What The Wealth Retirement Podcast
Business & Finance
About
When it comes to financial planning and investing, many of us have more questions than answers. The “What the Wealth?!” Retirement Podcast offers sound financial information and guidance on numerous concerns to help Gen X and Y families and professionals as well as 50-Forward individuals create the lives they love. Jonathan P. Bednar, II, CFP, joined Paradigm Wealth Partners in January 2010, where he is in partnership with his father, Jon P. Bednar. As a Wealth Advisor, Jonathan enjoys guiding his clients to make informed financial decisions and planning as a means to solve their investment and retirement concerns.Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Paradigm Wealth Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
Episodes
- Why So Many Are Retiring to Tennessee — What You Should Know (124)
Retiring to Tennessee sounds simple until you start adding up the real numbers. We hear the same line again and again: “Tennessee is tax-friendly.” That’s true, but it’s also the fastest path to a bad decision if taxes are the only thing y…
- Retirement Episode: Biggest Risks, Options at Age 58, All Things Social Security, the $1.9 Portfolio (123)
There’s a retirement risk almost nobody models, and it has nothing to do with the stock market. It’s the quiet trade you make when you keep working past the point where your healthiest years are already slipping away. We stitched together…
- Six Retirement Regrets (122)
The hard truth: Most retirements don’t fail on spreadsheets. They fail in real life when emotions, freedom, and spending collide. After decades of doing everything right, it’s easy to feel like you’ve earned the luxury car, the bigger hous…
- Retiring in the US with a Pension? How to Make it Fit with Social Security and Savings? (121)
Too many retirees make one pension decision they can’t undo and it reshapes their entire financial future. We break down the real trade-offs hiding behind payout options, survivor benefits, and the lure of a lump sum, then show you how to…
- Using Your Lower-Income Years to Convert IRAs and Reduce Lifetime Taxes (120)
The years between your last paycheck and your first Social Security or RMD can be the most valuable tax planning window of your life. We call it the Golden Window, and it’s when your income is low, your tax brackets are flexible, and your…
- A Big Inheritance: How to Successfully Pass Wealth (119)
In this episode, I explain how inheritances go wrong and lay out a plan to keep wealth private, tax-smart, and protective. We compare wills and trusts, share real examples, and detail tools that shield heirs from probate, overspending, tax…
- Avoid The Costly Estate Mistake That Erases Your Step-Up In Basis (118)
We break down a costly estate planning mistake that can cost you six-figures with the IRS! A simple change in timing preserves the step-up in basis. A real client story and a simple change that can preserve your gift. • The risk of gifting…
- Case Study: $1.4M, Early 50's – A Small Tweak Results in More Cash, Less Stress (117)
In this episode I share a real-life example of how a couple with $1.4 million was feeling crushed by cash flow but found relief with a 5% contribution change and a focused debt reduction. Small, smart tweaks restored breathing room, protec…
- Three Retirement Questions That Can Shape Our Future – MIT AgeLab Study (116)
In this episode I share three practical questions that can reshape retirement: Who you’ll have lunch with, Who will handle home tasks, and How you’ll get an ice cream cone? The focus shifts from bucket lists to daily life, social health, s…
- "We're Tired of All the Statistics — You're Not Hearing Us" (115)
A portfolio can grow while confidence shrinks—especially when every question gets answered with a statistic. In this episode I unpack a real case study of a retired couple who were told for 16 years to stay “70/30” and not touch their inco…
- Bridging The Healthcare Gap: Planning For ACA Subsidy Expiration And Early Retirement Costs (114)
On episode 114 we lay out how the potential expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies after 2025 could affect early retirees and what can be done ahead of time to prepare. Practical planning moves to manage MAGI, use HSAs, shore up cash flow, a…
- The Million Dollar Retirement Myth, Holding You Back? (113)
I discuss the long-held myth that $1 million is the universal retirement target and explore why your personal number depends on your unique circumstances and goals. • The million-dollar retirement target originated from the 4% rule but doe…
- The One Big Beautiful Bill: Are There New Opportunities for Seniors and Retirees? (112)
Tax laws have changed dramatically with the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and your retirement planning strategy likely needs to adapt. This sweeping legislation extends several tax cuts and Jobs Act provisions while adding sever…
- Nine Accounts, No Plan: Planning a Real Tennessee Retirement (111)
We recently worked with clients who had nine different financial accounts at nine different institutions with no coherent strategy, including around $450,000 sitting in cash earning nothing. After moving from California to Tennessee, they…
- Beyond Market Dips: Why Your Long-Term Portfolio Might Be Stronger Than You Think (110)
