Episodes

Are you a woman nearing retirement and feeling overwhelmed by financial decisions? Seeking clarity and confidence in your financial future? Join host Eric Blake as he engages with Linda Lingo, a CPA and seasoned financial life coach, who brings over 30 years of expertise in empowering women through financial education and personalized retirement planning. Discover how Linda’s journey from a financial advisor to a coach is driven by her passion for educating clients and addressing the unique fina...

Are you a midlife woman juggling caregiving, health, and finances? Join us for this episode of the Simply Retirement Podcast, as host Eric Blake sits down with Elizabeth Sherman, a master-certified life and health coach with over 17 years of experience. Elizabeth offers a reliable health strategy that connects well-being and financial stability. She explores stress management, sleep, and nutrition, offering practical tips to improve overall well-being. Key Highlights: Comprehensive Health Strat...

Is finding a financial advisor suitable for your unique financial circumstances leaving you overwhelmed? Tune into this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast with host Eric Blake and Wealth Manager Lyndsey Monahan as they discuss key considerations in hiring a financial advisor who has the skills and experience to provide effective advice based on your unique financial journey. With decades of experience, Eric and Lyndsey weave in personal stories and professional guidance to assist you in si...

Confused about how to choose the right Medicare plan for you? In this insightful episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake and Medicare specialist Jodie Klepetka tackle the often confusing world of Medicare and supplemental plans. Together, they provide a clear roadmap for retirees, particularly women, who face unique challenges and decisions in retirement healthcare. This episode is pivotal for anyone needing informed, personalized guidance on these essential healthcare options....

Struggling to find the right homecare? Join Eric Blake and Danielle Bonilla on The Simply Retirement Podcast as they discuss Hallmark Homecare’s unique model that connects independent caregivers directly with families. This episode highlights how Danielle’s personal journey from teacher to entrepreneur was inspired by her grandmother’s needs, leading to significant innovations in caregiving. They explore how bypassing traditional agencies not only saves costs but also empowers families to find t...

Are you expecting to face the retirement journey on your own? Join host Eric Blake and your solo aging guide, Carol Marak, as they tackle the unique challenges of aging without a support network. Discover practical strategies for maintaining independence and confidently navigating solo aging. Carol shares her journey as a caregiver for her parents, which led her to create a comprehensive roadmap for solo aging. She covers ten key domains: health, housing, legal matters, finances, transportation,...

How does care management transform the retirement experience? Discover the intersection of healthcare and retirement planning in the latest episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake welcomes Pamela Farris, founder of Harmony Care Management. They explore the vital role of care management in retirement, offering invaluable insights for retirees, particularly women facing solo aging, healthcare challenges, or those in need of holistic care solutions. With her extensive background i...

Are you leaving Social Security benefits on the table? Let’s take a moment and talk about spousal and ex-spousal benefits. Today on the Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake delves into what women need to know about maximizing their Social Security benefits, specifically spousal and ex-spousal benefits. He clarifies the eligibility criteria, benefit calculation, timing strategies, and the impact of working on social security benefits. Eric emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules aro...

When we think of retirement, images of tranquil beach walks, leisurely lunches, and newfound hobbies often fill our daydreams. But what if the reality of retirement doesn’t align with the fantasy? Eric Blake welcomes back Kim Lee, a former personal trainer, a retiree and now a personal trainer once more. Kim shares her transformative journey, offering a candid look at her decision to retire, relocate to Mexico, and then, quite unexpectedly, unretire back to her roots in personal training. Kim’s ...

Do you know the difference between a will and a living trust? Worried about protecting your assets after you’re gone? Dive into estate planning essentials on The Simply Retirement Podcast with host Eric Blake. He brings on Susan Barnett from Haiman Hogue, offering valuable advice especially for single women, widows, and divorcees aiming to protect their financial future. With over twenty years in law, Susan Barnett clarifies the choice between wills and living trusts, emphasizing the need for es...

Confused about senior living choices? Explore the complexities of retirement housing in this insightful episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake, a staunch advocate for women’s financial independence in retirement, invites Joyce Logan, Certified Senior Living Advisor. They discuss the challenges and solutions to finding the right retirement housing, combining Joyce’s personal experiences and professional expertise. This episode is an essential guide for anyone navigating the sen...

