Money Wisdom

Hosted by Johnson Brunetti

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100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Listen to Johnson Brunetti's Money Wisdom with Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® and Eric Hogarth, CFP®. Whether you're approaching retirement or recently retired, Money Wisdom offers key financial insights to help you make informed decisions for you and your family. In a world full of financial noise, Nick and Eric aim to provide clarity, peace of mind, and practical guidance on your journey toward a secure, fulfilling retirement. Tune in each week as they address your questions and shine a light on the real financial challenges facing today's retirees.

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60 recent

August 21, 202621 min

How Long Will My Investments Last in Retirement?

Retirement changes the purpose of your investments. Instead of simply accumulating money, your portfolio now has to support your lifestyle, keep pace with inflation, manage risk, and provide income for an unknown number of years. In this episode, Nick and Eric tackle the questions that help determine whether you are truly ready to retire and how your investment strategy may need to evolve. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ❓ Key Questions: Lifestyle and longevity shape every decision 🌅 Retirement Phases : Spending often changes throughout retirement ✅ Retirement Readiness: Age alone does not determine preparedness 📈 Investment Strategy: Risk should reflect goals and needs Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai 💵 Income and Taxes: Withdrawal choices can affect long-term results

August 14, 202619 min

4 Health Insurance Options for Early Retirees

Retiring before age 65 can create a major gap between employer coverage and Medicare eligibility. Today, Nick and Eric explain four potential health insurance options and answer listener questions about Medicare enrollment, Social Security claiming, and long-term care planning. Before leaving work, make sure healthcare is part of the retirement plan, not an afterthought. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🌉 COBRA Coverage : Familiar benefits can bridge short gaps 💑 Spousal Coverage: Employer plans may offer better value 🏛️ Public Marketplace: Income can significantly affect premium costs 🩺 Private Insurance: Robust coverage may justify higher premiums 📬 Mailbag Minute : Medicare and Social Security require planning Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

August 7, 202619 min

The Retirement Setback 67% of Americans Fear More Than Death

What scares Americans more than death? For nearly two out of three people, it's the possibility of running out of money in retirement. Costs continue to rise, paychecks eventually stop, and the money you've accumulated may need to support you for decades. In this episode, Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® and Eric Hogarth, CFP® explain why retirement confidence doesn't come from an account balance alone and share strategies to help you avoid spending retirement constantly worrying that the next expense could knock your plan off course. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 😟 Retirement Fear: Many fear outliving their savings 📈 Rising Costs: Inflation can steadily weaken purchasing power ⏳ Generational Shift: Today's retirees face different financial pressures 🧾 Tax Planning: Withdrawal choices affect what retirees keep 📬 Mailbag Questions: Social Security and RMD timing matter Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

July 31, 202620 min

Inherited HSAs: Are You Leaving Behind a "Tax Time Bomb"?

Health Savings Accounts can be one of the most tax-advantaged tools available for retirement, but they can also create an unexpected tax burden when passed to the next generation. In this episode, Nick and Eric break down how health-focused accounts fit into retirement income, legacy planning, and smart tax strategy in plain English. Don't miss these simple shifts that can turn a hidden tax trap into a long-term advantage. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💳 HSA Benefits: Contributions and withdrawals offer tax advantages ⚠️ Inheritance Risk: Non-spouse beneficiaries may face taxable distributions 📋 Spending Strategy: Use HSA funds for eligible expenses 🏥 Healthcare Planning: Compare coverage before Medicare begins 📍 Retirement Location : Consider the community beyond taxes alone 📘 Get Your Free Guide: Simplify future retirement tax decisions Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

July 24, 202617 min

I'm 62, Can I Work While Collecting Social Security?

Can you collect Social Security at 62 and continue working? The answer is yes, but whether you should is a much bigger question. Nick and Eric explain how working while collecting benefits can impact your retirement income, when earnings limits come into play, and why claiming Social Security is only one piece of a much larger retirement strategy. Learn how income planning, tax planning, and understanding your long-term financial picture can help you make a more confident claiming decision. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💵 What Happens When You Turn 62 : Can you work while you collect? 📈 Lifetime Income : Think beyond today's paycheck 💰 Tax Planning: Coordinating benefits and withdrawals 🧩 Retirement Strategy: One decision may impact everything Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

July 17, 202616 min

A Will or a Trust? How to Avoid Probate

What really happens to your money after you're gone? For many families, the answer is probate, a legal process that can be time-consuming, emotional, public, and complicated. Nick and Eric break down the difference between a will and a trust, and how to handle more complex situations like multiple properties or special needs planning. Ultimately, estate planning isn't just about money, it's about giving your family clarity and reducing stress during an already difficult time. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Probate Basics: Why it matters for families 📜 Attorney-Drafted Will: Avoid DIY estate mistakes 🏛️ Trust Planning: More control and privacy 🧩 Complex Situations: When advanced planning helps 💬 Greatest Gift: Have hard conversations now Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

July 10, 202622 min

5 Signs It's Time to See a Financial Advisor

At some point, managing your finances becomes less about picking investments and more about making important life decisions with confidence. Today, Nick and Eric discuss how to recognize when you're approaching a financial crossroads and why having a clear plan can help you move forward with greater certainty. Whether retirement is years away or right around the corner, knowing when to seek guidance can make all the difference. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🕒 Right Timing: Knowing when to seek advice 🗂️ Coordination Matters: Bringing everything together 💰 Money Concerns: Addressing retirement uncertainty 🔄 Life Changes: Major events require planning 🏖️ Retirement Success: More than account balances 🤝 Trusted Partnership : Guidance through transitions Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

June 26, 202620 min

Everything You Need to Know About RMDs

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are one of the most misunderstood—and potentially costly—parts of retirement planning. Nick and Eric break down exactly what RMDs are and why they can have a significant impact on your taxes, Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums, and overall retirement strategy. They also discuss common mistakes retirees make and how strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help reduce taxes while supporting causes you care about. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Forced Withdrawals: Why the IRS requires RMDs 📊 Calculation Rules: How your RMD amount is determined ⚠️ Tax Impact: The hidden consequences of larger distributions 🧰 Account Flexibility: Why retirement "buckets" matter 🎁 QCD Strategy: Giving to charity tax-efficiently Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

June 19, 202623 min

I'm 65, Is It Too Late to Do a Roth Conversion?

Many retirees assume they've missed their chance to take advantage of Roth conversions, but the reality is that age 65 may be one of the best times to start the conversation. Today, Nick and Eric explain how Roth conversions work and how strategic conversions may help reduce overall tax exposure. Roth conversions may not be beneficial for everyone, but every retiree deserves to explore whether this powerful strategy fits into their retirement plan. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💡 No Age Limit: Why 65 may be the perfect time 🎯 Tax Timing: When do you want to pay taxes? 📉 Future Savings: Reducing RMDs and IRMAA surprises 🧱 Legacy Planning: Creating tax-free wealth for heirs 🧮 Strategic Conversions: Why slow and steady often wins Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

June 12, 202621 min

5 Retirement Myths, Debunked

There's no shortage of retirement advice out there, but not all of it is accurate. In fact, some of the most common beliefs about retirement can quietly derail your plan if you take them at face value. In this episode, Nick reveals five of the biggest retirement myths and explains what actually matters when it comes to planning for your future. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Magic Number: No one-size-fits-all target 💸 Taxes Reality: Often higher than expected 📊 Expense Truth: Costs don't always drop 📉 Social Security Gap: Won't cover everything 🏥 Healthcare Costs: Medicare isn't enough Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here : https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube : https://bit.ly/3CcAzai