MOKAN Wealth Management

12/31/2025

They had $2.3 million saved and still didn’t know if they could retire.

A couple came to us—age 60 and 62. Same advisor for 12 years.

But they had no clear answers to questions like:

When can we retire comfortably?

How much can we safely spend each year?

When should we claim Social Security?

What’s our plan for healthcare?

Their advisor had focused on performance and pie charts. But never connected the dots to show them how to actually use their money in retirement.

That’s the difference between having a portfolio and having a retirement plan.

Here are the 7 questions your advisor should help you answer before you retire:

1. When can I comfortably retire?

2. How much can I safely spend?

3. When should I claim Social Security?

4. What order do I take withdrawals from my accounts?

5. Should I be doing Roth conversions—and when?

6. How should I invest as I near retirement?

7. What’s the plan for healthcare and Medicare?

If you don’t have clear answers to these, it might be time for a second opinion.

Build your dream retirement with Guardrails: https://www.mokanwealth.com/get-started=========================================Timestamps:=====================...

06/19/2025

Mike is 57.
His goal?
Retire at 61 and live on $8,500/month with confidence and control.

Here’s the strategy we built together:

✅ Spend from Roth and after-tax accounts first
→ Keeps MAGI low and gives him more control over what shows up on his tax return

✅ Claim Social Security at 62
→ Locks in early income and reduces pressure on his portfolio

✅ Run annual Roth conversions
→ Not just to “fill a bracket,” but to reduce future RMDs and avoid Medicare (IRMAA) surcharges later on

This approach gives Mike more freedom in the early years…
And more control in the later ones.

Because retirement isn’t just about income.
It’s about making smart, intentional moves now, that pay off for decades to come.

This post is general education, not financial advice.

01/01/2025

Sarah, 62, is ramping up her retirement savings in 2025 with the new enhanced catch-up contribution of $11,250 for her 401(k). This means she can contribute a total of $34,750 this year! 🚀

This boost is a game-changer, helping Sarah significantly grow her nest egg and secure her financial future as she approaches retirement. 🌟

If you're in your early 60s, now is the time to take advantage of these opportunities!

📺 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L4aa4RqcL8

12/31/2024

2025 brings game-changing updates to 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA contribution limits thanks to the Secure Act 2.0. 🚀

💡 What You Need to Know:

- New 401(k) limit: $23,500 (+$7,500 catch-up for 50+)
- Special catch-up for ages 60-63: $11,250 = up to $34,750/year!
- Backdoor Roth IRA strategies still available for high-income earners.
- IRA limits unchanged ($7,000, or $8,000 with catch-up for 50+).

🎯 Don’t wait to ramp up your retirement savings! Start planning now to take full advantage of these opportunities and let compounding do the heavy lifting.

📺 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L4aa4RqcL8

12/29/2024

Got $1 million+ saved in your 401(k)s and IRAs? 🏦 Let’s talk Roth conversions and why they could be a game-changer for your retirement strategy.

I know it might sound like financial mumbo jumbo, but stick with me—this could be the most important eight minutes you spend on your finances this week.

👉 Start with the basics and discover how this move could impact your taxes, income, and financial future.

💬 Want to know if this strategy is right for you? Let’s dive deeper into your unique retirement puzzle. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmQbOEi5dE

12/28/2024

You’ve heard it before: diversify your investments. But what about your retirement income streams?

Think of it like a balanced diet. You wouldn’t eat the same thing every day for 30 years, right? 🥗🍕🍎

By having both traditional and Roth accounts, you give yourself options. In years when expenses are high, you can pull from your Roth account without bumping into a higher tax bracket.

It’s like a financial buffet—take exactly what you need, when you need it.

💬 Want to know if this strategy is right for you? Let’s dive deeper into your unique retirement puzzle. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmQbOEi5dE

12/27/2024

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are Uncle Sam’s way of saying, “It’s time to pay up!” Starting at age 73, you’re forced to withdraw from your traditional IRA—even if you don’t need the money.

But here’s the beauty of a Roth IRA: No RMDs. 🙌 You can leave your money invested, let it grow, and enjoy more control over your tax bracket in retirement.

More growth. Less stress. Greater flexibility. Who doesn’t want that?

💬 Want to know if this strategy is right for you? Let’s dive deeper into your unique retirement puzzle. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmQbOEi5dE

12/26/2024

Did you know your income can impact your Medicare premiums? Higher income from tax-deferred accounts could mean higher Part B and D premiums—for life. 😱

Here’s the kicker: Roth IRA withdrawals don’t count toward this calculation. 🎉

By converting some of your traditional IRA money to a Roth before retirement, you could lower your taxable income and keep your Medicare premiums in check. Think of it as giving your future self a healthcare discount! 🩺💰

💬 Want to know if this strategy is right for you? Let’s dive deeper into your unique retirement puzzle. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmQbOEi5dE

12/25/2024

While none of us have a crystal ball 🪄, history shows us that taxes can—and do—rise. In the 1970s, the top marginal tax rate hit a staggering 70%!

By doing a Roth conversion now, you're locking in today’s tax rates, protecting your retirement savings from potential future hikes. Think of it as insurance for your financial future 🛡️.

Why wait and risk paying more later when you can plan smarter today? 💡

💬 Want to know if this strategy is right for you? Let’s dive deeper into your unique retirement puzzle. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmQbOEi5dE

12/24/2024

If you’ve got $1M+ saved in 401(k)s or IRAs, this might be the most important financial advice you hear all week. 💡

A Roth conversion is like pre-paying taxes on your retirement savings now to enjoy tax-free withdrawals later.

Here are 6 reasons why Roth conversions could be your retirement game changer:
1️⃣ Tax-Free Withdrawals
2️⃣ No Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
3️⃣ Hedge Against Tax Hikes
4️⃣ Diversify Income Streams
5️⃣ Estate Planning Perks
6️⃣ Lower Medicare Premiums

Roth conversions aren’t just about timing your taxes; they’re about future-proofing your retirement. 🌟

💬 Want to know if this strategy is right for you? Let’s dive deeper into your unique retirement puzzle. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmQbOEi5dE

12/22/2024

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is a key feature of Social Security benefits that ensures your payments keep up with inflation. 📈

✅ Adjusted annually based on the federal consumer price index.
✅ Protects your benefits from losing value over time.
✅ In 2025, beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments.

COLA acts like inflation protection, helping you maintain your purchasing power in retirement.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1OitUGzbU

12/21/2024

Did You Know You Can Claim Social Security Benefits Based on an Ex-Spouse's Record?

Here’s what you need to know:
✅ The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years.
✅ You need to be 62 or older and currently unmarried.
✅ You can claim up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s benefit.
⚠️ Claiming before your full retirement age will reduce the amount.

This can be a helpful option for those who meet the requirements, so it’s worth exploring as part of your retirement planning.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1OitUGzbU