Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the courage it took to declare independence — to stop accepting the status quo and choose something better. For retirees and pre-retirees with serious wealth, financial independence deserves the same declaration. Not just freedom from work, but freedom from guesswork, panic, and reactive decisions. In this special July 4th episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth from Johnson Brunetti explore what it truly means to find independence in your retirement.

Remember when you were working, and you could count on a regular paycheck hitting your bank account every month? For many retirees, that predictable income is replaced by constantly checking portfolio values and worrying about market fluctuations. But retirement doesn't have to feel like a financial rollercoaster. Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott discuss why having dependable income sources are so important for today's retirees.

Deciding when to retire involves more than just hitting a certain age or savings number. It's a complex decision with financial, emotional, and social dimensions. This week, Heath Grossman joins Mark Elliott to help you find answers to the most important question: “Am I truly ready to retire?”

It’s time to face a few hard financial truths head-on. Social Security is not stretching as far as it used to, future benefits may face pressure, withdrawal strategies are getting tighter, and healthcare can take a much bigger bite out of savings than you may expect. In this episode, radio host Mark Elliott and Financial Planner co-host Heath Grossman explain what these challenges mean and, more importantly, what you can do now to help build a retirement plan that’s more prepared to handle them.

Financial Advisor Eric Hogarth and Co-Host Mark Elliott discuss an eye-opening look at why retirees are blindsided by higher taxes, and discover the strategic 'three-bucket' plan that can save you tens of thousands over your lifetime. Don’t just file your taxes—plan them!

Retirement now feels more expensive than ever, and the latest numbers prove it. Americans say they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, while nearly half worry they could outlive their savings altogether. In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth break down what this rising “magic number” really means, why so many people feel behind, and how a well written plan can help turn a stressful target into a workable path forward.

On this weekend’s program, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth will explore practical frameworks for closing the gap between your guaranteed income and monthly needs, funding those big retirement dreams, and making your savings go further with smart tax and fee strategies. Whether you’re worried about outliving your money or just want permission to enjoy what you’ve built, you’ll learn how to create a retirement plan tailored uniquely to you—so you can turn your savings into a paycheck that lasts.

Global conflicts are casting a long shadow over the U.S. economy, and the Federal Reserve is officially sounding the alarm. With energy shocks and persistent inflation, businesses across the country are facing heightened uncertainty. But while the corporate world adopts a "wait-and-see" approach, retirees can’t afford to stand still. In this episode, host Mark Elliott and Financial Advisor Eric Hogarth unpack the Fed’s latest warnings and reveal why taking proactive steps today can help protect your life savings. The two also dive into the listener mailbag and go over a few questions you’ve submitted!

On today’s episode, Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott dive into the essentials of 401k plans and share practical strategies to help you make sure your retirement savings last as long as you do. Whether you’re just starting out or nearing retirement, tune in as our experts break down tips for maximizing your 401k, avoiding common pitfalls, and planning wisely so you can enjoy financial security in your golden years.

In this episode, Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott dive into some of the most common money habits holding Americans back from reaching their financial goals. With only 36 percent of Americans having a written financial plan, many are “winging it” when it comes to spending and saving. The discussion covers practical ways to break habits like living without a budget, neglecting your emergency fund, carrying credit card balances, and not maximizing your savings accounts.