An educational podcast from financial advisors Garrett Crawford, CFP® and Adam Reed, dedicated to helping retirees between $2M-$8M with tax-return driven financial planning. At this level of wealth an integrated strategy for your tax return, investments, and long-term goals is critical. We explore advanced topics like Roth conversions, RMDs, and charitable giving to help you ensure your family remains your biggest beneficiary.
Episode 57 of Retirement Tax Matters unpacks why Medicare IRMAA surcharges are often considered the scariest part of retirement planning for high-net-worth retirees. Garrett Crawford, CFP® professional and Adam Reed break down how the two-year lookback period and cliff penalty structure create unexpected costs for families with portfolios between $2M and $8M. The conversation reframes these surcharges by looking at the actual numbers, showing that IRMAA typically adds only one to three percent to a household's effective tax rate. Discover why intentionally crossing an IRMAA threshold to execute a strategic Roth conversion can protect a surviving spouse and future beneficiaries from much higher tax brackets down the road.
We have developed a 5-step framework for what tax planning looks like for High-Net-Worth Retirees between $2M-$8M. It walks you through each season of the calendar year and how we implement tax-return driven financial planning for clients. Request a free resource using this link: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/checklist
00:00 Welcome & A Spooky Halloween Episode
03:10 Medicare IRMAA 101: The Basics
08:10 Why Do People Feel IRMAA is a Trick?
10:40 The Frustration of the Two-Year Lookback Period
13:40 The Danger of Medicare Penalty Cliffs
15:35 The Treat: Reframing How You View IRMAA Surcharges
19:00 Don't Miss the Forest for the Trees: Roth Conversions vs. IRMAA
22:48 Bonus: Our Favorite Halloween Candies!
Visit us online at: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com
Review our required industry disclosures here: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/disclosures
21 Oct 2026
CPA vs. Enrolled Agent: Which Do $2M to $8M Retirees Actually Need?
How should retirees with $2M to $8M evaluate a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) versus an Enrolled Agent (EA) for annual tax preparation? In this episode, Garrett Crawford, CFP® professional and Adam Reed break down the distinct difference between forward-looking tax planning and spring tax preparation. They examine state accountancy licensing versus federal IRS credentials, why conversations with a CPA or EA do not carry attorney-client privilege, and how to determine which professional fits your state tax situation and business exit goals.
We have developed a 5-step framework for what tax planning looks like for High-Net-Worth Retirees between $2M-$8M. It walks you through each season of the calendar year and how we implement tax-return driven financial planning for clients. Request a free resource using this link: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/checklist
00:00 Tax Preparation vs. Tax Projections
02:20 Defining CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs)
06:40 When Do You Need a Tax Attorney?
11:43 Which Tax Professional is Right for You?
18:50 The Importance of Year-End Tax Planning
Visit us online at: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com
Review our required industry disclosures here: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/disclosures
7 Oct 2026
Ready To Admit You've Outgrown the 24% Tax Bracket?
Episode 54 of Retirement Tax Matters explores why high net worth retirees in the $2M to $8M asset range often outgrow the 24% tax bracket. Garrett Crawford, CFP® and Adam Reed break down the psychological impact of holding onto lower tax brackets and explain how staying in 24% out of habit can lead to larger tax bills when required minimum distributions, inherited IRAs, or single survivor filing status take effect. The conversation outlines how accelerating income into the 32% bracket today can possibly protect your family from 35% or 37% tax rates later in life while avoiding multi-year Medicare IRMAA surcharges.
We have developed a 5-step framework for what tax planning looks like for High-Net-Worth Retirees between $2M-$8M. It walks you through each season of the calendar year and how we implement tax-return driven financial planning for clients. Request a free resource using this link: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/checklist
00:00 Introduction & The Fear of the 32% Tax Bracket
01:07 The Pant Size Analogy: Mental Games in Tax Planning
03:00 Why Paying 32% Tax Can Save You Money Long Term
04:19 Overcoming "Rules of Thumb" for High-Net-Worth Retirees
07:42 CPA vs. Financial Planner: Annual vs. Lifetime Tax Planning
09:36 Practical Strategies: Roth Conversions & Taxable Brokerage Accounts
14:14 Summary & Football Predictions
Visit us online at: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com
Review our required industry disclosures here: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/disclosures
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.1 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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