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Joe Lucey

Small Moments Make a Big Difference

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This week, something unusual happened in Minnesota. We hit 50 degrees. For a few days, the sun was shining and the ice was melting. I could almost convince myself that spring was just around the corner.

Of course, I know better. We’re still in the thick of winter, and there’s plenty of cold weather ahead. But those few warm days? They made a huge difference. Suddenly, I had more energy. I felt optimistic. I started thinking about all the things I want to tackle once the weather truly breaks.

Tax season is right around the corner, and I’ve learned the hard way that scrambling to find receipts and documents in March is a recipe for disaster. So, this year, I’m getting ahead of it. 

It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the kind of thing that makes a huge difference down the road. Just like these warm February days lift my spirits, a little organization now will save me a lot of stress later.

So while I’m sorting through file folders and prepping for tax season, I’m reminded that the little things really do matter, especially when it comes to retirement.

People often think retirement planning is about one big decision, but the truth is, it’s the small, consistent actions that add up over time. Reviewing your beneficiaries. Tracking your contributions. Keeping your estate documents updated. Making sure you have a clear picture of your assets and income sources.

None of these tasks are make-or-break on their own, but together, they create a foundation that supports you through decades of retirement. When you stay organized and proactive, you avoid the stress of trying to fix everything in the final hour.

Retirement planning works best when you’re building it one small step at a time. If your financial files could use some organizing, let’s sit down and create a system that keeps you prepared. 

Give me a call at 952-460-3290. Let’s make sure all the little things are adding up to something great.

Cup of Joe

CUP OF JOE

From Joe Lucey, Founder of Secured Retirement

There’s something about sitting down with a steaming cup of coffee that always kicks my day into high gear. And it’s not just because of the caffeine it sends coursing through my veins.

Throughout my career, some of my biggest revelations have come to me in conversation with my mentor over a cup of joe. Good conversation and personal connection can pick you up in a special way. It’s that feeling that I’m hoping to bring to you with my series, your Cup of Joe.

Taking an RMD in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know

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If you’re approaching your 70s, you’ve likely heard about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The governing rules have changed significantly in recent years. With the SECURE Act 2.0 now fully in effect, it’s important to understand where the rules stand today and what they mean for your retirement future.

A Golden Age

For decades, Americans were required to begin taking RMDs at age 70½. The RMD starting age has increased twice since 2018, and with the SECURE Act 2.0, RMDs start the calendar year you turn age 73 (for everyone born prior to 1960).

If you turn 73 this year, that means 2026 is your first RMD year. You’ll have until April 1, 2027 to take your first distribution. Before you assume delaying is the smart move, there’s an important catch to consider.

While you can delay your first RMD, doing so means you’d be taking two RMDs in the same tax year. Your first RMD (for 2026) would be due by April 1, 2027, and your second RMD (for 2027) would be due by December 31, 2027.

Two distributions in one calendar year means double the taxable income, which could affect your tax brackets, the tax you pay on investments, social security taxes and even your Medicare premiums.

For many people, it makes sense to take that first RMD before December 31 of the year they turn 73, spreading the impact across two calendar years. However, the best choice depends on your specific situation and overall financial plan. Which is why this kind of decision benefits from professional guidance.

More Breathing Room

Missing an RMD used to carry significant consequences, but the SECURE Act 2.0 reduced that penalty considerably. The new base penalty is 25% of the amount you failed to withdraw. Even better, if you catch the mistake and correct it quickly (filing Form 5329 and taking the missed distribution within the correction window), the penalty drops to just 10%.

While this reduction provides a safety net, the goal should always be to complete your RMDs accurately and on time. Working with an advisor can help ensure you stay on track year after year.

The SECURE Act 2.0 brought many changes to the RMD system, and it isn’t done yet. The law includes a future provision that will push the RMD starting age to 75 beginning in 2033. If you’re not yet in your 60s, this change will likely apply to you, giving you additional time for tax-deferred growth.

Be aware that more years of tax-deferred growth means larger account balances and potentially larger RMDs when they do begin. For some individuals, this creates opportunities for proactive planning in your 60s and early 70s. There are many strategies that give you more control over your taxable income.

We’re Here to Help

RMD planning isn’t just about taking a distribution by a deadline. It’s about integrating those required withdrawals into your broader tax strategy, coordinating them with charitable giving goals, considering their impact on Medicare premiums, and ensuring they align with your long-term financial plan.

