Wisdom to Wealth

Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cost Your Family Everything

Most people heading into retirement believe they’re prepared.
They’ve saved money. Built accounts. Made smart decisions along the way.
But here’s the truth:
Having money is not the same as having a plan.
In this episode, Dr. Drew Stevens breaks down the difference between having a “pile” of assets and having a true retirement strategy.
You’ll learn:
Why income—not assets—is the foundation of retirement
How market risk changes once you stop working
The hidden tax risks that can erode your savings
Why legacy planning is about more than just documents
Through real-world insight and client experience, this episode highlights the most common—and costly—mistakes retirees make and how to avoid them.
📘 FEATURED RESOURCE
Get a copy of“Retire Wise: How to Avoid Retirement Obstacles”
A practical guide to help you navigate retirement with clarity and confidence.
👉 Visit: WisdomToWealth.com
📅 SCHEDULE A REVIEW
If you’re nearing retirement or already there, you can request a complimentary Retirement Roadmap Review to evaluate your income, taxes, risk, and overall strategy.
ABOUT THE HOST
Dr. Drew Stevens is a seasoned financial professional with over 40 years of experience helping individuals and families plan for and transition into retirement.

The New Senioring: When Parents Become Teenagers

Drew Stevens explores the humorous and heartfelt shift in parenting roles as aging parents become like teenagers. He shares personal stories about shifting discipline styles, new senior behaviors around technology, driving, eating habits, and the changing family dynamics as adult children care for their elders with patience and humor.
From unpredictable driving to early dinners, loud TVs, and ALL CAPS texting, this episode captures the everyday moments that families across the country are experiencing.
It’s funny. It’s relatable. And it’s absolutely real.
If you’re navigating life with aging parents—or becoming one yourself—this episode will have you laughing and nodding your head at the same time.
Enjoy the episode? Share it with someone who will say:“That is EXACTLY my parents.”
More episodes and insights at:wisdomtowealth.com

Retirement's Silent Tax Trap: Why Your Nest Egg Isn't Safe

Everyone is worried about the market crashing…
But the real threat to your retirement may be something far more predictable—and far more dangerous.
Taxes.
In this episode, Drew Stevens, PhD, shares a powerful perspective from over four decades in financial services. He explains why so many retirees unknowingly walk into retirement with a major blind spot: they’ve built wealth, but they haven’t built a tax strategy.
From IRAs and 401(k)s to Social Security taxation and IRMAA brackets, Drew breaks down how taxes can quietly erode your retirement income—and what you can do about it.
You’ll walk away understanding:
Why future tax increases are likely
How tax diversification can protect your income
The importance of strategic withdrawals
Why “just paying taxes later” is not a strategy
How to start reducing your lifetime tax burden today
If you’ve never had a detailed tax conversation with your advisor, this episode could change everything.
To learn more or schedule a no-obligation conversation, visit:wisdomtowealth.com
Take 30–40 minutes. Get clarity. Keep more of what you’ve earned.

Most Advisors Are Order-Takers — Why That Puts Your Retirement at Risk

In this episode Drew Stevens argues that many financial advisors are merely order-takers focused on portfolio maintenance and accumulation, not comprehensive retirement planning. He highlights common gaps—tax strategy, IRMA/S, Medicare, Social Security timing, and income distribution—that can leave retirees exposed.Stevens explains what a true retirement advisor does: build an income-first strategy, coordinate tax-efficient distributions, and plan for market drops and healthcare costs, urging listeners to ask better questions or seek a second opinion.

Why Most People Aren’t Ready for Retirement

Are you relying on hope to get through retirement?
In this episode, Drew Stevens, PhD, dives into a hard truth: most people don’t actually have a retirement plan—they have a statement and a lot of assumptions.
From underperforming portfolios to overwhelming debt, Drew explains why so many people feel uncertain about their future—and what it really takes to fix it.
You’ll learn why clarity, structure, and intentional planning are the keys to a confident retirement—and how to start building that today.
If you’re ready to take control of your retirement:
👉 Go to wisdomtowealth.com👉 Book your 45-minute strategy session
Stop hoping. Start planning.
“If you’re within five to ten years of retirement and you’re not 100% confident in your plan, then we need to talk. Go to wisdomtowealth.com, schedule a 45-minute conversation, and let’s turn uncertainty into clarity—once and for all.”

