Eddie HollandEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Medicare may be one of the most important—and confusing—financial decisions you make in retirement. Between enrollment deadlines, late penalties, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, prescription coverage, and income-based premiums, there are plenty of decisions to navigate. And because some choices can have long-term financial consequences, understanding the basics before you enroll is an important part of wise stewardship. Eddie Holland, Senior Private Wealth Advisor and Partner at Blue Trust, as well as a CFP®, CPA, and Certified Kingdom Advisor®, recently joined Faith & Finance to help simplify Medicare and explain some of the most important planning consid...

Medicare may be one of the most important—and confusing—financial decisions you make in retirement. Between enrollment deadlines, late penalties, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, prescription coverage, and income-based premiums, there are plenty of decisions to navigate. And because some choices can have long-term financial consequences, understanding the basics before you enroll is an important part of wise stewardship. Eddie Holland, Senior Private Wealth Advisor and Partner at Blue Trust, as well as a CFP®, CPA, and Certified Kingdom Advisor®, recently joined Faith & Finance to help simplify Medicare and explain some of the most important planning consid...

For years, the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset reduced benefits for those who had rightfully earned them. Now that those policies are gone, many are left with questions. Eddie Holland joins us to help clarify what’s changed and what it means for your retirement. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) . A Quick History of WEP and GPO The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enacted over 40 years ago, reduces Social Security benefits for individuals receiving a non-covered pension—a pension from which no Social Security taxes were withheld. This often included employees in state and local government jobs, such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Similarly, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced a spousal or survivor benefit for individuals in the same situation. These rules were designed to prevent “double-dipping,” but they often unfairly penalized modest-income workers, sometimes reducing their monthly Social Security checks by hundreds of dollars—or even eliminating their spousal or survivor benefits entirely. The Social Security Fairness Act of 2025 That changed on January 5, 2025, when President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act. This legislation repealed both WEP and GPO, effective retroactively as of January 2024. As a result: Nearly 3 million Americans became eligible for retroactive benefits. Future monthly benefits for those affected have also been adjusted upward. This marks a significant win for many retired public servants who had long felt the weight of these provisions. What to Expect if You’re Affected There are two phases of payments: Retroactive Payments – Starting in March 2025, some individuals received large one-time deposits representing the benefits they should have received since January 2024. These payments often arrived with little to no explanation, leaving many confused. Adjusted Monthly Benefits – Beginning in April 2025, Social Security began increasing ongoing monthly benefits for those impacted. It’s important to note that these changes only apply to individuals with a non-covered pension, not all civil service employees. Steps to Take if You Think You Qualify If you believe these changes may apply to you, Eddie recommends two simple steps: Check Your Account Online. Visit SSA.gov to log in to your account (or create one if you haven’t already). Contact the Social Security Administration. If your account doesn’t show any updates or you have questions, call 1-800-772-1213 or schedule an appointment at your local SSA office to speak directly with an agent. If navigating these changes feels overwhelming, consider consulting a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) who specializes in matters related to Social Security, who can help you make informed, faith-based financial decisions. You can find one in your area by visiting FaithFi.com and clicking “Find a Professional” . On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 60 years old and planning to retire early at 62. I’d also like to pay off my house before I retire. Is that a smart move, and is it realistic given my current financial situation? I understand that retiring before my full retirement age will

For years, the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset reduced benefits for those who had rightfully earned them. Now that those policies are gone, many are left with questions. Eddie Holland joins us to help clarify what’s changed and what it means for your retirement. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) . A Quick History of WEP and GPO The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enacted over 40 years ago, reduces Social Security benefits for individuals receiving a non-covered pension—a pension from which no Social Security taxes were withheld. This often included employees in state and local government jobs, such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Similarly, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced a spousal or survivor benefit for individuals in the same situation. These rules were designed to prevent “double-dipping,” but they often unfairly penalized modest-income workers, sometimes reducing their monthly Social Security checks by hundreds of dollars—or even eliminating their spousal or survivor benefits entirely. The Social Security Fairness Act of 2025 That changed on January 5, 2025, when President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act. This legislation repealed both WEP and GPO, effective retroactively as of January 2024. As a result: Nearly 3 million Americans became eligible for retroactive benefits. Future monthly benefits for those affected have also been adjusted upward. This marks a significant win for many retired public servants who had long felt the weight of these provisions. What to Expect if You’re Affected There are two phases of payments: Retroactive Payments – Starting in March 2025, some individuals received large one-time deposits representing the benefits they should have received since January 2024. These payments often arrived with little to no explanation, leaving many confused. Adjusted Monthly Benefits – Beginning in April 2025, Social Security began increasing ongoing monthly benefits for those impacted. It’s important to note that these changes only apply to individuals with a non-covered pension, not all civil service employees. Steps to Take if You Think You Qualify If you believe these changes may apply to you, Eddie recommends two simple steps: Check Your Account Online. Visit SSA.gov to log in to your account (or create one if you haven’t already). Contact the Social Security Administration. If your account doesn’t show any updates or you have questions, call 1-800-772-1213 or schedule an appointment at your local SSA office to speak directly with an agent. If navigating these changes feels overwhelming, consider consulting a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) who specializes in matters related to Social Security, who can help you make informed, faith-based financial decisions. You can find one in your area by visiting FaithFi.com and clicking “Find a Professional” . On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 60 years old and planning to retire early at 62. I’d also like to pay off my house before I retire. Is that a smart move, and is it realistic given my current financial situation? I understand that retiring before my full retirement age will

