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 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…

Academics LOVE Annuities – Why Do Investors HATE Them?

Today’s episode of The Power of Zero Show features part of David McKnight’s conversation with Caleb Guilliams and Tom Wall, PhD. David kicks things off by addressing the liquidity issue. Handing a chunk of your retirement savings over to an…

More Resources

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 […]

Lifetime Income Strategies: Achieving Tax-Free Income Post-Retirement

As retirement approaches, creating financial stability becomes a top priority for many. Among various strategies, achieving tax-free income in retirement stands out, notably championed by David McKnight through his “Power of Zero” philosophy. This approach may not only safeguard your savings from potential tax hikes, but it may also enhance your retirement readiness. I this article, we’ll discuss how you can integrate these principles into your retirement planning and lifetime income strategies. 1. Understand the Importance of the 0% Tax Bracket The “Power of Zero” approach emphasizes the significance of striving for a 0% tax bracket in retirement. David […]

Navigating Market Volatility: Shielding Your Retirement Funds

In an ever-changing economic landscape, navigating market volatility remains a constant concern, especially for those nearing or already enjoying retirement. Fluctuations in the market can have a significant impact on retirement funds, raising the question of how to best protect your financial future against unpredictable shifts. Hanson Wealth Management, as a Power of Zero financial advisory firm, advocates for a strategic approach to safeguard retirement savings from market volatility. This article explores techniques based on Power of Zero principles to help you develop a strategy to safeguard your retirement funds, providing more peace of mind no matter the economic […]

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