Most people focus on reducing this year's tax bill—but what if you could create a strategy that reduces taxes over your entire lifetime while leaving more for the people you love? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and host Robby Dilmore explore eight practical, biblically-minded strategies designed to help you become a wiser steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. From Roth conversions and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to charitable giving, Medicare IRMAA planning, and preparing for the "widow's penalty," you'll discover why thoughtful planning today can make a lasting impact on future generations. Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, this conversation offers valuable insights that could help you minimize unnecessary taxes, maximize your legacy, and provide greater financial confidence for your family. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

No one likes to think about losing a spouse—but having a plan is one of the greatest acts of love you can leave behind. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore explore the critical financial and estate planning decisions every married couple should make before it's too late. Drawing inspiration from King David's careful preparation for Solomon, they discuss how thoughtful planning can protect the surviving spouse while creating a lasting legacy for future generations. You'll learn how the loss of a spouse impacts Social Security, Medicare, taxes, IRAs, long-term care, investments, and estate planning—and why proactive strategies like Roth conversions, beneficiary reviews, and life insurance can make all the difference. Whether you're in a first marriage, a blended family, or simply want peace of mind, this conversation offers practical wisdom rooted in biblical principles. Because the best estate plan isn't just about passing on possessions—it's about caring for the people you love most.

One of retirement's biggest fears is simple: What if I outlive my money? On this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explore practical strategies that can help create a dependable stream of lifetime income while reducing the stress of market uncertainty. Drawing from the biblical account of Elijah being faithfully provided for at the Brook Cherith, Hans and Robbie connect God's provision with wise financial planning. You'll discover how income annuities can fit into a well-balanced retirement plan, how they work alongside Social Security, why they may provide peace of mind for married couples, and why they're just one of many tools—not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're approaching retirement or already living it, this conversation offers valuable insight into creating greater financial confidence while remembering that our ultimate security comes from God's faithful provision. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

What happens when you inherit an IRA—and what could it cost you if you make the wrong move? On this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explain the often-overlooked tax rules surrounding inherited IRAs and why the decisions you make today can have a lasting financial impact. From the SECURE Act's 10-year distribution rule to the special exceptions for spouses and other eligible beneficiaries, Hans breaks down complex IRS regulations into practical, easy-to-understand guidance. You'll also learn why beneficiary designations are one of the most important parts of your retirement plan, how poor planning can create unnecessary taxes for your loved ones, and why seeking wise counsel before making decisions can protect the inheritance you've worked so hard to leave. Whether you've recently inherited an IRA or you're planning your own legacy, this episode offers valuable biblical insight and practical financial wisdom to help you become a faithful steward of God's blessings. Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well.

As the Baby Boomer generation enters its later years, one question is becoming increasingly important: Who will carry the load? In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore explore the growing need for long-term care planning as millions of Americans face the realities of aging. Hans explains why waiting until a crisis strikes can limit your options and increase costs, while sharing practical strategies for preparing ahead. From traditional long-term care insurance to hybrid policies and short-term care solutions, you'll learn about the different ways to protect your finances, preserve your legacy, and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Whether you're planning for yourself, your spouse, or your aging parents, this timely conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical financial guidance to help you prepare for the future with confidence. "Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well."

Is Social Security really running out of money? Headlines often paint a frightening picture, but what does the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report actually say? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore separate fact from fiction as he breaks down the numbers behind the Social Security Trust Fund. Hans explains how the system is funded, what the trust fund really is, why alarming news reports can be misleading, and what practical steps lawmakers could take to strengthen the program for future generations. If you've ever wondered whether your Social Security benefits are secure or wanted a clearer understanding of how the system works, this conversation offers straightforward answers, practical insight, and a biblical perspective on stewardship, honesty, and planning wisely for the future. "Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well."

Turning 65 opens the door to Medicare—but it also introduces a maze of choices that can have lasting financial and healthcare consequences. In this episode of Finishing Well, certified financial planner Hans Scheil and co-host Robbie Dilmore break down the critical decisions you'll face when enrolling in Medicare. Should you delay enrollment? What's the difference between Original Medicare with a supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan? How do provider networks, prior authorizations, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs affect your future care? Hans shares decades of experience helping retirees make informed Medicare decisions, explaining why the lowest upfront cost isn't always the best long-term value. Through real-life examples and practical guidance, you'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and choose a path that fits your healthcare needs, financial goals, and peace of mind. Rooted in biblical wisdom and practical financial planning, this episode will help you approach one of retirement's biggest decisions with confidence instead of confusion. "Visit cardinalguide.com to access free retirement resources, browse our complete library of episodes, and connect with the Finishing Well ministry. Together, we're helping people honor God by finishing well."

Taxes are an unavoidable part of retirement—but they shouldn't be the driving force behind your financial decisions. In this concluding episode of the Financial Plan Series, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore explain why income tax planning is most effective when it's integrated into a comprehensive retirement strategy. Using the ongoing case study of Tom and Susan, Hans demonstrates how taxes impact every aspect of retirement planning, from Social Security and Medicare to IRA distributions, Roth conversions, long-term care, estate planning, and building a sustainable retirement income. Rather than asking, "How can I pay the least amount of taxes?" this episode challenges listeners to ask a better question: "How can I preserve my family and steward my resources wisely?" Drawing inspiration from Joseph's biblical wisdom in preparing Egypt for famine, Hans shows how thoughtful planning can help retirees minimize unnecessary taxes while maximizing financial security and legacy. Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, this episode provides practical insights into making informed tax decisions that support your overall financial goals—not just this year's tax return.

Estate planning is about far more than deciding who gets what when you're gone—it's about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are carried out with clarity and purpose. In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore continue the Financial Plan Series by exploring the essential role estate planning plays in a complete retirement strategy. Hans and Robby discuss the unique challenges families face when planning for the future, including blended family dynamics, caring for a surviving spouse, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, trusts, wills, and healthcare directives. You'll learn why estate planning is not just about passing on assets, but about creating a thoughtful plan that protects loved ones, minimizes confusion, and provides peace of mind. Whether your goal is to leave a legacy, support your family, give to charity, or simply ensure your affairs are in order, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions and finish well.

What does it take to create a retirement income plan that lasts a lifetime? In this episode of Finishing Well, Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil and Robby Dilmore continue the Financial Plan Series by exploring how retirees can build a reliable income stream that supports both their needs and their dreams. Hans explains the importance of planning from the ground up—starting with essential living expenses, adding lifestyle goals, and then creating a strategy designed to provide dependable income throughout retirement. Learn how Social Security, annuities, investments, tax planning, and estate considerations all work together to form a comprehensive retirement income plan. Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah and the widow, this conversation highlights the value of faith over fear when making financial decisions. Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode offers practical insights to help you gain confidence that your income can keep pace with life's challenges and opportunities.