Advertise on podcast: Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

This is Part 1 of our Hidden Risks series, where we’re looking at the issues that can quietly derail a retirement plan if they’re not addressed. Most people focus on investments, but that’s only part of the picture. In this episode, Scott walks through the risks that don’t show up on a statement but can still have a major impact. It’s all about making sure your plan is built for real life, not just market performance. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ⚠️ Beyond Markets: Real risks go beyond investment performance 🛡️ Insurance Gaps: Life and care coverage can be overlooked 📄 Asset Titling: Ownership structure impacts outcomes 📉 Risk & Age: Mistakes matter more later in life 💸 Tax Exposure: Planning gaps can create long-term drag   💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724   🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

Kansas City is about to take center stage as it hosts one of the biggest global events with the World Cup, and that spotlight brings a surge of opportunity. Homeowners are asking a simple but powerful question: can you rent out your home during the event and keep the income tax-free? It all points back to a little-known strategy called the Augusta Rule, a tax provision that sounds almost too good to be true, but isn’t as simple as it seems. In this episode, Scott breaks down what the Augusta Rule actually is, where it came from, and how it applies to real-world situations like the World Cup. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ⚽ Major events create real financial opportunities 🧾 The Augusta Rule allows limited tax-free rental income ⏱️ 14-day limit is critical—go over and rules change 💸 Pricing must be realistic and defensible ⚠️ The “hassle tax” can outweigh the upside   💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724   🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Most people buy life insurance once and never think about it again. But by the time you reach your 50s, the real question isn’t just what type you have, it’s whether you still need it at all. As your financial picture evolves, so should your approach to protection, coverage, and long-term planning. Today, Scott breaks down breaks down term, whole, and universal life insurance, and more importantly, how to think about them at this stage of life. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🎯 Life Insurance Needs: Your 50s bring a completely different set of priorities 🧩 Understanding Coverage: Start with the problem you’re solving—not the product 🏠 Whole Life Basics: Permanent coverage with specific, limited use cases 🔄 Universal Life: Flexible, but requires ongoing management 💰 Cash Value Reality: Not always the best place for growth 🔍 Review Matters: Most issues come from never revisiting your policy   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724   🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

See the chart here: https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GRAPHIC-Retirement-Age-vs-Death-scaled.png A viral chart is making a bold claim: the later you retire, the shorter you live. It’s eye-catching, easy to share, and—at first glance—convincing. But like a lot of financial content online, it blends real-looking data with misleading conclusions designed to grab attention, not tell the full story. Today, Scott breaks down what the chart gets wrong and why the bigger issue isn’t retiring “too late,” it’s being unprepared for a retirement that could last decades. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📊 Viral Chart Myth: Eye-catching data doesn’t always mean accurate conclusions 🔍 Data Breakdown: The chart mixes correlation with misleading assumptions 📉 Real vs Viral: Actual life expectancy data tells a very different story 🧠 Planning Matters: The real risk is not being prepared for a long retirement ⚠️ Study Flaws: Old data and bad interpretations drive viral misinformation   💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

Today, Scott’s going through the top things people are Googling about AI and retirement and giving you straight answers. The search bar doesn't lie. People are nervous, curious, and trying to figure out what AI means for the life they've spent decades building. Most of the answers are less dramatic than the questions suggest. But those questions are still worth working through with someone who understands your full financial picture. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🤖 AI & Job Security: What’s Actually at Risk 📊 AI in Your Portfolio: Hidden Exposure Explained 🧠 Retiring Out of Fear?: The Emotional Side of AI Fear 🔍 AI Financial Advisor: Can You Trust AI with Your Investments?   Resources for this episode:  The AI Headlines Are Scary. Do Retirees Need To Worry? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vqwyDjAdj8   Fortune article: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/morgan-stanley-predicts-ai-won-073000488.html    Invesco’s Winter 2026 DC Participant Pulse Survey:  https://401kspecialistmag.com/dc-participants-open-to-private-markets-and-ai-with-guardrails-invesco-survey/    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724   🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/

