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
If your old variable annuity feels expensive and complicated, this episode is for you. In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a common viewer question: “I have a 2007 variable annuity with high fees. What should I do with it—and should I switch to a lower‑cost fixed indexed annuity?” Before you make any move, start with a simple 1035 exchange checklist and a clear inventory of what you actually own: ✅ Fees: What are you paying each year (and for what)? ✅ Surrender charges: Are there penalties for exiting the contract right now? ✅ Riders & features: Which optional riders are attached, and what do they cost? ✅ Guarantees: Are there benefits you could lose if you change contracts? He also explains why a 1035 exchange is often part of the conversation—because it may help preserve tax deferral when moving from one annuity to another, rather than cashing out and potentially giving up valuable benefits. Finally, he walks through the idea of alternatives, including whether a lower‑cost fixed or fixed‑indexed annuity might be worth considering for protection and/or income—depending on your goals and the details of your current contract. Keep the value. Lose the bloat. 👍 Watch now, and drop your question in the comments for a future episode. #RetirementPlanning #Annuities #FinancialEducation 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.
Old Variable Annuity Too Expensive? 1035 Exchange Checklist
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLjRLVEFUcTFDWjhz
Home insurance premiums are squeezing retiree budgets—and the “right” response isn’t always obvious. In this week’s Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a viewer question: “Our home insurance jumped. How should we balance higher deductibles, self‑insuring, and cash reserves?” Here’s what he walks through (in plain English): ✅ Higher deductibles: A higher deductible can reduce premiums, but it also means you’re choosing to cover the first part of a loss yourself. He explains how this can be a practical way to self‑insure smaller claims while still keeping catastrophe protection in place. ✅ Cash reserves: If you raise your deductible, make sure your cash plan can support it. He discusses holding enough liquid cash to cover the deductible, plus a few months’ expenses—so a surprise bill doesn’t force a stressful financial decision. ✅ Mitigation: Don’t assume your current policy is your only option. He discusses shopping carriers, and how certain home upgrades can potentially lower premiums over time. The goal is to balance protection and cash flow—so you can feel confident about your plan even when costs rise. ▶️ Watch now below. Then give it a thumbs‑up, share it with a friend nearing retirement, and subscribe for more weekly answers. #RetirementPlanning #HomeInsurance #FinancialWellness 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.
Home Insurance Jumped? Higher Deductible + Cash Reserve Plan
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLjdpS0laZ3hyd1NB
Turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare is a big milestone—and it changes how your HSA works. In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a question many pre‑retirees ask right at the finish line: “I’m starting Medicare at 65. What should I do with my HSA now?” HSAs are powerful, but the rules shift when Medicare begins. In this video, he walks through three practical steps to help you handle the handoff cleanly: 1) Stop contributions in time Plan to stop HSA contributions about 6 months before you enroll in Medicare Part A. 2) Spend smart once Medicare starts Your HSA can be used to pay certain Medicare premiums—Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage premiums (but not Medigap). 3) Keep your receipts Save receipts so you can reimburse yourself tax‑free later—even years down the road. If you’re approaching 65, this is a simple checklist you can use to reduce surprises and feel more confident about the transition. If you’re already close to enrolling, use the same three points as a quick “handoff” review. For educational purposes only. 👍 Tap like if this clarified things, subscribe for next week’s viewer question, and watch the episode now. #Medicare #HSA #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.
Medicare + HSA: When to Stop Contributions and How to Spend
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLkdMS0xibk9zMG5V
If you’re retiring now, an early market drop can put your paycheck at risk. Markets don’t have to crash to create problems—when withdrawals start at the same time your portfolio is down, those early losses can have an outsized impact over your lifetime. That’s the heart of sequence-of-returns risk, and it’s why having an “income plan” matters as much as an investment plan. In this week’s Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a common question: “We’re starting retirement. How do we protect our income if markets drop early?” You’ll learn three practical, stability-first ideas to consider: ✅ Cash bucket: Keeping 1–2 years of planned withdrawals in cash so you’re not forced to sell investments when prices are down. ✅ Guardrails: Using dynamic withdrawals that can flex with the market instead of locking yourself into a rigid number. ✅ Income floor: Leaning on steady sources like pensions/annuities to cover essentials and help stabilize the basics. When you know where next month’s paycheck is coming from—even in a down market—it can bring real peace of mind and help you stay focused on the long game. The goal isn’t to predict the market—it’s to build a plan that can keep your income more consistent when life happens. Stability first, growth second. ▶️ Watch the episode, then like, subscribe, and save this video so you can revisit it when you’re planning. #RetirementIncome #RetirementPlanning #SequenceRisk 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.
