The Roth Guy with Jude Wilson

5 Ways Wishful Thinking Can Damage Your Retirement (Part 2)

Wishful thinking feels comforting, but in retirement planning, it can quietly sabotage your future. In this second installment, Jude breaks down five more dangerous assumptions people make when planning for their golden years. From relying too much on Social Security to assuming Medicare will handle long-term care, this episode challenges listeners to face financial realities with clarity and strategy.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🚫 Common planning mistakes and false beliefs
🏠 Downsizing might not free up the cash you expect
👨‍👩‍👧 Counting on your kids? Think again
💵 Social Security might not stretch far enough
🧯 Putting out fires before it’s too late
Retirement Tax Bill Calculator
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/

5 Ways Wishful Thinking Can Damage Your Retirement (Part 1)

A little hope is good for the soul, but when it comes to retirement planning, wishful thinking can lead to serious financial mistakes. Today, we’re walking through 5 common examples of wishful thinking that can quietly damage your retirement and how you can build a plan that protects your future instead of relying on luck. From relying on outdated rules of thumb to underestimating healthcare costs, these are the “harmless” beliefs that can become costly mistakes if left unchecked. 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💸 Why “living off interest” no longer works📉 The risk of retiring into a market downturn📊 The myth of being in a lower tax bracket later in life🏥 The hidden costs of long-term care💰 Why your spending might not go down after all
Retirement Tax Bill Calculator
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/

What To Do When The Market Drops

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 They Tax Beneficial?

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/

Rocket Your Roth: Lessons from Peter Thiel’s Wealth Strategy

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/

Do Smart Investors Need a Financial Planner?

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/

5 Huge Roth Conversion Mistakes To Avoid

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-Proof Your Retirement In 2025

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/

Kickstart Your 2025 Financial Plan: New Year Checklist!

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/

Is Social Security Changing? A New Proposal You Need To Know About

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/