What’s the real cost of education when your retirement is on the line? In part two of this series, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, breaks down the financial tradeoffs hidden in today’s education planning landscape from brand-new Trump Savings Accounts to long-term student loan debt, and how poorly timed withdrawals could sabotage your retirement timeline. With …
For many families, education and retirement happen on the same financial timeline. The dollars that help a child chase their dreams can just as easily be the dollars that shape your future. That’s why recent education reforms deserve your attention, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or planning for your own education journey. In part one …
You can do everything right, save consistently, invest wisely, build a retirement plan, and still be one accident away from financial devastation. Why? Because many of us unknowingly overlook one critical piece of protection: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). In this episode of The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, sits down with Mike …
A sweeping new financial law dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is changing the rules for retirees and those nearing retirement. From tax deductions on Social Security to estate planning thresholds, Roth account changes, healthcare cost shifts, and updates to 529 plans, the legislation is reshaping the financial landscape. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, …
When markets drop, most people freeze or flee. But what if the smartest move isn’t to retreat, but to go on offense? In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unpacks why volatile markets can be a gift to strategic investors who know how to capitalize on short-term fear for long-term gain. Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, …
What are the clear signs it’s time to stop DIYing your retirement planning? Here are the five indicators that call for professional guidance. Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the complexities of retirement planning. With his wealth of experience, he explores when it’s best to transition from self-management to professional advice. This episode offers universal insights …
What do tariffs mean for your retirement savings and investments? Is it still okay to retire right now? In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, tackles the often-overlooked world of tariffs and their unexpected impact on your financial future. Whether you’re decades away from retirement or just around the corner, understanding these global financial levers …
How can artificial intelligence threaten your retirement savings? In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, welcomes former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza, an expert in cybercrime and fraud prevention, to discuss how AI-driven scams could affect your financial security. Jeff shares eye-opening insights on various AI-driven scams, including phishing emails, romance scams, and the rise …
How does your savings strategy impact your financial future, particularly with tax season looming and new contribution limits set for 2025? Jim KruzanCFP®, CRPC® and guest Dylan Stewart, a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Public Accountant, unravel the concept of tax-efficient waterfall funding—an approach crafted to maximize your savings efficiency while minimizing tax burdens. Together, …
Starting the year with financial resolutions is common, but making them stick is the real challenge. How can you ensure your goals turn into lasting habits? In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explores strategies to set realistic financial resolutions and sustain them. He provides actionable insights on how to turn resolutions into habits, prioritize …