Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

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Thanksgiving has a much deeper story than the modern traditions we celebrate today. In this episode, Scott details how the holiday formed, who helped shape it, and why its meaning has shifted over time. It’s a reminder that gratitude, community, and shared purpose run through the ...

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For decades, retirees have based their spending on a simple idea: “The 4% Rule.” But new research, and even the rule’s original creator, suggests you may be able to spend significantly more without increasing your risk. Scott shares what’s changed, what still matters, and how to c...

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Retirement, as we know it, is a modern invention. But the very system designed to protect your future might now be holding you back. In this episode, Scott uncovers a powerful yet often hidden feature inside many 401(k) plans that can give you greater control, flexibility, and pro...

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When it comes to investing for retirement, not all dollars belong in the same place, or even in the same world. In this episode, Scott explains the concept of the Three Investment Worlds: Protection & Savings, Growth & Potential, and the Hybrid space that bridges the two....

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You’ve worked hard to build up your Roth IRA, but one small mistake could turn “tax-free” income into a tax surprise. In this episode, Scott walks through the five essential steps to make sure your Roth IRA withdrawals remain completely tax and penalty-free. Follow the rules, trac...

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This October, the Social Security Administration is expected to announce a 2.7% cost of living adjustment for 2026 now that sounds like good news, until you see what it really means in dollars and cents. Today, Scott breaks down what the new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) really...

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A groundbreaking JP Morgan study just revealed something that could completely change the way we plan for retirement. Scott breaks down three of the biggest surprises revealed by new data from 280,000 households, showing that retirement spending doesn’t rise in a straight line, bu...

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Do you know which parts of your retirement plan are in your control, and which ones you’re leaving to chance? In this episode, Scott breaks down the “retirement equation,” a framework that helps you separate what you can control, what you can influence, and what’s completely out o...

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Saving for retirement is only half the battle, but the real challenge is turning those savings into income you can actually spend. The type of accounts you use will impact your taxes, your Social Security, and even your Medicare premiums. In this episode, Scott explains how spread...

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Imagine standing at the water's edge, eager to fish but instead obsessing over organizing your tackle box. Many retirees do the same with their finances, constantly adjusting their plan but never truly enjoying the fruits of their labor. In this episode, Scott explores a common pi...

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Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people subscribe to the “first year rule” which says that the majority of your best retirement months will all take place in the first year of retirement. So how can you be strategic during that first year and set the tone in the right way, bot...

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Most people assume their beneficiary form tells the whole story when it comes to retirement accounts. But for 401(k)s and other ERISA-governed plans, one little known rule can completely override your wishes, and in one case, it shifted $3 million away from the intended heirs. Thi...

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Thinking about tapping into your retirement savings early? The IRS might have a 10% surprise waiting for you. Withdrawing money before age 59½ from a traditional IRA or 401(k) can trigger not just regular income taxes, but also hefty penalties. In this episode, Scott explains the ...

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Retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll  ever make, but how do you know if you’re really ready? While there are countless details that matter, Scott is boiling it down to make it simple. In this episode, he covers the three key questions you need to ask yoursel...

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The first five years of retirement can shape your financial future more than any other stage. Overspending often isn’t about recklessness, it’s about good intentions made at the wrong time. In these early years, small choices can snowball into big setbacks, from home upgrades to l...

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There's a brand-new savings account just for kids created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the media is already getting it wrong. It’s called the Trump Account, and it might just be the most misunderstood part of the new law. In this episode, Scott breaks down exactly what t...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was passed in July and it’s already reshaping the retirement landscape, especially when it comes to tax strategy and account planning. In this episode, Scott breaks down the three biggest takeaways from the bill that directly impact your retirement accounts. From Rothification trends and expanded conversion opportunities to smarter ways to preserve income-based deductions, we’ll tell you what ...

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The new tax bill just passed, but will it actually help you? Let’s look at who stands to benefit, who might lose out, and the strategic moves to consider now while the rules are fresh. Scott returns with a detailed breakdown of what the “Big Beautiful Bill” means for retirees, esp...

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Sending your child off to college is a proud and emotional milestone, but many parents miss one crucial step. Once your child turns 18, you're no longer automatically allowed to access their medical or financial information, even if you’re still paying the bills. That means in an e...