Josh kicks off the show with a story from his annual father daughter camping trip, a reminder of why intentional time matters.

He then breaks down the Federal Reserve’s latest quarter point rate cut and why this one is surrounded by controversy.

With the government shutdown limiting economic data, markets and policymakers are reacting with mixed opinions.

Josh explains how interest rates influence retirees and why planning around income, investments, taxes, healthcare, and legacy needs can help reduce the impact of outside forces.

The show also explores increasing longevity, withdrawal strategies, and real listener questions about planning for a long, fulfilling retirement.

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

In this week’s episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott talk optimism - yes, optimism - in a world full of gloomy headlines.

From a fourth-grade Greek mythology presentation to the latest Federal Reserve moves, Josh shares why he believes retirees have more reasons to feel hopeful than fearful.

He explains how technology and consistent tax laws can actually work in your favor, and how smart planning can protect your income, reduce taxes, and keep your retirement on track even when the news says otherwise.

The episode also digs into strategies for managing RMDs, Social Security taxation, and Medicare’s IRMAA rules, all with FSR Wealth’s signature clarity and humor.

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

This week, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dive into what truly makes a confident, successful retirement.

After sharing a funny story from a family trip to Cabo San Lucas, Josh draws a surprising connection between family planning and financial planning, both take effort, but they’re worth it.

The conversation shifts to a Yahoo Finance report revealing how wealthy retirees think differently, focusing on guaranteed income, lifetime tax planning, and legacy.

Josh also shares when it might be time to re-evaluate your financial advisor and what to look for in one who specializes in retirement.

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

Retirement isn’t a short pit stop anymore, it can last 20 to 30 years or more.

In this week’s episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dig into the evolving realities of retirement planning and why old rules like “the 4% rule” don’t hold up today.

From managing income and taxes to preparing for healthcare and long-term care, Josh explains how planning must adjust to life’s phases — the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years.

The pair also share family stories, book talk, and practical advice for retirees who want to enjoy life now while still protecting their future.

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

What can a middle-school novel teach us about retirement?

A lot more than you’d think!

In this episode, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott start with a heartwarming story about Josh’s family reading time and a surprising book set in a retirement village.

The story sparks a conversation about connection, communication, and legacy, before diving into how those same themes apply to retirement planning.

From the rising cost of healthcare to the changing role of 401(k)s and pensions, Josh breaks down how to plan for the expected and the unpredictable with clarity and confidence.

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

This week on The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dig into one of the trickiest parts of retirement: understanding interest rates and creating dependable income.

Josh opens with a funny story about his son Alex discovering blackjack at a music festival, an eye-opening reminder of how tempting “gambling” can be, both at the card table and in the markets.

From there, Josh explains how today’s interest rate changes impact retirees as both savers and borrowers, and why the shift from saving to spending is such a major life transition.

Listeners will learn why guaranteed income can boost happiness, how to avoid relying on one-size-fits-all rules, and what the five pillars of the Own Your Retirement planning process are.

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

Josh Bretl kicks off this week’s show with a story about a once-in-a-lifetime dinner at a world-famous restaurant, but it’s not just about food.

It’s about rethinking the old way of doing things, just like retirement planning needs a fresh, thoughtful approach.

In this episode, Josh explains how integrating proactive tax strategies with investment planning can significantly improve your retirement outcome.

He also dives into the importance of understanding what you spend, why income is more important than rate of return, and how to find the right advisor to help you build a plan that lasts.

Retirement is personal, and this episode is a reminder that your plan should reflect that.

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

Retirement isn’t just about money in the bank, it’s about planning for the big picture. 

In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dig into Social Security, Medicare, and the rising costs of healthcare and long-term care.

From nostalgic stories about Elmhurst festivals to the very real challenges of planning for medical bills, Josh and Mark bring clarity and humor to topics that often feel overwhelming.

You’ll learn why Social Security is far more than just a “start early or delay” decision, how taxes and Medicare surcharges can throw surprises into your plan, and why preparing for long-term care matters more than most people think.

It’s all about helping you avoid costly mistakes and giving you the tools to enjoy retirement with confidence.

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

What do ice cream museums and retirement planning have in common?

More than you think!

In this episode, Josh and Mark kick things off with a hilarious story about Josh’s family trip to the Museum of Ice Cream, then dive into the serious stuff retirees can’t ignore as the year wraps up.

From Roth conversions to required minimum distributions, tax strategies, Medicare enrollment, and charitable giving, they cover the most important fourth-quarter moves you should consider.

Plus, Josh shares how to plan for the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years of retirement so you can enjoy today while preparing for tomorrow.

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

Retirement planning is filled with tough choices, and Social Security and annuities often top the list. In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott dig into the complexities of Social Security timing and the misunderstood world of annuities.

They unpack the pros and cons of different types of annuities, from fixed to indexed, and explain why these tools are not inherently good or bad—they just need to fit the plan.

You’ll also hear real-life stories, relatable analogies, and a dose of humor along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered when to take Social Security or whether an annuity makes sense for your retirement, this conversation offers clarity without the jargon.

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