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
4 days ago
4 days ago
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
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Retirement Crisis Sparks Unlikely Agreement Between Democrats and Republicans
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
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
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Will Social Security Benefits Be Slashed 40% For High-Income Earners?
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
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
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
5 Tax Strategies to Save You Money in Retirement
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
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
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
$1 to $5 Million Saved – Should I Change Advisors?
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
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
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Costly Year-End Financial Planning Mistakes
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on your financial health and make strategic decisions for the future. In this week’s episode, Scott takes us through four major year-end financial planning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:44 – Ignoring the issues that debt creates.
5:50 – Overlooking the costs of your go-go years.
11:16 – Failing to plan for inflation’s long-term impacts.
13:13 – Not addressing poor lifestyle habits and decisions.
17:51 – Get in touch with Scott
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
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
The Perfect Holiday Flowchart: Are You Ready for Thanksgiving?
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
If you have watched any of our podcasts and videos, or if you've ever engaged as a client with Scott Dougan and the Elevated Retirement Group team, you've probably come across a lot of flow charts. We're going to poke a little bit of fun at Scott today as he has prepared us a beautiful flow chart. It’s not the typical chart about finances but about Thanksgiving instead.
Check out the flowchart here: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Thanksgiving-Flow-Chart.pdf
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:12 – Start of the flowchart
4:51 – Turkey prep
7:44 – Stretchy pants
9:10 – TV
10:40 – Cranberry sauce
14:30 – Master plan for the day
16:40 – Ready for things to not go as planned
19:30 – Scott’s message for this Thanksgiving
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 Nov 21, 2024
Key Ages To Remember for Retirement Planning
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Did you know there are three specific birthdays that can have a huge impact on your tax situation? It’s true, and today we’re going to tell you why 50, 65, and 73 are key ages for retirement planning.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:44 – Age 50
4:38 – Changes in catch-up rules
8:30 – Age 65
11:33 – Age 73
Want to connect with us?
Web: https://listentoscott.com/
Schedule a call: https://elevatemyretirement.com/contact/ or 913-393-4724
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Changes to Contribution Limits in 2025
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
The 2025 contribution limits are now available and the tweaks might be significant for anyone approaching retirement. These changes are really going to affect that person with tax-deferred accounts like a 401, IRA, 403b and others. Join us to find out how the 2024 limits compare to what’s coming in 2025 and how it might change your saving strategies.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:21 – 401ks
5:34 – 457bs and Roth IRAs
7:45 – HSAs
10:07 – Final thoughts
Want to connect with us?
Web: https://listentoscott.com/
Schedule a call: https://elevatemyretirement.com/contact/ or 913-393-4724
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
7 Key Areas to Focus on for a Fulfilling Retirement
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
When you talk about retirement timing and how to remain retired, people often overlook at least one of seven key areas. The majority of them have nothing to do with money but they’re just as important as your savings account.
We sent out this article in a newsletter to clients recently and got a good response, so today we want to elaborate on these seven factors that will help you lead a fulfilling retirement.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:30 – The dollars and cents
3:12 – Staying active
5:30 – The psychological side
7:48 – Social networking
14:10 – Personal experience
17:06 – Family decisions
The Key to Tax-Aware Planning: https://www.truewealthdesign.com/the-key-to-tax-aware-investing/
Check out the The Gap And The Gain: https://amzn.to/4eV7OgC
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724
Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky