Financial and retirement planning guidance from Kansas City‘s Scott Dougan of Elevated Retirement Group. Scott Dougan founded Elevated Retirement Group in 2003 in order to fill a niche he felt was not being addressed properly in the retirement planning environment – helping retirees and pre-retirees in the Kansas City metro area find answers to issues that may affect the quality of life during their retirement. Scott is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and holds a Series 65 Investment ...
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Join Cam Bostock as he shares stories from outside and chats to other outdoor enthusiasts about thru hiking, bike packing, mountaineering and much more. This is The Life Outside Podcast.
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Most people walk into a financial advisor’s office asking for more income or a better plan. But what they’re really searching for is something deeper: peace of mind, clarity, and the ability to live life on their terms. In this episode, Scott challenges the conventional approach to planning and reveals the real reason people seek financial guidance…
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#26 - Pepper Steps on Solo Backpacking, Content Creation, and Neurodivergence
1:23:41
1:23:41
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1:23:41In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Pepper Steps. Pepper is a full-time outdoorsy content creator, solo backpacker, and self-proclaimed ‘Neurodivergent Nature Nerd’. She has an infectious passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors and shares content daily on her social media platforms to encourage those watching to get out into…
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Your Emotions Might Matter More Than Math
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18:00What if I told you the key to financial success isn’t how smart you are with numbers, but how well you understand your own emotions? One of the most talked-about money books out there, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, might change the way you think about money, and we’re going to dive into the key concepts in this video. Here’s what we cov…
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#25 - The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage - Trail Talk
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38:52In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam and Karis Bostock chat about their recent walk on the Kumano Kodo in Japan. The Kumano Kodo is one of only 2 UNESCO heritage-listed pilgrimages, alongside the Camino De Santiago. We spent 5 days walking the Nakahechi route through the spectacular mountains of the Kii Peninsula in the Wakayama prefect…
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When most people think about retirement risks, they picture a stock market crash. But the truth is, the biggest threats to your financial future are often the ones you never saw coming. In this episode, Scott unpacks seven real risks that can quietly derail even the most well-planned retirement. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about volatility. Here’s…
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#24 - The Wild World of Backyard Ultras with Phil Gore
1:19:40
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1:19:40In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Phil Gore. Phil is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, specialising in Backyard Ultras, a race style where runners complete 6.7km loops on the hour, every hour, until one person remains. He is the current Australian record holder and previous world record holder with a 102-lap personal b…
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Is 2025 a Bad Time to Retire? Here’s the Truth
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17:58You’ve had 2025 circled on your calendar for years, but now, with rising inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty, you’re asking the big question: Is 2025 still a good time to retire? In this episode, Scott breaks down what really matters when making the retirement leap and why the media headlines shouldn’t dictate your financial futu…
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#23 - Upcoming Adventures with Karis Bostock + Q&A
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32:03In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with his wife, Karis Bostock! Karis and Cam chat about their upcoming travels to Japan and Europe, including walking the Kumano Kodo and Camino De Santiago pilgrimages. Karis answers questions from the listeners to cap off the episode. We hope you enjoy! Check out my company Optiventure - the f…
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Most people think a full bank account means full retirement readiness, but it’s just the beginning. In this episode, Scott outlines the three essential keys you must consider before retirement. These points will help you determine whether you're set for a smooth, confident transition or if there are gaps you still need to address. Find out how to a…
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#22 - Billy Meredith’s Fastest Known Time on Te Araroa and The Triple Crown
1:44:19
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1:44:19In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Billy Meredith. Billy is one of the most experienced thru-hikers on planet Earth, with FKTs on New Zealand’s Te Araroa and the United States Triple Crown of thru-hiking: the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Appalachian trails. He’s also hiked countless other long trails at a more lei…
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Parents: Stop Sacrificing Your Future For Your Adult Kids
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18:03Half of parents are still paying their grown kids' bills (almost $1,500/month, on average), and it’s putting their own retirement at risk. The ‘Bank of Mom and Dad’ is open for business… but for how much longer? In this episode, Scott breaks down the rising trend of parents financially supporting Gen Z and millennial children, even into their 30s a…
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#21 - 3,000km on The Hexatrek with Lauren Billings and Scott Dougan
1:15:06
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1:15:06In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Lauren Billings and Scott Dougan. This adventurous couple has spent the better part of the last 5 years exploring the globe and embarking on multi-month-long expeditions, both on bike and foot. From a 10,000km long bike-packing trip across the continent of Europe to becoming some of the fi…
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Why IRAs Are a Terrible Inheritance – And What You Can Do About It
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11:14You’ve spent years saving in your IRA, but what if we told you it could be the worst asset to leave to your kids? In this episode, Scott uncovers a critical issue with your retirement plan: inherited IRAs. Why does nationally recognized IRA expert, Ed Slott, call traditional IRAs “the worst asset to pass on to your kids?” We’ll break it all down fo…
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#20 - Trekking The Great Himalayan Trail with Jenn Gaskell
