Root Talks: Spend Your Way to a Happier Retirement: 5 Pillars of Better Spending
Many great savers hesitate to spend once they retire—unsure how to shift gears after years of discipline. In this episode, we talk through what it looks like to use money with intention, not just someday, but now.Prompted by a thoughtful note from a Root Collective member, we share stories—personal and client-based—about the small upgrades that matter: better experiences, more time, stronger health, and generosity that deepens relationships.We also walk through five areas where spending often brings clarity and connection: experiences, time, giving, health, and environment.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Advisory relationships are established only through a signed agreement. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes. If client experiences are referenced, no compensation was provided and their experience may not be representative of others. Root Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Tax planning topics are discussed in the context of comprehensive financial planning and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Watching or listening to this content does not create an advisory relationship. Comments shared publicly are unsolicited and do not reflect the views or experience of all clients. They are not verified and should not be construed as testimonials or endorsements.Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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19:01
The Most Powerful Tax-Free Retirement Tool: Start Leveraging Your HSA Now
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) don’t get much attention—but they should. With triple tax advantages (tax-free contributions, growth, and qualified withdrawals), HSAs offer a level of flexibility that’s hard to beat.I break down how to use an HSA not just for healthcare today, but as a long-term planning tool. That includes how to qualify, contribute, invest the funds, and take strategic withdrawals.I also explain why it’s worth tracking medical expenses—even if you don’t reimburse yourself right away—to create future options for tax-free income.What you'll learn:1. How an HSA can help reduce your lifetime tax burden and fit into a broader retirement strategy2. Ways to maximize the tax benefits beyond just paying current medical billsSubmit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - How HSAs work1:12 - Eligibility and contribution limits3:19 - HSA details and nuances4:36 - Timing flexibility8:11 - Case study -- John9:31 - Leveraging tax benefits10:50 - Qualified medical expense11:51 - Use HSA to the fullest extent14:19 - HSAs in the grand scheme of thingsCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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16:59
When is the Best Time to Realize Gains in my Investment Account?
If you’re sitting on large investment gains in a brokerage account and wondering whether it’s worth taking the tax hit, this episode is for you. I walk through a clear framework I use with clients to help them decide when—and if—it makes sense to realize those gains.I also explain several strategies that can potentially reduce or even eliminate the taxes you might owe, including how to take advantage of the 0% long-term capital gains tax bracket, gifting appreciated assets, and tax-loss harvesting. Whether you're approaching retirement or just looking to be more intentional with your investments, these tools can help you make more informed decisions.Toward the end, I also point to a related video where I explain how a separately managed account may benefit high-income investors with significant brokerage assets.Questions answered:1. When does it make sense to realize investment gains in a taxable brokerage account—and when should you hold off?2. What strategies can help reduce or eliminate the taxes owed on long-term capital gains?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - When not to sell2:40 - Understand risks on both sides5:54 - Tax strategies8:55 - Gifting stocks to charities11:14 - Gifting to family12:44 - Understanding step-up in basis14:18 - Capital losses offset capital gains15:11 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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17:47
Root Talks: How Does the Advisory Team Structure Work at Root?
What actually goes into creating a world-class client experience at Root? We're walking through the structure behind Root's advisory team—and how we ensure every client gets consistent, thoughtful guidance no matter who they’re working with.We break down the different advisor roles, from Client Service Associate to Senior Financial Advisor, and explain how our “farm system” approach helps us grow top-tier advisors from the ground up. It’s not just about years of experience—it’s about shared values, rigorous training, and a culture of mentorship.If you’re considering working with Root—or just curious about what makes us different—this behind-the-scenes conversation will give you a look at how we build a team designed to support you and your goals at every step.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - Selling product vs service2:58 - Four roles supporting clients5:36 - Project management8:16 - Root's growth plan11:00 - A farm system12:33 - Requirements to be a Root advisor15:09 - Freedom within guardrails19:03 - Why this matters21:31 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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24:42
How Much Do I Need to Retire? (3 Simple Steps to Determine the Right Amount)
Wondering if you can retire at 60 with $2 million? In this episode, I walk you through a simple, 3-step process to figure out exactly how much you need in your portfolio to retire comfortably—and confidently. Whether you've already run the numbers or you're just starting to think about retirement, this is a great way to gut-check your plan.We'll talk about how to calculate your real retirement expenses (hint: it’s probably not your current salary), factor in income like Social Security or a pension, and then figure out what size portfolio you actually need to fill the gap. I’ll also cover some key nuances that can make or break your plan—like uneven income, taxes, and what happens if one spouse passes away.If you’re looking to make smart decisions about retirement, this episode is for you.Questions answered:1. How do I figure out how much I really need to retire, based on my actual expenses—not just my current income?2. How can I tell if my $2 million retirement portfolio will be enough to support my lifestyle at age 60?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - Determine retirement expenses3:54 - Retirement taxes will be lower5:12 - 2 ways to determine expenses7:17 - Determine nonportfolio income sources8:38 - Determine portfolio withdrawal rate11:06 - Consider uneven income sources and expenses12:54 - Consider taxes in retirement14:00 - When a spouse dies15:22 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that!
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