Smart Wealth and Retirement

If you're between ages 60 and 63 in 2026, you may have an opportunity to put significantly more money into your workplace retirement plan before the end of the year. The new super catch-up contribution rules can apply to 401(k)s, 403(b)s, governmental 457 plans, and the TSP, creating an important planning opportunity for people approaching retirement.

Jim and Casey also explain why this shouldn't be treated as an isolated savings decision. Before increasing contributions, retirees and pre-retirees should consider their cash reserves, debt, upcoming expenses, retirement date, tax strategy, and overall income plan. Maxing out every available retirement contribution can be valuable, but not when doing so leaves everyday cash flow stretched too thin.

02:00 — How Much Can You Contribute in 2026?
04:00 — What Exactly Is the Super Catch-Up?

06:00 — Which Retirement Plans May Qualify?

07:00 — Questions to Ask Your HR Department

08:00 — The Roth Catch-Up Rule for Higher Earners

10:00 — Pre-Tax vs. Roth Contributions
12:00 — Using Your Final Working Years Strategically
13:30 — Mistake #1: Assuming Payroll Will Handle Everything

15:00 — Mistake #2: Thinking "Catch-Up" Means You're Behind
15:45 — Mistake #3: Forgetting About Cash Flow
17:00 — Mistake #4: Ignoring the Roth Catch-Up Rule
18:30 — Mistake #5: Treating the Contribution as a Standalone Decision
19:00 — Who Could Benefit Most?

20:00 — What Should You Do First?
21:00 — Why More Isn't Always Better
22:00 — Coordinating the Super Catch-Up With Your Retirement Plan

Connect With Martin Wealth Solutions

If you're approaching retirement and want to determine how the 2026 super catch-up rules fit into your broader retirement strategy, connect with Jim Martin and Casey Bibb at martinwealth.com.

In this episode of Smart Wealth and Retirement, financial planners Jim Martin and Casey Bibb break down six classic pre-retirement mistakes and explain how better coordination between investments, Social Security, taxes, healthcare, and retirement income can help create a more confident transition into retirement.

One of the biggest changes approaching retirement is recognizing that a portfolio has a different job than it did during the accumulation years. Growth still matters, but so do income, liquidity, risk management, and the ability to withstand market downturns without disrupting the retirement plan.

Timestamped Episode Outline

00:00 — Six Classic Pre-Retirement Mistakes
03:57 — Mistake #1: Investing at 59 Like You're 39
07:20 — Mistake #2: Claiming Social Security Without a Strategy
12:00 — Mistake #3: Doing Tax Preparation Instead of Tax Planning
15:18 — The Retirement Tax-Planning Window
18:30 — Mistake #4: Assuming Medicare Covers More Than It Does
22:03 — Mistake #5: Taking More Risk Because You Feel Behind
26:05 — Mistake #6: Retiring Without a Paycheck Plan
29:10 — Turning Retirement Savings Into a Life
33:10 — Five Years From Retirement? Start Here
34:36 — The Most Underestimated Retirement Risk
36:23 — Progress, Not Perfection

Connect With Martin Wealth Solutions

If you're approaching retirement and want help coordinating your investments, income, taxes, Social Security, and retirement strategy, connect with Jim Martin and Casey Bibb at martinwealth.com

Jim and Casey walk through the common questions, mistakes and things to consider when it comes to rolling over a 401(k). They explain some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of each choice, including investment options, fees, taxes, access to funds, and long-term retirement planning considerations.

Rather than assuming a rollover is always the right answer, this episode helps listeners understand the questions they should ask before making a decision with retirement savings they may have spent decades building.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction: What should you do with an old 401(k)?
00:52 Meet Jim & Casey
01:38 Why your 401(k) decision matters after leaving a job
04:09 Rolling over your 401(k) could give better control over your retirement income plan
06:31 Rolling over your 401(k) could simplify multiple old accounts
09:02 Comparing plan options and benefits
11:16 The Rule of 55 and retiring early
13:51 Evaluating 401(k) protections
14:45 Comparing features of a 401(k), IRA, and other accounts
16:18 Common Mistake #1: Taking personal possession of the money
16:50 Common Mistake #2: Forgetting about your Roth 401(k)
19:19 Questions to ask before choosing a rollover option
20:54 Final thoughts and closing remarks

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

 

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss an important decision many people face after leaving a job or approaching retirement: what should you do with an old 401(k)?

Jim and Casey walk through the common questions, mistakes and things to consider when it comes to rolling over a 401(k). They explain some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of each choice, including investment options, fees, taxes, access to funds, and long-term retirement planning considerations.

Rather than assuming a rollover is always the right answer, this episode helps listeners understand the questions they should ask before making a decision with retirement savings they may have spent decades building.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction: What should you do with an old 401(k)?
00:52 Meet Jim & Casey
01:38 Why your 401(k) decision matters after leaving a job
04:09 Rolling over your 401(k) could give better control over your retirement income plan
06:31 Rolling over your 401(k) could simplify multiple old accounts
09:02 Comparing plan options and benefits
11:16 The Rule of 55 and retiring early
13:51 Evaluating 401(k) protections
14:45 Comparing features of a 401(k), IRA, and other accounts
16:18 Common Mistake #1: Taking personal possession of the money
16:50 Common Mistake #2: Forgetting about your Roth 401(k)
19:19 Questions to ask before choosing a rollover option
20:54 Final thoughts and closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss one of today's fastest-growing technologies: artificial intelligence (AI) and what it could mean for your financial future.

Jim and Casey explore how AI is changing the financial industry, from investment research and financial planning tools to fraud detection and client service. They also discuss the limitations of AI, why human judgment remains essential in retirement planning, and how investors should think about AI-driven advice versus personalized financial guidance.

Whether you're curious about using AI yourself or wondering how it's reshaping the financial world, this episode provides a balanced look at the opportunities, risks, and practical implications for retirees and pre-retirees.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction to today's topic
00:56 Meet the hosts
01:42 Why everyone is talking about AI
03:24 How AI is changing the financial industry
05:18 AI tools investors are beginning to use
07:06 The benefits of AI in financial planning
09:02 Where AI falls short
10:52 Why human advice still matters
12:44 AI, investing, and market research
14:36 Cybersecurity and fraud considerations
16:22 Ethical concerns surrounding AI
18:08 How advisors are incorporating AI into their practice
20:02 What investors should know before relying on AI
22:10 The future of AI in retirement planning
24:14 Key takeaways and final thoughts
25:48 Closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss seven of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a financial advisor.

Jim and Casey explain why selecting the right advisor is about much more than investment performance. They cover common pitfalls like focusing solely on fees, failing to understand fiduciary responsibility, overlooking communication style, and not asking the right questions before making a decision. They also discuss the importance of finding an advisor whose planning philosophy aligns with your goals and values.

Whether you're hiring your first advisor or considering a second opinion, this episode provides practical guidance to help you make a confident and informed decision.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction to today's episode
00:52 Meet the hosts
01:34 Why choosing the right advisor matters
03:06 Mistake #1: Choosing based solely on investment performance
05:02 Mistake #2: Focusing only on fees
06:56 Mistake #3: Not understanding the advisor's fiduciary responsibility
08:48 Mistake #4: Ignoring the planning process
10:36 Mistake #5: Failing to ask the right questions
12:26 Mistake #6: Overlooking communication and accessibility
14:20 Mistake #7: Choosing someone who doesn't fit your goals
16:18 Questions every prospective client should ask
18:12 What to look for in a long-term advisory relationship
20:10 Key takeaways and final thoughts
22:08 Closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided herein should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss five essential areas every retiree should evaluate before leaving the workforce.

Jim and Casey explain that retirement readiness isn't determined by a single account balance—it's about having a comprehensive plan. They walk through the key building blocks of a successful retirement, including income planning, healthcare, taxes, investments, and estate planning. Along the way, they share practical insights to help listeners identify gaps in their current strategy and feel more confident about their future.

Whether retirement is just around the corner or still several years away, this episode provides a practical checklist to help ensure you're prepared for the transition.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction to today's episode
00:52 Meet the hosts
01:36 Why retirement readiness is about more than savings
03:08 Essential #1: Create a reliable retirement income plan
05:18 Essential #2: Prepare for healthcare expenses and Medicare
07:34 Essential #3: Build a tax-efficient retirement strategy
09:46 Essential #4: Review your investment allocation and risk
12:04 Essential #5: Organize your estate plan and beneficiary designations
14:22 Why these five areas work together
16:10 Common retirement planning gaps
18:02 Stress-testing your retirement plan
20:06 Action steps before retirement
22:12 Final thoughts and key takeaways
23:18 Closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss one of the most overlooked tax strategies available to retirees: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).

