That seven-figure 401(k) balance may look impressive—but what’s it really worth after taxes? On this episode, David Gagnon breaks down why retirement balances are not spendable numbers and how taxes, Medicare premiums, and withdrawal decisions can quietly erode income. He explains the importance of tax diversification, sequencing withdrawals, and understanding risks like required minimum distributions and sequence-of-returns risk. You’ll hear how strategic planning can align income sources, investment strategy, and tax rules to create clarity around retirement cash flow and long-term financial decisions.

Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY! 

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook and LinkedIn!  

That seven-figure 401(k) balance may look impressive&mdash;but what&rsquo;s it really worth after taxes? On this episode, David Gagnon breaks down why retirement balances are not spendable numbers and how taxes, Medicare premiums, and withdrawal decisions can quietly erode income. He explains the importance of tax diversification, sequencing withdrawals, and understanding risks like required minimum distributions and sequence-of-returns risk. You&rsquo;ll hear how strategic planning can align income sources, investment strategy, and tax rules to create clarity around retirement cash flow and long-term financial decisions.
<a href="https://yourfirstfinancialplanners.com/">Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY!&nbsp;</a>
Follow us on Social Media:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourfirstfinancialplanners">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjgagnoncpa">LinkedIn!&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

Need a hand in making your best retirement possible? Join David Gagnon on the Mastering Your Wealth podcast! From taxes to long-term care, Social Security maximization, retirement income planning, and more, David’s show is designed to help educate the community on the important steps for preparing for retirement. David’s goal is to answer your pressing retirement questions and boost your confidence going into retirement.

Need a hand in making your best retirement possible? Join David Gagnon on the Mastering Your Wealth podcast! From taxes to long-term care, Social Security maximization, retirement income planning, and more, David’s show is designed to help educate the community on the important steps for preparing for retirement. David’s goal is to answer your pressing retirement questions and boost your confidence going into retirement.

Mastering Your Wealth

Your 401(k) Isn’t the Number You Think It Is

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn't the market, but the financial blind spots you're overlooking today? David Gagnon explains why waiting to plan for retirement can limit your options, how tax-deferred savings may create future tax challenges, and why proactive tax planning matters long before retirement begins. The conversation covers wealth transfers, required minimum distributions, Social Security taxation, and the importance of building a strategy based on your goals instead of assumptions. Plus, David shares real-world examples of how small planning decisions today can have a lasting impact on retirement outcomes.

Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY! 

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook and LinkedIn! 

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn't the market, but the financial blind spots you're overlooking today? David Gagnon explains why waiting to plan for retirement can limit your options, how tax-deferred savings may create future tax challenges, and why proactive tax planning matters long before retirement begins. The conversation covers wealth transfers, required minimum distributions, Social Security taxation, and the importance of building a strategy based on your goals instead of assumptions. Plus, David shares real-world examples of how small planning decisions today can have a lasting impact on retirement outcomes.
<a href="https://yourfirstfinancialplanners.com/">Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY!&nbsp;</a>
Follow us on Social Media:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourfirstfinancialplanners">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjgagnoncpa">LinkedIn!&nbsp;</a>

The Retirement Mistake You May Not See Coming

Retirement isn’t derailed by one big mistake. It’s often shaped by the questions people never stop to ask. David Gagnon explains why many pre-retirees have investment accounts but not a true retirement plan and discusses the shift from saving to spending as more baby boomers enter retirement. The conversation covers income planning, taxes, Social Security decisions, longevity risk, and why relocating to a lower-tax state may not deliver the savings many expect. It’s a practical look at building a retirement strategy that accounts for real-life spending, longer lifespans, and major lifestyle decisions.

Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY! 

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook and LinkedIn! 

Retirement isn&rsquo;t derailed by one big mistake. It&rsquo;s often shaped by the questions people never stop to ask. David Gagnon explains why many pre-retirees have investment accounts but not a true retirement plan and discusses the shift from saving to spending as more baby boomers enter retirement. The conversation covers income planning, taxes, Social Security decisions, longevity risk, and why relocating to a lower-tax state may not deliver the savings many expect. It&rsquo;s a practical look at building a retirement strategy that accounts for real-life spending, longer lifespans, and major lifestyle decisions.
<a href="https://yourfirstfinancialplanners.com/">Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY!&nbsp;</a>
Follow us on Social Media:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourfirstfinancialplanners">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjgagnoncpa">LinkedIn!&nbsp;</a>

The Biggest Retirement Risk Might Not Be What You Think

What if the biggest risk in retirement isn’t the stock market, but playing it too safe? On this episode David Gagnon discusses Warren Buffett’s decision to move billions into cash and what it reveals about managing risk in retirement. He explains sequence of returns risk, the importance of aligning investments with income needs, and how a strategic withdrawal plan can help retirees balance growth, liquidity, and stability. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in financial planning and why personalized retirement strategies still require a comprehensive review of an individual’s unique circumstances.

Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY! 

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook and LinkedIn! 

What if the biggest risk in retirement isn&rsquo;t the stock market, but playing it too safe? On this episode David Gagnon discusses Warren Buffett&rsquo;s decision to move billions into cash and what it reveals about managing risk in retirement. He explains sequence of returns risk, the importance of aligning investments with income needs, and how a strategic withdrawal plan can help retirees balance growth, liquidity, and stability. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in financial planning and why personalized retirement strategies still require a comprehensive review of an individual&rsquo;s unique circumstances.
<a href="https://yourfirstfinancialplanners.com/">Help Protect, Preserve, and Expand Your Wealth TODAY!&nbsp;</a>
Follow us on Social Media:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourfirstfinancialplanners">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjgagnoncpa">LinkedIn!&nbsp;</a>

Your 401(k) Isn’t the Number You Think It Is

In 1 playlist(s)

Mastering Your Wealth

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips