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Addition by Subtraction: The Master Strategy Most Retirees Overlook

by Eric Seyboldt, MBA

In retirement planning, most people focus on what to add—more yield, more income, more assets. But seasoned financial strategists know a well-built retirement isn’t just about what you accumulate. It’s also about what you eliminate.

That’s the principle of “Addition by Subtraction”—a way to improve retirement security, preserve assets, and increase peace of mind by cutting the right expenses at the right time. It’s a master-level approach that separates the truly sustainable plans from the fragile ones.

Why Subtraction Adds More Than It Takes Away

The average retiree withdraws income from accounts that are fully taxable, like Traditional IRAs or 401(k)s. For every dollar you spend, you may need to withdraw $1.20 to $1.30 after taxes. That means trimming $1,000 a month in spending could reduce your annual gross withdrawal needs by $15,000 or more.

This is the part most people miss: Reducing expenses by $1,000 a month in retirement is like adding $375,000 to your nest egg (based on a 4% withdrawal rate). You’d need that much more saved just to safely cover the same level of spending.

So yes, smart subtraction isn’t just helpful—it’s transformational.

Case Study: Greg & Martha from Ohio

Greg and Martha were lifelong savers. With a $1.1 million portfolio, a paid-off home, and two Social Security checks totaling $3,500/month, they were told they were “in good shape.”

But three years into retirement, their accounts were shrinking faster than expected.

The problem wasn’t the market. It was the monthly autopilot spending: unused subscriptions, two gym memberships, a second car they didn’t need, meal delivery services, and frequent takeout. Nothing outrageous—but collectively? Over $1,300 a month in unnecessary spending.

After a guided review, they trimmed $15,600 per year in recurring costs. That one move reduced the pressure on their accounts by the equivalent of needing to find $390,000 more in investments. No risky products. No market timing. Just thoughtful pruning.

High-Impact Areas to Review

Here’s where most retirees can find savings without sacrificing quality of life:

1. Redundant Insurance Premiums

By retirement, many people no longer need the same level of life insurance. A $200/month premium on a policy no longer serving a purpose is $2,400 a year—enough to fund an annual vacation or reduce withdrawals.

2. Subscription Pile-Up

The average household has six recurring entertainment or product subscriptions. Add in digital tools, extended warranties, and unused memberships, and it’s easy to lose $100–$200/month without realizing it.

3. Dining & Delivery Habits

Two retirees from Delaware County saved $5,600 a year just by replacing three delivery meals a week with home cooking. Not because they “cut back”—but because they got intentional.

4. The Second Car

A vehicle that rarely leaves the driveway still eats up insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Selling it can free up $4,000+ per year, plus the equity for other needs.

5. Too Much House

Downsizing isn’t giving up—it’s cashing in. A Columbus-area couple sold their 4-bedroom and moved into a 2-bedroom condo. They freed up $180,000 in home equity and slashed property taxes and utilities by nearly $700/month.

The Psychology of Simplification

A well-run retirement isn’t just a spreadsheet. It’s also emotional. The act of subtracting wisely leads to clarity. Fewer bills. Fewer surprises. Fewer obligations.

It’s not about frugality—it’s about efficiency. Removing the excess gives retirees more freedom to say yes to what actually matters: family, travel, legacy, or simply peace of mind.

Subtraction Is the Ultimate Hedge

Retirement is full of unknowns: inflation, markets, taxes, health care costs. One of the best hedges is having fewer fixed expenses. That’s the hidden genius of Addition by Subtraction—it works regardless of market direction, interest rates, or government policy.

It’s not flashy. It won’t win headlines. But it might be the smartest move you make this decade.

Want to see how much your retirement could gain by cutting just a few expenses?
Call Eric Seyboldt at 614‑943‑2265 for a complimentary 10-minute consultation. A well-designed retirement plan isn’t just about growing your portfolio—it’s about protecting it, preserving it, and using it to support the life you actually want.

Because sometimes the most powerful strategy… is knowing what to let go.

Understanding the 4 Parts of Medicare Without Losing Your Sanity (or Your Shirt)

by Eric Seyboldt, MBA

Client: Eric, I keep hearing about “AEP” and “Medicare Parts A through D,” but the whole thing feels like alphabet soup. Can you break it down for me in a way that actually makes sense?

Eric: Absolutely. Let’s turn the Medicare maze into a straight road.

What Is AEP and Why Does It Matter?

Client: Let’s start with the acronym—what exactly is AEP?

Eric:
AEP stands for Annual Election Period. It happens every year from October 15 to December 7—a window where Medicare beneficiaries can make major changes to their plans. Think of it like the NFL trade deadline for your healthcare coverage.

During AEP, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (Part C), or vice versa

• Change Medicare Advantage plans

• Enroll in or switch Part D prescription drug plans

• Drop drug coverage altogether

It’s your once-a-year opportunity to fine-tune your coverage based on changing health needs, new plan options, or rising costs.

Real-Life Example:
Nancy from Erie had a Part D drug plan that served her well—until her prescription changed in September and the plan didn’t cover the new medication. During AEP, she switched to a different drug plan that saved her $82 a month. That’s nearly $1,000 a year back in her pocket.

