Retirement Plan Playbook

Matthew Theal

Financial and retirement planning guidance from the team at RPA Wealth Management. Join president Brent Pasqua and Certified Financial Planners Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk each show for helpful conversations about money, life and retirement. Listen to this show and you'll be sure to have an excellent Retirement Plan Playbook.

  • 41 minutes 55 seconds
    Big Tax Wins, Newborn Accounts, and Why the Market’s Hitting Highs (Ep.124)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest tax updates from the newly passed legislation—including enhanced deductions, a new investment account for newborns, and how these changes impact retirees, business owners, and investors.

    Plus, the team discusses how the market rebounded to all-time highs, what AI is fueling next, and why financial planning is more essential than ever.

    📊 Here’s what we cover:

    • 🧾 The SALT deduction cap is back (and higher!)—who benefits and who gets phased out

    • 👴 A new $12,000 deduction for retirees—what to know before you file

    • 🏦 Estate tax exemption locked in at $15M per person—what it means for families

    • 👶 Newborn “Trump Accounts”—seed money from the government, tax-deferred growth, and major flexibility

    • 📈 Why the market is at all-time highs despite volatility, tariffs, and war chatter

    • 📉 Should you rebalance now or keep buying into strength?

    Plus: Travel tips, TSA pre-check wins, and a debate over Real IDs you didn’t know you needed.

    👉 Feeling unsure how this new tax law affects your financial plan? Visit evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.📲 Subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find retirement advice that actually works.

    24 July 2025, 8:40 pm
  • 34 minutes 29 seconds
    Inside the Big Beautiful Bill – Tax Cuts, MAGA Accounts, and What It Means for Retirees (Ep. 123)

    Despite geopolitical tension, a trade war scare, and inflation noise, the market is holding steady—and the tax landscape just shifted big time. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk unpack the surprising strength in markets, the economic signals investors should pay attention to, and how the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” could reshape retirement and tax planning.

    🎯 In this episode:

    • 📰 Middle East conflict & World War III fears – What’s priced in and what’s not

    • 💥 Tariffs fade, markets rebound – Why staying invested is paying off again

    • 📉 Inflation cooling & rate cut signals – Are we heading for stability or slowdown?

    • 🏛️ The “Big Beautiful Bill” – What’s in the tax extension and why it matters

    • 👶 MAGA Accounts (yes, really) – $1,000 for every newborn starting in 2025?

    • 💼 Social Security tax credit workaround – What retirees need to know

    • 📈 IPO fever returns – AI, crypto, and fintech startups are fueling investor excitement

    Plus, the guys talk about family travel tips, educational vacations, and the value of showing kids real history vs. just poolside relaxation.

    👉 Need help adjusting your retirement plan for taxes, market changes, or new legislation? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.

    📲 Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover smart, timely retirement guidance.

    19 June 2025, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 4 seconds
    Tariff Market Rebound – Why Staying Invested Paid Off Big (Ep.122)

    Just weeks after the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs, the market snapped back with one of the biggest rallies in modern history—and if you followed the playbook, you were ready. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the market rebound, the political pivot, and how diversification, patience, and AI-powered earnings helped investors come out ahead.

    📈 Here’s what we cover:

    • 📰 The 90-day tariff pause that sparked a 12% S&P rally

    • 🧠 Why panic-selling during volatility destroys long-term wealth

    • 🌍 International and emerging market stocks—are they still holding up?

    • 🏠 Housing gridlock: Why nobody’s moving, and how to think about real estate today

    • 🤖 AI earnings, job growth, and economic resilience: What’s real and what’s hype?

    • 📊 GDP contraction vs. private investment surge—are we slowing or just adjusting?

    Plus, we talk about retirement timing, recession fears, and why more people are hitting pause—not on retirement, but on making any decision at all.

    👉 If you're unsure how to adjust your portfolio or plan after the tariff chaos, visit evermont.com for a free retirement consultation.
    📲 Subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find smart, timely advice for a stronger financial future.

    8 May 2025, 11:00 am
  • 34 minutes 47 seconds
    Tariff Tantrum – What It Means for Your Money (Ep. 121)

    Tariffs are back—and they're not subtle. In this emergency episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the sudden and aggressive return of U.S. tariffs, the economic chaos they’ve already triggered, and how investors should respond.

    From market drops to rising prices, supply chain shakeups, and a looming recession, the guys unpack it all—with sharp insight, strong opinions, and real strategies for staying on track.