Are you prepared for the emotional and practical realities of caregiving? Join us for an enlightening episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, where host Eric Blake dives into the world of caregiving, a role predominantly shouldered by women. Joined by Lili Udell Fiore, author, and founder of Much Love Lili, they explore the unique challenges and effective strategies in caregiving, especially in the context of retirement planning for women. Key Highlights: Empowering Women Caregivers: Lili she...

Are you a caregiver (or will be) with concerns about your financial future? In a compelling episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake turns the spotlight on women’s unique retirement planning needs, especially for those who are serving as a caregiver or very likely will be one day. Caregivers often face specific challenges that can drastically alter their financial future. As a seasoned financial professional specializing in retirement planning, Eric explores the specific challen...

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Confronting fears isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a critical aspect of financial and estate planning. This is the central theme of today’s discussion, where host Eric Blake, joined by esteemed estate planning attorney Christene “Chris” Downs, dive deep into the unique challenges and essential strategies needed for successful retirement and estate planning. Key Highlights: Untangling Estate Planning: Chris Downs simplifies complex estate planning concepts...

Ladies, have you ever considered the unique aspects of your finances? Today’s dialogue sheds new light on the critical topic of women’s financial empowerment. Eric Blake welcomes Dr. Barb Provost and Maggie Nielsen, founders of Purse Strings, to explore the critical topic of women’s financial empowerment. Together, they uncover the unique financial challenges faced by women and emphasize the importance of adopting a “financially fearless” approach. Key Discussion Points: Systemic Challenges: Ad...

Could your inner wisdom be the key to unlocking financial prosperity? Dive into this engaging episode of “Simply Retirement” with host Eric Blake, as he joins forces with Ellen Rogin, a visionary in the world of financial intuition. Ellen, acclaimed for her innovative approach to finance, sheds light on how tapping into your intuitive sense can profoundly influence your financial choices and lead to a more abundant life. Key Highlights: The transformative power of financial intuition and its re...

What if there’s much more to women’s retirement planning than you ever imagined? We’ve got some surprises in store for you. Join us for a captivating episode of the Simply Retirement podcast with host Eric Blake, as he dives into the nuances of retirement planning specifically for women. Joined by Dr. Karen Midyet, a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in retirement and aging, they dissect the intricate blend of financial and emotional elements crucial to a woman’s retirement journey. Ep...

As Elananor Roosevelt once said; “A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think”. In this episode, Eric Blake discusses important aspects of Social Security benefits specifically for women who are looking to financial plan and navigate their portfolios. He covers topics such as social security filing strategies, the three keys to a successful retirement for women, eligibility requirements for benefits, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, the impact of age on be...

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...

What if you could redefine your journey into retirement and end-of-life planning? Discover the crucial yet often overlooked aspects of retirement in this insightful episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake, joined by Jeanne Brosseau, Community Liaison from Ardent Healthcare, tackles the sensitive subject of end-of-life care. This episode is specially crafted to guide you through the complexities of retirement planning, with a focus on hospice and palliative care. Key Highlights:...

In this episode, Eric Blake is joined by Mary Greer from First Class Caregivers. First Class Caregivers is a Dallas senior care company that provides premium non-clinical, in-home caregiving services on a private-pay basis. Founded in 2007, they are a veteran-owned business with a customer-first focus. Mary’s personal connection to caregiving is deeply rooted, having been a caregiver for her grandmother, mother, father, and great aunt. Her passion for working with seniors, disabled veterans, and...

Ever wondered if it’s too late to dive into long-term care insurance? Slide your headphones on and plunge into an enlightening chat as Eric Blake and Dina Mabry peel back the layers of this dilemma, placing a special spotlight on challenges specific to women. Drawing from their combined experience, they provide an in-depth look at the journey to financial security, even if you’re late to the game. Tune in and discover: Why the saying, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second ...

As retirement inches closer, it is important to consider your living situation and what your most desired outcome will look like once you are in your golden years. In this episode, Eric Blake is joined by Jules Hicks, co-founder of Aunt Ida’s House. They discuss how Aunt Ida’s House helps seniors sell their homes quickly when transitioning into assisted living or nursing communities. Jules explains their process of buying houses for cash, conducting thorough inspections, and working with contrac...

Calling all women looking to up their financial literacy! In this episode, Eric Blake is joined by Jeannie Dougherty, a money and mental fitness guide, who shares her insights on the impact of money-related problems on mental health. Jeannie emphasizes the need for emotional and behavioral coaching in addition to traditional financial planning. The episode also highlights the challenges financial advisors face in addressing the emotional needs of clients and the importance of effective communica...