Lasagna, Legacy, and Lifetime Income: Designing a Retirement Worth Savoring

Episode 059
Aired on September 27, 2025

It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.
That’s what matters in retirement.

What does a $300 dinner at one of the best restaurants in America have in common with smart retirement planning? More than you might think.

In this episode of The Own Your Retirement Show, Josh Bretl shares a story that’s not about finances, but about food. Specifically, a dinner at a Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant where the menu changes entirely every four months. It’s a perfect metaphor for how retirement planning should work: thoughtful, adaptable, and anything but one-size-fits-all.

A Restaurant That Rethinks Everything

Josh describes how the restaurant Next, created by the minds behind Alinea, tossed out the traditional reservation model and embraced a prepaid ticketing system to better manage operations, waste, and customer expectations. That willingness to challenge old systems resonated with Josh, who applies a similar philosophy to retirement planning: If something’s not working, or if it could work better, don’t be afraid to rethink it.

At FSR Wealth Strategies, Josh and his team take the traditional investment-first model and flip it on its head. Instead of leading with growth, they lead with what retirees actually need: stability, income, and clarity.

Why Your Retirement Needs a “Menu Refresh”

Most retirement plans are like chain restaurants: familiar, generic, and not designed with your unique preferences in mind. Josh argues that a better plan starts with three key ingredients:

  • Knowing what you spend: This is the foundation of every successful retirement plan. Whether you need $2,000 a month or $20,000, the numbers have to be accurate.
  • Focusing on income, not just returns: Markets are unpredictable. What retirees need is consistent, reliable income that will last their lifetime.
  • Incorporating taxes from the start: Tax strategy isn’t something to think about once a year. It’s central to maximizing retirement income and minimizing stress.

The Role of the “Retirement Caddy”

Mark and Josh compare retirement advisors to golf caddies, people who’ve walked the course hundreds of times and know where the sand traps are. A good advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes, optimize your strategies, and make the ride smoother. Whether you’re a saver who needs encouragement to spend or a spender who needs help slowing down, a great advisor helps you strike the right balance.

What Kind of Advisor Do You Really Need?

The truth is, not all advisors are equipped for retirement. Josh encourages listeners to seek out specialists, people who don’t just dabble in retirement but live and breathe it. Look for an advisor who understands:

  • Tax planning across your full retirement timeline
  • How to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
  • Healthcare costs, including Medicare and IRMAA surcharges
  • How to create guaranteed income and manage portfolio risk

Growing up we had what we called a “Dad Tax.” Any dessert we got, my dad took the bite first. Taxes work the same way.

You Don’t Have to Wing It

Josh reminds listeners that less than 30% of people have a formal retirement plan. But winging it with your life savings isn’t a strategy. Proactive tax planning, smart withdrawals, and income-focused investing are the keys to long-term success, and peace of mind.

As with any great restaurant, the experience matters. Retirement should be just as intentional and customized. If you’re not sure how much you can spend, where your income will come from, or how taxes will impact your future, it’s time to sit down with someone who’s walked the course before.

📞 Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with an FSR advisor.