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.

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 accordingly.

The show also highlights upcoming workshops on maximizing social security benefits, which are designed to educate participants on optimizing their social security income based on personal circumstances.

The overarching theme is the necessity of creating a comprehensive retirement strategy that encompasses investment, tax, and expenditure planning to ensure financial stability and enjoyment during retirement years.

Financial education is a recurring theme, with discussions on upcoming workshops at locations like Glen Ellyn Library, aimed at increasing understanding of social security and other retirement topics.

The show encourages listeners to take proactive steps toward their retirement planning, offering complimentary consultations with Josh Bretl to address personal financial concerns, such as investment strategies and healthcare planning.

The episodes also touch on the emotional aspects of financial planning, highlighting common scenarios such as differing retirement visions between spouses and the role of lifetime tax considerations in overall financial decisions.

The show emphasizes the critical nature of customized, well-informed planning and decision-making to achieve desired retirement outcomes while navigating the complexities of market volatility and tax legislation

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 retirement planning, particularly in keeping up with changing tax laws and market conditions.

Furthermore, the show touches on personal anecdotes, such as Josh Bretl's experiences with his family's school events and reflections on broader economic issues impacting investments and savings, including tariffs and interest rates influenced by political moves.

A discussion of tax savvy strategies, 401Ks and six common myths in retirement also occurs in the radio show.

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, and legacy planning.

The podcast highlights the necessity of being prepared for life's uncertainties and making informed decisions about where to allocate money to avoid unnecessary taxes.

The overall goal is to help listeners create a comprehensive retirement plan that provides financial security and peace of mind, even amid economic uncertainties.

Furthermore, the show shares insights from Morgan Housel's book, "The Psychology of Money," highlighting the psychological aspects that influence financial decisions.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of planning for unexpected events and adapting to life's changes.

It covers the emotional and psychological factors often overlooked in financial planning and stresses the significance of being flexible and ready to adjust plans as needed.

The show encourages listeners to understand how emotions influence spending and saving habits, underscoring that the most effective plans account for changes and uncertainty.

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 significance of setting clear expectations to avoid potential issues.

Additionally, the episode highlights the critical role of time management in retirement and the five tips for a happy retirement.

This approach to retirement planning includes not only financial strategies but also maintaining health, staying active, and finding new purposes post-career.

Throughout the middle portion of the show, Josh goes over annuities - what they are, how they work, the many different kinds, how they factor into retirement plans and when they do and don't make sense.

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" to facilitate the transition, along with the necessity of seeking second opinions to ensure the chosen financial path remains optimal.

Additionally, the episode delves into analogies and personal stories pertaining to changing seasons as a metaphor for retirement.

The hosts discuss how the arrival of spring, despite initial cold spells, mirrors the excitement and subsequent challenges faced in retirement.

They also touch upon the significance of planning for social security and other retirement-related financial decisions.