Jim and Casey explain how QCDs allow individuals to give directly from an IRA to qualified charities while potentially reducing taxable income. They walk through who can use this strategy, how it interacts with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and why it can be especially valuable for charitably inclined retirees.

The conversation highlights the tax advantages of QCDs, common mistakes to avoid, and how this strategy may fit into a broader retirement income and tax plan.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

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Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction to today's topic
01:36 What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
03:14 Who qualifies to use a QCD?
04:58 How QCDs work with IRA accounts
06:42 Understanding the tax benefits of QCDs
08:18 QCDs and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
10:02 Why QCDs can be more effective than charitable deductions
11:48 Common mistakes retirees make with QCDs
13:26 Rules and limitations to understand
15:08 Real-world examples of QCD planning
16:52 Coordinating charitable giving with retirement income
18:24 Key takeaways and planning considerations
20:06 Final thoughts and closing remarks

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Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss how seemingly small spending habits can quietly undermine long-term financial goals.

Jim and Casey explain that successful retirement planning isn't always about earning more—it’s often about being intentional with the money you already have. They explore common areas where people unknowingly waste money, how recurring expenses can compound over time, and why paying attention to cash flow can have a meaningful impact on retirement readiness.

The conversation focuses on practical ways to identify financial leaks, prioritize spending, and make smarter decisions that align with long-term retirement goals without sacrificing the lifestyle you enjoy.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction to today's topic
00:56 Meet the hosts
01:42 Why small expenses matter more than you think
03:26 The hidden impact of recurring spending
05:08 Common areas where people waste money
06:54 Subscription creep and forgotten expenses
08:38 Lifestyle inflation and its effect on retirement
10:22 The importance of intentional spending
12:06 Distinguishing needs from wants
13:48 How spending habits affect retirement timelines
15:34 Creating a spending plan that supports your goals
17:18 Simple ways to improve cash flow
19:04 Avoiding common budgeting mistakes
20:46 Practical action steps listeners can take today
22:28 Key takeaways and final thoughts
24:36 Closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss a surprising reality many retirees and pre-retirees face: having a substantial nest egg but still not feeling financially secure.

Jim and Casey explore why reaching a milestone like $2 million in savings doesn't automatically create confidence or peace of mind. They discuss the psychological side of wealth, concerns about inflation, healthcare costs, longevity, market volatility, and the fear of running out of money. They also explain why focusing solely on an account balance can be misleading and why understanding retirement income may be more important than the size of your portfolio.

This episode offers practical insights for anyone wondering whether they've saved enough and how to shift their focus from wealth accumulation to retirement confidence.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction to today's topic
00:54 Meet the hosts
01:40 Why $2 million doesn't always feel like enough
03:18 The emotional side of retirement planning
05:04 How inflation changes retirement expectations
06:48 Why account balances can be misleading
08:34 Income versus net worth in retirement
10:16 Healthcare and long-term care concerns
11:58 Longevity risk and planning for the unknown
13:40 Market volatility and retirement confidence
15:20 Common fears retirees experience
17:02 Building a retirement income strategy
18:46 Shifting from accumulation to distribution
20:24 Defining what financial security means to you
22:08 Key takeaways and final thoughts
23:30 Closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions continue their discussion on the financial and retirement planning challenges that can arise following a cancer diagnosis.

Jim and Casey explore how a major health event can affect retirement timelines, income needs, healthcare costs, and long-term financial security. They discuss the importance of preparing for unexpected medical expenses, coordinating insurance coverage, and maintaining flexibility within a retirement plan. They also highlight practical steps families can take to reduce financial stress during difficult times and ensure important planning decisions aren't overlooked.

This episode provides valuable insight for retirees, caregivers, and anyone looking to build a retirement plan that can withstand life's unexpected challenges.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us

www.planwellretirehappy.com

 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction and recap from Part 1
01:04 Meet the hosts
02:12 The ongoing financial impact of a cancer diagnosis
04:08 Healthcare expenses beyond treatment costs
06:02 Income planning during a health crisis
07:56 The role of disability and insurance benefits
09:48 Managing retirement withdrawals during difficult periods
11:40 Planning for caregivers and family support
13:26 Estate planning considerations during major health events
15:18 Tax considerations and healthcare costs
17:06 Maintaining flexibility in your retirement plan
18:52 Common planning mistakes families make
20:34 Building a financial safety net
22:16 Key takeaways and practical planning steps
24:12 Final thoughts and encouragement
25:22 Closing remarks

 

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.