1:09:37
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1:09:37In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Jenn Gaskell. Jenn is a passionate ultra runner, hiker, and self-proclaimed mountain addict. She has competed in iconic races like Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc, Tor Des Geants, and many more. In 2022, Jenn ran from Annapurna to Everest, a 1,000km long journey which inspired a return to Nepal in …
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#19 - A 1,500km Journey in a Homemade Dugout Canoe with Mike Atkinson
1:22:02
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1:22:02In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Michael Atkinson, known as Outback Mike online. Mike is an experienced adventurer specializing in unique expeditions on both land and water, utilizing his extensive survival skillset in real-world situations. Mike is also a filmmaker and content creator, sharing his adventures and knowledg…
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Is This Time Different? A Historical Look at Market Volatility & Actionable Steps
33:39
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33:39The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something, anything. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit like we’ve seen in recent days and weeks? If you’ve felt your stress levels rise, you’re not alone. Today we’ll try to help ease those emotions and …
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Are Traditional IRAs Really the Worst Asset to Own?
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15:40Retirees have leveraged the traditional IRA for decades to invest and save, but is it still the best tool for today’s retirement landscape? IRA expert Ed Slott recently called the traditional IRA “the worst possible asset to own,” which is a bold statement. If this is true, when did it all change, and what are some better options? In this episode, …
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#18 - Maddie Wait’s Fastest Known Time on Te Araroa - 3,000km across New Zealand
1:23:40
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1:23:40In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Maddie Wait. Maddie is an avid thru-hiker, having walked iconic trails such as the Pacific Crest, Bibbulmun Track, and Greater Patagonia Trail. During summer 2024, Maddie, alongside her partner Tom, attempted the Fastest Known Time of New Zealand’s Te Araroa - a 3,000km long trail traversi…
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#17 - Great Ocean Walk & Great South West Walk - Trail Talk
31:21
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31:21In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam recounts his recent completion of both The Great Ocean Walk and The Great South West Walk. Both trails are in Victoria’s south-west, and Cam was joined by good mate Dan McKinnon to hike both back to back, hitching in between trail heads. We hope you enjoy! The Great Ocean Walk: https://www.thegreatoc…
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5 Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most
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23:51April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today we’re going to unpack five common myths that trick retirees into making emotional or short-sighted decisions. Here’s some of what we cover: 🎭 Don’t get fooled by “guaranteed high returns” 🕒 Social Security timing i…
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March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks feels exciting. But the odds of winning big are slim. Investors often chase stock picks the same way they bet on their favorite teams, but history shows most stocks underperform, just like most brackets get busted. In this video, Scott breaks down the risky game o…
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#16 - Everest at Age 22 and Climbing The Seven Summits with James Allen
1:25:28
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1:25:28In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with James Allen. James is an accomplished and renowned global explorer and adventurer. He has climbed the 7 summits, including Mount Everest via the North Ridge at age 22 - losing 2 fingers to frostbite in the process. He has summited the 7 volcanoes and skied to the South Pole, among many oth…
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Much like the weather, the stock market has its share of ups and downs. Those stormy days might feel unrelenting at times, but even in weeks filled with red, we can usually count on brighter days ahead. In this episode, Scott will provide some much-needed context for market corrections, explain how they differ from pullbacks and bear markets, and s…
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In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam recounts his recent hike on the iconic Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia. The Overland Track is world-renowned for its epic landscape, cozy huts and challenging side trips. Cam walked the trail over 6 days and he shared his experience on the trail, the highs and lows and also answered questions f…
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Many people enter into a relationship with their financial advisor with unrealistic expectations, often believing they can control the uncontrollable. The reality is an advisor can provide great value, but they can’t help you with everything. Today it’s part two of our series on things your advisor can and can't do for you, and we’re going …
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#14 - Biking-Packing Across The Globe with Chris McCaffrey
1:41:48
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1:41:48In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Chris McCaffrrey. Chris has spent more time outside in just the last few years than many people do in their entire lifetime. He has a passion for land- and water-based expeditions, including crossing an ocean by rowboat and literally bike-packing around the globe. Chris shares all the ups …
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Things Your Financial Advisor CAN Do For You
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28:42In the world of finance, the role of a financial advisor can often be misunderstood. Many individuals think that hiring a financial advisor is solely about investment management or picking stocks. However, the role of an advisor is multifaceted so understanding what they can and can't help you with will allow you to make more informed decisions. In…
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#13 - Running 14,000km around Australia with Brooke McIntosh
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52:03In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Brooke McIntosh. Brooke is a mental health advocate and long-distance runner. She is about to embark on a record-breaking 14,000km run around Australia, intending to cover 80km every single day. Brooke is raising awareness and funds for mental health charity The Blue Tree Project and will …
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What Do Proposed Trump Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?
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17:54The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. What could these mean to your personal finances and the economy? Today, we’ll explain a bit of the backstory of tariffs and discuss the possible financial pros and co…
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#12 - Reality TV, Mountaineering, and Ironman Training with Alex Coe
1:02:48
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1:02:48In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Alex Coe. Alex and Cam met on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2023, successfully making the summit together alongside a group of friends. Alex continued his big mountain endeavors in the Himalayas and summited the iconic Ama Dablam with next to zero training. With a reality TV stint on …
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#11 - Thru-Hiking Gear - Q&A with Tom Bartlett
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1:00:03In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam is joined by Tom Bartlett as they chat all things thru-hiking gear. Both Cam and Tom have extensive thru-hiking experience and are self-proclaimed ultralight hikers. Tom has managed to get his base weight to under 3kg and has a wealth of knowledge regarding materials, makers, and technical aspects of…
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The Five Love Languages of Financial Planning
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23:33In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re going to talk about the five love languages made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. Today we’ll tell you what those have to do with planning for retirement. You'll be surprised b…
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#10 - Thru-hiking, Story Telling, and Outdoor Photography with Tommy Corey
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59:23In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Tommy ‘Twerk’ Corey. Tommy has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and part of the Continental Divide Trail, with his trusty camera in tow. Tommy discovered his photography style whilst thru-hiking, capturing images, and sharing stories of other hikers along the trail. His debut book ‘All H…
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#9 - The Best Way to Travel(to 60+ countries) with Kiera Blaney
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57:21
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57:21In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Kiera Blaney. Kiera has traveled to over 60 countries, diving deep into their cultures, and religions and choosing to spend more of her time with locals off the beaten track rather than at popular tourist destinations. She has also done a lot of walking, particularly on pilgrimages. Kiera …
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Retirement Lessons from Andy Reid: Super Bowl-Worthy Financial Strategies
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16:08As we gear up for another Super Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, let's take a moment to appreciate one of the best coaches in the game, Andy Reid. Whether you’re planning the perfect play on the field or preparing for retirement, success comes down to strategy, discipline, and knowing when to adjust. Today, we’re breaking down some of Coach R…
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#8 - Lucy Barnard - The First Female to Walk the Length of The Americas
1:08:42
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1:08:42In this episode of The Life Outside Podcast, Cam chats with Lucy Barnard. Lucy, alongside her dog Wombat, are known as ‘Tangles and Tail’ online. The pair are currently walking the length of the Americas, a 30,000km adventure traversing 14 countries. Lucy will be the first woman in history to complete this incredible feat and she shares stories fro…
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Spending It All: Retirement Planning for the Ultimate Lifestyle Goal
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21:50Everyone views their retirement differently, and there’s a segment of the population that wants to live life to the fullest. If they could build the perfect plan, that last check they write would barely clear the bank. For those that don’t want to leave a large legacy and would rather spend down their assets over their lifetime, we’ll talk about ho…
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#7 - The Australian Alps Walking Track with Dan, Maddie & Tom
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1:07:11In this episode, Cam chats to Dan, Tom, and Maddie about their recent thru-hike of the Australian Alps Walking Track. The AAWT is one of Australia’s longest and toughest hiking trails and the crew chats about their experiences with snakes, weather, resupply and so much more. We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to rate and follow The Life Outside Podcas…
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Chasing that magic number in retirement can be pretty anxiety-inducing. Many in the financial industry get fixated on saving and saving to reach this gigantic number, but there’s so much more detail that goes into figuring out what you will need to support your lifestyle. Today we’re going to tell you what goes into finding that financial independe…
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The Snowbird Retirement: Is a Seasonal Move Right for You?
