Johnson Brunetti Money Wisdom

There’s a new Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, but that’s not the whole story. Many Americans are worried about the program's future. In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth discuss how retirees can make more informed claiming decisions, coordinate Social Security with their investments, and build a retirement strategy that isn't dependent on Washington.

The U.S. national debt just crossed $40 trillion for the first time in history. That’s nearly $300,000 per household — and it grows by about $7 billion every single day. It sounds like a Washington problem, far removed from your kitchen table. But it isn’t. In this episode, Mark Elliott (host) and Eric Hogarth (from Johnson Brunetti) break down what a $40 trillion debt really means for people who’...

More retirees than ever are turning to financial advisors for the first time, and they're all circling the same core question: "Am I going to be OK?" In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth from Johnson Brunetti walk through five of the biggest questions retirees bring to the table and show you how the right plan could turn your retirement fears into confidence.

A million dollars sounds like the magic number — the point where you can finally relax and enjoy retirement. But does it actually hold up in 2026? With inflation still running hot and healthcare costs climbing, the honest answer is… it depends. In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth break down what really determines whether $1 million lasts a lifetime — and why many savvy retirees build an...

Retirement now feels more expensive than ever, and the latest numbers prove it. Americans say they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, while nearly half worry they could outlive their savings altogether. In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth break down what this rising “magic number” really means, why so many people feel behind, and how a well written plan can help turn a stressful...

Thinking back just 30 years to 1996 is exciting but also provides us a snapshot of what retirement might bring. Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott go back in Financial Time to 1996, where we check to see what Baby Boomers were doing in their building their wealth years.

Remember when you were working, and you could count on a regular paycheck hitting your bank account every month? For many retirees, that predictable income is replaced by constantly checking portfolio values and worrying about market fluctuations. But retirement doesn't have to feel like a financial rollercoaster. Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott discuss why having dependable income sources are so im...

Financial Advisor Eric Hogarth and Co-Host Mark Elliott discuss an eye-opening look at why retirees are blindsided by higher taxes, and discover the strategic 'three-bucket' plan that can save you tens of thousands over your lifetime. Don’t just file your taxes—plan them!

More retirees than ever are turning to financial advisors for the first time, and they're all circling the same core question: "Am I going to be OK?" In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth from Johnson Brunetti walk through five of the biggest questions retirees bring to the table and show you how the right plan could turn your retirement fears into confidence.

Thinking back just 30 years to 1996 is exciting but also provides us a snapshot of what retirement might bring. Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott go back in Financial Time to 1996, where we check to see what Baby Boomers were doing in their building their wealth years

People already find retirement planning overwhelming—and just when they feel like they’ve finally got everything in place and their plan is on track, their financial advisor steps in and says it’s time to rebalance. Suddenly, they’re again faced with having to make decisions they were uncomfortable making in the first place. Financial Advisor Jake Doser and co-host Mark Elliott discuss exactly why...

Financial Advisor Eric Hogarth and Co-Host Mark Elliott discuss an eye-opening look at why retirees are blindsided by higher taxes, and discover the strategic 'three-bucket' plan that can save you tens of thousands over your lifetime. Don’t just file your taxes—plan them!

Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the courage it took to declare independence — to stop accepting the status quo and choose something better. For retirees and pre-retirees with serious wealth, financial independence deserves the same declaration. Not just freedom from work, but freedom from guesswork, panic, and reactive decisions. In this special July 4th episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth f...

Remember when you were working, and you could count on a regular paycheck hitting your bank account every month? For many retirees, that predictable income is replaced by constantly checking portfolio values and worrying about market fluctuations. But retirement doesn't have to feel like a financial rollercoaster. Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott discuss why having dependable income sources are so im...

Deciding when to retire involves more than just hitting a certain age or savings number. It's a complex decision with financial, emotional, and social dimensions. This week, Heath Grossman joins Mark Elliott to help you find answers to the most important question: “Am I truly ready to retire?”

It’s time to face a few hard financial truths head-on. Social Security is not stretching as far as it used to, future benefits may face pressure, withdrawal strategies are getting tighter, and healthcare can take a much bigger bite out of savings than you may expect. In this episode, radio host Mark Elliott and Financial Planner co-host Heath Grossman explain what these challenges mean and, more i...

Financial Advisor Eric Hogarth and Co-Host Mark Elliott discuss an eye-opening look at why retirees are blindsided by higher taxes, and discover the strategic 'three-bucket' plan that can save you tens of thousands over your lifetime. Don’t just file your taxes—plan them!

Retirement now feels more expensive than ever, and the latest numbers prove it. Americans say they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, while nearly half worry they could outlive their savings altogether. In this episode, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth break down what this rising “magic number” really means, why so many people feel behind, and how a well written plan can help turn a stressful...

On this weekend’s program, Mark Elliott and Eric Hogarth will explore practical frameworks for closing the gap between your guaranteed income and monthly needs, funding those big retirement dreams, and making your savings go further with smart tax and fee strategies. Whether you’re worried about outliving your money or just want permission to enjoy what you’ve built, you’ll learn how to create a r...

Global conflicts are casting a long shadow over the U.S. economy, and the Federal Reserve is officially sounding the alarm. With energy shocks and persistent inflation, businesses across the country are facing heightened uncertainty. But while the corporate world adopts a "wait-and-see" approach, retirees can’t afford to stand still. In this episode, host Mark Elliott and Financial Advisor Eric Ho...

On today’s episode, Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott dive into the essentials of 401k plans and share practical strategies to help you make sure your retirement savings last as long as you do. Whether you’re just starting out or nearing retirement, tune in as our experts break down tips for maximizing your 401k, avoiding common pitfalls, and planning wisely so you can enjoy financial security in your...

In this episode, Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott dive into some of the most common money habits holding Americans back from reaching their financial goals. With only 36 percent of Americans having a written financial plan, many are “winging it” when it comes to spending and saving. The discussion covers practical ways to break habits like living without a budget, neglecting your emergency fund, carr...

Join Financial Advisor Eric Hogarth and co-host Mark Elliott on this eye-opening “best-of” episode about legacy planning—because protecting your loved ones isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for everyone. Discover how a clear estate plan can prevent costly mistakes, minimize emotional stress, and ensure your wishes are honored.

With rising tensions and ongoing global conflicts making headlines, many are wondering what this uncertainty could mean for their finances – especially retirees living on their life savings. In this episode, Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott discuss the realities of investing during times of conflict and strategies to help keep your money preserved through the chaos.

This episode Eric Hogarth and Mark Elliott will explore the surprising gaps in Americans’ retirement and financial literacy, focusing on findings from The American College of Financial Services.