If you’re turning 73 this year or approaching that milestone, now is the time to review your RMD plan with a professional. A qualified advisor can help you understand your specific distribution requirements and avoid costly mistakes. We specialize in building strategies that minimize taxes while keeping you in full compliance.

Give us a call at 952-460-3265. Let’s sit down and create a strategy that works for your unique situation.

New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Stick

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Every January, I hear a lot of ambitious promises. Things like, “I’m going to lose 30 pounds,” or “I’m going to learn a new language.” It’s good to set goals, and there’s no better time to start fresh than at the beginning of a new year. Yet, by February, most resolutions are abandoned.

No matter how important a resolution is to you, without a clear plan in place, you likely won’t meet your goals. Real change doesn’t happen in one grand gesture. It happens through small, consistent actions repeated over time. We set ourselves up for failure by trying to change everything overnight.

Now, I’m not trying to pass judgment. I’ve let a few resolutions slide too. Those goals sound great in January, but then life picks up speed again. Over the years, I’ve realized the real problem isn’t commitment. It’s my expectations.

That’s why, this year, I’m keeping my resolution simple.

I’m doubling down on what matters most—my clients. Secured Retirement has always been about helping people live comfortably through their retirement. In 2026, we’re taking this commitment even further. We’re focused on being more responsive, more available, and more attentive to what you need. 

With that in mind, we’re launching a Client Only Priority Phone Line for and a Client Service Email to give you priority access.

Client Only Priority Line: 952-460-3265 

Client Service Email: Service@SecuredRetirements.com 

Whether it’s clearer communication, faster follow-ups, or simply being a better listener, we’re dedicated to making every interaction with us count.

If you’re ready to work with a team committed to putting you first, let’s talk. We’ll create a plan based on small, manageable steps that add up to real results over time. In other words, we’ll build a retirement plan that actually sticks.

Let’s make 2026 the year you stay the course.

Cup of Joe

CUP OF JOE

From Joe Lucey, Founder of Secured Retirement

There’s something about sitting down with a steaming cup of coffee that always kicks my day into high gear. And it’s not just because of the caffeine it sends coursing through my veins.

Throughout my career, some of my biggest revelations have come to me in conversation with my mentor over a cup of joe. Good conversation and personal connection can pick you up in a special way. It’s that feeling that I’m hoping to bring to you with my series, your Cup of Joe.

The End of an Era

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The U.S. Treasury’s announcement to discontinue the penny marks a significant shift in American currency policy. While this may seem like a minor change, there are several areas of impact worth discussing.

The Economics of Penny Production

The decision to eliminate the penny is, at its core, an economic one. According to the U.S. Mint’s 2023 Annual Report, it costs 3.69 cents to produce and distribute each penny. With approximately 3.2 billion pennies minted in 2024, this equates to a loss of roughly $118 million in production costs.

The composition of the penny has evolved over time in an attempt to reduce these costs. Since 1982, pennies have been made of 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating. Even with this cost-saving measure, the penny remains unprofitable to produce.

International Precedent

The United States would not be pioneering this change. Several countries have successfully eliminated low-denomination coins:

  • Canada discontinued its penny in 2012
  • Australia eliminated its one and two-cent coins in 1992
  • New Zealand removed its one and two-cent coins in 1990

Studies from these countries provide valuable data on the transition’s impact on inflation, consumer behavior, and retail operations.

What This Means for Consumers

The most common concern about eliminating the penny involves pricing and rounding. Based on international models, here’s how you can expect pricing to work:

Credit cards, debit cards, checks, and electronic payments maintain exact pricing. No rounding occurs. For cash transactions, costs will be rounded to the nearest five cents. 

  • $0.01 and $0.02 round down to $0.00
  • $0.03 and $0.04 round up to $0.05
  • $0.06 and $0.07 round down to $0.05
  • $0.08 and $0.09 round up to $0.10

According to a 2014 study by the Bank of Canada, the impact of rounding on consumers was negligible. Most businesses absorbed small rounding differences rather than adjusting their overall pricing strategies. Some transactions rounded up, others down, resulting in a wash. Similarly, the Bank of Canada’s study found no measurable inflationary impact from penny elimination.

For the average consumer, the transition will likely be seamless. During the transition period, pennies remain valid for all transactions and banks will continue to accept pennies for deposit or exchange.

Don’t Pinch Pennies When It Comes to Your Future

The penny may be going away, but the principle behind “a penny saved is a penny earned” continues to remain true. The key is making sure you’re not so focused on the pennies that you miss the dollars. Don’t let uncertainty about retirement keep you counting pennies when you should be building wealth. 

