Our weekly show dedicated to giving you the confidence to make retirement the best part of your life.
…
continue reading
Josh Bretl Podcasts
Got your bucket list ready to go? Been fattening up your 401k, maxing out your IRA contributions, calculating your social security pay-out? Then you’re ready to talk amongst friends, which is what The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is all about. This biweekly conversation features Josh Bretl, a CPA, Senior Advisor, and owner of FSR Wealth Strategies who shares financial planning tips and informative insights gleaned over two decades of helping clients achieve their retirement dreams. A lo ...
…
continue reading
1
061: What a Kids’ Book Taught Us About Retirement and Legacy
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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 th…
…
continue reading
1
060: Why Income Planning, and Not Gambling, Wins in Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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…
…
continue reading
1
059: Lasagna, Legacy, and Lifetime Income: Designing a Retirement Worth Savoring
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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 …
…
continue reading
1
058: The Retirement Storm: How to Face Rising Healthcare and Long-Term Care Costs
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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 me…
…
continue reading
1
057: Go-Go, Slow-Go, No-Go: Navigating Every Stage of Retirement with Confidence
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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 st…
…
continue reading
1
056: Annuities Uncovered: The Good, the Bad, and the Misunderstood
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
055: From Axolotls to Zoo Concerts to Interest Rates: Retirement Lessons That Stick
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Planning for retirement isn’t just about saving money, it’s about building a solid foundation. In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott cover it all—from funny family stories about concerts at the zoo (and even axolotls) to the serious topics shaping retirement today. They dig into the latest jobs report, what ri…
…
continue reading
1
054: From Back-to-School Nerves to Retirement Jitters
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Back-to-school jitters, market headlines, and retirement planning: what do they all have in common? In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott explore how life’s big transitions mirror retirement. From Trump-era tariffs and shifting tax laws to the real-life stages of financial life, Josh explains why emotional dec…
…
continue reading
1
053: Is Your Advisor Right for Retirement, or Just for Growing Money?
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Retirement planning isn’t just about saving money, it’s about knowing how to spend it wisely. In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down what to look for in a retirement advisor, why fees aren’t always bad, and the overlooked risks that can derail your golden years. From taxes to income planning to spott…
…
continue reading
1
052: Palm Trees & Pension Plans: A Christmas in July Retirement Talk
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
This episode brings a festive twist to financial planning! Josh shares his family's quirky Christmas in July tradition before diving into serious retirement issues—like tariffs, Roth conversions, and why retirement planning for women deserves extra attention. From tax-smart strategies to spousal Social Security, it’s all covered in Josh and Mark’s …
…
continue reading
1
051: From Sleepaway Camp to Retirement: Planning for the Long Haul
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
What do your daughter’s summer camp, your taxes, and your IRA all have in common? In this episode, Josh Bretl and his co-host, Mark Elliott, explore how retirement planning is evolving in the face of longer lifespans. From heartwarming family anecdotes to eye-opening longevity stats, they break down why living longer changes everything—and what you…
…
continue reading
1
050: The Big Beautiful Bill: What Retirees Really Need to Know
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Congress just passed Trump's “The Big Beautiful Bill," but what does it actually mean for your retirement? In this episode, Josh Bretl and his co-host, Mark Elliott, break down the biggest tax law changes in decades, including updates to the standard deduction, SALT caps, Roth conversion windows, and even taxation on tips. Plus, they explore how re…
…
continue reading
1
049: Josh vs. Gravity: What a Canadian Go-Kart Ride Taught Us About Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
