Wondering when to start taking Social Security? In this episode of Cornerstone Clips, Matt breaks down the pros and cons of claiming benefits early versus delaying, using the age 78 break-even point as a key decision factor. Learn how longevity, investment returns, and part-time work can impact your strategy.
Think beneficiary designations are just a formality? Think again. In this quick video, Beau Ruff explains how these simple selections can override your will, impact your estate plan, and affect how your assets are distributed. Learn the importance of keeping them up to date—especially for retirement accounts, trusts, and minor children—and how they can provide flexibility or create complications.
Washington state has published its estate tax threshold for 2024. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t changed from 2023. When learning about the estate …
If you're approaching retirement, understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) is essential. In this quick video, Katie Mulhausen explains when and why the IRS requires you to start withdrawing from your retirement accounts, how RMDs are calculated, and what your options are—including how to reduce your tax burden with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Get clarity on a key part of retirement planning!
In this episode of Cornerstone Clips, Joel Ockey breaks down the key differences between pretax and Roth retirement contributions—and how to decide which one fits your financial goals. Learn how pretax contributions can reduce your taxable income today, while Roth contributions offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Whether you're planning for a lower tax bracket in the future or aiming for long-term tax-free growth, this quick guide will help you make a more informed decision.
In this episode of Cornerstone Clips, Joel Ockey breaks down the essentials of Roth conversions—what they are, how they work, and when they might make sense for your retirement strategy. Learn the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, how converting can lock in today’s tax rates, and why having cash on hand to cover taxes is crucial. If you're looking to reduce future tax burdens and grow your retirement savings tax-free, this strategy might be worth exploring.
In this episode of Cornerstone Clips, Certified Financial Planner Tyler Scott walks you through the fundamentals of retirement planning—no matter where you are in life. Whether you're just starting to save, approaching retirement, or already enjoying it, Tyler explains how a personalized strategy, clear goals, and powerful tools like WealthVision can help you build a flexible, future-ready plan. From gathering your financial data to running “what-if” scenarios, this video shows how retirement planning is a process—not a one-time event.
In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Tyler Scott breaks down the essentials of income planning—the art of recreating your paycheck in retirement. From identifying your essential vs. discretionary expenses to coordinating income from 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, Social Security, and pensions, Tyler explains how to build a flexible, tax-efficient plan that supports your lifestyle through market ups and downs.
Naming a beneficiary on your investment account might seem like a smart way to avoid probate—but it could actually disrupt your estate plan. In this video, Beau Ruff explains why removing transfer-on-death (TOD) designations from non-retirement accounts can improve estate liquidity, simplify asset distribution, and ensure your will works as intended. Learn how centralized control and thoughtful planning can better serve your heirs and your legacy.
