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. 2D AGO

    The AI Headlines Are Scary. Do Retirees Need To Worry?

    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg AI headlines are everywhere right now: “jobs disappearing,” “work becoming optional,” and predictions that artificial intelligence will reshape the entire economy. Scott steps back from emotional headlines and looks at what the actual data suggests about AI and the workforce. The real question isn’t whether AI will change the future; it’s whether your retirement plan is flexible enough to handle uncertainty if your timeline shifts. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💥 Attention Economy: Headlines aim to provoke emotional reactions 🤖 Job Evolution: AI changes work more than eliminating jobs 📉 Net Job Growth: Automation may create more roles long-term ⚠️ Late-Career Risk: Job loss near retirement has a bigger impact 🧭 Flexible Planning: Retirement plans must adapt to uncertainty   Yale’s Budget Lab article: Evaluating the Impact of AI on the Labor Market https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/evaluating-impact-ai-labor-market-current-state-affairs World Economic Forum article: Future of Jobs Report 2025: 78 Million New Job Opportunities by 2030 but Urgent Upskilling Needed to Prepare Workforces https://www.weforum.org/press/2025/01/future-of-jobs-report-2025-78-million-new-job-opportunities-by-2030-but-urgent-upskilling-needed-to-prepare-workforces/ Goldman Sachs article: How Will AI Affect the Global Workforce? https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/how-will-ai-affect-the-global-workforce Fortune article: Morgan Stanley predicts AI won’t let you retire early: Instead, you’ll have to train for jobs that don’t exist yet https://finance.yahoo.com/news/morgan-stanley-predicts-ai-won-073000488.html Brookings article: Measuring US workers’ capacity to adapt to AI-driven job displacement https://www.brookings.edu/articles/measuring-us-workers-capacity-to-adapt-to-ai-driven-job-displacement/   📞 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

    20 min

  2. MAR 5

    What Happens Throughout the Year During the Planning Process?

    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg What actually happens after your annual review meeting? Is your plan just sitting on a shelf, or is something happening behind the scenes? In this episode, Scott pulls back the curtain and walks through the firm’s annual service calendar, the intentional, season-by-season process that keeps retirement plans aligned, optimized, and protected all year long. If you’ve ever wondered what your advisory team is doing between meetings, this episode is your behind-the-scenes tour. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ❄️ Winter Positioning: Preparing taxes, RMDs, and income coordination 🌷 Spring Strategy Review: Deep investment analysis and plan recalibration ☀️ Summer Protection Focus: Insurance, cybersecurity, and tax return review 🍁 Fall Precision Execution: Year-end tax moves and income adjustments ☕ Coffee Conversations: Educational events keeping clients informed   📞 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

    14 min

  3. FEB 26

    The Gray Areas That Actually Matter in 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 Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. Scott pulls back the curtain on the sensational advice dominating YouTube and financial media. Instead of chasing rigid rules, he explains why thoughtful coordination across multiple planning areas produces better outcomes. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Roth Conversions: Context matters more than slogans 📈 Social Security Timing: Optimization vs. maximization 🏡 Paying Off the House: Emotional security vs. liquidity 🎯 Advisor or DIY: Complexity determines the answer 💰 Inheritance Decisions: Intentional legacy vs. lifestyle flexibility   📞 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

    26 min

  4. FEB 19

    Risk Tolerance: Preparing for Market Turbulence

    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg Some people love a thunderstorm, while others panic the moment clouds roll in. Markets work the same way and pretending you’re more comfortable with risk than you really can get expensive. Scott uses a weather lens to explain how preparation, not prediction, is what keeps retirement plans steady when volatility hits. When turbulence hits, preparation beats optimism every time. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🌩️ The Forecast Isn’t the Weather - Why market predictions don’t change volatility but preparation does. ☀️ Calm Markets Can Fool You - Why risk feels easy during bull markets and terrifying during downturns. 🚧 Your “Uncle” Number - Defining the loss level that would cause emotional panic. 🛣️ Guardrails & Speed Limits - Matching your portfolio to your real tolerance and not theoretical confidence. 🛡️ Preparation Over Prediction - Building income stability so volatility doesn’t derail your retirement.   📞 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

    23 min

  5. FEB 11

    The Boat-Dragging Problem: How Old Strategies Can Hurt Your 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 Most people don’t struggle in retirement because they made bad decisions, they struggle because they keep using the right tools for the wrong season. Scott shows how a simple story reveals why familiar strategies can quietly become obstacles over time. Inspired by a parable popularized by Sahil Bloom, the conversation reframes what real progress looks like later in life. Sometimes the hardest part of moving forward isn’t effort, it’s knowing what to finally set down. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🚤 Boat Dragging Context: Why smart people feel stuck 📖 The Parable Explained: A tool becomes a burden 💼 Outdated Strategies: Accumulation mindsets linger 🔄 New Retirement Reality: Income, risk, and tax shifts 🧠 Psychological Impact: Fear, familiarity, and sunk cost 🛠️ Proactive Planning: Intentional subtraction and alignment   📞 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

    19 min

  6. JAN 29

    10 Common Retirement Myths And Why They’re Dangerous

    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg There’s no shortage of retirement advice out there, but not all of it is helpful, and some of it can quietly do real damage. Today, Scott walks through 10 of the most common retirement planning myths and explains why relying on them can derail an otherwise solid plan. Before assuming something is “just how retirement works,” it’s worth taking a closer look. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📚 The “Thick Plan” Fallacy: Why bigger financial plans don’t automatically mean better outcomes 💑 Survivor Income Assumptions: A surviving spouse usually needs more income than expected 📉 Stocks vs. Bonds in Retirement: Age alone isn’t a reliable investment guide 🛑 Spending During Market Downturns: Why “just stop spending” isn’t a realistic strategy 🤯 Decision Fatigue in Retirement: Financial decisions often become more complex, not less   📞 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

    16 min

  7. JAN 22

    An Economist Is Optimistic About 2026- Should You Be?

    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg After a year marked by volatility, uncertainty, and more than a few economic curveballs, it’s understandable if optimism doesn’t come easily. Today, Scott discusses a Bloomberg opinion column that argues the outlook for 2026 may be brighter than many people expect. A strong economy might lift markets, but a strong financial plan is what helps people stay confident no matter how the headlines turn out. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💸 Consumer Cash – More money flowing to households 🏢 Business Growth – Increased capital and investment flexibility 📉 Lower Costs – Interest rates and energy easing pressure 🌍 Market Stability – Fewer shocks from tariffs and trade   📞 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

    18 min

  8. JAN 15

    2026 Financial Rule Changes You Can't Ignore

    💼 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Apply for a consultation here 👉 https://calendly.com/erg-kc/introductory-phone-call-with-erg What’s new in 2026 for retirees and pre-retirees? Retirement rules are changing, and your future could look different in 2026. Tune in to discover what’s new and how the latest shifts might impact your financial strategy. Scott also shares what’s driving conversations on benefits, taxes, and smart savings moves. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📅 2026 Updates – Key changes affecting retirees and pre-retirees 💸 COLA & Medicare – Benefit increases offset by rising premiums 🧾 Senior Deduction – New tax breaks creating planning opportunities 🚀 Catch-Up Savings – Higher contribution limits for late-career workers 💼 Taxes & HSAs – Additional changes impacting health and tax strategy   📞 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

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

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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