The Roth Guy with Jude Wilson

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/

Your Year-End Planning Checklist: Close Out The Year Strong!

As the end of November approaches, it’s a great time to take a closer look at your financial plans and make any necessary tweaks to prepare for the year ahead. That’s why this week, Jude and Marc are sharing some financial items that you should be thinking about as the year winds down. Whether it’s reviewing your retirement contributions, exploring tax-saving strategies like QCDs, or tax-loss harvesting, let's make sure you're finishing the year on a high note.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:48 – The importance of tax loss harvesting
4:55 – Maximizing retirement contributions
8:23 – Optimizing tax brackets
10:29 – Charitable contributions and QCDs
12:41 – End of year savings and HSAs
16:02 – Bunching deductions
 
Get the "What Issues Should I Consider Before The End Of The Year?" Guide here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-uGZpXb4KdavKB2JEjolQot5xYIdZ7EM/view?usp=sharing
 
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/

Preparing For Rising Taxes: Tax Efficiency Through Tax Funnels

We talk about the ticking tax time bomb a lot on this show regarding the national deficit. It’s a reality we are faced with, and while it sounds scary, there are action steps that you can take to minimize the impact of potential future tax increases on you.
In this episode, Jude and Marc explore how tax efficiency funnels can be utilized to optimize your financial strategy and mitigate the risks associated with these rising taxes. Jude breaks down the three tax funnels- the pre-tax funnel, the post-tax funnel, and the tax-advantaged funnel- and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each.
With the Tax Cut and Jobs Act set to expire in 2025, the window for taking advantage of current low tax rates may be closing. It’s important to strategize now and prepare for the potential changes ahead. 
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
5:06 – The pre-tax funnel
7:05 – The post-tax funnel
8:37 – The tax-advantaged funnel
9:01 – Real-world example
13:24 – Potential expiry of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act
15:17 – Action steps you can take  
 
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/

The Truth About America’s Financial Health with Former US Comptroller General David Walker (Part 2)

We’re thrilled to be back with former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker for today’s show. With decades of experience serving under both Republican and Democratic administrations, Walker is here to share his expert insights on America's fiscal health.
Last episode, we focused on the U.S. national debt, fiscal responsibility, and the challenges posed by excessive government spending. Today, we’re covering some strategies that you can take to help protect yourself from potential economic challenges. Listen in as we talk about the importance of personal financial responsibility, including being debt-free, diversifying income streams, and planning for the long-term. We also discuss the critical role of leadership in addressing the national debt crisis.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:41 – What David learned on his bus tour
2:28 – What we can do + what David wants to see from government leadership
7:28 – Looking at your finances holistically
10:19 – David’s thoughts on recent Fed rate cuts
17:37 – Wrap up
 
More about David:
https://dbb.defense.gov/Board-Members/Board-Members-Bio-view/Article/3160065/
America in 2040:
https://americain2040.com/
Get your free copy of David’s new book: America in 2024 (while supplies last)
Text 941-269-2499
David’s Books:
America in 2024: Still A Superpower? A Pathway to Success
https://www.amazon.com/America-2040-Superpower-Pathway-Success/dp/1665500824
Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility
https://www.amazon.com/Comeback-America-Turning-Restoring-Responsibility/dp/0812980727
David on X
https://x.com/davidmwalker7
The Tax Bomb
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/

The Truth About America’s Financial Health with Former US Comptroller General David Walker (Part 1)

In this episode of The Roth Guy, we’re excited to welcome a very special guest, former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker. With decades of experience serving under both Republican and Democratic administrations, Walker is here to share his expert insights on America's fiscal health.
From the staggering national debt to the hidden tax of inflation, Walker breaks down complex economic issues in a way that's easy to understand and paints a sobering picture of what the future could look like if current trends continue. He warns that without significant changes, the US could face slower economic growth, increased taxation, and even the potential loss of the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency.
What can we do in light of this outlook? Join us for part 2, where we’ll explore actionable steps you can take to prepare for whatever lies ahead.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:38 – Current fiscal condition of the US
8:49 – The impact of fiscal imbalance on Americans
14:53 – Future financial challenges + stewardship
 
More about David:
https://dbb.defense.gov/Board-Members/Board-Members-Bio-view/Article/3160065/
David’s Books:
America in 2024: Still A Superpower? A Pathway to Success
https://www.amazon.com/America-2040-Superpower-Pathway-Success/dp/1665500824
Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility
https://www.amazon.com/Comeback-America-Turning-Restoring-Responsibility/dp/0812980727
David on X
https://x.com/davidmwalker7
The Tax Bomb
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/