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17:12As the cold winds of winter sweep across the Midwest, many retirees find themselves yearning for a change of scenery—a warmer, sunnier place to call home during the colder months. Enter the snowbird lifestyle, a popular choice for those looking to escape the harsh winter climate and embrace a more temperate environment. In this show, we explore the…
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Retirement Crisis Sparks Unlikely Agreement Between Democrats and Republicans
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14:47Maybe the biggest news of the new year is that Democrats and Republicans actually agree on something. The stats show that around 80% of people on both sides believe that the nation is facing a retirement crisis. So what are the biggest problem areas and how do we correct them? This video will dive into results from a recent survey that reveal a vas…
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Will Social Security Benefits Be Slashed 40% For High-Income Earners?
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13:55In today’s episode, Scott breaks down a recent Social Security solvency proposal that suggests a 40% reduction in benefits for high-income earners. Proposed by the American Enterprise Institute, this plan targets wealthier individuals to bear the brunt of reductions, allowing lower-income retirees to face less drastic cuts. Scott weighs in on wheth…
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5 Tax Strategies to Save You Money in Retirement
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16:36Retirement planning is more than just saving money; it's about making your savings last as long as you do. Today Scott is going to share five crucial tax strategies that can significantly impact your financial future. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:19 – Why tax planning is critical to today’s retirement plan. 3:13 – Roth conve…
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$1 to $5 Million Saved – Should I Change Advisors?
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17:24In this show, we explore why people in this financial bracket often rethink their strategy and discuss key topics like tax planning, withdrawal strategies, and income guardrails. With more at stake and no room for mistakes, the importance of having a skilled team to guide you through retirement is greater than ever. Here’s what we cover in this epi…
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#6 - Daily Vlogging on The Pacific Crest Trail with Tyler Yezman
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57:46
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57:46In this episode I chat to Tyler 'Whitney' Yezman, a Washington based mountaineer and thru hiker. Tyler shares his experience daily vlogging his recent thru hike of The Pacific Crest Trail and how he climbed the tallest mountain in the continent USA at age 15. We hope you enjoy! Follow Tyler https://www.instagram.com/tyler_yezman/ Early access to ep…
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Costly Year-End Financial Planning Mistakes
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20:44As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on your financial health and make strategic decisions for the future. In this week’s episode, Scott takes us through four major year-end financial planning mistakes and how to avoid them. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:44 – Ignoring the issues that debt creates. 5:…
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#5 - Setting the Fastest Known Time on The Bibbulmun Track with Marley Butler
1:15:47
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1:15:47In this episode I chat to Marley Butler who recently set the unsupported Fastest Known Time on The Bibbulmun Track. He has thru-hiked extensively on trails such as Te Araroa and the PCT. Marley shares his FKT experiences including the struggle of carrying 17 days worth of food, overcoming an early injury and the logistical challenges of The Bibbulm…
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The Perfect Holiday Flowchart: Are You Ready for Thanksgiving?
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23:21If you have watched any of our podcasts and videos, or if you've ever engaged as a client with Scott Dougan and the Elevated Retirement Group team, you've probably come across a lot of flow charts. We're going to poke a little bit of fun at Scott today as he has prepared us a beautiful flow ch…
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Key Ages To Remember for Retirement Planning
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17:36Did you know there are three specific birthdays that can have a huge impact on your tax situation? It’s true, and today we’re going to tell you why 50, 65, and 73 are key ages for retirement planning. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:44 – Age 50 4:38 – Changes in catch-up rules 8:30 – Age 65 11:33 – Age 73 Want to connect with u…
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#4 - Thru Hiking the PCT with your Partner in a Support Vehicle with Dedra and Garron
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57:45In this episode I chat to Dedra and Garron who had a very unique experience on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2024. Dedra thru hiked the trail, while Garron followed along in their home on wheels alongside their 3 dogs. We chat about our PCT journeys, how having a support vehicle and permanent trail angel changes a thru hike and how Dedra and Garron ar…
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