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.

Can Republicans Actually Make the Trump Tax Cuts Permanent?

President Trump’s proposed Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), which has been getting everyone’s attention of late, is the topic of this episode of The Power of Zero Show. Host David McKnight points out that the “crown jewel” of the BBB is the…

Doug Andrew: Consider Rolling Your IRA into an IUL (Good idea?)

David McKnight addresses Doug Andrew’s recommendation of turning your IRA into an IUL. David agrees with some of Andrew’s views, including his objection to rolling a 401(k) into an IRA, and then leaving it there until you die. Given the exploding…

Financial Collapse in 3 Years?

This episode of The Power of Zero Show revolves around a recent Ray Dalio video in which he issued warnings about the U.S. debt crisis. In the clip, Dalio appears to be giving America three years to get their act together and to right the fiscal ship…

Will Safe Harbor Rules Protect You If You Do a 4th Quarter Roth Conversion?

David McKnight looks at why many people wait until the fourth quarter to do a Roth conversion, the potential penalties, and what can be done to avoid having to pay underpayment penalties to the IRS. David begins the episode by highlighting the fact…

How to Avoid the Roth Over-Conversion Trap

In today’s episode, David McKnight focuses on whether you should do a Roth conversion, how much you should convert per year, and whether it’s possible to over-convert to Roth. David explains that an effective tax rate is the actual percentage of…

The Problem with Target Date Funds

David McKnight looks at Target Date Funds (TDFs) and why their set-it-and-forget-it approach to investing is NOT something you should rely on. David kicks things off by explaining how TDFs work, including why they tend to be a popular option for…

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…

More Resources

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 […]

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 […]

There's no time like the present

Contact us today to speak to one of our trusted advisors and learn how our team can partner, educate, and guide you on your path to financial confidence.