The Hidden Retirement Risk: How Long-Term Care Can Wipe Out Your Wealth

What if one unexpected health event could erase decades of hard work?
In this episode, Drew Stevens breaks down the single greatest financial threat facing retirees today—long-term care costs. With over 40 years of experience in financial services, Drew explains why most people underestimate this risk and how it can devastate even well-planned retirements.
You’ll learn:
Why 70% of retirees will need care—and what that really means
The emotional and financial toll long-term care places on families
The truth about Medicare and why it won’t protect you
Strategic solutions including hybrid policies, annuities, and asset-based planning
How to avoid becoming a financial burden to your loved ones
This episode isn’t just about planning—it’s about protecting your independence, dignity, and legacy.
🎁 Free Book Offer:Email info@wisdomtowealth.com with subject “Retire Wise Giveaway” and include one referral to receive your complimentary copy (limited to first 50 listeners).
 
retirement planning, long term care insurance, retirement risks, wealth protection, financial planning for retirees, retirement income strategies, healthcare costs retirement

Why Most People Don’t Actually Run Out of Money

Many people fear running out of money in retirement—but in reality, most don’t. So why does that fear exist?
In this episode, Drew Stevens shares insights from over four decades in financial services and explains the real issue retirees face: not a lack of money, but a lack of structure and income planning.
You’ll discover why having assets isn’t enough, how poor withdrawal strategies can create unnecessary stress, and why taxes and market volatility can quietly impact your retirement.
This episode is designed for individuals approaching retirement or already retired who want clarity, confidence, and a strategy that works in real life—not just on paper.
If you or someone you know is going through a financial transition, this conversation could provide valuable perspective and peace of mind.
retirement planning, retirement income, financial advisor, retirement strategy, taxes in retirement, social security, wealth management, retirement education, financial freedom, income planning

The Truth About Annuities: Breaking the Myths That Scare Retirees

Annuities are one of the most criticized—and misunderstood—financial tools in retirement planning. But are they really as bad as people say?
In this episode, Drew Stevens unpacks the myths, misconceptions, and real-world truths about annuities. With over 40 years of experience, Drew explains how these strategies can be used to create predictable income, protect against market loss, and help retirees avoid running out of money.
If you’re approaching retirement and unsure how to turn your savings into income, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a new perspective.

“I Wish We Met 5 Years Ago” – The Retirement Mistake That Costs You Time

In this episode of the Wisdom to Wealth Podcast, Drew Stevens discusses the most common—and most costly—statement he hears from retirees: “I wish we had met you five years ago.”
This isn’t about major financial mistakes. Instead, it’s about the accumulation of small decisions made without a comprehensive retirement strategy. From claiming Social Security too early to overlooking tax implications and lacking a defined income plan, these missteps can significantly impact long-term financial security.
Drew explains why time is the most valuable asset in retirement planning and why waiting for a “perfect plan” often leads to missed opportunities. He also breaks down how understanding the relationship between income, taxes, and investment strategy can transform uncertainty into confidence.
This episode is ideal for individuals and couples within five to ten years of retirement who want to avoid costly errors and build a clear, structured approach to retirement income planning.
Key topics include retirement strategy, Social Security timing, tax-efficient withdrawals, income planning, and financial clarity.
For more information and resources, visit Wisdom to Wealth.

Deductibles to Donut Holes: Deciphering Medicare Costs for Retirees

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re faced with unfamiliar terms like deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the infamous “donut hole.” In this educational webinar, From Deductibles to Donut Holes: Deciphering Medicare Costs for Retirees, we break down the real costs of Medicare in a clear, practical, and easy-to-understand way.
Designed for retirees, pre-retirees, and financial professionals, this session walks through how Medicare actually works—not just in theory, but in real-life planning scenarios. We explore Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, uncover hidden costs many retirees overlook, and explain how income-related adjustments like IRMAA can significantly impact your premiums.
You’ll also gain insight into:• The true out-of-pocket costs retirees face• How the Medicare Part D “donut hole” works and how to plan around it• Strategies to reduce lifetime healthcare expenses• Coordination between Medicare and retirement income planning• Common mistakes that can cost retirees thousands
With decades of combined experience helping retirees navigate complex financial decisions, this session is built to educate—not sell—so you can make informed, confident choices about your healthcare in retirement.
If you’ve ever felt uncertain about Medicare or want to better understand how it fits into your overall retirement strategy, this is a must-watch.
 
#Medicare#MedicarePlanning#RetirementPlanning#HealthcareCosts#MedicarePartD#DonutHole#IRMAA#FinancialPlanning#RetirementIncome#SeniorPlanning#WealthManagement#MedicareEducation#PreRetirement#BabyBoomers#FinancialAdvisor#CPE#ContinuingEducation#MedicareCosts#RetireSmart#HealthcareInRetirement