Videos

Retiring or leaving your job in your mid‑50s does not always mean you have to wait until 59½ to access your retirement savings. The IRS Rule of 55 lets certain workers tap their 401(k) or 403(b) early—without the usual 10% early withdrawal penalty—if they separate from service in the year they turn 55 or later. Used thoughtfully, the Rule of 55 can be a flexible bridge strategy to cover income needs, delay Social Security, and give other assets more time to grow—but one wrong move, like rolling over to an IRA too soon, can cost you.

Retirement isn’t just a milestone, it’s a transition that comes with real risks many people don’t see coming. One of the most critical is the “retirement transition trap”—a short window where market downturns and withdrawal timing can have a lasting impact on your financial future. In this video, Ed breaks down sequence-of-return risk and why timing matters just as much as returns when you shift from saving to generating income.

Ed Mahaffy, CFP explains whether retirees should consider tax-free municipal bonds and how they compare to taxable bonds and dividend-paying stocks. Learn how tax-exempt income works, when municipal bonds may be advantageous, and the key differences between municipal bond ETFs and separately managed accounts (SMAs).

Outliving your money remains one of the top concerns for retirees—and for good reason. A sustainable retirement plan requires more than investment performance. It depends on how income is generated, how risk is managed, and how efficiently assets are structured.

Smart withdrawal strategies can have a major impact on your retirement. In this video, Ed Mahaffy explains how using taxable accounts first may help reduce taxes, manage risk, and improve long-term outcomes.