What do downhill carting in Calgary, a baby black bear, and retirement planning have in common? They’re all part of this week’s episode of The Own Your Retirement Show! Fresh off a family trip to the Canadian Rockies, Josh shares some hilarious and heartwarming travel stories—including the kids’ new obsession with go-karts and french fries at the t…
…
continue reading
1
048: From 90s Prom to Tax Reform: Retirement Lessons You Didn’t Expect
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
What do 90s prom dresses and the latest tax legislation have in common? More than you might think! In this heartwarming and info-packed episode, Josh shares a hilarious story of his wife’s “ladies-only” 90s prom night in downtown Chicago and how it inspired deeper thoughts on memory-making in retirement. Retirement shouldn’t just be about looking b…
…
continue reading
1
047: From Birthday Parties to Tax Strategies: Real Talk for Real Retirees
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
What do Medieval Times, Eminem, and retirement tax planning have in common? Quite a bit, actually — at least on this week’s episode of The Own Your Retirement Show! Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott kick things off with a hilarious story from Josh’s life as a dad — taking 16 eleven-year-olds to Medieval Times for an epic birthday party (complete with jou…
…
continue reading
1
046: Fondue and Finances & Retirement Income Blueprint
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
This week's episode of "Own Your Retirement Show" with Josh Bretl, president of FSR Wealth Strategies, highlights strategies for planning a successful retirement. The discussion starts with the importance of identifying where one stands on the road to retirement and covers essential topics such as income, investment, taxes, healthcare, legacy plann…
…
continue reading
1
045: Social Security, Making Your Money Work for You and Memorial Day
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show" with Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, focuses on critical aspects of financial planning for retirement. Key topics include strategies to minimize taxes on retirement savings such as 401(k)s and IRAs, where FSR Wealth Strategies emphasizes the importance of understanding the tax implications and planning…
…
continue reading
1
044: Tax Savvy Strategies & Cleaning Up 6 Common Myths About Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
This week's Own Your Retirement Show centers around retirement planning and financial strategies, led by the president of FSR Wealth Strategies, Josh Bretl. Key topics include the importance of tax efficiency, diversification, and the handling of tariffs. The discussion emphasizes the need for professional guidance in navigating the complexities of…
…
continue reading
1
043: Avoiding Negative Thinking in Market Uncertainty
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show", hosted by Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies, delves into the intricacies of retirement planning. The show emphasizes the importance of having a concrete plan for financial security through retirement, and on today's show discuss the phases of retirement planning, the significance of powers of attorney, healthcare, …
…
continue reading
1
042: Family Expectations in Retirement, Annuities & Tips for a Happy Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of "Own Your Retirement Show," Josh Bretl delves into essential tips for a happy and successful retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning and having conversations with family about expectations, health, and financial desires. Josh shares personal anecdotes about his family's approach to retirement and stresses the significa…
…
continue reading
1
041: Market Volatility's Impact on Social Security
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl discusses recent market volatility and it's potential impact on social security, as well as the emotional and financial complexities involved in transitioning to a new financial advisor, especially during the retirement phase. He highlights the use of a well-crafted "current advisor letter…
…
continue reading
1
040: Creating Dependable Retirement Income & Recent Market Volatility
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of "The Own Your Retirement Show," host Josh Bretl discusses tariffs and their impact on the economy and individual retirement planning. Josh explains the concept of tariffs and how they can affect the cost of goods imported into the U.S., using the example of the baking industry to illustrate potential cost increases for consumers.…
…
continue reading
1
039: Planning for Your Financial Future - Retirement, Travel, Legacy & More!
