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Financial and retirement planning guidance from Kansas City‘s Scott Dougan of Elevated Retirement Group. Scott Dougan founded Elevated Retirement Group in 2003 in order to fill a niche he felt was not being addressed properly in the retirement planning environment – helping retirees and pre-retirees in the Kansas City metro area find answers to issues that may affect the quality of life during their retirement. Scott is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and holds a Series 65 Investment ...
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 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 s…
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 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 …
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Trump Accounts Explained: The New $1,000 Child Savings Benefit (And What Most Are Getting Wrong)
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 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 mi…
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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 op…
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 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 …
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 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 …
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Have you heard the rumor that Social Security is now tax-free or that you’re getting a $40,000 deduction just for existing? Let’s clear up the myths and focus on what the new tax law actually did and…
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg The headlines are loud, but the real opportunities are quieter. In this episode, Scott breaks down what the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) actually means for retirees, pre-retirees, and busi…
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💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg In the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven, each person the main character meets helps him understand his life in a new way. Today, Scott talks about the five people you should meet before retire…
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📋 Get Scott's 5 Critical Checkpoints in a Sound Financial Planning Process 👉 https://listentoscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5-Critical-Checkpoints.pdf Choosing a financial advisor is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, but why do people choose the advisor they do? In this episode, Scott walks through 11 of the most common reasons p…
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The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? In this episode, Sc…
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You’ve worked hard, saved well, and now you’re thinking about giving back—maybe to your kids, your grandkids, or a cause you care about. But should you wait and pass that wealth on later, or give while you’re still around to enjoy the impact? Let’s talk about how to make that decision with confidence. In this episode, Scott shares a thoughtful 4-st…
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A lot of people believe that everything should go into a trust once you’ve set it up, and while that sounds logical, the answer is actually no. Not everything belongs in your trust, and getting it wrong could lead to headaches, probate delays, or even tax trouble. So today, we’ve invited estate planning attorney Connor Kelley to break down the four…
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Most people walk into a financial advisor’s office asking for more income or a better plan. But what they’re really searching for is something deeper: peace of mind, clarity, and the ability to live life on their terms. In this episode, Scott challenges the conventional approach to planning and reveals the real reason people seek financial guidance…
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What if I told you the key to financial success isn’t how smart you are with numbers, but how well you understand your own emotions? One of the most talked-about money books out there, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, might change the way you think about money, and we’re going to dive into the key concepts in this video. Here’s what we cov…
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When most people think about retirement risks, they picture a stock market crash. But the truth is, the biggest threats to your financial future are often the ones you never saw coming. In this episode, Scott unpacks seven real risks that can quietly derail even the most well-planned retirement. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about volatility. Here’s…
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You’ve had 2025 circled on your calendar for years, but now, with rising inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty, you’re asking the big question: Is 2025 still a good time to retire? In this episode, Scott breaks down what really matters when making the retirement leap and why the media headlines shouldn’t dictate your financial futu…
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Most people think a full bank account means full retirement readiness, but it’s just the beginning. In this episode, Scott outlines the three essential keys you must consider before retirement. These points will help you determine whether you're set for a smooth, confident transition or if there are gaps you still need to address. Find out how to a…
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Half of parents are still paying their grown kids' bills (almost $1,500/month, on average), and it’s putting their own retirement at risk. The ‘Bank of Mom and Dad’ is open for business… but for how much longer? In this episode, Scott breaks down the rising trend of parents financially supporting Gen Z and millennial children, even into their 30s a…
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You’ve spent years saving in your IRA, but what if we told you it could be the worst asset to leave to your kids? In this episode, Scott uncovers a critical issue with your retirement plan: inherited IRAs. Why does nationally recognized IRA expert, Ed Slott, call traditional IRAs “the worst asset to pass on to your kids?” We’ll break it all down fo…
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The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something, anything. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit like we’ve seen in recent days and weeks? If you’ve felt your stress levels rise, you’re not alone. Today we’ll try to help ease those emotions and …
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Retirees have leveraged the traditional IRA for decades to invest and save, but is it still the best tool for today’s retirement landscape? IRA expert Ed Slott recently called the traditional IRA “the worst possible asset to own,” which is a bold statement. If this is true, when did it all change, and what are some better options? In this episode, …
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April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today we’re going to unpack five common myths that trick retirees into making emotional or short-sighted decisions. Here’s some of what we cover: 🎭 Don’t get fooled by “guaranteed high returns” 🕒 Social Security timing i…
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March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks feels exciting. But the odds of winning big are slim. Investors often chase stock picks the same way they bet on their favorite teams, but history shows most stocks underperform, just like most brackets get busted. In this video, Scott breaks down the risky game o…
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Much like the weather, the stock market has its share of ups and downs. Those stormy days might feel unrelenting at times, but even in weeks filled with red, we can usually count on brighter days ahead. In this episode, Scott will provide some much-needed context for market corrections, explain how they differ from pullbacks and bear markets, and s…
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Many people enter into a relationship with their financial advisor with unrealistic expectations, often believing they can control the uncontrollable. The reality is an advisor can provide great value, but they can’t help you with everything. Today it’s part two of our series on things your advisor can and can't do for you, and we’re going …
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In the world of finance, the role of a financial advisor can often be misunderstood. Many individuals think that hiring a financial advisor is solely about investment management or picking stocks. However, the role of an advisor is multifaceted so understanding what they can and can't help you with will allow you to make more informed decisions. In…
