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PODCAST

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers

Mark Struthers CFA, CFP®

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers Tax-Smart Retirement Investing is an educational podcast for professionals, pre-retirees, and business owners who want to make smarter decisions about retirement, taxes, investing, and long-term spending. Hosted by Mark Struthers, CFA®, CFP®, CRC®, RMA®, the show focuses on how real people navigate the trade-offs that come with retirement planning—before and after they stop working. Topics include: • Tax-aware retirement planning• Investment

education how to

All Episodes

20:27

A Year-End Reset: Protecting Health, Judgment, and...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2026/01/02

The holidays often bring more than celebration. Shorter days, disrupted routines, family obligations, and year-end financial noise can quietly drain energy and cloud judgment. Many people don’t realize how much stress and poor sleep influence their decision-making, especially when it comes to retirement.In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers explores how protecting basic health habits during the busiest time of the year can support clearer thinking and better financial

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26:09

Naughty or Nice?: A Holiday Checkup for Your...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/12/19

Many people quietly wonder if they’re doing retirement “right,” especially around the holidays. So in this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers puts a seasonal spin on some of the most common retirement behaviors he sees every day. Using a “naughty or nice” framework, Mark explains why certain choices—like holding too much cash, blindly following rules of thumb, or chasing the latest hot investment—can quietly undermine long-term outcomes. Listen in to hear how small shifts toward

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20:38

Don’t Let FOMO Destroy Your Nest Egg: NVIDIA,...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/12/05

Strong earnings from Nvidia have dominated headlines, and with it comes a familiar emotional tug for many investors: FOMO (the fear of missing out). For retirees and near-retirees, moments like these can create unnecessary stress and confusion about whether to chase big winners or stay the course with a long-term plan.In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers breaks down Nvidia’s latest earnings report, the concentration risk highlighted in Charlie Wells’ Bloomberg article, and

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55:02

Travel in Retirement: Smart Strategies for Cost,...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/11/14

Retirement is your time to explore, but meaningful travel takes more than just picking a destination. It’s about creating experiences that align with your values, health, and financial goals.In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers talks with veteran travel journalist Megan Padilla about how to plan trips that are memorable, manageable, and meaningful. With 25 years of travel writing, Megan shares insider strategies for smarter travel decisions, including when to use a travel

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20:30

Give More, Keep More: Tax-Smart Charitable Strategies...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/10/31

The holiday season brings out our generous spirit, but are you giving in the smartest way possible?In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers explains how to make your charitable giving more tax-efficient, emotionally rewarding, and financially sustainable through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Mark breaks down the pros and cons of each, shares practical examples (including his famous “Pebbles Donor-Advised Fund”), and highlights how

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17:52

How to Protect Your Retirement Savings: Spot Scams...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/10/17

Scams are getting smarter, and retirees are increasingly in the crosshairs.In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers talks about one of the fastest-growing threats to retirees: financial fraud (especially powered by AI). He shares real-world stories of people caught in sophisticated scams and explains how emotion, urgency, and technology combine to create the perfect trap. Mark also reveals why retirees, especially in a post-pension world, are more vulnerable than ever — and

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49:45

Medicare Changes 2025: What Retirees Need to Know...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/09/26

Healthcare costs are rising, and new legislation could bring big changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and retirement planning. In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers interviews health insurance expert Matt Wicklund about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and how upcoming policy changes will affect Medicare, Medicaid, and premium tax credits.Listen in to learn the two biggest mistakes retirees make and practical advice, like when to enroll in Medicare, why brokers can save you money and

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15:49

Rethink Retirement: How Green Light Spending Beats...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/09/12

The 4% rule has been the gold standard for decades, but is it holding you back? What if you could retire earlier, spend more, and still feel confident your money will last?In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers introduces his Green Light Spending approach, a smarter, more flexible alternative to the rigid 4% rule. Listen in as Mark explains how to align your spending with real-life market conditions and personal goals so you can make the most of your healthiest, most active

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18:36

How to Write a Retirement Letter to Your Spouse

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/08/29

We all know about retirement letters to employers, but what about the person who’s been by your side through every late night, career win, and missed vacation? What if retirement was marked not just with HR paperwork, but with a heartfelt letter to your spouse, the real partner who carried you across the finish line?In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers introduces a novel idea: writing a retirement letter to your spouse. More than a love note, this letter sets expectations,

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36:37

Private Equity in 401(k)s: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/08/15

