The Clark Howard Podcast 08.26.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
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Aug 26, 2025 
Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor, helps you navigate the tricky waters of retirement savings and investing. He reveals how a couple’s simple home renovation could have led to hefty Medicare costs and shares strategies to avoid such pitfalls. Diving into the world of AI, Wes explains its powerful analytical abilities while warning against relying on it for major financial decisions. Plus, he answers listener questions, providing insights that blend finance with everyday dilemmas. Tune in for expert advice that could save you money!
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Renovation Nearly Triggered Big Medicare Cost
- A retired couple needed $125,000 for a renovation and almost triggered higher Medicare IRMAA premiums by withdrawing from IRAs.
- Their primarily-IRA holdings meant large withdrawals would count as income and could raise Medicare Part B/D costs significantly.
Manage Withdrawals To Avoid IRMAA
- Consider spreading withdrawals over two calendar years to keep income under IRMAA thresholds and avoid higher Medicare premiums.
- Alternatively use a HELOC or manage withholding and safe-harbor estimated tax payments to delay tax impact.
Use Safe-Harbor To Defer Tax Payment
- Use safe-harbor estimated tax payments (110% of prior year) if you withdraw more now to delay owing full taxes until filing.
- Avoid over-withholding now and plan a later withdrawal to cover taxes if needed.