Joe Dowdall, Financial Planner

07/16/2026

If you're recently retired or having a low-income year, a Roth IRA conversion might make sense for you.

Three things to know:

1. Conversions must be completed by December 31st (no extensions).
2. Once you convert, you can't reverse it for that tax year.
3. December is too late to start planning. Know your tax bracket now.

If you're wondering whether a Roth conversion fits your situation, mid-year is a great time to set up a review.

07/14/2026

The hardest part of discussing finances with aging parents is just starting the conversation. Delaying these vital talks until a crisis hits leaves families navigating complex systems under extreme stress. My latest article shares thoughtful ways to handle these challenging conversations.

Financial planning for aging parents starts before a crisis. Joe Dowdall is a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor in Dallas, TX.

07/13/2026

❌ MYTH: "Social Security won't be there when I retire."

✅ REALITY: Social Security isn't going anywhere. Even in worst-case scenarios, I believe benefits would be reduced but not eliminated.

The program is too important politically to disappear. Instead of worrying about whether it'll exist, focus on optimizing when to claim your benefits.

What Social Security misconceptions have you heard? Share in the comments below.

07/09/2026

A client asked me last month: "If something happens to me, who's going to take care of me?"

She wasn't only worrying about healthcare costs. She was worried about losing her independence and becoming a burden on her kids.

What kind of help might you need down the road?
Are your kids willing or able to provide it?
How do you fund your options so you get to choose?

These questions can be difficult to answer, but planning ahead gives you more options down the road.

07/06/2026

Divorced and planning for retirement? You might be leaving money on the table.

You could be eligible to claim Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record without affecting their payout at all.

07/04/2026

Taking the day to enjoy some backyard grilling and quality time with my family. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Fourth of July!

07/02/2026

Big life changes come with big financial questions. To help you find clarity, I've created a series of guides that walk through the key decisions and planning steps for major life events:

✔️ Comprehensive Financial Checklist Specifically for Widows and Widowers
✔️ Ultimate Guide to Retirement Tax Planning
✔️ Divorce Financial Checklist
✔️ Finding the Right Financial Advisor for You

Download any or all of them here:

Explore Joe Dowdall’s comprehensive eGuides and video courses on retirement planning, tax strategies, and wealth management. Start planning for a confident financial future today.

06/29/2026

Your retirement dreams aren't too big. Your timeline might just need some adjusting.

For example, retiring at 67 instead of 65 gives your savings two more years to grow and two fewer years to support you. Similarly, delaying Social Security from 62 to 67 can increase your benefit by about 30%.

The math changes fast over just a few years.

06/25/2026

Your 401(k) is probably one of your biggest retirement assets. But do you know exactly how it works?

Here's a quick rundown:

🔹 Pre-tax contributions come straight from your paycheck
🔹 Employer match = free money (always take it)
🔹 Your money grows tax-free while it's in the account
🔹 Withdrawals in retirement are taxed as regular income
🔹 At age 73, you're required to start taking money out

Understanding these basics helps you make better decisions about contributions, withdrawals, and tax planning.

Need help optimizing your strategy? Let's talk: https://joedowdall.com/contact/

06/22/2026

When I sit down with a woman who is recently divorced, there are always financial questions to address. But there is usually a deeper one too:

"Can I trust myself to make these decisions alone?"

The answer is yes. You've been making financial decisions all along. Now they just look different.

If you're navigating a recent divorce, I'm here to help you build a plan that reflects who you are and what you want for your future.