Kevin M. Smith, founder of KMS Safe Money Solutions, shares how his fiduciary, education-driven approach helps clients reduce taxes, plan for healthcare, and retire with confidence. In this exclusive Spotlight Series interview, Kevin explains why ethics, ongoing education, and personalized planning are the foundation of a successful retirement.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Kevin M. Smith, founder of KMS SafeMoney Solutions, about his fiduciary, education-first approach to retirement planning. With a deep understanding of tax reduction, healthcare planning, and income protection, Kevin shares how he helps clients retire with confidence and clarity. Through ongoing education, ethical guidance, and truly personalized strategies, Kevin empowers individuals to make informed decisions and protect their financial future—without pressure or confusion.Read More
Several key agencies have seen significant staffing changes:
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Facing one of the largest adjustments, the IRS plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 50%, including 7,000 probationary workers already released.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): With up to 83,000 positions targeted, staffing levels are returning to pre-2020 benchmarks.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Over 2,000 staff have been let go, raising concerns about public weather data, forecasting, and climate monitoring.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): With 20,000 fewer staff, some experts worry about the nation’s ability to respond quickly to public health emergencies.
These reductions have introduced service delays and operational strain across the board, affecting everything from tax return processing to emergency weather alerts. Read More
Optimize Giving and Maximize Tax Efficiency After Age 70½
Every year, millions of retirees across the U.S. make charitable contributions from the heart—only to realize later that the IRS may not reward their generosity with a meaningful tax break. Why? Because the standard deduction often overshadows itemized deductions, rendering those heartfelt gifts effectively invisible on their tax returns.
But there’s a smart, IRS-approved solution that more retirees need to know about: the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. It allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to a qualified charity—without paying income taxes on the withdrawal. Read More
When it comes to preparing for retirement, one question matters more than all the rest: Will my money last? For decades, annuities—especially fixed and fixed indexed annuities—have offered a reliable solution for generating predictable income without market risk. Yet somehow, annuities have become one of the most misunderstood financial products in America.
It’s time to make annuities safe again. That means restoring their reputation, educating consumers on the truth, and helping retirees understand when and how annuities fit into a secure income plan.
Quick note: While this phrase might sound familiar, this article is not political. It’s about restoring peace of mind, protecting your hard-earned savings, and creating a retirement you can count on—regardless of your personal beliefs or affiliations.
Retirement isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a financial turning point that can determine the comfort and security of your later years. But few people realize that the most vulnerable time in retirement planning isn’t during market crashes or economic shifts—it’s the 5 years before and after you retire.
This 10-year span, often called the fragile decade, can make or break your retirement success. In this article, we’ll explore why this period is so risky and how to safeguard your nest egg with smart, strategic planning that aligns with Google’s EEAT principles: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Read More
Interview by Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Carl Wyllie, President of Hartland Benefits Inc., about his honest, research-driven approach to retirement planning. With over 30 years of experience helping Nebraskans prepare for the future, Carl shares how he empowers clients through education, personalized strategies, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. From lottery winners to market crash survivors, Carl’s stories reveal the power of planning with integrity, realism, and long-term care at heart. Read More
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but one concept consistently rises to the surface: the “magic number.” It’s the amount you believe you need saved to retire comfortably. While this figure varies by individual, new studies show that Americans are revising their expectations in 2025 — and not always in the direction you might expect.
At SafeMoney.com, we believe retirement confidence begins with education, not guesswork. So let’s dive deeper into what today’s retirement landscape looks like, what factors are influencing Americans’ magic numbers, and how you can better prepare for your own future. Read More
When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most common—and costly—mistakes is adopting a “set it and forget it” approach to your investments. While the idea of putting your money to work and leaving it alone may seem appealing, especially when life gets busy, failing to regularly review and adjust your strategy can expose you to unnecessary market risks.
In this article, we’ll explore how overlooking investment reviews, insurance updates, and risk exposure can derail even the most well-intentioned retirement plans. We’ll also show you what the market has really done over the last 25 years—and why your plan should be built on more than optimistic assumptions. Read More
As retirement planning continues to evolve, individuals—especially those working in education, healthcare, and public service—are increasingly relying on flexible, tax-advantaged ways to secure their financial future. One of the most effective tools available in these sectors is the Supplemental Retirement Account (SRA).
At SafeMoney.com, we help individuals make informed decisions about their retirement income. Whether you’re new to retirement planning or refining an existing strategy, understanding how SRAs work—and which type may be right for you—is crucial for long-term success. Read More
In a world where markets are volatile, healthcare costs are rising, and traditional pensions are vanishing, “Make Retirement Safe Again” isn’t a political slogan—it’s a financial necessity.
Quick note: While this phrase might sound familiar, this article is not political. It’s about restoring peace of mind, protecting your hard-earned savings, and creating a retirement you can count on—regardless of your personal beliefs or affiliations.
By focusing on time-tested strategies like guaranteed income and financial protection, we can help you build a retirement plan that’s based on stability, not speculation. Read More
Start a Conversation About Your Retirement What-Ifs
Start a Conversation About Your Retirement What-Ifs
Already working with someone or thinking about getting help? Ask us about what is on your mind. Learn More
What Independent Guidance Does for You
What Independent Guidance
Does for You
See how the crucial differences between independent and captive financial professionals add up. Learn More
Stories from Others Just Like You
Stories from Others
Just Like You
Hear from others who had financial challenges, were looking for answers, and how we helped them find solutions. Learn More
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