Private equity and private credit have long been the playground of institutional investors and the ultra-wealthy, but now they may be coming to your 401(k). Is this a golden opportunity or a risky gamble for your retirement savings?In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly pitfalls of adding private investments to retirement plans. Listen in to hear why even seasoned investors need to tread carefully when the stakes are your

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33:20

The Stress Paradox: Why Good Stress Is Essential for...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/08/01

Is all stress bad? Not quite. We’ve been told for years that stress is the enemy, but what if some stress is exactly what your body and mind need—especially as you age? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explores the surprising science behind The Stress Paradox by Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist.Listen in to hear why certain types of stress, like cold plunges or cognitive challenges, may be the answer to a healthier and more fulfilling retirement. You'll learn about five

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31:47

Why Beneficiary Designations Can Make or Break Your...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/07/18

Are your beneficiary designations putting your estate at risk without your knowledge? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers sits down with estate planning attorney Jennifer Spalding to identify the hidden risks of beneficiary designations.Listen in to learn the difference between per stirpes and per capita, how probate works, and why healthcare directives matter. You'll discover what you can do today to protect your legacy and your loved ones from costly

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21:41

Top 10 Ways to Avoid IRMAA and Save on Medicare in...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/07/11

Are you paying too much for Medicare? You might be, especially if you’re overlooking the IRMAA surcharge. This little-known fee can quietly eat into your retirement savings if you're not careful.In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the top 10 strategies to help reduce or avoid this hidden tax on Medicare premiums. Listen in to learn how smart tax planning, like Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawals, and charitable giving, can save you thousands in

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17:31

Run Your Retirement Like a Marathon: Lessons in...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/07/04

Is retirement more like a sprint or a marathon? Turns out, it’s definitely a marathon, and the lessons from long-distance running might be exactly what your retirement plan needs.Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares personal stories from his half-marathon in Duluth and relates them to practical retirement planning strategies. Listen in to learn how pacing, adaptability, and preparation apply just as much to your finances as they do on race day. Curious about working with Mark? Go

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29:16

The 2+ Bucket Strategy Explained for Secure Retirement

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/06/27

Is the bucket strategy right for your retirement? The idea sounds simple: set aside a few “buckets” to manage your money in retirement. But is it really that easy or effective?Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers takes a deep dive into the 2+ bucket strategy, a retirement income approach designed to balance predictability and growth. Listen in to learn how the right mix of income, emergency funds, and growth assets can give you peace of mind, why individual bonds may beat bond funds, and

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19:48

Should You Put Crypto in Your Retirement Account?

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/06/20

Does cryptocurrency belong in your retirement account? Some say it’s the future of money. Others call it a digital tulip bubble. With all the hype, headlines, and heated opinions, it’s hard to know what’s signal and what’s noise.Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the real risks and potential rewards of crypto in retirement. Listen in to hear why predictability matters more than performance, how Bitcoin compares to gold, and what to consider before putting even 3% of your

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21:35

Sailing with Phoenix: Lessons on Non-Traditional...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/06/13

What can a 29-year-old sailor with a cat teach us about retirement? More than you’d expect. When Instagram adventurer Oliver Widger, known as “Sailing with Phoenix,” quit his job, cashed out his 401(k), and set sail for Hawaii with nothing but grit and his cat, it raised eyebrows—but it also sparked some interesting ideas.Listen in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares what retirees can learn from Oliver’s unconventional story, including embracing imperfection, building

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22:06

The Diderot Effect and How Lifestyle Creep Begins in...

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/06/06

What if one purchase was enough to throw off your entire retirement plan? It starts small: a new couch, a dream vacation, upgraded luggage… Before you know it, your spending snowballs, and your careful financial planning starts to unravel.It’s called the Diderot effect, and it can lead even the most disciplined retirees into retirement lifestyle creep. Listen in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares why even the most frugal retirees are vulnerable to this sneaky psychological

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19:09

Are Barrier Notes Right for Your Retirement?

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/05/30

What are barrier notes? And should they have a place in your retirement portfolio? While barrier notes promise higher returns and some downside protection, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains why these complex investments might be more trouble than they’re worth.Listen in as he breaks down how these products really work, what alternatives could serve you better, and how to ask the right questions before adding them to your retirement portfolio. You'll learn about potential

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25:18

Are Target Date Funds Ruining Retirement?

Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers ·

2025/05/23

Are TDFs (Target Date Funds) right for you? While they’re marketed as convenient, “set it and forget it” solutions, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains why these popular investment tools may not work for everyone—especially retirees.Many retirees (notably baby boomers) equate the “target date” with a pension-like guarantee, only to be blindsided by volatility and inflexible investment structures when it matters most. Don't let this happen to you—listen to this episode to learn

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