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Client: So let’s dive into the parts. What’s Medicare Part A?

Eric:
Part A is your hospital insurance—it covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities (not long-term care), hospice, and some home health care.

Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. But there’s still a deductible ($1,632 in 2025), and co-pays if you stay long.

Real-Life Example:
Phil, a retired building supervisor, slipped on ice and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. His stay was covered under Part A, but he still owed the deductible. Fortunately, he had a Medigap policy that helped with that bill.

Part B: Medical Insurance

Client: What about Part B?

Eric:
Part B is for your doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment—basically, the stuff outside the hospital.

In 2026, the base premium is around $185/month, but it can be higher if your income exceeds $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (joint). There’s also a $288 annual deductible, then 20% coinsurance after that (which is where Medigap comes in).

Watch Out:
Part B is not optional if you’re not working and want complete coverage. Skipping it or signing up late could hit you with lifetime penalties.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

Client: Okay, now I hear about people “switching to Part C.” What’s that all about?

Eric:
Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a private alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). These plans often include prescription drugs, dental, vision, gym memberships, and more.

It’s like bundling your cable, internet, and phone—but for healthcare.

Caution:
While premiums can be as low as $0, these plans can limit you to specific provider networks. And if you travel frequently or live in multiple states, it might not be ideal.

Real-Life Example:
Marion from Detroit signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan with zero premium. But when she needed a specialist while visiting family in Florida, she found out nothing was covered out-of-network. That $0 plan suddenly looked very expensive.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Client: And Part D is just prescriptions, right?

Eric:
Right. Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs and is administered by private insurers. Plans vary wildly in terms of what drugs they cover and how much they cost.

You’ll face penalties if you go without credible drug coverage for too long, so enrolling on time is crucial—even if you're not currently taking any meds.

Client Tip:
Always review your Part D formulary every year during AEP. Drug coverage can change, and many people are caught off-guard.

Real-Life Example:
Dave from Erie didn’t review his Part D plan last fall. Come January, his thyroid medication was moved to a higher tier. Had he switched during AEP, se’d have paid $12 instead of $84 monthly.

Putting It All Together

Client: So what’s the ideal combo?

Eric:
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But here's how most retirees build their Medicare stack:

• Option 1: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Part D + Medigap
  ➤ Good for flexibility, nationwide access, and predictable costs

• Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  ➤ Good for lower upfront costs and “all-in-one” simplicity—but with network and geographic limitations

Make AEP Count

Client: It seems like AEP is the key to getting the most out of Medicare?

Eric:
Exactly. AEP isn’t just paperwork season—it’s your chance to course-correct. Plans evolve. Medications change. Networks shift. What worked last year might cost you thousands next year.

Medicare decisions are retirement decisions—because the cost of getting it wrong compounds faster than a 401(k) with no match.

If you're unsure whether your Medicare plan is still working for you—or just want a second opinion—now is the time to review it. Not next year. Not after the next premium hike.

Reach out to schedule a complimentary 10-minute consultation with Eric Seyboldt at 614-943-2265. Let's make sure your healthcare dollars are working just as hard as you did to earn them.

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Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

These are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

Rates Are Dropping! Don’t Wait To Lock These Fixed Annuity Rates In Today! 6.65% is possible now!

3-year: 5.50% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.75% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 6.20% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 6.40% (over $100k Deposited)

7-year: 6.40% (under $100k Deposited)

7-year: 6.65% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to call Eric at 614-943-2265 if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy

Gold, Grit, and Game Plans: Why the Smartest Investors Are Loading Up on Tangible Wealth

Let’s stop pretending the old retirement playbook still works.

Pensions are extinct, Social Security’s on life support, and your 401(k)? One bad week on Wall Street can knock it back a decade. Meanwhile, inflation is nibbling away at your purchasing power like termites behind drywall—and the Fed? Still watering the money tree like it’s springtime.

So what are America’s sharpest investors doing? Hint: it doesn’t involve meme stocks or chasing yield in overpriced tech.

They’re going old school.
They’re going real.
They’re going gold.

Not because it’s flashy—but because it’s foundational.

Why Gold?

📌 It’s been wealth’s bodyguard for 5,000 years. From Roman emperors to Texas oil barons, gold has outlasted currencies, crashes, and collapses.

📌 It doesn’t blink in a bear market. Stocks fall. Bonds fizzle. Gold holds the line.

📌 You can’t print it. While central banks keep creating dollars with keystrokes, gold stays stubbornly finite.

📌 You can hold it in your hand. No counterparty risk. No fine print. No “oops, we lost your password” emails.

This isn’t just a hedge. It’s a cornerstone. The ultra-wealthy don’t buy gold because they’re scared. They buy it because they understand math, history, and leverage.

Ask yourself:

🧠 Are you truly diversified?
🧠 What happens to your retirement if inflation stays elevated?
🧠 If the dollar weakens, what asset in your portfolio gets stronger?

If you don’t have a good answer, it’s time for a new conversation.

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement. 

Office: 614-943-2265

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Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

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