Your Retirement Elevated Podcast

You spent decades learning how to save for retirement, but almost nobody teaches you how to actually spend from it. Today, Scott explains why retirement income planning is completely different from simply building a large 401(k), and how to turn retirement savings into a reliable paycheck. He reminds us that the distribution phase of retirement can be just as important as the accumulation phase. Here's what we cover in this episode:

You can have plenty of money on paper and still feel unsettled in retirement. After decades of saving and doing everything right, many people expect confidence to come automatically. Instead, they hesitate to spend, second-guess their decisions, and worry about the future. Today, Scott explains why retirement isn't just a math problem- and why feeling secure takes more than simply having “enough.” Here's what we cover in this episode:

This is Part 2 of our Hidden Risks series, and we're shifting focus to one of the biggest long-term threats to your retirement: taxes. Some risks don't hit all at once, they slowly wear down your plan over time. Scott breaks down how tax decisions shape your income, flexibility, and long-term outcomes. If Part 1 was about protecting your plan, this one is about keeping more of what you've built. Here's what we cover in this episode:

This is Part 1 of our Hidden Risks series, where we're looking at the issues that can quietly derail a retirement plan if they're not addressed. Most people focus on investments, but that's only part of the picture. In this episode, Scott walks through the risks that don't show up on a statement but can still have a major impact. It's all about making sure your plan is built for real life, not just market performance. Here's what we cover in this episode: ⚠️ Beyond Markets: Real risks go beyond investment performance

Kansas City is about to take center stage as it hosts one of the biggest global events with the World Cup, and that spotlight brings a surge of opportunity. Homeowners are asking a simple but powerful question: can you rent out your home during the event and keep the income tax-free? It all points back to a little-known strategy called the Augusta Rule, a tax provision that sounds almost too good to be true, but isn't as simple as it seems. In this episode, Scott breaks down what the Augusta Rule actually is, where it came from, and how it applies to real-world situations like the World Cup. Here's what we cover in this episode: ⚽ Major events create real financial opportunities

See the chart here: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GRAPHIC-Retirement-Age-vs-Death-scaled.png A viral chart is making a bold claim: the later you retire, the shorter you live. It's eye-catching, easy to share, and—at first glance—convincing. But like a lot of financial content online, it blends real-looking data with misleading conclusions designed to grab attention, not tell the full story. Today, Scott breaks down what the chart gets wrong and why the bigger issue isn't retiring “too late,” it's being unprepared for a retirement that could last decades. Here's what we cover in this episode:

Today, Scott's going through the top things people are Googling about AI and retirement and giving you straight answers. The search bar doesn't lie. People are nervous, curious, and trying to figure out what AI means for the life they've spent decades building. Most of the answers are less dramatic than the questions suggest. But those questions are still worth working through with someone who understands your full financial picture. Here's what we cover in this episode:

When most people picture retirement, they imagine fewer deadlines, fewer worries and hopefully fewer taxes. But many retirees are surprised to learn their tax bill can actually increase once they stop working. Scott walks through four retirement tax traps that catch people off guard and how proactive tax planning can help reduce lifetime taxes and protect retirement income. Here's what we cover in this episode: ⏳ RMD Surprises: Required withdrawals can increase taxable income

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was passed in July and it's already reshaping the retirement landscape, especially when it comes to tax strategy and account planning. In this episode, Scott breaks down the three biggest takeaways from the bill that directly impact your retirement accounts. From Rothification trends and expanded conversion opportunities to smarter ways to preserve income-based deductions, we'll tell you what has changed and how to take advantage of it. Here's what we cover in this episode:

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:

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:

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:

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: