Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

Are Traditional IRAs Really the Worst Asset to Own?

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
 
📚 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/

5 Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most

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
 
📚 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

The Risky Game of Picking Stock Winners

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

How to Navigate a Market Correctionn

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

What Your Advisor CANNOT Do For You

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

Things Your Financial Advisor CAN Do For You

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

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