Fellowship Financial Group

Welcome to the official YouTube channel for Fellowship Financial Group!

Fellowship Financial Group provides retirement planning services designed to educate clients about their best options for meeting their current financial needs, achieving their long-term financial goals, avoiding common retirement planning mistakes, and enjoying a lifetime of financial security.

The goal is to teach clients how to enjoy reliable portfolio growth and security through conservative investment options designed to generate income through interest and dividends regardless of market conditions. This is income that can be spent or reinvested for dependable “organic” portfolio growth.

Fellowship Financial Group
Worried about selling investments when the market is down? In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a common retirement question: “We’re retired—should we open a reverse mortgage line of credit as a market backup?” Many retirees don’t realize their home equity can sometimes be used as a contingency fund—a source of money you keep available in case markets drop or unexpected expenses come up. In this video, Michael explains the idea in simple terms, including: • How a reverse mortgage line of credit works as a backup source of cash • Why unused credit may grow over time, giving you more flexibility later • What responsibilities still matter, such as keeping property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance up to date • Why this is usually best treated as a buffer, not the first place you take money from The goal isn’t to replace your retirement income plan, but to add flexibility—so you’re not forced to sell investments at the wrong time. Used wisely, this approach can help reduce stress and support peace of mind during market ups and downs. 👉 Watch the video below. If this was helpful, please like and subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s question. #RetirementPlanning #ReverseMortgage #MarketVolatility Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit as a Market Buffer—Worth It?
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLlRPUVpVUU8wUFFv
Turning on retirement withdrawals can accidentally raise your Medicare premiums two years later. In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a common viewer question: “Our withdrawals might raise our Medicare premiums. How do we plan income to avoid that?” Many retirees are caught off guard by Medicare’s two-year look-back, where income today can lead to higher premiums down the road. A one-time withdrawal, conversion, or gain can create a surprise that feels hard to undo. In this video, he walks through clear, education-only concepts to help you plan ahead, including: How to coordinate withdrawals so your income doesn’t rise by surprise How a charitable gift from an IRA (often called a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD) may help because it doesn’t increase taxable income What steps to consider after a major life change, including whether an appeal option (Form SSA-44) may apply The goal isn’t complexity — it’s clarity. When income is planned carefully, you can reduce the chances of unexpected Medicare premium increases and move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind. 👉 Watch now, then like and subscribe — and check the next video on your screen for more retirement answers. #RetirementPlanning #Medicare #RetirementIncome Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Avoid Medicare Premium Surprises When You Take Withdrawals
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLlJrU1c4Y0xKU3lZ
Worried that long-term care costs could drain the retirement you built? In this week’s Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he tackles a common question: At 70, is standalone long-term care coverage or a hybrid life policy with long-term care (LTC) benefits the smarter move? Care costs can derail a plan—and the way coverage is structured often drives the value you receive. This video walks through the two common approaches and what each one is designed to do, so you can compare them with more confidence. Here’s what you’ll learn in plain English: ✅ Standalone long-term care: often a lower initial cost up front, but premiums can rise over time. ✅ Hybrid life/LTC: more premium certainty, plus a death benefit if long-term care isn’t used. ✅ “Fit factors” to weigh: your health, your budget, and whether you prefer more guarantees, more flexibility, or a balance of both. If you’re 70 (or close to it), the “best” choice usually isn’t about a headline feature—it’s about matching the structure to your priorities and your overall retirement plan. The goal isn’t to buy what everyone else buys. The goal is protecting your dignity and choices, so a potential care need doesn’t force rushed decisions later. A clear framework can bring real peace of mind for you and your family. ▶️ Watch now, and if this was useful, hit like 👍, subscribe, and ring the bell 🔔. #LongTermCare #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Standalone vs Hybrid Long-Term Care: What's Smarter at 70?
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLmNEVVo5aDV3NHdZ
Worried about choosing the wrong pension option and leaving your spouse with less income? A viewer asked: “My employer offers a lump sum or a monthly pension—how do I know what’s best for my family and me?” In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he walks through a clear way to compare both options without guessing. Here’s the core idea: you’re choosing between two different frameworks. Monthly pension: - A guaranteed paycheck you may not outlive - Simple, steady, and “set-and-forget” income Lump sum: - A pool of money you control - More flexibility, but it requires a real invest-and-withdraw plan He also explains why today’s interest-rate environment can change what you see on paper—rising discount rates often shrink lump-sum offers, while a monthly check can feel steadier month to month. Before you decide, don’t skip the spousal and family protections inside the pension: Survivor percentage (what continues for your spouse) COLA / inflation adjustments (if available) Guarantee periods and other benefit options Bottom line: don’t choose based only on the biggest number. Run both paths, compare the tradeoffs, and make sure the option you pick supports the people you love—so you can move forward with more peace of mind. ✅ ▶️ Watch the full video, then like, subscribe, and save it so you can revisit this decision when you’re planning. #RetirementPlanning #PensionDecision #RetirementIncome Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Lump Sum vs Monthly Pension: Which One Protects Your Spouse?
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLlRRUUFTLThrU24w
Paying extra tax on purpose can feel backwards when you're trying to protect your retirement savings. But what if a carefully planned Roth conversion today could give you more control over your tax bill tomorrow? In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a viewer’s question: “Should you still do a Roth conversion just to fill your tax bracket?” You’ll hear a simple breakdown of what it means to convert up to—but not through—the top of your current tax bracket or IRMAA tier, so you can see where your own “line in the sand” might be. He also explains why using outside cash to pay the tax can help keep more of your retirement dollars working for you. You’ll see how your time horizon matters, too: a longer runway, or plans to leave money to heirs, can make Roth growth more appealing over time. It all comes back to one idea—paying some tax now to gain flexibility later. He walks through these decisions step by step in plain language, so you’re not left guessing or reacting to headlines. Use this episode as a starting point for a conversation with your own tax or financial professional. Watch now to understand the trade-offs, feel more confident about your next move, and decide whether a bracket-filling Roth conversion fits your retirement picture. Then like this video and subscribe so you don’t miss future Tuesday tips. #RothConversion #RetirementPlanning #TaxSmartRetirement Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Should You Still Do a Roth Conversion to Fill Your Tax Bracket?
