Episodes

The holiday season often inspires generosity, but how you give can make a big difference for both your loved ones and your finances. In this episode, I explore seven actionable gifting strategies you can use before the year ends to support your children, grandchildren, and favorite charities while also being mindful of tax planning opportunities. I walk through practical examples to help you give with purpose and joy. Keypoints: The $19,000 annual gift exclusion and how it works with lifetime e...

Our financial legacy is important, but our stories and memories are priceless. This time, we go beyond numbers to focus on preserving the voices, photos, and experiences that define a family’s history. In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Martin, founder of The Zoe Martin, to talk about the importance of capturing family stories and portraits before it’s too late. She shares her deeply personal journey that inspired her work and offers practical ways anyone can start preserving their legacy toda...

What if your most painful experiences could become the foundation for new strength and hope? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brooke Jones, Founder of Stronger Women, to talk about her journey of survival, recovery, and empowerment. She shares her story of leaving abuse, the challenges women face when trying to rebuild their lives, and the importance of financial independence. Together, we uncover how resilience, faith, and hope can transform even the darkest moments into a brighter future. ...

The final months of the year are the perfect time to review your finances and take action before December 31st. New tax laws bring both opportunities and risks, making this year’s planning even more important. In this episode, I walk through my year-end tax planning checklist to help you understand the key areas that can impact your retirement, your taxes, and your long-term goals. I explain how to approach contributions, distributions, and deductions strategically while also touching on family ...

Deciding when to start Social Security is more than a math equation. It’s about balancing life expectancy, risk tolerance, and long-term income needs. In this episode, I explore the trade-offs of claiming early versus delaying for larger benefits. I explain how investing early benefits might change the picture, why survivor benefits matter, and how taxes and policy changes could influence your strategy. This conversation highlights the importance of tailoring the decision to your unique situatio...

Roth IRAs can feel confusing—but when you understand how they work, they can become one of the most powerful tools in your retirement plan. In this episode, you’ll discover how Roth IRAs may give you more control over your taxes in retirement, create flexibility for future withdrawals, and help protect your income for the long run. We’ll cover the basics—what Roth IRAs are (and aren’t), how the rules for contributions, conversions, and withdrawals really work, and why Congress has been pushing R...

Exiting a business is more than just a financial transaction. It’s a life transition that can affect family, legacy, and the future you envision. In this episode, I sit down with Renita Wolf, MBA, founder and CEO of Poe Wolf Partners, to discuss how business owners can thoughtfully plan for a smooth and meaningful exit. We explore the importance of preparation, both financial and emotional, and what truly defines a successful transition. Renita discusses: Why over 80% of businesses never sell, ...

Retirement rarely unfolds exactly as planned, especially when unexpected life changes occur. In this episode, I share a real listener’s story involving Social Security, divorce, and the possibility of going back to work. I walk through step-by-step strategies to help women understand their Social Security options and prepare for future benefits. Key points: How to determine whether Social Security payments are based on personal or spousal benefits The rules for withdrawing a Social Security app...

Too often, retirement planning focuses only on documents, but what happens when you don’t have the right people to rely on? In this episode, I sit down with elder law attorney and founder of Solo Allies, Kathy McNair, to talk about the unique needs of solo seniors and why legal paperwork alone isn’t enough. We explore how to choose the right people for critical roles, when to consider professional support, and how to build a community for peace of mind in retirement. Kathy discusses: The differ...

The first year after losing a spouse brings overwhelming emotions alongside important decisions. Knowing what needs immediate attention versus what can wait can make the difference between added stress and thoughtful progress. In Part 3 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share how to approach both urgent and long-term planning after the loss of a spouse. I explain which financial and lifestyle choices deserve early focus, how tax planning can protect your future, and why building a supp...

In Part 2 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share compassionate, practical advice for the critical first weeks after losing a spouse. I walk through the legal, financial, and everyday matters that can feel overwhelming, offering clear action steps to bring order during a difficult time. From meeting with an estate attorney and understanding probate versus living trusts to retitling property, updating beneficiary designations, and addressing debts, we help you focus on what matters most...

Grieving the loss of a spouse is devastating. During that fog, there’s still paperwork, decisions, and urgent tasks demanding attention. In this episode, we open up a three-part series called “Life After Loss.” I start by focusing on the first few days after losing a spouse, sharing essential steps to help with emotional healing and practical planning. Key takeaways: How to prioritize both emotional well-being and urgent financial responsibilities in the first week of widowhood The importance o...

Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but it can also trigger financial challenges that many women aren’t prepared for. The Widow’s Penalty is real, and it can have long-term consequences on income, taxes, and retirement. In this episode, I walk through the Widow’s Penalty, what it is, why it disproportionately affects women, and what proactive steps can be taken to protect your financial future. We share real client stories, clear up tax myths, and offer strategies to navigate the road ahead with m...

Tax law changes might not sound exciting, but these updates could have a powerful impact on your retirement plans. In this episode, I unpack the top provisions from the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how they may affect retirees, especially women planning for long-term income. I break down tax deductions, clarify what’s changing (and what’s not), and offer timely planning strategies you can apply before 2028. Key points: The new $6,000 bonus tax deduction for those age 65 and over, and how ...

Changing careers or returning to the workforce after a long break can feel overwhelming. But what if the process could feel empowering instead? In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Cline, Founder & CEO of We Write It Now Resumes & Career Resources, to discuss how women approaching or in retirement can pivot their careers with confidence and purpose. Kristi shares strategies for crafting impactful resumes, networking effectively, and regaining clarity on your career values. Kristi discusses: ...

Divorce is difficult enough without letting confusion over Social Security take a toll on your future income. In this episode, I explain the essential Social Security strategies every divorced woman should know, from the ten-year rule to remarriage traps. I highlight true stories of women who faced preventable financial setbacks and how proper planning could have saved them thousands. This episode discusses: The importance of understanding the 10-year marriage rule for eligibility on an ex-spou...

Gray divorce can significantly impact your retirement plans and emotional well-being. How do you protect your financial future when love fades later in life? What pitfalls should you avoid to stay financially sound? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Lowe, Collaborative Divorce Attorney at J Lowe Law, LLC, to discuss the financial and emotional layers of gray divorce. Together, we explore why more women are choosing divorce later in life and how preparation and informed decisions can lead to ...

What if money could buy happiness, but only if you knew how to spend it? In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, to uncover five practical, research-backed ways to feel more joy and purpose in your retirement spending. We talk about how aligning spending with values can remove guilt and increase fulfillment, especially for women navigating major life transitions like divorce or widowhood. Brendan discusses: Why spending on experiences creates ...

What’s the right housing move in retirement? Sell and rent, or stay put and downsize? In this episode, I unpack five key decisions that go far beyond dollars and cents, inspired by a real conversation with a client. Whether you’re widowed, single, or simply evaluating your next step, this breakdown helps you consider every angle, both financial and emotional. Key points: How renting can offer convenience, but comes with rising costs and less control over long-term financial outcomes The critica...

Money can feel like the last taboo, especially when it comes to retirement. But what if opening up could completely transform your future? In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Founder of KBK Wealth Connection and author of Breaking Money Silence®, to explore how our early beliefs about money affect our entire financial life. We unpack the emotional side of retirement planning and how having the right conversations, even the uncomfortable ones, can lead to more confident and...

What happens when love meets life-altering diagnosis and financial pressure? For Sandy Moss Moder, it meant stepping into the unknown and documenting every step of the way. In this episode, I talk with Sandy about her raw and revealing story as a caregiver for her husband battling frontotemporal degeneration. She opens up about the emotional, medical, and financial hurdles she faced—and how her journaling eventually became a published memoir. This conversation shines a light on caregiving, plann...

Accessing your retirement funds early doesn’t have to be a costly mistake. In this episode, I break down seven ways you may be able to withdraw from your retirement savings before age 59½ without facing that dreaded 10% early withdrawal penalty. Whether you’re helping a family member, navigating a crisis, or just need more options, these strategies could offer critical flexibility. Key points: The “Rule of 55” and when it applies to 401(k) withdrawals after job separation How SEPP (Substantiall...

Retirement is about more than finances. How will you spend your time? How do you transition from a life dictated by schedules to one filled with purpose and joy? What steps can you take now to prepare for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle? In this episode, I explore “The Rule of 1000 Hours” in retirement, explaining how to balance freedom with intention. I offer strategies to avoid aimlessness and craft a life filled with meaningful activities. Points discussed: “The Rule of a Thousand Hours” a...

Financial empowerment transforms lives, especially when women have access to tailored resources and support. In this episode, I explore the incredible work of Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping women with financial knowledge and confidence. Alongside Judy Herbst, Executive Director, and Lisa Zeiderman, Board Chair, we discuss their mission, their groundbreaking helpline, and how their resources are helping women make informed financial decisions. Lisa and Judy discuss: The inspiri...