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Retire Well

Retire Well

Written by: Josh Bretl
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Our weekly show dedicated to giving you the confidence to make retirement the best part of your life.Copyright 2026 Josh Bretl Economics Personal Finance Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 089: Why Your Retirement Magic Number Might Be a Total Myth
    May 30 2026

    What is your retirement magic number?

    In this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott break down why relying on a single savings target might be a myth.

    True financial security is not just about the size of your nest egg, it's about how much you spend in relation to what you have.

    Josh shares insights on navigating major life transitions and explains the core pillars of the Wellment Way.

    You'll learn the mechanics of strategic Roth conversions, including a unique tax advantage specifically for Illinois residents.

    We also dive into how to protect your Social Security from tax traps and manage Medicare premium surcharges.

    Finally, we discuss the habits of the quietly wealthy and how to align your retirement spending with what brings you true peace of mind.

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

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    51 mins
  • 088: The Two Lane Highway Strategy for a Confident Retirement
    May 23 2026

    A recent report shows that most Americans fear outliving their savings more than death itself.

    It makes sense.

    For decades, you knew exactly how much money was coming in from your paycheck.

    In retirement, that predictable income disappears, and the responsibility shifts entirely to you.

    This week, Josh Bretl breaks down how to transition from a saving mindset to an income mindset.

    He shares a simple two lane highway strategy designed to protect your short term needs while keeping your long term wealth growing.

    Plus, Josh answers listener questions about evaluating early retirement packages, managing taxes after selling a family business, deciding whether to file taxes jointly or separately, and protecting an inheritance for a child who struggles with money.

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

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    52 mins
  • 087: Sweating the Small Stuff: Lessons from an 85 Degree Seminar
    May 16 2026

    Josh Bretl begins this episode with a story from a recent Social Security workshop in Wheaton where the room hit 85 degrees, the fans sounded like a hurricane, and his laptop died mid-presentation.

    While it felt like a disaster, sitting down with the audience led to a profound connection with a recent widow who felt lost in the complexity of retirement.

    We explore why confidence in retirement is plummeting for 39% of American workers.

    Josh breaks down the truth about Social Security cuts and Medicare surcharges, explaining why your tax strategy is just as important as your investment strategy.

    We also dive into the Wellment Way, a holistic approach that covers income, assets, taxes, healthcare, and legacy planning.

    Learn how to separate your must haves from your nice to haves to ensure you never outlive your money.

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

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    52 mins
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