Ready to get more than just our two cents on your retirement strategy? Let’s sit down and create a comprehensive plan that helps you maximize every dollar you’ve worked so hard to earn.

Give us a call at 952-460-3290.

Every Retirement Plan Shines Differently

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Driving around to look at Christmas lights is one of my family’s favorite traditions. Each year the displays in our neighborhood are different, but I find there are always two dominating approaches to holiday decorating. Some houses go big with inflatables, synchronized lights, and lawn decor galore. Other houses keep it simple with a single strand of lights around the gutter and a beautiful wreath on the door. 

The thing that always sticks out to me about the light displays is that I honestly couldn’t choose which I prefer. Both are beautiful in their own way and bring joy to everyone who passes by. It really comes down to personal preference and the amount of time a family wants to spend on decorating. 

Your retirement planning should follow the same concept.

There is no one “right” way to plan for retirement or manage your investment portfolio. Some people are drawn to more aggressive growth strategies and prefer staying actively involved with their investments. Others feel more comfortable with a conservative approach, prioritizing stability and steady progress. Both paths have value. Both can lead you to a fulfilling retirement.

What matters most is finding the strategy that aligns with your goals and gives you confidence in your financial future. You might feel pressured to follow the advice of wealth gurus or match your neighbor’s investment approach. But the right path for you is the one that fits your unique situation and comfort level.

At Secured Retirement, we don’t believe in forcing every client into the same strategy. We take the time to understand who you are, what you value, and how you want to live in retirement. Then we design a plan that fits you, not the other way around.

During this joyful season, I encourage you to think about how you want your retirement to look. When you’re ready, give me a call at 952-460-3290 to talk about how we can set you up for success.

Cup of Joe

CUP OF JOE

From Joe Lucey, Founder of Secured Retirement

There’s something about sitting down with a steaming cup of coffee that always kicks my day into high gear. And it’s not just because of the caffeine it sends coursing through my veins.

Throughout my career, some of my biggest revelations have come to me in conversation with my mentor over a cup of joe. Good conversation and personal connection can pick you up in a special way. It’s that feeling that I’m hoping to bring to you with my series, your Cup of Joe.

A Year-End Financial Check-In

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The holiday season brings plenty of to-do lists. There are countless gifts to buy, meals to prepare and parties to host, but before the year wraps up, it’s worth adding a quick check-in on your financial picture too.

December 31st isn’t just the end of the calendar year. It’s also a deadline for several financial decisions that can impact your 2026 taxes and retirement trajectory. Before the ball drops, consider these questions:

Have You Taken Your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)?

For those 73 and older, the IRS requires a minimum withdrawal from your tax-deferred retirement accounts each year. Miss this threshold, and you could face a 25% penalty tax on whatever you failed to withdraw.

It’s also worth considering whether there are strategies to reduce your RMD burden in the future. Having a conversation with your financial planner sooner, rather than later, is the best way to avoid being pushed into a higher tax bracket.

Is This the Year for a Roth Conversion?

Converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth can provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement, but the details matter. Your goal should be to stay within your current tax bracket while still making meaningful progress.

For example, if you are single and will earn $180,000 this year, you fall into the 24% tax bracket, which ranges from $103,351 to $197,300 for tax year 2025. That means you can convert up to $17,300 ($197,300 – $180,000) without being pushed into the next bracket and paying higher federal income taxes.

Whether a conversion makes sense depends on your income, your other deductions, and your expectations for future tax rates. It’s best to consult with a financial advisor before making any big decisions.

Are Your Retirement Contributions on Track?

If you’re still working, the end of the year is a natural time to review whether you’re maximizing your retirement contributions. Here are three key questions we recommend talking over with your investment advisor:

  • Are you capturing the full employer match?
  • Could you increase your contributions for the final months of the year?
  • Are catch-up contributions part of your strategy?

These decisions compound over time. A few adjustments now can make a meaningful difference down the road.

The Value of a Year-End Review

None of these questions have universal answers. What makes sense for your neighbor or your colleague may not make sense for you. The right strategy depends on your unique situation, your income, your goals, your comfort level, and your vision for retirement.

What matters is taking the time to ask the questions before the window closes.

If any of these topics sparked a “I should probably look into that,” let’s talk before the year ends. A brief conversation now could save you from missed opportunities later.

At Secured Retirement, we’re here to help you maximize your earnings and save on taxes so you can live the retirement of your dreams.

Give us a call at 952-460-3290.