    📉 Here’s what we get into:

    • 🚨 Trump’s tariff shock: What was announced and why it blindsided markets

    • 📈 Are we already in a recession? Larry Fink thinks so

    • 🧾 Tariffs = Taxes: What this means for U.S. consumers and businesses

    • 🛠 Can manufacturing come back to the U.S.—or is that just a fantasy?

    • 🔁 What investors should (and shouldn't) do right now: rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, cash management

    • 💣 How this could affect the election, Congress, and Powell’s next move

    This episode is your full breakdown of what just happened, why it matters, and how to respond with a level head.

    👉 Need help navigating this storm? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation.
    📲 Subscribe and leave a review to stay informed—and stay ready.

    7 April 2025, 9:04 pm
  • 35 minutes 31 seconds
    Tax Time, Gold, and AI IPOs—What’s Hot in Spring 2025 (Ep.120)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk cover the spring 2025 financial landscape—from filing taxes to hot market trends like gold, Chinese stocks, and AI IPOs. Whether you’re wrapping up your return or wondering where to invest next, this episode offers clarity in a time of questions.

    📊 Here’s what we cover:

    • 🧾 Tax season tips – What you can still do before the deadline

    • 📈 High interest savings & unexpected tax bills – Why you might owe this year

    • 🔒 Proactive tax planning for 2025 – Reduce next year’s bill by starting now

    • 🪙 Gold & Chinese stocks – Flash in the pan or a long-term play?

    • 🌍 The return of international markets – Is diversification finally paying off?

    • 🚀 AI IPO excitement – CoreWeave is going public... is the window opening?

    Plus, we debate, investing psychology, Disney vs. California Adventure, and which streaming shows are dominating right now.

    👉 Want to make 2025 your most financially confident year yet? Visit www.evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.

    📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed and stay in control of your financial future.

    27 March 2025, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 8 seconds
    Stock Market Drops—Should You Be Worried? (ep.119)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk tackle the latest market pullback and what it means for investors. Is this a normal correction, or are we headed for something bigger? More importantly—what should you do (or NOT do) right now?

    🔍 Here’s what we cover:

    • 📉 Why the market is down & what’s fueling volatility
    • 🧠 Investor psychology – How emotions impact your financial future
    • 🔥 Is this a buying opportunity or time to pull back?
    • 📊 Historical trends – How does this market drop compare to past corrections?
    • 🏡 Housing market debate – Will interest rate cuts push home prices up or down?

    Plus, we discuss political influences, tariffs, and the latest AI-powered tools reshaping the financial landscape.

    👉 Nervous about the market? Now is the time to review your strategy. Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation.

    📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed, stay invested, and keep your retirement plan on track.

     

    13 March 2025, 11:00 am
  • 34 minutes 59 seconds
    The Nervous Economy – What’s Driving Market Uncertainty in 2025? (Ep.118)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest financial concerns shaping 2025. With economic shifts, political changes, and market volatility, investors are growing increasingly nervous—so what does it all mean for your portfolio and retirement plan?

    🔍 Here’s what we cover:

    • 📉 Stock market turbulence – Why are markets reacting so sharply to new policies?
    • 💰 Government spending cuts & layoffs – How is Washington impacting job security?
    • 🔎 Social Security fraud uncovered – A shocking look at where taxpayer dollars are going
    • 🏦 Recession fears & interest rate cuts – Is the Federal Reserve about to pivot?
    • 🤖 AI’s role in the economy – Will automation create more job losses or new opportunities?

    Plus, we discuss the importance of reassessing your investment strategy, how to prepare for uncertainty, and why now might be a great time to rebalance your portfolio.

    👉 Feeling uncertain about your retirement strategy? Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation.

    📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay ahead of the market and your financial future with expert insights every week.

    27 February 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 31 seconds
    Is 2025 the Best Year to Retire? Market Outlook, AI, and Financial Planning (Ep. 117)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk explore whether 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to retire. With strong market performance, rising Social Security benefits, and the continued evolution of AI, this year presents unique opportunities—and challenges—for those considering retirement.

    What we cover in this episode:

    • 🔥 Market momentum & economic stability – Is now the right time to retire?
    • 💰 The impact of inflation & government spending cuts – How does it affect retirement income?
    • 🏡 Housing & mortgage trends – Should you sell or stay put?
    • 🧠 AI & workplace shifts – Will AI change the job market and influence retirement decisions?
    • 📉 Windfall Elimination Provision changes – How will it impact government pension holders?