Whether to buy a house or go to college are major financial decisions, but so is deciding when to take Social Security. It’s true—tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, are on the line when deciding when to start Social Security benefits. Eddie Holland joins us today to help make the decision easier. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) . A Common Recommendation—But Not a One-Size-Fits-All When it comes to retirement, one of the most common questions people ask is: When should I start taking Social Security benefits? It’s a vital decision that affects not only your income but also your long-term financial strategy and even your legacy. It’s generally recommended to wait until at least full retirement age (66 or 67), but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. While delaying Social Security allows your benefits to grow up to 8% annually after full retirement age, thanks to what's called a delayed retirement credit, we must remember that each situation is unique. Six Key Factors to Consider Here are several factors that should guide your decision: 1. Reduction vs. Growth of Benefits Taking Social Security early reduces benefits. Delaying past full retirement age increases benefits. That tradeoff is foundational to your strategy. 2. Cash Flow Needs If you retire before full retirement age and need income, you might begin drawing Social Security early to meet immediate needs. Some people may need to pay off debt or cover living expenses. 3. Charitable Giving Goals Interestingly, some retirees choose to take Social Security early in order to increase their generosity. Some people start taking benefits specifically to give more, either during retirement or as part of a legacy plan. 4. Health and Longevity Your health and family history play a significant role. If you don’t expect to live well into your 80s or 90s, you might opt to draw earlier. But if you’re healthy and expect a longer life, delaying could offer more value over time. 5. Legacy and Inheritance You can’t leave your Social Security benefits to heirs, but you can leave your investment portfolio. This means some people opt to draw Social Security sooner in order to preserve their portfolio for giving or inheritance purposes. 6. Tax Planning Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your income. Some people delay benefits until a year they anticipate being in a lower tax bracket, strategically minimizing the tax impact. A Bonus Strategy: The “Mulligan” In some cases, there is a lesser-known but potentially powerful option: the withdrawal application. If you start taking Social Security before full retirement age and change your mind within the first 12 months, you can actually ‘undo’ it.” You’ll need to repay the benefits you received, but the Social Security Administration treats it as if you never started. You then have the option to restart at a later date, potentially at a higher benefit. This strategy can be especially useful during periods of market volatility when withdrawing from your investment portfolio might not be ideal. The Bottom Line There’s no universal right age at which to begin drawing Social Security. It really depends on your personal situation—your income needs, health, tax strategy, and goals for generosity and legacy. Wise financial planning starts with understanding your options and aligning those choices with your values and calling. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How much is enough? My wife and I ha

You have to be at least 62 to collect Social Security…maybe because it takes that long to understand the program. Do you have questions about Social Security? Of course, you do. Who doesn’t? Well, you don’t want to miss today’s program. Eddie Holland is back to answer more of your questions about Social Security. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) . Can You Claim Benefits Early and Switch Later? You can claim Social Security benefits at 62 and switch to spousal benefits later if the spousal benefit is higher than your own. However, if your benefit is higher, you must take that instead. Conversely, you must wait to claim spousal benefits first and then switch to your benefit at full retirement age; you must take the higher of the two benefits available. Survivor Benefits Exception Survivor benefits are an exception where you can take one benefit and let the other grow. For instance, a widow can claim a survivor benefit as early as 60 and then switch to her benefit at 70, which would have grown due to delayed retirement credits. Taxation of Social Security Benefits Social Security benefits can be taxed based on your combined income, including half of your Social Security benefits, adjusted gross income, and any tax-exempt interest. Federal taxes apply progressively, with higher income leading to more taxable benefits. Roth Conversions and Social Security Be cautious with Roth conversions, as they can increase your combined income and make more of your Social Security benefits taxable. This strategy might push you into a higher marginal tax bracket. Stopping Benefits If you decide to stop your Social Security benefits, you can do so within the first 12 months of receiving them if you're under full retirement age. Beyond that, you can pause benefits after reaching full retirement age to earn delayed retirement credits. Scams and Social Security There is an increasing problem of Social Security scams. Legitimate Social Security issues will be communicated via mail, not phone calls, emails, or social media messages. If in doubt, always verify by setting up an appointment with your local Social Security office. If you have questions about your benefits, consider consulting a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) who can provide tailored advice for your unique situation. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a substantial amount in an IRA. Should I roll it over to a Roth IRA and pay the taxes upfront, or just leave it in the traditional IRA and pay taxes later when I take distributions? I'm 61 years old and have a car loan with 6.7% interest. I would like to know if I can take money from my 401(k) to pay off this car loan. Would that be a good idea? Resources Mentioned: Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio . You can also visit <a h

