The Christian Retirement Show

The Medicare Trap That Costs Retirees $5,000 a Year (And Nobody Warns You About It)

Most retirees budget carefully for everything — except the Medicare bill that quietly adds $5,000 or more to their annual expenses. It's called IRMAA, and if you have a substantial retirement portfolio, there's a good chance it's coming for you.

In this episode, I break down exactly what IRMAA is, why it catches so many high-income retirees completely off guard, and — most importantly — four strategies you can use right now to reduce or eliminate it before you retire.

 

📅 Book a Free 30-Minute Retirement Readiness Call — For investors with $1M+ within 10 years of retirement → https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

 

In this video:

✅ What IRMAA actually is (and why nobody warns you about it)

✅ The 5 IRMAA surcharge tiers — real 2025 dollar amounts

✅ The two-year lookback rule that blindsides new retirees

✅ Why a single high-income year can cost you for years after

✅ How Roth conversions can dramatically reduce your IRMAA exposure

✅ The little-known appeal process if you've already been hit

✅ How to plan your retirement income around the IRMAA thresholds

 

 

The content Provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy investment product or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principle. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC registered investment advisor.

 

The IRS Tax Trap Hidden Inside Your Retirement Account

Most people don't find out about Required Minimum Distributions until it's too late — and by then, they're already facing a tax bill they never planned for. In this video, I break down exactly what RMDs are, when you're required to start taking them, how to calculate yours, and the smart strategies retirees are using right now to minimize the tax hit.

 

If you have a 401(k), Traditional IRA, SEP-IRA, or 403(b) — this episode is for you.

 

📅 SCHEDULE A FREE INTRO CALL https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

 

📌 IN THIS EPISODE

✅ What a Required Minimum Distribution is — and why the IRS requires them

✅ The current RMD starting ages: 73 or 75 depending on your birth year

✅ How the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 changed the rules

✅ The step-by-step RMD calculation using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table

✅ Why Roth IRAs don't have RMDs (and why that matters)

✅ The Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) strategy most retirees overlook

✅ Why taking two RMDs in one year can create a surprise tax spike

✅ What happens if you miss an RMD — the 25% penalty explained

 

The content Provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy investment product or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principle. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC registered investment advisor.

How to Know if You Have Enough to Retire

Are you actually ready to retire, or are you just chasing a number that may not even fit your life?

 

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning for retirement is fixating on an arbitrary portfolio goal like $1 million, $2 million, or more, without ever asking a better question: How much do I actually need to live the life I want in retirement?

 

In this video, I walk through a more practical way to think about retirement readiness by starting with your income needs, not a random investment target. Once you know how much income you’ll need each year, you can begin backing into what your portfolio actually needs to produce and whether you may already be closer to retirement than you think.

 

I also cover a few major retirement planning mistakes people often miss, including taxes, inflation, and expenses that may fall away later like a mortgage payment.

 

If you want more clarity around whether you have enough to retire, this video will help you think about it the right way.

 

If you want help turning your portfolio into a structured retirement paycheck: 👉 Apply here: https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

 

The content Provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy investment product or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principle. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC registered investment advisor.

If You’re 30 to 50, Do These 5 Things to Build Wealth

If you're between 30 and 50, you're sitting on one of the greatest wealth-building windows of your life — but only if you make the right moves. As a CFP professional with over 10 years in the wealth management industry, I'm breaking down the 5 things I'd focus on right now to build serious wealth in your 30s and 40s.

Whether you're just starting to get serious about money or already earning well but not sure where to go next — this episode is for you.

 

In this episode:

 

✅ Why budgets aren't just for beginners (and the shocking NFL stat that proves it)

✅ How to automate your savings so wealth-building happens on autopilot

✅ Why cutting your Starbucks habit won't make you rich — and what actually will

✅ The lifestyle inflation trap that keeps high earners broke

✅ The most common (and costly) investing mistakes to avoid at all costs

💡 The person who has $3 million is the same person who didn't spend $3 million.

 

If you want help turning your portfolio into a structured retirement paycheck: 👉 Apply here: https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

 

 

The content Provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy investment product or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principle. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC registered investment advisor.

 

The 3 Biggest Social Security Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands

If you want help turning your portfolio into a structured retirement paycheck:

👉 Apply here: https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

 

When should you claim Social Security? Should you take it at 62, wait until full retirement age, or delay benefits? In this video, I walk through 3 common Social Security mistakes that can cost retirees thousands of dollars over time.

 

We cover:

• Claiming Social Security too early just because it’s available
• Making a Social Security decision without coordinating it with your overall retirement income plan
• Ignoring the effect Social Security claiming decisions can have on a spouse or surviving spouse

 

If you are planning for retirement and want to understand how Social Security fits into a retirement paycheck strategy, this video is for you. The goal is not just to maximize a Social Security check in a vacuum. The goal is to make better decisions about retirement income, taxes, withdrawals, and long-term financial security.

#SocialSecurityMistakes #SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #FinancialAdvisor

The content Provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy investment product or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principle. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC registered investment advisor.

 

How the Iran Conflict Could Impact Your Portfolio

In this episode, we break down what the latest Iran developments could mean for the stock market, oil prices, inflation, and investors.

Geopolitical headlines can move markets fast, but not every headline matters equally. In this conversation, we talk through what investors should actually pay attention to, where higher oil prices could show up first, what parts of the market may be helped or hurt, and how long term investors should think when volatility rises.

If you’ve been wondering what the Iran situation means for your portfolio, this episode will help you think through it in a calm, practical way.

