Best Josh Bretl Podcasts (2024)

1
041: Annuities Part 2 - Because Some Is Never Enough! 39:53

1y ago39:53

39:53

Sometimes investment decisions (like saving for retirement) are black and white. No nuance or downsides. But when it comes to annuities, there are shades of grey that The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is here to help you understand. On this second of two parts, Host Josh Bretl shares FSR Wealth Strategies’ take on when, how and why certain annu…

1
040: What’s Annuities Got to Do With It? - Part 1 35:06

1y ago35:06

35:06

Annuities! For years now they’ve been dissed, maligned and misunderstood … which is why we’re setting the record straight on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom. Host Josh Bretl, owner of FSR Wealth Strategies, explains why this particular investment vehicle has gotten a bad rap (Co-Host Dave Schmidt can relate) and how to educate ourselves o…

1
039: Choosing the Right Retirement Financial Advisor: A Checklist for Success 33:00

1y ago33:00

33:00

Clarity. Simplicity. Certainty. When it comes to turning our finances over to an expert, these are the three guiding lights that Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, wants us to keep in mind. Retirement planning represents a different phase of life and requires the right expertise, which is why this episode of Retirement Equals Freedo…

1
038: When It Comes to Taxes, It’s All in the Planning! 34:11

1y ago34:11

34:11

When it comes to Tax Prep versus Tax Planning? Hands down, planning is king! Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth, is showing us the difference between putting together the info we need to file our taxes (always a short-term nuisance!) and positioning ourselves to minimize what we actually owe when April 15th rolls around (a long-term proposition…

1
037: Waking Up to Bank Failures and What It All Means 31:46

1y ago31:46

31:46

It’s been a bumpy ride for banks lately – but context is everything! That’s why Josh Bretl, our fearless host and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is here to decode the collapse in recent weeks of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic. When we talk about these bank failures and the role of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.…

1
036: De-Mystifying Medicare - Part 2 28:29

1y ago28:29

28:29

Medicare. The beauty and the terror! This episode of Retirement Equals Freedom features a first-ever guest, David Wylly of Medicare Solutions Network, who is here to liberate us from our fear of the unknown! Host Josh Bretl, Founder of FSR Wealth Solutions, runs through a list of key questions covering everything we need to know about this federal …

1
035: De-Mystifying Medicare - Part 1 34:32

1y ago34:32

34:32

Medicare with all its parts and options intimidates a lot of us – with good reason. But Host Josh Bretl, Founder of FSR Wealth, and his prize pupil, Co-Host Dave Schmidt, have got our backs! In the first of what will be a two-part blockbuster, the Retirement Equals Freedom team is bringing us the ins and outs of a federal health care benefit from w…

1
034: FSR’s Mic Drop Mission Statement 2.0 31:35

1+ y ago31:35

31:35

From its inception, the Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast has been laser-focused on providing practical info to help folks prepare for their golden years. But on this very special episode Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is letting us in on a secret! As he and Co-Host Dave Schmidt explain, their team’s positive energy and client s…

1
033: Tax Challenges Are Unavoidable. But There Are Solutions! 32:13

1+ y ago32:13

32:13

Buckle up for this one because Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is not messing around. This episode of the Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is getting down to the nitty-gritty of tax strategy for retirement. Following up on Episode 32, as promised we’re getting the solutions and work-arounds for a range of tax-related challenges …

1
032: Don’t Let Tax Drag Drag Your Investments Down! 38:34

1+ y ago38:34

38:34

Have you ever wondered whether your retirement nest egg is mired in Tax Drag? If not, it’ll definitely be on your radar after this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast. Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is breaking down the intent behind portfolio rebalancing and the difference between sheltered and unsheltered investme…

1
031: SECURE Act 2.0 for Retirees – What You Need to Know! 38:55

1+ y ago38:55

38:55

Whether we’re talking about gall bladders or the SECURE Act 2.0, there’s really no such thing as over-sharing. Right? That’s why on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, Host Josh Bretl is diving deep into both topics! In addition to finding out how he’s faring post-surgery, we’re also getting a thorough debrief on the many (in some cases subt…

