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See The Forest Through the Trees

See The Forest Through the Trees

By: Celestial Wealth Mgmt
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Retirement planning, Social Security strategy, Roth conversions, and retirement tax planning are explained clearly for retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners.

Hosted by Colin Exelby, CFP®, founder of Celestial Wealth Management and creator of See the Forest Through the Trees (STFTTT), this podcast focuses on helping people make smarter retirement and financial decisions through tax-aware planning, long-term thinking, and real-world retirement strategies.

Episodes cover topics including:

• Social Security claiming strategies
• How Social Security is taxed
• Roth conversion planning
• Retirement income strategies
• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
• Medicare IRMAA premiums
• Retirement withdrawal sequencing
• Tax-efficient retirement planning
• Retirement mistakes and planning tradeoffs
• Financial planning for business owners and retirees

The goal is not fear-based financial media or generic investment commentary. The goal is helping people simplify complex retirement decisions and better understand how taxes, income planning, and long-term financial choices interact over time.

Designed for people approaching retirement, already retired, or seeking greater financial clarity around Social Security, taxes, retirement income, and wealth planning.

New episodes released regularly.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Economics Personal Development Personal Finance Personal Success
Episodes
  • Give Me 10 Minutes and I’ll Make You EXTREMELY Confident Enough to Retire

    Give Me 10 Minutes and I’ll Make You EXTREMELY Confident Enough to Retire
    Jun 25 2026
    If you've ever wondered, "Am I really ready to retire?", this video is for you. Many people don't retire too late because they don't have enough money—they retire too late because they lack confidence in their retirement plan. In this video, Colin Exelby, CFP® explains how to build retirement confidence by stress testing your financial plan, practicing your retirement income strategy, and understanding the key decisions that create long-term financial security. In this video you'll learn: • Why retirement confidence comes from evidence, not emotion • How to stress test your retirement plan before you retire • Why practicing your retirement budget can reduce financial anxiety • How to spend confidently without feeling guilty • The biggest mistake that keeps many people working longer than necessary • Why retirement planning is about more than just reaching a certain account balance • How Social Security fits into a successful retirement income plan Retirement isn't about eliminating every risk. It's about building a plan that gives you the confidence to enjoy the retirement you've spent decades preparing for. 📘 Free Social Security Planning Guide https://celestialwm.com/social-security-guide/ ▶ Watch Next: The Social Security Decision Married Couples Get Wrong 00:00-Give me 9 Minutes and I'll Make you Confident in Retirement 00:24-The one more year trap 01:19-Confidence comes from the proof 01:45- Stress testing the plan 03:12-Practice retirement before you retire 04:20-Give your money a purpose 05:39-You may never feel completely ready 06:40-The real risk 07:24-The big idea If you're looking for retirement planning advice, retirement income strategies, Social Security planning, withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions, tax-efficient retirement planning, or ways to retire with confidence, this channel is dedicated to helping pre-retirees and retirees make better financial decisions through thoughtful, evidence-based planning. #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurity #FinancialPlanning [About] Colin Exelby, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, founder of Celestial Wealth Management, and creator of See the Forest Through the Trees (STFTTT), an educational platform focused on retirement planning, retirement tax strategies, Social Security analysis, Roth conversions, and financial planning for retirees and business owners. This channel focuses on helping retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners make smarter financial decisions through tax-aware planning, long-term thinking, and real-world retirement strategies. No fear-based financial media. No hype. Just clear explanations and practical retirement planning frameworks. ➡️ ➡️Free Retirement and Financial Planning Resources Here: https://celestialwm.com/ptpebook-go/⬅️⬅️ ⭐Support the Channel by Becoming a Community Member⭐ 👇https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13s0hQVkEv-azgzhOe8QXA/join Affiliate Link Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy at celestialwm.com. Celestial Wealth Management LLC receives compensation from YouTube for the presence of advertising before, after, and during this video content. Celestial Wealth Management LLC does not control the content or presence of any advertisements. The presence of any advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of the ad, company, entity, or product by Celestial Wealth Management LLC. DISCLOSURES Celestial Wealth Management, LLC is registered as an investment adviser in the State of Maryland and Texas. Neither the information nor any opinion constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. This video is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments and implementing investment and planning strategies discussed in this video and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Nothing provided here constitutes tax advice. Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments. Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors. This is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Once You Understand This, You’ll Stop Working Past 58

