Phil's Tax Hacks

Hosted by Phil Putney

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Episodes

299

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Financial, tax and retirement planning guidance from Phil Putney. Each week Phil will talk about the keys to building a sound financial strategy that can survive throughout the ups and downs of the market. We'll have plenty of tax hacks along the way and other retirement facts!

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 32919 min

Beach, Budgets, and Balance: What Vacation Planning Really Looks Like in Retirement

Summer's here. And somewhere between the excitement of planning a big trip and the anxiety of what it costs, a lot of retirees end up doing something that surprises us… they feel guilty about it. They worked hard, they saved, they planned for decades, and then they second-guess a beach vacation. Today, Phil talks about how travel fits into a real retirement plan and how to enjoy it without guilt. You didn't save for decades so you could sit home and protect every dollar. Give yourself permission to go. Just take your plan with you. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏖️ Guilt-Free Travel: Spending confidently in retirement 💰 Travel Budgets: Separating fun from everyday expenses ❤️ Couples & Money: Navigating travel disagreements together ✈️ Long-Term Planning: Preparing for major bucket-list trips ⚖️ Finding Balance: Enjoying today without jeopardizing tomorrow 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Making Memories: Travel, family, and lasting experiences For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

June 4, 2026Episode 32812 min

The Pension Choice That Can Make or Break a Survivor Plan

A larger pension check today can look incredibly tempting, but what happens if your spouse outlives you? Phil breaks down one of the biggest pension decisions couples face and explains the tradeoffs between maximizing monthly income and protecting a surviving spouse. This is a permanent retirement decision and deserves much more thought than most people give it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💵 Pension Choices: Bigger checks create tradeoffs 🛡️ Survivor Protection: Spousal income matters deeply 📉 Invest-the-Difference Risk: Timing can ruin the strategy 📊 Run The Math: Permanent decisions need planning 💰 Lump Sum Options: Flexibility changes the equation For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

May 28, 2026Episode 32719 min

Am I Ready to Retire in 2026?

May 21, 2026Episode 32618 min

Inside a Great Financial Planning Experience

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment Phil gives the full scoop on what it actually feels like to work with a financial advisor, pulling back the curtain on the entire experience. From the first conversation to ongoing guidance, he walks through what makes a planning relationship truly valuable, centered on building a plan that fits your life, not just your investments. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧭 Plan Before Investing: A strong strategy starts with a clear roadmap 🤝 Fit Matters First: The right advisor relationship starts with alignment 🧩 Build It Together: Great plans are developed collaboratively over time ⚖️ Balance Logic + Comfort: Good decisions blend math with personal confidence 🔄 Ongoing Partnership: Planning evolves as life and goals change For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

May 14, 2026Episode 32518 min

Memorial Day Reminder: What Does Real Financial Protection Look Like?

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment In this episode, Phil explores what financial protection really means beyond investments and returns. You’ll hear about how planning decisions impact the people you care about most and why preparation matters when life takes an unexpected turn. He highlights the key areas that often get overlooked until it’s too late, and what you can do now to avoid a potential disaster down the road. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🛡️ Protection First: Retirement planning is about protecting people, not just money 🏥 Life Insurance Role: Coverage can still matter even later in life 📄 Details Matter: Beneficiaries and documents must stay up to date ⏳ Longevity Risk: Care costs can impact both finances and family 🧭 Ongoing Guidance: A plan should be reviewed and adjusted over time For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

May 7, 2026Episode 32417 min

You've Managed Your Own Money Successfully - Why Would You Need an Advisor Now?

You’ve done a great job managing your money, so why change anything now? That’s the question Phil’s tackling in this episode. As retirement approaches, decisions get more permanent, and the margin for error gets smaller. This conversation is about understanding how the game changes and what it looks like to have the right kind of support in place. Because doing well up to this point doesn’t guarantee the next phase will be just as simple. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 This is a Different Game: Saving vs retirement income requires new strategy ⚠️ Higher Stakes: Mistakes matter more when income depends on it 🔄 More Complexity: Taxes, Social Security, and timing all interact 🤝 Advisor Role: Guidance helps navigate unfamiliar decisions 🔍 Vetting Matters: Finding the right fit is critical For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

April 23, 2026Episode 32315 min

Volunteering: The Best Investment You Might Make In Retirement

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), Phil talks about why volunteering is an important part of life, especially in retirement. Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from work. It's an opportunity to step toward the things you've always cared about, with more time and freedom than you've had in decades. National Volunteer Week is a good reminder that all of it can keep doing good long after your last day of work. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🇺🇸 National Volunteer Week: Celebrating the importance of volunteering 👐Volunteering Time: How giving your time can fill a void in retirement 🧠 Using Talents: Leveraging your skills in volunteering 🎁 Role of Treasure: How financial contributions fit into volunteering 📊 Tax-Efficient Volunteering: Strategies to maximize your giving For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

April 16, 2026Episode 32216 min

A New Proposal Might Cap Your Social Security Payments

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment A new proposal out of Washington is adding a fresh angle to the Social Security solvency debate. Today, Phil’s breaking down what's proposed, if it might cost you money in the future, and what questions it raises for anyone planning around Social Security right now. This proposal isn't law, and it may never be. But regarding Social Security… something has to give. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔍 The Details: Caps would primarily affect higher-income earners 👥 Who It Impacts: Most retirees may not feel any change at all ⚖️ Fairness Debate: Raises questions about equity vs sustainability 🌍 Bigger Picture: Social Security is already more generous than many countries 💡 Planning Insight: Your plan shouldn’t rely solely on government benefits For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

April 9, 2026Episode 32115 min

The Surprisingly Hard Part of Retirement Nobody Warns You About

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment Most retirement conversations focus on saving enough, but very few talk about what happens next. What if you’ve done everything right and still can’t bring yourself to spend the money? It’s more common than people admit, and it can quietly take away from the retirement you worked so hard to build. Phil breaks down why spending in retirement can feel so difficult- and how a well-built plan doesn’t just protect your money, it gives you permission to enjoy it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 😟 Fear Factor: The fear of running out can override even a strong plan 🔄 Income Shift: Transitioning from earning to drawing income takes adjustment 🧠 Behavioral Side: Habits built over decades don’t just switch off overnight ❤️ Emotional Weight: Guilt and uncertainty can impact spending decisions 🔁 Mindset Shift: Moving from saving to spending is a major transition For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

April 2, 2026Episode 32011 min

What Happens to Your Retirement When Your Income Isn't Predictable?

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment A listener recently made a career move that looks great on paper, but it left them wondering if their retirement savings strategy could keep up. The truth is, variable income and retirement savings can absolutely coexist, but it requires more intentionality, not less. Phil shares tips on how to build discipline around irregular income, navigate plan rules, and set realistic expectations so your retirement strategy stays on track. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔄 Career changes: Income shifts can impact retirement contribution consistency 📊Plan discipline: Rules and structure matter more with variable income ⚠️ Risk awareness: Avoid over-relying on uncertain bonuses and commissions 💰 Variable strategies: Use lump sums intentionally for retirement savings 🧭 Next steps: Build a plan that prioritizes consistency and accountability For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96 Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome