Joe Knows Retirement

40 Episodes
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By: Joe Schmitz Jr., CFP® ChFC® CKA®

Welcome to the Joe Knows Retirement Podcast! Where Joe will take you through strategies to make the most of your retirement.

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55 to 59 With a Pension? Do These 3 Things Before You Retire
#330
Last Friday at 9:15 PM

If you're 55 to 59 with a pension and $1 million or more saved, you may be closer to retirement than you think. But turning decades of hard work into a retirement you feel confident about takes more than a healthy account balance. In this episode, Joe explains why these years are an important opportunity to prepare for your next chapter and build a plan that reflects what matters most to you and your family.

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Why I Love And Hate Pensions
#329
Last Tuesday at 9:15 PM

Having a pension and $1 million or more saved can put you in a great position for retirement. But that dependable income also comes with planning challenges you may not see coming. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe explains why he loves pensions and two key drawbacks that deserve your attention. You worked hard to get here. Make sure you understand the opportunities your pension creates and the decisions that can help you make the most of it.

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How to Do a Roth Conversion If You Have a Pension
#328
10/13/2026

Thinking about a Roth conversion? Moving the money is only part of the process. Choosing how much to convert, paying the taxes, and understanding the impact on your retirement plan are where costly mistakes can happen. In this episode, Joe explains how Roth conversions work and your options for converting.

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7 Decisions That CHANGE If You Have a Pension & $1 Million
#327
10/06/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved for retirement, your retirement decisions may look very different from everyone else's. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down 7 major decisions that can change when you have a pension and significant retirement savings. You've spent decades saving and preparing for retirement. Now the goal is making smart decisions with what you've built so you can enjoy your money, reduce unnecessary taxes, protect your family, and make the most of retirement.

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Why Doing Nothing Is The Biggest Tax Mistake
#326
10/02/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved for retirement, doing nothing with your tax plan could become one of your most expensive mistakes. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe walks through why diligent savers with pensions can face a much larger tax burden than they expect, especially as tax-deferred accounts continue to grow.

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Do These 8 Things BEFORE You Roth Convert
#325
09/29/2026

Roth conversions can be one of the most powerful tax planning opportunities in retirement, especially if you have a pension and $1 million or more saved. But converting too quickly could mean missing other opportunities or paying taxes you did not need to pay. In this video, Joe covers 8 things to consider before doing a Roth conversion. The goal is not simply to convert as much as possible, but to determine how much to convert, when to convert, and how a Roth conversion fits into your complete retirement and tax strategy.

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3 Ways to Lower Your RMDs Before It's Too Late
#324
09/25/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved for retirement, Required Minimum Distributions could create a much bigger tax problem than you expect. Your pension, Social Security, and future RMDs can stack on top of each other, potentially pushing your retirement income higher and impacting your taxes and Medicare premiums. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down how RMDs work, why they can be especially important for retirees with pensions and significant tax-deferred savings, and strategies to consider for reducing their future impact.

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10 Retirement Decisions You May Regret Making Too Early
#323
09/22/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved for retirement, you've probably done a lot of things right. But a few decisions made at the wrong time could have a major impact on your taxes, investments, income, and even how much you enjoy retirement. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down 10 retirement decisions people may regret making too early or waiting too long to make.

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If You Have $3 Million Saved, Pay Attention to This
#322
09/18/2026

If you have $3 million or more saved for retirement, there are planning opportunities you may want to start thinking about differently. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe walks through several advanced strategies that can become more important as your wealth continues to grow.

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Why Tax Planning Is The Center Of Retirement Planning
#321
09/15/2026

Many diligent savers enter retirement with most of their money sitting in tax-deferred accounts, but without a strategy for how those dollars will eventually be taxed. Add a pension, Social Security, required minimum distributions, Medicare premiums, and future estate considerations, and the tax impact can become much larger than expected. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down several important tax planning opportunities for retirees with a pension and significant savings.

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5 Ways to Protect Your Investments in Retirement with a Pension
#320
09/11/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved for retirement, you may not need to protect your investments the same way as the average retiree. Your pension already provides a level of dependable income, which can completely change how you think about your investment allocation. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down 5 protection options retirees may want to consider. He explains the pros and cons of each and why your pension could give you more flexibility than a traditional retirement plan.

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Retiring With a Pension & $2 Million: A Real Retirement Case Study
#319
09/08/2026

If you're retiring with a pension and around $2 million or more saved, you're in a great position. But having enough money doesn't mean your retirement plan is finished. In this case study, Joe breaks down a couple preparing to retire with a strong pension, substantial savings, and plenty of opportunities to make the most of the retirement they've worked so hard to build.

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Have $100K+ Sitting in the Bank? Do THIS Instead
#318
09/04/2026

If you have $100,000 or more sitting in the bank, is that really the best place for it? For diligent savers, especially retirees with a pension and $1 million or more saved, holding extra cash can feel safe. But too much cash could mean missed growth opportunities and unnecessary taxes. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down how much you may actually need in an emergency fund and several ways excess cash could potentially be put to better use.

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Single With A Pension? Don't Let Taxes Ruin Your Retirement
#317
09/01/2026

If you're single and retiring with a pension, your retirement plan may look very different from the typical retiree. From higher tax brackets and Medicare premiums to Roth conversions, legacy planning, and your pension election, several important decisions could have a major impact on your retirement.

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If Roth Conversions Only Save You 2%... Are They Really Worth It?
#316
08/28/2026

Many retirees hesitate to do Roth conversions because they believe the savings are only a couple of percentage points. But is that really the full story? In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe explains why focusing only on today's tax bracket can lead to costly mistakes later. If you have a pension, $1 million or more saved, or expect Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), the true benefit of Roth conversions goes far beyond a simple 2% tax difference.

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Should the 2% Club Own Real Estate?
#315
08/25/2026

Should you own real estate if you have a pension and $1 million or more saved? Many retirees assume real estate is the obvious next investment, but the answer is more complicated than most people realize. In this video, Joe breaks down the biggest tax advantages of real estate and explains why most of our clients ultimately choose not to own rental properties in retirement despite the potential tax savings.

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...


Do THIS Instead of a Roth Conversion
#314
08/21/2026

Roth conversions can be one of the best tax planning strategies in retirement, especially if you have a pension and $1 million or more saved. But what if the bigger opportunity isn't just saving taxes? In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe challenges Midwestern Millionaires to think beyond Roth conversions and ask a much bigger question: What is the real purpose of your money?

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8 Tax Strategies Your CPA Won't Tell You - Part 2
#313
08/18/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved for retirement, simply filing your taxes may not be enough. The bigger opportunity could be proactive tax planning. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe covers 8 more retirement tax strategies your CPA or financial planner may not be talking about.

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I'm 60 With $2 Million and a Pension... Should I Do Roth Conversions?
#312
08/14/2026

You're 60 years old, you have a pension, and you've saved $2 million for retirement. Congratulations! But now comes one of the biggest tax planning decisions you'll ever make: should you be doing Roth conversions? In this episode, Joe walks through a real-world case study showing why Roth conversions may make sense for retirees with pensions and substantial retirement savings. You'll learn why this situation is different than most retirees, how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can create a future tax problem, and how proper planning could potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

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Retiring With a Pension? Watch This
#311
08/11/2026

If you're retiring soon with a pension, your retirement planning is different than most people. Less than 20% of retirees have a pension, and if you've also saved $1 million or more, you're in a unique financial position that requires more advanced planning. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe covers the biggest retirement mistakes to avoid before making irreversible pension decisions.

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13 Roth Conversion Windows You CAN'T Afford To Miss
#310
08/07/2026

If you have a pension and $1 Million or more saved, often the question is not whether you should do a Roth conversion, but when. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe walks through 13 Roth conversion windows that could help you reduce taxes, lower future required minimum distributions and make smarter retirement decisions. From early retirement to Medicare, Social Security, the widow's penalty, charitable giving, and more, you'll learn the key opportunities that could make Roth conversions far more valuable.

