Without a comprehensive financial plan that accounts for taxes, income strategies, and long-term goals, it's easy to overlook opportunities that could significantly impact your financial future. The reality is that even strong investment returns can be undermined by inefficient planning, leading to unnecessary taxes, missed opportunities, and less control in retirement.

In this episode, Derek Gregoire is joined by Alina Osokhovska, Certified Financial Planner™, to explore the true role of financial planning and why it goes far beyond portfolio management. With deep expertise in tax strategies and long-term planning, Alina shares how thoughtful, proactive planning can help clients align their investments with their goals while navigating an ever-changing financial landscape.

Together, they break down the different types of tax-advantaged accounts, including pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax strategies, and explain how each can play a role in building a more efficient retirement plan.

They also discuss the importance of tax diversification, how accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, 529 plans, and HSAs fit into a broader strategy, and why ongoing planning is essential to adapt to changes in tax laws and personal circumstances.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why financial planning goes far beyond investments and serves as the foundation for reaching your long-term goals.
• How pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax accounts differ and how each impacts your taxes in retirement.
• Why tax diversification is critical to maintaining flexibility and minimizing unnecessary taxes over time.
• How inefficient tax planning can reduce your retirement income just as much as market losses.
• The role of accounts like 401(k)s, 529 plans, and HSAs within a comprehensive financial strategy.
• Why financial planning is an ongoing process that must adapt to changes in tax laws, income, and personal goals.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

For many people, investing money into a 401(k) is the foundation of their retirement. Unfortunately, most investors don't fully understand how these plans work or how to take full advantage of them. From contribution limits to employer matches and tax strategies, small decisions made today can have a significant impact on your long-term financial future. Without a clear understanding, it's easy to miss opportunities and make costly mistakes that could affect your income in retirement.

In this episode, SHP co-founder Matthew Peck is once again joined by SHP's Raphael Hanna to break down the fundamentals of 401(k) planning. With years of experience helping clients navigate retirement strategies, Raphael shares practical insights into how these plans function and how to approach them with a long-term perspective.

Together, they walk through the key components of a 401(k), including how to determine your contribution amount, how employer matching and vesting schedules work, and the differences between pre-tax and Roth contributions. They highlight common pitfalls to avoid and how proactive planning can help you maximize your retirement savings, giving you greater confidence as you approach retirement.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• The importance of fully understanding your 401(k) as it has replaced traditional pensions for many people.
• How to determine the right contribution amount based on your income, expenses, and long-term goals.
• How employer matching and vesting schedules work and why leaving early could mean losing valuable benefits.
• The key differences between pre-tax and Roth 401(k) contributions and how each impacts your taxes over time.
• Why tax diversification across pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax accounts can provide more flexibility in retirement.
• What to consider when rolling over a 401(k) or using in-service distributions to gain more control over your investments.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

SHP Financial Co-Founder, Matt Peck, CFP®, CIMA®, and Lead Advisor, Laura Russo, sit down for their quarterly market update. Matt and Laura will take a look back at Q1, discuss the current state of the markets, where we are headed, and what this means for your future and finances. They'll also address key questions submitted by our clients. Visit shpfinancial.com for more information!