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See The Forest Through the Trees

See The Forest Through the Trees

By: Celestial Wealth Mgmt
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Summary

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
  • Are You Secretly Wealthy? Net Worth by Age (Where You Really Rank)

    Are You Secretly Wealthy? Net Worth by Age (Where You Really Rank)
    Oct 28 2026
    How does your net worth compare to other Americans your age? According to the latest Federal Reserve data, the average net worth for Americans ages 65–74 is nearly $1.9 million, but the median is just $431,300. So where do you rank? In this video, Colin Exelby, CFP® breaks down the average and median net worth by age, from your 30s through retirement, to help you understand how your finances compare to other households. But having a high net worth doesn't necessarily mean you're financially prepared for retirement. We'll explain why home equity, retirement savings, Social Security, pensions, and investment income all play important roles in determining your financial security. Federal Reserve Board. Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2022 to 2025. October 2026. Table 2 on printed page 12 supplies age brackets and net worth figures. Footnote 36 on printed page 42 explains the exclusion of Social Security and defined benefit pension wealth. https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf26.pdf #NetWorthByAge, #RetirementPlanning, #RetirementSavings, #AverageNetWorth, #RetirementIncome, #RetirementStrategy, #SocialSecurity, #RetirementWealth, #FinancialPlanning, #retirementtips 00:00-Intro 00:46-What is Net Worth? 01:50-Average vs Median Net Worth 02:30-Net Worth Under Age 35 03:13-Net Worth Age 35-44 04:02-Net Worth Age 45-54 05:11-Net Worth Age 55-64 06:00-Net Worth Age 65-74 06:51-Net Worth Age 75+ 07:26-Why Two Couples With $1 Million Can Have Different Retirements 08:05-Why Income Matters More Than Net Worth 08:59-What the FED Net Worth Number Leaves Out 09:44-Three Question to Ask 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 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
    11 mins
  • Social Security at 62 vs 70? The Math Will SHOCK You

    Social Security at 62 vs 70? The Math Will SHOCK You
    Oct 21 2026
    Should you take Social Security at 62, wait until 67, or delay until 70? The difference could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars throughout your retirement, but the traditional Social Security break-even calculation might be missing some of the most important factors. In this video, Colin Exelby, CFP® explains the real math behind when to claim Social Security and why choosing the biggest monthly check isn't always the best retirement strategy. Covering how claiming Social Security early versus delaying until 70 impacts your investment portfolio, retirement income, taxes, and long-term financial security and exploring how married couples can coordinate their benefits, why survivor benefits matter, and how market downturns could change your claiming strategy. You'll learn why the traditional break-even age can be misleading, how Social Security interacts with your 401(k), IRA, and Roth conversions, and why your health, lifestyle, and retirement goals should play a major role in your decision. ➡️ ➡️ How Social Security Is Taxed (2026) https://celestialwm.com/how-social-security-is-taxed/ ➡️ ➡️ Social Security Claiming Strategy Guide (2026) https://celestialwm.com/social-security-guide/ ➡️ ➡️Social Security Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=TZMFG7WiW3E&list=PLjypohR2dKqPTiZjfZjogskeAaAmublbZ #SocialSecurity #SocialSecurityBenefits #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurityAt62 #SocialSecurityAt70 #FinancialPlanning #RetirementStrategy #RetirementTaxes #retirementtips 00:00-Intro 01:05-The Traditional Break-Even Math 03:18-Why Waiting Can Still Be Valuable 05:38-What If Both Spouses Earned About the Same Amount? 06:38-What If You’re Single? 07:22-Don’t Forget Age 65 08:22-If You’re Still Working 09:22-Markets Can Change the Decision 10:17-Then We Have Taxes 11:27-What Is the Money Actually For? 12:13-So Who Wins — 62, 67 or 70? 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 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...
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Never Leave Money To Grandkids: Instead do This!

    Never Leave Money To Grandkids: Instead do This!
    Oct 16 2026
    Leaving money to your grandchildren is one of the greatest gifts you can give, but making the wrong estate planning decisions could leave them with unexpected taxes, legal complications, or an inheritance they aren't prepared to manage. In this video, Colin Exelby, CFP® discusses 4 costly mistakes grandparents make when leaving money to their grandkids, including misunderstanding the $19,000 gift tax exclusion, naming minors as beneficiaries, passing down traditional IRAs without considering the 10-year withdrawal rule, and adding grandchildren to a home's deed too early. I'll also explain how trusts, Roth conversions, 529 plans, and proper beneficiary planning can help protect your family's wealth, minimize unnecessary taxes, and ensure your grandchildren receive their inheritance the right way. If you're planning to leave behind a financial legacy, these are mistakes you'll want to avoid. #EstatePlanning #InheritancePlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthTransfer #Grandchildren #FinancialPlanning #InheritanceTax #EstateTaxes #IRAPlanning #GenerationalWealth 00:00-Intro 00:50-Mistake One Confusing the Gift Tax Rule With a Medicaid Rule 03:02-Mistake Two Naming a Minor Directly Without a Plan 05:09-Mistake Three Treating an IRA Like Ordinary Cash 08:00-Mistake Four Adding a Grandchild to the Deed 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 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 Recommended Financial Planning Tools👇 Budgeting...👇 ★☆★ Rocket Money (originally called as TrueBill) ★☆★ https://rocketmoney.sjv.io/CelestialWM Wealth Management...👇 ★☆★Personal Capital ★☆★👇 https://personalcapital.sjv.io/CelestialWM Bookkeeping...👇 ★☆★Gusto Bookkeeping★☆★👇 https://gusto.pxf.io/CelestialWM 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
    12 mins
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