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of "The Own Your Retirement Show," host Josh Bretl dives deep into the intricacies of retirement planning. Josh starts off discussing the multifaceted aspects of retirement, including the importance of seeking professional guidance to answer critical questions about when and how to retire. The conversation then transitions into a li…
…
continue reading
1
038: Navigating Market Volatility and Hidden Retirement Obstacles
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of the Own Your Retirement Show, host Josh Bretl dives into various challenges and strategies associated with planning for retirement. The discussion kicks off with a heartwarming analogy about rock climbing, which Josh uses to illustrate the hard work and preparation needed for retirement. This narrative establishes a broader theme…
…
continue reading
1
037: Navigating Retirement Amidst Market Volatility & Tax Challenges
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of the "Own Your Retirement Show," Josh Bretl dives into the complexities of retirement planning amidst market volatility and political uncertainties. They begin the discussion by highlighting the significance of community celebrations in Chicago, particularly St. Patrick's Day, which serves as a metaphor for rejuvenation and new be…
…
continue reading
1
036: Planning for the Future of Taxes & Timeless Advice
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of the "Own Your Retirement Show," hosts Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, delve into the intricacies of retirement planning and the impact of taxation. Josh shares personal anecdotes about family trips and sledding adventures, highlighting the importance of creating lasting memories. They discuss the …
…
continue reading
1
035: Balancing Family and Finances - Planning for a Secure Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
In this episode of the Own Your Retirement Show, hosts Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl, the president of FSR Wealth Strategies, dive into the complexities of retirement planning. They address a host of foundational questions, such as "Can I retire?" and "Will my money last as long as I need it to?" They emphasize the importance of understanding your fi…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Own Your Retirement Show, Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, dive into the intricacies of retirement planning. They address common concerns like whether you can afford to retire, how to ensure your money lasts, and when the right time to retire might be. Listeners are treated to Josh's light-hear…
…
continue reading
1
033: Retirement Regrets and 2025-2026 Tax Implications
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show" hosted by Josh Bretl, president of FSR Wealth Strategies, and Mark Elliott provides valuable insights into retirement planning. This episode centered on understanding key retirement concerns, from managing income, investments, taxes, and healthcare to addressing emotional aspects and practical challenges retirees face…
…
continue reading
1
032: Retirement Unknowns and Scams to Watch Out For!
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The latest episode of the Own Your Retirement Show with hosts Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott takes listeners on an insightful exploration of retirement planning, focusing on key unknowns and avoiding common regrets. The episode begins with Josh sharing a heartfelt personal story about celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary, skillfully tying it into …
…
continue reading
1
031: 2025 Plans & Resolutions + The Twin Threats of Taxes & Inflation
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show," hosted by Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott, dives deep into financial planning strategies designed to help individuals prepare for a successful retirement. This episode kicks off with the hosts catching up on memorable holiday experiences, including Josh's exciting family trip to a Chicago Bulls game. While reminiscing ab…
…
continue reading
1
030: Being Forced Into an Early Retirement and the Retirement Naughty & Nice List
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
This episode of “The Own Your Retirement Show” hosted by Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies dives into crucial aspects of retirement planning, with a focus on creating a comprehensive strategy for income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy. The hosts discuss the importance of proactive year-end tax planning, especially with upcoming ch…
…
continue reading
1
029: Risks in Retirement and Throwback to 1975
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement" radio show, hosted by Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies, offers listeners insightful discussions and actionable advice on retirement planning. This episode highlights the challenges modern retirees face, like the lack of pensions compared to past generations and the increasing cost of living. Mark and Jo…
…
continue reading
1
028: Financial Habits to Break and Four Questions About Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Any time is a good time to break a bad habit. Whether you want to make improvements in your routine at home, your job performance at work, with your physical health or your financial health, the time to make a positive change for your future … is right now. Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott discuss avoiding complacency and other bad habits in retirement …
…
continue reading
1
027: Bitcoin, Investing and Retirement Planning
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
This "Own Your Retirement Show" episode covers a wide range of financial and retirement planning topics, with hosts Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, leading the discussion. The duo kicked off the show with a lighthearted conversation about Josh's family's trip to see the musical Annie, tying themes of optimism from t…
…
continue reading
1
