Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

Changes to Contribution Limits in 2025

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

7 Key Areas to Focus on for a Fulfilling Retirement

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

Are you prepared for UNCERTAINTY?

The ​primary ​value ​of ​a ​financial ​advisor ​isn't ​just ​picking ​the ​right ​portfolio, making ​sure ​you're ​minimizing ​taxes ​or ​establishing ​a ​paycheck ​that ​you're ​not ​going ​to ​outlive ​in ​retirement. ​​It's ​about ​preparing ​clients ​for ​the ​truth. Can you handle the truth?
Today we’re going to talk about the uncertainty in life and retirement and how a financial advisor helps provide the certainty you need with your money.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:27 – Five key areas of planning
5:37 – Planning for uncertainty
9:15 – Different scenarios
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

How Much Money Do You Need to Be Rich?

The perception of what it takes to be wealthy sometimes matches reality, but often it doesn’t. Americans have opinions on what qualifies as being rich, and a recent survey tells us that we don’t always agree on what it takes to live comfortably.
Today we’re going to explore this disparity and discuss why comprehensive planning provides the clarity and direction you need to instill confidence in your financial future.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:00 – Study findings
6:30 – How many feel wealthy
9:39 – Wealth by generation
16:30 – Financial sources
19:49 – Staying on top of finances
21:56 – Planning decisions
 
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

Social Security Changes: How Raising the Retirement Age Could Impact You

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. On this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, your future, and your financial security.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
4:02 – Increase in full retirement age
8:11 – Penalty for taking Social Security early could increase
11:32 – Would an increase in full retirement age save Social Security?
 
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

Beware of the Pig Butchering Financial Scam

Have you heard of Pig Butchering? It’s not what you think. It’s a cunning new scam that’s draining retirement accounts and leaving victims penniless.
Today, we’re uncovering how scammers are using relationships built on various phone apps to lure people in. 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:02 – What is “pig butchering?”
6:09 – The scale of these scams
11:10 – How can we identify scams?
15:13 – Steps you can take to avoid scams 
 
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

Scott Helps Produce ‘The Psychology of Retirement’ Movie

We’ve spent years helping educate clients on financial planning and we’re excited about stepping out of our comfort zone and into a new medium: filmmaking. Scott is a contributing producer for the new movie, The Psychology of Retirement, which recently premiered in Colorado.
Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of creating this impactful movie, the importance of a comprehensive retirement plan, and the challenges retirees face today. Scott shares his experiences from the red carpet premiere to private showings and explains why having a written retirement plan is essential for a secure future.
We’re inviting anyone who wants to see the move to call our office for details on how to get a copy.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:09 – How did this movie happen?
4:51 – Movie premiere
9:36 – Retirement challenges
15:30 – What you can get out of the movie
18:00 – Movie trailer
 
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

Mise en Place & Retirement Planning: Setting The Stage For Your Next Chapter

Scott has always had a passion for cooking, and he recently completed a 9-week cooking course in Kansas City. In this episode, we explore the valuable lessons from the culinary world that can be applied to financial and retirement planning. 
One of the key concepts Scott learned is "Mise en Place," which emphasizes the importance of organizing and preparing all ingredients before you start cooking. This principle can similarly guide us in the financial realm, as we prepare and arrange our resources to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
10:14 – Mise en place
14:05 – Having a vision for retirement
19:03 – The value of having a team
28:43 – Experiences drive our feelings about finance
34:41 – Smooth sailing doesn’t mean nothing is happening
38:46 – You want a financial pro who has seen it all
 
The Culinary Center of Kansas City
https://kcculinary.com/
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724

HUGE Medicare Plan Changes are Coming

Today’s a special episode discussing ​Medicare ​plans because it’s ​really ​important ​that ​you ​review ​your ​medical ​plans as soon as possible. Big ​changes ​are ​coming ​to ​the ​industry ​and ​you ​don't ​want ​to ​be ​caught ​off ​guard. ​That’s why we’ve invited Cortney Dale, CEO of Sunflower Insurance Solutions to point out the areas you have to pay attention to and highlight where you might need to make changes to your plan.     
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:19 – Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act
5:49 – What’s changing with Medicare?
12:04 – Benefits of having an independent professional
16:27 – Lots of people will need help
18:49 – How to get help
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724
 
 
 

Why Retirement is a Team Sport for Couples

Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it’s time to talk. In this show, we'll explore why it’s so important for couples to have detailed conversations about their finances and retirement futures. Scott shares insights on how to navigate disagreements, the common issues couples face, and practical steps to ensure both partners are aligned.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:28 – Why you should work together
6:20 – Handling disagreements
9:40 – Healthcare costs
11:11 – Steps to take
 
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