Jonathan Rase

Weekend Reading: I had another great conversation this week that I think a lot of people will recognize.

A friend told me they were gearing up to do a Backdoor Roth IRA because they’ve always heard that “Roth is the best.” But as we talked, a few important details surfaced:

- They weren’t maxing out their 403(b)

- They weren’t using the Roth (after‑tax) option inside their 403(b)

- They didn’t realize that there are no income limits for Roth contributions inside an employer plan

- And they weren’t aware that a Backdoor Roth requires extra steps, paperwork, and coordination—none of which are needed when using the Roth option at work

This is incredibly common. Roth IRAs get so much attention online that people assume they’re the only “real” Roth strategy. But the truth is more nuanced:

-Some people earn too much for a direct Roth IRA, making the Roth 401(k)/403(b) the simplest path

-Some people don’t like their employer plan’s investment options, so a Roth IRA gives them more flexibility

-Some people max out their employer plan and still need additional savings space, so the Roth IRA becomes the next bucket

-Some people simply prefer the higher contribution limits and ease of payroll deductions in their workplace plan

That’s where talking with a financial professional can make a huge difference. Not just to encourage saving—but to help you understand the order of operations for your specific circumstances, so each dollar is working as efficiently as possible.

Weekend Reading: A Simple Financial Check-In Schedule: What to Review Annually, Every 5 Years, and Every 10 Years

Life changes, and your financial plan should adjust along the way. Here is an easy rhythm to help you stay organized and confident, whether you are already retired or preparing for retirement.

Every Year: Your Quick Financial Tune-Up

Review your spending plan to make sure your monthly expenses still align with your income.

Check your withdrawal strategy to confirm you are taking the right amounts from the right accounts.

Update beneficiaries, especially after marriages, births, or losses.

Review insurance coverage, including Medicare, supplemental policies, long-term care, and property and casualty.

Handle Required Minimum Distributions if they apply to you.

Look for tax planning opportunities such as Roth conversions, charitable strategies, or capital gains harvesting.

Every 5 Years: Your Mid-Course Correction

Revisit your investment risk level to ensure it still matches your comfort and time horizon.

Reevaluate your Social Security strategy if you have not yet claimed benefits.

Review estate documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

Check your emergency fund to make sure you still have appropriate cash reserves.

Reassess your larger goals, including travel, home updates, family gifting, or charitable plans.

Every 10 Years: Your Big-Picture Refresh

Reassess long-term care plans, as needs and options change over time.

Review your overall retirement strategy to confirm your income sources remain reliable and tax-efficient.

Evaluate your legacy plan, including trusts, beneficiary design, and charitable intentions.

Consider simplifying or consolidating accounts to make things easier as you age.

Reflect on whether your spending and lifestyle still align with your values and priorities.

Final Thought

Financial planning is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing rhythm that helps keep your retirement smooth, intentional, and stress-free. If you ever want help reviewing your own plan or making sure you are on the right cadence, I am always here to support you.

Weekend Reading: Why You Should Treat Your Financial Advisor Like Your Primary Care Doctor

Many individuals think of a financial advisor as someone you call only when you need a form signed or an account opened. Others technically have an advisor but rarely meet with them. In both cases, the relationship is reactive instead of proactive.

A better way to think about it: Your financial advisor should function like your primary care doctor.

Not because your finances are “sick,” but because long term health—financial or physical—comes from consistency, prevention, and a trusted relationship.

Annual Check Ups Keep Your Plan Healthy

You wouldn’t skip your yearly physical just because you feel fine. Your doctor checks things you can’t see… blood pressure, cholesterol, early warning signs.

Your financial life works the same way.

Even if your investments look okay on the surface, an annual review helps you:
• Rebalance your portfolio
• Adjust risk as retirement gets closer
• Update beneficiaries
• Review tax efficient strategies
• Make sure your plan still matches your goals

Skipping these check ups is how small issues quietly turn into big ones.

