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.

I’ve Maxed Out My 401(k), Now What?

In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight discusses the scenario in which you have maxed out your 401(k) and are wondering where you should invest the rest of your money. The episode kicks off with David addressing the type of…

Why Does the Incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins Have 54 Life Insurance Policies?

In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight addresses the claim that sees Paul Atkins owning 54 life insurance policies for an astounding 10% of his $327 million net worth. Someone may ask themselves why someone with such a massive…

The 8 Taxes You Could Pay When Doing a Roth Conversion (Is it worth it?)

In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight looks at every possible tax or cost that may result from a Roth conversion. The first tax you’ll have to pay when executing a Roth conversion is federal income tax. Whatever…

Should You Take More Risk in Your Roth Accounts Than Your Other Investments?

This episode of the Power of Zero show explores whether you should be taking more risks in your Roth accounts than in your other investments. Host David McKnight kicks things off by stating that if you have Roth IRAs or Roth 401(k)s in your portfolio,…

Debunking Doug Andrew’s Roth IRA Hit Job Video

In this episode of The Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight looks at Doug Andrew’s recent video in which he implored his audience to never use a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k) again. Andrew sees Indexed Universal Life insurance (IUL) as far superior…

What Percentage of Your Retirement Savings Should You Have in Traditional IRA vs. Roth?

What percentage of your retirement savings should you allocate toward traditional IRAs and 401(k)s vs. Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s? That’s what this episode explores. Traditional financial guru advice says that it’s impossible to predict where tax…

The Five Cardinal Rules of Roth Conversions

David McKnight goes through his five cardinal rules for doing a Roth conversion. The first principle is simple: don’t do a Roth conversion that bumps you into a tax bracket that gives you heartburn. Not sure about what a heartburn-inducing tax…

How to Take Advantage of the Retirement Income Valley for Roth Conversions

Wondering when you should start thinking about a Roth conversion? That’s exactly what David McKnight dives into in this episode of The Power of Zero Show. The retirement valley is that dip in taxable income that happens after you retire but before…

In What Order Should I Spend Down My Assets in Retirement?

David McKnight addresses the most efficient order in which to spend your assets in retirement. Online programs and algorithms that forecast and run calculations related to your retirement assets suggest starting with your tax-deferred assets like…

Suze Orman Says Have 3 to 5 Years of Living Expenses in CASH During Retirement (Good Idea?)

Today’s episode of The Power of Zero Show looks at a recent podcast episode in which Suze Orman recommended having three to five years of living expenses in cash during retirement. Experts have long debated the rate at which retirees can draw down…

5 Huge Benefits of the Roth IRA!

Today’s episode addresses five reasons why a Roth IRA is one of David KcKnight’s favorite tax-free investments. Unlike other retirement accounts, Roth IRAs give you 100% liquidity on all contributions. While David isn’t necessarily…

Two Huge Problems with Whole Life Insurance

This episode of The Power of Zero Show is part of David McKnight’s podcast interview with Caleb Guilliams and Tom Wall, PhD. David touches upon a recent Ernst & Young study where whole life insurance was used as a buffer-type strategy. When it…

More Resources

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 […]

Surviving Financial Storms: The Volatility Shield for Your Retirement

Retirement planning is a key part of building a secure future, but it isn’t without its challenges. One of the most pressing concerns for retirees is managing the impact of market volatility. The ups and downs of the stock market can significantly affect retirement savings and income, creating uncertainty for those who are unprepared. David McKnight, author of The Power of Zero, outlines strategies designed to address this challenge, focusing on creating a more resilient retirement plan. Let’s dig into this topic now. The Impact of Market Volatility on Retirement Market volatility refers to fluctuations in the prices of investments […]

LIRP: The Retirement Planning Tool You Haven’t Heard Of

Life Insurance Retirement Plans (LIRPs) are emerging as a valuable yet lesser-known tool in the retirement planning landscape. LIRPs, which combine life insurance coverage with the potential for tax-advantaged growth, can be a consideration for addressing income needs in retirement and legacy planning goals. Unlike traditional retirement accounts, which can come with contribution limits and required minimum distributions, LIRPs provide flexibility and a strategic approach to both savings and protection. In this guide, we’ll dive into the essentials of LIRPs, explore how they function, and highlight key factors to consider when deciding if this approach aligns with your financial […]

The Ultimate Guide to a Zero-Tax Retirement Lifestyle

If you read my blog often, you know that I believe retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, free from financial stress. However, you also likely know that one of the biggest challenges in retirement is the burden of taxes. I share frequently about David McKnight’s powerful, game-changing Power of Zero philosophy, and I often share excerpts from his books, too. Today, I want to start back at the beginning – for any new readers or for anyone needing a refresher – on these foundational Power of Zero strategies designed to help you minimize tax liabilities and […]

Crafting a Tax-Free Retirement: More Than Just a Dream

The following content is partially adapted from the book Tax-Free Income for Life by David McKnight. Crafting a tax-free retirement can be more than just a dream; it can be a strategic approach to safeguarding your financial future. By utilizing specific investment vehicles and planning techniques, you can help combat the uncertainties of future tax rate increases and Social Security taxation, allowing for a more stable and enjoyable retirement. In this article, we’ll discuss one such strategy to help you align your tax-free stars, especially if you have a fixed indexed annuity, which I previously wrote about here. To […]

Creating a Volatility-Proof Retirement Plan

Retirement planning is an essential part of preparing for a stable and comfortable future, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant challenges retirees face is market volatility. The ups and downs of the stock market can have a profound impact on retirement savings and income, potentially jeopardizing the financial stability of those who are unprepared. David McKnight, author of “The Power of Zero,” offers insightful strategies for creating a volatility-proof retirement plan. This article delves into his approaches for a volatility-proof retirement plan and provides actionable steps to help you build a […]

Why a LIRP Might Be Your Retirement Game Changer

Planning for retirement involves exploring various financial products and strategies to build a sustainable income stream you can rely on. One such option gaining popularity is the Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP), which I have mentioned in previous articles. While it might sound unconventional to some, a LIRP can offer unique benefits that could make it a valuable component of your retirement strategy. In this article, we will review the basics you need to know about Life Insurance Retirement Plans and also discuss LIRP advantages you might consider as you devise your retirement income strategy. What is a LIRP? […]

The Hidden Benefits of Zero Tax Retirement

At Hanson Wealth Management, we strive to empower our clients to enjoy their life with significance and purpose through a comprehensive strategic planning process centered on their unique goals and the roadmap needed to achieve them. Our approach includes lowering your tax burden and optimizing your income streams with the objective of achieving tax-free retirement – so that you can truly live your best life. We subscribe to David McKnight’s “Power of Zero” philosophy, which emphasizes the strategic advantages of positioning oneself in the 0% tax bracket in retirement. This strategy focuses on reducing future tax liabilities on retirement […]

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