The Power of Zero Podcast
hosted by David McKnight
Tax rates 10 years from now are likely to be much higher than they are today. Is your retirement plan ready? Learn how to avoid the coming tax freight train and maximize your retirement dollars.
Why You Should Replace Your Bonds with an Annuity
Where Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman Fit and Where They Don’t
If A.I. Leads to Universal Basic Income, How High Will Taxes Have to Go to Pay for It?
Social Security and Medicare Trustees Just Dropped a Bombshell (New Dates for Insolvency)
Five Mathematical Reasons to Delay Retirement by Five Years
Vanguard–4 to 5% Stock Market Growth Over Next 10 Years (Should You Change Your Retirement Strategy?)
Should You Take Social Security Early Given the Scary Trust Fund Report?
The Vindication of Indexed Universal Life and Fixed Indexed Annuities: What the Ernst & Young Study Finally Proves
Can Republicans Actually Make the Trump Tax Cuts Permanent?
Doug Andrew: Consider Rolling Your IRA into an IUL (Good idea?)
Financial Collapse in 3 Years?
Will Safe Harbor Rules Protect You If You Do a 4th Quarter Roth Conversion?
More Resources
Why Risk Isn’t Just About the Stock Market
When most people think about financial risk, they immediately picture the stock market. While market volatility is a significant concern, it’s far from the only factor that can disrupt a retirement plan. Unexpected healthcare costs, tax policy changes, inflation, and longevity risk all pose threats to long-term financial stability. By focusing only on investment risk, investors may leave themselves exposed to other financial challenges that can erode wealth just as quickly—if not more so—than a downturn in the market. Let’s explore the key financial risks beyond the stock market and strategies to help mitigate them.
Why Personalized Financial Planning Outperforms Generic Advice
Financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Yet, many investors rely on generic advice that may not align with their specific goals, risk tolerance, or tax situation. While broad financial guidelines can provide a starting point, they often fail to address the nuances of individual circumstances. Personalized financial planning strategies focus on aligning financial decisions with an investor’s unique needs, providing a tailored approach to managing wealth.
Case Studies: When Following the Crowd Doesn’t Pay Off
Many investors follow conventional financial wisdom, trusting broad, one-size-fits-all guidance to navigate their financial future. While these general recommendations may seem practical, they often overlook personal factors such as risk tolerance, tax implications, and long-term financial objectives. The risks of following generic financial advice can be significant, leading to avoidable missteps that impact retirement savings, tax efficiency, and wealth preservation. Through real-world case studies, we explore instances where individuals followed standard financial advice—only to find themselves facing unexpected challenges. More importantly, we’ll highlight how personalized financial strategies could have helped them avoid these pitfalls.
The Hidden Cost of Following the Crowd in Financial Planning
Financial advice is everywhere—from news outlets to social media influencers to friends and family. While many people believe that following widely accepted guidance is a safe approach, it’s important to consider that these strategies may not align with your unique financial situation. The hidden cost of following the crowd in financial planning can be significant, potentially leading to unnecessary taxes, overlooked risks, and missed opportunities for long-term financial stability.
Why Generic Financial Advice Often Misses the Mark
Many people seeking financial guidance turn to general advice found online, from books, or through media personalities. While these broad strategies can offer a starting point, they often fail to address the complexities of individual financial situations. Generic advice may overlook key factors such as tax planning, income strategies, and market risk—all of which play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable retirement plan. Understanding why generic financial advice often misses the mark can help investors make informed decisions that better align with their long-term financial objectives.
Avoiding the Greatest Retirement Risks: Part One
My mission as a financial advisor is to help each client build a retirement strategy that’s designed to navigate key financial risks. Many people face the very real possibility of running out of money later in life, often due to factors they didn’t anticipate. That’s why I’ve focused my practice on tax-efficient retirement planning, guided by the principles of David McKnight, author of The Power of Zero and a leading voice in tax-free income strategies. His approach has shaped how I help clients prepare for the future with clarity and purpose. Below, I’m sharing a brief passage from David […]
The Roth Conversion Roadmap: Reducing Future Tax Burdens in Retirement
Planning for retirement involves not only saving but also strategically managing your tax burden. One approach to consider is the Roth conversion strategy, which allows you to convert tax-deferred retirement accounts, like traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, into tax-free Roth IRAs. At Hanson Wealth Management, we assist clients in understanding the potential benefits of Roth conversions in relation to their individual financial circumstances. This article dives into the Roth Conversion Roadmap, addressing the key considerations, challenges, and strategies for reducing future tax burdens while maintaining financial flexibility during the transition period. What Is a Roth Conversion? A Roth conversion involves […]
Understanding the Power of Zero Concept for Wealth Management in 2025
As tax laws evolve and retirement planning becomes more complex, adopting tax-efficient strategies can help preserve more of your wealth for the future. One approach that I share with clients frequently is the “Power of Zero” concept. This strategy focuses on reducing taxable income during retirement by utilizing tax-advantaged accounts and strategic income planning. At Hanson Wealth Management, we assist clients in understanding and implementing this framework within their broader financial plans. What Is the Power of Zero Concept? The Power of Zero is a financial planning approach that emphasizes reducing or eliminating taxable income during retirement. This strategy […]
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