Retire Well

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Social Security cost of living adjustments.Whether you are worried about outliving your money or just want to make sure your family is protected, we explore how a holistic plan provides the freedom to actually enjoy your hard earned savings.It is about moving past the math and getting back to what matters most.📞 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 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.They also explore how Olympic cities and athletes face unexpected costs, and why your retirement needs to be ready for surprises too.📞 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.

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, and understand key considerations like health care before Medicare, debt, and taxes.The conversation also explores how retirement has changed without pensions, why income planning matters more than ever, and how blending income from different tax buckets can help create clarity and confidence.The mailbag segment tackles real listener questions about involuntary retirement, Medicare confusion, cognitive decline, and couples navigating different financial comfort levels.📞 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.

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 of living adjustments, and expanded senior tax deductions and charitable giving rules.Josh explains why understanding these changes matters, especially as tax laws continue to evolve.They also tackle one of the biggest fears retirees face. Running out of money.From sequence of returns risk to the loss of pensions, Josh explains how building a diversified income strategy and a reliable income floor can help retirees spend with more confidence and less anxiety.📞 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.

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 provide all four and how retirees need to understand the role banks, Wall Street, and insurance companies each play.They also explore common retirement fears, tax planning over a lifetime, and why clarity around spending can give you permission to actually enjoy retirement.📞 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.

Retirement should feel more like a holiday break and less like a stressful countdown.In this festive episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott use the Christmas season to explain what real retirement freedom looks like and how to plan for it.Josh shares personal stories about family, freedom, and why retirement is not about hitting a magic number but understanding monthly spending and reliable income.The conversation covers income planning, taxes, healthcare, Social Security decisions, and long-term care, along with listener questions about gifting, charitable giving, and legacy planning.It is a warm, practical discussion designed to help you check your retirement list twice and feel confident about the years ahead.📞 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.