As the year ends, many retirees review their financial decisions in light of changing tax rules, market movement, and ongoing cost pressures.
In this episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker outline five Smart Money Moves that can help retirees prepare for 2026. Their discussion focuses on practical steps that influence taxes, income, Social Security, investment allocation, and healthcare planning.
Ryan and Tyson cover:
How tax planning can affect long-term retirement outcomes
Ways to create income that is steady and structured
Why Social Security decisions should integrate with the rest of a retirement plan
How portfolio drift occurs after long market runs, and when rebalancing may be useful
Considerations for managing rising healthcare costs
Most retirees focus on how much they have saved, but the biggest threat to their future is often the cost they never planned for. Taxes, inflation, healthcare, and longevity can quietly increase year after year until they place real pressure on your retirement income.
In this episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker explain how hidden retirement expenses can erode even the strongest nest eggs and what you can do right now to protect yourself.
Ryan and Tyson discuss:
Why do many retirees end up in a higher tax bracket than expected
How “stealth taxes” like capital gains and lost deductions impact your income
Why inflation makes everyday expenses harder to manage over a 20 or 30-year retirement
The rising cost of healthcare and long-term care
How longer lifespans amplify every other financial risk
The difference between tax preparation and true tax planning
Practical steps to help keep more of your savings working for you
Most people focus on investment returns, but the real threat to a comfortable retirement often hides in plain sight. Taxes can quietly drain away more of your savings than you ever expected, and the window to take control may be smaller than you think.
In this episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker break down how today’s historically low tax rates can create a rare opportunity for pre-retirees and retirees. They explain why strategic Roth conversions may help you keep more of your money, how required minimum distributions can trigger bigger tax bills later in life, and why waiting could mean giving up one of the most valuable planning windows available.
Ryan and Tyson discuss:
Why so much retirement savings sits in tax-deferred accounts, and why that can create problems later
How expanded tax brackets in the current law may help you convert more at potentially lower rates
Why timing matters with Roth conversions and how to avoid pushing yourself into higher tax brackets
How proactive planning can help you reduce uncertainty and build more control into your retirement income
What Washington proofing your retirement really means and how to get started before year-end
Most retirees unknowingly leave thousands of dollars on the table just by filing for Social Security the wrong way.
In this episode, Ryan and Tyson Thacker reveal how the right claiming strategy can mean hundreds of thousands more in retirement income. They break down the key mistakes people make, how taxes and Medicare tie into your benefits, and how a simple plan can help you keep more of what’s yours.
They also uncover real examples showing how timing, coordination, and smart planning can turn your Social Security into a powerful foundation for your retirement income.
Key takeaways:
How Social Security became the foundation of your retirement plan and why so many misunderstand how it works
The real cost of claiming benefits too early and how waiting could increase your lifetime income by 8% per year
How ignoring taxes and Medicare premiums can quietly drain thousands from your benefits
A real-life case study of a couple who gained over $207,000 by filing strategically
Why integrating Social Security with your IRA, 401(k), and overall retirement income plan can double your wealth’s long-term impact
What’s your biggest retirement concern? Email us or leave a voicemail, and we might feature your question in an upcoming episode of Retirement Solutions The Podcast!
What if the biggest opportunity to grow your retirement savings has nothing to do with chasing the next big investment and everything to do with taxes?
In this episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker break down why taxes may be the single biggest expense you will face in retirement and how strategic tax planning could make your money go significantly further.
Ryan and Tyson discuss:
How today’s national debt and tax trends could impact your retirement
Why most retirees underestimate their lifetime tax burden
The “three tax buckets” and how to move from taxed later to tax-free income
The power of Roth 401(k)s, Roth conversions, and properly structured life insurance
How to “Washington-proof” your retirement and take control of your future
What if downsizing your home could actually upgrade your lifestyle in retirement?
In this episode, Tyson Thacker sits down with real estate professionals Jodi Rosko and Heather Fisher, co-hosts of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, to unpack how your home fits into your B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint. Together, they explore what it means to “dream first” when planning your next chapter; so your home aligns with your goals, your health, and your legacy.
We discuss:
How to turn the equity in your home into retirement confidence and freedom
The emotional side of decluttering: why memories matter more than things
Three types of downsizers: debt-free dreamers, cautious planners, and equity investors
Why early conversations with your kids can prevent conflict later
How to spot red flags when choosing a 55+ or senior living community
The mindset shift from accumulation to intentional living
Jodi Rosko and Heather Fisher are real estate professionals and co-founders of The Downsizing Roadmap, a specialized program and podcast that helps retirees and families navigate the emotional and practical steps of downsizing with clarity and confidence. Through workshops, resources, and personalized guidance, they empower clients to plan early, declutter with purpose, and design a home that fits their next stage of life.
Rising interest rates feel like bad news, but what if rising interest rates could actually work in your favor during retirement?
In this episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker sit down with long-time advisor and friend, Dave Whitworth, to unpack strategies for thriving in today’s high-interest-rate environment. From increasing guaranteed income to leveraging overlooked financial tools, they reveal how to create confidence and stability in your retirement plan.
