What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Leave a Job?

What really happens to your 401(k) when you leave a job, and could one simple mistake quietly derail your retirement plan? In this episode of The Summit Ascent Podcast, Dustin Rudolph explores the options available when transitioning a 401(k), including leaving it with a former employer, rolling it…

Is Your Financial Health Due for a Checkup?

You schedule checkups for your physical health, but when was the last time your financial life got the same attention? In this episode, Dustin Rudolph walks through the financial milestones worth reviewing in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. From managing debt and reassessing investment risk to plan…

When $100,000 Feels Like the New Lower-Middle Class

If a six-figure salary no longer feels like financial success, what does that mean for retirement? In this episode, Dustin Rudolph explores why rising costs, inflation, and longer life expectancies are changing the retirement equation. He discusses the gap between accumulating wealth and turning it…

Could a Roth Conversion Create More Problems Than It Solves?

Are Roth conversions really the tax-saving opportunity they're often made out to be, or are there hidden trade-offs investors should understand first? In this episode of The Summit Ascent Podcast, Dustin Rudolph takes a closer look at one of retirement planning's most talked-about strategies. He ex…

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,…