026: Family, Finances and the Importance of Understanding the Value of Money in Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement" show, hosted by Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies, focuses on guiding listeners through the complexities of planning for retirement. This episode covers key topics like financial planning, retirement stages, and the importance of understanding the value and purpose of money. Josh shares engaging stories …
…
continue reading
1
025: Growing Government Debt and a Future with Potential Higher Taxes
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show," hosted by Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott, tackles a variety of important financial topics to help retirees and pre-retirees take control of their financial futures. The show kicks off with a personal and heartwarming story from Josh about a father-daughter camping weekend, demonstrating the value of building meaningful …
…
continue reading
1
024: The FSR Wealth Client Experience & Timeless Advice
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show," hosted by Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, and Mark Elliott, focuses on guiding listeners through the complexities of retirement planning. The episode discusses the importance of taking control over your retirement by planning for income, investments, taxes, healthcare, and legacy management. Josh emph…
…
continue reading
1
023: Election Results Impact on Your Retirement & Balancing Your Portfolio
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show" hosted by Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, focuses on providing insights into retirement planning. The episode discusses the impact of political changes, like Trump's election victory, on financial portfolios and tax strategies. The hosts emphasize the importance of adapting to potentia…
…
continue reading
1
022: Weddings, The Election, Social Security, End of Year Taxes and The Own Your Retirement Process
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show" offers valuable insights for retirees and pre-retirees navigating the complexities of retirement planning. Hosted by Josh Bretl, President of FSR Wealth Strategies, and Mark Elliott, the show provides expert advice on transitioning from the accumulation phase to the spending phase of retirement. It covers essential to…
…
continue reading
1
021: Rolling Over IRAs and Falling Interest Rates
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
The "Own Your Retirement Show," hosted by Mark Elliott and Josh Bretl, offers invaluable insights for pre-retirees navigating the complexities of retirement planning. In the latest episode, the hosts discuss crucial topics such as rolling over 401(k) plans into IRAs and emphasizing common mistakes that could result in significant financial losses. …
…
continue reading
1
020: Preserving and Optimizing Your 401K in Retirement
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Preparing for retirement and relying on a 401(k) means it's essential to preserve and optimize these funds for income, and how to handle them and taxes in retirement and more.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
019: Approaching 2025, Optimizing Social Security and Time Machine 1990
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Changes and other things to keep note of ahead of the end of 2024 and the start of 2025. Optimizing your social security in retirement and a flashback to 1990 in the time machine and what it can teach with past lessons.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
018: Fed Cutting Rates, Taking Control of YOUR Retirement & Mailbag Questions
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Interest rates are on the move again, with the Fed’s recent vote to cut rates. We've all experienced a series of unprecedented events in recent years, so we discuss what YOU can be doing RIGHT NOW to help take back control of your financial future. Bonus: Mailbag questions on retirement.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
017: Retirement Savings Regret, Retirement Planning for Women, and Taxes Trivia
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
There can be regret with not saving enough for retirement or actions in retirement. We discuss how to handle that, in addition to some keys to know with retirement planning for women and couples. Plus, trivia on taxes and tax history.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
016: Making Retirement Money Last and Time Machine 2008
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
How to help your retirement money last after lots of savings and efforts to get it there. Plus, flashback to 2008 and what the time machine can teach us.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
015: Social Security Viability Long-Term, Risks in Retirement & Scams to Watch Out For
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
No matter what your retirement plan looks like, if you’re like most people, it’s very likely that Social Security is an important part of it – but do you feel confident about Social Security going into retirement? Do you think you’ll be able to rely on it? According to a new survey, most Americans don’t. What risks do you need to be careful of reti…
…
continue reading
1
014: Four Questions About Retirement and Timeless Advice
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Four key questions in retirement to have you prepared, plus timeless historical advice that can help you with your finances and retirement.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
013: Retirement is Here for the Baby Boomers & Coming Up for Gen X
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
Talking about retirement for the baby boomer generation as well as the upcoming Gen X who is right around the corner in planning for their retirement. Plus mailbag questions about financials and more.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
1
012: Retirement Surge, Secure Act 2.0 and Timeless Advice
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
A retirement surge with 65-year-olds is coming. Plus the secure act 2.0 and what it means for your retirement. And timeless advice through the years that can help you in your financial and retirement dreams.By Josh Bretl
…
continue reading