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The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. What could these mean to your personal finances and the economy? Today, we’ll explain a bit of the backstory of tariffs and discuss the possible financial pros and co…
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In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re going to talk about the five love languages made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. Today we’ll tell you what those have to do with planning for retirement. You'll be surprised b…
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As we gear up for another Super Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, let's take a moment to appreciate one of the best coaches in the game, Andy Reid. Whether you’re planning the perfect play on the field or preparing for retirement, success comes down to strategy, discipline, and knowing when to adjust. Today, we’re breaking down some of Coach R…
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Everyone views their retirement differently, and there’s a segment of the population that wants to live life to the fullest. If they could build the perfect plan, that last check they write would barely clear the bank. For those that don’t want to leave a large legacy and would rather spend down their assets over their lifetime, we’ll talk about ho…
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Chasing that magic number in retirement can be pretty anxiety-inducing. Many in the financial industry get fixated on saving and saving to reach this gigantic number, but there’s so much more detail that goes into figuring out what you will need to support your lifestyle. Today we’re going to tell you what goes into finding that financial independe…
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As the cold winds of winter sweep across the Midwest, many retirees find themselves yearning for a change of scenery—a warmer, sunnier place to call home during the colder months. Enter the snowbird lifestyle, a popular choice for those looking to escape the harsh winter climate and embrace a more temperate environment. In this show, we explore the…
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Maybe the biggest news of the new year is that Democrats and Republicans actually agree on something. The stats show that around 80% of people on both sides believe that the nation is facing a retirement crisis. So what are the biggest problem areas and how do we correct them? This video will dive into results from a recent survey that reveal a vas…
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In today’s episode, Scott breaks down a recent Social Security solvency proposal that suggests a 40% reduction in benefits for high-income earners. Proposed by the American Enterprise Institute, this plan targets wealthier individuals to bear the brunt of reductions, allowing lower-income retirees to face less drastic cuts. Scott weighs in on wheth…
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Retirement planning is more than just saving money; it's about making your savings last as long as you do. Today Scott is going to share five crucial tax strategies that can significantly impact your financial future. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:19 – Why tax planning is critical to today’s retirement plan. 3:13 – Roth conve…
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In this show, we explore why people in this financial bracket often rethink their strategy and discuss key topics like tax planning, withdrawal strategies, and income guardrails. With more at stake and no room for mistakes, the importance of having a skilled team to guide you through retirement is greater than ever. Here’s what we cover in this epi…
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As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on your financial health and make strategic decisions for the future. In this week’s episode, Scott takes us through four major year-end financial planning mistakes and how to avoid them. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:44 – Ignoring the issues that debt creates. 5:…
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If you have watched any of our podcasts and videos, or if you've ever engaged as a client with Scott Dougan and the Elevated Retirement Group team, you've probably come across a lot of flow charts. We're going to poke a little bit of fun at Scott today as he has prepared us a beautiful flow ch…
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Did you know there are three specific birthdays that can have a huge impact on your tax situation? It’s true, and today we’re going to tell you why 50, 65, and 73 are key ages for retirement planning. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:44 – Age 50 4:38 – Changes in catch-up rules 8:30 – Age 65 11:33 – Age 73 Want to connect with u…
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The 2025 contribution limits are now available and the tweaks might be significant for anyone approaching retirement. These changes are really going to affect that person with tax-deferred accounts like a 401, IRA, 403b and others. Join us to find out how the 2024 limits compare to what’s coming in 2025 and how it might change your saving strategie…
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When you talk about retirement timing and how to remain retired, people often overlook at least one of seven key areas. The majority of them have nothing to do with money but they’re just as important as your savings account. We sent out this article in a newsletter to clients recently and got a good response, so today we want to elaborate on these…
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The primary value of a financial advisor isn't just picking the right portfolio, making sure you're minimizing taxes or establishing a paycheck that you're not going to outlive in retirement. It's about preparing clients for the truth. Can you handle the truth? Today we’re going to talk about the uncertainty in l…
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The perception of what it takes to be wealthy sometimes matches reality, but often it doesn’t. Americans have opinions on what qualifies as being rich, and a recent survey tells us that we don’t always agree on what it takes to live comfortably. Today we’re going to explore this disparity and discuss why comprehensive planning provides the clarity …
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Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. On this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, your future, and your financial security. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 4:02 – Increase …
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Have you heard of Pig Butchering? It’s not what you think. It’s a cunning new scam that’s draining retirement accounts and leaving victims penniless. Today, we’re uncovering how scammers are using relationships built on various phone apps to lure people in. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 3:02 – What is “pig butchering?” 6:09 – T…
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We’ve spent years helping educate clients on financial planning and we’re excited about stepping out of our comfort zone and into a new medium: filmmaking. Scott is a contributing producer for the new movie, The Psychology of Retirement, which recently premiered in Colorado. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of creating this impactful movie, t…
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Scott has always had a passion for cooking, and he recently completed a 9-week cooking course in Kansas City. In this episode, we explore the valuable lessons from the culinary world that can be applied to financial and retirement planning. One of the key concepts Scott learned is "Mise en Place," which emphasizes the importance of organizing and p…
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Today’s a special episode discussing Medicare plans because it’s really important that you review your medical plans as soon as possible. Big changes are coming to the industry and you don't want to be caught off guard. That’s why we’ve invited Cortney Dale, CEO of Sunflower Insurance Solutions to point out the areas you h…
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Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it’s time to talk. In this show, we'll explore why it’s so important for couples to have detailed conversations about their finances and retirement futures. Scott shares insights on how to navigate disagreements, the common issues couples face, …
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