# 094: From the Balcony to the Front Row: Navigating Social Security and Mid-Year Checkups

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/retire-well-7066865/094-from-the-balcony-to-the-front-row-navigating-social-security-and-mid-year-checkups
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/retire-well-7066865/094-from-the-balcony-to-the-front-row-navigating-social-security-and-mid-year-checkups.md
Podcast: [Retire Well](https://stenobird.com/podcast/retire-well-7066865)
Published: 2026-07-11T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://wellment.com/retire-well/from-the-balcony-to-the-front-row-navigating-social-security-and-mid-year-checkups/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/9ea85f6e-66e0-4899-80a6-e116e77c0f4f.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/retire-well-7066865/episodes/094-from-the-balcony-to-the-front-row-navigating-social-security-and-mid-year-checkups
Duration seconds: 3120

## Resource

What happens when a concert ticket mix up turns into a front row upgrade? On this episode of Retire Well, Josh Bretl shares a funny story from a recent family outing that perfectly sets the stage for today's discussion: turning stressful situations into major financial wins. Josh and Mark Elliott break down the latest headlines about the Social Security trust fund and explain why fear-based, emotional decisions can permanently damage your long-term plan. They also share an essential mid year financial checklist to help you catch small issues before they turn into big problems. From portfolio risk drift and proactive tax strategies to avoiding costly withdrawal mistakes, this episode is packed with plainspoken advice to help you build a confident path forward. Ready to talk? Call (630) 478-9599 to schedule your introductory 15-minute call with a Wellment advisor.

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## Transcript

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