing taxable income and optimizing your retirement savings. Learn about the fundamentals of Roth conversions, strategic timing, and common pitfalls to avoid. Discover how to leverage Roth conversion ladders, and why deliberate planning can make a significant impact on your long-term financial health. Tune in for expert insights, actionable tips, and a detailed discussion to help you navigate Roth IRA Conversions like a pro.00:00 Introduction to Episode 8400:32 Overview of Roth Conversions01:33 Roth Conversion Fundamentals01:59 Tax Implications and Strategies04:28 Partial Conversions and Tax Brackets05:48 Planning and Calibration09:48 Roth Accounts and RMDs10:56 Understanding IRA Balances and Growth11:18 Strategic Timing for Roth Conversions11:50 Roth Conversion Ladders Explained12:40 Tax Brackets and Conversion Strategies14:17 Medicare and Irma Thresholds15:07 Effective Tax Rates and Planning18:50 Common Pitfalls in Conversion Strategies21:54 Final Thoughts on Roth Conversions

August 4, 202534 min

Roth IRA Basics: Maximizing Retirement and Tax Benefits | Accessible Finance EP 83

Unlocking Roth IRA Secrets: Fundamentals Explained | Accessible Finance Ep 83Welcome to episode 83 of Accessible Finance for Retirement! Eric and Rachael Johns kick off a three-part miniseries on Roth accounts, starting with the fundamentals. They discuss the origins of Roth IRAs, basic differences between Roth and traditional IRAs, and key rules and contributions limits. Get to know the significance of Roth 401k options and the vital five-year rules for withdrawals. Tune in for practical tips, insightful comparison, and common questions answered to make your Roth retirement planning seamless. Don't miss out on harnessing the full potential of Roth accounts for a tax-free growth strategy!00:00 Introduction to Accessible Finance for Retirement00:49 Origins and Basics of Roth IRAs01:24 Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA04:23 Contribution Limits and Rules05:41 Setting Up and Managing Your Roth IRA12:06 Roth 401(k) Options16:59 Understanding the Five-Year Rule17:41 Opening a Roth Account: A Hypothetical Scenario18:29 Tax Treatment of Roth Contributions and Withdrawals19:48 Understanding the Five-Year Rule20:24 Qualified Withdrawals and Special Cases22:04 Roth Conversions: Rules and Penalties25:03 Tracking Contributions and Conversions28:18 Roth Accounts: Key Takeaways and Q&A

July 17, 2025Episode 8232 min

Retirement Regrets: Avoiding Common Pitfalls | Accessible Finance Ep 82

In episode 82 of Accessible Finance, hosts Eric and Rachael Johns delve into retirement regrets and how to avoid common pitfalls. They discuss personal stories from retirees who wish they had started saving earlier, misunderstood Medicare coverage, mismanaged investment strategies, failed to seek professional advice, and avoided important financial conversations with family. The episode emphasizes the importance of early saving, thorough research, balanced investment approaches, engaging professionals, and open family discussions about finances.00:00 Introduction to Episode 8200:17 Retirement Regrets: Starting Late01:56 The Importance of Employer Match and FICA Taxes08:18 Medicare Misconceptions and Healthcare Costs15:27 The Pitfalls of Conventional Wisdom in Retirement Planning17:02 The Impact of Inflation on Bonds and Equities20:56 The Importance of Professional Financial Advice25:51 The Necessity of Family Conversations About Money31:40 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

July 7, 202526 min

Making Your Retirement Bucket List a Reality: Financial Tips & Strategies | Accessible Finance Ep. 81

In episode 81 of Accessible Finance, Eric and Rachael Johns discuss how to create and fund your retirement bucket list without breaking the bank. They share their own bucket list items and emphasize the importance of quantifying costs and setting realistic goals. The episode covers key strategies such as setting up dedicated savings accounts, budget reallocation, and considering side hustles. They also stress the importance of not neglecting core financial principles like maintaining an emergency fund and avoiding debt. Tune in for insights on planning a financially viable and enjoyable retirement.00:00 Introduction to Episode 8100:17 Discussing Retirement Bucket Lists00:42 Personal Bucket List Dreams02:46 Funding Your Bucket List03:17 Budgeting and Financial Planning05:23 Creative Savings Strategies07:10 Practical Spending Adjustments12:30 Side Hustles and Extra Income13:27 Balancing Bucket List and Retirement Plans14:00 Avoiding Debt for Bucket List Items14:54 Evaluating the Value of Experiences16:55 Family Discussions on Vacation Preferences20:09 Planning and Saving for Bucket List Items25:05 Achieving a Balanced Retirement25:27 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

June 26, 202529 min

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Accessible Finance For Retirement

About the show

Listen to episodes

Three Essential Questions for Retirement Success | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 89

Breaking Down Listener Questions on Retirement Planning and Investment Strategies | Episode 88

When to Hire a Financial Advisor and Managing Retirement Accounts: Listener Qs Answered | Episode 87

Managing Retirement Accounts, Cash Strategies, and Roth Conversions | Accessible Finance for Retirement Ep. 86

Advanced Roth IRA Strategies: Backdoor, Mega Backdoor & Tax-Free Retirement Planning | Episode 85

Roth IRA Conversions Explained: Optimize Your Retirement Strategy | Episode 84

Roth IRA Basics: Maximizing Retirement and Tax Benefits | Accessible Finance EP 83

Retirement Regrets: Avoiding Common Pitfalls | Accessible Finance Ep 82

Making Your Retirement Bucket List a Reality: Financial Tips & Strategies | Accessible Finance Ep. 81

Top Retirement Questions Answered Rapid Fire | Accessible Finance Ep. 80

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