Retirement isn't one-size-fits-all. Join Eric Nelson on the Independence Wealth Podcast as he shares insights to help pre-retirees and retirees craft their unique path to happiness. Catch new episodes every 3rd Wednesday of the month!
Episode 12 - Should You Delay Social Security? The Case for Waiting to Claim
When should you start your Social Security benefits, early, at full retirement age, or wait until 70? In this episode, we break down the math and the mindset behind Social Security timing so you can make a smarter decision about retirement income. We'll explore how life expectancy, health, family history, and your broader financial plan all factor into whether delaying Social Security really pays off for you.
In this episode:
Understanding the basics of how Social Security benefits are calculated and when you can start
Why delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 often maximizes your lifetime retirement income
How life expectancy and living past age 80 change the Social Security "break-even" math
The gap between statistical models and real life—because "life doesn't happen on a spreadsheet"
How personal health, family history, and lifestyle should influence your Social Security decision
Using spreadsheets and projections as a guide—not a guarantee—for Social Security planning
Why flexibility in your retirement income plan is essential when life doesn't go as expected
The role a financial advisor can play in helping you compare Social Security claiming strategies
Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you'll ever make. The numbers matter—but so does your real life. If you're unsure whether to claim now or delay until age 70, consider walking through the options with a financial professional who understands your goals, your health, and your broader retirement plan. And if this episode helped clarify Social Security for you, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's trying to make the same decision.
#socialsecurity #socialsecuritybenefits #socialsecurityretirement #retirementplanning #retirementincome #socialsecuritystrategy #ssiclaiming #delayingbenefits #financialplanning #retirementbenefits
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Contact: https://independence-wealth.com/contact-us/
Connect with Eric:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictnelson/
Website: https://independence-wealth.com
Email: Eric@independence-wealth.com
In this episode of the Independence Wealth Podcast, Eric Nelson tackles a topic that’s becoming increasingly common — late-career layoffs and how to navigate them with confidence.
If you’re in your 50s or 60s and facing an unexpected job loss, this episode will help you turn uncertainty into a plan. Eric shares practical strategies for protecting your finances, evaluating severance offers, and even discovering new ways to define purpose and independence in the next phase of life.
Layoffs can feel like the end — but for many, they’re the beginning of a more intentional and financially free chapter.
Key Takeaways:
Plan for late-career layoffs as part of retirement readiness
Keep 6–12 months of cash reserves
Understand your severance and COBRA options
Avoid emotional financial decisions
Simulate life without income to stress-test your plan
Consulting can bridge income and purpose
Roth conversions can reduce lifetime taxes
Redefine success beyond your job title
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Contact: https://independence-wealth.com/contact-us/
Connect with Eric:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictnelson/
Website: https://independence-wealth.com
Email: Eric@independence-wealth.com
18 Sept 2025
Episode 10 - What the Big Beautiful Bill Means for Retirees
This month on the Independence Wealth Podcast, host Eric Nelson discusses the implications of the new tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill, for retirees and pre-retirees. He covers changes to standard deductions, tax brackets, and strategies for Roth conversions and retirement account withdrawals.
In this episode:
The One Big Beautiful Bill extends the Tax Cuts and Job Act from 2017.
Standard deductions for retirees have increased substantially.
Married couples filing jointly over 65 receive an additional $12,000 deduction.
Lower tax brackets and bigger deductions offer more room for IRA and 401k withdrawals.
Roth conversions are attractive for those under 73.
No tax on tips up to $25,000 deduction until 2028.
Larger standard deductions reduce taxable social security benefits.
Medicaid program spending cuts may affect long-term care planning.
The child tax credit is now permanent.
The QBI deduction for small businesses has been preserved and expanded.
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Contact: https://independence-wealth.com/contact-us/
Connect with Eric:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictnelson/
Website: https://independence-wealth.com
Email: Eric@independence-wealth.com
21 Aug 2025
Episode 9 - How RMDs Can Wreck Your Retirement
In this episode of the Independence Wealth Podcast, Eric Nelson delves into the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and their potential impact on your retirement. Discover how RMDs can unexpectedly push you into higher tax brackets, increase your Medicare premiums, and disrupt your financial plans.
Key Topics:
- Understanding RMDs and their implications under the Secure Act 2.0.
- The risks of tax bracket creep and increased Medicare premiums.
- Strategies to mitigate the impact of RMDs, including Roth conversions and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).
