Ever seen those financial ads that scream, “Half your 401(k) belongs to the government!”? They’re designed to spark fear and uncertainty about retirement savings and taxes—but how accurate is this really? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on these misleading claims to help you sharpen your bullshit detector and make smarter financial decisions.

First, let’s tackle the scary tax myths. While it’s true that taxes can impact retirement savings, most Americans don’t face the apocalyptic tax rates these ads suggest. In fact, understanding your actual tax bracket and how withdrawals work can reveal a much less frightening reality.

Then there’s the sneaky phrase: “Let’s see if you qualify.” It sounds exclusive and tailored, right? But often, it’s a marketing tactic to hook you into an insurance product sales call rather than rescuing your retirement. Recognizing these red flags is a critical step in protecting your financial future.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to see through some of the “financial fairy tales” spread across social media. You’ll feel confident navigating the noise and focusing on facts—not fear—when making retirement related decisions.

Want more tips? Check out our previous Episodes #17 and #18, where we dive into Tax-Free Retirement Accounts and Tax-Free Roth Conversions, cycling through social media financial misinformation traps. Let’s get after it!

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Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.