Who Gets Your Money When You Die? (Avoid These Costly Mistakes)
The Art And Science Of Retirement
Release Date: 05/14/2025
5 Things You MUST Do Before You Retire
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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 through the 5 key pieces of your financial planning puzzle (plus a bonus 6th piece specifically for retirees). This is the exact framework I use with families across the country as they prepare...
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My 5-Step Financial Planning Process You Need to Know
The Art And Science Of Retirement
If you want help building a plan tailored to your goals, you can book a call with me here: , 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, and long-term goals. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the core stages of a complete financial plan: 1. Organize and Dream We gather every detail of your financial life, investments, retirement accounts, insurance, cash flow,...
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Roth or Pre-Tax? My Simple Guide to Making the Right Choice
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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 one might make the most sense for your situation. 👉 Here’s what I’ll walk you through: ✔ What “pre-tax” actually means ✔ What a “Roth” account really is (and what it isn’t) ✔...
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Investment Accounts Explained: The Simple Breakdown Everyone Needs
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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 to your long-term retirement goals. 📌 Why This Matters - Your investment account structure affects: - Your tax burden - How money transfers to your beneficiaries - How you withdraw funds in...
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End-of-Year Tax Tips to Save You Money (5 Essential Checkups)
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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 managing your finances, these tips can help you avoid unnecessary tax penalties and optimize your financial situation for the next year. Topics covered include: Retirement Account Contributions –...
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What Do Financial Advisors Actually Do? | Understanding Financial Advisory Services
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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 advisor" is so confusing (and what it really means) ✅ The 3 primary services financial advisors provide: Investment Management, Financial Planning, and Access to Financial Tools/Products ✅ The...
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The Widow’s Tax Penalty: The Cost No One Warns You About
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What happens to your IRA and 401(k) distributions when one spouse passes away ✅ Why “married filing jointly” suddenly changes everything ✅ How your...
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Buy Bitcoin In Your 401k? Learn About Trump's Executive Order
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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 president to step directly into retirement plan rules What “alternative investments” are and why they’ve been restricted until now How this could affect your 401(k) in the future (and...
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Retirement Jobs & Hobbies: How to Stay Fulfilled
The Art And Science Of Retirement
Get the free 32 point retirement checklist here: 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 personal “retirement jobs list” to get you dreaming about what life after work could look like. ✅ Why planning your time matters as much as planning your money ✅ How “optional work” can add purpose (and maybe a paycheck) ✅...
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What Do You Really Want To Spend Your Money On In Retirement?
The Art And Science Of Retirement
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-life exercise of aligning your money with your values. You’ll learn: ✅Why not all spending is created equal ✅How to “test drive” big financial decisions like second homes or...
info_outlineIt 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 cover:
✅ The difference between retirement and non-retirement account titling
✅ What "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship" actually means
✅ The pitfalls of "Tenants in Common" and when to avoid it
✅ What "Tenants by the Entirety" is (and whether your state allows it)
✅ Why the right titling can save your family time, money, and stress
👀 Don’t wait until it’s too late—check your account titles and beneficiaries today.
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If you have questions or want help navigating these conversations, don’t hesitate to reach out:
📧 EllisTeam@LPL.com
👋 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com
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