More for Your Money

Episode 5: Roth IRA Conversions: The Why, the Why Not, and the Rest of the Story - 01/25/2025

January 25th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

estate planning, irmaa, janesville wi, john berkley, market timing, medical deductions, personal finance, qualified charitable distributions, retirement planning, roth conversion, roth ira, roth vs traditional ira, savers credit, tax strategies, uncommon sense investing

This week on More for Your Money, John Berkley and Kit Carson dive deep into a topic that generates more questions than answers: Roth IRA conversions. Should you convert? When does it make sense—and when does it not? With John's decades of experience and Carson's sharp curiosity, the duo takes listeners through a thoughtful, nuanced look at one of the most misunderstood moves in retirement planning.

Using the classic Paul Harvey style—“the rest of the story”—John highlights the lesser-known risks and hidden pitfalls of converting, like the impact of future tax law changes, state residency, IRMAA brackets, medical expense deductions, charitable giving strategies, and even market timing. And yes, he also shares smart, strategic situations where a Roth conversion does make good sense.

Episode 3: Tipping, Taxes & Timely Advice: 2025 Planning and Everyday Financial Wisdom - 1/11/25

January 11th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

estate planning, family finance, financial advisor, financial education, investment strategy, ira contributions, janesville wi, john berkley, money tips, more for your money, required minimum distributions, retirement planning, roth ira, sheena hanson, tax planning 2025, uncommon cents investing

John Berkley returns to the More for Your Money studio this week with a full house—welcoming co-host Carson back from a short sick break, and special guest Sheena Hanson (his daughter and co-leader at Uncommon Cents Investing). The trio covers everything from market updates and tipping trends to detailed 2025 tax planning changes.

John revisits his now-famous "15 Financial Life Lessons" list, Sheena gives insight into how Uncommon Cents conducts thoughtful, personal annual reviews with clients, and the team walks through the latest tax brackets, deduction limits, and planning considerations for the year ahead.

John, Sheena, and Carson break down 2025 tax updates, reflect on life and financial lessons, and explain why trust and communication matter when working with a financial advis