The Art And Science Of Retirement

Retirement isn’t just a number. It’s a phase of life that comes with big questions, evolving goals, and a need for real clarity. Welcome to The Art and Science of Retirement — a weekly podcast for people who want to make smart financial decisions and live fully in every stage of life. Hosted by Grant Ellis, founder of Ellis Retirement Services, this show blends two decades of financial expertise with practical, down-to-earth conversations about money, planning, and purpose. Each week, we’ll unpack real-life scenarios, answer the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask, and help you think through what retirement — and financial independence — could look like for you. What to expect: → Retirement planning without the jargon → Candid insights from 20+ years in the advisory business → Case studies and stories from real clients (anonymized, of course) → Clear steps for building a life you don’t want to retire from Whether you're 15 years out or already retired, there's something here for you. Learn more at ellisretirement.com or email us at ellisteam@lpl.com to ask a question or suggest a topic.

401(k) to IRA Before Retirement? The Pros, Cons, and Mistakes to Avoid 01/29/2026

401(k) to IRA Before Retirement? The Pros, Cons, and Mistakes to Avoid 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 all the time, and the truth is: that’s not always the case. In this video, I walk through what’s called an in-service distribution, an IRS rule that may allow you to move part or even all of your 401(k) into an IRA without triggering taxes or penalties, as long as your plan allows it. Here’s what I cover: - What an in-service distribution actually is - Who qualifies and why age 59½ matters - How to find out if your 401(k) plan allows in-service distributions - Why flexibility and customization become more important as you get closer to retirement - The difference between managing money inside a 401(k) versus an IRA - Investment and tax-planning strategies that may be available inside an IRA - What you should consider before making a move, including fees and costs This isn’t a strategy for everyone. I don’t believe there’s a single “right” answer that applies to all people. The goal here is to understand your options, weigh the benefits and considerations, and decide what actually makes sense for your situation. If you’re getting closer to retirement and feeling limited by the investment options or flexibility inside your 401(k), this conversation may help you think differently about what’s possible. 👉 If this feels overwhelming or you’re not sure whether this applies to you, I’d be happy to talk it through. You can click the link above, answer a few quick questions, and book time directly on my calendar. No pressure, no sales tactics, just a conversation to see if it makes sense to go deeper. 👍 If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with a friend 🔔 Subscribe for more retirement planning insights 🌐 Learn more about us at ellisretirement.com 401k to IRA rollover, IRA vs 401k, retirement account rollover, pre-retirement financial planning, 401k rollover strategy, IRA benefits and risks, retirement savings options, tax efficient rollover, retirement planning mistakes, 401k management tips, IRA pros and cons, financial advisor advice, retirement account transfer, retirement investment strategy, 401k vs IRA comparison, retirement tax planning, retirement savings strategy, avoid rollover mistakes, retirement portfolio planning, wealth management #401k #IRA #RetirementPlanning #401kRollover #FinancialPlanning #RetirementSavings #TaxPlanning #RolloverStrategy #MoneyManagement #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #RetirementTips #Investing #SmartInvesting #RetirementStrategy #RetirementAccount #PreRetirementPlanning #FinanceEducation #AvoidMistakes #InvestmentStrategy #RetirementMoney #RetirementFinance #RetirementAdvice #FinanceTips #MoneyTips /episode/index/show/947860b4-628d-42fa-bca2-be7c94d808fd/id/39926830

5 Things You MUST Do Before You Retire 12/19/2025

My 5-Step Financial Planning Process You Need to Know 12/15/2025

Roth or Pre-Tax? My Simple Guide to Making the Right Choice 12/08/2025

Investment Accounts Explained: The Simple Breakdown Everyone Needs 12/01/2025

End-of-Year Tax Tips to Save You Money (5 Essential Checkups) 11/28/2025

End-of-Year Tax Tips to Save You Money (5 Essential Checkups) 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 – How to confirm your 401(k) and IRA contributions, ensure you don’t exceed the limits, and avoid penalties. Tax Withholdings – Ensure your withholdings are accurate so you’re not over- or underpaying taxes. Capital Gains & Losses – Learn how to handle capital gains taxes and what to do with any losses you’ve incurred this year. Charitable Contributions – Maximize deductions by understanding the impact of your charitable donations. Income Checkup – Understand your total income sources and how to avoid accidentally moving into a higher tax bracket. Don’t let tax season sneak up on you. Make sure you’re fully prepared by following these 5 essential steps. Whether you're an employee, business owner, or retiree, these strategies will help you keep your tax bill in check and make smarter financial decisions for next year. If you want personalized advice or have any questions about taxes, wealth management, or retirement, book a FREE Zoom consultation with Grant Ellis directly on our website. Let's talk about how we can help you build a solid financial future. 👉ellisretirement.com Subscribe to the channel for more valuable tips on retirement, taxes, and wealth management. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with anyone who could benefit from these insights! /episode/index/show/947860b4-628d-42fa-bca2-be7c94d808fd/id/39197725

What Do Financial Advisors Actually Do? | Understanding Financial Advisory Services 11/28/2025

What Do Financial Advisors Actually Do? | Understanding Financial Advisory Services 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 difference between wealth managers, financial planners, brokers, and consultants ✅ How to determine which type of advisor YOU actually need ✅ My recommendation on the best approach for most people ✅ The single best way to vet a financial advisor before working with them to know if an advisor can help you Why this matters: After 21 years of helping people prepare for and enter retirement, I believe everyone should start with comprehensive financial planning. Think of it as having a personal CFO for your family who helps coordinate all aspects of your financial life—from investments and insurance to estate planning and tax strategy. Financial planning isn't a one-and-done document; it's a living, breathing process that evolves as your life changes. Whether you're approaching retirement, trying to build wealth, or simply want someone to help manage your investments, this video will help you understand what to look for and how to find the right fit. About Ellis Retirement Services: For over 21 years, we've been helping individuals and families prepare for and successfully transition into retirement through comprehensive financial planning and investment management. 👉 Related Resources: 📌 How Financial Advisors Get Paid 📌 Visit us at EllisRetirement.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and not individualized investment advice. Always consult a financial professional for your personal situation. Grant Ellis, CEO & Owner | Ellis Retirement Services /episode/index/show/947860b4-628d-42fa-bca2-be7c94d808fd/id/39197670