Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

Retirement Breaking News: The 4% Rule Gets a Makeover

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision?
In this episode, Scott takes a closer look at what the 4.7% update really means. He walks through the origins of the rule, the risks of interpreting it as a green light to spend more, and why your real withdrawal rate should always reflect your goals, health, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Headlines and quick financial tips are tempting to follow, but without a personalized plan, they can steer you in the wrong direction.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
📈 What the new 4.7% rule is really based on
⚠️ Why withdrawal rules don’t fit everyone
🎯 The three phases of retirement
🧮 How dynamic planning beats static numbers
 
💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future?
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📞 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!
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📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger:
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Should You Gift Money While You’re Alive or Leave A Legacy?

You’ve worked hard, saved well, and now you’re thinking about giving back—maybe to your kids, your grandkids, or a cause you care about. But should you wait and pass that wealth on later, or give while you’re still around to enjoy the impact? Let’s talk about how to make that decision with confidence.
In this episode, Scott shares a thoughtful 4-step process to help you navigate one of the most meaningful decisions in retirement.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
🛫 Why planning to “put your oxygen mask on first” is essential
🎯 Clarifying your motivations before giving
💸 How to give tax-smart and avoid costly surprises
🎁 Structuring your gifts based on how recipients handle money
 
💼 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
 
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Estate Planning Essentials: Should You Put Everything Into a Trust?

A lot of people believe that everything should go into a trust once you’ve set it up, and while that sounds logical, the answer is actually no. Not everything belongs in your trust, and getting it wrong could lead to headaches, probate delays, or even tax trouble. So today, we’ve invited estate planning attorney Connor Kelley to break down the four big ones you want to be careful with: retirement accounts, vehicles, life insurance, and checking accounts.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
📜 Why IRAs and 401(k)s don’t belong in your trust🚗 The surprising reasons to keep vehicles out of it💸 How to handle life insurance the smart way🏦 What to do with your checking account instead of retitling it👨‍👩‍⚖️ The benefit of working with a coordinated financial and legal team
 
Learn more about the Kelley Law Firm: https://www.yourestateplan-kc.com/
 
💼 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:
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You Don’t Really Want a Financial Plan

Most people walk into a financial advisor’s office asking for more income or a better plan. But what they’re really searching for is something deeper: peace of mind, clarity, and the ability to live life on their terms. In this episode, Scott challenges the conventional approach to planning and reveals the real reason people seek financial guidance in the first place.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
🗺️ Find clarity, not just paperwork
❤️ Your why > your wallet
🏡 Plan for your real life
⚠️ That uneasy feeling? It's trying to tell you something
😌 Peace of mind > perfect numbers
 
💼 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
 
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Your Emotions Might Matter More Than Math

What if I told you the key to financial success isn’t how smart you are with numbers, but how well you understand your own emotions? One of the most talked-about money books out there, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, might change the way you think about money, and we’re going to dive into the key concepts in this video.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
🧠 Understanding emotional drivers of money decisions
🎯 Why “enough” is a moving target and how to stop chasing it
🎯 Being reasonable beats being perfectly rational
⚠️ Building plans that survive real-life curveballs
 
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, available on Amazon.com: https://shorturl.at/OaSuM
 
💼 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:
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The 7 Real Risks to Your Retirement Plan

When most people think about retirement risks, they picture a stock market crash. But the truth is, the biggest threats to your financial future are often the ones you never saw coming. In this episode, Scott unpacks seven real risks that can quietly derail even the most well-planned retirement. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about volatility.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
🔥 Inflation + interest rates = lifestyle erosion
💰 Tax traps that could silently drain your retirement
💡 How diversification helps, but doesn’t solve everything
💵 Liquidity matters more than ever during market stress
 
💼 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:
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Is 2025 a Bad Time to Retire? Here’s the Truth

You’ve had 2025 circled on your calendar for years, but now, with rising inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty, you’re asking the big question: Is 2025 still a good time to retire? In this episode, Scott breaks down what really matters when making the retirement leap and why the media headlines shouldn’t dictate your financial future. If you’re feeling pressure to postpone your plans, this conversation offers clarity, calm, and a better decision-making framework.
Key Points We Cover:
🧘 Stay calm, retirement success starts with a clear assessment
📉 Understand your true risk tolerance and volatility exposure
🧺 Why diversification isn’t just about having “lots of stuff”
🏦 How to structure your income for stability and confidence
📆 Why 2025 may not be the problem, your plan might be
 
💼 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
 
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The 3 Levels of Retirement Readiness

Most people think a full bank account means full retirement readiness, but it’s just the beginning. In this episode, Scott outlines the three essential keys you must consider before retirement. These points will help you determine whether you're set for a smooth, confident transition or if there are gaps you still need to address.
Find out how to assess your readiness using our practical 1–10 scoring system to help you identify exactly where you stand.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
📊 Three critical levels of retirement readiness
🏖️ Why financial plans need lifestyle plans, too
📝 How to self-assess with the 1–10 system
📈 Real client stories of smooth (and rocky) retirement transitions
 
Read the Retirement Manifesto Article: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/3-levels-of-retirement-readiness-where-do-you-stand/ 
 
Check out the scale for assessing your plan: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Assement-Document-PDF-Version.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
 
🌐 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
 
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Parents: Stop Sacrificing Your Future For Your Adult Kids

Half of parents are still paying their grown kids' bills (almost $1,500/month, on average), and it’s putting their own retirement at risk. The ‘Bank of Mom and Dad’ is open for business… but for how much longer? In this episode, Scott breaks down the rising trend of parents financially supporting Gen Z and millennial children, even into their 30s and 40s, and the often-overlooked danger it poses to long-term financial security.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
💸 The emotional toll of helping too much
📉 Why some parents are delaying retirement
🚨 Red flags that it’s gone too far
📊 What to do when support turns into dependency
 
Check out the Fortune article: https://fortune.com/2025/03/26/millennial-gen-z-adult-children-parents-monthly-payments-retirement/
 
💼 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!
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Why IRAs Are a Terrible Inheritance – And What You Can Do About It

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/
 
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