Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

5 Critical Questions To Ask Your Financial Advisor

​Whether ​you're ​just ​starting ​out ​with ​a ​financial ​advisor ​or ​considering ​a ​change, it’s important to have some key questions in mind to help determine whether a particular advisor is a good fit for you and your finances. Today we’re going to give you ​five ​critical ​questions ​you ​need ​to ​ask ​to ​ensure ​you're ​getting ​the ​best ​advice ​possible.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:41 – Reviewing your financial situation
3:55 – Proactively managing tax returns
6:28 – Future income planning
10:50 – Risk tolerance
14:32 – Estate planning
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724

Protect Your Information: Our Cybersecurity Event with Ryan Fickel

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for everyone, especially those planning for retirement. In this special edition of Your Retirement Elevated we’re sharing a video replay of our recent cybersecurity event with expert Ryan Fickel. Ryan is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Advisors Excel and will be working closely with our team moving forward.
This presentation covers a wide range of cybersecurity threats, from phishing attacks to ransomware and the growing dangers posed by AI. Don’t miss this helpful advice on how to stay vigilant against these attempts.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:48 – Where do threats come from?
8:12 – The fundamentals and preventative measures
18:28 – Phishing techniques getting more advanced
20:49 – Credit monitoring services
29:05 – Antivirus software, Windows11, wireless routers
37:22 – Credit card, identity, and password theft
42:31 – Precautions when using AI
53:51 – Q&A session
 
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

Don’t Let the IRS End Up With Your Retirement Money

The truth about retirement planning is that many people need a reality check when it comes to taxes and the impact they will have on their retirement money. Today we’re going to turn our attention to tax planning and how to keep most of your money from going to the IRS instead of the things you want to spend it on in retirement.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:40 – Taking money out prior to 59.5
3:58 – Enhanced creditor protection
7:35 – 3 ways to move your money
11:22 – What happens if something gets messed up
 
Get the Retirement Rollover Reality Check PDF: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rollover-Reality-Check-PDF-FOR-THE-WEB.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

Mastering The 5 Key Areas of Your Financial Life

What does a complete financial plan really look like? You’ve spent decades working hard, saving diligently, and now the golden years are on the horizon. But have you covered all of your bases? Listen in as Scott walks us through the 5 key areas of a complete financial plan in today’s episode- income planning, investment planning, tax planning, healthcare planning, and legacy/estate planning.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:33 – Overview of the 5 key areas
6:20 – Income planning
9:00 – Investment planning
11:52 – Tax planning
16:48 – Healthcare planning
19:15 – Legacy and Estate planning
 
The 3 Stages of Retirement Episode
https://listentoscott.com/video-podcasts/the-3-stages-of-retirement/
 
The 5 Key Areas of a Complete Financial Plan PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D6L8ZwZL0vyy5m3LbsCrXHC6_2QadcQt/view?usp=sharing
 
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

Am I At Risk of Having My Identity Stolen or Being A Victim of Fraud?

Today we’re going to cut through some of the fear by identifying the most common financial scams so you know what to be on the lookout for. We’ll also give you some tangible actions to take today to help safeguard your accounts.
Are you at risk of having your identity stolen or becoming of fraud? We’ll break it all down with Scott in this video.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:44 – Big interest in this topic
5:52 – Cyber threats
12:46 – Social media
14:30 – Common scams
17:30 – Upcoming event
 
Register for our July 10th cyber security event:
https://keap.page/bu413/cyber-security-event.html?inf_contact_key=d984fd0f0a859add734228f5a3da8c52
 
Listen to our previous episode on cybersecurity: https://listentoscott.com/podcasts/practical-strategies-for-protecting-retirees-against-scams-fraud/
 
Download the cybersecurity checklist: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PDF-Download-for-Website-Cyber-Security-Checklist.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

