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.

Retirement is often treated like a finish line. Josh Bretl sees it differently.

In this episode of Retire Well, Josh and Mark Elliott unpack what retirement really means and why it has less to do with quitting work and more to do with freedom, flexibility, and cash flow.

Josh shares a personal story about Chicago winters, unexpected family routines, and how small moments can turn into the most meaningful parts of life.

That same idea carries into retirement planning. Listeners learn how to think beyond a magic number, focus on monthly income needs, and understand key considerations like health care before Medicare, debt, and taxes.

The conversation also explores how retirement has changed without pensions, why income planning matters more than ever, and how blending income from different tax buckets can help create clarity and confidence.

The mailbag segment tackles real listener questions about involuntary retirement, Medicare confusion, cognitive decline, and couples navigating different financial comfort levels.

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

This week on Retire Well with Josh Bretl, Josh and Mark Elliott tackle two of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood parts of retirement planning. Legacy decisions and reliable income.

Josh opens the show with a personal story about his daughter Maggie’s first gymnastics competition, drawing a powerful parallel between preparation, effort, and enjoying the moment.

From there, the conversation turns to why families avoid talking about inheritance and how clear planning and communication can remove stress for everyone involved.

In the second half, Josh and Mark break down the real challenges facing today’s retirees, including longevity, inflation, tax risk, and the decline of traditional pensions.

They explain why retirement planning is ultimately income planning and how smart tax strategies, Social Security decisions, and thoughtful withdrawal planning can help retirees feel more confident about the years ahead.

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