by Joe Lind | Nov 14, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
Every year around this time, I start having the same conversation with a lot of folks: “Joe, do I really have to take my RMD this year?” And the answer, as much as I’d love to sugarcoat it, is yes — the IRS doesn’t make exceptions just because you’re busy with pumpkin...
by Joe Lind | Nov 7, 2025 | Financial Preparedness, Nearing Retirement
Every fall, like clockwork, my inbox fills up with questions about Medicare. And I get it — the enrollment window is short, the choices are endless, and the fine print can make your head spin. But here’s the truth: the best time to review your Medicare coverage isn’t...
by Joe Lind | Oct 31, 2025 | Financial Preparedness, Nearing Retirement
Every December, without fail, I get the same call: “Joe, can I still make that gift to the kids before year-end?” And my answer is usually something like, “Yes, but let’s make sure you’re not wrapping your checkbook in a bow five minutes before midnight on December...
by Joe Lind | Oct 24, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
I know what you’re thinking. “Tax planning? Joe, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. It isn’t even November yet!!” But here’s the deal: by the time you’re carving the turkey and trying to remember which grandkid hates mashed potatoes, it’s too late to make the...
by Joe Lind | Oct 17, 2025 | Client Service
This topic is REALLY bothering us! We couldn’t help but shake our heads reading that Merrill Lynch is doubling its “small household” threshold to $500K. Overnight, what used to count as a valued client is now a “reduced compensation” account. That’s like showing up to...
by Joe Lind | Oct 11, 2025 | Client Service
From what I read, Merrill will pay advisors a reduced grid rate (20%) for households between $250K and $500K. Below $250K? In many cases, no compensation for that advisor. In other words, they’re shifting attention away from smaller accounts and rewarding only...
by Joe Lind | Oct 6, 2025 | Nearing Retirement
October isn’t just about pumpkins, football, and figuring out how much Halloween candy is “too much” (answer: there is no limit). It’s also harvest season — the time when farmers gather the crops they planted and nurtured all year. Funny thing is, investing and...
by Joe Lind | Sep 26, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
We’re just barely past Labor Day, the kids are back in school, and the Bengals are only a couple games into the season. So why am I already talking about year-end financial planning? Because, like Christmas decorations in October, it sneaks up on you faster than you...
by Joe Lind | Sep 22, 2025 | Investing
If you’ve ever opened up your account after a long day and thought, “Wait a second—the market was up today, why am I down?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, right up there with “When can I retire?” and “Is Gold Star really better than...
by Joe Lind | Sep 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
WHEN to retire is a straightforward question. The real question to ask yourself is HOW do you want to live when you retire. Dinergy CEO Joe Lind talks about it below....
