Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

Hosted by Scott Dougan

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Episodes

241

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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 Adviser Representative license, which holds him to the fiduciary standard. He also holds insurance licenses in Kansas, Missouri and other states.

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June 11, 2026Episode 24113 min

Nobody Teaches You How to Turn Savings Into a Paycheck

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg For most of your working life, the retirement message was simple: save consistently, invest for growth, and let time do the heavy lifting. But retirement changes the game. Scott explains why accumulating wealth and spending it are two completely different challenges. He explores the emotional shift from receiving a paycheck to creating one, and how to turn those savings into a paycheck you can trust. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💵 Retirement Paychecks: Turning savings into dependable income 🧩 Income System: Why accounts alone aren't enough ⚖️ Withdrawal Strategy: Which accounts to use and when 📉 Sequence Risk: Protecting income during market downturns 🧾 Tax Coordination: Creating income without unnecessary taxes 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

June 4, 2026Episode 24018 min

Why Proactive Tax Planning Matters Before Retirement

For decades, retirement planning revolves around one primary goal of saving enough money. But as retirement approaches, a different question becomes increasingly important: how much of that money will you actually get to keep? Many retirees discover too late that taxes can significantly impact their retirement income, Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums, and even the legacy they leave behind. In this episode, Scott explains why proactive tax planning deserves a seat at the retirement planning table. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💰 Tax Planning Matters: Saving is only half the battle 🪟 Planning Windows: Retirement creates unique opportunities 🔄 Roth Conversions: Powerful tool when used correctly 📉 RMD Risks: Waiting can reduce flexibility 🎯 Think Long-Term: Tax decisions create chain reactions 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

May 28, 2026Episode 23914 min

54 Million Workers Had No Retirement Plan. That Just Changed

There’s some big retirement news out of Washington worth understanding. President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement savings for the tens of millions of Americans whose employers don't offer a plan. Today, Scott breaks down what was signed, what it means in practice, and what questions it raises for your own retirement picture. The retirement coverage gap has been a known problem for a long time. This is one of the more concrete attempts to address it and give workers a real on-ramp to retirement savings. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💻 New Website: Comparing retirement plan options 🧾 Saver’s Match: Government contribution opportunities 📉 Retirement Gap: Millions lacked workplace plans 🧠 Financial Habits: Consistency matters most 🛡️ Personal Responsibility: Building long-term independence 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

May 21, 2026Episode 23822 min

Nobody Teaches You How to Turn Your 401(k) Into a Paycheck

You spent decades learning how to save for retirement, but almost nobody teaches you how to actually spend from it. Today, Scott explains why retirement income planning is completely different from simply building a large 401(k), and how to turn retirement savings into a reliable paycheck. He reminds us that the distribution phase of retirement can be just as important as the accumulation phase. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Retirement Income Isn’t Automatic 🔄 Saving vs Spending Mentality 🧩 Coordination Matters Most 📉 Withdrawal Mistakes Add Up 🛡️ A “War Chest” Creates Stability 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

May 14, 2026Episode 23712 min

Time Rich vs Money Rich: The Scorecard That Actually Matters

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Scott challenges the idea that financial numbers are the true measure of success and introduces a richer way to think about retirement life. He explores how time, fulfillment, and intentional living often matter more than portfolio size. Let’s shift from chasing “more” to designing a life that aligns with your values and becomes time-rich, not just money-rich. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Money Isn’t Winning: Financial success alone doesn’t guarantee fulfillment 🧩 SIPPS Framework Matters: Social, intellectual, physical, purposeful, and spiritual health all matter 🔄 Reframe Your Scorecard: Retirement should optimize life—not just net worth 📅 Time Requires Intention: Freedom means little without purpose and direction 🎯 Living Well Matters: The real goal is becoming rich in time, relationships, and meaning 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

May 7, 2026Episode 23622 min

Why People With “Enough” Money Still Struggle in Retirement

You can have plenty of money on paper and still feel unsettled in retirement. After decades of saving and doing everything right, many people expect confidence to come automatically. Instead, they hesitate to spend, second-guess their decisions, and worry about the future. Today, Scott explains why retirement isn’t just a math problem- and why feeling secure takes more than simply having “enough.” Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Why Enough Is Never “Enough”: Confidence doesn’t come from a number alone 🔄 Saver to Spender: Shifting habits is harder than expected 💵 Income Drives Confidence: Reliable income changes how you feel 📉 Market Feels Personal: Volatility hits differently without a paycheck 🔓 Unlock Permission to Enjoy: A plan gives you confidence to actually spend 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1

