The Art And Science Of Retirement

Did you know there's a window in the tax code where you can sell appreciated investments, collect Social Security, and owe the IRS nothing? In this episode I walk you through exactly how to coordinate your capital gains and Social Security income to land in the zero percent tax bracket legally, intentionally, and repeatedly. We cover the zero percent long-term capital gains rate and what the 2026...

Work with Grant: https://oncehub.com/GrantEllisMeetings30 What does a financial advisor actually do? Most people hear terms like financial planner, wealth manager, advisor, and assume they all mean the same thing… they don't. In this episode, I break down what financial advisors really do in plain English, without the industry jargon. We cover: The 3 core things advisors actually do Why "financial...

401(k) to IRA Before Retirement? The Pros /Cons/ and Mistakes to Avoid Work with me: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ In this episode, I want to clear up one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from people who are in the pre-retirement stage. If you're over 59½ and still working, you may have been told, or assumed, that you're stuck in your 401(k) until you officially retire. I hear this...

Work with me: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ If you're between 50 and 65 and starting to think seriously about retirement, you've probably realized something: it's overwhelming. I hear it from people every single day. There are so many moving parts, investments, estate planning, taxes, and income planning, that it's hard to even know where to begin. In this episode, I'm walking you throu...

If you want help building a plan tailored to your goals, you can book a call with me here: https://ellisretirement.com/get-started/ , so we can walk through your situation together. Today I'm breaking down the exact 5-step financial planning process I use with my clients so you know what real financial planning looks like and how to make smarter decisions for your money, retirement, investments, a...

Choosing between Roth vs. Pre-Tax contributions is one of the questions I get asked the most at Ellis Retirement Services. And I completely understand why it can feel confusing, and there's a lot of misinformation online. In this video, I break down the difference between Roth and Pre-Tax accounts in the simplest way possible so you can finally understand what they mean, how they work, and which o...

I simplify the confusing world of investment accounts, custodians, and tax rules so you can make better financial decisions and feel confident about your retirement plan. If you're feeling overwhelmed and want personalized guidance, you can schedule a FREE call with me at 👉 ellisretirement.com I'll help you map out your financial puzzle, from taxes, investments, and estate planning, all the way t...

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and if you haven't started thinking about your taxes yet, now's the time to act! Taxes play a crucial role in your overall wealth management and retirement plan. In this episode, Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, breaks down 5 important tax checkups you should review before the year ends. Whether you're planning for retirement or just ma...

Confused about what financial advisors actually do? You're not alone. The term "financial advisor" has no legal definition, and ten different advisors could offer completely different services. In this video, I break down everything you need to know about the financial advisory industry so you can make an informed decision about who to work with. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why the term "financial advis...

If you spent your whole life saving and planning for your family's future… only to find out your spouse could be hit with a massive tax bill after you're gone — wouldn't that frustrate you? In this video, I break down a hidden tax trap that catches thousands of retirees off guard: the Widow's Penalty. You'll learn what it is, why it happens, and how to reduce the impact before it's too late. Here'...

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that could change the future of 401(k) retirement plans. Most people haven't heard about it — but it could open the door to alternative investments like crypto, private equity, and real estate inside your retirement account. What you'll learn in this episode: What Trump's executive order on 401(k) plans actually says Why it's unusual for a...

Get the free 32 point retirement checklist here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3zhPyrs  Retirement isn't just about money. It's about how you spend your time. After decades of working, many retirees find themselves asking: What now? In this episode, Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, shares how to build purpose and fulfillment in retirement—plus some fun ideas from his per...

In this episode, Grant Ellis unpacks what a family vacation to Maine taught him about intentional spending—and why being honest about what really brings you joy is one of the most underrated financial planning tools out there. From ditching beach trips that never felt quite right, to navigating the social pressure of lake houses, boats, and vacation "flex culture," Grant walks through the real-lif...

"When should I start planning for retirement?" It's one of the most common questions we get and the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.  n this episode, we break down how to think about retirement planning at every stage of life, from your 20s and 30s to your 50s and beyond. We'll walk you through: ✅ The key financial moves to make in your 40s, 50s, and 60s ✅Why saving "6% of your pay...

There's a new tax bill making headlines, and while most people are busy enjoying summer, we're breaking down what actually matters for your financial life. We'll cover: ✅ Why most people aren't thinking about this (and why that's fine) ✅ What the bigger standard deduction could mean for your taxes ✅ New tax breaks for retirees and families ✅ How the bill could impact your estate, charitable gi...

What if your spending habits are saying more about you than you realize? In this episode, we explore how money, identity, and status get tangled up—and how to step back and make financial decisions that reflect your real values. It's not about guilt or rules. It's about being intentional, thinking clearly, and spending in a way that actually feels right. If you enjoyed this show, please consider l...

It may sound boring (even we admit it), but account titling and naming beneficiaries is one of the most crucial parts of financial planning—and it's often misunderstood or totally overlooked. In this episode, we're diving into the surprisingly tricky world of what happens to your investment accounts when you pass away—and why how you title those accounts matters a lot for your loved ones. We'll co...

In this episode, we break down four often-overlooked risks that can derail your retirement if you're not prepared. Sure, everyone talks about market risk—but what about the risks that sneak up on you after you've already retired? We'll cover: ✅ Longevity risk – What if you outlive your money? ✅ Inflation risk – How rising prices slowly eat away at your lifestyle ✅ Sequence of returns risk – A t...

Money matters in retirement—but it's not  everything. In this episode, Grant Ellis (founder of Ellis Retirement Services) shares the  3 P's  you  must  have in retirement to actually enjoy it: ✅  Purpose  – What drives you when the job is done? ✅  People  – Who's in your corner when work friends fade out? ✅  Plan  – What does your day  actually  look like now? After 20+ years helping folks reti...

Let's be honest—no one likes talking about death. But planning for it? That's one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones. In this episode, Grant walks through the three key documents everyone should have in place before they pass away. Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or you've been putting it off, this video breaks it down in a clear, approachable way. You'll le...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Art and Science of Retirement — where we talk real life, real money, and everything in between. I'm Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, and after 20 years in the business, I've learned that the same financial questions, fears, and uncertainties show up time and time again. That's why we're launching this show — to answer your biggest money qu...