Retirement Elevated Podcast with Sean Lee

Today, we're talking about what to do when things go right. A windfall, a surprise, an unexpected financial event. Because good fortune without a plan can unravel faster than you'd expect. Sean goes over five situations that look like pure luck from the outside… and what needs to happen next. The people who make the most of good fortune aren't necessarily the luckiest. They're the most prepared. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Pause First: Don’t rush decisions after a windfall 💰 Define Purpose: Every dollar needs a job ⚖️ Tax Impact: What you keep matters most 🏠 Equity Options: Home value creates flexibility 📈 Market Gains: Growth should support a plan Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

Most retirement conversations are about saving enough. Today, Sean’s talking about the other side of that. What happens when you've saved, you're there, and you still can't bring yourself to spend it? It's more common than people admit. And it can quietly rob you of the retirement you worked so hard to build. A great financial plan’s purpose is to both protect you and give you permission to spend and enjoy your life. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Spending Shift: Moving from saving to spending is difficult ⚠️ Fear of Running Out: Uncertainty creates hesitation 🧭 Income Clarity: Understanding how money flows builds confidence 🚧 Guilt Barrier: Emotional resistance can hold people back 📅 Plan to Spend: A clear process makes spending easier Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

Everyone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful. Some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Financial hot takes can be entertaining, motivating, and occasionally… unhinged. Today, Sean explains that the key is knowing which advice fits your life and circumstances and ignoring the irrelevant stuff. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🔥 Kiyosaki’s Call – Quit jobs, buy alternative assets 💰 Orman’s Cushion – 3-5 year cash reserves 📊 O’Leary’s Rule – Constant net worth tracking 📈 Ramsey’s 8% – Aggressive retirement withdrawals 🚀 Musk’s Vision – Future makes savings obsolete Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ There’s no shortage of retirement advice, especially on social media, where bold claims and simple formulas get a lot of attention. But how much of it actually applies to your unique situation? Sean plays MythBusters and takes on ten common retirement beliefs that can quietly undermine a well-built plan. If you’ve been relying on generic advice, it may be time to step back and consider a more personalized, thoughtful approach to retirement planning. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📜 Wills vs. Trusts: Probate and control considerations 📊 Investment Shifts: Stocks, bonds, and rule-of-thumb thinking 🧩 Social Security Reality: Supplement, not solution 🧾 Tax Bracket Expectations: Retirement tax may surprise you 💼 Working Longer: Backup plans aren’t guarantees Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ What’s changing in 2026 that retirees and pre-retirees should actually care about? This episode walks through the key updates quietly reshaping retirement planning- from Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment and rising Medicare premiums to new senior tax deductions and expanded catch-up contribution rules. You’ll hear how these changes affect monthly cash flow, tax planning decisions, and saving opportunities in the final working years. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Social Security COLA – What a 2.8% increase really means after Medicare 🏥 Medicare Premiums – Why higher costs reduce net raises 🧾 Senior Tax Deduction – New deductions and income phase-outs 📊 Catch-Up Contributions – Higher limits and the “super catch-up” window 🔁Roth Rules – New requirements for high earners 🗓️ Planning Timing – Why early-year decisions matter more than ever Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Finance is full of shiny objects, and not all of them are helpful. In this episode, Sean reveals the five most misleading tactics people encounter, from slick sales brochures to “guaranteed” returns that sound too good to be true. He explains why these ideas can create false confidence or unnecessary pressure, especially when decisions aren’t grounded in real planning. The takeaway is simple: clarity beats hype every time. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Hypotheticals: projections that rarely reflect reality 🏆 Industry Awards: recognition is often tied to sales volume ⏰ Limited Offers: pressure tactics driven by fear 🎯 Risk Balance: reward only makes sense with context 📝 Written Plans: strategy beats marketing every time Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Most people never realize their 401(k) might include a powerful option called a Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA), and even fewer understand how it works. Sean breaks down what an SDBA actually is, who qualifies, and why it can open the door to more personalized investment choices inside a traditional retirement plan. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by limited 401(k) options, this episode shows you what’s possible and what to watch out for. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📘 SDBA Basics: what a self-directed brokerage account actually does 💼 More Investment Freedom: how SDBAs expand your 401(k) choices 🧠 Emotional Control: why discipline matters more when you have more options 📈 Market Reality Check: understanding history, volatility, and risk tolerance ✔️ Who Can Use It: how to know whether your employer plan allows SDBAs 0:00 – Understanding Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBA) 3:58 – The BuyLine Strategy & Emotional Investing 6:36 – What Does the BuyLine Matter? 7:19 – Timing, Tariffs, and Historical Market Performance 9:23 – Risk Tolerance & Diversification 10:20 – Qualifications and Availability of SDBA Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ What should you do if you suddenly had $1 million to invest? Sean looks at how three financial advisors answered that question, and why the real answer isn’t a single portfolio, but a personalized plan. Age, goals, family needs, tax exposure, and your own comfort level with risk all shape what “the right” investment mix looks like. A million dollars can be life-changing, but only if it’s invested in a way that fits you. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💡 Start with the person: why personality and risk tolerance guide every decision 🛡️ Protect before you grow: emergency funds, insurance gaps, and risk buffers 🧭 Build the foundation: deciding what portion (if any) becomes long-term growth money 🧮 Taxes matter: structuring the million in the most efficient way possible 📈 Growth with purpose: aligning investments with time horizon and age Check out the article we referenced: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/have--1m-to-invest--rias-hightower--wellington-altus--poljak-have-thoughts-84240.html Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies. But that’s only half the story. The truth is, your feelings about money can have just as much impact on your retirement as the numbers do. In this episode, Sean explores the emotional side of financial planning. At the end of the day, numbers give us the framework, but your feelings help define the plan that truly fits you. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Simplicity vs. Detail: Finding the balance between data and emotional clarity 📉 Market Emotions: Why volatility often triggers impulsive reactions 💳 Debt Decisions: Understanding the emotional side of being debt-free or not 🧠 Behavioral Finance: How awareness helps you make calmer, wiser choices Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom, but does that really yield double the benefit? Today, Sean explains why working with multiple advisors can create conflicting advice, overlapping investments, and tax inefficiencies. He outlines the few specialized cases where multiple professionals might make sense, but overall, how having one lead advisor keeps your strategy unified. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Pros and Cons: the hidden trade-offs of splitting your money 🧩 Communication Breakdown: how conflicting advice creates confusion 📊 Overlapping Investments: why “more” doesn’t always mean better diversification 🤝 Simplify Your Team: how one lead advisor keeps everything aligned 🎯 Confidence Through Clarity: one voice, one plan, one direction Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ October is known for cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it’s also Financial Planning Month? While it might not come with costumes or candy, it’s a perfect reminder to pause, take stock, and be intentional with your money. Today, Sean shares a practical checklist for reviewing your finances, from asking the right questions to writing down your goals and checking in on your spending habits. A little reflection now can go a long way toward making your financial future more secure… and less scary. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Take Inventory: gather all accounts (including those you may have forgotten about) 🎯 Set Milestones: celebrate progress and reward smart savings 🔁 Stay Consistent: small adjustments now create long-term success 🏆 Enjoy the Process: planning is about balance, not restriction Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall If your parents died relatively young, it’s natural to wonder what that might mean for your own future. From a financial standpoint, that uncertainty raises tough questions: should it change how you plan for retirement, or when you decide to start taking Social Security benefits? In this episode, Sean unpacks the layers behind the choice to claim early. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Why claiming early depends on more than just life expectancy 🧮 Calculating whether early claiming meets your income needs 🩺 Health care costs before Medicare at 65 💑 The ripple effect on a surviving spouse’s benefits 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from Kiplinger outlined five surprising signs that you might be richer than you think. And none of them involve yachts or private jets. In this episode, Sean analyzes the habits that signal real, lasting wealth and what to do if you are (or aren’t) on the right track. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Living below your means = financial confidence 🎯 Strategic investing turns small steps into big wins 🌟 Multiple income streams build confidence 🕰️ Patience and discipline grow lasting wealth. 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Big tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you’re getting a $40K deduction just for breathing, let’s set the record straight on what this new bill didn’t actually do. In this episode, Sean breaks down the One Big Beautiful Bill and clears up some of the biggest myths still circulating. Confused by headlines or worried you missed out? This episode breaks down what’s real, what’s rumor, and how to plan smarter moving forward. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Are Social Security taxes going away? 💵 Tax cuts aren’t for everyone ❤️ What’s changed with charitable giving 🚗 The truth about car loan deductions Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Generation X, welcome to your retirement wake-up call. In this nostalgic but practical episode, we’re going to take Gen Xers down memory lane and straight into the financial realities of retirement planning. From latchkey kids to financial independence, Gen X has always been resilient. But with more debt, less time, and fewer pensions than previous generations, it’s time to get serious about the future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎸 Gen Xers are nostalgic, independent, and entering retirement planning mode. 💸 Many carry high debt and feel financially unprepared—but it’s not too late. 🧠 Gen X bridges analog grit with digital savviness—a strength in planning. 🏠 Downsizing, side hustles, and late-stage saving can help close retirement gaps. 📈 It’s time to turn independence into a retirement game plan with real strategy. Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

