Prices are higher this year, we see gold ads on TV, and fear-based marketing may be convincing more retirees to convert their savings into precious metals. But is gold truly as safe as it’s perceived to be, or are investors falling for glitter over substance?
Dan Reese delivers a calm, factual look at the emotional and financial realities of gold investing. From physical bars to ETFs, Dan explains the pros, cons, and costly surprises many people overlook, especially when they’re acting out of fear.
Here’s what to expect:
The emotional appeal of gold and how it’s used in marketing
Why physical gold may cost more than you think to buy, sell, and store
How gold ETFs could offer a simpler, lower-cost option
Why timing, taxes, and diversification matter more than hype
Mark and Susan thought they did everything right: no debt, over a million saved, markets trending up. But one well-intentioned gift to their kids set off a chain of financial consequences they didn’t anticipate.
In this episode, Dan Reese is joined by Brent Oliver for a hypothetical case study exploring how using the concept of a financial “postmortem”, an exercise in looking back to uncover what went wrong and why. You’ll hear how early retirement optimism, overconfidence, and lack of a coordinated plan may result in unexpected taxes, reduced income, and potential long-term challenges.
Here’s what to expect:
Why starting strong doesn’t always mean finishing strong in retirement
How a single decision can derail your entire income plan
The hidden dangers of IRMAA and tax bracket creep
How to rebuild confidence with structure, buckets, and stress testing
Brent Oliver is a Wealth Manager at Avery Wealth, Inc. He focuses on providing wealth management solutions to retirees and pre-retirees in the Mid-Michigan Area. Brent helps affluent clients address their five biggest concerns: preserving their wealth, mitigating taxes, taking care of their heirs, ensuring their assets are not unjustly taken and charitable giving.
Brent has been with Avery Wealth, Inc. since 2013 where he uses a consultative process to gain a detailed understanding of his clients’ deepest values and goals. He then employs customized recommendations designed to address each client’s unique needs and goals beyond simply investments.
Successful individuals and families work with Brent to:
Develop and implement a comprehensive wealth management plan to help them reach their financial dreams.
Make smarter decision in today’s uncertain political, economic and social environment.
Obtain an independent second opinion from a top financial advisor in their community.
Previously, Brent owned and operated Midwest Wireless Communications, LLC, a successful business, in the Jackson Area. He hosts a weekly radio show/podcast, The Retirement Café, which focuses on educating listeners on a wide variety of financial planning and investing topics. He is currently a Trustee on the Western School Districts Board of Education.
Disclosure:
The scenarios discussed are hypothetical and for educational purposes only. They do not represent actual clients or guarantee future results. Investment involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Did you know that even one extra dollar of income in retirement may trigger higher taxes, Medicare premiums, or health insurance costs?
This week, Dan Reese explains common retirement planning situations where a single extra dollar in income can unexpectedly spike your taxes, Medicare premiums, and insurance costs. From IRMAA surcharges to Social Security taxation rules to ACA subsidy limits, Dan explains how understanding these often overlooked thresholds can help retirees make more informed financial decisions.
He also walks through smart strategies to avoid them, like Roth conversions, withdrawal sequencing, and charitable giving tactics that can help protect your nest egg and optimize your income.
What you’ll learn:
How IRMAA charges can balloon Medicare costs overnight
The surprising way Social Security gets taxed and why it’s so outdated
The ACA income cliff that could cost you thousands in health subsidies
Proactive planning tools to keep your retirement tax-efficient
One of the biggest risks to your retirement may not be the market. It could be overconfidence.
Dan Reese examines the genuine risks of DIY financial planning, particularly in a world inundated with AI tools and financial influencers who oversimplify complex decisions. From emotional investing to overlooked tax landmines and Medicare surprises, Dan breaks down why retirement planning involves more than simply choosing investments.
You’ll learn how behavioral biases, sequence-of-return risk, and misunderstood withdrawal strategies may impact your financial future if overlooked.
What to expect:
Why investment planning is the “easy” part, but is rarely done well
The psychological traps of self-managing your money
Medicare costs, IRMAA, and the illusion of “free” healthcare
How a CFP helps you see what you don’t know and plan for what comes next
Most people think the hard part is saving for retirement, but the real challenge begins when the paychecks stop.
