Your Retirement Elevated Podcast with Scott Dougan

Scott Dougan
  • 4.3 (3)
  • Investing
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 5d ago

    Estate Planning Doesn't Have to Be Confusing

    Confused by all the estate planning lingo you hear tossed around? Estate planning comes with a language all its own, and many of the terms sound similar enough to create unnecessary confusion. In this episode, Connor Kelly, Estate Planning Attorney, clarifies some of the words and concepts that often leave families unsure about what their documents actually do and who is responsible for carrying out their wishes. Tune in and finally feel confident speaking the language of estate planning. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📜 Wills and Trusts: Different tools with very different outcomes ⚖️ Executor or Trustee: Authority depends on the governing document 🎁 Heirs and Beneficiaries: Legal inheritance vs. intentional naming 🔐 Trust Types: Revocable vs. irrevocable control and protection 🩺 Two “Wills”: Medical wishes vs. property instructions 📝 Beneficiary Forms: Contract designations can override your will   💼 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

  2. Jul 9

    The 2026 Guide to Trump Accounts

    The new Trump Accounts are officially here—and with the rules now finalized, parents and grandparents have much more clarity about how these accounts actually work. While the promise of a $1,000 government contribution has captured plenty of attention, the real planning opportunities lie in understanding the fine print, tax treatment, contribution limits, and long-term strategies these accounts create. Today, Tyler Moison, CFP® sits in for Scott to break down the basics of these Trump Accounts and explain why this may be worth understanding alongside other savings options. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💰 Government Seed Money – Who qualifies for the $1,000 contribution 📈 Building Wealth Early – The power of long-term compounding 🏦 Tax Planning – Understanding how Trump Accounts are taxed 🏠 Withdrawal Flexibility – College expenses, first homes, and retirement 🎯 Advanced Strategies – Why a Roth conversion could be a game changer   💼 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

  3. Jun 25

    Your Account Balance Is Not the Number That Matters Most

    For decades, retirement planning has focused on one question: How much have you saved? But once retirement begins, a different question takes center stage. In this episode, Scott explains why two retirees with identical account balances can have dramatically different retirement outcomes and why understanding your income needs may be far more important than the size of your nest egg. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🔄 New Mindset: From saving to spending 📊 Withdrawal Rates: Measuring portfolio pressure 🎯 Start Purposefully: Give every dollar a job 📈 Make It Last: Flexibility through retirement 🧾 Tax Coordination: Smarter withdrawal strategies   💼 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

  4. Jun 18

    Why Retirement Feels So Unsettling Even When You Have Enough

    Retirement is supposed to feel exciting. No more alarms, deadlines, meetings, or work schedules. Yet many people find themselves feeling increasingly anxious as retirement approaches, even when the numbers say they're ready. Scott explores the emotional side of retirement and why confidence often comes from more than just having enough money. If retirement feels closer than ever, but excitement is being replaced by anxiety, tune in to learn how you can find confidence after the paycheck stops. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🧠 Retirement Anxiety: Understanding the emotional transition ❓ Unanswered Questions: Why uncertainty creates stress 🛣️ What-If Planning: Preparing for life's curveballs 🎯 Purpose & Clarity: Knowing what you're retiring to 📋 Confidence Building: Creating a roadmap for retirement   💼 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

  5. Jun 11

    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

  6. Jun 4

    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

  7. May 28

    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

  8. May 21

    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

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4.3
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About

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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