📞 Get your customized planning started by booking a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall 📘 Grab Your FREE Copy of "Rounding Third" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ 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, let’s talk about the five people you should meet before retirement—people who can guide your next chapter and help you retire with clarity, confidence, and purpose. In this episode, Sean breaks down a unique “retirement dream team” approach that blends practical wisdom with real-world stories. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧩 Why a financial advisor is your retirement “puzzle master” 📜 The estate planning move that prevents family fallout 🛡️ How insurance specialists protect your retirement lifestyle 🏋️‍♂️ Why fitness isn’t just about health, it’s about freedom ⚠️ The biggest mistakes people make when setting up a trust Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvc4i_5kYjIQXyr0fNTeXQ

We all want to support the people we care about, but when money enters the equation, even the best intentions can lead to tension. In this episode, Sean unpacks the emotional and financial complexities of lending to family and friends. He offers real-world guidance to help you handle these situations with clarity and care, without putting your own finances at risk. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💵 The importance of setting clear terms and expectations 🧾 How contracts can protect both finances and relationships 🚫 Don’t lend what you can’t afford to lose 🧠 Consider creative, non-cash ways to help loved ones Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

A little hope is good for the soul, but when it comes to retirement planning, wishful thinking can lead to serious financial mistakes. Today, Sean’s walking through five common examples of wishful thinking that can quietly damage your retirement and how you can build a plan that protects your future instead of relying on luck. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Why relying only on investment interest could cut your income short 🧾 The truth about taxes in retirement 🚗 Why “every day is Saturday” might wreck your spending plan 📉 How past investment success can create a false sense of security 👪 The emotional and financial risks of assuming kids will “help out” Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

Are you saving so much for retirement that it’s squeezing your life today? In this episode, Sean answers a viewer question about finding the right balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present. Can you save too much? Are you over-saving at the expense of living now? Sean addresses the listener’s concern that he’s maxing out multiple accounts but still feels like he’s living paycheck to paycheck. It raises an important point: Is it possible to be too focused on the future and miss out on the present? Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧭 Why “starting with the end in mind” matters most 📉 The real risk of under-saving and over-saving 🧠 How your past shapes your money biases today ✈️ What pilots need to know about timing, taxes, and lifestyle Rowe Price Benchmark Calculator: https://www.troweprice.com/personal-investing/resources/insights/youre-age-35-50-or-60-how-much-should-you-have-by-now.html Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com

Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns, challenges, and financial goals their clients are facing today. From retirement planning to healthcare costs to working longer than expected, we’re breaking down the key takeaways and how they compare to what we see in our own client conversations. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Outliving assets: why it tops the list 🏥 The overlooked risk of healthcare costs 💬 Why income planning matters more than portfolio size 🔍 The real reason so many people want to keep working Check out the article here: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/retirement-planning-survey-2024-80450.html Schedule a 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/erg-slc/15minutediscoverycall Get your free copy of "Rounding Third:" http://rounding-third.elevatemyretirement.com/ Contact us: (801) 639-0095 slee@erg-slc.com