I simplify the confusing world of investment accounts, custodians, and tax rules so you can make better financial decisions and feel confident about your retirement plan. If you're feeling overwhelmed and want personalized guidance, you can schedule a FREE call with me at 👉 ellisretirement.com I'll help you map out your financial puzzle, from taxes, investments, and estate planning, all the way to your long-term retirement goals. 📌 Why This Matters - Your investment account structure affects: - Your tax burden - How money transfers to your beneficiaries - How you withdraw funds in retirement - Your overall financial strategy Understanding your accounts is one of the most powerful steps toward a secure retirement. ------------------------------------ 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The two major categories of investment accounts → Retirement vs. Non-Retirement Accounts - Why account titling matters (ownership, control, beneficiaries) - What custodians are and how they affect your accounts - How investment accounts impact your taxes now and in retirement - When to consider working with a financial advisor or family wealth planner. ------------------------------ 💬 Have Questions? Drop them in the comments! I love hearing your stories and helping you get the answers you need.

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and if you haven't started thinking about your taxes yet, now's the time to act!

Taxes play a crucial role in your overall wealth management and retirement plan. In this episode, Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, breaks down 5 important tax checkups you should review before the year ends.

Whether you're planning for retirement or just managing your finances, these tips can help you avoid unnecessary tax penalties and optimize your financial situation for the next year.

Topics covered include:

Retirement Account Contributions – How to confirm your 401(k) and IRA contributions, ensure you don't exceed the limits, and avoid penalties.

Tax Withholdings – Ensure your withholdings are accurate so you're not over- or underpaying taxes.

Capital Gains & Losses – Learn how to handle capital gains taxes and what to do with any losses you've incurred this year.

Charitable Contributions – Maximize deductions by understanding the impact of your charitable donations.

Income Checkup – Understand your total income sources and how to avoid accidentally moving into a higher tax bracket.

Don't let tax season sneak up on you. Make sure you're fully prepared by following these 5 essential steps.

Whether you're an employee, business owner, or retiree, these strategies will help you keep your tax bill in check and make smarter financial decisions for next year.

If you want personalized advice or have any questions about taxes, wealth management, or retirement, book a FREE Zoom consultation with Grant Ellis directly on our website.

Let's talk about how we can help you build a solid financial future. 👉ellisretirement.com

Subscribe to the channel for more valuable tips on retirement, taxes, and wealth management.

Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video with anyone who could benefit from these insights!

Confused about what financial advisors actually do? You're not alone. The term "financial advisor" has no legal definition, and ten different advisors could offer completely different services.

In this video, I break down everything you need to know about the financial advisory industry so you can make an informed decision about who to work with.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why the term "financial advisor" is so confusing (and what it really means)

✅ The 3 primary services financial advisors provide: Investment Management, Financial Planning, and Access to Financial Tools/Products

✅ The difference between wealth managers, financial planners, brokers, and consultants

✅ How to determine which type of advisor YOU actually need

✅ My recommendation on the best approach for most people

✅ The single best way to vet a financial advisor before working with them to know if an advisor can help you

Why this matters:

After 21 years of helping people prepare for and enter retirement, I believe everyone should start with comprehensive financial planning. Think of it as having a personal CFO for your family who helps coordinate all aspects of your financial life—from investments and insurance to estate planning and tax strategy.

Financial planning isn't a one-and-done document; it's a living, breathing process that evolves as your life changes. Whether you're approaching retirement, trying to build wealth, or simply want someone to help manage your investments, this video will help you understand what to look for and how to find the right fit.

About Ellis Retirement Services:

For over 21 years, we've been helping individuals and families prepare for and successfully transition into retirement through comprehensive financial planning and investment management.

👉 Related Resources:

📌 How Financial Advisors Get Paid

📌 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com

⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and not individualized investment advice. Always consult a financial professional for your personal situation.

Grant Ellis, CEO & Owner | Ellis Retirement Services

If you spent your whole life saving and planning for your family's future… only to find out your spouse could be hit with a massive tax bill after you're gone — wouldn't that frustrate you?

In this video, I break down a hidden tax trap that catches thousands of retirees off guard: the Widow's Penalty. You'll learn what it is, why it happens, and how to reduce the impact before it's too late.

Here's what you'll learn: ✅ What happens to your IRA and 401(k) distributions when one spouse passes away ✅ Why "married filing jointly" suddenly changes everything ✅ How your spouse could jump from a 22% tax bracket to 32% overnight ✅ Two strategies to reduce the widow's penalty — Roth conversions and strategic life insurance

Whether you're nearing retirement or already taking RMDs, this episode will help you see your plan through a new lens — and protect your family from unnecessary taxes.

If you want to chat with me, I'd love to meet you via Zoom. You can schedule a chat via our website below.