These days, more workers are opting to stay on the job after signing up for Social Security. The percentage of Americans over 65 who are still working has doubled since 1980. Of course, many of them also get security benefits. Eddie Holland is here to explain how working affects the monthly benefit check. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) . The Impact of Earnings on Social Security Before Full Retirement Age If you begin drawing Social Security before reaching your full retirement age (FRA) and continue working, your benefits may be subject to an earnings test. Here’s how it works: Under Full Retirement Age: For 2024, the income limit is $22,320. If your earnings exceed this limit, Social Security reduces your benefits by $1 for every $2 earned above the threshold. Year You Reach Full Retirement Age: The earnings limit increases to $59,520, with a reduced penalty of $1 for every $3 earned above the limit. After Reaching Full Retirement Age: Once you reach FRA, there is no longer an earnings limit, and your benefits will not be reduced regardless of your income. Will You Get Reduced Benefits Back? A key point is that if your benefits are reduced due to exceeding the earnings limit before reaching FRA, those reductions are temporary. Once you reach full retirement age, the Social Security Administration recalculates your benefit amount, potentially increasing your monthly payment to compensate for the prior reductions. After reaching full retirement age, you can increase your Social Security benefit through continued work. Social Security calculates your benefits based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If your current income is higher than one of the years included in your "high 35," the Social Security Administration will adjust your benefit amount the following year, reflecting your new earnings record. Understanding Tax Implications Social Security benefits may be subject to federal taxes, depending on your “combined income”—a calculation that includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown: No Tax: Social Security benefits are not taxed for single filers with combined income under $25,000 and married couples under $32,000. Up to 85% Taxable: For single filers earning over $34,000 and couples over $44,000, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxed. One strategy for reducing taxes on Social Security benefits, especially for those 70½ or older, is using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This allows individuals to transfer up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRA to a charity, which can count toward their required minimum distribution and is excluded from taxable income. It’s a great way to support causes you care about while managing your tax burden. If you plan to work while receiving Social Security benefits, understanding how income limits and taxes affect your benefits is crucial. These guidelines can help you make informed decisions about when to claim benefits and how to maximize your income. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I received insurance death benefits, and my sister also and I received insurance death benefits. Are they subject to tithing? What’s the Christian perspective on this? I'm a single mom making $45,000 a year as a chaplain. I also have to financi

You have to be at least 62 to collect Social Security…maybe because it takes that long to understand the program. Do you have questions about Social Security? Of course you do. Who doesn’t? Well, you don’t want to miss today’s program. Eddie Holland is back to answer more of your questions about Social Security. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) . Can You Claim Benefits Early and Switch Later? You can claim Social Security benefits at 62 and switch to spousal benefits later if the spousal benefit is higher than your own. However, if your benefit is higher, you must take that instead. Conversely, you must wait to claim spousal benefits first and then switch to your benefit at full retirement age; you must take the higher of the two benefits available. Survivor Benefits Exception Survivor benefits are an exception where you can take one benefit and let the other grow. For instance, a widow can claim a survivor benefit as early as 60 and then switch to her benefit at 70, which would have grown due to delayed retirement credits. Taxation of Social Security Benefits Social Security benefits can be taxed based on your combined income, including half of your Social Security benefits, adjusted gross income, and any tax-exempt interest. Federal taxes apply progressively, with higher income leading to more taxable benefits. Roth Conversions and Social Security Be cautious with Roth conversions, as they can increase your combined income and make more of your Social Security benefits taxable. This strategy might push you into a higher marginal tax bracket. Stopping Benefits If you decide to stop your Social Security benefits, you can do so within the first 12 months of receiving them if you're under full retirement age. Beyond that, you can pause benefits after reaching full retirement age to earn delayed retirement credits. Scams and Social Security There is an increasing problem of Social Security scams. Legitimate Social Security issues will be communicated via mail, not phone calls, emails, or social media messages. If in doubt, always verify by setting up an appointment with your local Social Security office. If you have questions about your benefits, consider consulting a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) who can provide tailored advice for your unique situation. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I already have an LLC as a sole proprietor but want to set up another one. When I research online, I see that there are so many different options, such as having a holding company or adding a trust above the holding company. Which structure would be best for my situation? What do you recommend regarding how I should go about setting up another LLC? I recently sold a vehicle and bought another one, and I had some savings, totaling about $25,000, available after my emergency fund was covered. I also took money out of my Thrift Savings Plan (retirement account) two years ago to purchase a home, and the balance on that loan is around $25,000 at a very low interest rate. Given this situation, what would your advice be for where I should put this extra $25,000 - pay down the TSP loan, pay down the auto loan, or invest in the open market? Resources Mentioned: Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) <a href="https://www.fa