Optimize Your Retirement

In this episode of Optimize Your Retirement, Imran and Daniel Razvi from Higher Ground Financial Group break down the newly passed tax bill—dubbed both “the big, beautiful bill” and “the ugly small one.” What does it mean for your taxes, your Roth conversions, your mortgage, and your estate plan? Turns out—quite a lot. From increased standard deductions (up to $48,000 for retirees) to ex...

Sold your business—or planning to? Don’t lose up to a third of your hard-earned sale to taxes.

In this powerful episode of Optimize Your Retirement, father-son team Daniel and Raz Razvi share how a dentist lost over $1 million in unnecessary taxes after selling his $3 million practice...and how it could have been avoided. Whether you're a business owner, property investor, or someone sit...

⚠️ “Get a 30% bonus and a 9% roll-up!” That’s the pitch—but what’s the truth?

Daniel and Raz Razvi from Higher Ground Financial Group break down the real story behind bonus annuities, fake roll-ups, and the flashy claims made in marketing materials. Learn why the payout factor is the #1 thing to look at, why most bonuses aren’t walkaway money, and why only a tiny handful of annuity compa...

In this eye-opening episode of Optimize Your Retirement, Daniel and Raz take a flamethrower to some of the most misleading “strategies” floating around TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—including the false claim that an annuity can “pay the taxes” on your Roth conversion. 

Daniel, a licensed tax attorney, walks listeners through what’s true, what’s half-true, and what might actually get you...

In this empowering episode of Optimize Your Retirement, father-son duo Daniel and Raz take on one of the biggest emotional and financial challenges facing retirees: spending the money you've worked so hard to save. Whether you're a “pathological saver” afraid to touch your retirement nest egg or simply unsure if you have enough to retire comfortably, this episode offers the tools—and min...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Optimize Your Retirement, Imran and Daniel Razvi—your trusted father-son team at Higher Ground Financial Group—tackle one of the most powerful retirement strategies: the Roth conversion. Inspired by a real-life conversation with Daniel’s 4-year-old daughter, this episode breaks down Roth conversions in simple, relatable terms that even a pre...

In this eye-opening episode of Optimize Your Retirement, Daniel and Raz Razvi—your father-and-son fiduciary team at Higher Ground Financial Group—break down the real difference between opinion-based and contract-based assets. You’ll learn why not all “diversification” is created equal, how to spot the hidden risks in your portfolio, and why today’s rising interest rate environment could ...

Think you’re stuck paying 15%+ in capital gains taxes? Think again. In this episode, Daniel and Raz reveal advanced tax planning strategies for retirees, including how to legally pay zero in capital gains using income thresholds, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts (CRUTs), and more. They also dig into how Roth conversions can unlock future tax-free income and eliminate required minim...

Feeling overwhelmed by an unexpected retirement or job loss? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Daniel and Raz of Higher Ground Financial Group guide you through essential decisions federal workers and contractors must make—pension options, Social Security timing, and tax-smart income planning. Discover how strategies like “pension maximization” and early Social Security filing ...

Do you still need life insurance after the kids are grown? What about long-term care insurance—are you really at risk without it? In this week's Optimize Your Retirement, Daniel and Raz bust some of the most persistent retirement planning myths. Discover smarter, tax-savvy strategies to cover future care costs, create tax-free income, and build a legacy that bypasses probate. Visit riskf...

This week on Optimize Your Retirement, Daniel and Raz explain two of the biggest threats to your retirement: sequence of returns risk and longevity risk. Learn why most retirement advice fails to address these dangers, and discover smarter ways to protect your income, reduce taxes, and minimize fees. Retirement should be stress-free — here's how to make it happen. Schedule your free stra...

In this episode of Optimize Your Retirement, Daniel and Raz from Higher Ground Financial Group explain how retirees and pre-retirees can safeguard their income plans in a volatile market. Discover why a 3–4% withdrawal strategy may not work anymore, how to truly calculate your retirement income needs, and why annuity "bonuses" might not be what they seem. Plus: actionable tips for minimi...

If you're already donating to charity, why not get the maximum tax benefits? Daniel and Raz discuss strategic ways to give—like donor-advised funds, QCDs, and charitable trusts—so you can give more while keeping more of your money.

 

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Market downturns can devastate your retirement if they happen at the wrong time. Daniel and Raz discuss the "sequence of returns risk" and how you can shield your savings, ensuring your retirement income remains stable no matter what the market does.

 

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You’ve heard conflicting opinions—some say annuities are the best way to guarantee income, while others say they’re a ripoff. So what’s the truth? Daniel and Raz break it all down, explaining when an annuity makes sense and how to avoid costly mistakes.

 

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Not all inheritances are created equal. Some assets can be passed down tax-free, while others come with hefty tax burdens. In this episode, Daniel and Raz reveal which assets are best to leave to your kids—and which ones could cost them thousands in unnecessary taxes.

 

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With concerns about market volatility and new government policies, many retirees and pre-retirees are wondering if their savings are secure. Daniel and Raz tackle the big questions: Is your pension safe? What about your TSP? How can you retire with confidence in uncertain times?

 

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Think you’re too old for life insurance? Think again. Daniel and Raz explain why life insurance can be a powerful estate planning tool—even for retirees in their 60s and 70s. Learn how it can eliminate estate taxes, protect highly appreciated assets, and provide your heirs with tax-free wealth while avoiding probate headaches.

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Long-term care is a major retirement concern, but is an annuity with a long-term care feature the right solution? In this episode, Daniel and Raz break down the fine print of annuities that offer long-term care benefits, explaining the pros, cons, and hidden details most people overlook. Learn how to evaluate these policies and whether they truly offer the protection you need.