JKD Financial in the News
Written by John Davis, CFP®, EA
At JKD Financial, I believe that clear, tax-forward financial advice should be accessible and transparent. Part of that mission involves contributing to broader conversations about retirement, tax planning, and the evolving financial landscape.
Below is a collection of recent articles, interviews, and features where I’ve shared my insights or where JKD Financial has been highlighted.
Recent Features
How Asset Location May Affect Portfolio Tax Efficiency
By John Davis | Economic Insider
In this feature, I demystify the critical distinction between asset allocation (what you own) and asset location (where those investments are actually held). I outline how different IRS rules treat capital gains, qualified dividends, and interest income, and explain why holding the wrong asset in the wrong account can quietly drag down your portfolio's performance. Ultimately, I highlight how coordinating your taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts as a unified system can maximize your long-term growth and keep more of your hard-earned retirement paycheck in your pocket.
Do Money Habits That Build Wealth Actually Limit Retirement
By Opher Ganel | Wealthtender
In this feature, I discuss the emotional and psychological hurdles diligent savers face when transitioning from asset accumulation to retirement distribution. I outline why decades of delayed gratification can quietly bias retirees toward underspending, the flaws of over-optimizing for a 100% Monte Carlo success rate, and why I actively encourage pre-retirees to intentionally fund and maximize their healthier "Go-Go" years while they are physically able to do so.
Retirement Mistakes That Can Cost More Than Market Crashes
By Opher Ganel | Wealthtender
In this article, I explore the complex, uncoordinated tax and structural traps that DIY investors face during the drawdown phase. I detail how managing large taxable brokerage accounts can create annual tax drag, how failing to execute tax strategies during the early "gap years" can trigger multi-layered tax cliffs like IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and why a holistic, technical approach to withdrawal sequencing is vital to reducing a household's total lifetime tax bill.
Wealth Wise: Should We Downsize or Drain Our 401(k) to Pay Off Our Home?
By Maurie Backman | Kiplinger
In this article, I discuss the hidden tax and liquidity landmines of raiding a traditional 401(k) to pay off a mortgage in retirement. I outline how a single large withdrawal can trigger massive, immediate tax liabilities and mandatory IRS withholdings, how downsizing in today's housing market can often cost just as much as staying put, and why spreading out smaller distributions over time preserves vital cash flow for future healthcare needs while preventing you from jumping into a higher tax bracket.
4 Ways to Make the Most of Your 'Unretirement'
By Daniel Kurt | Financial Bistro
In this article, I discuss the critical tax and Social Security implications for retirees re-entering the workforce. I outline how earned income can trigger early retirement penalties under the Social Security earnings cap, how new wages alter the taxation of retirement benefits, and why proactive W-4 tax withholding adjustments are essential to prevent surprise liabilities and underpayment penalties at year-end.
How to Keep Client Couples' Simultaneous Retirements From Going Wrong
By Rob Burgess | ThinkAdvisor
In this feature, I discuss why a synchronized retirement date is often the ideal scenario from a tax and cash-flow perspective. I outline how retiring at the same time allows a household to cleanly transition from a W-2 accumulation phase to a retirement distribution phase all at once, avoiding the messy "hybrid" tax years and underpayment penalties that can happen when couples stagger their exit from the workforce.
The Hidden Financial Pitfalls of Unretirement
With Robin Rountree | Informed Aging Podcast
In this episode, I join Robin to discuss the growing trend of retirees returning to the workforce. I break down the earnings test traps that can catch those under Full Retirement Age off guard and explain how a new paycheck can create unexpected tax ripples with Social Security. I share my framework for ensuring that unretiring actually improves your financial position rather than just complicating your tax return.
Moving to a No-Income-Tax State: Is It Really Worth It?
By Orpher Ganel | Wealthtender
In this expert roundtable, I discuss why moving for "zero taxes" can sometimes be a trap if you aren't looking at the total tax impact (property taxes, sales tax, and infrastructure). I explain my "lifestyle first, math second" approach to relocating in retirement.
Financial Adviser Launches New Firm
Geoff Pickle | Springfield Business Journal
A feature on the launch of JKD Financial. I share the story behind starting the firm, the decision to bet on myself, and why I chose a flat-fee, tax-focused model to better serve my clients in Springfield and beyond.
2024 Trusted Advisers: John Davis
Geoff Pickle | Springfield Business Journal
I was honored to be recognized in the 2024 class of Trusted Advisers. This profile covers my background in retirement income and tax planning, as well as my commitment to pro-bono work and community involvement here in the Ozarks.