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The 5 Biggest Retirement Concerns I Hear
#309
08/04/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, your biggest retirement concerns probably aren't what most people think. After helping thousands of retirees, I've noticed the same five concerns come up over and over again. They aren't worried about running out of money. They're worried about making the right decisions with the money they've worked so hard to save.

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Why Your Retirement Savings Could KEEP Growing After You Retire
#308
07/31/2026

If you have a pension, your retirement may look very different than most people expect. Many retirees assume they'll spend down their investments throughout retirement. But if you have a pension, Social Security, and substantial savings, your portfolio may actually continue growing for decades. In this video, Joe explains why this happens, how compound growth can continue in retirement, and the tax planning opportunities that come with this unique situation. You'll also learn why required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, and your investment strategy deserve a second look if you're fortunate enough to have a pension.

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4 Ways Your Pension Protects You in Retirement
#307
07/28/2026

If you have a pension, you're in a unique position that most retirees will never experience. In this video, Joe breaks down four powerful ways your pension can protect your retirement and why your planning strategy should be different from everyone else's. You'll learn how a pension can reduce the risk of running out of money, help protect you from market downturns, provide options to protect your spouse, and allow your investments to grow for your future and your family's legacy.

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5 Things That Disappear After You Retire
#306
07/24/2026

Retirement changes more than just your paycheck. There are things that quietly disappear once your career ends, and many retirees never see them coming. In today's episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe covers five things that often disappear after retirement. If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, some of these may affect you differently than the average retiree. We'll also discuss why planning ahead can help you enjoy retirement with more confidence and fewer regrets.

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You're Not the Average Retiree... Here's Why
#305
07/21/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, your retirement is completely different from the average retiree. Most retirement advice is designed for people who need more income. But if your pension already covers your lifestyle, your biggest opportunities shift toward optimizing taxes, growing your wealth wisely, protecting your legacy, and making the most of the retirement you've worked so hard for. In this video, Joe walks through the biggest differences between the average retiree and those who have reached financial freedom, plus the five things our clients actually want once they no longer have to worry...


The #1 Thing Wealthy Retirees Do Differently
#304
07/16/2026

What separates wealthy retirees from everyone else? It is not chasing higher investment returns. It is having a proactive tax strategy. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe explains why taxes often become the largest expense for retirees with pensions and significant retirement savings. Learn how required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, estate planning, charitable giving, and tax diversification can dramatically impact your retirement.

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7 Retirement Numbers You MUST Know If You Have a Pension
#303
07/14/2026

If you have a pension, your retirement planning is different than most people. Less than 20% of Americans have a pension, and if you've also built significant retirement savings, the decisions you make today can have a major impact on your future. In this video, Joe covers the 7 most important retirement numbers every pension owner needs to know, including how your pension, Social Security, investments, spending, retirement date, and age all work together to create a successful retirement plan.

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Don't Retire Until You've Checked These 5 Things
#302
07/11/2026

Retirement isn't just about having enough money. It's about making the right decisions with everything you've spent decades building. In this episode, Joe walks through a simple five-point retirement planning checklist that every couple should review before retiring. From tax planning and investments to income, healthcare, and estate planning, each of these areas plays a critical role in helping you protect your retirement and avoid costly mistakes down the road. If you have a pension and significant retirement savings, your planning needs are often much different than the average retiree. That's why having a comprehensive strategy can make all...


The Biggest Retirement Mistake Isn't Running Out of Money... It's This
#301
07/09/2026

Most retirees worry about running out of money. But for many hardworking savers with pensions and significant retirement savings, that is not the real risk. The bigger danger is spending decades saving, only to struggle with actually enjoying retirement. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe explains why so many retirees run out of money emotionally, not financially. You'll learn how to transition from a lifetime of saving into a retirement filled with purpose, experiences, generosity, and confidence.