Life Changes Should Trigger a Call—Just Like With Your Doctor

When something major happens medically, you don’t wait until your next annual visit. You call.
Financially, the same rule applies.

Life events like changing jobs, receiving an inheritance, buying a home, losing a spouse, or approaching retirement all have real financial consequences. A quick conversation with your advisor during these moments can save you taxes, stress, and long term headaches.

These aren’t “Google it” or “Chat GPT it” moments. They’re “talk to someone who knows your full picture” moments.

As You Get Older, the Stakes Get Higher

When you’re young, your financial life is simple: save, invest, repeat. But just like your medical needs become more complex with age, so do your financial needs.

In your 50s and 60s, the questions get more serious:
• When should I claim Social Security
• How do I turn my savings into income
• How do I avoid running out of money
• What’s the best way to handle RMDs
• How do I protect my spouse if something happens to me

These decisions can’t be made in isolation. They require context, planning, and someone who understands your history—not just your account balance.

A Strong Advisor Relationship Isn’t About Investments

Individuals often focus on the portfolio: “What funds should I pick?” “Can I beat the market?”
But the real value of an advisor is the same as a doctor: Prevention, guidance, and long term planning.

A good advisor helps you:
• Stay disciplined during volatility
• Avoid emotional decisions
• Prepare for life transitions
• Make tax smart choices
• Build a retirement income plan
• Protect your family
• Keep your financial life organized

It’s not about chasing returns. It’s about building a life you can enjoy without constantly worrying about money.

If You Haven’t Used an Advisor This Way, You’re Not Alone

Many people have an advisor but don’t have a relationship with them. Others have always done things themselves and aren’t sure what an advisor actually does beyond investments.

But just like your doctor, the value isn’t in the one appointment—it’s in the ongoing care.

If you want your financial life to stay healthy, predictable, and prepared for whatever comes next, start treating your advisor like your primary care doctor:

Meet annually. Call when life changes. Build the relationship before you need it.

Weekend Reading: What It Means to Get a Refund vs. Owe (Especially in Retirement)

Every spring, retirees and soon‑to‑be retirees start comparing tax results. “I got a big refund.” “I ended up owing.” “I hope next year looks different.”

But here’s the part most people never hear: a refund isn’t automatically good, and owing isn’t automatically bad. What matters is why it happened and what it means for your retirement income plan.

Here are a few simple things to keep in mind.

A refund usually means you overpaid during the year.

A refund feels great, but it’s really just the IRS giving back money that was yours all along. If you’re consistently getting a large refund, it might mean too much was withheld from Social Security, pensions, or IRA/401(k) withdrawals. A small refund is fine. A huge one may mean your withholding needs a tune‑up.

Owing isn’t a bad thing.

Many retirees panic when they owe, but owing a reasonable amount can actually mean your withholding matched your true tax liability and you kept more cash throughout the year. The real goal is avoiding surprises, not avoiding a balance due.

If you owed more than expected, look for the trigger.

Common reasons retirees end up owing include Roth conversions, one‑time IRA withdrawals, capital gains, a home sale, part‑time income, or Medicare IRMAA changes tied to last year’s income. If something unusual happened, it may not repeat, but it’s still worth planning around.

Check withholding on every income source.

Retirement income often comes from multiple places: Social Security, pensions, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, brokerage accounts, and part‑time work. Each one has its own withholding rules. If even one is off, your tax result can swing more than you expect.

Think about your preference: refund, owe, or break even.

Some people prefer a small refund so they’re not overpaying. Others like a bigger refund because it feels like forced savings. Some want to break even as closely as possible. There’s no right answer—just the one that fits your comfort level.

Use this year’s return as a planning tool.

Your tax return is more than paperwork. It can help you adjust withholding for next year, plan Roth conversions more strategically, avoid Medicare IRMAA surprises, and smooth out income across retirement. A little planning now can save frustration next spring.

Bottom line: whether you get a refund or owe, the real win is no surprises. If your tax result matches what you expected, you’re already ahead.