    Once You Understand This, You’ll Stop Working Past 58
    Jun 25 2026
    Many people assume the goal of retirement planning is to accumulate as much money as possible. But there comes a point when continuing to work may no longer improve your life—it may simply exchange some of your healthiest years for additional wealth you may never need. In this video, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Colin Exelby explains why age 58 often represents a major shift in retirement planning. While 58 isn't a magic retirement age, it frequently marks the point where the balance between earning more money and preserving your healthiest retirement years begins to change. You'll learn: • Why the value of your time changes as you approach retirement • The hidden opportunity cost of delaying retirement • Why many people continue working longer than necessary • How fear and identity often influence retirement decisions more than finances • Why waiting for the "perfect" market is usually a mistake • How to determine whether you're financially and emotionally ready to retire • Why retirement planning is about balancing money, time, health, and purpose—not simply maximizing your investment accounts Many retirees discover that the hardest part of retirement isn't building enough wealth—it's recognizing when enough is enough. This video explores the mindset shift from accumulating assets to intentionally using those assets to create a meaningful retirement. If you're within five to ten years of retirement, understanding this framework can help you make more confident retirement decisions and avoid sacrificing years you can never get back. Planning when to retire often goes hand-in-hand with deciding when to claim Social Security. Understanding your claiming options can have a significant impact on your lifetime retirement income. 📘 Free Social Security Planning Guide https://celestialwm.com/social-security-guide/ ▶ Watch Next: 5 Years Out from Retirement? Here’s What you Must do now. #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #FinancialPlanning #FinancialIndependence #RetirementIncome [About] Colin Exelby, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, founder of Celestial Wealth Management, and creator of See the Forest Through the Trees (STFTTT), an educational platform focused on retirement planning, retirement tax strategies, Social Security analysis, Roth conversions, and financial planning for retirees and business owners. This channel focuses on helping retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners make smarter financial decisions through tax-aware planning, long-term thinking, and real-world retirement strategies. 00:00-Once You Understand This, You'll Stop Working Past 58 00:30-The equation changes at 58 01:15-The hidden cost of working longer 01:45-Time become more valuable 02:45-Retirement isn't just about money 03:25-Waiting for the perfect market 04:00-The fear of losing your identity 04:27-What retirees often regret 05:09-Gaining clarity before retirement No fear-based financial media. No hype. Just clear explanations and practical retirement planning frameworks. ➡️ ➡️Free Retirement and Financial Planning Resources Here: https://celestialwm.com/ptpebook-go/⬅️⬅️ ⭐Support the Channel by Becoming a Community Member⭐ 👇https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13s0hQVkEv-azgzhOe8QXA/join Celestial Wealth Management LLC receives compensation from YouTube for the presence of advertising before, after, and during this video content. Celestial Wealth Management LLC does not control the content or presence of any advertisements. The presence of any advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of the ad, company, entity, or product by Celestial Wealth Management LLC. DISCLOSURES Celestial Wealth Management, LLC is registered as an investment adviser in the State of Maryland and Texas. Neither the information nor any opinion constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. This video is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments and implementing investment and planning strategies discussed in this video and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Nothing provided here constitutes tax advice. Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments. Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors. This is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • IRS Releases NEW 2026 Tax Brackets - What Retirees & Seniors Need To Know

    IRS Releases NEW 2026 Tax Brackets - What Retirees & Seniors Need To Know
    Jun 10 2026
    The IRS has released the new 2026 tax brackets, standard deductions, and inflation adjustments that will affect retirees, seniors, and pre-retirees. But understanding your tax bracket is only part of the story. Many retirees accidentally pay more taxes than necessary because they overlook how IRA withdrawals, Roth conversions, Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and retirement income planning all interact with one another. In this video, Colin Exelby, CFP® explains: ✔ 2026 federal tax brackets ✔ The new senior deduction available to eligible retirees ✔ How income phaseouts work ✔ Social Security taxation considerations ✔ Medicare IRMAA income thresholds ✔ Why Roth accounts may become even more valuable ✔ The retirement tax planning window many people miss ✔ Strategies retirees should consider before making large withdrawals Understanding these rules can help you make better decisions and potentially keep more of your retirement income. Free Social Security Claiming Guide One of the most important retirement decisions you'll make is deciding when to claim Social Security. To help, we've created a free Social Security Claiming Guide that walks through the key factors retirees should consider before filing. 👉 View the guide here: https://celestialwm.com/social-security-guide/ 00:00-IRS Releases NEW 2026 Tax Brackets 00:27-Why Retirement Taxes Are Becoming More Complicated 01:46-The New Senior Deduction Could Save Thousands (If You Qualify) 05:15-The Hidden Retirement Tax Trap Nobody Talks About 06:26-The Social Security Tax Problem 07:37-SALT 08:50-Why Roth Accounts May Become More Valuable Than Ever 09:43-The Medicare Premium Tax Most Retirees Never See Coming 12:15-What Happens After a Spouse Passes Away 13:08-The Retirement Tax Planning Window Most People Miss 13:52-A Simple Four-Step Action Plan for 2026 14:48-Final Thoughts [About] Colin Exelby, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, founder of Celestial Wealth Management, and creator of See the Forest Through the Trees (STFTTT), an educational platform focused on retirement planning, retirement tax strategies, Social Security analysis, Roth conversions, and financial planning for retirees and business owners. This channel focuses on helping retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners make smarter financial decisions through tax-aware planning, long-term thinking, and real-world retirement strategies. Topics covered regularly include: • Social Security claiming strategies • How Social Security is taxed • Roth conversion timing • Retirement withdrawal strategies • Tax-efficient retirement income • IRMAA and Medicare premiums • Retirement mistakes to avoid • Survivor planning strategies • Retirement planning for business owners ⭐Support the Channel by Becoming a Community Member⭐ 👇https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13s0hQVkEv-azgzhOe8QXA/join Affiliate Link Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy at celestialwm.com. Celestial Wealth Management LLC receives compensation from YouTube for the presence of advertising before, after, and during this video content. Celestial Wealth Management LLC does not control the content or presence of any advertisements. The presence of any advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of the ad, company, entity, or product by Celestial Wealth Management LLC. DISCLOSURES Celestial Wealth Management, LLC is registered as an investment adviser in the State of Maryland and Texas. Neither the information nor any opinion constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. This video is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments and implementing investment and planning strategies discussed in this video and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Nothing provided here constitutes tax advice. Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments. Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors. This is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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