Charitable giving can be more effective with the right structure.   In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and how they allow families to take a tax deduction today while supporting charities over time.   They discuss when DAFs make sense, how “bunching” deductions works, and why donating appreciated investments can be more efficient than giving cash.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for planning strategies that support your goals.

Market downturns don’t have to be wasted.   In this episode, Ryan and Zane explain how tax-loss harvesting can turn short-term market declines into long-term tax flexibility—without changing your investment strategy.   They cover how the strategy works, when it applies, common pitfalls like the wash sale rule, and why diversification often creates these opportunities naturally.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement to keep your plan on course.

A new year is the perfect time to get intentional with your retirement strategy. In this episode, Ryan and Zane walk through five practical, high-impact moves you can make early in 2026 to keep your plan on track and your stress level low.   You’ll learn how to: • Sketch out a Roth conversion game plan before the year gets away from you • Use market pullbacks to your advantage when converting to Roth • Make IRA contributions early so your dollars have more time to compound • Review last year’s distribution rate and stay in that 4%–5% “sustainable” zone • Rebalance your portfolio thoughtfully so it supports your long-term goals   Ryan and Zane also share how they walk Zynergy members through these same steps every February, and why getting them done early in the year can make the rest of 2026 feel calmer, clearer, and more intentional.   Note: Contribution limits and related numbers discussed in this episode are based on 2025 guidelines.   For ongoing insights and planning tips, subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep your retirement on course.

Set your goals before the ball drops—not after we start 2026. In this episode, Ryan and Zane walk you through how to design intentional, achievable financial goals for the new year using our GODS framework: Goals, Opportunities, Dangers, and Strengths. Instead of vague New Year’s resolutions that usually disappear by February, you’ll build a roadmap you can actually follow and measure.   Learn how to: Brainstorm and narrow down your most important financial goals for 2026 Get specific and measurable with each goal (what success really looks like) Put emotion and “why” behind your goals so you stay motivated all year Use the GODS framework to anticipate roadblocks and opportunities in advance Leverage your existing strengths—time, habits, cash flow—to make progress Turn your plan into action with realistic timelines and tradeoffs   If you want 2026 to feel intentional—not accidental—this episode gives you a simple, practical framework to get started.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your plan on course.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are one of the most misunderstood—and most important—rules in retirement planning. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down exactly how RMDs work, when they begin, and how they impact your taxes, Medicare premiums, and long-term financial strategy.   You’ll learn the essentials: • When RMDs start under current law • How the IRS calculates your annual withdrawal • Common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them) • How large RMDs can push you into higher tax brackets, IRMAA surcharges, and increased Social Security taxation • How Roth conversions, QCDs, and strategic planning can help you stay in control   Ryan and Zane also explain how to turn RMDs into an opportunity—whether that’s funding your lifestyle, supporting charitable goals, or building a more tax-efficient retirement income plan.   If you want clarity on one of retirement’s most important rules, this episode gives you the roadmap.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your plan on course.

Semi-retirement isn’t a halfway stop—it’s a strategic way to step out of the rat race while keeping purpose, structure, and income in your life. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down what semi-retirement really looks like, from designing your ideal schedule to understanding how part-time work affects cash flow, Social Security, healthcare, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming about slowing down, redefining your work, or building more freedom into your week, this episode helps you map out a flexible, fulfilling bridge between full-time work and full retirement.   Subscribe to our podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @zynergyretirementplanning for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

When should you claim Social Security—and how do you avoid costly mistakes? In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down how the system really works from full retirement age and delayed credits to earnings tests, COLA increases, and spousal and survivor benefits.   They explain the key factors that should guide your decision, including: Your health and longevity outlook Whether you’re still working (and how the earnings test affects you) Your cash-flow needs in the early retirement years How taxes and IRMAA surcharges come into play How your decision impacts your spouse’s long-term benefit When delaying to age 70 makes sense—and when it doesn’t   Walk away with a clearer path for choosing a claiming strategy that supports your long-term plan instead of working against it.   For more guidance on building a confident retirement, follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement. Stay tuned for new Retirement GPS episodes every Tuesday!

You’ve protected your portfolio—now protect the plan that depends on it. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down long-term care planning so you know what’s covered, what it costs, and how to prepare without jeopardizing your savings or your spouse’s stability.   They explain: What qualifies as long-term care and where it happens—home, assisted living, nursing, and continuing-care communities How to size coverage: monthly benefit targets, benefit period, elimination period, and why inflation protection matters Traditional LTC vs. hybrid life/LTC policies—pros, cons, and when each can make sense The Medicaid Partnership rules many retirees overlook Who should consider insuring vs. self-funding (the net-worth “sweet spot”) and the ideal age window to explore coverage   Walk away with a clear framework to decide if, how, and when to insure—so your retirement stays funded and your family is protected.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Bonds aren’t built to win the race—they’re built to keep the ride smooth. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down what bonds are (and aren’t), how they pay you, and where they fit alongside stocks at any age. You’ll learn the basics—coupon, maturity, and yield—plus the major types (Treasuries, TIPS, munis, corporates, and bond funds), the real risks to watch (interest rate, credit, inflation, call, and liquidity), and why bonds act like portfolio “shock absorbers” when markets get bumpy. We also cover practical allocation ideas, rebalancing, and how to use bonds to support a steady retirement paycheck without sacrificing long-term growth.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your plan on course.