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLm9VX3U2YTgzM0Y4
If you’re in your 70s with a large IRA, those Required Minimum Distributions can feel like a yearly tax penalty on your savings. In this episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a common viewer question: “I’m 73 with a big IRA—can giving to charity help reduce my RMD taxes this year?” He walks through how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) work for those age 70½ and older, and how sending money directly from your IRA to a qualified charity can help satisfy your RMD while supporting causes you care about. 💚 You’ll learn why the sequence matters—why it can be wise to do QCDs first so those dollars never show up in your Adjusted Gross Income in the first place, instead of trying to “fix” the tax bill later. He also highlights the basics of choosing eligible charities and why keeping your acknowledgment letters and donation records in one safe place is so important. 🧾 Understanding how QCDs fit into your RMD plan can bring more peace of mind when those RMD notices arrive each year and help you feel more intentional with both your giving and your tax planning. As always, this is general education, so be sure to talk with your tax professional about your specific situation. 🙏 Watch now to see how charitable and tax‑smart can work together in your retirement. #RetirementIncome #RMDs #CharitableGiving Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Lower RMD Taxes by Giving to Charity Directly From Your IRA
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLnV0MVhCNzYzRmdF
Worried your teacher pension could reduce Social Security and leave your younger spouse with less? In this episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he explains how teacher pensions and Social Security interact—and why your claiming age can be pivotal when your spouse is younger. You’ll learn, in plain English, about the special Social Security rules that can reduce benefits for people with non-covered pensions (often called the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset), how a survivor-focused strategy can help protect your younger spouse, and practical ways to coordinate pension income and earnings to help manage how much of your Social Security is taxed. 🧮 Michael walks through a simple, household-first framework so you’re not optimizing one benefit while accidentally shrinking the survivor benefit. You’ll come away with a clearer path to timing your claim, protecting your spouse, and building more predictable income—so retirement feels calmer and more under control. 🧭 If you or someone you love has a teacher pension and a younger spouse, this video is for you. Watch now, give it a 👍 if it helps, and share it with a friend nearing retirement. #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurity #TeacherPension Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Teacher Pension & Social Security: Protect a Younger Spouse
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLjdXMGw5UHJ3OUdv
Small moves before December 31 can reshape next year’s tax picture—and your retirement cash flow. On Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he walks you through practical, do able steps you can still take before December 31 in Before December 31: Year End RMD, Roth, and Charitable Tax Moves. 🗓️ Bracket check: confirm RMDs are satisfied; review this year’s gains; and calibrate any Roth conversions without drifting into a higher tax bracket or triggering IRMAA (Medicare) surcharges. 🙏 Charitable tactics: if you give, consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from an IRA, or bunch several years of gifts using a donor advised fund so your generosity does the most good in a tax smart way. 🧭 Portfolio & cash: rebalance back to your target; set next year’s withdrawal cadence; and top up a dedicated cash reserve so market swings don’t dictate your paycheck. You’ll also hear how a simple year end bracket check can reveal “creep” from RMDs and gains, helping you decide whether a modest Roth conversion still makes sense this year. A short checklist now can reduce surprises and increase peace of mind when you file next year. If this helped, tap 👍 and subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s viewer question. Educational only—talk with your tax professional about your situation. Watch now. #YearEndPlanning #TaxSmartRetirement #RetirementPlanning Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
Before December 31: Year End RMD, Roth, and Charitable Tax Moves
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLjVmNUs4MUNuckNB
You want income you can count on without risking your nest egg. In this week’s Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he explains—in plain English—how CDs and annuities approach the two things retirees care about most: protecting principal and generating income. You’ll get a calm, side‑by‑side comparison to help you think clearly before making a decision. What you’ll learn: - How each typically treats principal protection 🔒 - How income is structured—and what can influence it over time 💵 - Access to your money and time commitments to consider ⏳ - A simple way to think about which option may fit your goals 🎯 This is straightforward education to help you ask better questions and choose with more confidence—no hype, no hard sell. Watch now and get a clear framework you can use in your own planning. Watch now. #RetirementIncome #PrincipalProtection #CDsVsAnnuities Please send any questions you may have to info@fellowshipia.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with Michael to discuss any questions further: https://calendly.com/fellowshipfinancial/15-minute-complimentary-consultation-mtwm Visit our website for more info: https://fellowshipfinancial.com/ Visit us on social media: https://soundcloud.com/fellowshipfinancial https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipfinancialgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fellowshipfinancialgroup The Retirement Income Show with Michael Eastham Podcast is now available to stream for FREE wherever you get your podcasts. Michael Eastham, CPA, PFS, is the founding Principal of Fellowship Financial Group in Maitland, Florida. Eastham has been involved in financial services for more than 25 years. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and has earned their Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. He has a BBA in Accounting from James Madison University and holds Series 65 & 63 securities licenses, as well as licenses in Insurance and Annuities. Eastham is the author of the bestselling book Common-Sense Income Strategies and is a recognized specialist in the areas of financial strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection. He is the host of the financial radio show, The Retirement Income Show.
CDs vs Annuities: Which Protects Your Principal and Income?
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLmFGMkVjXy1hTGJR
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