April 30, 2026Episode 23521 min

The Mistakes That Quietly Cost Retirees: The Tax Side of Retirement

This is Part 2 of our Hidden Risks series, and we’re shifting focus to one of the biggest long-term threats to your retirement: taxes. Some risks don’t hit all at once, they slowly wear down your plan over time. Scott breaks down how tax decisions shape your income, flexibility, and long-term outcomes. If Part 1 was about protecting your plan, this one is about keeping more of what you’ve built. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Tax Drag: Small inefficiencies add up over time 🪣 Tax Buckets: Where your money sits matters 📉 RMD Pressure: Forced withdrawals can raise taxes 🏥 IRMAA Risk: Income can increase Medicare costs 👥 Survivor Impact: Taxes can rise after a spouse passes Watch Part 1: The Hidden Risks That Could Derail Your Retirement: What Most People Forget to Protect - https://youtu.be/BY0UpdmV5cg 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

April 23, 2026Episode 23415 min

The Hidden Risks That Could Derail Your Retirement: What Most People Forget to Protect

This is Part 1 of our Hidden Risks series, where we’re looking at the issues that can quietly derail a retirement plan if they’re not addressed. Most people focus on investments, but that’s only part of the picture. In this episode, Scott walks through the risks that don’t show up on a statement but can still have a major impact. It’s all about making sure your plan is built for real life, not just market performance. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ⚠️ Beyond Markets: Real risks go beyond investment performance 🛡️ Insurance Gaps: Life and care coverage can be overlooked 📄 Asset Titling: Ownership structure impacts outcomes 📉 Risk & Age: Mistakes matter more later in life 💸 Tax Exposure: Planning gaps can create long-term drag 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

April 16, 2026Episode 23318 min

How Kansas City Homeowners Can Profit From The World Cup - But Don’t Mess It Up

Kansas City is about to take center stage as it hosts one of the biggest global events with the World Cup, and that spotlight brings a surge of opportunity. Homeowners are asking a simple but powerful question: can you rent out your home during the event and keep the income tax-free? It all points back to a little-known strategy called the Augusta Rule, a tax provision that sounds almost too good to be true, but isn’t as simple as it seems. In this episode, Scott breaks down what the Augusta Rule actually is, where it came from, and how it applies to real-world situations like the World Cup. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ⚽ Major events create real financial opportunities 🧾 The Augusta Rule allows limited tax-free rental income ⏱️ 14-day limit is critical—go over and rules change 💸 Pricing must be realistic and defensible ⚠️ The “hassle tax” can outweigh the upside 💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning

April 9, 2026Episode 23219 min

Term, Whole, or Universal Life Insurance? What Actually Matters After 50

💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Most people buy life insurance once and never think about it again. But by the time you reach your 50s, the real question isn’t just what type you have, it’s whether you still need it at all. As your financial picture evolves, so should your approach to protection, coverage, and long-term planning. Today, Scott breaks down breaks down term, whole, and universal life insurance, and more importantly, how to think about them at this stage of life. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🎯 Life Insurance Needs: Your 50s bring a completely different set of priorities 🧩 Understanding Coverage: Start with the problem you’re solving—not the product 🏠 Whole Life Basics: Permanent coverage with specific, limited use cases 🔄 Universal Life: Flexible, but requires ongoing management 💰 Cash Value Reality: Not always the best place for growth 🔍 Review Matters: Most issues come from never revisiting your policy 📞 Call us: 913-393-4724 🌐 Visit our podcast website: https://listentoscott.com/ 📚🛠️ Check out Scott's book, Exceptional Retirement, and Retirement Toolkit Download here 👉 https://keap.page/bu413/exceptional-retirement-youtube.html 🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more retirement insights! 🔔 http://youtube.com/@erg-kc?sub_confirmation=1 📰 Read our latest articles on Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/author/scott-m-dougan-rfc-investment-adviser 📌 Follow us for expert retirement planning tips! https://www.facebook.com/elevatedretirementgroupkc/ #retirement #retirementplanning