Market downturns naturally trigger anxiety for investors, but having a better understanding of your investment strategy can provide peace of mind during market turbulence. • Broad-based market ETFs diversification vs individual stocks • Cr…
- Retirement on $625K: A Real-World Case Study (109)
In this episode I'll walk you through a detailed retirement case study for David (73) and Tammy (65) who have $625,000 in retirement savings plus a $180,000 business stake to sell, examining if they can retire comfortably with these assets…
- The 6-5-4 Strategy: Creating Your Retirement Paycheck (108)
The 6-5-4 bucket strategy can transform your retirement savings into a sustainable income stream while maintaining long-term growth potential. In today's epsiode I dive into this on more detail: A simple yet powerful approach that creates…
- Transforming an Inherited IRA into Tax-Free Retirement Wealth (107)
We unpack a strategy to transform an inherited IRA into tax-free retirement wealth through a strategic Roth conversion. A client recently inherited $52,000 from his mother and was taking RMDs without a clear plan until we implemented this…
- Market Volatility: When Half "Want Out" and Half "Want In" — What Should You Do? (106)
Market uncertainty triggers two distinctly opposite responses from investors. We see some frantically call ready to cash out, while others eagerly seek opportunities to deploy additional capital. The CNN Fear and Greed Index currently sits…
- Stock Market Turmoil: When to Worry and What to Do? (105)
Market volatility triggers panic, but historical data reveals why staying calm and sticking to your financial strategy is the smartest approach during turbulent times. • Every time CNBC has aired a "Markets in Turmoil" special since 2010,…
- Home Value: Do We Have Enough Property Coverage? Essential for Homeowners (104)
Are you confident that your home insurance will cover you in times of crisis? When disaster strikes, many homeowners discover they lack sufficient protection. In this episode, I dive into the world of property and casualty insurance, espec…
- Weathering the Storms: Long-Term Success Amid Market Volatility (103)
The recent sell-off in NVIDIA's stock highlights the fears surrounding market volatility. Past events quickly emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust financial plan and understanding emotional market reactions. On this episode: •…
- Healthcare in Retirement: Navigating Health Plans During Your Transition to Retirement (102)
This episode focuses on healthcare options for early retirees, highlighting the Affordable Care Act and its accessibility. I share insights into navigating healthcare.gov, addressing chronic health issues, and making informed decisions wit…
- Navigating Toward a Secure and Fulfilling Retirement: Insights from a Financial Advisor (101)
Retirement is not just a distant dream; it's an achievable destination that requires strategic navigation. The What the Wealth Retirement Podcast unravels the complexities of planning for your golden years. As I shift the focus of our disc…
- 100 Episodes of What the Wealth: Celebrating Our Journey and Future Opportunities (100)
I look back on 100 episodes of What the Wealth with gratitude and pride. It's been a fun pursuit and your support has made it that much more rewarding. As we go forward, I am thrilled about the promise of more consistent episodes filled wi…
- Your Guide: Financial Strategies for Staying on Track in Today's Economy (099)
What happens when financial stability suddenly feels distant? Temporary cash flow challenges can feel overwhelming but they don't have to derail your long-term financial goals. In this episode I explore strategies to keep your head above w…
- The AI Revolution: It's Transforming Industries, Should We Embrace It? (098)
The AI revolution is upon us and it's reshaping industries, work-life, and investment landscapes. On this episode I discuss the world of artificial intelligence, and together, we'll explore AI's unique ability to "think" and the duality of…
- Exploring the Economic Effects of a the Recent Rate Cut (097)
How does the Federal Reserve's latest rate decision influence your financial future? With inflation taking a roller-coaster ride from 9% to a more manageable 3%, we explore the Fed's motivations for this rate cut and its broader implicatio…
- Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates Anytime Soon? Analyzing the Economic Outlook (096)
We're all curious as to what the Fed's going to do with rates. On this episode we attempt to tackle this burning question. We start by retracing the economic journey since 2021, exploring how post-COVID inflation surged to 9% and prompted…
- Mastering the Market: Strategies and Mindset Built for Financial Resilience (095)
Are you prepared to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany a relentless bull market, from the dizzying heights of confidence to the potential perils of complacency? Lets cut through the noise and discuss practical wisdom for…
- A Common BIG Life Insurance Misconception (094)
When my cousin casually mentioned he didn't have life insurance for his non-working spouse, it sparked an important conversation. This episode is a must for anyone that underestimates the economic value of a stay-at-home partner. Don't let…
- New Office Location: Paradigm Wealth Partners in Chattanooga! (93)
Signal Mountain Road in Chattanooga is getting ready to host it's newest tenant: Paradigm Wealth Partners is officially moving in! As my family and I plant our roots even deeper in Chattanooga, this expansion isn't just business growth; it…