7 Habits for Living an Exceptional Retirement

Most people think retirement planning is all about the numbers. Will the assets I have accumulated – 401k/IRA, Social Security, real estate, pension, etc. – provide enough income in retirement to fund my lifestyle? Once you reach retirement, you’ll quickly realize there’s much more to preparing for the next chapter of life. Today we’re going to share seven habits that studies show can improve your satisfaction in retirement.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
4:55 – #1: Work at staying healthy
8:07 – #2: Strong social connections
9:18 – #3: Sense of purpose
10:49 – #4: Never stop learning
14:30 – #5: Be optimistic
17:50 – #6: Practice mindful gratitude
20:20 – #7: Have a pet
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724

The 3 Stages of Retirement

Retirement is a journey, and like any journey, it has its phases. Understanding these phases is crucial to ensure that you can enjoy your golden years without financial stress. In this episode, we’ll take you through the the essential stages of retirement planning: the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years.
Understanding these three stages will help you effectively manage your finances as you determine how much income you’re going to need along the way. This often overlooked dynamic of retirement planning will help ensure a comfortable and secure retirement so let’s take a closer look at each phase.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
3:30 – An overview of spending
8:19 – Spending by age data
15:40 – Longevity planning
19:18 – Rhino story
 
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

Celebrating the Launch of our Brand New Book

The long process of writing a book has finally wrapped up for Scott and we’re excited to be rolling it out very soon. In anticipation of the launch of Exceptional Retirement: Tools and Strategies for Retiring On Your Own Terms, we wanted to share some background on the book, the chapters that we think you’ll like most, and the personal stories that influenced our approach.
Our approach is all about personalizing your retirement, which is why we emphasize that every individual has unique needs, desires, and challenges when it comes to retirement. The book addresses the four fundamental questions that haunt future retirees: When can I retire? Do I have enough money? Will my money last? And, am I going to be okay?
Join us for another episode of the show and find out everything you need to know about the book.
Here are some of the questions we’ll tackle in this episode:
Scott learned a lot about himself through this book-writing process.
Why he picked tools and strategies as the theme and focus of the book.
The book strives to answer four big questions people have about retirement.
The personal experiences he pulled from when writing the book.
The key chapters and takeaways we think readers will enjoy most.
 
Check out the book and get your free toolkit here: https://keap.page/bu413/toolkit-page-1715718291057.html 

Retirement Questions That Every Generation Should Be Asking

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions.
In today’s episode, we’ll share insights into the unique concerns that echo across different age groups. These are the retirement questions that every generation is asking.
 
Here’s some of what we’ll tackle in this episode:
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are at or near retirement age and have many questions about how to best prepare.
Generation X (Approximately 1965-1976) is at a stage where retirement planning is becoming increasingly important.
Millennials (Approximately 1977-1995) are at various stages of their careers and find themselves navigating a range of retirement-related uncertainties, from saving strategies to the evolving landscape of retirement benefits.
Gen Z (Approximately 1996-2015) is at an early stage of the professional and financial journey, leaving many with questions on how to get started.
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724

Embracing the Unexpected: 9 Retirement Surprises Unveiled

Are you prepared for the unexpected turns your retirement might take? In this episode of Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan, we explore the surprising findings from a study by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. The study reveals a stark contrast between pre-retiree expectations and retiree realities, and we're here to explore the nine most common retirement surprises that await.
One of the most comforting surprises is that many retirees worry less about money than they anticipated. It seems that once the retirement plan kicks into action, the stress over finances begins to wane. This is a heartening revelation for those lying awake at night fretting over their financial future.
The takeaway from our episode is clear: retirement requires planning, flexibility, and an open mind. Whether it's adjusting travel plans or having those tough financial conversations, being prepared for the unexpected is key to a fulfilling retirement.
 
Here are some of the questions we’ll tackle in this episode:
- Why do retirees worry less about money and how does planning play a role?
- What causes many to retire sooner than expected and how abrupt is the transition?
- How does the reality of travel in retirement differ from the expectation?
- Why is discussing finances still taboo and what impact does that have on legacy planning?
- Do most retirees wish they had saved more, and what can you learn from their experiences?
 
Resources for this episode:
The Retirement Manifesto’s 9 Retirement Surprises
https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/9-retirement-surprises/
Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
https://www.transamericacenter.org/
 
Want to connect with us?
https://listentoscott.com/
https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/
913-393-4724