Contrarian Tax Planning Tips | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | 179

Sean 'FI Tax Guy' Mullaney and Cody 'Measure Twice' Garrett are two of the smartest financial planning pros that are best known for sharing their deep knowledge in the financial independence community and beyond. They join us today to break down tax planning in a way you may not have ever heard before. They don't agree with some of the conventional advice and make a case for the contrarian views they share in their new book, 'Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement'. In this conversation, dive into:
1. Top year-end tax tips for later starters
2. Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits
3. Drawdown principles
4. Moving through the 5 phases of retirement
5. How a little tax awareness can go a long way

⚠️This discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Bill, Jackie, and the Catching Up to FI podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services. 


===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🆕NEW PARTNER: Alloy
TheAlloyMarket.com offers a seamless and efficient way to sell your gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, regardless of its condition. They are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you get the best possible value for your items. Visit https://thealloymarket.com/ and use referral code CUTOFI15 to get a $15 bonus when you sell items over $199 (limited time offer).

For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here:
https://catchinguptofi.com/our-partners/



📩 Sign up for our newsletter (NEW!)
https://catchinguptofi.com/contact-us...

🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website
https://catchinguptofi.com

👥 Connect with us
https://linktr.ee/cutfi

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catching...

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question
https://catchinguptofi.com/contact-us...



RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

📘 Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement
https://a.co/d/f7Yolh6

--Cody Garrett

🌐 Measure Twice Money
https://www.measuretwicemoney.com/

🌐 Measure Twice Planners
https://www.measuretwiceplanners.com/

📺 Measure Twice YouTube
   / @measuretwiceplanners  


--Sean Mullaney

🌐 FI Tax Guy 
https://fitaxguy.com/ 

🌐 Mullaney Financial & Tax
https://www.mullaneyfinancial.com/

📺 FI Tax Guy YouTube
   / @seanmullaneyvideos  

📕 Solo 401(k): The Solopreneur's Retirement Account
https://a.co/d/7Lgp5bS

📄 UBS Global Wealth Report 2025
https://www.ubs.com/us/en/wealth-mana...


⏰ ‘Catching Up to FI’ Episodes

Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Financial Planner's Guide | Cody Garrett | 112
   • Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Finan...  

Year End Tax Planning | Sean Mullaney | 045
   • Year End Tax Planning | Sean Mullaney | 045  

Music Money Man | Cody Garrett | 035
   • Music Money Man | Cody Garrett | 035  

Life & Taxes | Sean Mullaney | 013
   • Life & Taxes | Sean Mullaney | 013  

72(t) Expert Tells All: No More Secrets About Early Withdrawals (Part 1) | Bill Stecker | 131
   • 72(t) Expert Tells All: No More Secrets Ab...  

Cashing in on 72(t): The Goldmine of Early Retirement Rules (Part2) | Bill Stecker | 133
   • Cashing in on 72(t): The Goldmine of Early...  


🕒 Timestamps/Chapters:
00:00 🎙️ Kickoff: Why tax planning beats "hacks"
00:03 🧭 The Big Three Levers: Spend ↓ Earn ↑ Taxes ⚙️
00:07 🔁 Roth Conversions: Windows, Brackets, and Boundaries
00:12 🏥 ACA + Conversions: Keep the Subsidy, Save on Taxes
00:16 🧰 Backdoor & Mega-Backdoor Roth: When "More" Adds Friction
00:20 🧺 Portfolio Simplicity: One Fund, Two Funds, Less Drama
00:24 💸 Build-Your-Own Paycheck: 12-Month Cash & Refill Rules
00:29 🧓 Social Security & IRMAA: Tripwires to Plan Around
00:33 🎁 Giving Smarter: QCDs & Charity Without Itemizing
00:36 🧮 Guardrails vs. 4%: Annual Check-In, Not a Tattoo
00:40 📝 IPS + "Love Letter": Make Future-You Grateful
00:44 🚀 Action List: One Change This Week, Not Ten


⚠️Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.