In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss how to find clarity when you are feeling out of sorts due to market volatility or headline driven anxiety.

Josh shares a personal story about a family dinner reset involving a tableside Parmesan cheese wheel that turned a lethargic Sunday into a great start to the week .

We then dive into the unique challenges of the retirement marathon for women, focusing on the specific financial whammies that hit when transitioning from a married to a single filer.

From a last minute office wedding that saved a couple eighty thousand dollars in taxes to timeless wisdom from Ben Franklin on plugging financial leaks, this conversation is all about making retirement the best part of your life .

We simplify the complex so you can focus on what truly matters most.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl shares highlights from a family road trip to Louisville, Kentucky, including scouting reports from Mammoth Cave and the Louisville Slugger factory.

Back in the office, Josh and Mark Elliott discuss the impact of economic cycles on consumer confidence and how inflation in energy costs has hit the headlines recently.

Josh shares his perspective on why these periods occur and how the Wellment Way is designed to help retirees stay focused on their personal goals rather than market noise.

We also tackle the reported rise in healthcare costs for retirees, which can reach an estimated $345,000 for a couple, and why medical expenses are often cited as a significant cause of financial strain in retirement.

Finally, our mailbag addresses the psychological shift required to move from saving to spending, the potential complexities of acting as a "family bank" for your children, and strategies for managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott explore the personal side of retirement planning, starting with a Saturday night in downtown Elmhurst that served as a reminder of how quickly life transitions occur.

We dive into the often difficult topic of legacy and estate planning, discussing why clear documentation is the only way to protect your family from the courtroom battles that have plagued even the most famous estates.

Josh also breaks down the concept of portfolio risk using a highway analogy. Are you driving your investments at 80 miles per hour when you should be slowing down for the residential streets of retirement?

We discuss how to identify your unique risk score and why the Rule of 100 is just a starting point.

Finally, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month by simplifying the complex: it is not about technical jargon, it is about understanding your spending to ensure you can live fully.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott are back to help you navigate the bumps of retirement.

After a snowy Chicago weekend that forced a much-needed family reset, Josh shares why every retiree needs a mental break from the noise.

We dive into the current geopolitical headlines and why structuring your income matters more than timing the market.

The main event today is legacy planning, the 5th step of the Wellment Way.

Whether it is avoiding the tax traps for a surviving spouse or ensuring a child with special needs is protected, we cover the blunders that catch people off guard.

Legacy planning is not just for the folks in mansions, it is for anyone who wants to leave their family with a plan instead of a mess.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Retirement used to be simpler when everyone had a pension.

Today, we are living in a world of IRAs and 401k plans, which means you are now in a partnership with Uncle Sam that you might not have signed up for.

This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl explains why taxes are the single biggest variable in your retirement success.

We discuss the hidden taxes that surprise many families, like the 10 year rule for inherited IRAs and the single filer tax hike that hits after losing a spouse.

Whether you are two years out from your target date or already enjoying your free time, it is time to stop looking in the rearview mirror with tax prep and start looking ahead with tax planning.

We also answer your questions about co-signing student loans and why a second opinion on your finances might be the key to marital harmony.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

What is the biggest risk to your retirement?

According to Josh Bretl, it is usually the thing you haven't even thought of yet.

This week on Retire Well, Josh shares a sobering story about a neighbor's home ruined by a burst pipe while they were away for the winter.

It's a powerful reminder that a solid retirement plan must account for more than just the good times.

We also dive into the shifting world of retirement savings, exploring why your 401(k) was never actually designed to be a pension and how you can turn that nest egg into a reliable stream of lifetime income.

From navigating market volatility caused by global conflicts to understanding the complex new rules for inherited IRAs, Josh and Mark Elliott break down how to find clarity in the complexity.

Plus, we answer your mailbag questions about legacy, career changes, and more.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Walking into retirement can feel a lot like watching your child’s first dance.

It's a mix of pride, nerves, and a lot of questions about what comes next.

This week on Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dive into the emotional and financial shifts that happen when you stop punching the clock.

We talk about why your retirement strategy needs to change once you move from the "growth" phase to the "income" phase.

Josh breaks down the common leaks in retirement buckets, from hidden tax traps to the reality of Social Security cost of living adjustments.

Whether you are worried about outliving your money or just want to make sure your family is protected, we explore how a holistic plan provides the freedom to actually enjoy your hard earned savings.

It is about moving past the math and getting back to what matters most.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

What if you're a millionaire and don't even know it?

This week on Retire Well, Josh and Mark unpack the idea of the hidden millionaire.

Many hardworking savers quietly build significant wealth through 401k contributions, home equity, and years of disciplined habits without ever feeling rich.

They also explore how Gen X is stepping into the retirement spotlight, what Social Security could look like in the future, and how the quietly wealthy think differently about spending, taxes, and long term planning.

If retirement is creeping up on you, this episode will help you see your full financial picture more clearly.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Retirement is not built on one account. It is built on a strategy.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl shares a personal story about visiting his wife’s childhood neighborhood and uses it to highlight a powerful financial truth.

There is more than one way to grow up, and more than one way to retire.

Josh and Mark break down why a 401k is a tool, not a full retirement plan, how market volatility impacts real people, and why taxes, Social Security, and income timing matter more than most retirees realize.

They also explore how Olympic cities and athletes face unexpected costs, and why your retirement needs to be ready for surprises too.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

Retirement is not just about hitting a number. It is about stepping into a new season of life with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott explore what it truly means to be ready for retirement.

From the financial basics of spending, income, and taxes to the emotional side of purpose, identity, and relationships, they walk through the four questions nearly every retiree asks:

1. When can I retire?
2. Have I saved enough?
3. Will my money last?
4. And will my loved ones be okay if something happens to me?

If you want retirement to feel intentional instead of uncertain, this conversation is a must-listen.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.