Safe Money Retirement

11/02/2026

If you're retiring from a high-paying corporate job, here's something you need to know before Medicare starts:
𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴.
Medicare looks back at your income from two years earlier, which means the salary you're earning before retirement can still affect what you pay after you retire.
You may not be able to change what you earned — but you can know what's coming, budget for it, and build it into your retirement plan.
Being surprised is the expensive part.

10/31/2026

A lot more can affect your Medicare premiums than just the paycheck you used to earn.
Social Security, pension income, IRA withdrawals, capital gains, dividends and even Roth conversions can all be part of the IRMAA conversation.
And these income limits matter because going over a threshold can mean paying more for Medicare.
The important thing is knowing what counts before you make the financial decision — not finding out two years later when the higher premium shows up.

10/30/2026

In this episode, Tim is joined by Mitzi and Kevin to break down IRMAA — the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — and explain why higher-income retirees can end up paying significantly more for Medicare. They discuss Medicare’s two-year income lookback, the income thresholds that can trigger additional premiums, and some of the things retirees may not realize can count toward IRMAA, including Social Security benefits, pension income, IRA withdrawals, capital gains, dividends, Roth conversions, and certain one-time financial events.

Tim also explains why higher earners approaching retirement may need to prepare for IRMAA rather than assume they can avoid it immediately, and how managing taxable income later in retirement can become part of the overall plan. The conversation then expands into Roth conversions, protecting retirement money from market downturns, planning for healthcare and long-term care, and what to consider if an employer stops matching 401(k) contributions. The key message: know what could affect your retirement income and expenses before the bill arrives — and make sure you have a written plan.

Get a FREE copy of Tim's book "Safe Money Retirement: Your Game Plan for Success" at https://www.SafeMoneyRetirement.com and check out his webinar at https://www.SafeMoneyRetirementWebinars.com

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Call us at 833-413-SAFE for more information.



Join Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Retirement Income Certified Professional®, and bestselling author Tim Wood each week to discuss protecting your retirement dollars, guaranteeing your lifetime income, wisely planning for taxes, and more. Visit us online at www.SafeMoneyRetirement.com for more information, to join us for this week's webinar, or to get a FREE copy of Tim's bestselling book.

Safe Money Retirement® - Insuring Your Retirement Dreams

In this episode, Tim is joined by Mitzi and Kevin to break down IRM...

10/29/2026

This is a huge red flag for our overall economy that I've been talking about for years. Is your retirement ready?

Surging borrowing lifts the fiscal year-end debt ratio to the highest since 1946.

10/29/2026

Daytime Tri-Cities segment from this week discussing the retirement red zone, guaranteed lifetime income plans, and more.

Tim Wood with safe Money retirement LLC, shares with us how we can retire with confidence by making our way into the retirement red zone! To learn more about Safe Money Retirement LLC and how you can drive your way into the retirement red zone, please watch the video.

10/28/2026

Want to retire at 62?
Before you turn in your notice, there’s one expense you absolutely need to figure out: 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.
I’ve had people come into my office planning to retire at 62 and, once we looked at what coverage would cost before Medicare, they decided to work another three years.
Healthcare can completely change the retirement math.
Retiring early can absolutely be possible — but make sure healthcare is part of the plan before you make the move.

10/26/2026

Having a big balance in your 401(k) or IRA is great — until Uncle Sam tells you it’s time to start taking money out.
Required Minimum Distributions can increase your taxable income, potentially push you into a higher tax bracket, and even affect what you pay for Medicare through IRMAA.
And here’s the part people miss: 𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.
That’s why Roth conversions, withdrawal timing, and tax planning need to be part of the retirement conversation before those surprises show up.

10/24/2026

You’ve probably seen the headlines saying you need $1 million, $1.5 million or even $2 million to retire.
But there is no magic retirement number.
I have clients with more than $1 million who don’t need all of it for retirement — and I have people come in with $200,000 or $300,000 who may be perfectly fine.
What matters is your expenses, your income, your pension or Social Security, and what you actually want retirement to look like.
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.

10/23/2026

One overlooked income spike could make Medicare more expensive than you expected. Tim Wood breaks down IRMAA, the Medicare surcharge tied to income, and explains why retirees should understand what may count toward those thresholds. He also explores the two-year income lookback, retirement withdrawals, Roth conversions, and other financial events that may affect Medicare costs. Plus, Tim discusses longevity, healthcare, market risk, and why changing circumstances can make a written retirement plan worth revisiting.

Join Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Retirement Income Certified Professional®, and bestselling author Tim Wood each week to discuss protecting your retirement dollars, guaranteeing your lifetime income, wisely planning for taxes, and more. Visit us online at www.SafeMoneyRetirement.com for more information, to join us for this week's webinar, or to get a FREE copy of Tim's bestselling book.

Safe Money Retirement® - Insuring Your Retirement Dreams

In this episode, Tim is joined by Mitzi and Kevin to tackle one of ...