Today’s a special episode discussing ​Medicare ​plans because it’s ​really ​important ​that ​you ​review ​your ​medical ​plans as soon as possible. Big ​changes ​are ​coming ​to ​the ​industry ​and ​you ​don't ​want ​to ​be ​caught ​off ​guard. ​That’s why we’ve invited Cortney Dale, CEO of Sunflower Insurance Solutions to point out the areas you have to pay attention to and highlight where you might need to make changes to your plan.     

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:19 – Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act

5:49 – What’s changing with Medicare?

12:04 – Benefits of having an independent professional

16:27 – Lots of people will need help

18:49 – How to get help

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https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it’s time to talk. In this show, we'll explore why it’s so important for couples to have detailed conversations about their finances and retirement futures. Scott shares insights on how to navigate disagreements, the common issues couples face, and practical steps to ensure both partners are aligned.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:28 – Why you should work together

6:20 – Handling disagreements

9:40 – Healthcare costs

11:11 – Steps to take

Want to connect with us?

https://listentoscott.com/

https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). That ​clearly ​struck ​a ​chord ​with ​people ​that ​wanted ​to ​learn ​more ​about ​regrets ​in ​the ​retirement ​landscape. ​

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

4:47 – They wish they had retired earlier

10:23 – They wish they had spent more when they first retired

16:02 – They wish they took better care of their health

18:33 – They wish they had taken up a hobby

22:10 – They wish they had traveled more

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https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky

When it comes to planning for retirement, annuities often come up as a topic of discussion. But what exactly are annuities, and how do they fit into your financial plan? Today we’re going to break down the four different types of annuities and explain their pros and cons to help you make the best decision on which one fits you the best.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

0:55 – Why the growth in annuities?

6:39 – Removing bias

9:39 – Immediate Annuity

12:40 – Fixed Annuity

18:15 – Fixed Index Annuity

24:02 – Variable Annuity

27:00 – Planning is crucial

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https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky

People always want to know whether they’ll get a Social Security increase and if so, how much will it be in 2025?

New government data shows that inflation is starting to subside, and that seems like it will have an impact on next year’s Social Security cost-of-living, or COLA, adjustment. Even though many retirees are still struggling with higher costs, the 2025 increase estimate shows the lowest adjustment in four years.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:12 – Scott’s reaction to the news

2:28 – Historical data

5:52 – Buying power nationally

12:54 – How it impacts spending

14:50 – Looking ahead

Want to connect with us?

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https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky

So ​you ​think ​you've ​got ​it ​all ​figured ​out and you’re ​not ​going ​to ​give ​Uncle ​Sam ​a ​single ​dime ​more ​than ​you ​absolutely ​have ​to. ​Well, ​not ​so ​fast, ​my ​friend. ​On ​today's ​episode, ​we're ​going ​to ​give ​you ​four ​ways ​that ​you ​could ​pay ​more ​taxes ​than ​you ​had ​originally ​planned. ​A couple of ​these ​might ​surprise ​you.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:24 – Moving into a higher tax bracket

7:09 – Rates for tax bracket go up

8:33 – Fewer tax deductions

9:48 – New taxes

Get the free guide: Could Higher Taxes Derail Your Retirement Approach? - https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SW_HigherTaxes_WP_Client_0622.pdf

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https://listentoscott.com/

https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky

When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most critical aspects to understand is control. Knowing what is within your control, what you have some control over, and what is entirely out of your control can make a significant difference in how you approach planning.

Today we’re going to focus on the behavioral side of planning and discuss why control is an important part of the retirement equation. This equation breaks things down into three main categories: things that we have total control over, things we have no control over, and things that we have some control over.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:00 – Total control

6:20 – Emotions

8:00 – Not in control

9:55 – Some control

Want to connect with us?

https://listentoscott.com/

https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky

Retirement planning can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Working through a checklist can ease your worries and give you confidence, but what should you have on that retirement checklist?  Today Scott is going to share his Checklist Challenge, a comprehensive guide to ensure you're fully prepared for retirement. Find out which 34 essential items made the list.

Are you ready to take the Checklist Challenge? Download the checklist and follow along as you listen to the episode. See where you stand and identify areas for improvement. If you find gaps in your plan, don't hesitate to reach out to a financial advisor for guidance.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:10 – Common retirement fears

5:41 – Structure of financial plans

8:45 – Medical and healthcare

11:15 – How to use the checklist

Follow along with the checklist here: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Checklist-Challenge-Download-PDF-for-WEB.pdf

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande - https://amzn.to/4cECv8J

Want to connect with us?

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https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

​Whether ​you're ​just ​starting ​out ​with ​a ​financial ​advisor ​or ​considering ​a ​change, it’s important to have some key questions in mind to help determine whether a particular advisor is a good fit for you and your finances. Today we’re going to give you ​five ​critical ​questions ​you ​need ​to ​ask ​to ​ensure ​you're ​getting ​the ​best ​advice ​possible.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:41 – Reviewing your financial situation

3:55 – Proactively managing tax returns

6:28 – Future income planning

10:50 – Risk tolerance

14:32 – Estate planning

Want to connect with us?

https://listentoscott.com/

https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for everyone, especially those planning for retirement. In this special edition of Your Retirement Elevated we’re sharing a video replay of our recent cybersecurity event with expert Ryan Fickel. Ryan is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Advisors Excel and will be working closely with our team moving forward.

This presentation covers a wide range of cybersecurity threats, from phishing attacks to ransomware and the growing dangers posed by AI. Don’t miss this helpful advice on how to stay vigilant against these attempts.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:48 – Where do threats come from?

8:12 – The fundamentals and preventative measures

18:28 – Phishing techniques getting more advanced

20:49 – Credit monitoring services

29:05 – Antivirus software, Windows11, wireless routers

37:22 – Credit card, identity, and password theft

42:31 – Precautions when using AI

53:51 – Q&A session

Want to connect with us?

https://listentoscott.com/

https://elevatemyretirement.com/our-team/scott-m-dougan/

913-393-4724

Watch the show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RiT7Ky