Episodes
10
Latest episode
Aug 2026
Language
EN-US
How much income will you have when you retire from the State of Michigan? Dave Shotwell and Nick Nauta discuss pensions, Social Security, 401(k) and 457 savings, withdrawal strategies, taxes, and the decisions that can shape your retirement paycheck.
For longtime Michigan State University employees , retirement savings can often be heavily weighted toward pre-tax accounts. Until recently, MSU employees primarily made retirement plan contributions through pre-tax options. Add years of contributions, MSU’s university match, and investment growth, and those balances can become substantial. That creates an important tax planning question as retirement approaches: When should you pay the taxes on those savings? For over 25 years, we’ve specialized in retirement planning for Michigan’s university and state employees. We understand the intricacies of 403(b) and 457 plans through Fidelity (and beyond), TIAA contracts, and state healthcare transitions. We’ve guided many of MSU’s faculty and staff through the exact decisions you’re facing right now. In Season 5, Episode 19 of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave Shotwell and Nick Nauta discuss Roth conversions and why they deserve attention from MSU employees preparing for retirement. What is a Roth Conversion? A Roth conversion moves money from a pre-tax retirement account into a Roth account. You pay income taxes on the converted amount today, while qualified Roth withdrawals can be tax-free later. For MSU employees, there is an additional detail to consider. Michigan State now allows Roth contributions, but the plan does not allow employees to convert existing pre-tax plan balances to Roth within the plan. That can make IRA-to-Roth IRA conversions an important planning option after retirement. Why Is This Important to MSU Employees? Dave and Nick discuss the potential window between retirement and required minimum distributions. During these years, taxable income may be lower, creating opportunities to convert portions of retirement savings at potentially favorable tax rates. They also explain why the decision involves more than comparing today’s tax bracket with a future tax bracket. Roth conversions can affect Social Security taxation and Medicare IRMAA premiums. They can also influence future required minimum distributions and taxes for a surviving spouse. What Will I Learn in this Episode? The episode covers inherited retirement accounts, including the 10-year distribution period that generally applies to many non-spouse beneficiaries. Dave and Nick also explain how Roth savings can provide more choices when deciding where retirement income should come from. Listeners will also learn why paying conversion taxes with money outside the retirement account can sometimes improve the long-term math. The conversation covers the pro rata rule, conversion deadlines, state taxes, and the fact that Roth conversions cannot be reversed once completed. The goal is not to convert as much as possible. The goal is to consider taxes across retirement and determine whether conversions could help reduce the average tax burden over time. For MSU employees with years of pre-tax retirement savings, starting this conversation early can provide more planning choices before required minimum distributions begin. Need Help Managing Your MSU Retirement Plan? Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com . Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. Resources Specialized financial planning for MSU faculty and staff navigating the transition from campus to retirement. https://srbadvisors.com/michigan-state-university-faculty/ Specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence. https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/ The post S5E19 – Roth Conversions for MSU Employees appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
What do you want your money to accomplish? It sounds like a simple question, but it can be difficult to answer. Many people spend decades saving for retirement without spending much time thinking about what they want retirement to look like. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick Nauta is joined by Cole Williams for a listener Q&A about financial life planning. They discuss how the life planning process can help people identify what matters most before making decisions about investments, taxes, retirement spending, and other parts of their financial lives.
When do RMDs start, how are they calculated and which retirement accounts are affected? Dave and Nick explain required minimum distribution rules, taxes, Roth conversions, QCDs and planning considerations for State of Michigan retirees.
The second quarter of 2026 saw a return to new market highs with global stock market returns bouncing back after a mostly negative first quarter. But it has been a year of contradictions: as markets push to new highs, consumer sentiment has fallen to record lows. And while the focus of market conversation has been around the record size of the SpaceX IPO and the competition among large AI companies, small companies and emerging markets have been the market leaders, each posting returns above 40% for the last twelve months. Get the full report from East Bay HERE. Summary: Stock and bond markets gained ground around the world during Q2. Emerging markets and U.S small-cap stocks have led the way this quarter. Geopolitical and macroeconomic forces continue to provide uncertainty. Glass half-full: Stocks were up around the world in Q2 and continued to touch new all-time highs. Bonds of most credit and maturity types also gained during the quarter. Unemployment remains historically low. The U.S. economy continues to grow. Glass half-empty: The war in Iran is ongoing. Inflation has begun to re-accelerate, and markets now expect the Fed to hike rates rather than cut rates by year’s end. U.S. consumer sentiment is near all-time lows. Investment markets continue to be volatile around the world. Follow this link for a recording of Eastbay’s video presentation. Get our Outlook from Quarter 1 2026 HERE . The post S5E16 – 2Q 2026 Market Commentary and Economic Outlook appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
Retirement is the perfect time to start checking destinations off your bucket list, but planning memorable travel takes more than choosing a location. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick Nauta sits down with travel advisor Kim Barber of My Globetrotter Travel to discuss how retirees can make the most of their travel years. Kim shares practical advice on planning bucket-list vacations, budgeting for travel during retirement, avoiding common mistakes, and deciding when to take those once-in-a-lifetime trips. They also discuss cruises, travel insurance, international destinations, group travel, and the technology that makes traveling easier than ever. Whether you’re dreaming of an African safari, an Alaskan cruise, or simply looking for ways to stretch your travel budget, this conversation offers practical insights to help you travel with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why retirement is often the ideal time for bucket list travel How to create a realistic retirement travel budget Why traveling during shoulder season can save money and improve your experience Common mistakes retirees make when planning major trips The benefits of cruises for retirees and first-time cruisers Why travel insurance is worth considering for international travel Tips for planning multi-generational family vacations The best destinations for first-time international travelers Helpful travel apps that simplify international travel Why waiting too long to take your dream trip can limit your options Connect with Kim Barber Website: https://myglobetrottertravel.com Facebook Instagram : @myglobetrottertravel Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com . Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer The post S5E15 – Retirement Travel Planning Tips with Travel Expert Kim Barber appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
