Retire Well

Social Security and taxes can feel complicated, but they do not have to be.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down the hidden tax traps that catch retirees by surprise, from required minimum distributions to the single filer tax penalty.

They explain why claiming Social Security is bigger than just picking an age, and share simple habits of the quietly wealthy.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Markets are touching record highs, so why are so many people feeling nervous about retirement?

In this episode, Josh Bretl explains why emotions can derail your money, shares an update on his son Alex's sudden rock guitar hiatus, and walks through the four biggest risks to your nest egg.

From rising healthcare costs to proactive lifetime tax planning, discover how to spend and live with clarity.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Are you truly ready to retire, or just ready to stop working?

This week, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss finding purpose after your career, turning savings into steady income, and why legacy planning matters for every family.

From updating beneficiary designations to protecting a surviving spouse and preparing for long-term care, Josh shares simple steps to help you plan with confidence.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Josh Bretl starts with a fun story from a School of Rock concert before diving into key retirement topics.

We discuss how rising energy prices impact grocery bills and why flexible income planning matters.

Plus, we look at the financial impacts of late in life divorce, the widow penalty, and lessons from 1976 gas prices.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

What do a Chicago music festival and retirement planning have in common?

Both require stepping outside your comfort zone!

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down recent Federal Reserve interest rate moves and explain why taxes are often the single biggest expense in retirement.

Learn why a 30-year tax strategy beats standard single-year tax prep, plus answers to real listener questions on long-term care and concentrated stock.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Football season is back in the Bretl house, complete with team Dino Nuggets.

But on this episode, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott tackle a bigger opponent: the 40 trillion dollar national debt and what it means for your retirement taxes.

Learn how required minimum distributions can trigger an unexpected tax shock, how the three tax buckets work, and why laddering Roth conversions might save you money down the road.

Plus, Josh answers listener mailbag questions on Medicare, spousal timing, and business sales.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute...

Is your 401(k) actually ready to fund your retirement?

On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down how to replace traditional pensions with a reliable lifetime income plan.

Learn how to manage debt, navigate inherited IRAs under the 10-year rule, handle money in second marriages, and evaluate private equity risks.

Josh also shares his simple two-lane strategy to balance safe income with market growth.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Did you know people without kids report lower retirement confidence than parents?

On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl breaks down why this gap exists and how a written plan changes the game.

From managing market downturns and longevity to finding your true purpose in retirement, Josh shares practical tips and a few fun stories along the way.

Learn how smart withdrawal strategies and tax planning keep your retirement on track.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Why is it so hard to spend money after saving it your whole life?

In our 100th episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl explores the emotional shift from saving to spending and explains why your nest egg is a tool to be enjoyed, not just artwork to look at.

Josh also recaps a fun family river tour in Chicago, breaks down how national debt could impact your future taxes, and answers mailbag questions about RMDs and family loans.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.<...

Can you retire on one million dollars?

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl breaks down the truth about retirement numbers, tax diversification, and income blending.

Learn how managing your traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and taxable accounts can help protect your savings.

Plus, Josh answers real questions from the mailbag about paying off low interest mortgages, evaluating Roth conversions, and what to consider if you get bored and decide to un-retire.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Big changes are coming to Medicare Part D in 2026.

In this episode, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down what shifting drug costs mean for your retirement cash flow.

Plus, learn how to handle market volatility with a smart plan that balances safety and growth.

Josh also shares a fun trip back to 1996 to show why your financial strategy needs to prepare for 30 years of change.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Walking into retirement can feel a lot like watching your child’s first dance.

It's a mix of pride, nerves, and a lot of questions about what comes next.

This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dive into the emotional and financial shifts that happen when you stop punching the clock.

We talk about why your retirement strategy needs to change once you move from the "growth" phase to the "income" phase.

Josh breaks down the common leaks in retirement buckets, from hidden tax traps to the reality of...

What if you're a millionaire and don't even know it?

This week on Retire Well, Josh and Mark unpack the idea of the hidden millionaire.

Many hardworking savers quietly build significant wealth through 401k contributions, home equity, and years of disciplined habits without ever feeling rich.

They also explore how Gen X is stepping into the retirement spotlight, what Social Security could look like in the future, and how the quietly wealthy think differently about spending, taxes, and long term planning.

If retirement is creeping up on you, this episode will...

Retirement is not built on one account. It is built on a strategy.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl shares a personal story about visiting his wife’s childhood neighborhood and uses it to highlight a powerful financial truth.

There is more than one way to grow up, and more than one way to retire.

Josh and Mark break down why a 401k is a tool, not a full retirement plan, how market volatility impacts real people, and why taxes, Social Security, and income timing matter more than most retirees realize.

Retirement is not just about hitting a number. It is about stepping into a new season of life with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott explore what it truly means to be ready for retirement.

From the financial basics of spending, income, and taxes to the emotional side of purpose, identity, and relationships, they walk through the four questions nearly every retiree asks:

Retirement is often treated like a finish line. Josh Bretl sees it differently.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh and Mark Elliott unpack what retirement really means and why it has less to do with quitting work and more to do with freedom, flexibility, and cash flow.

Josh shares a personal story about Chicago winters, unexpected family routines, and how small moments can turn into the most meaningful parts of life.

That same idea carries into retirement planning. Listeners learn how to think beyond a magic number, focus on monthly income needs...

This week on Retire Well with Josh Bretl, Josh and Mark Elliott tackle two of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood parts of retirement planning. Legacy decisions and reliable income.

Josh opens the show with a personal story about his daughter Maggie’s first gymnastics competition, drawing a powerful parallel between preparation, effort, and enjoying the moment.

From there, the conversation turns to why families avoid talking about inheritance and how clear planning and communication can remove stress for everyone involved.

In the second half, Josh and Mark break down the real challenges fa...

Retirement brings freedom, but it also brings questions.

In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott explore why so many retirees feel uncertain about the future and what can actually restore confidence.

Josh shares a recent family story from an indoor rock climbing gym that perfectly mirrors retirement itself. Pushing past fear, adapting to change, and trusting your footing as you move forward.

The conversation then turns to important financial updates for 2026, including higher IRA and 401(k) contribution limits, changes to Medicare Part D, Social Security cost...

Have you ever looked at the price of a burger and wondered if you accidentally walked into a five star steakhouse?

On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dive into the reality of rising costs and why a plan that worked in the nineties might be running out of gas today.

Josh shares some fun stories from a recent family trip to Las Vegas and explains how a magician’s performance actually relates to your financial strategy.

We talk about the speed limit of your portfolio: are you driving 80 mi...

On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dig into what most people really mean when they say they want a “comfortable retirement.”

It turns out, it almost always starts with income.

Josh shares personal stories, including childhood memories at Wrigley Field, to explain why meaningful experiences matter in retirement and why those experiences depend on having reliable income you can count on.

The conversation breaks down the four pillars of a strong retirement plan. Income, protection, growth, and liquidity.

Josh explains why no single financial institution can prov...

This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl pulls back the curtain on a big change with a very familiar purpose. The firm formerly known as FSR Wealth Strategies is now Wellment Financial, a name that better reflects what retirement planning is really about.

Not just numbers, but clarity, confidence, and living fully in the years ahead.

Josh shares the story behind the rebrand, the firm’s roots as a CPA practice started in 1988, and how it evolved into a retirement focused firm built on three pillars.

Smart tax focused planning, managing your entire fi...