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Retire Well

Retire Well

By: Josh Bretl
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Our weekly show dedicated to giving you the confidence to make retirement the best part of your life.Copyright 2026 Josh Bretl Economics Personal Finance Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Power of the Reset: Navigating Volatility and Legacy Blunders
    Mar 28 2026

    Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott are back to help you navigate the bumps of retirement.

    After a snowy Chicago weekend that forced a much-needed family reset, Josh shares why every retiree needs a mental break from the noise.

    We dive into the current geopolitical headlines and why structuring your income matters more than timing the market.

    The main event today is legacy planning, the 5th step of the Wellment Way.

    Whether it is avoiding the tax traps for a surviving spouse or ensuring a child with special needs is protected, we cover the blunders that catch people off guard.

    Legacy planning is not just for the folks in mansions, it is for anyone who wants to leave their family with a plan instead of a mess.

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

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    52 mins
  • 080: The Tax Trap: Why Your 401k Isn't All Yours
    Mar 21 2026

    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.

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    52 mins
  • 079: The Frozen Pipe Theory: Why Your 401(k) Needs a Plan for the Unexpected
    Mar 14 2026

    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.

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    52 mins
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