When the headlines scream and markets tumble, your instinct might be to do something. But what should you actually do when the market drops? In this episode, Jude walks through 4 key things to consider when your portfolio takes a hit.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Gut check: You may not be down as much as you think

⚖️ How diversification can help when the market takes a hit

🔁 Rebalancing & Roth conversions during downturns

💸 Why you should keep contributing

📵 Turn off the news and stop doomscrolling

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

Annuities are often misunderstood- some see them as a financial nightmare, while others consider them a key part of a well-rounded portfolio. So, what exactly are they? And can they offer any tax advantages?

Jude is here to break it all down- how annuities work, their tax implications, and when they might fit into a retirement strategy.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:07 – What is an annuity?

3:40 – Types of annuities

6:19 – Advantages of annuities

8:34 – Disadvantages and fees

15:09 – When might an annuity be a good fit?

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and early investor in Facebook, reportedly grew his Roth IRA to a jaw-dropping $5 billion- completely tax-free. But how did he do it? And more importantly, can everyday investors use similar strategies to maximize their own retirement savings?

In this episode, Jude Wilson and Marc Killian break down the "Rocket Roth" strategy- an approach that goes beyond basic diversification to optimize where your investments are placed for maximum tax efficiency and growth.

Could your Roth IRA be working harder for you? Let’s discuss what it means to rocket your Roth!

Here's what we discuss in today's show:

1:21 – Peter Thiel’s backstory

2:35 – Asset location and diversification

4:41 – Reallocating assets for maximum growth

6:44 – Common mistakes and tax considerations

12:42 – What would you place in the “rocket Roth?”

Resources for this episode:

Tax Bomb Calculator: https://retirementtaxbill.com/?u=Z00xeHQrK3lieGhOMlYvdnlNSUIvQT09

Resources for this week's show: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/billionaire-investor-peter-thiel-has-5b-his-tax-free-retirement-n1272317

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That’s the question one of our listeners sent in after years of handling his portfolio solo. So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value?

In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professional guidance and when they’re probably fine on their own.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:45 – DIY investors

4:13 – Much more than investment advice

6:11 – Two client stories

7:56 – Relationships

10:06 – Life changes

13:08 – Showing our value

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

In this episode of The Roth Guy, Jude breaks down five crucial Roth conversion mistakes that could derail your retirement strategy. For example, many investors rush into conversions without considering the tax implications, often converting too much in a single year and inadvertently pushing themselves into a higher tax bracket. Jude explains how this mistake can trigger a "domino effect," leading to unexpected costs like increased Medicare premiums due to IRMAA surcharges.

We also discuss why paying conversion taxes from the wrong account can reduce long-term growth and how misunderstanding the five-year rule could result in penalties if funds are withdrawn too soon. Beyond these key mistakes, we’ll discuss the importance of having a well-planned tax strategy to make Roth conversions as effective as possible.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

0:53 – Converting too much in a year

4:14 – Impact on Medicare premiums

6:22 – Funding Roth conversions

7:47 – The five-year rule

8:47 – Having an overall tax strategy

Resources for this episode:

Tax management journey document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SlEkVuxijRceUcTnkzdqggs2_ATNrBrZ/view?usp=sharing

The Tax Bomb website

https://thetaxbomb.com/

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

Inflation has been a hot topic for years, and it's still a major concern as we move through 2025. While some reports suggest that inflation rates are decreasing, many consumers continue to feel the financial pinch. Because of this, inflation’s impact on retirement planning could be bigger than ever. In this episode, we’ll explore how to adjust your retirement strategy to stay ahead.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:24 – The rate of inflation to account for

6:43 – Planning for inflation and market downturns

10:47 – Factoring in taxes when planning for retirement

Resources for this episode:

Check out the Bucket Plan & Tax Funnels Diagrams mentioned in today’s show:

https://centrusfs.com/resources/#downloads-resources

S&P 500 Average Returns and Historical Performance for the 2000s:

https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042415/what-average-annual-return-sp-500.asp

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

Welcome to 2025! In this episode of The Roth Guy, Jude and Marc kick off the new year with an essential financial checklist to help you start the year on the right foot. They discuss strategies to stay proactive, avoid costly mistakes, and make the most of your financial planning opportunities.

With insights on everything from reviewing your investment portfolios to navigating the latest contribution limit updates, they’ll help you stay ahead of the curve.

Happy New Year!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:03 – Recap of last year’s market performance

2:45 – Proactive financial planning for 2025

5:04 – Investment portfolios and tax efficiency

7:41 – New Year contribution limits and savings opportunities

10:10 – Balancing retirement contributions and tax deductions

12:10 – HSAs and their benefits

13:19 – Insurance and estate planning reviews

14:25 – Creating a financial action plan for 2025

Important Tax Numbers 2025 PDF

https://thetaxbomb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Important-Tax-Numbers-2025.pdf

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, your future, and your financial security.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

0:52 – The proposed change and potential impacts

4:30 – The potential 40% reduction in benefits

6:32 – Proactive planning and the need for change

12:46 – Talking to a professional who understands Social Security

Connect:

Website: https://centrusfs.com/podcast/

Call: 800-779-4592

Schedule your complimentary review with Jude: https://calendly.com/centruscalendar-/30min

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyRZhgLenTC49qNZH9mEuQ/