Thinking about retiring DIY-style because “why pay 1% for something I’ve managed for decades?” In this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan? podcast, Phillip Smith, financial planner and Marine Corps veteran, asks the hard question: Do you really save money going solo, or does a skilled financial advisor quietly pay for themselves?

We dive into why late-career professionals love the do-it-yourself approach, then expose hidden costs: tax drag, behavioral mistakes, sequence-of-returns risk, and decision fatigue backed by Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha, DALBAR, and Russell Investments data. Discover where a fiduciary advisor creates real-world value: integrated tax planning, Social Security timing, Roth conversion strategy, Medicare IRMAA avoidance, and “money bouncer” behavioral coaching.

You’ll learn about the “time dividend” of outsourcing, a five-point self-assessment to decide if DIY still makes sense, and practical action steps to map your financial ecosystem this month. Perfect for high-income Gen X and Baby Boomers searching “do I need a financial advisor,” “DIY retirement planning,” or “advisor fee vs value.”

Hit play, subscribe, and ring the bell to get future episodes on retirement income, tax efficiency, investment strategy, and estate planning. Share with anyone wrestling with the advisor question, and always feel free to connect with Phillip at phillip.smith@ceterawealth.com.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are you getting the most out of your Health Savings Account (HSA)? In this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan?, titled “How Do I Maximize My HSA for Retirement?,” financial planner Phillip Smith of Tidepool Wealth Strategies walks late-career professionals (ages 55–65) through the powerful, often-overlooked features of the HSA, and how to use it as a tax-advantaged retirement tool. You’ll learn how to avoid common HSA myths, understand 2025 eligibility rules and contribution limits, and discover how investing your HSA (instead of parking it in cash) could grow your account into a six-figure healthcare war chest.

Phillip shares the “delayed reimbursement” hack, explains how HSA rules shift at age 65, and unpacks the one-time IRA-to-HSA transfer that can give your balance a boost. If you’re looking to enhance your long-term retirement cash flow, lower your tax burden, and align healthcare spending with portfolio and estate planning goals, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Chapters

1. Introduction
2. HSA MythBusting: The Triple-Tax Trifecta
3. 2025 Limits & Eligibility
4. Investing Your HSA (Stop Parking It in Cash)
5. The Delayed Reimbursement Hack
6. Age 65 Perks & Rule Changes
7. The One-Time IRA-to-HSA Transfer
8. Action Steps & Closing

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Just inherited a traditional IRA and dreading the 10‑year payout rule? Episode 17 of The Perfect Retirement Plan? podcast shows you how to shrink that looming tax bill instead of sacrificing your windfall.

Phillip Smith, Marine‑turned‑financial‑planner at Tidepool Wealth Strategies, unpacks the SECURE Act’s 10‑Year Rule, then introduces his IRA‑to‑401(k) Conduit strategy, a tax-efficient way to offset taxable inherited‑IRA withdrawals with boosted pre‑tax 401(k) contributions. You’ll hear a clear step‑by‑step example, learn how to avoid bracket creep, discover why HSA contributions add an extra tax shield, and spot common pitfalls late‑career professionals face when inheritances collide with peak earnings. Whether you’re 55, 60, or a high‑income Gen X executor, this episode delivers practical, tax‑savvy tactics to keep more of your legacy working toward retirement goals.

Hit play to master inherited‑IRA distribution planning, Roth conversion timing, 401(k) contribution limits, and proactive tax management. Then subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss new insights on retirement income, Social Security optimization, Medicare costs, and investment strategy. Know someone Googling “avoid taxes on inherited IRA?” This episode may offer some help!

#InheritedIRA #RetirementPlanning #TaxPlanning #Retirement Advice #TaxesInRetirement

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are spiraling healthcare bills, a sudden market crash, or a nasty tax bite keeping you up at night? In Episode 16 of The Perfect Retirement Plan? podcast, Phillip Smith, CFP® (Oregon‑based wealth manager, Marine veteran, and host) dissects the five biggest retirement fears: outliving your savings, skyrocketing medical costs, portfolio‑crushing bear markets, loss of identity after work, and stealthy retirement taxes. Packed with statistics (current as of 2024), real client stories, and and a little humor, this deep‑dive delivers actionable tactics late‑career professionals can use right now. Discover sustainable withdrawal guardrails, Roth conversion timing, bucket strategies, Medicare & Medigap cost planning, tax‑efficient IRA and 401(k) rollover moves, and a simple “purpose portfolio” approach that keeps life meaningful long after the paycheck stops. If you’re 55–65 and wondering, “Will I run out of money in retirement?”, hit play, and then sleep a little easier knowing you’ve got a roadmap.

