Episodes

Most people think Social Security is straightforward—until taxes show up. The truth is, what you don’t know about how your benefits are taxed can cost you more than you expect. In this episode, I explain how Social Security gets taxed and why it hits harder for women filing single later in life. I break down the tax torpedo, walk through real examples, and share strategies to help you keep more of your income in retirement. Key points: What provisional income is and how it determines whether So...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with difficult questions about protecting your assets, Social Security benefits, and market uncertainties. In this episode, I answer listener questions about whether to choose a living trust or a will, explain how Social Security benefits work for widows and divorced women, and discuss how to prepare your retirement income for market ups and downs. I also share practical tips on building a financial safety net and touch on the impo...

Inheriting an IRA can feel like stepping into a financial minefield — but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your legacy. How do you know which rules apply? What if you miss a critical tax deadline? What should you do first? In this episode, I break down the five essential steps every woman should take after inheriting an IRA. I explain how the Secure Act changed the rules, when required distributions apply, and how to think about taxes and investment str...

Choosing a Medicare plan is just the beginning. What comes next can have a big impact on your healthcare and wallet. In this episode, I sit down with Traci Grover, a seasoned insurance broker with Vital Health Coverage, to help you understand how to get the most from your Medicare benefits. We explore the dos and don’ts of enrollment, bust myths from TV ads, and cover key deadlines and decisions that could affect your long-term costs. Traci explores: Essential Medicare enrollment tips The impor...

The financial services industry is facing a significant shift as women are positioned to control an increasing share of wealth. This shift requires financial advisors to adapt their strategies to better serve women’s specific needs and priorities. Are firms ready to change their long-held practices to meet the needs of this growing client base? In this milestone 50th episode, I explore the increasing control of wealth by women and the financial industry’s reaction to this change. I emphasize the...

What should you know before claiming Social Security benefits? Do you know the ins and outs of applying for benefits or how working affects your payments? Are you confused about common-law marriage eligibility? In this episode, I answer listener questions about Social Security benefits, from clarifying the differences between spousal and survivor benefits to explaining the impact of working while receiving benefits and the new identity verification requirements. I also address specific scenarios...

What happens when you retire and no longer receive a paycheck? How do you pay your taxes in retirement? This week on The Simply Retirement Podcast, I dive into this common concern among retirees. With the tax season freshly behind us, now’s a great time to address how you’ll handle taxes in your golden years. Key topics: Navigating IRS expectations for tax payments without a regular paycheck Options for tax withholding from Social Security, pensions, and IRAs Understanding marginal versus avera...

Your Social Security decisions can significantly impact your financial future. How can you make the most of these benefits while avoiding common pitfalls? In this episode, I explore three lesser-known Social Security strategies that could transform your retirement income plan. From timing benefits to maximizing survivor payouts, I give practical advice to help you make informed decisions for a stronger financial future. Episode Highlights: Withdrawing Social Security applications to correct ear...

Have you ever wondered how you would navigate the healthcare maze as you age, especially if you’re flying solo? Understanding the role of a Patient Advocate might just be the key to planning for your future with confidence and independence. Join me on the Simply Retirement Podcast as I dive into the world of patient advocacy with Nancy Ruffner, an experienced Patient Advocate and Aging Strategist. Nancy shares insights into supporting individuals navigating complex healthcare decisions and sheds...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex systems like Social Security. Join me as I unravel the pressing questions around Social Security reform, empowering women to take charge of their financial future. From the Social Security Fairness Act updates to the Widow’s Penalty, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help listeners achieve financial clarity and confidence in retirement. Tune in to learn about: The Social Security Fairness Act update...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially for women newly managing finances on their own. How can you build financial confidence, make informed Social Security decisions, and reduce taxes? What steps can help you create a stable future and enjoy retirement without financial stress? I was a guest on Senior to Seniors with Jim Mazziotti. In this episode, I share insights on retirement income strategies, tax-efficient planning, and the Simply Retirement Roadmap process. In this conversa...

Living a fulfilling life as you age requires more than just financial preparation—it’s about embracing your values, fostering intergenerational connections, and planning with intention. In this eye-opening episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake sits down with Nancy Griffin, CEO of Glowing Older and host of the Glowing Older podcast, to challenge outdated ideas about aging and retirement. Together, they dive into the misconceptions surrounding aging, the importance of life plan...