Markets Drop Early? Protect Your Retirement Income
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLmNkSzlPalZzdFZB
If you’re 65 and trying to keep more of what your money earns, where you hold an investment can matter as much as what you own. In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he answers a viewer question many retirees and pre-retirees wrestle with: Where should municipal bonds, bond funds, and dividend stocks live—your taxable account or an IRA? 🤔 The big idea is asset location—placing different types of investments in the accounts where they’re generally the best fit for tax efficiency. ✅ What you own matters—and where you own it matters too. Here’s the simple framework he walks through: - Taxable account: Often a home for broad equities/ETFs 📈 and, for those in higher tax brackets, it may make sense to consider municipal bonds 🏛️ - IRAs: Often a better “home” for ordinary-income assets like taxable bonds and REITs 💵 - Roth: Typically best reserved for highest-growth potential so you can maximize tax-free compounding 🚀 This isn’t about making things complicated—it’s about making your accounts work together more smoothly. Done thoughtfully, location can create a small, “quiet” boost to overall efficiency over time. ▶️ Watch the video now, then hit Like and Subscribe so you catch every Tuesday’s tip. 👍📺 #RetirementPlanning #TaxEfficientInvesting #MoneyTalk 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.
Taxable vs IRA vs Roth: Where to Hold Munis, Bonds & Dividend Stocks
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLm1lTVFmTkFXdkVV
Selling a rental at 65 can feel like a fork in the road: simplify now—or defer taxes and keep the real-estate strategy going. A viewer asked: “We’re selling a rental property. Should we do a 1031 exchange, or cash out instead?” In this week’s episode of Money Talk with Michael Eastham, he breaks down the two very different paths and the trade-offs to think through before you decide. 🏡💭 Here’s the simple framework: • 1031 exchange: a way to defer capital gains and depreciation recapture—but it comes with strict timing rules, including the 45-day identification window and the 180-day closing deadline. 📅 • Cash out: pay the taxes, then reposition the proceeds into an income-focused retirement plan—often a simpler path and potentially cleaner estate positioning. ✅ • Legacy angle: understand how a step-up in cost basis at death compares with continued deferral over time. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 If you value simplicity in retirement, the deadlines and decision points matter just as much as the tax deferral. The key is to run the net-after-tax income both ways, so you’re choosing the path that supports your lifestyle and peace of mind. 👍 If this helped, give it a thumbs-up, share it with a friend nearing retirement, and subscribe for more. 👉 Watch now. #RetirementPlanning #1031Exchange #RealEstate 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.
Selling Your Rental in Retirement: 1031 Exchange vs Cash Out
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLktIMnowQ2J3WU1F
Inherited an IRA and unsure whether to take annual withdrawals or empty the account within ten years? The SECURE Act changed inherited IRA rules, and the right approach depends on your beneficiary status and the original owner’s RMD situation. In this episode of Money Talk, Michael explains: - The difference between eligible and non-eligible beneficiaries - When annual withdrawals may still apply - How tax smoothing can help manage tax brackets and potential Medicare IRMAA impacts Viewer Question: “We inherited my brother’s IRA. Should we take annual withdrawals, or empty it within ten years?” The key takeaway: understand which inherited IRA rules apply to you before taking distributions. If this clarified things, subscribe for next week’s viewer question and tap like to support the channel. #InheritedIRA #RMD #SecureAct 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.
Inherited an IRA? RMDs vs the 10‑Year Rule (SECURE Act)
YouTube Video VVVmbmhkRjZxSWJxNWhwNmNWOGdOR2hRLkROWVZ3V0N5eF8w
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
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