#RetirementPlanning #RetirementFears #RetirementAdvice #FinancialAdvice

🎧 Listen now, share with a friend, and smash Subscribe (plus the notification bell) so you never miss future episodes on retirement income planning, tax efficiency, investment strategy, Social Security optimization, and legacy building. Visit TidepoolWealth.com for more resources. ​

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Curious whether Medicare alone will cover all your healthcare expenses in retirement? In this episode, Phillip addresses the pressing questions late-career professionals (ages 55–65) have about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Uncover the biggest coverage gaps - like dental, vision, hearing, and out-of-country healthcare - and learn how Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies can help shield you from crippling out-of-pocket costs.

Phillip also explores the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans and why network restrictions, changing benefits, and possible out-of-pocket surprises could impact your retirement strategy. Plus, discover why long-term care expenses aren’t covered under Medicare and how you might plan or budget for nursing home and in-home care. With an emphasis on Oregon-based retirees but helpful to anyone seeking clarity, this episode breaks down the choices you must make to protect your future. Ready to maintain your lifestyle and minimize the risk of unforeseen medical bills? Tune in now, and learn how well-informed Medicare decisions can keep your retirement plan on track!

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:25) Medicare Basics: Parts A, B, C, and D
• (2:21) Gaps & Surprises: What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
• (5:25) Medigap Plans: How to Fill Coverage Gaps
• (7:17) Medicare Advantage: Pros & Cons
• (8:36) Long-Term Care Considerations
• (9:31) Action Steps
• (10:24) Closing

#Medicare #RetirementAdvice #RetirementPlanning #GettingReadytoRetire

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Discover how to avoid one of retirement’s biggest threats: the dreaded “tax bomb.” Phillip unpacks the hidden triggers that can derail your financial future. Learn why Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Social Security timing, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, “Widow Bomb” tax brackets, and delayed Roth conversions can all converge to raise your tax bill unexpectedly. Phillip also explains why a proactive strategy is vital to minimize the lifetime tax burden on your 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts. If you’re approaching retirement (age 55–65) and want guidance on tax planning, estate planning, or portfolio management, this episode offers practical tips on defusing high taxes before they strike. You’ll walk away with insights into the best time for Roth conversions, managing withdrawals to keep your bracket in check, and strategic Social Security decisions that can save you thousands. Don’t let hidden tax traps ruin your retirement. Tune in for a clear roadmap on how to preserve more of your hard-earned savings.

Episode Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Roadmap for the Episode
3. What Is a Tax Bomb & Why It Happens
4. Retirement Tax Bomb Triggers (RMDs, Social Security, Widow Bomb, IRMAA)
5. Strategies to Defuse the Bomb
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
7. Action Steps
8. Closing

#TaxPlanning #RetirementAdvice #RetirementPlanning #RMDs #FinancialAdvice

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are you among the millions of Americans who’ve left an old 401(k) behind with a former employer? In this episode, Philip Smith, a financial planner at Tidepool Wealth Strategies in Oregon, explores the crucial steps late-career professionals (ages 55–65) should consider before ignoring a potentially major part of their retirement savings. Learn why these “forgotten” accounts can potentially sabotage your long-term goals through unnecessary fees, poor investment choices, and lost growth opportunities. Discover the four key options (leaving your 401(k) in place, rolling it into a new employer’s plan, transferring it into an IRA, or cashing it out) and why the last choice can be especially costly in terms of taxes and penalties. Philip also covers 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and other retirement plans, offering insights on risk management, tax planning, and portfolio management for professionals looking to optimize their future cash flow. If you’ve ever wondered how to locate old accounts or combine multiple retirement plans for simplicity and reduced fees, this episode provides the answers. Tune in for valuable, actionable advice on consolidating your nest egg and keeping your retirement strategy on track.

#401k #403b #retirementplanning #retirementadvice

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are you nearing retirement and wondering whether you’re truly ready to leave the workforce? In this episode titled “How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Retire? 5 Benchmarks You Shouldn’t Ignore,” Phillip offers professional guidance to help late-career professionals (ages 55-65) assess their retirement readiness.

This essential episode covers five critical benchmarks, from savings milestones and budgeting considerations to debt management, emergency funds, and emotional preparedness. Learn how to test-drive your retirement budget, explore dynamic withdrawal strategies, and minimize tax exposure with effective risk and portfolio management. If you’re looking for clarity on retirement timelines, estate planning, or cash flow optimization, this episode provides actionable insights to help you better prepare to retire with confidence.

Episode Chapters
• Introduction (0:00)
• Savings Milestones (1:36)
• Budget & Cash Flow (3:38)
• Debt Management (4:51)
• Emergency Fund (6:29)
• Emotional Preparedness (8:20)
• Action Steps (9:43)

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes packed with tailored advice for people nearing retirement across the U.S., primarily focused on serving Oregon residents.

Tune in and begin to cultivate a resilient retirement plan.

#RetirementPlanning #RetirementHelp #RetirementSavings #FinancialPlanning #Retirees

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.