The New Reality in Our Retirement
New from Rick White, CTS: The Estate Planning Mistake Manual
In 45 years of advising families and business owners, I’ve watched the same preventable mistakes cost real families real money — probate fees that consumed entire inheritances, tax bills no one saw coming, businesses sold at a fraction of their value because there was no succession plan.
This book covers the eight most damaging estate planning mistakes, explained clearly, with real examples and a concrete action checklist at the end of every chapter. Whether you have a plan that needs reviewing or no plan at all, this book tells you exactly what to fix and how.
Available now for $27. Instant PDF download.
The New Reality in Our Retirement
The number one concern of Baby Boomers in retirement is “we don’t want to run out of money.” The New Reality in Our Retirement is an adult education class that covers potential financial threats, now and in the future, and provides students the knowledge they need to build a successful retirement
Course Outline
A. Conventional Financial Wisdom
Much of what we have heard and thus have (collectively) taken as true is simply not so. If investment choices and retirement decisions are made based on this so-called wisdom, many retirement plans could be subject to failure.
B. The Fiscal Health of the United States
The financial condition of the federal government has direct implications for retirement planning — particularly for tax rates, Social Security, and Medicare. This section examines the fiscal landscape and what it means for families planning their retirement income.
C. Failure To Maximize Retirement Income
Most retirees leave significant income on the table — through suboptimal Social Security claiming strategies, poorly structured withdrawals, and missed opportunities for tax-free income. This section covers the most common income planning mistakes and how to correct them.
D. Unplanned Healthcare Expenses
Adverse health events can occur at any time. The financial cost of long-term health care can be devastating. There are cost-effective options available that allow us to get the care we need while preserving our lifestyle.
E. Improper Estate Transfer Design
Many of us are ill-prepared for the protection and transfer of our estate and assets at incapacity or death. Knowledgeable planning can preserve estate values for one’s spouse and/or heirs.
F. Losing Money in Large Market Declines
We’ve suffered two large systemic market declines in the last 18 years. The reduction in national investment account values was staggering in both instances. For Baby Boomers, retirement may be decimated when the next major systemic decline occurs.
G. Failure To Have A Well-Designed Retirement Plan
A retirement plan that isn’t reviewed, updated, and coordinated across all its components is not a plan — it’s a collection of financial products. This section covers what a complete, integrated retirement plan looks like and the seven elements it must address.
Take the Next Step
Course attendees who want to go deeper on estate planning have two free resources available:
The 7-Point Estate Plan Audit Checklist
a 15-minute self-assessment that identifies gaps in your current plan. Free download
The Estate Planning Mistake Manual
an 8-chapter guide to the most costly estate planning mistakes, written by Rick White, CTS. Available for $27.