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 back — it should be the best part of your life, filled with new experiences.

Josh and Mark then dive into the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” making its way through Congress — what’s in it, what might change, and how it could affect retirees. From extending the Trump-era tax cuts to increasing the standard deduction for seniors, there’s a lot to break down. Josh explains what’s actually happening with Social Security taxation (hint: it’s not going away), the potential impact of the SALT cap changes, and how Medicare’s IRMAA penalties sneak up on people.

The show wraps up with practical strategies for tax planning in retirement — especially how Roth conversions can help reduce lifetime tax bills and why diversification in tax treatment (not just investments) matters. It’s fun, it’s insightful, and it’s everything you need to feel confident owning your retirement.

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

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 jousting, yellow knight banners, and a very loud bus ride).

But after the laughs, they roll up their sleeves and get into what’s really top-of-mind for many pre-retirees and retirees: how to plan smarter for a secure and enjoyable retirement.

Josh shares why taxes are the biggest source of stress for clients today — and why most people (and their advisors) overlook them.

You’ll learn why market volatility feels more threatening in retirement, how to think about shifting from saving to spending, and why income planning isn’t just about numbers — it’s about peace of mind.

The guys also break down the three essential pillars of retirement: tax strategies, investment management, and reliable income generation — and how they all need to work together.

It’s a must-listen for anyone serious about taking control of their financial future… and having a little fun along the way.

Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with an FSR advisor and take the first step toward owning your retirement.

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 planning, Social Security, and Medicare.

A significant portion of the show emphasizes the importance of having a personalized plan.

The episode reminds listeners that financial planning requires careful consideration of unpredictable factors like market volatility and political changes.

Moreover, the show takes a more personal turn with delightful anecdotes from about family moments at "The Melting Pot," revealing lighter aspects of life and milestones.

Discussions seamlessly integrate practical retirement advice with relatable life stories, anchoring the financial talks in everyday experiences.

Additionally, Josh examines the societal impacts of leadership changes and economic policies, linking economic volatility to broader world events, and offers advice on ensuring stable income streams despite such unpredictability.