- The importance of early planning to maintain control over your retirement funds.
If you're in your early 60s and planning for retirement, reach out to us for personalized advice on managing RMDs and minimizing your lifetime tax bill.
#RetirementPlanning #RMDs #TaxStrategy
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Contact: https://independence-wealth.com/contact-us/
Connect with Eric:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictnelson/
Website: https://independence-wealth.com
Email: Eric@independence-wealth.com
23 Jul 2025
Episode 8 - Smart Tax Moves Within 5 Years of Retirement
Join Eric Nelson, founder of Independence Wealth, as he explores crucial tax strategies for those approaching retirement. This episode is packed with insights on how to make informed financial decisions that can save you significant amounts in taxes over the years.
Key Topics:
- The importance of Roth conversions and how they can benefit your retirement savings.
- Understanding and managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to avoid higher tax brackets.
- Diversifying your tax buckets for better control over your financial future.
- Strategies for harvesting capital gains and minimizing tax liabilities.
If you're within five years of retirement, don't miss this episode! Tune in to gain valuable insights and start planning your tax-efficient retirement today.
#RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategies #FinancialFreedom
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Contact: https://independence-wealth.com/contact-us/
Connect with Eric:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictnelson/
Website: https://independence-wealth.com
Email: Eric@independence-wealth.com
19 Jun 2025
Navigating Market Volatility: A Guide for Retirees
Eric Nelson explores market volatility for retirees, highlighting emotional responses and strategies like the bucket strategy to maintain financial security and avoid panic selling.
15 May 2025
Episode 6 - Supporting Your Adult Children Without Sacrificing Your Own Retirement
Eric Nelson explores the challenges of supporting adult children financially without compromising personal retirement goals, highlighting the need for boundaries and promoting financial independence in this episode.
16 Apr 2025
Episode 5 - Retirement Income Strategies
Eric Nelson explores retirement income strategies, comparing the traditional 4% rule to the flexible guardrails approach, highlighting how each impacts sustainable withdrawals based on market conditions and personal goals.
19 Mar 2025
Episode 4 - Timing Your Social Security
Certified financial planner Eric Nelson explores the optimal timing strategies for claiming Social Security benefits to maximize retirement income, manage taxes, and enhance legacy planning; this is a solo episode.
19 Feb 2025
Episode 3 - Mastering Retirement Income: Strategies for a Secure Future
Eric Nelson explores effective retirement income management, stressing expense categorization and reliable income sources, while also covering withdrawal strategies and inflation's impact for a secure future.
16 Jan 2025
Episode 2 - Finding Purpose in Retirement
Eric Nelson explores how retirees discover purpose by cultivating hobbies, nurturing social bonds, and establishing routines that promote mental and physical wellness, offering a framework for a fulfilling life beyond work.
20 Nov 2024
Episode 1 - Retirement Income Rules Explained (4% Rule, Guardrails, and More!)
Eric Nelson, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, explores popular retirement income strategies, including the 4% rule and Guyton-Clinger guardrails, offering listeners insights to optimize their retirement income.
28 Jul 2022
Small Business Founders Podcast, S1, E7
This episode of the Small Business Founders Podcast features small business founders, but lacks specific details about the discussion or participants.
3 Feb 2022
Small Business Founders Podcast, S1, E6
Frank Plum, President of Workplace HCM Inc., explores how his company assists businesses in navigating the evolving demands of human capital management in this interview.
18 Jan 2022
Small Business Founders Podcast, S1, E5
Jeff Platt, CEO of Kokua Technologies, explores how his company assists businesses in managing their technology needs in this interview episode.
2 Dec 2021
Small Business Founders Podcast, S1, E4
Peter Mares, founder of Growth 1776, shares how his company enables businesses to boost profit margins and cut costs in this interview episode.
28 Oct 2021
Small Business Founders Podcast, S1, E3
Eric Nelson, CFP®, interviews Mike Regina, founder of multiple businesses, about relationship marketing and personal branding, revealing strategies to boost business ROI in this interview.
7 Oct 2021
Small Business Founders Podcast, S1, E2
Eric Nelson interviews Orlando M. Rivera about the current M&A activity in small and mid-market companies, providing insights for business founders.
4 Oct 2021
Small Business Founders Podcast: S1, E1
Who has been a guest on Independence Wealth Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Frank Plum
Jeff Platt
Peter Mares
Mike Regina
Orlando M Rivera
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
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Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
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