Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan
Financial and retirement planning guidance from Kansas City‘s Scott Dougan of Elevated Retirement Group. Scott Dougan founded Elevated Retirement Group in 2003 in order to fill a niche he felt was not being addressed properly in the retirement planning environment – helping retirees and pre-retirees in the Kansas City metro area find answers to issues that may affect the quality of life during their retirement. Scott is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and holds a Series 65 Investment Adviser Representative license, which holds him to the fiduciary standard. He also holds insurance licenses in Kansas, Missouri and other states.
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
You’ve spent years saving in your IRA, but what if we told you it could be the worst asset to leave to your kids? In this episode, Scott uncovers a critical issue with your retirement plan: inherited IRAs.
Why does nationally recognized IRA expert, Ed Slott, call traditional IRAs “the worst asset to pass on to your kids?” We’ll break it all down for you and explain how you may be leaving a massive tax bill for your heirs.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
🔥 The IRA Time Bomb: Why Your Nest Egg Could Blow Up
📣 Ed Slott’s Bold Warning
💥 The SECURE Act & 10-Year Rule
⛓ Why IRAs Are Now a Burden to Heirs
🔄 Roth IRAs: A Better Legacy Tool
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/
📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something, anything. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit like we’ve seen in recent days and weeks? If you’ve felt your stress levels rise, you’re not alone. Today we’ll try to help ease those emotions and the natural inclination to start making changes to your investment strategy.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
📉 What to do (and not do) when the market drops
🧠 Why emotion is the biggest threat to your portfolio
📊 Market history since 1970—what it teaches us
🕰️ How missing just a few days can derail decades of growth
🧺 The “4-Bucket” plan that brings clarity during chaos
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/
📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Are Traditional IRAs Really the Worst Asset to Own?
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Retirees have leveraged the traditional IRA for decades to invest and save, but is it still the best tool for today’s retirement landscape? IRA expert Ed Slott recently called the traditional IRA “the worst possible asset to own,” which is a bold statement.
If this is true, when did it all change, and what are some better options? In this episode, we’ll explore the validity of this statement and have a real conversation about investing and taxes.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
📜 The SECURE Act killed the Stretch IRA for most beneficiaries
💣 Large IRAs = tax time bombs for heirs in peak earning years
🔁 Roth IRAs can provide tax-free income and reduce RMD headaches
🧠 Layered tax strategies can help reduce your long-term liability
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/
📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
5 Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today we’re going to unpack five common myths that trick retirees into making emotional or short-sighted decisions.
Here’s some of what we cover:
🎭 Don’t get fooled by “guaranteed high returns”
🕒 Social Security timing is more than just fear of missing out
💰 Tax burdens in retirement can be higher—not lower
💡 Being frugal isn't a retirement strategy—it’s a mindset
🏥 Relying on your kids for care isn’t a long-term plan
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/
📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
The Risky Game of Picking Stock Winners
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks feels exciting. But the odds of winning big are slim. Investors often chase stock picks the same way they bet on their favorite teams, but history shows most stocks underperform, just like most brackets get busted.
In this video, Scott breaks down the risky game of stock picking and how it compares to the unpredictability of March Madness.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
🏀 March Madness & Investing – Why picking stocks is just like picking brackets
📉 Most Stocks Underperform – The surprising truth from a 98-year study
📊 Company Stock Risks – Why overconcentration can hurt your retirement
🔄 Diversification Wins – How to create a balanced, long-term investment strategy
0:00 – Intro
2:44 – Almost $3B wagered
4:25 – Stock Study
5:14 – Most people lose
7:08 – Sustained success is difficult
11:02 – Picking favorites
14:38 – Penny stocks and crypto
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
📚 Get a FREE copy of our latest book, Exceptional Retirement!
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/kiplinger-toolkit.html
🛠️ Check out our Retirement Toolkit
https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
How to Navigate a Market Correctionn
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Much like the weather, the stock market has its share of ups and downs. Those stormy days might feel unrelenting at times, but even in weeks filled with red, we can usually count on brighter days ahead. In this episode, Scott will provide some much-needed context for market corrections, explain how they differ from pullbacks and bear markets, and show you why staying calm is the best approach.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
📉 Pullback vs. Correction vs. Bear Market – What’s the difference?
⚠️ Why Market Corrections Happen –
💡 The biggest mistakes investors make in downturns
📊 Protecting Your Portfolio – How diversification & risk management help
0:00 – Intro
0:56 – What’s causing this volatility
5:35 – 3 types of market movements
8:21 – Market correction factors
13:00 – How does it impact you?
18:08 – 5 actionable items
Get our latest on market corrections here: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UNDERSTANDING-MARKET-CORRECTIONS.pdf
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
📚 Get a FREE copy of our latest book, Exceptional Retirement!
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/kiplinger-toolkit.html
🛠️ Check out our Retirement Toolkit
https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
What Your Advisor CANNOT Do For You
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Many people enter into a relationship with their financial advisor with unrealistic expectations, often believing they can control the uncontrollable. The reality is an advisor can provide great value, but they can’t help you with everything.
Today it’s part two of our series on things your advisor can and can't do for you, and we’re going to clarify some misconceptions and set proper expectations regarding what an advisor cannot do.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:23 – Guaranteed returns
7:51 – Make you rich overnight
10:08 – Eliminate all risk
11:41 – Change behavior for you
14:04 – Final takeaways
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
📚 Get a FREE copy of our latest book, Exceptional Retirement!
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/kiplinger-toolkit.html
🛠️ Check out our Retirement Toolkit
https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Things Your Financial Advisor CAN Do For You
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
In the world of finance, the role of a financial advisor can often be misunderstood. Many individuals think that hiring a financial advisor is solely about investment management or picking stocks. However, the role of an advisor is multifaceted so understanding what they can and can't help you with will allow you to make more informed decisions.
In this video, you’ll discover the five key things a financial advisor can do for you, from creating a personalized financial plan to helping you avoid emotional decision-making.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:15 – Create a personalized financial plan
5:30 – Preventing emotional decisions
12:35 – Discipline & Accountability
17:48 – Simplifying complex decisions
20:42 – Optimize investments
23:03 – The Number One Question to Ask
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg
📞 Call us: 913-393-4724
📚 Get a FREE copy of our latest book, Exceptional Retirement!
Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/kiplinger-toolkit.html
🛠️ Check out our Retirement Toolkit
https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights!
🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1
📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser
📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips!
https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/
#retirement #retirementplanning
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
What Do Proposed Trump Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. What could these mean to your personal finances and the economy? Today, we’ll explain a bit of the backstory of tariffs and discuss the possible financial pros and cons.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:53 – What is a tariff?
3:32 – History of tariffs
4:43 – Economic implications
8:30 – Benefits
10:45 – Market volatility
12:45 – Emotional reactions
Want to connect with us?
Web: https://listentoscott.com/
Schedule a call: https://elevatemyretirement.com/contact/ or 913-393-4724
Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
The Five Love Languages of Financial Planning
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re going to talk about the five love languages made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. Today we’ll tell you what those have to do with planning for retirement. You'll be surprised by some of the connections Scott is able to make here.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:02 – Acts of Service
7:08 – Quality time
8:22 – Words of affirmation
13:35 – Gifts
17:16 – Physical touch
20:02 – Final thoughts
Want to connect with us?
Web: https://listentoscott.com/
Schedule a call: https://elevatemyretirement.com/contact/ or 913-393-4724
Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky