Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

What Do Proposed Trump Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?

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

The Five Love Languages of Financial Planning

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

Retirement Lessons from Andy Reid: Super Bowl-Worthy Financial Strategies

As we gear up for another Super Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, let's take a moment to appreciate one of the best coaches in the game, Andy Reid. Whether you’re planning the perfect play on the field or preparing for retirement, success comes down to strategy, discipline, and knowing when to adjust. Today, we’re breaking down some of Coach Reid’s best quotes and how they apply to building a winning retirement plan.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:40 – Quote 1
4:05 – Quote 2
8:11 – Quote 3
11:02 – Quote 4
13:17 – Super Bowl prediction
 
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

Spending It All: Retirement Planning for the Ultimate Lifestyle Goal

Everyone views their retirement differently, and there’s a segment of the population that wants to live life to the fullest. If they could build the perfect plan, that last check they write would barely clear the bank. For those that don’t want to leave a large legacy and would rather spend down their assets over their lifetime, we’ll talk about how personalized planning can help accomplish that goal and ensure you’re not going to run out of money too soon.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:08 – Strained spending
7:16 – Defining lifestyle needs
11:05 – Mindset shift
15:13 – Our process
 
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

How Do You Find Your Retirement Number?

Chasing that magic number in retirement can be pretty anxiety-inducing. Many in the financial industry get fixated on saving and saving to reach this gigantic number, but there’s so much more detail that goes into figuring out what you will need to support your lifestyle. Today we’re going to tell you what goes into finding that financial independence number for you.
Read the article that Scott wrote for Kiplinger about this topic here: https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/your-enough-is-enough-number-for-retirement
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:23 – Essential questions
5:06 – The factors we consider
7:32 – Easing the anxiety
 
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

The Snowbird Retirement: Is a Seasonal Move Right for You?

As the cold winds of winter sweep across the Midwest, many retirees find themselves yearning for a change of scenery—a warmer, sunnier place to call home during the colder months. Enter the snowbird lifestyle, a popular choice for those looking to escape the harsh winter climate and embrace a more temperate environment.
In this show, we explore the world of snowbirding, the reasons why so many retirees are drawn to this lifestyle, and how it can be seamlessly integrated into your retirement plan.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:40 – Where people are enjoying their snowbird retirements
7:56 – Healthier lifestyles in warmer climates
10:05 – Zoombirds
 
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

Retirement Crisis Sparks Unlikely Agreement Between Democrats and Republicans

Maybe the biggest news of the new year is that Democrats and Republicans actually agree on something. The stats show that around 80% of people on both sides believe that the nation is facing a retirement crisis. So what are the biggest problem areas and how do we correct them?
This video will dive into results from a recent survey that reveal a vast majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, recognize the challenges of inadequate retirement savings, increasing debt, and inflation.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:31 – What is the retirement crisis?
3:04 – Debt
4:13 – Inflation
6:40 – Guaranteed income
9:55 – Social Security
 
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

Will Social Security Benefits Be Slashed 40% For High-Income Earners?

In today’s episode, Scott breaks down a recent Social Security solvency proposal that suggests a 40% reduction in benefits for high-income earners. Proposed by the American Enterprise Institute, this plan targets wealthier individuals to bear the brunt of reductions, allowing lower-income retirees to face less drastic cuts.
Scott weighs in on whether this proposal is likely to gain traction and examines broader challenges facing the Social Security system. He’ll also share what the potential adoption of a proposal like this could mean for the future of retirement planning.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:28 – Social Security proposal
3:05 – Challenges in the Social Security system
5:39 – How does this impact financial planning?
9:40 – Staying educated and communicating with your advisor
 
Social Security Reform Article:
https://www.fa-mag.com/news/social-security-reform-proposal-would-slash-benefits-40--for-high-earners-80419.html?section=131&utm_source=FA+Magazine&utm_campaign=e6e275dc58-FAN_Retirement_Allspring+Lead+Gen_112524+GTG&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-02ce404ce3-244628203
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

5 Tax Strategies to Save You Money in Retirement

Retirement planning is more than just saving money; it's about making your savings last as long as you do. Today Scott is going to share five crucial tax strategies that can significantly impact your financial future.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:19 – Why tax planning is critical to today’s retirement plan.
3:13 – Roth conversions
5:38 – Harvesting capital gains
7:15 – Tax diversification
9:41 – Required minimum distributions
12:39 – Health savings accounts
 
Read Scott's Kiplinger article:
https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/tax-strategies-to-help-your-money-last-in-retirement
 
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

$1 to $5 Million Saved – Should I Change Advisors?

In this show, we explore why people in this financial bracket often rethink their strategy and discuss key topics like tax planning, withdrawal strategies, and income guardrails. With more at stake and no room for mistakes, the importance of having a skilled team to guide you through retirement is greater than ever.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:52 – Shift to Distribution
5:25 – Are you paying too much in taxes?
10:58 – Will your money last?
14:07 – 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