How much should you really be saving for retirement? In this Client Classroom, John breaks down the numbers, the rules of thumb, and how to find your personal savings target so you can retire with confidence.

Many people assume expenses drop once they retire—but the reality can be surprising. In this episode of Client Classroom, John breaks down the key factors that influence the true cost of retirement: lifestyle, healthcare, inflation, taxes, and more. 💡 You’ll learn: Why your retirement budget may be higher than expected How inflation and longevity affect long-term spending Smart ways to plan for rising costs and enjoy a worry-free retirement 🎥 Watch now to understand what retirement really costs—and how to prepare for it with confidence. #RetirementPlanning #FinancialWellness #ClientClassroom #RetirementTips #FinancialPlanning

If you're turning 73, it's time to talk RMDs. Required Minimum Distributions can have a big impact on your retirement income and taxes. In this Client Classroom, we break down what RMDs are, when they start, and how to plan smartly so you keep more of what you’ve earned.

We’ve received several questions recently about the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and whether it eliminated the taxation of Social Security benefits. Short answer: it didn’t. In this Client Classroom video, I explain: What OBBBA actually changed What did not change when it comes to Social Security taxation Why claiming Social Security based on tax headlines or misunderstandings can be risky And why Social Security decisions should be made in the context of a broader retirement income plan Social Security is a permanent decision, while many tax provisions are temporary. Understanding the difference can help you avoid rushed or unintended choices. If you have questions about this or other planning topics, we’re here to help. You can schedule an appointment at caserta-dejongh.com or give us a call. See you next time in class. #onebigbeautifulbill #socialsecurity #retirementplanning #financialplanning

You can save well for retirement and still feel uncertain and that’s more common than you think. In this Client Classroom, we talk about why retirement confidence isn’t just about account balances, but about understanding how income is created, how flexible your plan is, and what happens when things change. Retirement confidence comes from clarity, not just savings. If you’re approaching retirement and asking, “How does this actually work?”—this one’s for you.

Retirement planning usually starts with the money, and that makes sense. But a successful retirement plan goes beyond just replacing a paycheck. In this Client Classroom, we talk about the financial and non-financial sides of retirement: creating predictable income, building structure into your days, and designing a retirement with purpose and meaning.

Is Social Security really tax-free? For many retirees, the answer is no. In this Client Classroom video, we explain how Social Security benefits can be taxed, why it depends on where your other income comes from, and how this can affect your retirement plan. Understanding this ahead of time can help avoid surprises and give you more control over taxes in retirement.

One of the biggest retirement myths? That your taxes will automatically go down when you stop working. The truth is, retirement income comes from multiple sources—Social Security, IRAs, 401(k)s, investments, and RMDs—and each is taxed differently. When they layer together, your tax bill can be surprisingly high. In this Client Classroom video, we break down why where your income comes from matters more than how much you receive, and how strategic tax planning can help you keep more of what you've saved.

Think taxes automatically go down in retirement? Not always. In this Client Classroom video, we walk through four of the most common retirement tax mistakes we see in the first few years after people stop working, including: • Not coordinating withdrawals across accounts • Missing planning opportunities in early retirement • Underestimating how Social Security is taxed • Forgetting about required minimum distributions With thoughtful planning, many of these surprises can be avoided. Understanding how retirement income is taxed can make a meaningful difference in how long your savings last and how much flexibility you have year to year.