The Roth Guy with Jude Wilson

Life Insurance Traps and Maximizing Your 401(k): Your Questions Answered!

In this episode, Jude tackles two listener questions from the mailbag, focusing on two of the most common retirement concerns: life insurance and investing. First up, what should you do if someone is pitching you a life insurance policy as an “investment”? Jude explains the pros, cons, and the middle ground between the extremes of “buy it all” and “avoid it completely.”
Jude also lays out the key questions you need to ask before signing on the dotted line and why your financial goals, not someone else’s agenda, should guide the decision. Then, Jude responds to a saver who has built up a sizable 401(k) balance but admits he doesn’t know what to do next.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📝 Not all life insurance is created equal
⚖️ Making financial decisions based on your goals
💰 A large 401(k) balance isn’t enough without strategy
🪣 How the “bucket plan” can help give your money purpose
🧘 Structure brings peace of mind
The Tax Bomb Calculator:
https://retirementtaxbill.com/?u=Z00xeHQrK3lieGhOMlYvdnlNSUIvQT09
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/

Finding the Sweet Spot: Roth vs. Traditional 401k

Choosing between a traditional 401k and a Roth 401k is one of the most common questions workers face today. With more employers now offering both options, many people default to a 50/50 split simply because they don’t know what else to do. But is that really the best strategy? And how do you figure out the right mix for your situation?
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🏦 Traditional 401k: tax deduction today, taxable withdrawals tomorrow
💡 Roth 401k: after-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals later
⚖️ Why a 50/50 split isn’t always optimal
📉 The “sweet spot” strategy: maximize deductions + future tax-free income
📊 Using standard deductions wisely to avoid giving money away
 
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/

Medicare 101: Avoid Costly Mistakes in 2025 with expert Kerwyn Jones

For many retirees, Medicare feels like a maze of rules, parts, and choices that only get more confusing the closer you get to age 65. In this episode, Jude is joined by Medicare specialist Kerwyn Jones to bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood pieces of retirement planning. Kerwyn explains the different parts of Medicare- what they cover, what they don’t, and the common pitfalls people make when signing up.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧩 Breaking down Medicare Parts A, B, C & D
💊 Understanding prescription drug coverage and gaps
💸 Avoiding costly enrollment mistakes
🛡️ Supplemental coverage: when and why it matters
👥 How Medicare coordinates with employer insurance
Learn more about Kerwyn and Jones Insurance Solutions
https://jisinsurance.com/about-us
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/

Roth IRA Q&A: Five-Year Rule, Income Limits & Conversion Mistakes

This week on the show, Jude answers some of the most common Roth IRA questions! First up: the Five-Year Rule. What does it really mean, how does it apply to contributions versus earnings, and why should you start the clock as soon as possible? Jude breaks it down in plain language with a reminder that waiting too long could delay your tax-free income in retirement. Next, Jude tackles two questions that often go hand in hand: what to do if you make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA, and whether you should convert your entire IRA all at once. 
 
Here are the questions we discuss in this episode:
💭 What is the Roth five-year rule?
💭 What if I make too much to contribute to a Roth?
💭 Should I convert my IRA to a Roth all at once?
 
Tax Bomb Calculator: www.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/

Big Beautiful Bill: Top 3 Retirement Tax Changes Explained

The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) passed on July 4th, bringing major changes that retirees and pre-retirees need to understand. In this episode, Jude breaks down the top 3 provisions most relevant to his clients and listeners: the permanent extension of marginal tax brackets, the increased standard deduction, and a new senior citizen deduction that could reduce taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees. These updates offer new opportunities for Roth conversions, long-term tax planning, and smarter retirement income strategies- if you know how to use them.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Marginal tax brackets extended, but not forever
🧠 Planning windows and why every tax law is written in pencil
🧾 Higher standard deduction simplifies filing for most
💬 Why “tax-free Social Security” didn’t make it into law
💰 New senior deduction may reduce taxes on Social Security income
 
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/

How To Use The Tax Bomb Calculator

Is your retirement account a ticking tax time bomb? In this episode, Jude gives a hands-on demo of his Tax Bomb Calculator- a powerful tool at thetaxbomb.com- that helps you estimate how much of your 401(k) or IRA could be lost to taxes.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💣What is the tax time bomb?
📊 Understanding your future tax liability
🧠 “Mandatory” vs. “optional” taxes in retirement
🔄 The power of reallocating taxable retirement funds
📆 Using today’s low tax rates to your advantage
 
The Tax Bomb Calculator:
https://retirementtaxbill.com/?u=Z00xeHQrK3lieGhOMlYvdnlNSUIvQT09
 
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/

Transitioning From Work To Retirement with Josh Bell

The transition into retirement isn’t just a financial shift- it’s a psychological one. We’re excited to have a special guest on the show this week. Josh Bell, coach and consultant at The Josh Bell Company, is joining us to explore what it really means to leave your job title behind and step into the unknown.
Tune into this great conversation on building a retirement life filled with clarity, purpose, and healthy relationships!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧭 Redefining your identity without your career title
🗓️ Designing new rhythms for your daily life
❤️ Navigating relationship shifts in retirement
🎯 The danger of retiring without a plan beyond finances
🎙️ How coaching can be helpful during big life transitions
 
Learn more about Josh:
https://www.joshwbell.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 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/