Estate planning is crucial, especially for those remarrying later in life. What happens when life changes and your estate plan doesn’t? Amy June, an estate planning attorney focused on helping clients navigate life events, joins Eric Blake to share advice on navigating remarriage, blended families, and protecting your legacy. Learn strategies to ensure your loved ones are cared for while avoiding legal pitfalls. Amy discusses: The importance of creating or updating your estate plan before or sh...

Going through a divorce is challenging, but the right guidance can transform chaos into clarity. In this episode, Eric Blake sits down with Neil Palache, founder of The Divorce Transition Professionals and The Wealth Creator Company for Women. Neil shares his wisdom in helping women navigate pre- and post-divorce financial complexities. From building a professional support network to empowering clients through education, this episode uncovers practical solutions for a smoother transition. Neil d...

The Social Security Fairness Act is a transformative law that eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), paving the way for millions—especially women in public-sector roles—to access long-overdue Social Security benefits. In this episode, Eric Blake explores the impact of these changes on retirement planning, addressing listener questions about eligibility, retroactive benefits, and practical steps to maximize financial security under the new law. Er...

What makes a home truly special? We dive into this crucial question in our latest episode with Eric Blake and special guest Shalonda Waggoner. Shalonda, the founder and president of LatterHouse Decor, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming domestic violence to helping others create dignified homes. Tune in to learn how Shalonda’s no-cost design ministry is transforming lives by offering decorated spaces for women and families affected by domestic abuse. Join us as we unravel the story behi...

Divorce doesn’t have to be devastating. It can be empowering when approached with clarity and the right support. In this episode, I sit down with Karen Covy, divorce coach, attorney, and mediator, to explore how women can take control of the divorce process. We talk about choosing the right process for your situation, understanding your finances, and why preparation and strategy make all the difference in creating a smoother transition and stronger future. Key Takeaways: The importance of choos...

Do you know someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or are you seeking innovative ways to provide care and comfort? In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake is joined by Mary Greer to delve into the power of dementia doll therapy through The Grand Baby Project. This discussion highlights the compassionate approach to offering non-pharmaceutical behavioral adjustments for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, offering a unique perspective on retaining dignity and joy in la...

Social Security survivor benefits are a vital source of financial stability for many women, but how can you ensure you maximize these benefits when planning for retirement? In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake dives into the intricacies of Social Security survivor benefits and how they impact retirement planning. Eric focuses on the top questions from clients and more about eligibility, the application process, and strategic considerations around survivor benefits. Tune i...

Widowhood often brings emotional and financial turmoil, leaving many unsure of where to turn. Wings for Widows offers a lifeline to widows through personalized coaching and financial guidance. In this episode, Eric Blake, along with guest Chris Bentley, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, BFA®, CRPC®, Founder and CEO of Wings for Widows, dive into the importance of financial preparedness and support for widows and widowers navigating the complexities of financial decisions post-loss. You’ll gain valuable insights ...

When it comes to planning for retirement, many overlook one of the biggest financial threats—long-term care costs. Most women assume that Medicare or health insurance will cover their needs, but the reality can be a costly surprise. In this episode of the Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake teams up once again with long-term care professional Nancy Dykeman for Part 2 of our series on paying for Long-Term Care and shedding light on these often-misunderstood expenses. With over 45 years of ...

Do you have a plan for the rising costs of extended healthcare as you approach retirement? Many women are caught off guard by the financial impact of caregiving, both for themselves and their aging loved ones. In this episode of Simply Retirement, host Eric Blake sits down with long-term care professional Nancy Dykeman, who brings over 45 years of experience in caregiving, nursing home administration, and long-term care insurance advocacy. They discuss why it’s critical for women nearing retirem...

Retirement planning can be daunting, especially for women who often prioritize others over themselves. How can women balance self-care with financial planning? What strategies can help them thrive in retirement? On today’s episode of Simply Retirement, Eric Blake welcomes Taylor Elise Morrison, founder of Inner Workout, to discuss the importance of self-care, particularly for women navigating the complexities of retirement planning and caregiving. Drawing from Taylor’s experience, listeners will...

Are you leaving money on the table with your Social Security benefits? Join host Eric Blake as he engages with Nolan Russell, a former Social Security Administration employee and author of “The Essentials of Social Security: Insider Insights to Help You Plan with Confidence.” Nolan shares his 25 years of experience, shedding light on the complexities of Social Security and offering practical advice to help you make informed decisions. Key Highlights: Understanding Social Security: Discover why ...