Episode 83: Fact-Checking the Internet’s Worst (and Best) Financial Advice

“Never pay taxes again.”
“Roth IRAs are a scam.”
“Just buy real estate and retire rich.”

If you’ve spent more than a few minutes on social media lately, you’ve probably seen financial advice that sounds too good to be true—and often is.

In Episode 83 of the Last Paycheck podcast, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Rob and Archie Hoxton take a sharp, practical look at some of the most viral money claims circulating online. They break down the truth behind the hype and offer reliable guidance for anyone feeling overwhelmed by “finfluencer” noise.

Roth IRAs: Still One of the Smartest Moves in Finance

Some creators claim that Roth IRAs are filled with penalties and restrictions—but that’s simply misinformation.

Here’s what’s true:

  • You can withdraw your contributions at any time, tax- and penalty-free.
  • Earnings grow tax-free and can be withdrawn without penalty after age 59½ and five years of ownership.
  • Additional exceptions (like first-time home purchases or disability) allow for earlier access in certain cases.

Rob and Archie stress that Roth IRAs remain one of the most powerful long-term tools for retirement planning—especially in a rising tax environment.

Real Estate Isn’t Magic (or Tax-Free)

Yes, real estate can be a great investment. But online claims that it’s a tax-free goldmine miss some critical facts.

Here’s what you’re still responsible for:

  • Property taxes and insurance
  • Taxable rental income
  • Capital gains taxes when selling—unless you meet specific criteria or use a 1031 exchange properly

Rob explains that these strategies aren’t wrong—but oversimplifying them can lead to costly surprises. “They sprinkle truth with half-truths, and that’s where people get hurt,” Archie adds.

Saving Alone Isn’t Enough—But It Still Matters

One popular message online is that “saving is a trap” or that you’re wasting time if you’re not investing in high-return assets immediately.

Rob and Archie counter this with nuance:

  • Saving builds discipline.
  • It creates liquidity and opportunity.
  • It’s the bridge to becoming a smart investor.

They agree that investing is essential—but skipping the savings phase is like trying to sprint before you’ve learned to walk.

Net Worth Still Matters

Some online personalities claim that net worth is a “vanity metric.” Rob disagrees. Tracking net worth is one of the simplest ways to measure whether you’re progressing toward financial independence. It also helps you see:

  • Your debt-to-asset ratio
  • Your growth over time
  • Gaps or imbalances in your portfolio

Net worth isn’t everything—but it’s not meaningless.

Ask Yourself:

  • Am I basing my strategy on a headline or a plan?
  • Do I understand both the benefits and the risks of what I’m hearing?
  • When was the last time I verified an online claim with a professional?

Final Thought

Financial advice has never been more accessible—or more confusing. With algorithms rewarding attention over accuracy, it’s more important than ever to question what you hear and clarify what applies to you.

The best plan isn’t the flashiest—it’s the one built on your goals, your timeline, and your reality.

Want help cutting through the noise?

Download our Roth Reality Check Guide or schedule a consultation at www.hoxtonpm.com/schedule to build a strategy based on facts—not hype.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 82: These 5 Retirement Risks Could Derail Your Plan (And Most People Miss Them)

Retirement planning often focuses on savings goals, investment returns, and withdrawal strategies—but what about the threats that could quietly knock your plan off course?

In Episode 82 of the Last Paycheck podcast, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Archie and Rob Hoxton explore the hidden risks that derail even well-funded retirements. These risks aren’t always obvious, but they can have a profound impact if left unaddressed.

If you’re approaching retirement—or already in it—this is the checklist you didn’t know you needed.

1. Inflation: The Rust of Retirement

Even at 2 to 4%, inflation eats away at purchasing power over time. A modest 1% change in your inflation assumption might not seem like much—but over 30 years, it can be the difference between a comfortable lifestyle and an unexpected shortfall.

Archie describes inflation as “the rust you don’t see—until your plan starts to fall apart.”

2. Rising Healthcare Costs

Healthcare is one of the most underestimated retirement expenses. Rob and Archie cite research showing that the average 65-year-old couple could face $300,000 or more in lifetime healthcare expenses—not including long-term care.

With Medicare premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and supplemental insurance all on the rise, your plan needs to account for both predictable and unpredictable medical costs.

3. Behavioral Investing Mistakes

Markets go up. Markets go down. But how you react during those downs can do more damage than the downturn itself.

Rob explains that “investing is more about managing your emotions than your portfolio.” Common missteps like panic-selling or chasing performance can sabotage decades of good planning.

4. Greed: The Other Side of Emotion

Fear isn’t the only emotional threat. Greed can be just as dangerous. Whether it’s chasing the next big stock, jumping on crypto hype, or overcommitting to a “sure thing,” speculative behavior often stems from good intentions—but poor discipline.

If your plan is built on long-term goals, don’t let short-term noise pull you off course.

5. The Wrong Kind of Risk Management

Ironically, avoiding all risk is one of the riskiest things you can do in retirement. Many retirees shift too conservatively and end up falling behind inflation. The real goal isn’t to eliminate volatility—it’s to manage it in alignment with your needs and time horizon.

Rob and Archie recommend maintaining an appropriate level of market exposure to support long-term growth—even in retirement.

Ask Yourself:

  • Am I stress-testing my plan for inflation and healthcare shocks?
  • Is my portfolio structured to avoid emotional decision-making?
  • Have I built in enough growth potential to outpace rising costs?
  • Am I reacting to fear or greed—or following a disciplined plan?

Final Thought

A successful retirement isn’t just about how much you’ve saved—it’s about protecting what you’ve built. Ignoring these risks won’t make them go away. But addressing them now? That’s how you build confidence for the decades ahead.

Which of these risks are hiding in your retirement plan?

Download our free Retirement Risk Audit Tool or schedule a one-on-one session at www.hoxtonpm.com/schedule to ensure your plan is ready for what’s next.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.