- Balancing Generosity and Financial Security: A Journey to Sustainable Philanthropy (92)
Imagine navigating the delicate balance between nurturing a generous heart and managing newfound wealth. That's exactly the journey we embarked on with a client who, after receiving a significant inheritance, grappled with how much they co…
- The REAL Power of Patience: Celebrating Charlie Munger's Investment Wisdom and the Art of Behind Long-Term Wealth Creation (91)
A quick recap of the timeless investment wisdom of the late Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway's renowned Vice Chairman, as we reflect on his teachings about the virtue of patience. Can sitting tight with your investment portfolio truly ou…
- Defying Predictions: The Surprising Strength of the Stock Market in 2023 and How to Proceed in 2024 (90)
Who could have predicted the ironclad resilience of the stock market amidst the tumultuous events of 2023? In this episode I peel back the curtain on a year where, against all odds, the market leaped in the face of dire predictions, rate h…
- Sailing Smoothly Through Market Fluctuations (89)
What if there was a way to navigate the uncertainties of long-term retirement investments using past trends of the S&P 500 index? Don't let short-term market fluctuations deter you. The truth is, investing for retirement requires a maratho…
- Exploring Passive Income Strategies (88)
Are you tired of the daily grind and looking for ways to diversify your income? Ready to ditch the misconceptions about 'easy' passive income strategies? In this episode I take you on an enlightening journey into the world of passive incom…
- Decoding Roth Conversions: A Deep Dive into Strategies, Myths, and Tax Implications (87)
Ever wondered how to make your money work better for you by leveraging the power of Roth conversions? Join me, Jonathan Bednar, co-owner of Paradigm Wealth Partners, as we journey through the complexities and benefits of this financial str…
- Shaping Your Financial Future through Investing in Real Estate
In the conversation about real estate investments, a lot of people are for it and many are against it. Investment philosophy can be very personal. For me, real estate is something I like to invest in, but it’s important to understand all t…
- Building Bridges to Your Future: Psychology Meets Personal Finance
Have you ever felt like your future self is a stranger? Or that some future goals are a bit too far away to understand? That's because, scientifically, our brains struggle to connect with the future version of us. Join me as I unpack some…
- Bond Voyage: Sailing Into Retirement Stability
A lot of people talk about bonds as a way to generate income “safely” in retirement and say that all you need is to own a bunch of bonds and you’ll be safe, but I don’t necessarily agree with that. There are ways to use bonds for retiremen…
- Retirement Checkpoints: How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement?
How much should you have saved for retirement? Are you on track? I get questions like these often from people—and for good reason. Retirement is lasting longer for some people and there are many people who want to retire early so, really,…
- Ep #82: What Happens Next?
How can we plan for the rest of the year? What should we be looking out for financially as we move into the second part of 2023? There have been lots of questions and concerns about where the market has been and the last 18 months where in…
- Ep #81: Transferring Assets to Beneficiaries
Many people who reach their 80s and 90s want to start transferring their assets to their kids early rather than wait for it to be inheritance—but this may not always be the best way to do it. In today’s episode, I’m going to be sharing imp…
- Ep #80: Taxes
One of the biggest risks in your retirement is taxes. So today, I’ll be talking about how you can avoid a big tax bomb and how you can start making key decisions now that will help you navigate and plan for tax time next year. There’s a lo…
- Ep #79: The Importance of Having a Plan
Are you ready for the twists and turns of life? Unexpected events happen all the time, and as I watch the aftermath of the tornado damage near Little Rock, Arkansas, it’s a big reminder about the importance of having a plan. This is a show…
- Ep #78: Banking Crisis 2.0
Today, I’m going to be addressing the most recent banking crisis that has been creating a lot of buzz lately. You will get to hear my analysis of the current crisis compared to other similar ones we have seen throughout history, as well as…
- Ep #77: Should We Take Our Money Out of the Market?
The last 15 months have been very tumultuous as a long-term equity investor. As rates have ticked up to help fight inflation, we’ve seen the bumps on the chin taken by our equity portfolios. Over time, the constant beat-down of the market…
- Ep #76: The Debt Ceiling
Where do we sit now with the debt ceiling—and what does it all mean for the U.S.? We’ve had some questions about what the debt ceiling is and why it’s important, so in this podcast, I’ll be answering these questions and more. You will hear…
- Ep #75: 2023 Market Outlook
Today, we’re going to dive into a replay of a webinar I hosted on January 27th called "2023 Market Outlook." I’m joined by financial planner Katie Kavehrad and my father, Jon Bednar, to talk about a few different market pieces that we’re i…