1
030: Fun With 401k Plans - America's Greatest Savings Tool! 36:28

1+ y ago36:28

36:28

They are the single biggest savings tool we have available to us. Are you using them effectively? That’s the question Host Josh Bretl explores on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, which is devoted to all things 401k: How they work. Who can contribute. Ways to make and monitor investments inside them. When it’s okay to withdraw funds from t…

1
029: Your Annual IRA Contributions – When, Why & How Much! 31:25

1+ y ago31:25

31:25

We’re at the dawn of 2023 and Co-Hosts Josh Bretl and Dave Schmidt are here to help us all fill our buckets – financially and otherwise! Join us for a special New Year Edition of the Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast focused on figuring out how traditional and Roth IRAs as well as 401k plans can work for you! #TaxNerds: You’ll come away understandi…

1
028: 4 Things to Know Before Claiming Social Security (Part 3) 35:34

1+ y ago35:34

35:34

You may be getting ready to tuck into your favorite holiday movie, but not quite yet! There’s more to learn about Social Security, thanks to Retirement Equals Freedom’s very special Part III episode all about the gift that keeps on giving! Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, is closing out the year with a recap and deeper dive into s…

1
027: When Should You Claim Social Security? (Part 2) 30:41

1+ y ago30:41

30:41

Have you been counting down the hours? Well, it’s heeere! Part II of what promises to be a Retirement Equals Freedom ratings bonanza focused on – you asked for it – Social Security! Host Josh Bretl is walking us through some of the variables that we all want to factor into the all-important decision about when to start receiving Social Security. So…

1
026: Getting the Lowdown on Social Security (Part 1) 33:49

1+ y ago33:49

33:49

Are you ready for all things Social Security? On this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, Host Josh Bretl is starting off a 360° look at this federal program that touches the lives of just about every retired American. (We promise, it’s exciting!) This jam-packed show is focused on the system’s history – from how it got started to how its paramet…

1
025: Factoring Longer Lifespans into Retirement Security – and Fun! 29:07

1+ y ago29:07

29:07

Actuarially speaking, death these days isn’t really a downer! As Host Josh Bretl highlights with data points on this episode of Retirement Equals Freedom, the average human life span has stretched way out beyond previous generations. The good news is, that means more years to enjoy! But that positive headline also comes with a word to the wise: You…

1
024: 2022 Year-End Financial Planning 30:25

1+ y ago30:25

30:25

They say timing is everything, which is most definitely the case when it comes to year-end financial planning. That’s why Host Josh Bretl is bringing us his Top Six End-of-Year Considerations as we bring 2022 to a close. This episode of Retirement Equals Freedom (crisply choreographed with a big assist from Erin!) features a comprehensive “to do” l…

1
023: What are Some Bond Alternatives? 31:07

1+ y ago31:07

31:07

If you’ve been impatiently waiting for another installment in Host Josh Bretl’s compelling tutorial about all things bonds, then this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is for you! In addition to recapping how today’s bond market differs from what we’ve seen over the past 40 years, Josh is explaining everything you need to know about …

1
022: All About Inflation Fighting I Bonds 27:11

2y ago27:11

27:11

Guess what? I Bonds are no longer the bell bottoms of financial investments! In fact, they are right on point in these inflationary times! Host Josh Bretl, CPA and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, explains exactly why Co-Host Dave Schmidt – and anyone else with some spare cash being eroded by inflation – might want to consider this low-risk govern…

1
021: How Does the SECURE Act Affect Your IRAs? 26:47

2y ago26:47

26:47

Wait for it! Who knew that anticipating one person’s “Byeee!” could create such compelling podcast drama? We don’t want to undersell the exciting insights Host Josh Bretl is sharing about the Secure Act of 2019 on this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast. But its special guest Erin Fogarty, an advisor at FSR Wealth, who generates the e…

