Retire Well

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the vital steps to take if your timeline shifts unexpectedly.They also tackle legacy planning, highlighting why an outdated will or an uncompleted trust can leave a massive mess for your family.From the hidden tax adjustments that hit surviving spouses to the simple steps of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.

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.

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 help you see your full financial picture more clearly.📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

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:When can I retire?Have I saved enough?Will my money last?And will my loved ones be okay if something happens to me?If you want retirement to feel intentional instead of uncertain, this conversation is a must-listen.📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

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 facing today’s retirees, including longevity, inflation, tax risk, and the decline of traditional pensions.They explain why retirement planning is ultimately income planning and how smart tax strategies, Social Security decisions, and thoughtful withdrawal planning can help retirees feel more confident about the years ahead.Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

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 miles per hour into a school zone? We also break down the rule of 100 and why your neighbor’s investment strategy might be a total disaster for your specific situation.It is all about shifting from the working years to a lifestyle of clarity and confidence.📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

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 financial life under one roof, and creating a community where retirees feel supported.The conversation also dives deep into the tax challenges retirees face today, from required minimum distributions and Roth conversions to Social Security taxation and planning after the loss of a spouse.It is a thoughtful, practical episode about why retirement should feel as good as it is planned.📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with an FSR advisor.

This week, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down the end of year planning moves every retiree should know.They explain how Roth conversions, RMDs, capital gains planning, and charitable giving all work on different timelines and how a quick mock tax return can reveal smart opportunities before December 31.Josh also talks about the emotional side of retirement and the natural shift from the go go years to the slow go and no go years.From real stories to practical tax tips, this episode helps you understand what to prioritize now so you can stay confident and prepared for the road ahead.📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15 minute call with an FSR advisor.