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7 Retirement Mistakes I See Every Week (Don't Make These)
#300
07/07/2026

Every week, Joe hears from retirees who wish they had made different financial decisions before and during retirement. In this video, Joe breaks down the 7 biggest retirement mistakes he sees over and over again, so you can avoid them before they cost you. If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, these mistakes can have an even bigger impact on your retirement. We'll cover tax diversification, cash management, retirement timing, spending habits, tax-efficient investing, choosing the right financial advisor, and much more.

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98% of Retirees Should Be Worried About These 3 Risks
#299
07/02/2026

Most retirees share the same three fears. Running out of money, paying for healthcare, and watching the stock market crash at the worst possible time. But if you've built a strong retirement with a pension and significant savings, your situation may be very different than most people realize. In today's episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe explains the three biggest retirement risks facing nearly everyone and why retirees with a pension and $1 million or more saved may have opportunities that others simply do not. You'll also learn the planning mistakes to avoid, how inflation still impacts pension holders, why...


The Truth About Having Both a Pension and an IRA
#298
06/30/2026

If you have both a pension and an IRA, your retirement planning is different than most people realize. While many retirees see their taxes decrease, those with pensions and large retirement accounts often face higher tax brackets, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Medicare premium increases, and more taxable Social Security income. In this video, Joe explains the biggest tax challenges facing retirees with pensions and IRAs, why the 2% Club requires a different strategy, and how Roth conversions may help reduce future taxes.

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The Biggest Retirement Lies That Could Cost You Thousands
#297
06/27/2026

Have you been following retirement advice that could actually hurt your financial future? In today's episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down the 5 biggest retirement lies that many Americans believe, especially those with pensions and substantial retirement savings. From taxes and Social Security to healthcare and retirement income planning, these misconceptions could cost you thousands throughout retirement.

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🟥 Read our latest article featured in Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/retire...


Don't Retire Until You Answer These 5 Questions First
#296
06/25/2026

Retirement is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Before you hand in your retirement notice, make sure you've answered these 5 critical questions that could determine whether your retirement is a success or a regret. In this episode, Joe breaks down the exact retirement planning questions we walk through with clients before they retire. From creating a reliable income plan to reducing taxes, avoiding pension mistakes, protecting your legacy, and preparing for healthcare costs, these are the conversations every retiree should have.

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Watch Out For Tax Bracket Creep If You Have a Pension
#295
06/18/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, you could be heading toward one of the biggest retirement tax traps most retirees never see coming. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down the hidden dangers of tax bracket creep and why retirees with pensions often end up paying far more in taxes than expected.

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Pension Mistakes That Could Cost You Six Figures in Retirement
#294
06/16/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, this video is a must-watch. Too many retirees make costly pension mistakes that quietly drain six figures from their retirement over time. In today's episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down the biggest pension planning mistakes we see retirees make and how proper strategies can dramatically impact your retirement future.

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Roth Conversion Windows For Those With Pensions
#293
06/11/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, there's a major Roth conversion window you need to understand before it closes. In this video, Joe breaks down the biggest opportunities retirees have right now to reduce future taxes, lower Medicare costs, avoid the widow's penalty, and create more tax-free income in retirement.

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10 Pension Mistakes Near Retirement
#292
06/09/2026

If you have a pension and $1 million or more saved, retirement planning is completely different. In this episode of Joe Knows Retirement, Joe breaks down the biggest pension mistakes retirees make and how to avoid paying unnecessary taxes, Medicare penalties, and retirement income mistakes. If you've worked 30 to 40 years for your pension, this video will help you protect it and maximize it for your retirement, your spouse, and your family.

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🟥...


The 2% Club (Full Audiobook)
#291
06/05/2026

Only 2% of Americans have both pensions and $1 million or more saved for retirement. If that is you, welcome to the 2% Club! This book was written for you. It's dedicated to all the American heroes who've lived a life of service, and the blue-collar professionals who've worked hard and saved diligently for decades. In this book, you'll learn how to:

- Simplify and optimize your retirement with the "5 Pillars of Pension Planning"
- Enjoy the full value of your pension (it may be more valuable than you think)
- Decrease your tax bill through strategic Roth...