1
020: Is the 60/40 Portfolio Dead? 22:49

2y ago22:49

22:49

Welcome to this very special follow-up to Episode 19 – which was all about an edge-of-your-seat subject: Bonds. This time out The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast is building on that theme by taking an unvarnished look at the 60/40 portfolio. For decades, explains FSR Wealth Strategies Founder and Host Josh Bretl, it’s provided retirees a reliable…

1
019: Do Bonds Have a Place in My Portfolio? 28:53

2y ago28:53

28:53

Don’t fast forward! No matter what you’ve heard (from extended family who shall remain nameless), we promise it only gets better! This week’s episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast features Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth, taking a deep dive into the sexy world of … bonds. Co-host Dave Schmidt is along for the ride, with some quest…

1
018: What Happens to Your Money When You Die? 31:30

2y ago31:30

31:30

What happens to your money after you die? This episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast goes right to the heart of this sensitive question – one that lots of us squeamishly avoid. Co-hosts Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies and Dave Schmidt (aka Vulcan Schmidt Todd Lopez) move us out of denial into a clearer understanding of what estate pl…

1
017: Retirees Focus on the Wrong Thing 26:15

2y ago26:15

26:15

Hiyeee! Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, and his Retirement Equals Freedom sidekick, Dave Schmidt, are back to regale you with everything from a Fleetwood Mac cover to eating Cheerios off the floor to some great news: You’re probably under-dreaming when it comes to what you can afford to enjoy in retirement. Even Dave might have a shot…

1
016: Is Paying Advisor Fees Worth it? 32:21

2y ago32:21

32:21

Show me the money! On this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast we’re finding out about the world of financial planning fees. What’s totally worth it, what’s so-so and when can you save $$ by managing on your own? Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, breaks down the different types of fees and shares advice he gives folks …

1
015: When Can I Retire? 30:46

2y ago30:46

30:46

Live from the FSR Wealth Strategies podcast studio in the heart of Elmhurst, Illinois, it’s another episode of The Retirement = Freedom and for the very first time … featuring Host Josh Bretl drinking Cometeer Coffee's flavorful La Esperanza roast. Guess what? He likes it. He really, really likes it! You also won’t want to miss Co-Host Dave Schmidt…

1
014: What to Look For in a Retirement Advisor 31:06

2y ago31:06

31:06

Choosing a financial advisor is serious business. Ideally, you’re entering into a reciprocal relationship based on … what? That’s what we’re finding out. On this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast we’re learning from Host Josh Bretl about the Top 9 things to consider in forming what is arguably one of the most significant – and hopefully e…

1
013: Should Taxes Play a Role in Where You Decide to Retire? 32:22

2y ago32:22

32:22

When you imagine your Golden Pond – the retirement venue of your dreams – what does it look like? Have you really done your research and thought it through? On this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast we learn from Host Josh Bretl, founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, some of the factors that are important to consider when choosing where to la…

1
012: Roth IRA Conversions Are For Everyone 27:51

2y ago27:51

27:51

Back by popular demand (probably), Host Josh Bretl is diving into the finer points of savings conversions in a follow-up to Part I of a very special Retirement = Freedom Podcast arc devoted to all things Roth IRA. If you missed the first installment, you might want to review the basics by listening to Episode 011, which you’ll find here. This episo…

1
011: Roth IRAs May be the Greatest Tax Benefit to Retirees 31:40

2y ago31:40

31:40

You’ve heard it before: Timing is everything. On this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast we’re learning about the ins and outs of the Roth IRA and why it’s such a fantastic savings tool, so long as it's executed correctly. Host Josh Bretl gets into the finer points of tax-deferred versus tax-free distributions, what conditions must be met …

1
010: Inflation is Here and it's Not Going Away 31:41

2y ago31:41

31:41

And once again we’re rolling … LIVE from the new FSR Wealth Strategies studio, this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast takes on a financial bogeyman that impacts absolutely everyone. We’re talking: Inflation. And, sorry folks, but it’s here to stay. Host Josh Bretl breaks down what it means in user-friendly economic terms while co-host Dav…