👋 Schedule a free call: https://www.ellisretirement.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a review. It allows more people to find it. Thanks!

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that could change the future of 401(k) retirement plans. Most people haven't heard about it — but it could open the door to alternative investments like crypto, private equity, and real estate inside your retirement account.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• What Trump's executive order on 401(k) plans actually says
• Why it's unusual for a president to step directly into retirement plan rules What "alternative investments" are and why they've been restricted until now How this could affect your 401(k) in the future (and what's most likely to happen)

The potential role of Bitcoin, crypto, and private equity in retirement accounts Why this matters: The 401(k) is the #1 way Americans save for retirement. Even small changes to how plans are structured could impact millions of savers. Whether you're 30 years away from retirement or only a few months out, it's critical to understand how these changes may affect your money.

👉 Resources & Next Steps:

📌 Get my free guide: 32 Things to Know Before Retirement → https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3zhPyrs

📌 Schedule a free 30-minute Zoom chat → ellisretirement.com

📌 Visit us at ellisretirement.com

⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and not individualized investment advice. Always consult a financial professional for your personal situation.

Get the free 32 point retirement checklist here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3zhPyrs

Retirement isn't just about money. It's about how you spend your time.

After decades of working, many retirees find themselves asking: What now?

In this episode, Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, shares how to build purpose and fulfillment in retirement—plus some fun ideas from his personal "retirement jobs list" to get you dreaming about what life after work could look like.

✅ Why planning your time matters as much as planning your money

✅ How "optional work" can add purpose (and maybe a paycheck)

✅ Creative ideas for retirement jobs, volunteering, and hobbies

✅ A free checklist of 32 things to consider before retiring

📌 Free Resource: Want a checklist of what to consider before retiring? Click the link below to download our "32 Things to Consider Before Retiring" guide.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3zhPyrs

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If you have questions or want help navigating these financial conversations, don't hesitate to reach out: 📧 [email protected] 👋 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com 🔔 Subscribe for more tips on retirement, life planning, and financial peace of mind.

In this episode, Grant Ellis unpacks what a family vacation to Maine taught him about intentional spending—and why being honest about what really brings you joy is one of the most underrated financial planning tools out there.

From ditching beach trips that never felt quite right, to navigating the social pressure of lake houses, boats, and vacation "flex culture," Grant walks through the real-life exercise of aligning your money with your values.

You'll learn:

✅Why not all spending is created equal

✅How to "test drive" big financial decisions like second homes or retirement travel

✅Why Instagram-worthy doesn't always mean life-giving

✅The importance of practicing retirement before you get there

If you've ever wondered whether that beach house, boat, or bucket-list trip is really worth it—or how to find out—this episode is for you.

📍 Let's talk about how to spend your money where it actually matters.

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If you have questions or want help navigating these financial conversations, don't hesitate to reach out:

📧 [email protected]

👋 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com

🔔 Subscribe for more tips on retirement, life planning, and financial peace of mind.

"When should I start planning for retirement?" It's one of the most common questions we get and the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

n this episode, we break down how to think about retirement planning at every stage of life, from your 20s and 30s to your 50s and beyond.

We'll walk you through:

✅ The key financial moves to make in your 40s, 50s, and 60s

✅Why saving "6% of your paycheck" might not be enough

✅How to estimate your number—what you'll actually need to live on

✅The life (not just financial) questions you should be asking before you retire

✅How to build a plan that adjusts as your life changes

Whether you're decades away from retirement or it's just around the corner, this episode gives you a practical framework to get started.

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If you have questions or want help navigating these financial conversations, don't hesitate to reach out:

📧 [email protected]

👋 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com

🔔 Subscribe for more tips on retirement, life planning, and financial peace of mind.

There's a new tax bill making headlines, and while most people are busy enjoying summer, we're breaking down what actually matters for your financial life.

We'll cover: ✅ Why most people aren't thinking about this (and why that's fine) ✅ What the bigger standard deduction could mean for your taxes ✅ New tax breaks for retirees and families ✅ How the bill could impact your estate, charitable giving, and student loans ✅ Why your financial team matters more than ever for tax planning

It's not tax advice, just clear, practical insights to help you stay informed without losing your summer vibe.

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If you have questions or want help navigating these financial conversations, don't hesitate to reach out:

📧 [email protected]

👋 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com

🔔 Subscribe for more tips on retirement, life planning, and financial peace of mind.

What if your spending habits are saying more about you than you realize? In this episode, we explore how money, identity, and status get tangled up—and how to step back and make financial decisions that reflect your real values. It's not about guilt or rules. It's about being intentional, thinking clearly, and spending in a way that actually feels right.

If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review and ranking. It helps other people find it.

If you'd like to connect with us, you find Grant on LinkedIn or visit our website at ellisretirement.com.

Thanks for listening!