In this episode, we cover:

• What matters most to markets when Iran escalates

• How much of this year’s volatility is tied to Iran versus normal market forces

• Where higher oil prices hit consumers and investors first

• Which parts of the market tend to perform better or worse in this kind of environment

• What long term investors should do instead of reacting emotionally

If you want help turning your portfolio into a structured retirement paycheck: 👉 Apply here: https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

 

 

The content provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy, investment product, or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC-registered investment advisor.

The Hidden Retirement Risk No One Sees Coming (And 5 Ways to Solve it)

If you want help turning your portfolio into a structured retirement paycheck:

👉 Apply here: https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

We work best with households that have $1M+ invested and are within 10 years of retirement.

 

Most people think retirement risk is about money.

 

They think about market crashes, inflation, taxes, healthcare costs, and whether their nest egg will last. But there is another risk that often hits just as hard, and almost nobody talks about it early enough.

 

In this episode, we explore the hidden retirement risk of losing purpose after work ends.

For many people, retirement does not just remove a paycheck. It removes structure, identity, momentum, and a sense of being needed. That can leave even financially secure retirees feeling restless, flat, bored, or unsure of who they are without their career.

 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why having enough money does not guarantee a fulfilling retirement

• The connection between work, identity, and meaning

• Why so many retirees struggle with boredom, aimlessness, and loss of direction

• The difference between retiring from work and retiring to something meaningful

• Practical ways to build purpose, rhythm, contribution, and connection in retirement

 

If you are planning for retirement, nearing retirement, or already retired and wondering what this next season is really supposed to look like, this episode is for you.

A successful retirement is not just about financial independence. It is about building a life with purpose, meaning, and direction.

 

 

The content Provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy investment product or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principle. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC registered investment advisor.

How to turn a $2 Million Portfolio into a Retirement Paycheck (Without Running Out of Money)

If you want help turning your portfolio into a structured retirement paycheck:

👉 Apply here: https://calendly.com/meeterics/free-10-minute-intro-call

We work best with households that have $1M+ invested and are within 10 years of retirement.

If you’re approaching retirement with $1M–$5M invested, the biggest risk isn’t the market… It’s how you take income from your portfolio.

Most people spend decades learning how to grow their investments- but almost no one teaches you how to live off them.

In this video, I walk through how to turn a $2 million portfolio into a reliable retirement paycheck- without running out of money and being forced to sell investments at the wrong time.

We cover:
• Why retirement is a distribution problem, not an investment problem
• The biggest mistake people make with the “4% rule.”
• How sequence of returns risk can quietly derail your plan
• Why the first 5–7 years of retirement matter most

 

If you’re 50–65 and within 10 years of retirement, this is the phase where small mistakes have permanent consequences.

 

The content provided is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular strategy, investment product, or investing advice of any kind. Content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and or a legal opinion. Please consult a financial professional for your specific situation. Investing involves risks, including the loss of the entire principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. Investment Advisory services offered through Schrum Private Wealth Management, LLC. An SEC-registered investment advisor.

NHL Veteran and Pastor Adam Burt- The Longest Game

Episode Overview
In this special episode of The Christian Retirement Show, we sit down with Adam Burt, a former NHL defenseman who stepped away from hockey to serve in pastoral ministry. He recently completed a new book that explores faith, discipline, and personal growth. During our discussion, Adam recounts the jarring impact of body checks on the ice, his shift into spiritual leadership, and the heart behind his new book: The Longest Game- Winning In Life.. Listeners will discover how Adam’s practical insights can shape a fulfilling retirement plan rooted in faith.

Key Takeaways

• Life Lessons from the NHL
  Adam offers a look inside the locker room, recalling the physical challenges of professional sports and the responsibility he felt to support his teammates. His stories reveal the values—focus, endurance, and loyalty—that followed him from the rink to the pulpit.
• Faith Beyond the Arena
  After years of fast-paced competition, Adam leaned into a deeper calling. He opens up about the pivotal day he felt drawn to pastoral work, describing how that decision altered his priorities and sense of purpose.
• Purpose-Filled Retirement
  Adam examines the mindset that can nurture a purposeful retirement. He highlights the importance of aligning finances and life goals with spiritual truths. Listeners will hear practical advice on dedicating time, energy, and resources to pursuits that honor God and serve others.
• Sneak Peek of His New Book
  Adam outlines the core themes of his new project and shares why he believes faith-based practices sustain individuals through every season of life. His writing process combined deep reflection, scriptural study, and real-life experiences from his years on and off the ice.

Why Listen?

• Gain unique perspectives from a former NHL player turned pastor.
• Explore how faith shapes retirement decisions, personal finances, and daily routines.
• Learn actionable steps for living with conviction and discipline.

Action Steps

1. Grab a Notepad – Jot down Adam’s suggestions for integrating faith into your retirement plan.
2. Reflect on Your Calling – Consider the ways your talents and experiences can serve others, just as Adam discovered through his transition to ministry.
3. Check Out the Book – If you’re ready for a new outlook on spiritual growth, be sure to read Adam’s latest work for deeper insights.

Episode Resources

• Adam Burt’s New Book: https://www.amazon.com/Longest-Game-Winning-fulfill-God-given/dp/1956370722
• More Episodes of The Christian Retirement Show: https://www.christianretirementplanner.com/blog-01

Ep. 32 Why Interest Rates Matter

Welcome to this week's episode of the Christian Retirement Show! This week we are discussing what used to be a boring topic- Interest Rates. Interest rates have been headline news in 2023 and look to keep center stage as we move into 2024.

If you are interested in working with Eric please visit: https://www.christianretirementplanner.com/team-member-01/eric-schrum
To learn more about Schrum Private Wealth please visit: https://www.christianretirementplanner.com/