You’ve saved for decades—now it’s time to turn those savings into a sustainable retirement paycheck. In this episode, Ryan and Zane share how to create steady, reliable income from your investments while keeping taxes and risk in check. They discuss the ideal withdrawal rates for retirees, the best order for drawing from taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts, and how to manage RMDs, Social Security taxation, and Medicare IRMAA without derailing your plan.   Learn how to build a cash buffer, balance growth with safety, and design a withdrawal strategy that lets you spend confidently—knowing your retirement is built to last.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Pay now or pay later? That’s the central question of Roth conversions—and one of the most powerful levers in retirement tax planning. In this episode, Ryan and Zane unpack when conversions make sense, how to size them intentionally, and what rules you need to respect along the way.   Using real-life examples, they explain how to project your income, manage tax brackets, and avoid costly mistakes with Medicare IRMAA, Social Security taxation, and five-year withdrawal rules. You’ll also learn how Roth conversions can reduce lifetime taxes, improve flexibility in retirement, and create a tax-free legacy for your heirs.   Check out the episode show notes for the 2025 Roth Conversion Fact Finder and learn how to model your own bracket room before making a move.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about purpose. In this episode, Ryan and Zane reveal how to turn one of the most avoided parts of financial planning into your family’s greatest gift. Through Zynergy’s LEGACY Estate Planning Process, they break down how to align your assets, update your will and beneficiaries, and keep your plan alive as life evolves.   You’ll learn how to protect what you’ve built, eliminate stress for your loved ones, and even capture the stories, values, and memories that make your legacy unique. Because real wealth isn’t just measured in dollars—it’s in the clarity, compassion, and direction you leave behind.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement—and your legacy—on course.

Saving for a child’s or grandchild’s education can feel overwhelming—but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down how to make education planning simple, flexible, and tax-smart. They cover 529 plans, gifting strategies, superfunding, and even how to pay tuition directly without triggering gift taxes.   Learn how to make every dollar count toward your family’s future while keeping your own financial goals on track.   Feel free to explore different 529 plans at my529.org.   Subscribe to our podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Retirement doesn’t always mean lower taxes—in fact, many retirees pay more than expected once Social Security, pensions, and required withdrawals kick in. In this episode, Ryan and Zane share four key strategies to take control: bracket management, tax diversification, Roth conversions, and withdrawal sequencing. With real-life examples and simple metaphors, they show how smart planning can save thousands over a lifetime and keep more of your hard-earned money working for you.   Check out the updated 2025 Tax Bracket Chart to see where you stand today.   Subscribe to our podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Retirement isn’t just about growth—it’s about protection. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down the four biggest risks retirees face: long-term care, Medicare gaps, life insurance, and liability. With real stories and practical strategies, they show how the right safeguards can keep your retirement on track, even when life throws the unexpected your way.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course!

Your 20s, 30s, and 40s are your biggest financial advantage. In this episode, Ryan and Zane cover how to maximize your 401(k), use Roth strategies, explore IRA options, and let compounding work for you .   Pair it with our presentation; Maximizing Your 401k Benefit for a clear roadmap to long-term retirement success.   Stay connected—subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more insights to help you stay intentional and on course toward retirement.

In this episode, Ryan and Zane introduce the Retirement Glide Path—a five-year framework designed to help you prepare for a smooth transition into retirement. From paying down debt and building emergency reserves to reviewing Social Security, estate planning, healthcare, and lifestyle goals, they share how to turn uncertainty into confidence as you approach the finish line.   We also walk through Zynergy’s Retirement Glide Path Checklist, covering essentials like debt payoff, long-term care planning, tax diversification, housing, income strategies, and lifestyle visioning. Whether you’re five years out or just beginning to plan, this guide helps you stay on course and avoid last-minute surprises.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on track.

Market dips feel different in retirement—because your money isn’t just growing anymore, it’s paying you. In this episode, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak dive into how to invest with intention, not just for performance. Learn how to structure your portfolio into short-, mid-, and long-term “buckets,” why holding cash can protect you from panic, and how rebalancing keeps risk in check. Plus, discover the hidden threat of inflation and why purpose-driven investing creates confidence and clarity in retirement.   Subscribe to this podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more strategies to keep your retirement on course!

An emergency reserve is more than just cash in the bank—it’s the cushion that keeps your plan steady when life takes an unexpected turn. From medical bills to home repairs to market downturns, having the right amount of money set aside can mean the difference between peace of mind and panic. In this episode, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak explain how to calculate the right reserve for your lifestyle, where to keep it so it’s safe but accessible, and how to build your emergency fund step by step without derailing your long-term goals.   Subscribe to this podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention. In this episode, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak share how a clear spending plan and drawdown strategy can transform fear into confidence, helping retirees enjoy the life they’ve worked for without worrying about running out of money.   Plus, explore our Detailed Budget Template to put these strategies into practice.