#98
August 22 · 52 min
- RW#97August 15 · 52 min
097: Movie Myths, Money Secrets, and Portfolio Checkups: Navigating Your Retirement Journey
Are you on track for the retirement you want? This week on Retire Well, host Josh Bretl shares a fun movie trip with his son, Alex, and breaks down why mid-year financial checkups matter. Learn how to rebalance your portfolio, turn savings into steady income, and handle big choices like pension lump sums versus monthly payouts. Josh also explains how to balance required expenses with fun goals. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#96August 8 · 52 min
096: From Pearl Harbor to Portfolios: Smart Ways to Manage Your 401(k)
This week on Retire Well, host Josh Bretl shares personal reflections from a family trip to Pearl Harbor and connects those lessons of perspective and preparation directly to retirement planning. Josh and Mark Elliott discuss whether you should move an old employer 401(k) account and how timing plays a major role in your choice. Josh also answers listener mailbag questions about business succession planning, setting a travel budget, prenuptial agreements in estate planning, and strategies to guard your portfolio against early market downturns. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#95July 18 · 52 min
095: Why the Federal Reserve Should Not Dictate Your Retirement Success
Economic shifts and Federal Reserve changes can create confusion, but your financial plan should keep you secure regardless of market trends. In this episode, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss how to assess your true portfolio risk using a clear scoring system rather than vague labels. Josh also shares his new book, personal stories about facing anxiety, and how to navigate the emotional side of leaving the workforce. Retirement is about more than just money: it's about your identity. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#94July 11 · 52 min
094: From the Balcony to the Front Row: Navigating Social Security and Mid-Year Checkups
What happens when a concert ticket mix up turns into a front row upgrade? On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl shares a funny story from a recent family outing that perfectly sets the stage for today's discussion: turning stressful situations into major financial wins. Josh and Mark Elliott break down the latest headlines about the Social Security trust fund and explain why fear-based, emotional decisions can permanently damage your long-term plan. They also share an essential mid year financial checklist to help you catch small issues before they turn into big problems. From portfolio risk drift and proactive tax strategies to avoiding costly withdrawal mistakes, this episode is packed with plainspoken advice to help you build a confident path forward. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your introductory 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#93July 4 · 52 min
093: Navigating Life Transitions and the Reality of Market Hype
Major life milestones, like dropping a child off at summer camp or watching twins head to college, bring an undeniable wave of emotional change. Retirement is no different, representing one of the most pivotal life transitions you will ever navigate. In this episode, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss how to manage the emotional weight of these milestones while keeping your financial strategy on track. They look closely at the reality of market hype, specifically examining the headlines surrounding the SpaceX initial public offering and the dangers of letting the fear of missing out drive your long term investment decisions. Josh breaks down why retirement success relies on steady cash flow planning rather than chasing volatile media trends. You will also learn practical steps for right-sizing your emergency fund, avoiding tax drag, and preparing for unexpected variables like single tax brackets and long term care expenses. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your initial 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#92June 27 · 52 min
092: From Sleepaway Camp to SpaceX: Navigating Major Retirement Transitions
Retirement is one of the most significant life transitions you will ever face, bringing a unique mix of excitement and uncertainty. In this episode, Josh Bretl compares preparing for retirement to dropping his daughter off at sleepaway camp, showing how deliberate preparation is what makes any new chapter successful. We look at recent financial headlines, including the intense media hype surrounding the SpaceX initial public offering, and explain why chasing popular stocks out of a fear of missing out can disrupt a long term strategy. We also address the real numbers behind rising healthcare expenses, highlighting that a healthy couple may need around $340,000 for medical costs in retirement. Josh explains how Medicare brackets work, explores proactive long term care options, and answers listener questions about unwinding concentrated stock positions and organizing finances after a personal loss. Ready to talk? Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#91June 20 · 52 min
091: Donut Runs, Top Gun, and the Hidden Tax Traps in Retirement
What do old school donut shops, the movie Top Gun, and your estate plan have in common? They're all on the table in this episode of Retire Well! Hosts Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott share stories about family traditions before diving into some critical retirement realities. A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of people retire earlier than they planned, often due to layoffs or health changes. Josh explains the vital steps to take if your timeline shifts unexpectedly. They also tackle legacy planning, highlighting why an outdated will or an uncompleted trust can leave a massive mess for your family. From the hidden tax adjustments that hit surviving spouses to the simple steps of updating your beneficiaries, this episode delivers clear, simple strategies that could help protect your hard-earned assets. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#90June 13 · 52 min
