Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline and Will Schroeder continue their conversation about the 59½ Rebellion and explore what people can actually do during the years between 59½ and retirement. For many people, 59½ isn't a finish line. It's a window of opportunity —a chance to test drive retirement, make strategic tax decisions, rethink Social Security, prepare for fut...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline and Will Schroeder take a closer look at one of the most important—and often overlooked—financial windows in retirement planning: the years between 59½ and 65. Many people think of 59½ simply as the age when they can access retirement accounts without the early-withdrawal penalty. But Matt explains why it can be much more than that. These ye...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline and Will Schroeder take a step back and ask a bigger question: What does it really mean to be ready for retirement? Retirement planning isn't just about Social Security, Roth conversions, investment balances, or picking a date on the calendar. It's about preparing for the life you want while also making sure your plan can withstand...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline and Will Schroeder tackle one of the biggest questions facing anyone approaching retirement: Just because you can retire, does that mean you should ? For many people, retirement represents freedom—the moment they've been working toward for decades. But before pulling the trigger, there are some important questions to answer. Do you know...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline shares the core mindset behind the 59½ Rebellion and explains why a successful retirement requires much more than reaching a financial milestone. Drawing from decades of experience helping hundreds of families prepare for retirement, Matt compares two very different retirement journeys—one driven by frustration and one guided by purpose—to i...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline explores one of the most overlooked aspects of retirement: the identity crisis that can happen when your career ends, but your ambition doesn't. For decades, many of us have defined ourselves through work, raising families, solving problems, and achieving goals. But retirement doesn't magically erase our desire to grow, contribute,...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline explores two of the biggest concerns facing pre-retirees and empty nesters: what happens when spouses aren't ready to retire at the same time, and what happens when family responsibilities continue long after retirement begins? Many couples assume retirement is a shared finish line, but real life often looks different. One spouse may be...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline tackles one of the most common questions pre-retirees face: "Am I retiring at the wrong time?" With constant headlines, market volatility, political uncertainty, and changing economic conditions, it's easy to feel like retirement should be delayed until the "perfect" moment arrives. The problem? That perfect moment r...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , Matt Meline continues his discussion on the 59½ Rebellion —a framework designed to help empty nesters and pre-retirees test-drive retirement before making the leap. While many people focus exclusively on their finances, Matt explores the often-overlooked factors that can make or break a successful retirement: your identity, where you want to live, your...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline introduces the concept of the "59½ Rebellion" — a practical and surprisingly liberating approach to preparing for retirement before you officially leave the workforce. For decades, most people focus on one financial objective: accumulating wealth. But retirement requires a completely different mindset. Matt explore...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial advisor Will Schroeder shifts from fears to action - sharing practical strategies families can use to reduce the cost of college and make smarter financial decisions. While there’s no magic solution to make college free, Will breaks down real, actionable ways to lower expenses - from maximizing scholarship opportunities to exploring alternative...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial advisor Will Schroeder dives into one of the most pressing concerns for parents today: how to plan for college without feeling overwhelmed - or financially stretched too thin. With college costs rising at an alarming rate, many families are left wondering how they’ll afford one of the biggest expenses of their lifetime. Will breaks down why aff...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , financial planner Matt Meline breaks down a powerful concept that can transform how you experience retirement: the “Permission to Spend” framework . After years of disciplined saving, many empty nesters still struggle to enjoy their money. Instead of feeling freedom, they feel hesitation — constantly questioning whether they’re spending too much, too so...

Notes: In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , financial planner Matt Meline tackles one of the biggest — and most overlooked — challenges in retirement: spending with confidence. After years of saving, many empty nesters still hesitate to enjoy their money. Why? Because uncertainty around taxes, withdrawals, and timing creates fear of making a costly mistake. Matt introduces the “Permission...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , financial planner Matt Moline continues the conversation around caring for aging parents — but this time, he dives deeper into the legal, financial, & family dynamics that can either create clarity… or chaos. What’s the difference between a power of attorney and a healthcare directive? Why do unequal sibling dynamics create so much tension? And how...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , financial planner Matt Moline turns the focus to a deeply personal and often emotional topic: caring for aging parents without sacrificing your own financial future. As part of the “sandwich generation,” many empty nesters find themselves balancing support for adult children while quietly stepping into a new role with their own parents. Matt explores ho...

In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, financial planner Matt Meline tackles one of the hardest challenges empty nesters face: how to help adult children without guilt, resentment, or financial damage to your own future. Matt walks through the heart of the Permission to Help framework — learning how to say yes strategically, no without guilt, and use financial leverage wisely when...

In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, financial planner Matt Meline introduces a powerful mindset shift for empty nesters: helping your adult children isn’t the problem — helping without a plan is. We dive into the emotional and financial tension so many parents feel as they navigate supporting adult kids, caring for aging parents, and still protecting their own retirement. Matt...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of retirement income planning, focusing on the strategic order of asset withdrawals to optimize tax efficiency. We discuss the common philosophy of withdrawing from taxable accounts first, followed by tax-deferred and tax-free accounts, and explore the benefits of Roth conversions for long-term tax savings. We also touch on the importance of under...

In this episode, Matt Meline, a certified financial planner and founder of Prairie Fire Wealth Planning, delves into the intricacies of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of shifting the focus from the anxiety of running out of money to establishing a structured spending plan. He introduces the concept of "guardrails," which provide retirees with a clear framework for their...

In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, we join financial planner Matt Meline as he guides listeners through the essential strategies for achieving financial freedom in retirement. We explore key topics, including managing healthcare costs, navigating inflation, and understanding the importance of tax planning. Matt emphasizes the need for a solid spending plan and encourages liste...

In this episode, we discuss the crucial topic of spending in retirement, addressing common concerns about whether individuals are spending the right amount and how to navigate financial fears and guilt. Matt Meline shares insights from his recent keynote at the Arizona Oasis Conference, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from saving to spending with confidence. We explore the need for a c...

What if the silence after your kids leave isn’t emptiness, but your invitation to grow? In today’s inspiring episode, Matt Meline shares a powerful case study for anyone feeling lost, restless, or ready to reinvent themselves after years of putting family first. From letting grief breathe to rediscovering creativity and redefining career purpose, Matt reveals how to turn the empty nest into a seas...

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets , host Matt Meline helps you navigate one of the biggest questions after the kids move out. Should you downsize, right-size, or stay put? With real-life stories and practical insights, Matt shows how your home decision isn’t just about space, but about shaping the life you want in this next chapter. Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist...

Strengthening futures by protecting your own. In today’s episode, Matt Meline unpacks the hidden costs of financial help, from everyday emergencies to big milestones like weddings and first homes. With personal stories and practical strategies, Matt shows how to set healthy boundaries, create mindful giving plans, and protect your retirement without losing your generosity. Digital Asset: Download...