As I told CNBC for their article, time is of the essence: “Now is the time to work with your advisor or tax preparer to run multi-year tax projections.” That means taking a proactive look at your savings strategy over the next year or two. Should you accelerate pre-tax catch-up contributions before the rule change lands? Is it smart to start embracing Roth sooner, especially if you expect your tax rate to be the same or higher in retirement? These questions become especially critical for high earners who have limited access to Roth IRAs and need to be thoughtful about their tax diversification.

As I told The Daily Upside for their article, the game has changed. “Clients now recognize that taxes aren’t a once-a-year headache. They’re a crucial piece of every wealth and retirement strategy, especially in the face of sweeping tax law changes that create moving targets and new phase-outs.” With Americans paying over $206 billion in capital gains taxes last year, even the best investment returns can be quickly devoured by Uncle Sam if taxes are an afterthought instead of a core part of the plan.

As I shared for this article, the most strategic next step isn’t just about piling up more dollars—it’s about intentionally building out tax flexibility. With nearly all savings trapped in pre-tax IRAs and 401(k)s, early retirees often face what I call the “Retirement Income Jenga Tower”—the challenge of stacking and pulling various withdrawals, Social Security timing, and tax brackets for maximum after-tax income. Too much in pre-tax accounts can lead to unexpectedly high taxes down the line, especially as required minimum distributions kick in, Social Security begins, and Medicare means-testing (IRMAA) becomes a reality.

In today’s markets, many investors react to the latest bout of volatility by playing it “safer,” piling into cash, CDs, or bonds—even as those options lose ground to the rising cost of living. But as I shared with TheStreet, being too conservative may actually be the riskiest move for your long-term financial health. Investors often underestimate just how much market exposure—and, yes, temporary discomfort—they need to reach goals like a secure retirement. Sitting on the sidelines in fear of another bad year ignores the fact that missing decades of growth can do more damage than one bear market ever will.

As I shared with MarketWatch, this turning point is no time for complacency. With the era of high-yield CDs drawing to a close, it’s time to explore alternatives. When working with a client whose CD matured, I opted to move the proceeds into a multi-year guaranteed annuity from a strong insurance company, locking in a rate north of 5%. For money that can afford a bit of a “time-out” and doesn’t need FDIC insurance, these annuities represent a powerful (if under-appreciated) tool—just make sure to due your diligence on the insurer’s financial strength and understand the surrender terms.

As I shared with Investopedia for their article, the most underestimated pitfall isn’t plan selection, but how certain financial moves—like Roth conversions, big IRA withdrawals, or realizing capital gains—can inadvertently push your income over key Medicare thresholds. Since Medicare Part B and D premiums are based on your tax return from two years prior, a poorly-timed maneuver can trigger IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges that effectively double your premiums.

As I shared with MarketWatch, the instinct to chase higher yield or take on more investment risk can be strong as cash yields shrink—but that’s rarely a wise response. “Don’t take on more risk than you can handle just to make up for shrinking cash yields—stay rooted in your financial plan,” I advised in the piece. For borrowers, reviewing your loan rates is smart, but be realistic—those with fixed-rate loans may not see immediate relief, and big changes won’t happen overnight.

For some, it can work—with careful planning, clear expectations, and a willingness to keep your spending within real-world limits. As I shared with Investopedia, early retirement at age 60 with this amount is “doable for some—but only with strong planning, modest spending, and healthy doses of realism.” The wild cards? Lifestyle, healthcare, inflation, and where you plan to call home.

When the Moneywise team reached out for expert commentary, I shared what I see every day: “Parents are more permissive now and more likely to provide, but I also think the need is greater. I think parents see that and say, ‘I have the ability to help out.’” The reality is that families face a tough choice between letting their kids struggle—or proactively saving and planning to ease that transition into adulthood.

As I mentioned to Moneywise for their article, tax bracket management was always a balancing act; now, with OBBBA’s special deductions for Americans over 65 (up to $6,000 per individual, $12,000 for couples), the equation is even trickier. These breaks are tempting but fleeting—available only from 2025 through 2028, and they phase out completely once income exceeds $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples.

On Fox & Friends, I recently weighed in on the headline-grabbing phenomenon: parents saving not just for the college years, but planning to support their children well into adulthood. As I shared on air, there’s really no universal “right or wrong” here.

As I told the WSJ, parents today are more willing to help, but the “why” has changed—the need is simply greater, and helping kids get off to a good start is becoming part of the broader planning equation. Think of it as a choice, not an obligation, and approach it with candid conversations, clear boundaries, and a laser focus on your own security first…

As I told Investopedia: “The promise of broader access is front-and-center, but the prudent path remains far more nuanced.” Translation: if you want to spice up your portfolio, remember that alternatives should be added carefully and sparingly—think garnish, not entire meal.

As I shared with The Daily Upside—just because Harvard can afford to stomach bitcoin’s wild swings doesn’t mean the typical investor should be all in. “The average individual investor can’t invest with a truly infinite time horizon and is more exposed to urgent liquidity needs, emotional stress and the risk that riding out a 70% crypto correction isn’t just uncomfortable, but catastrophic to their plans,” I explained. For institutional “smart money” with multi-decade horizons and deep pockets, crypto is one more asset in a complex and highly diversified portfolio. For individuals, that kind of drawdown can be game-changing.

As I told The Daily Upside, sometimes our job is delivering the uncomfortable truth: “I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same for my own family if the numbers don’t work.” College, as much as we’d all like it to be a fairy tale decision, is also a business decision. And sometimes the happiest ending is trading a dream school for decades less debt.

As I shared with CNBC, the game is still about “tax bracket management,” methodically converting just enough each year to “fill up the lowest brackets” without triggering unnecessary tax charges or inadvertently increasing future Medicare premiums and other costs.

As I shared with The Daily Upside, “the market is rarely the monolith we make it out to be.” What’s fueling these concerns? The eye-popping rise of the Magnificent Seven—giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia—which now make up nearly 30% of the S&P 500’s total market capitalization.