090: What a Theme Park Dinner Teaches Us About Retirement Planning
Welcome to Retire Well with Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott. This week, Josh shares a story from a recent family trip to Universal Studios, illustrating how exceptional personal care changes your perspective. That same level of dedication is exactly what you should expect from your retirement team. Josh and Mark break down the critical shift from saving a pile of money to generating a reliable monthly income stream. They discuss the major risks facing retirees today, including inflation, market volatility, and tax traps like required distributions. Josh outlines the fiscal house strategy, a practical framework that uses distinct buckets to balance growth and protection. Finally, the team answers listener questions on unexpected job loss at 61, choosing Medicare policies, planning for cognitive decline, and handling a spouse who loves chasing investment trends. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#89May 30 · 51 min
089: Why Your Retirement Magic Number Might Be a Total Myth
What is your retirement magic number? In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down why relying on a single savings target might be a myth. True financial security is not just about the size of your nest egg, it's about how much you spend in relation to what you have. Josh shares insights on navigating major life transitions and explains the core pillars of the Wellment Way. You'll learn the mechanics of strategic Roth conversions, including a unique tax advantage specifically for Illinois residents. We also dive into how to protect your Social Security from tax traps and manage Medicare premium surcharges. Finally, we discuss the habits of the quietly wealthy and how to align your retirement spending with what brings you true peace of mind. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#88May 23 · 52 min
088: The Two Lane Highway Strategy for a Confident Retirement
A recent report shows that most Americans fear outliving their savings more than death itself. It makes sense. For decades, you knew exactly how much money was coming in from your paycheck. In retirement, that predictable income disappears, and the responsibility shifts entirely to you. This week, Josh Bretl breaks down how to transition from a saving mindset to an income mindset. He shares a simple two lane highway strategy designed to protect your short term needs while keeping your long term wealth growing. Plus, Josh answers listener questions about evaluating early retirement packages, managing taxes after selling a family business, deciding whether to file taxes jointly or separately, and protecting an inheritance for a child who struggles with money. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#87May 16 · 52 min
087: Sweating the Small Stuff: Lessons from an 85 Degree Seminar
Josh Bretl begins this episode with a story from a recent Social Security workshop in Wheaton where the room hit 85 degrees, the fans sounded like a hurricane, and his laptop died mid-presentation. While it felt like a disaster, sitting down with the audience led to a profound connection with a recent widow who felt lost in the complexity of retirement. We explore why confidence in retirement is plummeting for 39% of American workers. Josh breaks down the truth about Social Security cuts and Medicare surcharges, explaining why your tax strategy is just as important as your investment strategy. We also dive into the Wellment Way, a holistic approach that covers income, assets, taxes, healthcare, and legacy planning. Learn how to separate your must haves from your nice to haves to ensure you never outlive your money. 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15 minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#86May 9 · 52 min
086: Beyond the Pension: Building Your Own Retirement Paycheck
In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss the fundamental shift in retirement planning over the last few decades. With traditional pensions largely a thing of the past, today’s retirees must act as their own pension managers. Josh breaks down the recent Federal Reserve Beige Report and explains why emotional reactions to global uncertainty often lead to costly mistakes. We dive deep into the Wellment Way, specifically the strategy of income blending across different tax buckets to minimize your lifetime tax liability. You will learn about the three tax buckets (Tax Me Now, Tax Me Later, and Tax Free) and how a written strategy can provide the clarity you deserve. Whether you are ten years out or already retired, this conversation offers a clear path toward financial freedom. 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#85May 2 · 52 min
085: Unexpected Visitors and the Most Dangerous Decade
Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. This week, Josh Bretl shares a story about an unwelcome visitor in his car that serves as a perfect metaphor for the unexpected challenges of retirement. Whether it is a mechanical failure at home or a sudden shift in the stock market, being prepared is the key to maintaining your peace of mind. Josh and Mark Elliott dive deep into what experts call the most dangerous 10 year period of your financial life: the five years before and the five years after you retire. They discuss why this window is so critical for your long-term success and how the sequence of returns risk can impact your lifestyle. The conversation also covers the four big questions every retiree eventually faces, ranging from the size of your nest egg to the security of your loved ones. We explain why retirement is less about a math problem and more about the freedom to live life on your terms. 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#84April 25 · 52 min
