Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

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

Retirees In Their 70s Regret These 5 Things

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). That ​clearly ​struck ​a ​chord ​with ​people ​that ​wanted ​to ​learn ​more ​about ​regrets ​in ​the ​retirement ​landscape. ​
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
4:47 – They wish they had retired earlier
10:23 – They wish they had spent more when they first retired
16:02 – They wish they took better care of their health
18:33 – They wish they had taken up a hobby
22:10 – They wish they had traveled more
 
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

Which of the 4 Annuity Types Should You Choose?

When it comes to planning for retirement, annuities often come up as a topic of discussion. But what exactly are annuities, and how do they fit into your financial plan? Today we’re going to break down the four different types of annuities and explain their pros and cons to help you make the best decision on which one fits you the best.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:55 – Why the growth in annuities?
6:39 – Removing bias
9:39 – Immediate Annuity
12:40 – Fixed Annuity
18:15 – Fixed Index Annuity
24:02 – Variable Annuity
27:00 – Planning is crucial
 
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 COLA Increase Estimate Announced for 2025

People always want to know whether they’ll get a Social Security increase and if so, how much will it be in 2025?
 
New government data shows that inflation is starting to subside, and that seems like it will have an impact on next year’s Social Security cost-of-living, or COLA, adjustment. Even though many retirees are still struggling with higher costs, the 2025 increase estimate shows the lowest adjustment in four years.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:12 – Scott’s reaction to the news
2:28 – Historical data
5:52 – Buying power nationally
12:54 – How it impacts spending
14:50 – Looking ahead
 
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

4 Ways You Could Pay More Taxes Than Planned

So ​you ​think ​you've ​got ​it ​all ​figured ​out and you’re ​not ​going ​to ​give ​Uncle ​Sam ​a ​single ​dime ​more ​than ​you ​absolutely ​have ​to. ​Well, ​not ​so ​fast, ​my ​friend. ​On ​today's ​episode, ​we're ​going ​to ​give ​you ​four ​ways ​that ​you ​could ​pay ​more ​taxes ​than ​you ​had ​originally ​planned. ​A couple of ​these ​might ​surprise ​you.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:24 – Moving into a higher tax bracket
7:09 – Rates for tax bracket go up
8:33 – Fewer tax deductions
9:48 – New taxes
 
Get the free guide: Could Higher Taxes Derail Your Retirement Approach? - https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SW_HigherTaxes_WP_Client_0622.pdf
 
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

The Retirement Equation: Controlling What We Can Control

When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most critical aspects to understand is control. Knowing what is within your control, what you have some control over, and what is entirely out of your control can make a significant difference in how you approach planning.
 
Today we’re going to focus on the behavioral side of planning and discuss why control is an important part of the retirement equation. This equation breaks things down into three main categories: things that we have total control over, things we have no control over, and things that we have some control over.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:00 – Total control
6:20 – Emotions
8:00 – Not in control
9:55 – Some control
 
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

Time to Take the Retirement Checklist Challenge

Retirement planning can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Working through a checklist can ease your worries and give you confidence, but what should you have on that retirement checklist?  Today Scott is going to share his Checklist Challenge, a comprehensive guide to ensure you're fully prepared for retirement. Find out which 34 essential items made the list.
Are you ready to take the Checklist Challenge? Download the checklist and follow along as you listen to the episode. See where you stand and identify areas for improvement. If you find gaps in your plan, don't hesitate to reach out to a financial advisor for guidance.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:10 – Common retirement fears
5:41 – Structure of financial plans
8:45 – Medical and healthcare
11:15 – How to use the checklist
 
Follow along with the checklist here: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Checklist-Challenge-Download-PDF-for-WEB.pdf
 
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande - https://amzn.to/4cECv8J
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/