Boise Retirement Coach

09/02/2026

Bill wanted an extra $1,000 out of his IRA for a concert road trip. He figured he was in the 22% bracket, so he expected to owe about $220 in tax.

He actually owed $407.

Here's why: once you're on Social Security, an extra IRA withdrawal doesn't just get taxed at your normal bracket. It can also pull more of your Social Security benefit into taxable income at the same time. So what looked like a 22% decision quietly became a 40% hit.

The number on your tax bracket is not the number you pay on your next dollar. If you're taking Social Security and still making withdrawals, know the real cost before you pull the money.

Have you ever had a withdrawal cost more than you expected? Tell me about it below.

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/29/2026

What is the most valuable gift you have to give to a loved one?

Is it an heirloom? A favorite collection? A car? A home?

Or is it something less tangible, such as an understanding of the values you have lived by?

Peggy's newest blog reflects on Jim Stovall's novel "The Ultimate Gift" and the twelve assignments Red Stevens designed for his grandson Jason.

Over the course of a year, Jason begins to value hard work over shortcuts, real relationships over status, and contribution over consumption.

By the end, Jason understands that the ultimate gift isn't the money itself, but the character, wisdom, and purpose he gained through the process.

Most families cannot stage anything so elaborate. But you can start by naming the qualities you hope your loved ones carry forward.
Read Peggy's full reflection on legacy and values: https://www.boiseretirementcoach.com/what-is-your-ultimate-gift

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/28/2026

Would you rather pay a penalty or get a bonus? 💰

That's the real question behind Social Security timing — and most people don't think about it this way.

In this short clip, Boise Retirement Coach Peggy Farnworth explains why taking Social Security early means paying a penalty, while delaying means earning a bonus on your monthly benefit.

It's a simple shift in perspective that can make a big difference in your retirement income.

👉 Learn more at www.boiseretirementcoach.com or schedule your free consultation today!

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/25/2026

What legacy are you building?🎁

In the movie "The Ultimate Gift," a grandfather sends his grandson on a journey to learn the gift of work, the gift of money, and the gift of problems — because he wants to leave him more than money. He wants to leave him character.

Not everyone can go to those lengths. But we can all be intentional about passing on our values alongside our wealth.

Watch Peggy's take on what a truly lasting legacy looks like, and if you're ready to plan for both the financial and personal sides of your legacy, we'd love to talk.

Read the full breakdown on the blog (link in comments) 👇

📞 (208) 343-7777
🌐 boiseretirementcoach.com



Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/22/2026

A market drop in your first year of retirement can feel terrifying. 📉

Here's why: when you're still working, it's easier to just wait a downturn out. But once you're retired and pulling income from your accounts, selling after a drop can lock in losses you don't get back.

The goal isn't to predict every market drop — it's to have a plan before one happens.

If you're nearing retirement or newly retired, let's talk about a strategy for where your income comes from in any market.

📞 (208) 343-7777
🌐 boiseretirementcoach.com

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/19/2026

Here's something that surprises a lot of retirees: your Social Security benefits may be taxable.

Peggy explains how it works. If Social Security is your only income, you owe zero in taxes. But once you add other income sources, a portion of your benefit gets included in your taxable income:

• Combined income $35K–$45K (married filing jointly) → 50% of your benefit is included
• Combined income over $45K → 85% of your benefit is included

Understanding this is the first step to minimizing your tax position in retirement.

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/14/2026

Most people think retirement planning is something you do when you're close to retiring. But the honest answer? Start ten years earlier than you think.

The decade before retirement is the most critical financial window of your life. It's when you should be maximizing contributions, paying down debt, thinking about healthcare, stress testing your plan, and shifting your investments from aggressive growth to something more conservative and protected.

But it's not just financial. It's also when you should be asking the personal questions — What will your days look like? Where will you live? What will give your life meaning and structure?

The people who walk into retirement with confidence aren't the ones who figured it out the year before. They're the ones who spent the previous decade being intentional — financially, emotionally, and personally.

Wherever you are right now — five years out, ten years out, or already there — the best time to get serious about your retirement plan is today.

At Boise Retirement Coach, we will meet you exactly where you are, whether retirement is two years away or 15. Let's build your roadmap together. 👇


Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/12/2026

How to Avoid the 10% Early Distribution Penalty on IRA and Retirement Accounts

Withdrawing money from an IRA or retirement account before age 59½ can trigger a 10% early distribution penalty in addition to ordinary income taxes.

Fortunately, the IRS provides several exceptions that may allow you to avoid the penalty if you meet specific requirements.
Congress, in their benevolence, decided there were 21 exceptions for retirement distributions that would not be subject to the 10% penalty tax.

Which of the exceptions to the 10% early distribution penalty may be of benefit to you?

Read the full article to find out:
https://www.boiseretirementcoach.com/how-to-avoid-the-10-early-distribution-penalty-on-ira-and-retirement-accounts

Learn when IRA and retirement account withdrawals may qualify for exceptions to the IRS 10% early distribution penalty and avoid costly mistakes.

08/11/2026

Did you know there's a limit on how much you can earn while collecting Social Security?

Peggy breaks down the annual earnings test — the rule that affects anyone who's collecting benefits and still working part-time.

• You can earn up to $24,480 without losing any benefits
• For every $2 over the limit, you lose $1 of benefits
• Your benefit still gets adjusted upward at full retirement age
• If you don't report your income and they find out, they will stop your payments until you repay the difference

Understanding this rule can save you from a big surprise.


Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.

08/08/2026

Peggy explains that for some people, delaying from their full retirement age to 70 can mean as much as $1,000 more per month. That adds up fast over a 20+ year retirement.

• Single individuals have the most flexibility to wait
• Delaying to 70 locks in the highest possible benefit
• The right timing depends on your income, health, and goals

Take a look at your numbers before you decide.


Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.