Dan Reese walks through the crucial mental and financial shift from accumulation to decumulation and why so many retirees get it wrong. From tax surprises and market volatility to emotional roadblocks and overlooked estate planning, Dan breaks down the common pitfalls and shares what it takes to create a truly sustainable income plan.
You’ll learn how to map out long-term tax liabilities, balance guaranteed vs. variable income, and build financial confidence in retirement.
What to expect in this episode:
The #1 mistake retirees make when “flipping the switch”
How market downturns affect withdrawals differently from contributions
Why tax surprises can be more common (and dangerous) in retirement
How to align spending, legacy goals, and income with confidence
Retirement planning doesn’t exist in a vacuum, especially when tax laws are shifting.
Dan Reese and guest Brent Oliver, Senior Wealth Advisor at Avery Wealth, break down the latest tax legislation and what it means for your future income, charitable giving, and estate plans.
From the extension of lower tax brackets to the expanded standard deduction and SALT cap increase, Dan and Brent cut through the noise to highlight some impactful changes for retirees and pre-retirees. They also explain how to leverage tax-smart strategies, like qualified charitable distributions, to help make the most of your retirement income.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How new tax brackets and deductions affect your retirement strategy
Brent Oliver is a Senior Wealth Advisor based in Jackson, Michigan, with 11 years of experience in the field. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Senior Wealth Advisor, Brent helps families identify and work towards achieving their financial goals. His comprehensive approach to wealth management helps families identify where they are today, where they want to be, and what gaps might prevent them from achieving all that is important to them. He has the heart of a teacher and works with clients to ensure they understand why strategies are being employed and how they can help families reach their goals.
Many people feel confident about Social Security until it’s time to file. That’s when the conflicting advice from neighbors, social media, and self-proclaimed experts can make a complex decision even harder.
In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, breaks down the most common Social Security myths and explains how decisions around claiming, spousal benefits, and timing can affect your broader retirement strategy.
Whether you’re married, divorced, or filing solo, Dan shares key considerations that may help you make a more informed decision and avoid unintended tax and income surprises later on.
What to expect in this episode:
Why claiming at 62 may not be the right fit for every situation
What to know about spousal benefits and survivor income planning
How early filing can affect future tax liabilities
Why longevity should factor into your Social Security decision
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about starting something new.
What happens after the celebration, the rest, and the first few months off?
In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, shares how creating a rhythm, not a rigid routine, can bring meaning, fulfillment, and balance to your retirement years.
He also explains how tools, planning, and a little structure may help retirees feel more confident about how they spend their time.
Dan discusses:
The psychological shift from a structured work schedule to open retirement time, and why having no calendar at all can feel overwhelming
The importance of creating a “retirement rhythm” that includes regular fitness, faith-based, social, and mentally stimulating activities
How having something on the calendar, whether it’s travel, events, or weekly routines, can add structure and anticipation
How ChatGPT can be a creative tool to help retirees plan weekly routines
The need to balance structure with flexibility, leaving room for spontaneity while still maintaining core habits that support well-being
What are the highs and lows of early retirement? We’re exploring whether it’s everything it’s cracked up to be and the steps needed to make it work for you.
Join Dan Reese from Avery Wealth as he delves into the pros and cons of early retirement. They discuss the allure of having more control over your time and the potential pitfalls that can trip you up. From understanding longevity risks to healthcare gaps and tax implications, this episode aims to provide a balanced perspective on retiring ahead of the traditional timeline. Dan also shares real-life client stories, offering insights into the emotional and financial preparations necessary for this life stage.
What drives your investment decisions—logic or emotion?
In this episode of Ramp Up Your Retirement, Dan Reese of Avery Wealth explores how political emotions can influence investor behavior and market perceptions. From election-year anxiety to partisan-driven reactions, Dan unpacks why it’s essential to stay grounded and stick to a long-term plan, regardless of who’s in office.
Dan discusses:
How emotions play into investment decisions. (00:01:36)
The rational behavior of markets in the long term. (00:02:46)
The dangers of reacting to political shifts in investment strategies. (00:03:56)
Real-world examples of market reactions post-elections. (00:07:18)
Strategies to stay the course during market volatility. (00:14:45)
