The Art And Science Of Retirement

Grant Ellis

Retirement isn't just a number. It's a phase of life that comes with big questions, evolving goals, and a need for real clarity. Welcome to The Art and Science of Retirement — a weekly podcast for people who want to make smart financial decisions and live fully in every stage of life. Hosted by Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, this show blends two decades of financial expertise with practical, down-to-earth conversations about money, planning, and purpose. Each week, we'll unpack real-life scenarios, answer the questions you've been too afraid to ask, and help you think through what retirement — and financial independence — could look like for you. What to expect: → Retirement planning without the jargon → Candid insights from 20+ years in the advisory business → Case studies and stories from real clients (anonymized, of course) → Clear steps for building a life you don't want to retire from Whether you're 15 years out or already retired, there's something here for you. Learn more at ellisretirement.com or email us at ellisteam@lpl.com to ask a question or suggest a topic.

  1. 5d ago

    The 50% Social Security Spousal Benefit Explained: You Can't Have Both

    If you're married and planning when to claim Social Security, one of the most misunderstood rules could have a major impact on your household's retirement income. In this video, we break down how the 50% Social Security spousal benefit actually works, why delaying Social Security until age 70 doesn't increase your spouse's maximum spousal benefit, and the filing requirement that can catch couples off guard. We'll walk through real-world examples showing how the spousal benefit is calculated, what happens when the higher-earning spouse delays their benefit, and why the difference between two claiming strategies could potentially add up to tens of thousands of dollars over retirement. You'll also learn why Social Security decisions shouldn't be made in isolation. Survivor benefits, taxes, life expectancy, employment, and each spouse's earnings history can all play a role in determining the right strategy. Before you or your spouse file for Social Security, make sure you understand how these rules work together and how your decision could affect your household for years to come.  If you'd like help building a Social Security and retirement income strategy around your specific situation, visit our website or use the link below to get in touch. #SocialSecurity #SocialSecurityBenefits #SpousalBenefits #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurityStrategy #RetirementTips #FinancialPlanning #RetirementTaxes #retirement

  2. Sep 8

    New Social Security Bill 2026 Eliminates Earnings Test: (The Risk)

    Book a Call With Me: https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30 A new proposal in Congress could change how Social Security works for millions of Americans who claim benefits early while continuing to work. The proposal targets the Social Security earnings test—the rule that can cause benefits to be temporarily withheld when someone claims Social Security before full retirement age and continues earning above certain limits. But there's a major distinction retirees need to understand: eliminating the earnings test would not eliminate the permanent reduction that comes with claiming Social Security early. In this video, we break down how the Social Security earnings test works today, why it was originally created, what could change if the proposed legislation becomes law, and what would stay exactly the same. We'll also explain why withheld benefits under the earnings test aren't necessarily permanently lost, how Social Security adjusts benefits after full retirement age, and why working while collecting Social Security can still have important tax consequences. Most importantly, we'll separate two rules that are frequently confused: the earnings test and the early-claiming reduction. Understanding the difference could be critical when deciding whether to claim at 62, full retirement age, or wait until 70. If you're approaching retirement and want help determining how Social Security fits into your retirement income and tax strategy, use the link in the description to get in touch. Subscribe for more videos covering Social Security, retirement planning, taxes, and strategies designed to help you make more informed retirement decisions. #SocialSecurity #SocialSecurity2026 #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurityBenefits #RetirementNews #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurityChanges #RetirementTaxes #FinancialPlanning #Retirement

  3. Sep 3

    Once You Understand This, You'll Stop Working Past 58

    Book a Call With Me: https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30   The IRS just made major updates for 2026, and if nobody walks you through what actually changed, you could hand over hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars without knowing why. These changes touch your Social Security, Roth conversions, investment income, Medicare premiums, and almost every part of your retirement income at once — and some of them look like a win on paper but can quietly cost you if you're not paying attention.   In this video, Grant Ellis, CEO of Ellis Retirement Advisors, breaks down exactly what's new for 2026, including: ✅ The updated standard deduction for single and married filers ✅ The expanded SALT cap — and the income thresholds where it starts phasing out ✅ The brand-new $6,000 senior deduction (and the phase-out trap that catches many retirees off guard)  ✅ How tax brackets actually work (and why moving into a new bracket doesn't mean all your income gets taxed higher) ✅ 2026 capital gains brackets and how to stay in the 0% zone  ✅ The Net Investment Income Tax threshold that's been frozen since 2013 ✅ Social Security taxation thresholds that haven't moved since the 1980s/90s ✅ IRMAA — the Medicare surcharge cliff, and why a decision today doesn't show up until two years from now   If you're retired or approaching retirement, understanding exactly where these new lines are drawn could save you from an expensive mistake — and help you use these same rules to your advantage.    #RetirementPlanning #TaxPlanning #2026TaxBrackets #RothConversion #SocialSecurity #Medicare #IRMAA #CapitalGains #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome

  4. Sep 2

    2026 Tax Brackets for Retirees (The Traps Nobody Warns You About)

    Book a Call With Me: https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30   The 2026 tax rules bring some major changes for retirees — and some of them come with hidden traps that could cost you thousands if you're not prepared.   In this video, we break down what retirees need to know about the 2026 tax brackets, the increased standard deduction, the new senior deduction and its phase-out, SALT deductions, capital gains tax brackets, Social Security taxation, and IRMAA Medicare surcharges. We'll also look at how these changes can impact Roth conversions and other retirement-income decisions.   Understanding how these rules interact is critical because a seemingly small decision could increase your taxes or even trigger higher Medicare premiums down the road.   If you're retired or approaching retirement, this video will help you understand the biggest 2026 tax changes and what to consider when planning your income.    #Retirement #RetirementPlanning #Taxes #TaxPlanning #2026Taxes #RetirementTaxes #RothConversion #SocialSecurity #Medicare #FinancialPlanning

  5. Aug 26

    Roth IRA Conversion Strategy: How to Fill Your Tax Brackets Before RMDs and Cut Lifetime Taxes

    What if delaying taxes on your retirement accounts could actually cost you more in the long run?  For many retirees, the years between leaving work and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can create a valuable tax-planning window. Once RMDs begin, withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts can stack on top of Social Security, pensions, and other income—potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket. In this video, we break down how strategic Roth IRA conversions can help you take advantage of lower-income years, "fill up" lower tax brackets, reduce future RMDs, and potentially lower your total lifetime tax bill. We'll cover how to calculate your potential Roth conversion amount, why the "gap years" before Social Security and RMDs can be so important, Medicare IRMAA considerations, the pro-rata rule, state taxes, and common conversion mistakes that could cost you thousands. The goal isn't simply to pay the least amount of tax this year—it's to build a retirement withdrawal strategy designed to minimize taxes over your entire retirement. If you're approaching retirement or already retired, this is a strategy worth understanding before your next year-end tax planning deadline. #RothIRA #RothConversion #RetirementPlanning #TaxPlanning #RetirementTaxes #RMDs #FinancialPlanning #RetirementStrategy #IRA #WealthManagement

  6. Aug 20

    Why Everything in Retirement Changes If You Have a Pension

    Free Resource: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3zhPyrs Choosing between a lump sum pension and a monthly pension payout could be one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make in retirement. In this video, Grant Ellis breaks down the pros and cons of each option using real-world examples, retirement stress tests, and actual client case studies. You'll learn how survivorship options work, when a lump sum may make sense, when a guaranteed monthly pension provides more security, how sequence of returns risk can impact your retirement, and why your pension decision affects much more than just your monthly income. We also cover common mistakes retirees make, including choosing the wrong survivor benefit and failing to consider taxes, healthcare costs, legacy planning, and long-term retirement income. If you're approaching retirement and have a pension election coming up, this guide will help you understand what to consider before making an irreversible decision. If you'd like personalized retirement planning or a pension stress test for your own situation, schedule a complimentary consultation using the link below. #RetirementPlanning #Pension #LumpSum #Retirement #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome #401k #IRA #SocialSecurity #personalfinance

  7. Jun 1

    How Retirees Pay Zero Tax on Capital Gains and Social Security

    Did you know there's a window in the tax code where you can sell appreciated investments, collect Social Security, and owe the IRS nothing? In this episode I walk you through exactly how to coordinate your capital gains and Social Security income to land in the zero percent tax bracket legally, intentionally, and repeatedly. We cover the zero percent long-term capital gains rate and what the 2026 income thresholds actually mean for you, how to calculate your harvesting room using the standard deduction, which assets to sell and in what order, how to sequence withdrawals during the bridge years before Social Security, why Roth conversions and gain harvesting need to happen in separate years, and a simple annual checklist to keep you in the zero percent zone year after year. If you missed our last episode on the Tax Torpedo, go listen to that one first. It is the foundation for everything we cover here. This is the kind of planning my team and I do every day with people who are retired or getting close to it. If you want to talk through what this looks like for your specific situation, grab a complimentary Zoom consultation through the link below. No pressure, just a real conversation.

  8. Apr 7

    Most People Don't Know What Advisors Do…Here's the Truth

    Work with Grant: https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30 What does a financial advisor actually do? Most people hear terms like financial planner, wealth manager, advisor, and assume they all mean the same thing… they don't. In this episode, I break down what financial advisors really do in plain English, without the industry jargon. We cover: The 3 core things advisors actually do Why "financial advisor" means nothing legally The truth about investments, products, and planning When tools like insurance and annuities make sense (and when they don't) How to know if an advisor is actually acting in your best interest The #1 way to vet an advisor before hiring them If you've ever wondered what you're actually paying for—or if you even need an advisor—this will give you clarity.

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About

Retirement isn't just a number. It's a phase of life that comes with big questions, evolving goals, and a need for real clarity. Welcome to The Art and Science of Retirement — a weekly podcast for people who want to make smart financial decisions and live fully in every stage of life. Hosted by Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, this show blends two decades of financial expertise with practical, down-to-earth conversations about money, planning, and purpose. Each week, we'll unpack real-life scenarios, answer the questions you've been too afraid to ask, and help you think through what retirement — and financial independence — could look like for you. What to expect: → Retirement planning without the jargon → Candid insights from 20+ years in the advisory business → Case studies and stories from real clients (anonymized, of course) → Clear steps for building a life you don't want to retire from Whether you're 15 years out or already retired, there's something here for you. Learn more at ellisretirement.com or email us at ellisteam@lpl.com to ask a question or suggest a topic.

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