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.