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The Perfect Retirement Plan?

The Perfect Retirement Plan?

By: Phillip Smith
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About this listen

The Perfect Retirement Plan? is a biweekly podcast hosted by Phillip Smith, financial planner with Tidepool Wealth Strategies. Designed for late-career professionals nearing retirement, the show delivers concise, actionable insights on managing cash flow, minimizing lifetime taxes, protecting what matters most, and creating adaptive investment strategies. Using a mix of attempted humor, relatable stories, and practical advice, Phillip aims to help listeners craft a retirement plan tailored to their unique goals and evolving journey, emphasizing that the perfect retirement plan is the one you act on.

You can learn more about Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF (Financial Planner), Tidepool Wealth Strategies, and how we serve our valued clients at:
https://www.tidepoolwealth.com/

or by connecting with Phillip on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tidepoolwealth/

You can also connect directly with Phillip at phillip.smith@ceterawealth.com.

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//Disclosures://
This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used for any other purpose. The views depicted in this material should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual, are not intended to be financial, tax, or legal advice and are not representative of Tidepool Wealth Strategies or Cetera Advisor Networks LLC. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a financial, tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

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.

Our office address is 450 Country Club Road Suite 350 Eugene Oregon 97401. Securities and advisory services are offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and the S I P C. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

© 2025 The Perfect Retirement Plan?
Economics Personal Development Personal Finance Personal Success
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Episodes
  • Will I Run Out of Money in Retirement? (And 4 Other Fears That Keep Retirees Up at Night)
    May 16 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Will Medicare Really Cover All My Healthcare Expenses in Retirement?
    May 9 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • How Can I Avoid a Tax Bomb in Retirement?
    May 1 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins

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