084: The Parmesan Reset and the Women’s Retirement Marathon
In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss how to find clarity when you are feeling out of sorts due to market volatility or headline driven anxiety. Josh shares a personal story about a family dinner reset involving a tableside Parmesan cheese wheel that turned a lethargic Sunday into a great start to the week . We then dive into the unique challenges of the retirement marathon for women, focusing on the specific financial whammies that hit when transitioning from a married to a single filer. From a last minute office wedding that saved a couple eighty thousand dollars in taxes to timeless wisdom from Ben Franklin on plugging financial leaks, this conversation is all about making retirement the best part of your life . We simplify the complex so you can focus on what truly matters most. 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#83April 18 · 52 min
083: Lessons from Louisville and the Switch from Saving to Spending
This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl shares highlights from a family road trip to Louisville, Kentucky, including scouting reports from Mammoth Cave and the Louisville Slugger factory. Back in the office, Josh and Mark Elliott discuss the impact of economic cycles on consumer confidence and how inflation in energy costs has hit the headlines recently. Josh shares his perspective on why these periods occur and how the Wellment Way is designed to help retirees stay focused on their personal goals rather than market noise. We also tackle the reported rise in healthcare costs for retirees, which can reach an estimated $345,000 for a couple, and why medical expenses are often cited as a significant cause of financial strain in retirement. Finally, our mailbag addresses the psychological shift required to move from saving to spending, the potential complexities of acting as a "family bank" for your children, and strategies for managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#82April 4 · 52 min
082: From Movie Night to Legacy Planning: Navigating Life Transitions
In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott explore the personal side of retirement planning, starting with a Saturday night in downtown Elmhurst that served as a reminder of how quickly life transitions occur. We dive into the often difficult topic of legacy and estate planning, discussing why clear documentation is the only way to protect your family from the courtroom battles that have plagued even the most famous estates. Josh also breaks down the concept of portfolio risk using a highway analogy. Are you driving your investments at 80 miles per hour when you should be slowing down for the residential streets of retirement? We discuss how to identify your unique risk score and why the Rule of 100 is just a starting point. Finally, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month by simplifying the complex: it is not about technical jargon, it is about understanding your spending to ensure you can live fully. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#81March 28 · 52 min
081: The Power of the Reset: Navigating Volatility and Legacy Blunders
Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott are back to help you navigate the bumps of retirement. After a snowy Chicago weekend that forced a much-needed family reset, Josh shares why every retiree needs a mental break from the noise. We dive into the current geopolitical headlines and why structuring your income matters more than timing the market. The main event today is legacy planning, the 5th step of the Wellment Way. Whether it is avoiding the tax traps for a surviving spouse or ensuring a child with special needs is protected, we cover the blunders that catch people off guard. Legacy planning is not just for the folks in mansions, it is for anyone who wants to leave their family with a plan instead of a mess. 📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#80March 21 · 52 min
080: The Tax Trap: Why Your 401k Isn't All Yours
Retirement used to be simpler when everyone had a pension. Today, we are living in a world of IRAs and 401k plans, which means you are now in a partnership with Uncle Sam that you might not have signed up for. This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl explains why taxes are the single biggest variable in your retirement success. We discuss the hidden taxes that surprise many families, like the 10 year rule for inherited IRAs and the single filer tax hike that hits after losing a spouse. Whether you are two years out from your target date or already enjoying your free time, it is time to stop looking in the rearview mirror with tax prep and start looking ahead with tax planning. We also answer your questions about co-signing student loans and why a second opinion on your finances might be the key to marital harmony. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
- RW#79March 14 · 52 min
079: The Frozen Pipe Theory: Why Your 401(k) Needs a Plan for the Unexpected
What is the biggest risk to your retirement? According to Josh Bretl, it is usually the thing you haven't even thought of yet. This week on Retire Well, Josh shares a sobering story about a neighbor's home ruined by a burst pipe while they were away for the winter. It's a powerful reminder that a solid retirement plan must account for more than just the good times. We also dive into the shifting world of retirement savings, exploring why your 401(k) was never actually designed to be a pension and how you can turn that nest egg into a reliable stream of lifetime income. From navigating market volatility caused by global conflicts to understanding the complex new rules for inherited IRAs, Josh and Mark Elliott break down how to find clarity in the complexity. Plus, we answer your mailbag questions about legacy, career changes, and more. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.