What If a Layoff Hits Right Before Retirement?

What would happen to your retirement plan if you were laid off tomorrow? In this episode of The Summit Ascent Podcast, Dustin Rudolph discusses how an unexpected job loss can impact retirement, especially for those nearing the finish line of their careers. He explains the steps to take immediately …

Will Your Money Last as Long as You Do?

What really determines whether your money lasts as long as you do? In this episode, Dustin Rudolph explores the key factors retirees should consider, from planning for longevity with income sources like Social Security and annuities to creating flexible withdrawal strategies. The conversation also …

The New Face of Fraud: Are Retirees Prepared?

Scammers are getting smarter, so how can you stay one step ahead? In this episode, Dustin Rudolph breaks down the rising threat of investment scams and the tactics bad actors use to target retirees and their families. From AI-generated voices to urgent IRS impersonation calls, the conversation high…

Are Tiny Financial Habits Costing You Big in Retirement?

What does returning your shopping cart say about your retirement plan? In this episode, Dustin Rudolph explores how small, seemingly insignificant financial decisions—made when no one’s watching—can shape long-term retirement outcomes. He discusses common missteps like following generic advice, mis…

The $50K Cap: What It Could Mean for Your Retirement

Could a proposed cap on Social Security benefits quietly reshape retirement for millions? In this episode, investment advisor representative, Dustin Rudolph breaks down a growing proposal to limit benefits and what it could mean for future retirees. He explores the realities behind Social Security’…

When Retirement Plans Get Divided in Two

Divorce doesn’t just change relationships—it can completely reset a retirement plan overnight. In this episode, the discussion breaks down why divorce is one of the most financially disruptive events later in life, especially during or near retirement. The conversation explores how dividing assets,…

The Hidden Risk of Letting Cash Sit Still

What if the safest place for your money is quietly putting your retirement at risk? In this episode, the conversation centers on “dead money”—cash sitting still in savings, CDs, or low-interest accounts—and how inflation, taxes, and time can steadily erode purchasing power. The discussion explores …

Why Retirement Planning Has to Be a Team Effort

Retirement works best when both partners are part of the conversation—not just the paperwork. In this episode of the Summit Ascent Podcast, Dustin Rudolph explores the financial conversations every couple should have before and during retirement. The discussion covers shared access to financial inf…

What Tax Season Reveals About Your Retirement Plan

Tax season has a way of revealing whether your financial life is coordinated—or quietly working against you. In this episode of the Summit Ascent Podcast, Dustin Rudolph walks through a practical tax‑season checklist and explains why taxes are more than paperwork—they’re a planning opportunity. The…

Annuities, Pensions, and the Income Gap Most Retirees Face

You might be surprised to learn that even billionaires qualify for Social Security — but for most retirees, it only covers part of the income picture. In this episode of the Summit Ascent Podcast, Dustin Rudolph breaks down how annuities are commonly used to help address the gap between Social Secu…