What’s Up!
@FSR Wealth
Welcome to Summer at FSR Wealth!
What’s Up at FSR? (Spoiler: A Lot.)
Summer’s here — which means the coffee’s iced, the ties are off, and at FSR, we’re embracing a more relaxed vibe (yes, even Josh wore a polo for this video). In this month’s update, Josh kicks things off with a personal story about summer mornings, teenage milestones, and that bittersweet moment when your 11-year-old reminds you they’ll be driving before you know it. We’re not crying, you are.
From there, we jump into everything that’s coming up at the firm — Social Security workshops in Arlington Heights, our next “Java with Josh” livestream, and a sneak peek at the fall education event at Morton Arboretum. Josh is keeping the topic a secret for now, but trust us — if the speaker lines up, you’ll want a front-row seat.
We’re also still going strong every Saturday on the “Own Your Retirement” radio show, and this month’s newsletter includes two can’t-miss articles: one about the ever-elusive recession (fun, right?) and another on finding happiness in retirement — the kind of feel-good read we all need.
And last but not least, meet Lili! She’s the newest member of our client service team, originally from Poland, and already a pro at helping new clients settle in. She also reveals who the actual loudest person in the office is. (Hint: it’s not who you think.) Fast forward to the 7:15 mark in the video below to watch the interview!
Scroll down to watch Josh’s video, explore, laugh a little — and as always, thanks for being part of the FSR family.
Watch Josh’s video
What’s coming up? Events you won’t want to miss!
Social Security events, client education, and Java with Josh — mark your calendar.
Watch June’s Java with Josh
Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill: What Retirees Need to Know Now!
Whether you’re watching the massive tax legislation known as “One Big Beautiful Bill” wind its way through Congress with hope or trepidation, one thing’s for sure: the outcome will ripple across the income spectrum.
On this episode of Java With Josh, we’re breaking down the parts of the bill that matter most to retirees—and what they could mean when it comes to timing IRA conversions or deciding whether to take the standard deduction next year.
Add July’s Java with Josh to your calendar!
Apple • Google • Office 365 • Outlook • Yahoo
Have you missed a bunch of shows and need to get caught up? No worries, watch the replays on YouTube by clicking the button below.
What’s up on Saturday morning? Josh’s radio show, of course!
“Own Your Retirement With Josh Bretl” is a new co-hosted hour of topical conversation about all things financial. As always, with a special emphasis on retirees! You can hear all Josh’s insights from 7am-8am CST every Saturday on WLS 890 AM. You don’t want to miss top tips for securing a golden retirement and the peace of mind you deserve!
AI in the financial world
On May 13th we hosted one of our most unusual (and coolest) client education events yet at the gorgeous Morton Arboretum. Instead of our usual hits like Medicare, investments, or estate planning, Josh decided to shake things up with a deep dive into artificial intelligence. What does AI have to do with retirement? Turns out… a lot! From how it’s shaping the economy, to how it’s being used right here at FSR, to how it might even help you keep up with your grandkids — this event had it all.
To prove he wasn’t just making this stuff up, Josh actually chats live with ChatGPT during the video. (Spoiler: the robot is polite, insightful, and honestly might steal Josh’s job someday.) He encourages you to bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even a skeptical friend or two. No, he doesn’t claim to have all the answers — but he does promise an engaging evening with good conversation, smart insights, and possibly fewer spreadsheets than usual.
Those attending the event had the opportunity to have their pictures taken, which we then turned into AI generated cartoons! Check out some of our favorites below!
Our next client education event: September 18th at The Morton Arboretum
We’d love to see you in-person next month for our quarterly client education event on September 18th. We’re keeping the topic secret for now, but if we can secure the speaker that we’re talking with, you’ll want a front row seat.
Please note these educational events are typically for our clients only. We are reserving a limited amount of seats for non-clients. If you’re not a client and are interested in attending, please email or call Michael Senese from our team; 630.993.8200 or msenese@fsrwealth.com. He’ll add you to our wait list and give you the next steps.
If you are a client, you’ll receive an email with more details and the RSVP form in the next 4-6 weeks.
The Morton Arboretum
Thornhill Education Center
September 18, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Topic: Coming soon!
Get savvy about tapping Social Security!
We’ve got multiple complimentary social security events coming up in July at the beautiful Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights. Come and learn how to leverage your federal benefit to best advantage – while avoiding common (and costly) pitfalls. Share the word with friends!
* These events are for folks that have never seen Josh speak or present
Arlington Lakes Golf Club
1211 New Wilke Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Tuesday, July 15th @ 11:30am
Tuesday, July 15th @ 6:30pm
Wednesday, July 16th @ 6:30pm
Around the FSR Water Cooler
All in the Family
When it come to planning your retirement, the FSR way is all about working together. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients through our multi-step planning process and providing a support team that you can count on not just to help you build wealth but also to (we like to think!) build relationships that enrich your life. In other words, it’s personal! And like any family, we like to share photos of what we did on our family vacay!
Steve’s Michigan escape!
Steve, from our wonderful Client Service team, spent the weekend up in Michigan on the lake! He snapped this photo of the sunset one evening – Not too shabby.
Dave & Carla lounged in Puerto Rico
Dave and his wife, Carla, lounged around on the beaches of Puerto Rico for a 5 days. And don’t ask how much he spent on freshly cut (and generously spiked) pineapple and sorbet while on the beach – It was a small fortune. Stay tuned for next month as Dave will teach y’all how to make the best Mojito!
Chuck attended a family wedding in Ireland!
And as expected, it rained every day!
Please keep us up-to-date with whatever dream you’re chasing these days. What’s your latest passion, milestone or bit of silliness? We’d love to share a photo and spread the joy! Send pics to us at msenese@fsrwealth.com!
Josh’s recommended reading
AE Wealth Management Wealth Report
After President Trump announced new tariffs against a wide range of countries early in his second term, talk of a potential recession in the U.S. increased.
The Retirement Dilemma: Leaving Work Doesn’t Guarantee Happiness
Thriving during retirement requires much more than money. Taking a positive attitude towards aging may help us live longer.
From the archives
But wait! There’s more. A LOT more! Our “Retirement Equals Freedom” podcast offers scores of episodes that’ll give you all the financial basics + some laughs. Co-hosted by Josh and his FSR creative director/high school buddy, Dave Schmidt, the show makes a great launching pad for anyone (that would be all of us!) hoping to make retirement the best part of life!