Wrigley Field to Retirement Income. A Plan That Feels Comfortable
Episode 070
Aired on January 10, 2026
“Once you pay unnecessary taxes, that money is gone forever. Taxes will play a bigger role in retirement than most people realize.”
Retirement planning sounds complicated until you realize most people want the same simple thing. A comfortable retirement.
On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl and Mark Elliott unpack what that phrase really means and why income sits at the center of everything else.
Josh opens the conversation with a personal story about growing up at Wrigley Field.
Those childhood games were not about box scores or standings. They were about memories, family, and moments that lasted.
That idea becomes a powerful metaphor for retirement. The goal is not just to stop working. The goal is to create meaningful experiences that last for decades.
Why Income Comes First in Retirement
When clients say they want a comfortable retirement, Josh explains that the first thing they almost always mean is income.
They want to replace their paycheck with something reliable. They do not want to guess where the money will come from each month.
Josh shares a lesson passed down from his father early in his career. Retirement planning is income planning. Investments only matter if they can be turned into dependable income that supports your lifestyle.
Some retirees focus on maintaining their current spending. Others want to know what their savings allow them to spend safely.
Josh explains why understanding both perspectives is essential and why many retirees actually underspend out of fear.
The Three Financial Worlds
Josh breaks retirement planning into three major financial worlds: banking, Wall Street, and insurance. Each serves a different purpose, and none can do everything on its own.
Retirement planning works best when you understand which tools belong where.
“If you do not spend your money in retirement, somebody else will when you are gone.”
Protection, Growth, and Liquidity
Protection is not just about market risk. It also includes protecting yourself from unnecessary taxes over your lifetime. Growth still matters in retirement because costs rise over time. Liquidity provides flexibility and peace of mind when life throws surprises your way.
Throughout the episode, Josh and Mark return to one central theme: clarity creates confidence. When retirees understand their income, spending, and options, fear fades and better decisions follow.
Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.
