Unless you're listening to this while flying in your own Gulfstream, federal estate taxes probably aren't something you need to worry about. In 2026, they only apply to estates over $15 million, or $30 million for married couples, so they impact a very small percentage of people.

But state-level estate and inheritance taxes are a different story.

In this episode, we break down how these lesser-known taxes work, which states still impose them, and why they can catch even well-prepared retirees off guard. While many states have eliminated these taxes to keep retirees from leaving, 12 states plus Washington, D.C. still have estate taxes, and five have inheritance taxes. Maryland is the only state that has both.

If your goal is to pass on wealth efficiently, where you live could matter more than you think.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1

📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.

A listener asks about a spendthrift trust for his adult "airhead" granddaughter.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1

📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.

More people are using AI tools every day to ask questions, solve problems, and even talk through personal decisions.

But many users make one dangerous assumption: that their conversations are completely private.

In reality, AI systems collect and process data in ways most people don't fully understand. That information could potentially be stored, analyzed, or used in ways you didn't intend.

In this episode, we discuss how AI platforms handle user data, why you should be careful about what you share, and the simple mindset shift everyone should adopt when using AI tools.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1

📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.