1
009: Putting Money Into Your IRA & 401k is Easy. Now How do You Get it Out? 33:22

2y ago33:22

33:22

Buckle up for this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast, which with the help of co-hosts Josh Bretl, CPA and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, and his best buddy “The Dave,” will make tax strategy and the timing of retirement account withdrawals more fascinating than you could ever have imagined! On this exciting episode – laughs aside – we …

1
008: Know Your Risk Score and Don't Rely on Dumb Luck! 32:14

2y ago32:14

32:14

Live! From their new podcast studio, it’s a big day for co-hosts Josh Bretl and Dave Schmidt of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast. They’re even pretty sure that at least one of their mothers will be tuning in for sage advice delivered with inimitable (truly) wit and charm! This episode offers important follow-up on the topic of greed – not what it i…

1
007: Don't Let Fear and Greed Derail Your Retirement 28:02

2y ago28:02

28:02

We’re baack! And this episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast moves us seamlessly from riveting to morbid with lots of light-hearted banter in between. Host Josh Bretl is taking us through risk – what it is, how to monitor it and why retirees often carry too much. The Dave is also debuting a new and catchy jingle (very likely to hit the pop cha…

1
006: Knowing Your Budget and How Much You Spend is Critical in Retirement! 28:04

2y ago28:04

28:04

“If you don’t have a good sense of humor, you’re better off dead.” ~Roger Rabbit. Has anything truer ever been said? Not according to The Dave, who helps kick off this episode of Retirement = Freedom with several pearls of wisdom before he and Host Josh Bretl, CPA and Founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, get down to business. When it comes to getting …

1
005: You Get to Decide How Much Taxes to Pay in Retirement! 26:44

2y ago26:44

26:44

Are you ready for fun with taxes? No joke! This episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast features Host Josh Bretl, CPA and founder of FSR Wealth Strategies, debriefing us not only on why savvy tax strategy is important but how – when done right – it can be turned into a kind of game. The winners wind up handing less of their hard-earned sav…

1
004: As a Retiree Your Investment Strategy Needs to Balance Time and Risk 24:29

2y ago24:29

24:29

You’d think retiring with a big pile of money is pretty much the Golden Ticket to non-stop good times, but – spoiler alert – it turns out that spending strategically is also a thing. If we don’t? More and more people are living longer and, well, no one wants to outlive their bank balance. The goal here is to enjoy our bucket lists, maintain a healt…

1
003: How Will You Replace Your Income in Retirement? 27:25

2y ago27:25

27:25

Have you heard of the post-World War II financial planning strategy known as the “Three-Legged Stool?" Well, on this episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast we’re here to introduce you to the latest and greatest 21st century alternative! Host Josh Bretl, a CPA and owner of FSR Wealth Strategies, is explaining his “Pockets on Your Pants” mo…

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002: Don't Let Fear Dominate Your Retirement 24:57

2y ago24:57

24:57

Welcome back! Glad you’re here for our second episode of The Retirement = Freedom Podcast, a freewheeling look at what it takes to secure the future of your dreams! And how does that tie in with Arby’s roast beef sandwiches? Well, you’ll just have to stay tuned to find out – not only about the sandwiches but also about how Josh and Dave resolve the…

1
001: Retirement Equals Freedom: You Deserve to Thrive in Retirement! 22:34

2y ago22:34

22:34

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Retirement Equals Freedom Podcast! The name pretty much spells it out: We’re here to help people understand how to use smart strategy and planning to secure – and enjoy – the retirement of their dreams. Along with his sidekick Dave Schmidt, Josh Bretl will be sharing his insights as a certified public account…

1
The Trailer - This is Where it all Begins! 2:00

2y ago2:00

2:00

You deserve to thrive in retirement, but have you changed your thought process from your working years? Your host, Josh Bretl of FSR Wealth Strategies, has been helping people just like you for over 18 years. In this trailer, we introduce you to the ideas, tone, and overall vibe of our show. Give 'er a listen, and we'll see you inside episode #1.…

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