Tax Return Red Flags

Sheryl Rowling positions income tax returns as diagnostic tools — not merely a compliance document — and outlines four common red flags that suggest a client failed to take advantage of proactive tax strategies. Here are " 4 Tax Return Red Flags That Signal Poor Tax Planning ": Very Low or Zero Taxable Income Charitable Giving After Age 70½ Without Using QCDs Donating Cash Instead of Appreciated Securities Holding Municipal Bonds in Low Tax Brackets For our listener question: "I'm in a job I hate and would love to scale back to something that could pay less but be more enjoyable -- how can I evaluate if that is possible?". Most people think the first question is: "How much do I have saved?", but that's actually backwards. I share a calculation for cash burn that matters more than your portfolio balance. And to wrap up the show in our " Retire to Something" segment , I'll share Jerry's story that shows us how retirement isn't about winding down — it's about doubling down on growth, adventure, and intentionally building an active, meaningful life. Resource: Article by Sheryl Rowling on Morningstar: 4 Tax Return Red Flags That Signal Poor Tax Planning Connect with Benjamin Brandt:

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Tax Return Red Flags is an episode from Retirement Starts Today Radio by Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®.

This episode is 21:38 long.

This episode was published on Mar 9, 2026.

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