Fontana Financial Planning

09/01/2026

How should you think about asset allocation? One simple way is to look at three numbers: 10%, 6%, and 3%.

In this Short, we break down a simplified way to think about owning companies, lending to companies, and holding cash—and what happens when you account for inflation. The numbers become 7%, 3%, and 0%.

09/01/2026

The years between retiring and taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can be one of the most valuable tax-planning windows you’ll ever have.

Your income may temporarily drop, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should simply wait to start taking money from your retirement accounts.

Strategic planning during this window can potentially help you:

• Manage future RMDs
• Take advantage of lower tax brackets
• Execute Roth conversions
• Reduce future tax burdens
• Coordinate Social Security and Medicare planning
• Create a more tax-efficient retirement income strategy

The key is planning before you’re forced to take distributions.

🎥 Watch the reel to learn why the “retirement tax planning window” can be so valuable.

08/30/2026

Could You Legally Pay $0 in Taxes on $148,400 of Retirement Income?

Yes—under the right circumstances, it’s possible.

But just because you can pay $0 in taxes doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

In our latest video, we break down how tax planning can potentially allow retirees to receive $148,400 of retirement income while paying $0 in federal income tax—and why intentionally paying some taxes today could actually lead to a better long-term outcome.

Watch the full video to see how the strategy works and what retirees should consider before chasing a $0 tax bill.

How to Legally Pay $0 in Taxes on $148,400 of Retirement Income (And Why You May Not Want To)

This retirement tax planning case study shows how a married retired...

08/30/2026

You’re 60 and planning to retire. What moves should you make before and after retirement?

Retirement planning isn’t just about whether you have enough—it’s about making the right moves at the right time.

In this video, we cover key strategies, including:

• Roth conversions
• Social Security timing
• Tax-efficient withdrawals
• Managing future RMDs
• Medicare & IRMAA planning
• Adjusting your investment strategy
• Estate planning

The decisions you make in your 60s can have a major impact on your taxes, income, and wealth for decades.

Retirement Planning at 60: Considerations with $3 Million in Investable Assets

Like what you see? Schedule an Introductory Call: https://calendl...

08/29/2026

How should you determine your asset allocation in retirement?

Your allocation shouldn’t be based solely on your age or a generic rule of thumb.

Your financial plan, withdrawal needs, and time horizon should all play a role in determining the appropriate mix of stocks, bonds, and cash.

🎥 Watch the video to learn how your financial plan can help guide your investment strategy.

Asset Allocation: How To Think About Stocks, Bonds & Cash

How should you think about stocks, bonds, and cash as you approach ...

08/27/2026

Is Social Security Going Bankrupt?

It’s one of the biggest questions facing today’s retirees—and future retirees.

What does Social Security’s financial outlook actually mean for your retirement? Could benefits be reduced? What should you be doing now to prepare?

In this episode of Cup of Bull, we break down what retirees need to know about the future of Social Security and how it could impact your retirement plan.

Is Social Security Going Bankrupt? What Retirees Need to Know | Cup of Bull Podcast

In this episode of Cup of Bull, hosts Michael Dunham and Patrick Fo...

08/26/2026

If you’re later in your career and have already accumulated a significant amount in pre-tax retirement accounts, it may be worth reconsidering where your next retirement dollars go.

In this example, we discuss why adding money to Roth or other tax-advantaged accounts can provide valuable tax diversification and potentially reduce the amount eventually subject to required minimum distributions.

The goal isn’t simply to accumulate more—it’s to be intentional about which tax buckets you’re building as retirement approaches.

08/24/2026

What did your financial advisor say when they reviewed your tax return?

How about your estate plan?

The financial planning landscape has changed dramatically and it is important to make sure you are getting the planning you deserve.

Download our complimentary guide, "5 Questions To Ask Your Financial Advisor" to ensure you are getting the value available in the current financial planning environment.

08/22/2026

In this retirement case study, we look at a hypothetical 60-year-old couple with $2 million in pre-tax retirement accounts and a substantial taxable investment account as they prepare for retirement.

We walk through several planning opportunities to consider both before and after retirement, including maximizing tax-advantaged accounts, Roth contributions and conversions, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving strategies, required minimum distributions, Social Security timing, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and qualified charitable distributions.

The key takeaway: having enough money to retire is only part of the equation. How you manage taxes, income, and retirement accounts in the years surrounding retirement can have a major impact on the long-term plan.

In this retirement case study, we look at a hypothetical 60-year-ol...

08/15/2026

Using a 529 to reimburse yourself for college expenses?

One important deadline can catch families off guard: the reimbursement generally needs to happen in the same calendar year as the qualified expense.

Plan your 529 reimbursements carefully to avoid an unnecessary tax issue.