Dave discusses:
How to turn high interest rates into higher lifetime income
Why Social Security is the foundation of every retirement income plan
The role annuities can play as a “private pension”
When a reverse mortgage could be a smart addition to your income strategy
How the B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint creates a customized, holistic plan
Dave Whitworth is an Investment Advisor Representative with B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions and Advisors, where he forms relationships with clients as he helps identify areas where his services may be able to enhance retirement income planning. He enjoys the relationships that are created as trust is built, and he strives to provide exceptional customer service and ensure every financial goal is considered.
Dave has degrees in business management and zoology from Brigham Young University. He is an Investment Advisor Representative and a licensed insurance agent.
Dave is an outdoor and recreation enthusiast, originally from Wisconsin. He enjoys playing basketball, golf, volleyball, and cycling. With his wife, he stays busy supporting the activities and needs of their five children, and he enjoys attending their sporting and dance events.
Retirement isn’t just about finances. It’s about having the freedom to focus on what matters most: your family.
In this heartfelt episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker are joined by Dr. Sean Brotherson, Professor and Extension Family Science Specialist at North Dakota State University, to explore how retirees can deepen family connections, pass down values, and create meaningful traditions across generations.
From Saturday morning donut runs to turning family stories into lessons for resilience, this episode is filled with real ideas for building stronger relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned grandparent or just beginning to think about the legacy you want to leave, you’ll walk away with practical inspiration.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to create new family traditions without forcing them
The role of technology in staying connected with grandkids
How family stories can shape values and identity
Legacy-building activities that make memories last
Sean Brotherson, Ph.D., is a professor and Family Life Specialist at North Dakota State University. With a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, he has been educating families nationwide since 1998. He and his wife of 34 years have eight children and three grandchildren, and they love spending time together, traveling, and building lasting family connections.
What if the fear of talking to a financial advisor is the very thing keeping you from retiring sooner and living the life you’ve always dreamed of?
In this episode, Ryan Thacker sits down with Robert Brantley, a trusted Investment Advisor Representative at B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions, to talk about what really happens during a first retirement planning meeting. Known for his deep tax expertise, sincere client relationships, and powerful personal story, Robert shares why that first conversation could be one of the most life-changing moments of your retirement journey.
You’ll hear:
(00:03:00) Robert’s surprising background from Japan to the Tabernacle Choir
(00:06:00) How raising a daughter with special needs changed Robert’s financial journey
(00:09:00) What to expect during a first retirement appointment and why it’s more personal than numbers
(00:15:00) How a custom plan gave a grieving spouse peace of mind
(00:30:00) A life-changing case study: from burnout to bucket-list travel in Tanzania
And more
If you’ve been putting off your first planning meeting, this conversation might just change your mind and your future.
Robert Brantley is an Investment Advisor Representative at B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. With more than a decade of experience in financial services, Robert takes time to understand each client’s situation, including their wants, needs and goals. With that crucial information in mind, Robert helps clients build an optimal system of financial security to help them to and through retirement.
Before working in financial services, Robert was a professor at a university overseas. He holds two advanced degrees: one in teaching from Brigham Young University and one in accounting from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He is a trained singer and has been in many choral groups over the years. He is proud to have been one of the earliest members of BYU’s now-famous a cappella group, Vocal Point.
Robert loves traveling, cooking and basketball, but his favorite pastime is spending time with his family. He and his wife, Marta, are the proud parents of nine children — six girls and three boys — and have a dog, Remi. The family loves music, walking at sunset, playing noisy and fun games, and trying new things.
What does it really take to build lasting family memories with your kids and grandkids, especially when everyone’s busy and scattered across the country?
In this heartwarming and practical episode, Ryan Thacker sits down with Susan Alexander Yates, author of Cousins Camp: A Grandparent’s Guide to Creating Fun, Faith, and Memories That Last, to explore how small, intentional efforts can lead to meaningful family traditions that stand the test of time. Susan shares how she and her husband turned a simple idea into an annual “Cousins Camp” that now includes all 21 of their grandchildren, even a set of quadruplets. From budget-friendly activities to age-appropriate planning and spiritual connection, this conversation is packed with inspiration for grandparents and parents who want to leave a legacy of love.
You’ll learn how grandparents can become anchors of wisdom and joy, even if they don’t live nearby, and how your financial plan can support your desire to gather family without the stress of overspending. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own version of Cousins Camp or simply looking to strengthen your family bonds, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, Susan discusses:
(00:01) How she created “Cousins Camp” for her 21 grandchildren (including quadruplets!)
(00:06) Creative, budget-friendly ideas to build family connection and start meaningful traditions
(00:13) Ways grandparents can become trusted listeners and mentors during life’s messy moments
(00:24) How to prioritize family gatherings in your retirement plan without breaking the bank
About Susan Yates: Susan Alexander Yates is a wife of nearly 55 years, mother to five children (including a set of twins), and grandmother to 21—including a set of quadruplets. She and her husband John have hosted an annual “Cousin Camp” for their grandchildren for over a decade in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. Susan is the author of 16 books, including the acclaimed Cousin Camp: A Grandparent’s Guide to Creating Fun, Faith, and Memories That Last. She shares practical wisdom and encouragement for families on her blog atsusanalexanderyates.com.