How do you know when you’re financially ready to retire? Should you delay Social Security? How much should you expect healthcare to cost? These are some of the most common questions we hear from clients and podcast listeners, and in this episode, we’re answering them around the kitchen table. David Shotwell and Nick Nauta walk through the retirement planning topics that matter most as you prepare for retirement. They discuss practical ways to estimate retirement income needs, strategies for creating reliable retirement paychecks, Roth conversion considerations, healthcare planning, and how to prepare your portfolio for market volatility. You’ll also hear why there is no magic retirement number, why every retirement plan should reflect your personal goals, and how thoughtful planning can help you make confident financial decisions before and throughout retirement. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to estimate whether you can afford to retire What factors should influence your Social Security claiming decision What healthcare costs may look like before and after Medicare How to create retirement income from your savings When Roth conversions may make sense How to prepare your retirement plan for a market downturn Why flexibility is one of the most valuable retirement planning tools Whether retirement is just around the corner or still several years away, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you build a retirement plan that fits your goals and your lifestyle. Resources Specialized financial planning for MSU faculty and staff navigating the transition from campus to retirement. https://srbadvisors.com/michigan-state-university-faculty/ Specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence. https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/ Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com . Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer The post S5E14 – Retirement Questions Everyone Asks Before Leaving Work appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
Health insurance is one of the biggest retirement planning questions for State of Michigan employees. The rules can be complicated, especially when you are trying to understand retiree coverage, Medicare, premium subsidies, and how your decisions affect your spouse or dependents. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave Shotwell and Nick Nauta walk through the major health insurance decisions State of Michigan employees face before and after retirement. They explain the different retiree health care options, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and share the key questions you should have answered before making retirement decisions. Whether you are several years from retirement or preparing to leave state service soon, this conversation will help you understand the planning process and identify the information you need before making important choices. What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between pre-Medicare and Medicare health insurance planning How State of Michigan retiree health insurance works Understanding premium subsidies versus the Personal Healthcare Fund How years of service can affect your health insurance costs What happens when Medicare becomes your primary coverage Questions to ask before choosing your retirement date How your health insurance decisions may affect your spouse or dependents Why survivor benefit elections may impact retiree health coverage When it makes sense to compare ORS coverage with other insurance options Why working directly with ORS is an important part of retirement planning Resources Check out our FREE ebook about specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence. https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/ Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com . Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer The post S5E13 – Health Insurance in Retirement for State of Michigan Employees appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
Retirement planning is about more than investments, savings targets, and account balances. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick Nauta sits down with Cole Williams to discuss the Kinder Institute approach to financial life planning. Cole shares insights from his Registered Life Planner training and explains how financial planning can help people connect their money to the life they truly want to live. Together, they walk through George Kinder’s three powerful life planning questions and discuss how these conversations help uncover priorities, values, and what really matters most. Topics covered include: What financial life planning is and why it matters George Kinder’s influence on modern life planning The importance of active listening in financial planning Why retirement planning should begin with your vision for life The three Kinder questions and how they uncover your priorities The difference between return on investment and return on life How to identify your “enough.” Why clarity often matters more than financial complexity How the SRB process helps clients connect their goals with their finances The role of accountability and support in creating meaningful change Whether you are approaching retirement or simply want greater clarity around your financial future, this episode offers a practical framework for aligning your money with what matters most. Mentioned in this episode: George Kinder Registered Life Planner (RLP) Program LifePlanningForYou.com Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com . Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer The post S5E12 – Financial Life Planning: Finding Purpose Beyond the Numbers appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
Retirement planning does not stop when you reach your savings goal. The next challenge is figuring out how to turn those savings into dependable retirement income. In this episode, David Shotwell and Nick Nauta discuss retirement income planning for Michigan State University employees, including how to estimate spending needs, structure withdrawals, evaluate Social Security timing, and think about taxes in retirement. Topics covered: Determining retirement spending needs Understanding income sources in retirement Creating withdrawal strategies from retirement accounts Evaluating Social Security timing decisions TIAA Traditional income considerations Tax planning around retirement withdrawals Common mistakes retirees make Helpful resources: Retirement Spending Worksheet Related episodes: Tax Planning Episode: S4E18 – What to Know About Taxes in Retirement Social Security Planning: Ep 116: Getting Real About Social Security Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com . Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips: https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer The post S5E11 – How to Calculate Your Retirement Income appeared first on Shotwell Rutter Baer .
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Marvette Lacy, PhD
Michael Michelini: Global Internet Businessman in China, Asia
Jason Graystone & Akil Stokes
Phil Rogacki & Jared Abrojena
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