When most people picture retirement, they imagine fewer deadlines, fewer worries and hopefully fewer taxes. But many retirees are surprised to learn their tax bill can actually increase once they stop working. Scott walks through four retirement tax traps that catch people off guard and how proactive tax planning can help reduce lifetime taxes and protect retirement income. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ⏳ RMD Surprises: Required withdrawals can increase taxable income 🔁 Roth Conversion Timing: Poor timing can trigger higher tax brackets 💰 Social Security Taxes: Benefits can become partially taxable 👫 Widow’s Tax Risk: Surviving spouses often face higher tax rates 📊 Proactive Planning: Early retirement years create tax opportunities 🧠 Coordinated Strategy: Taxes, withdrawals, and Medicare are connected   💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724   🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg AI headlines are everywhere right now: “jobs disappearing,” “work becoming optional,” and predictions that artificial intelligence will reshape the entire economy. Scott steps back from emotional headlines and looks at what the actual data suggests about AI and the workforce. The real question isn’t whether AI will change the future; it’s whether your retirement plan is flexible enough to handle uncertainty if your timeline shifts. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💥 Attention Economy: Headlines aim to provoke emotional reactions 🤖 Job Evolution: AI changes work more than eliminating jobs 📉 Net Job Growth: Automation may create more roles long-term ⚠️ Late-Career Risk: Job loss near retirement has a bigger impact 🧭 Flexible Planning: Retirement plans must adapt to uncertainty   Yale’s Budget Lab article: Evaluating the Impact of AI on the Labor Market https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/evaluating-impact-ai-labor-market-current-state-affairs World Economic Forum article: Future of Jobs Report 2025: 78 Million New Job Opportunities by 2030 but Urgent Upskilling Needed to Prepare Workforces https://www.weforum.org/press/2025/01/future-of-jobs-report-2025-78-million-new-job-opportunities-by-2030-but-urgent-upskilling-needed-to-prepare-workforces/ Goldman Sachs article: How Will AI Affect the Global Workforce? https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/how-will-ai-affect-the-global-workforce Fortune article: Morgan Stanley predicts AI won’t let you retire early: Instead, you’ll have to train for jobs that don’t exist yet https://finance.yahoo.com/news/morgan-stanley-predicts-ai-won-073000488.html Brookings article: Measuring US workers’ capacity to adapt to AI-driven job displacement https://www.brookings.edu/articles/measuring-us-workers-capacity-to-adapt-to-ai-driven-job-displacement/   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg What actually happens after your annual review meeting? Is your plan just sitting on a shelf, or is something happening behind the scenes? In this episode, Scott pulls back the curtain and walks through the firm’s annual service calendar, the intentional, season-by-season process that keeps retirement plans aligned, optimized, and protected all year long. If you’ve ever wondered what your advisory team is doing between meetings, this episode is your behind-the-scenes tour. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ❄️ Winter Positioning: Preparing taxes, RMDs, and income coordination 🌷 Spring Strategy Review: Deep investment analysis and plan recalibration ☀️ Summer Protection Focus: Insurance, cybersecurity, and tax return review 🍁 Fall Precision Execution: Year-end tax moves and income adjustments ☕ Coffee Conversations: Educational events keeping clients informed   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. Scott pulls back the curtain on the sensational advice dominating YouTube and financial media. Instead of chasing rigid rules, he explains why thoughtful coordination across multiple planning areas produces better outcomes. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Roth Conversions: Context matters more than slogans 📈 Social Security Timing: Optimization vs. maximization 🏡 Paying Off the House: Emotional security vs. liquidity 🎯 Advisor or DIY: Complexity determines the answer 💰 Inheritance Decisions: Intentional legacy vs. lifestyle flexibility   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Some people love a thunderstorm, while others panic the moment clouds roll in. Markets work the same way and pretending you’re more comfortable with risk than you really can get expensive. Scott uses a weather lens to explain how preparation, not prediction, is what keeps retirement plans steady when volatility hits. When turbulence hits, preparation beats optimism every time. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🌩️ The Forecast Isn’t the Weather - Why market predictions don’t change volatility but preparation does. ☀️ Calm Markets Can Fool You - Why risk feels easy during bull markets and terrifying during downturns. 🚧 Your “Uncle” Number - Defining the loss level that would cause emotional panic. 🛣️ Guardrails & Speed Limits - Matching your portfolio to your real tolerance and not theoretical confidence. 🛡️ Preparation Over Prediction - Building income stability so volatility doesn’t derail your retirement.   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Most people don’t struggle in retirement because they made bad decisions, they struggle because they keep using the right tools for the wrong season. Scott shows how a simple story reveals why familiar strategies can quietly become obstacles over time. Inspired by a parable popularized by Sahil Bloom, the conversation reframes what real progress looks like later in life. Sometimes the hardest part of moving forward isn’t effort, it’s knowing what to finally set down. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🚤 Boat Dragging Context: Why smart people feel stuck 📖 The Parable Explained: A tool becomes a burden 💼 Outdated Strategies: Accumulation mindsets linger 🔄 New Retirement Reality: Income, risk, and tax shifts 🧠 Psychological Impact: Fear, familiarity, and sunk cost 🛠️ Proactive Planning: Intentional subtraction and alignment   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg There’s no shortage of retirement advice out there, but not all of it is helpful, and some of it can quietly do real damage. Today, Scott walks through 10 of the most common retirement planning myths and explains why relying on them can derail an otherwise solid plan. Before assuming something is “just how retirement works,” it’s worth taking a closer look. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📚 The “Thick Plan” Fallacy: Why bigger financial plans don’t automatically mean better outcomes 💑 Survivor Income Assumptions: A surviving spouse usually needs more income than expected 📉 Stocks vs. Bonds in Retirement: Age alone isn’t a reliable investment guide 🛑 Spending During Market Downturns: Why “just stop spending” isn’t a realistic strategy 🤯 Decision Fatigue in Retirement: Financial decisions often become more complex, not less   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg After a year marked by volatility, uncertainty, and more than a few economic curveballs, it’s understandable if optimism doesn’t come easily. Today, Scott discusses a Bloomberg opinion column that argues the outlook for 2026 may be brighter than many people expect. A strong economy might lift markets, but a strong financial plan is what helps people stay confident no matter how the headlines turn out. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Consumer Cash – More money flowing to households 🏢 Business Growth – Increased capital and investment flexibility 📉 Lower Costs – Interest rates and energy easing pressure 🌍 Market Stability – Fewer shocks from tariffs and trade   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg What’s new in 2026 for retirees and pre-retirees? Retirement rules are changing, and your future could look different in 2026. Tune in to discover what’s new and how the latest shifts might impact your financial strategy. Scott also shares what’s driving conversations on benefits, taxes, and smart savings moves. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📅 2026 Updates – Key changes affecting retirees and pre-retirees 💸 COLA & Medicare – Benefit increases offset by rising premiums 🧾 Senior Deduction – New tax breaks creating planning opportunities 🚀 Catch-Up Savings – Higher contribution limits for late-career workers 💼 Taxes & HSAs – Additional changes impacting health and tax strategy   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Smart, successful people don’t lose money because they lack intelligence. They lose money because they’re human. In this episode, Scott goes in-depth about the hidden cost of emotional investing and why fear, greed, and headlines often derail even well-built plans. Drawing on behavioral economics and real-world examples, the conversation explains how emotions quietly erode long-term results and what actually works instead. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🧠 Behavioral Traps: Why emotions override logic in investing 🎢 Emotional Roller Coaster: Stress, volatility, and poor timing 📱 Fear & FOMO: Social media, headlines, and herd behavior 🔍 Investor Biases: Overconfidence, loss aversion, and regret   📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website:  https://listentoscott.com/   📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html   🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1   📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser   📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/   #retirement #retirementplanning