Retirement Equals Freedom

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 who are just starting out (when the stakes are low...

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’s introduction to the podcast’s newest segment: G...

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 enduring – partnerships in our lives. Finding the r...

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 lay down post-retirement roots. The old stereotype o...

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 episode is devoted to the timing of moving your saving...

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 to make Roth contributions and the peace of mind t...

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 Dave Schmidt ponders what it means in terms of bacon....

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 learn how very serious the financial consequences...

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 is, but how to avoid falling prey to it! The first...

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 charts) and giving us a powerful visual aid to explai...

“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 your retirement planning act together, there are t...

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 savings over to the government in retirement. And who...

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 healthy emergency fund and ultimately still have some i...

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” model for spending in retirement. Income is the No....

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 question: Is this podcast suitable for family lis...

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 accountant with nearly two decades of experience building...

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.