    Plus, we discuss:

    • 🎤 Golf tournament experiences & Super Bowl reactions
    • 🍔 AI-powered recipe searches & the future of tax filing automation
    • ⚡ Tech recommendations, including air fryers & must-have gadgets for parents

    👉 Thinking about retiring or optimizing your financial plan? Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation.

    📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay ahead in your retirement journey with expert insights, real-world strategies, and engaging financial discussions.

    13 February 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 45 minutes 28 seconds
    2025 Market Preview – Fires, Inflation, and AI’s Role in the Economy (Ep. 116)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk dive into what 2025 has in store for the economy, markets, and retirement planning. From navigating California’s devastating wildfires to discussing inflationary trends and the impact of AI on technology and investments, this conversation is packed with timely insights and actionable advice.

    Here’s what we cover:

    • The aftermath of California wildfires: Community impact and recovery challenges
    • Inflation concerns, interest rates, and their effect on retirement planning
    • 2025 market outlook: Why experts are optimistic despite volatility
    • AI as a driver for innovation and market growth: Is it the “new internet moment”?
    • Trade, tariffs, and the new administration’s impact on market trends

    Plus, we share personal health tech tips, investment strategies, and predictions for the year ahead.

    If you’re looking to stay ahead in your retirement planning and understand the forces shaping this year’s economy, this episode is for you.

    Contact Us:
    📞 Call us at 909-296-7977
    🌐 Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation

    Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Let us help you build a better future, one episode at a time.

    30 January 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 45 minutes 2 seconds
    End of Year Financial Strategies and Key Highlights from 2024 (Ep. 115)

    In this final episode of 2024, Brent Pasqua and Matthew Theal take a reflective dive into the major events and financial highlights of the year. From top year-end planning strategies to the evolution of AI and its impact on finance, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions. They also share personal anecdotes, client success stories, and exciting plans for 2025. Tune in for insights that will help you close out the year strong and set the stage for success in the year ahead!

    Timestamps:

    • [00:00:00] Welcome and End-of-Year Announcements
    • [00:02:00] The Claremont Wine Walk: A Community Engagement Highlight
    • [00:05:00] Year-End Financial Planning Strategies
      • Maxing out 401(k) contributions
      • Tax loss harvesting tips
    • [00:11:00] Rebalancing Your Portfolio and Taking RMDs
    • [00:13:00] The Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan
    • [00:14:00] The Case for Gifting: How to Share Wealth Strategically
    • [00:16:00] Reflecting on 2024: Market Trends, AI, and Political Events
    • [00:24:00] Financial Lessons from Elon Musk and Technological Breakthroughs
    • [00:27:00] Bitcoin and Crypto in 2024: ETF Approval and Market Growth
    • [00:28:00] Cancer Vaccine Innovations: A Look at Biotech Progress
    • [00:32:00] Family and Gift Ideas: What’s Hot This Holiday Season
    • [00:41:00] Closing Remarks and New Year Wishes

    Thank you for joining us throughout 2024. We’ll be back in 2025 with more insights, strategies, and exciting new content! Happy holidays!

    Resources Mentioned:

    Don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Plan Playbook for more expert financial insights and actionable strategies.

    19 December 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 41 minutes 52 seconds
    The Stock Market, Bitcoin, and Retirement Planning (Ep.114)

    In this episode of The Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk of Evermont Wealth take you on a comprehensive journey through the world of financial planning, the current stock market landscape, and the evolving role of Bitcoin as an investment asset.

    Key topics include:

    • Stock Market Trends: Insights into the S&P 500’s performance and strategies for managing portfolio gains as the year wraps up.
    • Bitcoin’s Bull Run: A detailed discussion about Bitcoin’s historic rise, its growing institutional backing, and how it could fit into your investment strategy.
    • Rental Properties vs. Bonds: Why traditional rental property investments might not make sense in today’s market and how Treasury Bills offer an alternative for steady returns.
    • Year-End Tax and Rebalancing Strategies: Practical tips for rebalancing your portfolio, taking profits, and preparing for tax season.
    • Personal Insights: Fun anecdotes from the hosts, including Brent’s journey as a new “dog dad” and tips for holiday decorations.

    Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to plan for retirement, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable tips to help you navigate today’s complex financial landscape.

    Key Quotes:

    • “When you see new market highs, it's not a reason to sell—it's often a reason to buy.”
    • “Bitcoin is evolving into a legitimate financial asset, akin to digital gold.”
    • “The math just isn’t adding up for rental properties in this market.”

    Resources Mentioned:

    Don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Plan Playbook for more expert financial insights and actionable strategies.

    21 November 2024, 12:00 pm
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